Independent Hostels UK ( IHUK ) is UK’s network of independently owned bunkhouses and hostels. With over 400 members it is the largest hostel network in the United Kingdom. IHUK is larger then the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) and Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) added together. Take a look at our homepage to find out more about our accommodation or see the hostels displayed by location on the maps below.
Independent Hostels UK was established in 2004, with government funding, from the network of accommodation featured in the Independent Hostel Guide. Members include backpackers hostels, camping barns, bunkhouses, independently owned youth hostels and group accommodation centres. IHUK continues to provide marketing through the Independent Hostel Guide website and guidebook, social networking, leaflets and attendance at shows and events. Members of IHUK are given access to the member’s message board where hostel and bunkhouse owners swap advice and members discounts are available. Find out more about what IHUK offers here.
IHUK works closely with other hostel networks worldwide including Independent Holiday Hostels of Ireland, Swiss Backpackers, Scottish Independent Hostels, the German Backpacker Network, Backpackers Hostels of Canada and BBH New Zealand. IHUK also shares information with national organisation such as Ordnance Survey, Sustrans National Cycle Network and the Long Distance Walkers Association.
If you are looking for accommodation for a group you can use our free online group enquiry service.
Our team of bloggers update this website with articles about great places to visit and holiday ideas around the UK. The hostel owners add special offers and news to the homepage every day and these are circulated via our Facebook and Twitter profiles. For those who like to leaf through a book all the details of the hostels in IHUK are available in the networks annual handbook, the long established Independent Hostel Guide. Buy the Independent Hostel Guide.