Join our Network and advertise your camping barn under the umbrella of Independent Hostels UK .
Join the 350+ camping barn, bunkhouse and hostel owners that benefit from IHUK’s marketing expertise for just £230 a year. There are no other costs and NO COMMISSION to pay.
Your camping barn will be advertised in the following ways:
Multiple features on the IHUK website.
You’ll have a main feature on our website that directs readers to your own website, online booking system, and social media.
Our amazing website can sync with most calendars and booking systems, so we automatically display your availability. We also offer the popular Clarity Hostel Booking, which lets you take bookings commission-free.
This means we can promote your availability seamlessly—no extra admin, and no commission fees.
In addition to your main feature, your camping barn will be highlighted on our interactive maps, long-distance trail pages, and special accommodation sections. These pages rank highly on Google and are very popular with our readers.
A feature in the annual Independent Hostel Guide.
The only publication of its kind and now in its 31st year, this is an iconic reference book with an ever-increasing fan base.
Group Bookings
Our popular group enquiry button lets group organisers choose the facilities and location they’re looking for, then prompts them to send a message—which we forward directly to you for a personal response.
This is mostly used by groups of families, friends, and UK-based outdoor enthusiasts.
Regular targeted multi-media promotions throughout the year
Twice a month, we run a theme promotion showcasing aspects of the accommodation in our network—ranging from Family Holidays to properties along popular walking routes like the West Highland Way.
These promotions are featured in the press, on our website, and across our social media channels.
Your camping barn will be included in all relevant campaigns, and you’ll have access to a simple app that lets you add extra highlights to your listing for each promotion.
We’ll also keep you updated through regular newsletters, so you can make the most of every opportunity.
Here are some of our promotions
Social Networking for everyone
Accommodation in the network can use our simple app to post updates that appear on the homepage of our website and across our social media channels.
This is a great way to get free exposure for your special offers, local events, and any news you’d like to share.
Social opportunities and group marketing
IHUK represents hostels and camping barns within the hospitality industry. We also promote the network by taking the IHUK stand to major events such as the Outdoor Show, The Education Show, and smaller gatherings like the Keswick Mountain Festival.
In addition, IHUK serves as a social hub for hostel and camping barn owners, helping to keep everyone connected and informed.
Additional benefits of joining the IHUK network include:
- Access to 30 years of expertise in the travel and outdoor accommodation market.
- No loss of control. All enquiries and bookings go directly to you.
- A commission free online booking system if you need it.
- Exposure onto our website and social media.
- Chat and support from other camping barn owners in the network.
- Free signage and other branded items.
- Friendly, efficient, personal service.
What sort of bookings to expect
- Bookings from IHUK tend to be from people who understand camping barn and hostel accommodation. Well-behaved guests with reasonable expectations.
- The majority of our bookings are from UK-based groups and outdoor enthusiats. These range from family get-togethers and schools to walkers on the long-distance routes.
How the bookings will arrive
- Direct on your own booking system if you have one
- As enquiries from your website and social media.
- Phone or email enquiries from our website
- Phone or email enquiries from our printed literature.
Your own website will rise higher on the google rankings just because we link to it.
We specialise in direct bookings by supporting your marketing, website and social media.
There is generally no indication that a booking has come via us and there is never any commission or booking fees. This is fine by us as long as you know we are always working, behind the scenes, to provide you with commission free direct bookings.
Is your accommodation right for the network?
Accommodation accepted into the network includes: camping barns, hostels, bunkhouses, activity centres and group accommodation. To be part of our network your accommodation should have communal living areas and an area for self catering (or a communal eating experience).
What does it cost?
For just £230 per year you can enjoy all the above. You will have one photo on your online feature and two photos in the guidebook.
For an extra £40 you can have 9 extra photos on your online feature.
If you have lots of lovely photos that sell your accommodation well, we would highly recommend the ‘Extra Photos’ option.
There are no other charges, commissions or costs.
email [email protected] or give us a call on 01629 580427