Blog

Plan a mini-break in the North Lakes, There is so much to do.

Trips on steamers across Ullswater, kayak tours, walking, (strenuous routes up mountains or gentle strolls on the flat), scrambling, cycling, visits to castles, quaint high street shops and distillery tours. Just a few of the exciting days out you could plan on your Lake District mini break.

Read more

Gorgeous views from Cat Bells

Active Adventures in the Shropshire ‘Black Hole’

A weekend of fell running and walking in Shropshire and one of discoveries: Bridges Youth Hostel in Ratlinghope was a great place to stay, cosy and warm, with power showers, hearty vegan/vegetarian breakfasts, lots of advice on the best routes and a lovely pub a stone’s throw away. Shropshire exceeded all expectations, with stunning views, deserted routes and the wonderful sound of silence. I will be back!

Read more

Support Our Hostels

It has been a tough summer for all accommodation businesses, but the worse effected are hostels and bunkhouses. This unique style of accommodation needs support from the Government to get them though the winter. There is a motion in Parliament and we need your help now. Read on to find out how.

Read more

support our hostels logo

Why you should Book Direct

We all go to booking sites for accommodation, however I add another step and I think you should too…   I use the booking sites to find suitable available accommodation, then I google the accommodations name, look past all the Ads and I place my booking direct. This has led to some startling results over the years. 

Read more

why should i book direct

Save Outdoor Education Centres & Support Hostels

Outdoor education centres are closed and hostels are missing out on a significant client in schools.  These closures are due to the Government preventing schools from undertaking any overnight trips now and throughout the current academic year.

Read more

coasteering Arete Centre

Celebrating the Year of the Rat at Clink 78

January has been an interesting month for me. The first day was spent in an Ecuadorian embassy and the last weekend in a London courthouse. Luckily for me I was free to leave at any time. Here’s how London celebrated Chinese New Year, as seen from our visit to the Clink Hostel.

Read more

year of the rat celebrations in London

Adelina Patti, History Tours at Craig Y Nos Castle

Adelina Patti made Craig Y Nos Castle into her lavish home. Although nearly forgotten now, in her time Adelina was the worlds first celebrity. Latter the castle became a TB hospital. It is now an idyllic wedding venue and has a great value bunkhouse in the old nurses accommodation. A history tour of the castle is run every morning and if you are staying in the bunkhouse you can join the tour for free.

Read more

Theatre built by Adelina Patti

A Few Days in Kettlewell

For Sandy and I, our goal was simple. To complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. We had last made the round of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough back in the summer of 1984 soon after we had first met. Now, 35 years later, it was time for another go!

Read more

Kettlewell Hostel