Independent city, backpackers and boutique hostels cater for young people who want to explore the UK.
Situated in major cities and tourist destinations they are close to the excitement of the city centres and public transport hubs.
These exciting places to stay provide great located, good value accommodation, in dorms and private rooms. There are often bar and cafes and communal kitchens.
Using this website you can make a booking, secure in the knowledge that no booking fees are being charged to you or the accommodation owner.
Backpackers & Boutique Hostels in UK Cities
The Crown similarly to all hostels in the Publove family offer stylish lodgings with a whole host of benefits. Namely a 10% discount on food and (arguably more importantly) drink.
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Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Fort William is a mecca for those with a spirit of adventure. You can start (or end) the West Highland Way in Fort William, hike or bike along mountain trails, go for a boat trip on the sea loch or just take it easy amidst the wonderful scenery. Even in winter Fort William stays busy with skiing, snow-boarding, mountaineering and ice-climbing. Set on a hillside above the town, with wonderful views, this cosy hostel provides all you'll need after a day in the hills.
For a fun filled, seaside break Scarborough is unbeatable: two safe, sandy beaches, penny arcades, pirate ship, three surf schools and the Alpamare Waterpark. Once a 17th century water mill on a quiet riverside just outside the town, Scarborough Youth Hostel is also a perfect base for exploring the coast and country of the North York Moors and Wolds with miles of paths, tracks and quiet lanes for walkers and cyclists.
Located in the centre of beautiful Pitlochry, this friendly, cosy hostel is an old Victorian hotel literally bursting with character and provides dormitory and en suite private rooms. Comfy beds come with fitted sheets, duvets and 2 fluffy pillows and private rooms have fresh towels. The bright spacious lounge has comfy sofas and as many free hot drinks as you can drink. There's free WiFi, games, musical instruments and a free pool table. A great place to meet like minded people. You won't want to leave!
The cosy and friendly Student Hotel enjoys panoramic views of the town and the mountains beyond. Your perfect place to unwind, just yards from the city's varied night-life and a few mins' walk from bus and train stations. Relax in the fabulous lounge with real log fire and drink as much free tea, coffee & hot chocolate as you like. Visit the beautiful ancient pine forest of Glen Affric or the Culloden Battlefield. Famous Loch Ness lies just a few miles upstream and of course has its own special wild animal.
Expect a warm welcome at Hebden Bridge Hostel. Comfy and welcoming, nestled into woodland, it is only a short walk from the town centre and less than 500m from the Hebden Bridge Loop on the Pennine Way.
A perfect base for hiking, sight-seeing, relaxing or experiencing Hebden Bridge’s vibrant cafés, music, arts and culture.
Glasgow city centre budget accommodation in mix of en suite private rooms, dorms and VIP suites for groups of 1-20. All rooms are en-suite with mobile cable charging stations. Free superfast WiFi. Perfect for shopping, sports events, gigs & exhibitions. Ideal for individuals & groups. Enjoy ‘All You Can Eat’ buffet breakfasts (£5pp), meal deals and drink promos in the bar.
Just 5 mins from Central Station.
The Ceilidh Place, in the centre of Ullapool, is a unique small complex, consisting of a music venue/performance space, restaurant, hotel, bar, bookshop, coffee shop, gallery and bunkhouse. There are regular ceilidhs, concerts & plays. The bunkhouse (group only) does not have self-catering facilities but the coffee shop is open from 8.30am to late evening all week including weekends. Rooms are also available in the hotel. The village of Ullapool is a small exciting port and fishing town, with ferries from the Outer Hebrides. Hill walkers and families especially love staying here.
Many people's favourite hostel thanks to its friendly atmosphere, the beautiful seaside town setting and its excellent facilities. Enjoy free WiFi, free breakfast, free all-day hot drinks, clean spacious rooms, secure bike storage, laundry service, communal areas, strong hot showers, comfortable beds and a well-equipped self-catering kitchen. The lively town of Oban has direct ferry access to the many beautiful Scottish Isles.
Perched right on the banks of Loch Ness, the Lochside Hostel has fantastic views up and down the loch and can give you direct access to the water’s edge. Why not go for a dip in Scotland’s largest water body? Take a walk to watch for wildlife? Or even hunt the elusive Nessie?
The Great Glen walking route passes the front door, and the End to End cycle route is nearby. Drumnadrochit is just 12 miles away by boat.
Chase The Wild Goose Hostel is on the Great Glen Way in the village of Banavie, near Fort William, at the end of the West Highland Way. You can be sure of a warm welcome, a comfortable bed and the company of like-minded travellers in a pleasant out-of-town environment. Whether you are on a relaxing holiday with family or friends, enjoying the adventure of a lifetime or travelling the world. Take time out in the Scottish Highlands. The scenery is breath-taking! The hospitality is second to none!
Spend your night above a pub, 5 mins from Paddington Station & experience the real & exciting local London.
PubLove@The Green Man, has great transport connections to all the famous sites, 24 hour reception & bar, free WiFi, personal power sockets, bed screens & guest food & drink discounts. You can book by the bed or book a private room.
There are friendly bar-staff who like to chat, so ask about places to go and the events happening because there’s nothing better then advice from a local.
A multi-award winning 4* hostel with a range of rooms to meet all needs and budgets in the bustling village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. Your perfect base to explore the Loch Ness area and an ideal stop off on the Great Glen Way. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and set in wooded grounds the hostel boasts 24 hour self-catering facilities, excellent home-made meal options, a rustic bar, free WiFi, and ample car parking.
Welcome to this quirky, camino inspired eco hostel up-cycled from an old stable block to include mixed bunk rooms, a courtyard kitchen & a communal lounge. It’s just a short leafy lane from the Eden Project situated on National Cycle Routes 2 & 3, two miles from the Northwest Coast Path at Carlyon Bay and close to the historic Saints Way pilgrimage trail. Walkers and cyclists are welcomed and pick-ups from the station or parking can be arranged.
On Market Square, right in the centre of Nottingham, Igloo offers great value and comfort. Decorated using up-cycled furniture and street art murals, with a self-catering kitchen, free WiFi, power showers, lockers, lounge, outdoor courtyard and laundry facilities. The Pods & Annexe offer further rooms with the same standard. The Igloo SHED is our newly addition with ensuite room.
The Bristol Wing will be closed to independent travelers and tourists until March 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.
The White Ferry House is a stunning Victorian flat-iron building steeped in history. It provides accommodation in central London, close to Victoria, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. In the traditional pub atmosphere you can enjoy chilling out and playing board games, locally sourced drinks and award-winning burgers. There's a 24 hour reception, free WiFi, individual power sockets and guest food & drink discounts. Publove@The White Ferry offers a classic night out and a great location for exploring London by day.
York is best known for being a historic city with a rich past. But in more recent years there has been a rapidly growing alternative scene. Astor York is a perfect example this trend, while still keeping close to the historic roots of York.
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The Steam engine is one of six hostel/bar hybrids from PubLove. Excelling at offering cheap accommodation in London.
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Under Construction and opening Summer 2021, Cwtsh hostel is new, exciting and trend-setting. What's more its aiming to be Wales' leading Hostel. Situated in the heart of Swansea City Centre, overlooking Castle Gardens Cwtsh Hostel provides a modern and unique base to explore the city and surrounding areas. Choose from pod-bunk or private accommodation. Electric bike hire and introductory Welsh classes - bendigedig available. Backpackers, explorers, families, party-goers, schools and freelancers are all welcomed.
Royal Mile Backpackers is a small and cosy hostel with its own special character! Perfectly located on the Royal Mile, the most famous street in Edinburgh, Royal Mile Backpackers is the ideal place to stay for the independent traveller.
The comfortable beds and cosy common areas will make you feel at home and the friendly staff are always on hand to help you make the most of your time in Edinburgh.
A small, friendly eco-hostel in the centre of Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor National Park. Popular with cyclists, hikers, bikers, wild swimmers, artists and photographers, A beautifully converted stone stable, with solar-heated showers, kitchen, courtyard, BBQ and secure bike shed. High open moorland, rocky tors, ancient burial sites, stone circles, woods and clear rivers close by. Moretonhampstead has shops, cafés, art galleries and pubs. On the Cicerone LEJOG, Dartmoor Way and CTC routes.
Opened in summer 2019, The Chapel House is Swansea’s only boutique hostel. Catering for travellers from around the world, it is nestled between the Castle and the Lighthouse, in the heart of the Mumbles.
Just 5 minutes away from Swansea centre and The Wales Coast Path. Within walking distance of great surf, walking and climbing. The perfect base for those seeking adventure on the Gower!
Located in the centre of St Ives, Cohort is sytlish and comfortable. Great facilities include a hot shower in the courtyard for surfers, through to a laundry & dry room. The on-site bar is cheap; there’s a big guest kitchen; free super fast WiFi, a TV room & comfortable pod beds - all with USB ports, lights, curtains & under-bed storage. Free tea & coffee before 10am. Walk outside to find cafés, bars, galleries, Tate St Ives and four spectacular beaches. The SW Coast Path is 5 minutes from the front door.
Perfectly situated in the heart of Oban, the gateway to the Isles, just 10 mins’ walk from the bus, train & ferry terminals, this friendly hostel is a great place to stay and unwind. The fabulous sociable lounge has a real fire, pool table, free WiFi, comfy sofas and unlimited free hot drinks. The kitchen is fully equipped, perfect for cooking your favourite meals. Large dorm beds come complete with bedding including 2 comfy pillows. The hot powerful showers are legendary! Knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you make the most of your time in Oban.
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.
Situated 100m from Fort William High Street which has numerous shops, pubs, restaurants and banks. Bank Street Lodge offers a choice of single, twin, double and family rooms. All rooms are en suite with TVs and coffee/tea making facilities. There is a large lounge where guests socialise and share tales of their day’s adventures. There’s no self catering kitchen but meals are available at The Stables Restaurant in the same building. Dogs welcome by arrangement.
This 18th-century Highland farmhouse provides warm & friendly hostel accommodation. Ideally situated within walking distance of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, on the Great Glen Way and with pubs, restaurants and supermarket close by. Residents-only bar offers over 50 Scottish beers and 25 Scotch whiskies. Hiking tours, fishing, watersports and mountain biking can all be arranged locally. Free parking. Pet-friendly (some rooms only - please contact us). Bike storage available except in Jul/Aug.
The historic town of Inveraray, on the western shore of Loch Fyne, is a superb location for exploring Scotland’s Southern Highlands and Islands. Inverarary Hostel is perfect for independent holidaymakers who enjoy socialising.
The hostel offers simple, comfortable accommodation in private rooms, an excellent self-catering kitchen, communal dining area and a cosy wee lounge.
The Bunker is on the South West Coastal Path, with Chesil Beach on its doorstep and world class sport climbing, diving sites and water-sports a short distance away. Sleeping up to 18 in 6 private bunk rooms, each with a shower and sink, The Bunker offers bunk & breakfast and self-catering accommodation for groups and individuals. It has a large communal area, kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities and free WiFi. Packed lunches and evening meals available on request.
Family run, Swanage Auberge is a refuge for climbers, cyclists, walkers & divers at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. In the centre of Swanage, a stone’s throw from the South West Coast Path, there is excellent walking, mountain biking, diving and rock climbing close by. There is a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and a packed lunch service if required. Parking for 2 vehicles is available on a first come first served basis & free on-street parking is close by.
Close to Penrith town centre and perfect for the C2C cycle route. Excellent value accommodation to those visiting Penrith, the Eden Valley and the North Lake District National Park. Bike cleaning and maintenance facilities and bike hire on site. Full kitchen and dining facilities, en suite rooms with made up beds, lockers, bedside lights. Individuals, small parties and groups welcome.
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.
Whether your visit to Skye is to tackle the mighty mountains, meet the legendary faeries or simply to chill out, Skye Backpackers is the place for you. Located in the fishing village of Kyleakin surrounded by mountains and sea, the hostel has dorm, double and twin rooms. All beds come with sheets, duvets and 2 pillows. There is a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, a sunny dining area, as much free tea, coffee & hot chocolate as you can drink, free WiFi, a cosy lounge with a real fire and spectacular views.
High above the bowling alley/ club venue sits Rock and Bowl. An eclectic hostel just meant for fun loving independent travelers.
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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.
The High Street Hostel is one of Europe’s best regarded and most atmospheric hostels. It is hugely popular with world travellers. Located just off the historic Royal Mile in a 470 year old building, it is your perfect base for exploring all the city’s many attractions and of course its wonderful nightlife.
Providing excellence in location, ambience and facilities, the hostel is highly recommended by more than ten of the world’s top backpacker travel guides. Come along and see for yourself!
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.
Southsea Rocks Hotel has a variety of rooms from great value hotel rooms with en suite options to cool hostel dorms.
There are social areas, an outdoor courtyard to sit in the sun and space for guests to enjoy take outs from local restaurants. It is within walking distance of the castle, common and aquarium and is a great base for exploring other attractions including Portsmouth’s historic dockyard, Charles Dickens’ birthplace and The Mary Rose Museum.
Totters sits in the heart of the historic castle town of Caernarfon just 30m from the Menai Straits. Close to many pubs and restaurants but with good public transport to the Snowdonia National Park. The hostel is a 200 year old, five floored town house with five bedrooms sleeping either 4 or 6 and a huge double/family en suite. Opposite there is a self-catering town house sleeping 6.
Opened in 2021, Radcliffes Lodge is a purpose built boutique hostel overlooking the Marina in the vibrant harbour town of Amble on the Northumberland Coast. Sleeping 48 across 9 en suite rooms, with plenty of communal areas, the lodge oozes quality & style. With the Coast & Castles cycle route & the Northumberland Coastal Path on the doorstep the Lodge is perfect for walkers, cyclists, independent travellers & groups of friends & families.
Globe Backpackers offers clean, comfortable, self catering accommodation.
It is just a few minutes’ walk from Exeter’s city centre with its cathedral, picturesque historic waterway, quay and wide range of shops, pubs, clubs, cafés and restaurants.
Orcades Hostel in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, is an excellent base for exploring the Isles. Accommodation is in doubles, twins, 4 & 6 bedded rooms. Each bedroom has en suite toilet/shower rooms. TVs and all bedding is provided. There is a stylish kitchen, a lounge with DVD & games and WiFi throughout the building.
A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at this comfortable 4 star hostel.
Close to the picturesque Ilfracombe Harbour, this clean and friendly hostel offers fantastic facilities for walkers, cyclists, surfers, families, schools and activity groups. Providing self-catering accommodation with great facilities including, communal lounge (free WiFi), bike/surfboard storage and drying area . Ilfracombe is full of cafés, galleries, shops and restaurants and is home to Damien Hirst's statue, Verity.
If you're looking for great value accommodation in beautiful Bath you need look no further than Bath YMCA. With a total of 210 beds in dormitories and private quads, triples, doubles and singles there is a room to suit everybody. What's more the en suite rooms have all been refurbished for this season. If this isn't reason enough for staying at Bath YMCA then perhaps the FREE breakfast offered to everyone each morning will clinch it for you. Look out for the special offers when you book.
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Trips out to London can often be soured when the price of accommodation comes to mind. But at Publove The Exmouth Arms beds start from just £15.
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Carlisle’s only independent hostel. Located on picturesque Abbey Street, the building is an old Georgian terrace accommodating up to 20 guests. There is a communal kitchen, lounge with TV, DVDs & book swap and a dining room. Free tea, coffee and WiFi . Prices include a basic breakfast. A great place from which to explore Carlisle, the Tuille House Museum, the Eden Valley, Hadrian’s Wall and more. The staff look forward to welcoming you as their guest to the hostel & the city.
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.
The Rose and Crown, close to London Bridge in central London provides everything you need for your adventures in the capital. There is one double rooms and a choice of well designed bunkrooms.
After a day spent sight-seeing, shopping or meeting friends you can return to the friendly atmosphere and history of this traditional British pub. Try out some of the wide selection of ales and spirits on offer behind the bar. And tuck into a full English/Irish breakfast available in the morning.
This family friendly 4* hostel has en suite rooms, cosy lounge, games room and a spacious dining room. Located in the centre of town, it is ideal for Alnwick Castle, (of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter fame) and Alnwick Garden. The coast, with castles at Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh, Farne Isles, magical Holy Island and glorious sandy beaches is just a 15 minute drive. While inland the Cheviot Hills & Hadrian’s Wall await you.
The Walrus is a friendly hostel above a bar, with staff who are well known for their humour. It has a fantastic location only a short 10 minutes' walk from Big Ben and the House of Parliament and all-inclusive hostel prices. The bar is a crossroads of local and international guests with a laid back atmosphere, a quirky cocktail menu and real ales on tap.
Deepdale Rooms offers a range of comfortable, private, self catering rooms. Choose from double, twin, triple, quad, family & larger rooms for small groups. Most rooms are en suite. All bedding is provided, BYO towels. Facilities include a large well equipped kitchen, communal dining area & living room, underfloor heating throughout & laundry/drying facilities. There's also an adjoining campsite. Large groups by arrangement.
Hamilton Lodge - just one minute's walk from the centre of Fishguard and very close to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Comfortable and friendly, sleeping nine in total with an en suite double and two dorms. Fully equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge. Charming, private garden and covered patio with seating. Free light breakfast included. Groups of up to 18 are welcome in collaboration with James John Hamilton House hostel next door.
Kendal Hostel, a Georgian townhouse, is on LEJOG and the Dales Way, and only a stone’s throw from Kendal town centre. Facilities include Secure bike storage, drying room, Self-catering facilities, Large comfy lounge area, complete with log burner, Pool Table and Free Wi-Fi. Individuals, small parties and groups of up to 40 are welcome with exclusive use.
Relaxed, friendly and clean, Falmouth Lodge Backpackers is just two minutes’ walk from the Blue Flag Gyllyngvase beach and the South West Coast Path. Only eight minutes’ walk into town with its exotic gardens, art galleries, Maritime Museum, Pendennis Castle, and the harbour. Free parking and WiFi. Complimentary tea and coffee. Well-equipped kitchen, lovely dining room and cosy lounge.
Green Man Backpackers offers inspired accommodation in a Grade ll building in the heart of Chepstow. Chepstow is the starting/finishing point for Offa’s Dyke path, the Wales Coast Path, Gloucester Way and the Wye Valley Walk. The Land’s End/John O’Groats route is just 1 mile away. The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley AONB are also nearby.
The Campbeltown Backpackers is housed in the Old Schoolhouse, a Grade B listed building.
The hostel offers easy access to the facilities of Campbeltown including swimming pool, gym, cinema and distillery tours. It is a good stop along the Kintyre Way which gives walkers spectacular views of the surrounding islands. The area also enjoys very good windsurfing, surfing, mountain bike routes and other major cycle trails.
In a wonderful location, facing south with a sunny aspect and panoramic views over the city, Castle Rock Hostel is just steps away from the city centre. The historic Royal Mile, the busy pubs, the late-late nightlife of Grassmarket and Cowgate are all only a short walk away. Then, of course, there is the famous Edinburgh Castle.
Most of the rooms have no traffic noise and there are loads of great facilities, 24-hour reception and no curfew.
City Hostels, Backpackers Hostels, Boutique Hostels
City hostels, Backpackers hostels and Boutique hostels cater for independent travellers who want to explore the UK particularly by public transport. Mainly aimed at young independent travellers from overseas who are visiting the UK often as part of a Gap Year they are a great place to meet people and make new friends with many hostels offering social evenings such as pub crawls and quizzes. Young visitors find that these hostels provide friendly, convenient and safe places to base their explorations of the UK’s greatest cities and tourist attractions. UK residents also find them fantastic bases for affordable city breaks or visits to iconic areas of the country.
City hostels, Backpackers hostels and Boutique hostels are situated in cities and notable tourist locations around England, Scotland and Wales. London, Birmingham, Manchester, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Cardiff are all well represented as well as the the famous tourist areas of England and Wales such as the Lake District, Cornwall and Snowdonia. In Scotland where the tradition of travelling from hostel to hostel as part of a tour has existed for longer there are Backpacker style hostels in the smaller cities of Pitlochry, Fort William and Oban and also in the rural but iconic locations in the Highlands and Islands that have attracted visitors for generations.
Providing good value accommodation in bunk rooms, where you can book a bed, or private group or family rooms, City, Backpackers and Boutique hostels frequently include breakfast in their prices and all have good self-catering facilities to keep the cost of a UK city break to a minimum. In recent years the city hostels in particular have invested heavily in upgrading their accommodation so that many of the hostels in this list benefit from modern upgrades and funky decor which making them unique, exciting places to stay.
You might be surprised to know that a hostel is often the best located accommodation for taking a city break and with self catering available they are ideal for those on a budget. Many hostels have prime city centre locations and private en-suite rooms are available for couples and groups as well as beds in shared rooms. Hostels are social places and they have social areas like cafes, restaurants and bars where you are expected to hang out and meet your fellow guests. Free wifi and a kitchen are pretty standard in most hostels.
