Tired of inflated hotel prices during the school holidays? While UK families face increasing costst this summer, IndependentHostels.co.uk offers a refreshing alternative: affordable, family-friendly hostels that don’t raise their prices in August — and still have availability in top coastal and countryside destinations. With ensuite family rooms, self-catering kitchens, and beautiful locations across the UK, hostels are a smart choice for parents looking for great value without compromise.

Read more

The Summer Holiday Hack for UK Families: Affordable Hostels with No Price Hikes, Even in Peak Season

Countrystride Podcast

Learn about the highs and lows of running a hostel, about the satisfaction that comes from facilitating new friendships, and about why hostels are so good for today’s society.

Read more

etching of lake district scene from countrystride podcast

Come & Explore ‘The Offa’s Dyke National Trail’

Offa’s Dyke is a trail with phenomenal historical interest! The earth that the Offa’s Dyke Path follows, was built in the 8th Century. Little did the King, who ordered its construction, know it would form the basis for what Lonely Planet ranks as one of the world’s greatest walks.

Read more

Co-Working at The Grand Pavilion

Are you looking for a co-working space near Matlock Bath? Desks are now available at the Grand Pavilion. Full fibre broadband, lockable cupboard, 24/7 access, a great little café right downstairs, and meeting rooms. All this for just £100 a month.

Read more

co working desk at the grand pavilion matlock bath

Running Hadrian’s Wall

Maria from Uruguay suggested running Hadrian’s Wall when we were at 4000m in Nepal. It had never entered my head. Anyway, as it was a chance for a reunion and 50th birthday celebrations with some runners we’d met in Nepal, I offered to organise it.

Read more

Hadrians Wall. Hostel or Bunkhouse accommodation at Slack House Farm & Florries Bunkhouse

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

Read more

Becky Cleave

Tha Last Clarion House

On the side of Pendle Hill,  in the heart of Pendle Witch country, lies a historic reminder 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.

Read more

clarion paper on the windowsill of the last clarion house

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.

Read more

sam andpenny about to get on the ferry after 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.

Read more

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…

Read more

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.

Read more

Sunny weekend in Hull - City breaks in England

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.

Read more

Ferry leaving Tarbet home of Backpackers Stop Hostel