I bought Kirkby Stephen Youth Hostel 20 years ago, and I have never regretted it. The people who I have had the pleasure to meet as guests of the hostel have been fantastic. Truly inspirational!
Kirkby Stephen was in the first wave of hostels to be sold in the new millennium. In total, 5 were sold that year, 2026, all sold at auction. There was not much interest in them. I think people didn’t know what to do with these large properties, thinking that if YHA were failing at keeping them in business as a hostel, then what could they be used for?
I bought Kirkby Stephen Hostel a few years later, off the initial purchaser. I have never regretted it.
The people who I have had the pleasure to meet as guests of the hostel have been fantastic. Truly inspirational people, often challenging themselves. Some raising money for good causes, others just enjoying the natural peace brought on by fresh air and exercise.
People organising challenges too…
All these people. Eating together with old friends while meeting new.
Hostelling, with the shared community living space, lends itself to chatting. I hear many friendships being formed.
YHA started with a fantastic ethos. Getting inner-city children out of the city and into the countryside. They built a network of amazing properties that the young could walk or cycle to, without having to carry much.
Aided by charities and national parks, with many beautiful properties being gifted to the YHA.
I feel deeply sorry that this ethos could not be continued, and that the YHA network has collapsed.
I am very proud that my hostel is very similar to the old-fashioned YHA idea. And that we can provide accommodation for every age group. And for single outdoor enthusiasts.
Thankfully, some old YHA hostels are surviving and becoming independent.
Some of these amazing properties gifted to the YHA have managed to be kept as hostels due to the work of charities, friends groups and many hard-working individuals. Sam Dalley at the Independent Hostels Network does an amazing job of advertising us all.