Looking for a stress-free family Christmas without the hosting hassle or the hefty price tag? Independent Hostels offer affordable group accommodation across the UK. With private rooms, shared spaces, and plenty of room for everyone to celebrate together. Skip the chaos at home and enjoy festive food, games, and quality time in a beautiful setting, all at a fraction of the cost of a holiday cottage or hotel.
Blog
Smarter School Trips: How Hostels Offer High-Value Residentials Without the High Price
A growing movement is helping schools save families hundreds of pounds on residentials—without sacrificing adventure or learning.
On the Trail: Planning a long distance walk in Cumbria and the Lake District
Planning a long-distance walk in Cumbria and The Lakes? You’ll find trail side hostels that are just what you need: hot showers, drying rooms, and a friendly welcome — right on or very near some of the country’s most iconic long-distance paths like the Cumbria Way, Hadrian’s Wall, Wainwright’s Coast to Coast or the Ravener Way.
The Summer Holiday Hack for UK Families: Affordable Hostels with No Price Hikes, Even in Peak Season
Tired of inflated hotel prices during the school holidays? While UK families face increasing costs this summer, Independent Hostels offer a refreshing alternative.
A New Chapter For UK Travel – How Hostels Are Redefining Connection and Adventure
Discover why independent hostels are the go-to choice in 2025 for travellers seeking connection, community, and adventure.
Countrystride Podcast
Learn about the highs and lows of running a hostel, about the satisfaction that comes from facilitating new friendships, and about why hostels are so good for today’s society.
On the Trail: Hostel Accommodation for Long-Distance Walkers in North Wales
Planning a long-distance walk in North Wales? Discover trail-side hostels offering hot showers, drying rooms, and a warm welcome—right on iconic long distance walkers routes.
Wellbeing Without the Woo-Woo : Why You Don’t Need a Pricey Retreat to Feel Good
Let’s talk about wellness retreats. You know the ones—set in picture-perfect locations and priced like a small car. There’s nothing bad about taking time for yourself in a beautiful location, but the truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to feel good.
Hostelling Ethos – Ethical Holidays
Discovery how Hostels are the most ethical holiday option!
“Hostels sit at the core of the sharing economy. They play an important part in connecting people to each other and connecting communities to nature.” ~ IHUK Managing Director Sam Dalley
National Outdoor Expo 2025!
We had an amazing time at the National Outdoor Expo 2025!
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, joined the excitement, and entered our competition.
You made the event unforgettable!
Come & Explore ‘The Offa’s Dyke National Trail’
Offa’s Dyke is a trail with phenomenal historical interest! The earth that the Offa’s Dyke Path follows, was built in the 8th Century. Little did the King, who ordered its construction, know it would form the basis for what Lonely Planet ranks as one of the world’s greatest walks.
Co-Working at The Grand Pavilion
Are you looking for a co-working space near Matlock Bath? Desks are now available at the Grand Pavilion. Full fibre broadband, lockable cupboard, 24/7 access, a great little café right downstairs, and meeting rooms. All this for just £100 a month.
How a remote, off-grid Peak District stone barn became a unique hostel
The vision of volunteers from the Crookstone Adventure Trust have turned an isolated stone barn in the Peak District into off-grid accommodation, now available to groups of outdoor enthusiasts, clubs, friends and families.
Make Ilfracombe your next holiday destination
A combination of the wallet-friendly, super comfortable accommodation at Ocean Backpackers and the fantastic choice of activities for all ages in and around Ilfracombe make for the perfect mini-break or holiday.
Accomplishing the Berwyn Mountains
Heart-thumping hikes through epic landscapes or serene strolls down winding pathways; whichever type of walker you are, the Berwyn mountains will have a walk for you.
Running Hadrian’s Wall
Maria from Uruguay suggested running Hadrian’s Wall when we were at 4000m in Nepal. It had never entered my head. Anyway, as it was a chance for a reunion and 50th birthday celebrations with some runners we’d met in Nepal, I offered to organise it.
A Night at the Philharmonic with Embassie Hostel Liverpool
It was comforting knowing that the hostel was only a ten-minute walk away from where we were sat. In fact, in a wider sense, it is motivating to know that there is reasonably priced accommodation so close to the Philharmonic Hall, with its wide range of acts, from classical, to folk, to jazz, to comedy
Clun Mill Youth Hostel and Dalby Forest Youth Hostel get a new lease of life
Following purchase from the YHA by the owner of Youlgreave Youth Hostel. these two hostels are now looking for friendly wardens to allow them to be opened up to individual hostellers once more.
Tha Last Clarion House
On the side of Pendle Hill, in the heart of Pendle Witch country, lies a historic reminder of the roots of socialism. What’s more if you happen to be passing by on a Sunday afternoon they will serve you with a cup of tea.
Top recommendations for North Yorkshire Holidays
North Yorkshire offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning coastal towns and picturesque villages to historic sites and natural beauty. Here are the top picks, all reachable from the great accommodation at Cote Ghyll Mill.
When is a hostel not a Youth Hostel?
When thinking of sleeping in bunks, shared kitchens and the camaraderie of telling travelling tales around a fire, for most people, the word Youth Hostel springs to mind.
