The Friends of Tanners Hatch CIC, has signed a lease with the National Trust, securing the future of this much-loved hostel. Tanners Hatch will reopen in 2027 as an independent, entirely volunteer-run hostel, ready to welcome a new generation of visitors and volunteers.
I’m thrilled to announce that Friends of Tanners Hatch, a newly formed Community Interest Company (CIC), has today signed a lease for the building with the National Trust.
This amazing news confirms that Tanners Hatch Hostel will be reopening in 2027 as an independent, entirely volunteer-run hostel.
Hidden in woods in the Surrey Hills, a mile from the nearest road, Tanners Hatch has lived a bucolic existence just 25 miles from central London. Dateing back to the 17th century, as workers cottages on the Polesden Lacey Estate, the buildings fell into dereliction in the 1930s before being rediscovered during the birth of the Youth Hostels movement in the 1940s. With the agreement of the landlords (later to become the National Trust), walkers and volunteers renovated the idyllic cottages, to be opened as a rural retreat for everyone to enjoy in 1946.
For the first half-century, Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel had no electricity. It was warmed by a log fire and lit by gas lamps. Over the years, it became an iconic hostel and a magnet for walkers, cyclists, musicians and anyone with a sense of adventure. It also hosted the meetings which lead to the formation of the Long Distance Walkers Association.
The hostel was closed by the YHA in late 2025, following its final few years open for exclusive-hire-only. Left empty and forlorn, the plight of Tanners Hatch caused great sadness among those who love it, and the many people who had made friends within its walls.
These friends have formed the Community Interest Company (CIC), which will bring Tanners Hatch back to life as an independent hostel, providing accommodation for individuals, families and groups, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, access to nature, youth engagement and heritage preservation.
Soon it will be ready to welcome a new generation of friends, guests and volunteers to become part of the Tanners Hatch story.
There is still plenty of work to do, but the hostel will soon be taking provisional bookings for stays from 19 March 2027, with online bookings opening very soon! Watch this space for the online booking link!
Tanners Hatch Hostel will be entirely volunteer-run, and would love your help. You can find out more about the many ways to get involved on the Tanners Hatch website, full version going live soon. In the meantime, keep an eye on Tanners Hatch social media and sign up to the mailing list here.
It’s wonderful to think that by Spring, the fire will be lit again, the doors will be open, and Tanners Hatch will once more be full of people, friendship and adventure.