A combination of the wallet-friendly, super comfortable accommodation at Ocean Backpackers and the fantastic choice of activities for all ages in and around Ilfracombe make for the perfect mini-break or holiday.
Category: Story
Accomplishing the Berwyn Mountains
Heart-thumping hikes through epic landscapes or serene strolls down winding pathways; whichever type of walker you are, the Berwyn mountains will have a walk for you.
Clun Mill Youth Hostel and Dalby Forest Youth Hostel get a new lease of life
Following purchase from the YHA by the owner of Youlgreave Youth Hostel. these two hostels are now looking for friendly wardens to allow them to be opened up to individual hostellers once more.
Tha Last Clarion House
On the side of Pendle Hill, in the heart of Pendle Witch country, lies a historic remainder of the roots of socialism. What’s more if you happen to be passing by on a Sunday afternoon they will serve you with a cup of tea.
Would you like to operate the amazing MalhamTarn House as a hostel?
Returned to the National Trust after 75 years as a field centre, Malham Tarn House is now looking for a new lease of life that will provide public benefit and operate as a viable business, and the Trust says “We would definitely consider it for Hostel use”
A Night at the Philharmonic with Embassie Hostel Liverpool
It was comforting knowing that the hostel was only a ten-minute walk away from where we were sat. In fact, in a wider sense, it is motivating to know that there is reasonably priced accommodation so close to the Philharmonic Hall, with its wide range of acts, from classical, to folk, to jazz, to comedy
Exploring the Shetland Islands by bus
Using public transport on our Shetland adventure, was a great way to meet people and get off the tourist routes. It also made the ferry crossing great value, and we discovered the secret to cheap car parking at Aberdeen Ferry Terminal.
A February Weekend at Wild Wool Barn
Wild Wool Barn, part of the Independent Hostels network, is such a cosy little spot and is perfect for couples or families who just want to get away from it all. Read on to find out all about my weekend staying at Wild Wool Barn in the Lake District.
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…
A cycle adventure around Hebridean Islands
8 Scottish islands, 6 ferries and 4 friends all add up to an epic cycling adventure. We cycled across Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Skye, mainland Scotland and Mull.
A sunny weekend in Hull
As soon as we met Glen, I knew that we were in a friendly city. Glen is the manager of Hull Trinity Backpackers, and he started off our holiday with a friendly greeting and a personal tour of all of the best places to visit in the city.
Many magnificent Munros!!!!
Whilst staying at Aite Cruinnichidh hostel, our intrepid blogger, Virginia, bagged 5 munros in 2 days. Read on to see how she did it.
48 hours at Eden’s Yard Cornwall, everything we discovered
With beds available by the night and a welcome guaranteed, Edens Yard in beautiful Cornwall near St Austell is ideal for walkers, and holiday makers alike.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
