Blog

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.

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Come & Explore ‘The Offa’s Dyke National Trail’

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.

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Hadrians Wall. Hostel or Bunkhouse accommodation at Slack House Farm & Florries Bunkhouse

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

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Becky Cleave

Tha Last Clarion House

On the side of Pendle Hill,  in the heart of Pendle Witch country, lies a historic remainder 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.

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clarion paper on the windowsill of the last clarion house

Exploring the Shetland Islands by bus

Using public transport on our Shetland adventure, was a great way to meet people and get off the tourist routes.  It also made the ferry crossing great value, and we discovered the secret to cheap car parking at Aberdeen Ferry Terminal.

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sam andpenny about to get on the ferry after car parking at Aberdeen ferry terminal

Parliamentary Reception, 23rd April 2024

On 23rd April 2024 Sarah Dines hosted a parliamentary reception on behalf of Independent Hostels UK. Here are copies of the speeches made at the event, the accompanying report containing up-to-the-minute data from the industry, and photos and videos of the event posted on social media.

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crowd of hostel owners and mps at independent hostels parliamentary reception

An illuminating insight…

We couldn’t be more pleased with this article from Ethical Consumer. An in-depth view of the unique network of independent hostels and bunkhouses in the UK.

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A February Weekend at Wild Wool Barn

Wild Wool Barn, part of the Independent Hostels network, is such a cosy little spot and is perfect for couples or families who just want to get away from it all. Read on to find out all about my weekend staying at Wild Wool Barn in the Lake District.

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Adventuring in beautiful North Wales

A long weekend, promising weather forecast and an itch for a little exploration – an ideal excuse to fill the car full of gear and take off on a hostelling adventure. Read on to learn about Lily and Dom’s weekend of exploring North Wales…

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A sunny weekend in Hull

As soon as we met Glen, I knew that we were in a friendly city. Glen is the manager of Hull Trinity Backpackers, and he started off our holiday with a friendly greeting and a personal tour of all of the best places to visit in the city.

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Sunny weekend in Hull - City breaks in England

The Future is Bright for Hostelling.

Hostelling is in better health than it’s ever been. There are more hostels now than at the height of the youth hostel movement, in the 1950’s . And while the YHA closes more hostels, the independent sector is blooming.

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A group of cyclists outside Ballater Hostel