Who doesn’t love a castle? Their antiquity seems to have a power over us and draws us to them. The UK is covered with castles in all shapes and sizes and there are a surprising number of independent hostels and bunkhouses within walking distance or a castle. Some, like Totters in Caernarfon are next door, nestling in the shadows of the historic castle walls, while Craig Y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons has a hostel in its grounds.
Accommodation near Castles
Swanage Auberge, the bunkhouse that cares, is a refuge for climbers, walkers and divers, at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. In the centre of the thriving seaside town of Swanage, a stone's throw from the South West Coast Path, with excellent walking, diving and rock climbing on the doorstep.
Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge, Drumnadrochit, is an 18th century Highland farm house now providing warm & friendly hostel accommodation. Within walking distance of Loch Ness & the iconic Urquhart Castle and on the Great Glen Way. Hostel has a residents bar and there are pubs & restaurants close by.
Alnwick Youth Hostel, a family friendly 4* hostel, has en suite rooms, cosy lounges and a spacious dining room. Town centre location by Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Short drive to the Northumberland Coast, with castles, islands and sandy beaches and inland to Cheviot Hills & Hadrian's Wall.
Totters sits in the heart of the historic castle town of Caernarfon just 30 mts from the Menai Straits. Close to many pubs and restaurants but with good public transport to the Snowdonia National Park. The hostel is a 200 year old, five floored town house with a cellar built into Caernarfon city walls
Woodside Lodges Bunkhouse, Herefordshire, sits in a landscaped park with pools & wild flower meadows, along with Scandinavian self-catering lodges, a campsite and camping pods. Close to the Herefordshire Trail, Malvern Hills & the Forest of Dean it's ideal for walkers, cyclists & nature lovers.
Gardiesfauld Hostel is on Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Isles with spectacular cliffs sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches & rocky outcrops where seals and otters appear. On the picturesque shore at Uyeasound, this refurbished hostel has good facilities and a relaxed atmosphere.
Berrow House Bunkhouse is a combination of simple accommodation and camping the garden around Berrow House. It is in Hollybush, Herefordshire, in the idyllic Malvern Hills with direct access onto the hill and close to Eastnor Castle. Half an hour drive from the Welsh Border and Forest of Dean.
In the historic town of Inveraray, on the western shore of Loch Fyne, Inveraray Hostel has a superb location for exploring Scotland's Southern Highlands and Islands. Purpose built by the SYHA, now run by a trust, this comfy hostel is perfect for independent holidaymakers who enjoy socialising.
Old Red Lion Castle Acre, Norfolk. Casltel Acre is a medieval walled town on the Peddars Way, ancient track/long distance path. The Old Red Lion is a former pub, continues to serve travellers who seek refreshment and repose.
Castle Rock is just steps away from Edinburgh city centre close to Edinburgh Castle, the historic Royal Mile, the busy pubs and nightlife of the Grassmarket and Cowgate. South facing with a sunny aspect and panoramic views over the city, 24 hour reception and no curfew.
