ghost hunting at Craig Y Nos castle

Once a month at Craig Y Nos Castle you can add a Friday evening of ghost hunting to your weekend break for just an extra £15 per head. If you are staying with a group of ten or more, perhaps at the Castles bunkhouse, the castle will arrange a dedicated ghost hunt on a date to suit you.

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Ghost hunting in a haunted castle

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway is a beautiful part of Scotland, a lovely destination for a holiday, often missed by visitors heading further North.

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Birdoswald on Hadrians Wall

SLACK HOUSE FARM bunkhouse in Northumberland overlooks Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrians Wall, so its not surprising they name their home made organic cheeses Birdoswald and Birdoswald Blue.

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Ben Nevis : Snow in June !

From my starting point I’m approximately one hour into my walk up Ben Nevis mountain. It’s raining with a slight headwind, in front are a young couple in jeans, sandals and a showerproof kagools. We are all in the early stages of climbing Ben Nevis. Who would have thought their would be snow ahead?

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the climb up Ben Nevis

Torran Bay with my dog

The area around Torran Bay has an impressive history with many ancient and medieval historical sites nearby – stone circles, cairns, castles – many free to access. The local church has a fascinating collection of medieval grave-slabs and a visit to Dunadd Fortress where the early Scottish Kings were crowned is a must.

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Torran Bay Hostel

Exmoor, Less is more.

Whilst I was staying on Exmoor I took the opportunity to get to the coast at Watchet to enjoy a sunset, and to go and buy local produce from the Taunton farmers’ marke

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Exmoor

Kendal: the historic gateway to the lakes

We stayed at KENDAL HOSTEL (currently closed), which was perfectly positioned in the centre of town for all of our needs, not least a pre-dinner pint at any pub that took our fancy. It’s amazing what surprises are in hidden in the fabric of a town’s history, and Kendal is no different.

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Windermere from Gummer’s How by Kendal

Barra and Vatersay : Paradise Found

Five hours sail from Oban on the West coast of Scotland lies the compact island of Barra near the south of the chain of islands known as the Outer Hebrides. The sea, the sand and the people make Barra what it is. Special.

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Kisimul Castle on the way to Barra

Summer Holidays available now

Are you looking to book your summer break? Our Hostels have been adding lots of summer holiday availability to our website. Take a look below at summer holidays available now.

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Independent Hostels Exhibit at Eroica Britannia

Come along to this 3 day family festival of British cycling and meet us on the Independent Hostels stand. You can pick up a copy of the Independent Hostel Guide and enter a prize draw to win one of three great holidays. The Eroica Britannia festival takes place in Bakewell in The Peak District National Park on the 19th – 21st June.

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eroica brittania

Monkton Wyld Court Gothic Hostel

Intrigued by all we had read about Monkton Wyld Court we made a tiny detour on our holiday to Lyme Regis to stay for a night in this Gothic mansion. What a privilege it felt to spend time in this simply furnished building with its ornate ecclesiastical architecture.

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Monkton Wyld bedroom

Northumberland Coast

Whether its high octane adventure you’re looking for or a bolt hole to escape to for rest and relaxation, the Northumberland Coast is a perfect year-round getaway with lots to see and do for everyone.

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Birds at The Farne Islands, Northumberland