Blog

I was looking for a holiday cottage when I came across the Independent Hostel Guide. I was looking for self catering accommodation for 4 families in Shropshire. I thought we needed a large self catering holiday cottage or self catering house, but Big Mose Bunkhouse was a fraction of the price, self catering and turned out to be perfect.

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Self Catering Cottage or Dudmaston Bunkhouse ?

December in the Lake District

I’ve been to the Lake District many times, but never before in winter. We arrived in Kendal just as sunset was turning the surrounding hills a delicious shade of ice cream pink.

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Lake District

Conwy Valley

The Conwy Valley stretches from the heart of Snowdonia out to Wales north west coast and is an ecologically precious area rich in ancient history. Most people head here to enjoy the spectacular walking in the national park, yet there is so much more to this pocket of North Wales than simply Snowdonia.

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Conwy valley countryside

Walking in Edale

Being reliant on public transport,THE STABLES BUNKHOUSE was perfectly situated for us, just a 20 minute stroll from Edale train station, with pubs, shop and spectacular views all within walking distance.

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Mist in the Vale of Edale

Canoeing on the River Wye

We were on a five day trip canoeing on the river Wye, setting camp each night, when we came across the Ye Old Ferrie Inn and discovered a bunkhouse right on the river bank.

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Ye Olde Ferrie Inn

The World and his Wife at Derwentwater Youth Hostel

Many people assume that youth hostels are used by solely by school groups, ramblers and backpackers. But here at DERWENTWATER INDEPENDENT HOSTEL (previously Derwentwater youth hostel ) we have had a huge variety of guests from all walks of life and for all sorts of reasons.

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derwentwater youth hostel

Family Weekend int’ Derbyshire Dales & Peak District

Our family weekend in the Derbyshire Dales was action packed, we cycled on the High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail, visited Arbor Low, slept in a Reckoning House, discovered a lost river under Lathkill Dale, lunched at Uncle Geoff’s and visited to the Heights of Abraham by Cable Car.

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Galford Springs in Devon

Scottish Outdoor Pursuits Show

When we arrived to set up the Independent Hostels’ Stand, it appeared that the mountain bikers were going to do their tricks perilously close to our stand! The crowds who came to watch this impressive team were all glad to take away a copy of our the guide to hostels.

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Byrness Youth Hostel now Forest View

School Group Accommodation

With accommodation of all sizes available for sole use across the UK. Independent Hostels are the perfect accommodation for school groups.

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accommodation for school groups

The Shetland Islands

The Sheland Islands are at the crossroads of the North Atlantic, lying as close to Norway and Faroe as it is to mainland UK, giving it a unique heritage and culture. The Isles were part of Scandinavia until 1469 and much of this heritage is still evident today, in place names, archaeology, music and folklore. With over 100 islands, Shetland has plenty to explore and the natural landscape is remarkable.

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Viking longship on the Shetland Islands

Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge is a gem that took me by surprise on my two-day visit, so much so that it kept me thinking ‘why on earth didn’t anyone tell me about this place before?

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Hebden Bridge Station

Christmas House Party

Independent Hostels are ideal for a private Christmas house party and some hostels host Christmas house parties which individuals, couples and families can join.

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christmas house party kendal hostel

High Street Hostel

High Street Hostel is located just off the High Street in the old town area of Edinburgh and claims to be the city’s oldest hostel. When you enter the solid and prominent building you are greeted by a large, warm and homely lounge area, furnished with sofas, table and chairs.

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high street hostel Edinburgh

Catbells and Millican Daltons Cave

There is so much to do for the outdoor enthusiast and many affordable accommodation options for the budget conscious traveller. I am hoping that I can spend some time up here in the New Year during winter and maybe stay at Catbells camping barn again (keen to get that fire going!), but next time I will hopefully have the time to explore the summit of Catbells too.

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Catbells

North Downs Cycle holiday

Leaving the hop fields of the North Downs behind I peddle into Puttenham and past the Good Intent Pub. Further along, opposite the church is PUTTENHAM ECO CAMPING BARN , it is huge from the outside, although only a small part is actually converted for use as accommodation. I follow the stone track around the back and spot the familiar YHA sign.

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National Trust Basecamp

A National Trust Basecamp is a bunkhouse offering simple self catering accommodation, not only for groups of volunteers taking part in conservation work but also for other groups looking to escape to the country.

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National Trust Basecamp

Family holiday around Orkney on the Northern Isles

We travelled to the Orkney Isles with our two girls (aged 9 and 10) during Easter 2010. We went far enough North to experience the Northern Lights, two ferry journeys, loads of welcomes and some lovely moments. Far enough to realise that Orkney is not the top of the UK as I thought but the middle of Britain, Shetland, Norway and Iceland.

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Orkney Ring of Brodgar Northern Isles

Ambleside and the Borrowdale Fell Race

We arrived in Ambleside, eager to look at the weather report for the weekend as I would be taking part in the famous Borrowdale Fell Race taking in the summit of Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Dale Head. We received a warm and welcome greeting at AMBLESIDE BACKPACKERS.

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