Blog

Take your university club, society or team on a trip away!
Hostels are the perfect place for you. Any group will find something to suit them from booking a single bed or room or even the whole hostel.

Why a Hostel?
There’s always somewhere to store your muddy boots or keep your equipment dry.
Self catering keeps the costs down and makes you super flexible.
All our Hostels are located in the most fantastic places surrounded by countless walks and trails to explore.
Communal spaces are the ideal space to relax, study or bond with the people around you.

University Trips

October 17th 2024October 17th 2024 Lily Lockett

Would you like to operate the amazing MalhamTarn House as a hostel?

September 24th 2024September 24th 2024 Sam Dalley

Returned to the National Trust after 75 years as a field centre, Malham Tarn House is now looking for a new lease of life that will provide public benefit and operate as a viable business, and the Trust says “We would definitely consider it for Hostel use”

Clun Mill Youth Hostel and Dalby Forest Youth Hostel get a new lease of life

September 19th 2024September 25th 2024 Sam Dalley

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

July 28th 2024September 26th 2024 Sam Dalley

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.

clarion paper on the windowsill of the last clarion house

When is a hostel not a Youth Hostel?

June 13th 2024June 16th 2024 Sam Dalley

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.

Hostel Community with text saying an independent is a place not a trade mark

A Night at the Philharmonic with Embassie Hostel Liverpool

May 29th 2024May 29th 2024 Becky Cleave

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

Exploring the Shetland Islands by bus

May 20th 2024September 20th 2024 Sam Dalley

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.

Parliamentary Reception, 23rd April 2024

April 23rd 2024May 13th 2024 Sam Dalley

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.

An illuminating insight…

March 15th 2024March 20th 2024 Sam Dalley

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.

A February Weekend at Wild Wool Barn

February 29th 2024March 22nd 2024 Lily Oldfield

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.

Make Ilfracombe your next holiday destination

December 20th 2023December 24th 2023 Penny Macgregor

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.

$seagull over ilfracombe harbour at sunset taken by Lydia roverts$

Adventuring in beautiful North Wales

December 18th 2023December 24th 2023 Lily Oldfield

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…

A cycle adventure around Hebridean Islands

December 17th 2023December 24th 2023 Virginia Bird

8 Scottish islands, 6 ferries and 4 friends all add up to an epic cycling adventure. We cycled across Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Skye, mainland Scotland and Mull.

A sunny weekend in Hull

December 16th 2023December 24th 2023 Hetty Oldfield

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.

Sunny weekend in Hull - City breaks in England

The Future is Bright for Hostelling.

November 25th 2023February 24th 2024 Sam Dalley

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.

Many magnificent Munros!!!!

November 21st 2023November 21st 2023 Virginia Bird

Whilst staying at Aite Cruinnichidh hostel, our intrepid blogger, Virginia, bagged 5 munros in 2 days. Read on to see how she did it.

48 hours at Eden’s Yard Cornwall, everything we discovered

September 29th 2023November 5th 2023 Bronia Kidd

With beds available by the night and a welcome guaranteed, Edens Yard in beautiful Cornwall near St Austell is ideal for walkers, and holiday makers alike.

Adventure Outdoors At These Residential Centres This Academic Year!

September 26th 2023October 17th 2024 Lily Lockett

Outdoor Education Centres are the perfect place to take your school class, sports team, scout and guide group or youth group for an adventure-packed residential!

School Groups

September 9th 2023September 24th 2024 Lily Lockett

Hostels are the perfect place to have a school residential.
But why?

Begin your Hebridean journey at Backpackers Stop

September 7th 2023February 13th 2024 Laurie Butler

Welcome to Backpackers Stop Hostel, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts on the Isle of Harris, conveniently located in Tarbert. This well-established hostel is the perfect starting point for catching ferries to and from the mainland, ensuring you won’t miss your boat, as it’s just a stone’s throw away from the ferry terminal.

Ferry leaving Tarbet home of Backpackers Stop Hostel

Our Top Hostelling Tips.

August 26th 2023September 24th 2024 Lily Lockett

What we recommend you bring when you visit a hostel!