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48 hours in Tintagel – a two day itinerary

Tintagel is a small village located on the north coast of Cornwall, England. According to Arthurian legend, Tintagel Castle is believed to be the place where King Arthur was conceived. The ruins of Tintagel Castle, perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the sea, add to the mystique.

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Begin your Hebridean journey at Backpackers Stop

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.

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Ferry leaving Tarbet home of Backpackers Stop Hostel

Stonehenge Hostel; a slice of paradise

My friend Lily and I spent a night at Stonehenge Hostel before attending the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge. Our plan was simple, stay at Stonehenge Hostel, relax and save our energy before the inevitable chaos and merriment that would ensue the following night!

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The future is bright for hostelling.

Hostels are in better health than they’ve ever been. Certainly there are more hostels now than in the 1950’s, the height of the youth hostel movement in the UK. And while the YHA sells off more of it’s hostels, the independent sector is blooming.

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A group of cyclists outside Ballater Hostel

Latest YHA hostel sales present a golden opportunity

In June 2023 the YHA announced that it is taking a step back from the management of a third of its properties in England and Wales.  20 of these youth hostels are now for sale, each one presenting a golden opportunity for those wanting to escape the rat race.

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the lounge at holmbury st mary youth hostel showing the banner painted

5 surprising truths about Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse

Nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Ogwen Valley, with its breathtaking glacial landscapes and unparalleled natural beauty, Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse beckons holidaymakers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This eco-friendly haven, housed within a historic stone chapel dating back to 1860, offers spacious and well-appointed accommodation for up to 16 guests across three rooms. With its prime location, warm hospitality, and an array of amenities, it’s no wonder that visitors find themselves returning to this charming retreat year after year.

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Exterior view of Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse with it's solar panels and heat pump

A cycling trip up the Hebridean Way

Join Laurie, a seasoned long-distance cyclist, and his girlfriend Becky as they recount their Hebridean Way adventure. They stay at 5 Independent Hotels, spend a couple of regrettable nights in a soggy tent, contemplate the effects of tourism on communities and wildlife in the Hebrides and, ultimately, fall in love with the uniqueness and charm of of these beautiful, windswept islands.

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Hostelling isn’t dead

In light of the news about the YHA reducing their network by a third, we are here to say confidently and categorically that hostelling is not dead! Independent Hostels is a network of over 300 independently run hostels across the UK. That’s twice the number of hostels than the YHA!

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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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48 hours in Exeter, the perfect two-day itinerary 

This was my first time visiting Exeter, and I was blown away by how walkable and historic the city was. Here is what I (Bronia, social media manager at Independent Hostels) and my friend Lily (tiktok content creator at Independent Hostels) got up to at during our 48 hour stay.

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Bron and Lil’s Big Scottish Roadtrip!

When Castle Rock Hostel invited Lily (Independent Hostel’s Tik Tok creator) and I (Independent Hostel’s social media manager) to stay at their hostel for a couple of nights, we did not realise what an epic road trip we were getting ourselves into. Soon, our trip transcended into 8 nights at 5 different hostels in 5 different locations around Scotland.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Try Staying In A Hostel

When planning a holiday, most people think of staying in a hotel or a bed and breakfast. However, there’s another option that’s worth considering – a hostel. Hostels offer many benefits that hotels and B&Bs don’t and can provide a unique and memorable experience. The adventure begins with where you stay – so choose somewhere interesting!

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UK accommodation with most instagrammable views

What truly makes you feel like you are on holiday? Is it waking up and smelling the salty sea air? Drinking your morning coffee overlooking miles upon miles of mountain ranges? Getting that perfect, instagrammable picture to make your friends and family swoon? Staying somewhere with incredible views is an absolute game-changer when it comes to travel, and here’s some great places to do it.

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5 Hostels That Are COOLER Than Hotels

If you’re one of those people who believe that hostels are a recipe for disaster, it’s time to update your thinking. Hostels are one of the most appealing choices for budget-conscious travellers. While luxury hotels with fancy amenities can be enticing, hostels can often offer an even more enchanting experience.

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Skomer Island – Your chance to stay on an enchanted island.

If you have a bucket list, then staying on Skomer Island off the Pembrokeshire Coast for a couple of nights should be on it. If you don’t have a bucket list, you need to start one and put staying on Skomer at the top. You are assured of a never to-be-forgotten experience. The rare chance to spend nights on a deserted island in the company of 16 fellow guests, a handful of staff/volunteers and hundreds of thousands of birds.

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Feet with walking boots with cliffs and sea in the background

You would be a Muppet to not visit Moffat

Moffat is a charming village located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. If you have not yet visited Moffat, you are missing out on a truly unique experience.

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Front door of Moffat Independent Hostel