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
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.
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.
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.
OPENING DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED. This bougie new hostel, freshly developed in Bristol, is looking for a business partner to be the welcoming host in these sparkling new surroundings. The Hostel has a capacity of 30 beds. There is an independent cafe underneath, a great stop for breakfasts and midday snacks.
Quirky bunkhouse in the Wye valley just off Offa’s Dyke. Sleeping 16 in 3 rooms, it can be booked by the bed, the room or sole use. The perfect base for walkers, cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts & the young at heart. Enjoy the pool table, cinema screen and 2 acres of grounds with hot tub, skate park, high rope course, fire pit, pizza oven and animals. Camping, flat and converted horse box 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.
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.
CLOSING OCTOBER 2023 FOR REFURBISHMENT. RE-OPENING AUTUMN 2024Roaches Bunkhouse is at the foot of The Roaches gritstone edge in the Peak District, amidst some of the best climbing in the country, plus walks & cycling in stunning scenery.Close to Ye Old Rock Inn & 3 miles from the historic market town of Leek. Excellent self-catering bunkhouse accommodation with private rooms.
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.
At the centre of the pretty village of Youlgreave in the heart of the White Peak, this youth hostel has been given a contemporary upgrade under private management. The hostel has an on-site cafe, artisan bakery and a pre-loved bookshop. There is a self-catering kitchen, a patio with picnic tables, cycle storage and nine private bedrooms (some en suite). Individual travellers are always welcome.
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.
Close to Dovedale, the Manifold Cycle Trail, Carsington Water, Alton Towers & the Roaches Rocks (great for climbers). Ideal for quiet group get-togethers, families, cyclists, walkers, DofE, scouts, schools and team building. Camping in the comfort of a remote cosy barn with log burning stove, toilet & water. No electric and no distractions. Stands in a meadow, off the beaten track with great views. BYO camping equipment.
Run by Boundless Events, the Malvern Centre nestles in the picturesque Malvern Hills ANOB.It sleeps up to 114; The South Block sleeps 55, The North Block sleeps 43 and the self contained Chalet sleeps 16. Book by the unit or book the whole site. There is a large commercial kitchen, a dining room with seating for 60 and plenty of classrooms & break out spaces. Outdoor activities are available.
In the Shropshire hills, close to Long Mynd & Stiperstones, Bridges Hostel is perfect for walkers. The Shropshire Way, the End to End cycle route & moutain bike routes pass close by.
The hostel has a self-catering kitchen, lounge with wood fire, drying room, shop & large garden. Home cooked evening meals. Camping.
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.
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 92 and outdoor adventures can be organised on site. This spacious centre is perfect for large family gatherings, reunions, weddings, stag/hen parties, schools, faith groups & corporate events. Facilities include a commercial kitchen, a hall (seating 100),lounge & games room.
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.
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.
In the heart of historic Hull this hostel is aimed at the individual traveller, groups, cyclists and families. Perfect for visiting Hull’s museums & attractions, such as The Deep, Marina, theatres and Bonus Arena. Sport fans friendly too. Family en-suite, singles and dorms. Self-catering kitchenettte and coffee lounge. Ideal for visiting Yorkshire Coast, historic Beverley and York. Daily ferries to the Netherlands put Europe on the doorstep.
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.
The Glenorchy Centre is on the edge of the Peak District National Park in the historic market town of Wirksworth.
Close by are the High Peak Trail for walking & cycling, and Black Rocks for bouldering & climbing. 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 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.
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.
Bretton Hostel, in the heart of the Peak District near Eyam & Hathersage, feels remote on Bretton Edge. It’s a peaceful space with far-reaching views across the Peak. Excellent walks & cycle rides from the door. Perfect for winding down, for outdoor activities & for gatherings. Fully equipped kitchen, living/dining room, WiFi, secure cycle store & eco-studio. Bottom sheet & pillow provided, but bring your own bedding. Local pubs nearby.
All Stretton Bunkhouse offers comfortable, cosy, self-catering accommodation for 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.
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.
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.
The Caldecotte Xperience on the south eastern edge of Milton Keynes offers an unrivalled choice of glamping or residential accommodation for groups of 18 to 239. Situated just 10 mins’ drive from the M1, it is easily accessible from all parts of the country. Catered or self-catering packages are available and a whole range of outdoor activities can be booked if required
CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT. RE-OPENING IN 2025.Ashbourne Gateway Centre, in the pretty market town of Ashbourne, is a perfect base for exploring the landscape & attractions of the Peak District.The Tissington trail off-road cycle/walking route starts opposite. Carsington Water,The Roaches & Alton Towers make great days out and are all close by.
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 has a BBQ. Horse riding and archery on site.Good walking from the door. Horses and pets on request. Limited WiFi & mobile.
Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre, operated by The Woodcraft Folk, is situated in glorious isolation high above Ladybower Reservoir with stunning views across the Upper Derwent Valley. The converted hill farm has 2 accommodation units; the Bunk Barn sleeps 38 in 7 rooms & the Cottage Annexe sleeps 6 in 3 rooms. Catering & outdoor activities available.
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
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 and personal towels.
Stay in a cosy eco-cabin next to a characterful 16th-century village pub in the Suffolk countryside.The two cabins in the grounds of The Star at Lidgate both sleep 6 in two twin rooms and 2 single sofa beds.There are 2 shower rooms and a fully equipped kitchenette with a hob and fridge, a private terrace, outdoor seating and a secure bike shed. All linens and towels are provided. Dogs welcome.
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.
The Bristol Wing provides unique accommodation for independent travellers, groups and tourists.This iconic former police headquarters provides chic accommodation in the heart of Bristol.A mix of private, en suite and dorm rooms with communal spaces and cafe.Close to the bus station, and perfectly located for Bristol’s best attractions and shopping from big names to quirky markets.
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.
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.
A mile from Castleton in the Peak District, Pindale Farm offers a range of accommodation: B&B in the farmhouse. Six self-catering/self-contained rooms sleeping 8 or 10 people in the Barn. A self-catering unit sleeping 8 people in The Engine House. Plus an AA 3 Pennant campsite. Perfect for D of E expeditions and many outdoor activities. Instruction is available.
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.
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, bed linen, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, parking and WiFi included. Residents also have access to a lounge, dining area, kitchen, and courtyard garden. Breakfasts available.
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.
Mount Cook, a fantastic purpose built centre, offers groups of 8 - 180 the perfect base for an exciting weekend or holiday in the Peak District. A whole range of outside activities can be organised on- or off-site for a min of 8 people. Popular with schools, clubs, corporate team building, weddings and gatherings of friends and families. B&B, full or half board. Self-catering with sole use bookings.
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.
In rural Herefordshire, close to the Welsh border, Dunfield House provides accommodation for groups of up to 96 with sole use of the house, stables, parkland & swimming pool. Both accommodations can be hired separately or as sole use. The Stables sleep 23 and has a self catering kitchen. The Main House provides fully catered accommodation for 73. A great choice for school, youth, music or church groups, training courses & family get-togethers.
Unique venue for sole use groups in an ancient, Gr I listed church, converted into an award winning Centre. Sleeps 36 in bunkrooms (+ 30 camping -Youth grps only - charges apply). Modern facilities, self-catering kitchen & breakout lounges. Situated in beautiful Bedfordshire countryside with amazing views. Easy access from M1/A1, but a world apart. Disabled access. Youth grp discounts.
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.
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 CC’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.
The John Hunt Base is situated in the High Peak on the site of Hagg Farm (also in this guide). The base offers comfortable, family friendly accommodation for groups of up to 18. It is 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.
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 lots 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. 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 the legend of Robin Hood. As well as 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.
