This map of central England and Shropshire shows the locations of bunkhouses, camping barns and hostels in prime holiday locations across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the Midlands. It also covers the areas of the Cotswolds, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire where hostels and bunkhouses are rare. The cities of Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Nottingham have city centre hostels providing friendly self catering accommodation for stays as short as one night. Shropshire and the heart of England has some glorious public footpaths meandering between old English villages and the hostels and bunkhouses in these areas provide ideal facilities for walkers and cyclists. Familys and groups are always welcome at the hostels of Shropshire and Central England.
Central England & Shropshire
FSC Preston Montford is situated in the heart of Shropshire on the banks of the River Severn. Set in a 12-hectare estate it has orienteering courses, a small 5-a-side football area and a sensory garden. It is easily accessible from the motorway network, yet private and secluded. The centre has 131 beds across 3 blocks. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families and larger groups. Self-catering is possible for sole use.
The Glenorchy Centre is on the edge of the Peak District National Park in the historic market town of Wirksworth. The High Peak Trail for walking & cycling, and Black Rocks for bouldering & climbing are close by. Nearby Cromford has Arkwright’s mills, a World Heritage Site, & Cromford Canal. Suitable for self-catering groups, the accommodation includes a spacious multi-purpose hall.
Situated in the Peak District’s Woodlands Valley, Hagg Farm offers comfortable accommodation for up to 44 people with an additional 18 beds in the John Hunt Base next door (also in this Guide). Part of Nottinghamshire C.C’s Environmental & Outdoor Education Service, Hagg Farm is available for private hire by groups, families, clubs & charitable organisations. It can be booked on a self-catering or catered basis.
Fenns Farm Accommodation can offer guests accommodation to suit all budgets. It consists of four properties, Waterslacks Camping Barn sleeping 15, Wills ‘Glamping’ Barn sleeping 6 and two holiday cottages, Fenns & Foggs Barn both sleeping 7. All the accommodation is situated on the edge of the Peak District village of Butterton, in walking distance of the local pub and the Manifold Valley.
In rural Herefordshire, close to the Welsh border, Dunfield House provides accommodation for groups of up to 95 with sole use of the house, stables, parkland & swimming pool. From November to March the house & stables can also be hired individually.
The house provides fully catered accommodation & the stables have a self-catering kitchen. A great choice for school, youth, music or church groups, training courses & family get-togethers.
Harlow International Hostel is in the centre of a landscaped park and is one of the oldest buildings in Harlow. The town of Harlow is your ideal base for exploring London, Cambridge and the best of South East England. The journey time to central London is only 35 minutes from the hostel door and it is the closest hostel to Stansted Airport. National Cycle Route 1 passes the front door. Meals can be provided for groups. There's a children's zoo, orienteering course and outdoor pursuits centre in the park.
Close to the start of the Pennine Way with easy access to Kinder Scout and the village of Edale via a network of footpaths from the doorstep. Castleton, Buxton, Bakewell and Chatsworth House are all within 40 minutes' drive. There are 2 bunkhouses each with a fully equipped kitchen and available for sole use by groups. Bring your own sleeping bags.
The Roaches Bunkhouse provides group accommodation at the foot of The Roaches gritstone edge in the Peak District. The area has some of the best climbing in the country plus walks & cycling in stunning scenery. Facilities include a large communal area with tables & chairs, a log fire, DVDs & board games. There’s a small well equipped kitchen. Outside there’s a BBQ area and on-site parking. Walking distance to Ye Old Rock Inn & the Roaches Tearooms. 3 miles to the bustling market town of Leek.
Llangollen Hostel, in the Dee Valley, is perfect for walking, cycling, canoeing & white water rafting. Families will love visiting the steam railway, horse drawn canal boats & Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - a World Heritage Site. The town has a great choice of restaurants/pubs and is home to the Fringe music & arts festival, plus the International Eisteddfod. Llandegla, Chester, Wrexham & Offa’s Dyke Path are all nearby. A warm welcome awaits!
A beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Ludlow, providing en suite accommodation within walking distance of restaurants, shops and pubs. Close to the Shropshire Hills and Mortimer Forest with their miles of stunning landscapes to explore. Fresh towels, bedlinen, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, parking and WiFi included. Residents also have access to a lounge, kitchenette, and courtyard garden. Breakfasts available.
The Rock n Bowl Hostel is in the heart of Bristol. It occupies 2 floors of an historic 1930s building with The Lanes, a bowling alley, bar and club venue on the ground floor (hostel guests get great discounts). With its huge range of rooms there will be a bed to suit your budget. And everyone gets a free breakfast! Facilities include a well equipped large kitchen, lounge with Sky TV including Sky Sports/BT Sports, laundry and free WiFi.
In the heart of historic Hull this hostel is aimed at the individual traveller, small groups, cyclists and families. Perfect for visiting Hull’s art exhibitions & attractions, like the newly opened Hull Bonus Arena. Family and en-suite rooms, self-catering kitchen and vibrant coffee lounge. Great for visiting the East Yorkshire Coast, historic Beverley and York. Daily ferries to Belgium and the Netherlands put Europe on the doorstep.
Part of a Welsh hill farm on the Wales/Shropshire border at 1475ft above sea level, with beautiful views over the Ceiriog Valley and Berwyn Mountains. Great for walking, riding, cycling, team building, meetings, or just to relax . The bunkhouse has under-floor heating, entrance hall, drying room, large self catering kitchen, dining area & lounge. The patio and lawn have a BBQ and hot tub. Horse riding and archery on site.Good walking from the door. Horses and pets on request. Limited WiFi & mobile.
On a working farm in rural Shropshire, Hill Farm Camping Barn offer basic accommodation for up to 10 on camp beds with breakfast and packed lunches available by arrangement. With the Shropshire Way, Corbet Wood and Grinshill on the doorstep the Camping Barn is the perfect base for walkers, mountain bikers and lovers of the outdoors and rural England. The historic town of Shrewsbury is just 8 miles away and offers rainy day entertainment. Up to 2 dogs welcome. BYO bedding.
Bath YMCA offers great value accommodation. Centrally located, all the sights of this World Heritage city are easily reached on foot. With 210 beds, Bath YMCA specialises in making guests feel comfortable. Fully air conditioned lounge with TV, laundry, lockers, football table and WiFi. Couples, families, groups and backpackers all welcome.
Close to Dovedale, the Manifold Valley Cycle Trail, Carsington Water, Alton Towers and the Roaches Rocks (great for climbers). Ideal for quiet group get-togethers/parties, families, cyclists, walkers, DofE, Scouts, school groups and team building. Camping in the comfort of a remote cosy barn with log burning stove, fully plumbed in toilet and hand wash basin. No electric and no distractions. Stands in a meadow, off the beaten track, has outstanding views. BYO all camping equipment.
The Bristol Wing will be closed to independent travelers and tourists until March or July 2022.
This iconic police headquarters, recently transformed into a chic accommodation for city breaks is now providing accommodation and counselling for people at risk during the Corona virus.
Check back here for details.
Tucked away in the tranquil Shropshire hills, close to Long Mynd & Stiperstones, Bridges Hostel is an ideal spot for walkers with the Shropshire Way passing close by. It is also handy for the End to End cycle route and good mountain biking routes. The hostel has a good kitchen, lounge with wood fire, drying room, shop and a large garden. Home cooked, home grown three course evening meals are available. Camping is available and there is a pub nearby.
Overlooking Mam Tor, at the start of the Pennine Way, Edale Barn is a traditional camping barn; a stone tent with a wooden sleeping platform. Close to Kinder Scout, Jacobs Ladder, Kinder Downfall & Hollins Cross. Adjoining the barn, but with external access, is a cooking area with a mains water tap and a chemical toilet. There is no heating or electricity. BYO sleeping mats/bags, cooking equipment and torches. Pubs serving meals are an easy walk away.
Situated in the village of Claxby in the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this low cost hostel has a well equipped kitchen and good sized communal area. Within easy reach of Lincoln, Gainsborough, Scunthorpe and Grimsby. The perfect location for: walking, cycling, field studies, outdoor pursuits, educational activities and conservation projects. Popular with family groups, schools, scouts, guides, walkers, cycling groups and other organisations.
Bell Heath Centre, set amidst 20 acres of secluded woodlands, offers the perfect rural escape with excellent transport links to Birmingham. The centre sleeps up to 84 and outdoor adventures can be organised on site. This spacious centre is perfect for large family gatherings, reunions, weddings, stag/hen parties, schools & corporate events. Facilities include a commercial kitchen, a hall (seating 100), TV lounge & games room.
Thornbridge Outdoors offers excellent flexible group accommodation. With its superb location in the heart of the Peak District you have access to wonderful countryside, quaint villages, stately homes, and the traffic free Monsal Trail, popular with walkers and cyclists.
Moored in the heart of Bristol’s historic harbour, only a five minute stroll to the city centre. The Kyle Blue Hostel Boat is a converted Dutch Barge with a self-catering kitchen, lounge, 6 sleeping cabins and a spacious upper deck providing fabulous views of the harbour. There are plenty of beds and 2 households (or groups of six people) can stay from May 17th, one household before. Price is £450 per night with a stay of a minimum of 2 nights. Call 07521 650 582 or email kylebluebristol@gmail.com for questions and bookings.
Woodside Lodges Bunkhouse sits in a landscaped park with pools & wild flower meadows, along with Scandinavian self-catering lodges, a campsite and pods.
The bunkhouse offers 5 self-catering units. Guests enjoy private rooms but share the campsite shower block. Close to the Herefordshire Trail, Malvern Hills & the Forest of Dean it’s ideal for walkers, cyclists & nature lovers.
The Boarshurst Centre is situated on the north western edge of the Peak District yet with easy road and rail links to Manchester (12 miles away).
With 32 beds across 2 dorms and 2 leaders’ rooms the centre provides well appointed self catering accommodation for child, youth, adult and family/friend groups who seek to practice outdoor pursuits. BYO sleeping bags
A live music venue and travellers’ hostel at the heart of Bristol’s arts and cultural area, Stokes Croft, just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre and bus station. This historic coaching inn is not the place for an early night, as guests get free entry to live music and DJs at the Full Moon’s Attic Bar. Beds are available in dorms and private rooms. There is kitchen, common room and a courtyard with plenty of opportunities to get to know people from around the world.
With all of the Peak District National Park within easy access, the centre is an ideal location for activities and tourism and it welcomes a wide range of groups. 31 or 52 bed configurations can be booked.
The spacious centre includes; a large lounge with library, TV and wood burning stove, well equipped kitchens & dining areas. An extensive network of paths give access to the countryside. Adventure activities available, great for team building & courses.
On top of Wenlock Edge AONB in the heart of Shropshire, Stokes Barn has two bunkhouses with comfortable, centrally heated, dormitory accommodation. Perfect for corporate groups, walkers, field study, schools, stag/hen parties or reunions with friends/family. Ironbridge World Heritage Site is 6 miles away. Much Wenlock is within walking distance with shops, pubs & sports facilities.
Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre, operated by The Woodcraft Folk, is situated in glorious isolation high above Ladybower Reservoir. The Centre provides exclusive accommodation with stunning views across Snake Pass. The converted hill farm provides accommodation in two units; the Cottage sleeps 6 and the Bunk Barn 38. Catering & outdoor activities available with notice.
Only a few steps from the historic Ridgeway National Trail, Court Hill Centre enjoys breathtaking views over the Vale of the White Horse. Reclaimed barns surround a pretty courtyard garden. Providing accommodation for schools, families, groups and individuals, the centre offers evening meals, breakfasts and picnic lunches. There is a beautiful high-roofed dining room which retains the atmosphere of the old barn. A meeting/class-room, camping and self-catering kitchen are also available.
Close to Hathersage and 2 miles west of Stanage Edge, the bunkhouses are on a family-run dairy farm. Popular areas for climbing, walking from meadows to moorland with fantastic views & mountain biking. Each bunkhouse is heated and has a living room, kitchen, bathrooms with toilets, showers and washbasins. Sleep in dorms with bunks or the Hayloft has mattresses on the gallery floor. Camping is available. Secure bike storage and free parking.
Off Market Square, right in the centre of Nottingham, Igloo Hybrid offers great value and comfort. With dorms, singles, doubles, triples, and family quarters as well as our posh en-suite Shed digs. Rooms and communal areas feature up-cycled furniture and street art murals, with a self-catering kitchen, WiFi, power showers, lockers, lounge & courtyard.
A mile from Castleton in the Peak District, Pindale Farm offers a range of accommodation: B&B in the farmhouse. The Barn has 6 self-catering/self-contained rooms, 2x10-person & 4x8-person. The Engine House is a self contained self catering unit sleeping up to 8 people. Plus a campsite. Perfect for many outdoor activities. Instruction is available.
Next to an award winning Peak District country pub, The Royal Oak Bunkbarn is perfectly situated with direct access onto the High Peak and Tissington Trails. The area is also very popular with climbers and walkers with limestone gorges and stone circles to explore.
The bunkbarn closed for refurbishment during winter 2021. It is re-opening in early 2022. Check the website for updates. Campsite and holiday cottages also available.
The Embassie is a majestic terraced house in an unspoilt Georgian square. Until 1986 it was the Consulate of Venezuela! Only 15 minutes' walk from the centre of Liverpool, known for its nightlife, it's in the perfect position. Recently refurbished, there are new kitchen facilities, a brand new shower suite and an all new games room & relax area with Sky Sports and HD television. The hostel is clean, safe and staffed 24 hours. Bedding is provided (including sheets) and free coffee, tea, toast and jam are available 24 hours.
This bunkhouse on a working farm has a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining room and lounge. Enjoy the quiet rural location on the covered decking, patio (with BBQ) and lawn. The nearby Wye Forest is one of the largest remaining ancient forests in England. On the Worcestershire Way and close to the Severn Way and Mercian Way (NCN route 45) at Bewdley (1 mile). The West Midland Safari Park and Severn Valley Railway are also very close.
The well equipped, community run bunkhouse at Y Dolydd Llanfyllin Workhouse is handy for Welshpool & Shrewsbury and close to the Berwyn Mountains. With access to a wide range of adventurous activities including Lake Vyrnwy, Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall (the tallest in the UK) and Revolution bike park. Venue hire for events welcomed.
Visit the free History Centre to learn more about the building and the people who lived and worked in it.
The John Hunt Base is situated in the High Peak on the site of Hagg Farm. The base offers comfortable, family friendly accommodation ideal for sightseeing, hill walking, trail running and biking as well as quieter pursuits such as photography. There is a picnic area, wildlife garden with fire pit and a playing field with climbing boulder. Activities can be arranged including climbing, stream scrambling, caving & on-site high ropes.
Fordhall Organic Farm, near Market Drayton, is England’s first community owned farm. The Straw Bale Bunkhouse is ideal for schools, retreats & groups.
This unique property has exceptional environmental credentials & is designed to encourage people to get immersed in nature & enjoy the wonderful landscape. Educational sessions, linked to elements of the National Curriculum, can be arranged or you can host your own retreat or event.
Bradwell War Memorial Hall is in the pretty village of Bradwell in the heart of the Peak District. This community run hall offers low cost self-catering accommodation to groups of 6-42.
An ideal base for walkers, bikers, DofE students or climbers who wish to explore this popular area. There are no beds so BYO sleeping mat and bedding. The rooms are centrally heated, there’s a well equipped kitchen & hot showers.
Just outside Tewkesbury in the scenic River Avon Valley, with it’s own lake. Accommodation is in cabins, a pod village, chalets & camping. Great for touring the Cotswolds, Malverns, Bredon Hill & the Forest of Dean. A wide range of watersports, activities & tuition are on offer. A footpath meanders through the meadow to the River Avon and free river fishing is available to guests.
In the heart of Bamford these two bunkhouses are on a small farm just 3 miles from the iconic Stanage Edge.
Perfectly located for visiting Castleton, Chatsworth House & Hathersage. Both bunkhouses are centrally heated with hot showers & well equipped kitchens. Sheets & pillows are provided. BYO sleeping bags.
St Michael’s Centre, located in the village of Hathersage, provides high quality family friendly group accommodation, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Peak District National Park.
There are comfortable dormitory style bunk beds and a lovely central hall which provides a fantastic communal kitchen, dining and lounge area for enjoyable shared living. Attached cottage also available separately or for larger groups.
Renovated to a high standard including double glazing and insulation, the Reckoning House is situated 3 miles from Bakewell. It is on the edge of the Lathkill Dale National Nature Reserve, full of interesting flora and fauna as well as outstanding geological features.
Horse riding, fishing, golf and cycle hire are available locally. Local walks include the Limestone Way. Facilities include: cooking area, 4 calor gas rings (gas supplied), hot water for washing up & showers, storage heaters in all rooms.
Sheen Bunkhouse is in a quiet corner of the Peak District, close to the beautiful Dove and Manifold valleys. It has a well equipped self-catering kitchen, lounge, two bunkrooms and separate toilets & showers.
The Manifold Track, Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail give easy access to beautiful countryside, ideal for families and cyclists. Dovedale and the moors offer stunning walking. Buxton, Leek and Bakewell are within 12 miles and Alton Towers is 20 minutes away by car.
All Stretton Bunkhouse offers comfortable, cosy, self catering accommodation for individuals & groups of up to 10. It has easy access to the Long Mynd with walks & bike rides for all levels. The busy town of Church Stretton is a short drive & it’s just 10 mins’ walk to the local pub. There’s a well equipped kitchen, a shower, two toilets & a tumble dryer. Dogs welcome with sole use.
Ackers Residential Centre (ARC) is a purpose built accommodation centre set in 70 acres of semi rural land just 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham. Perfect for The Sea Life Centre, Cadbury World, Thinktank, The Bull Ring shopping centre, National Motorcycle Museum & the NEC. With 9 sleeping rooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining area and a rec room with TV, DVD, games and comfy seating. Ackers Adventure provide instructor led outdoor activities on site which can be incorporated into your stay.
A unique and memorable venue for group stays. Situated in the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside with amazing views across the Great River Ouse, it’s easily accessible from the M1 but a world apart. The converted 12th century church can sleep 30 in bunkrooms, with modern facilities, self-catering kitchen and two breakout rooms. Campsite and youth group discounts available.
Bretton Hostel, between Eyam & Hathersage in the heart of the Peak District, feels remote on Bretton Edge. It is a peaceful space with far-reaching views across the Peak. Excellent walks & cycle rides from the door. Perfect for winding down, as a base for outdoor activities & gatherings. Bedding provided, equipped kitchen, living/dining room, WiFi, secure cycle store, studio.
With its own crags, streams, lakes & 600-acres of mature woodland, Shining Cliff Hostel has nature on its doorstep.
Access is half a mile from the nearest parking area along a woodland footpath. Paths lead through the woods to the A6 at Ambergate (20 mins’ walk) which has a food shop, pub, buses and trains to Derby.
The hostel is ideal for a wide range of groups wishing to enjoy time away in a peaceful woodland setting.
Cliffe House is set in 14 acres of woodland in rural West Yorkshire, just 7 miles from the Peak District. A centre for outdoor learning and conferences, ideal for schools and businesses, it is also available as a whole house booking to groups of families and friends. There are 10 bed rooms sleeping up to 72 people and three bright communal areas with seating for 40 people in each.
This area of central England has been chosen by the Independent Hostel Guide to display the bunkhouses, camping barns and hostels in Shropshire, Herefordshire and central England. The region covers an area of approximately 100 miles radius centred on Birmingham. Prime holiday areas include Shropshire, Herefordshire the Cotswolds and the
Peak District . This region extends to Cambridgeshire in the East and Shropshire in the West, as far as Bristol in the South and Manchester in the North. There are approximately 50 self catering bunkhouses and hostels in central England. Central England has a plethora of places to visit from well-known resorts such as Alton Towers, Warwick Castle and Birmingham Sealife Centre to the historic towns of Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Stratford upon Avon and stunning landscape features such as Wenlock Edge, The Long Mynd and the Wrekin.
The area has a selection of great walk routes including the Thames Path, The Cotswold Way and the Ridgeway in the south to Offa’s Dyke in the Welsh Marches. Birmingham, Stoke on Trent, Nottingham and Bath are great to visit for their shopping, events and history. Visitors to Nottingham can find out more about Robin Hood, the city’s historic public houses or the cave system that runs under Nottingham Castle. Birmingham is famous for its shopping, Cadbury world and Victorian City layout it also hosts many great sporting events and exhibitions at the NEC.
