We stayed at New Ing Lodge in Shap to break our journey on the way from south England to Scotland. Just five minutes from the M6, and offering so much more then a Travel Lodge, our night at New Ing Lodge became one of the best bits of the holiday.
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Skiddaw House : A snow odyssey
On Friday the 22nd of March, gale force winds started, combined with snowfalls, which were horizontal and relentless for 4 days over Skiddaw. The result was huge snowdrifts on the access track, making it impossible to get in and out of Skiddaw House hostel for 3 weeks.
Open water canoeing at Derwentwater
The perfect place to explore and kayak in Keswick and Buttermere, we couldn’t have asked for anything more.
Stop over in Alnwick Hostel
Our long drive home from Scotland was broken by a stay in a small ensuite room in the ALNWICK YOUTH HOSTEL. Alnwick has myriads of stone paved roads, independent shops, cafes and pubs. Set amidst the streets, almost built into them is Alnwick Castle. This is where the courtyard scenes in the early Harry Potter films were shot.
Surfing in South Wales
After a quick tour of the hostel we headed over to Sam’s Surf Shack to rent the a coupe of boards, wetsuits and boots to explore the Rhossili Surf.
Geocaching around Ambleside
I spent Easter weekend in the Lake District researching an article and looking for a selection of hidden items. I was geocaching. If you have not heard of geocaching, it is possibly the fastest growing outdoor activity in the UK.
Kendal, Historic Lakeland Tour
At Kendal I received a warm welcome from Jan at Kendal Hostel (currently closed), right in the middle of town. Jan, a Blue Badge guide, gave me a wealth of information on the town. In the evening I set off to see what was on offer at the Brewery Arts Centre behind the hostel.
A Weekend in the Woods at Shining Cliff Hostel
Rather unseasonable for this year the first Saturday in March was a glorious warm cloud free day. The ancient woodlands where we spent the weekend gloried in the signs of spring already showing a hint of the Bluebells that will cover the understory in six weeks or so.
Self Catering Cottage or Dudmaston Bunkhouse ?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hosteling in the Lake District
When we woke the next morning we were amazed with the countryside views from our room! We couldn’t wait to get out and explore the area around our Hostel.
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.
The World and his Wife at Derwentwater Youth Hostel (Closed March 2024)
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.
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.
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.
Holiday Devon – Galford Springs Farm
I arrived at Galford Springs Farm, a working farm on the border of Devon and Cornwall run by a horse enthusiast and artist in Holiday Devon.
School Group Accommodation
With accommodation of all sizes available for sole use across the UK. Independent Hostels are the perfect 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.
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?
