The Snowdonia Slate Trail is an 83 mile circular walking route that leads you through the awe-inspiring landscape of Snowdonia ((Eryri) National Park. As the name implies it takes you through a number of Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) slate villages and allows you to explore the rich industrial heritage of the area. The trail leads you through some of the less visited parts of Snowdonia (Eryri) and offers you a variety of experiences. Passing through all the main mountain ranges, you will also walk through forests and valleys, past rivers and lakes. En route, you pass through tiny slumbering hamlets as well as the bustling towns of Llanberis and Betws Coed. The Slate Trail is a walk of contradictions, with plenty to keep you interested.
Industrial heritage on the Snowdonia Slate Trail
The Snowdonia Slate Trail is also a joy for narrow gauge railway enthusiasts, as it visits the Penrhyn Quarry Railway, Llanberis Lake Railway, Snowdon Mountain Railway, and the Welsh Highland Light Railway, and the Ffestiniog Railway. What better way to break up your day’s walking than a ride on a steam train?
The good news is that there is a great choice of Independent Hostels to stay in when you plan to walk the Slate Trail. See a full list of them below.
The Route
The official route starts at Porth Penrhyn near Bangor and ends at Bethesda and takes you through or near the villages of Llanllechid, Bethesda, Dinorwig, Llanberis, Waunfawr, Nantlle, Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, Croesor, Ffestiniog and Penmachno. Great for stocking up on provisions and stopping for a well-deserved rest, a cup of tea (or something stronger), and a large slice of cake! Covering 83 miles with a total ascent of 4159m it should take between 5 and 13 days. It’s well worth visiting LDWA and the Snowdonia Slate Trail website for a wealth of information. There is also a detailed book and map of the route.
Glyndwr’s Way is a 135 mile (217 km) National Trail. It starts in Knighton (at the clock tower) and finishes at Welshpool (at the canal). Both start and finish are in the county of Powys. A relatively new national trail, it was established in 2002. Interestingly it joins Offa’s Dyke at both ends, thus making a longer circular route a possibility.
Glyndwr’s Way was named after Owain Glyndwr, the last Welshman to hold the title of the Prince of Wales. He organised a rebellion against the English King, Henry 1V in 1400.
The beautiful landscape near Hafren Forest Hideaway
The trail links a variety of towns and villages, which gives it interest, places to eat and stay and its unusual V shape. Having said that the distance between the towns & villages may well be too far for some walkers, so the help of a taxi service may need researching. There are a number of Independent Hostels along the route, offering wallet-friendly, walker-friendly accommodation. The handy map shows where they are in relation to the route.
Heading to the solitude of the Welsh landscape from Mid Wales Bunkhouse
The route crosses some of the best landscapes in Wales. You will pass the serene Radnorshire Hills & skirt the edges of the Clywedog Reservoir. You will get amazing views of Cadair Idris, Lake Vyrnwy and the Cambrian Mountains. The highest point of the route is at Foel Fadian (1530ft/510m), where on a clear day you will be rewarded with stunning views to the sea.
Glyndwr’s Way is by no means a level walk, but rather one of a progression of ups and downs. The joy of walking through this beautifully quiet corner of Wales, along a route overlooked by the hordes far outweighs the effort involved in making the journey.
More information on Glyndwr’s Way can be found on the National Trail’s website
Thanks to a unique partnership between Newcastle Cathedral, Cycling UK, the British Pilgrimage Trust and the Association of English Cathedrals the Cathedrals Cycle Route links every Church of England cathedral in a new initiative to promote greener travel and wellbeing. It is hoped that the route will be extended to other nations of the UK in the future.
Stickers and stamps are available at all cathedrals, these can be collected in a Cathedrals Cycle Route Pilgrim’s Passport which is available at most cathedrals and from the English Cathedrals website.
The spectacular National Parks in England, Scotland, and Wales boast a wonderful selection of hostels and bunkhouses.
These hostels and bunkhouses offer great value, flexible, self-catering accommodation to the many and varied visitors to the National Parks. Singles, couples, families, groups of friends or families, clubs, etc all enjoy the friendly atmosphere and communal ethos that hostels and bunkhouses offer.
Bunkhouse in the Peak District National Park
If you go to the map you will see all the hostels and bunkhouses in the National Park you want to visit. Click on the red marker and again on the hostel name and you will get all the key information about that hostel or bunkhouse; the number of rooms, the facilities, the price, etc. Scroll further down for contact details and the link to the hostel’s own website.
To help your search you can use the ‘Find by’ tool at the top of any hostel’s page. Search by your preferred ‘location’, the hostel’s ‘facilities’, ‘activities’ in the area, and/or ‘availability’. Don’t forget, hostels and bunkhouses allow guests to stay for as short a period as one night. Of course, you are most welcome to stay for much longer!
What is the difference between a hostel and a bunkhouse?
Each hostel and bunkhouse is unique so it is important to explore our database. Some are very large and can cater to clubs and big family/friend get-together’s. Others are much more cozy with just a few beds. Some have just dormitory-style rooms whereas others also have private or family rooms with either bunk or conventional beds. The difference between a hostel and a bunkhouse is very woolly. Often the name is historic and while the accommodation has evolved over the years, the name has not. You may also come across a number of camping barns in some of the National Parks. These are much more basic and are often little more than a ‘stone tent’. You will most likely need to bring all your own sleeping and cooking equipment. However, they are some of the best value for money forms of accommodation you can find.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
The history of National Parks and the history of hostels and bunkhouses.
There are now 15 National Parks in the UK. The newest, the South Downs, was established in 2010. But the first National Park to be designated was the Peak District in 1951.
The history of the National Parks is fascinating. The impetus to form National Parks started some 20 years earlier with The Mass Trespass on Kinder Scout in 1932. In the years that followed organisations such as the Rambler’s Association, the Youth Hostels’ Association (YHA), the Council for the Preservation for Rural England (CPRE) and the Council for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) rallied together to lobby the government for measures to protect and allow access to the countryside. Which has hugely benefited the nation.
Walkers in Exmoor National Park
But it wasn’t until the 1950’s that 10 National Parks were designated. In addition to the Peak District there were; The Lake District, Snowdonia (Eryri), Dartmoor, Pembrokeshire Coast, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Exmoor, Northumberland, and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). There was a long wait until 1989 for the next new National Park, The Broads to be designated. Then in the 21st century Loch Lomand and the Trossachs, Cairngorms, The New Forest, and The South Downs were all established. Who knows where could be next?
The history of hostels and hostelling is closely bound with the history of the National Parks and the desire by many in the population to gain access to the countryside. As a result, some of the earliest hostels and bunkhouses were set up in the first National Parks. As the number of visitors to the National Parks increased more and more hostels and bunkhouses were set up to cater to them. Now there are hundreds of hostels and bunkhouses in our network which are located in the UK’s National Parks.
Hostels and Bunkhouses in the Peak District.
As well as being the first National Park, the Peak District is one of the most popular, with over 10 million visitors each year. Not surprisingly there is a wide selection of hostels, bunkhouses, and camping barns offering visitors great value, self-catering accommodation. Go to the map above to see exactly where these hostels, bunkhouses, and camping barns are located.
You will find them conveniently situated for all the Peak District attractions; the 1,600 miles of public rights of way, the 65 miles of off-road dedicated cycling and walking trails including the disused railways; High Peak Trail, Tissington Trail, and Monsal Trail. There are bunkhouses and camping barns in Edale, the starting point of Pennine Way, Britain’s oldest long-distance national walking trail and the gateway to Kinderscout, which at 636 meters (2086 ft) is the highest point in the Peak District. As well as walkers, cyclists, and mountain bikers, frequent guests at the Peak District hostels and bunkhouses are climbers. This is because the Peak District is the training ground for some world class climbers.
Snowdonia National Park (Eryri).
For the less active there is a wonderful selection of beautiful country houses and stately homes to visit. Such is their charm that they are often used as film sets. You might recognize: Chatsworth (Pride and Prejudice), Haddon Hall (Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth, Henry VIII, Moll Flanders), North Lees Hall (Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Other Boleyn Girl). And once again you’ll find a hostel or bunkhouse just a short drive away.
Don’t delay, search our database for the perfect hostel for your next visit to one of the UK’s National Parks.
We all know Christmas is a time for family, but uniting the whole extended family in the same place can often be a difficult job. Do you go to them or do they come to you? Where will they all fit? Do you book a table and have dinner out (which can be very expensive) or do you opt for the traditional Christmas dinner at home? Then there is the age old problem of who is going to drive home. Some of your guests will have to miss out on the festive tipple if they are on driving duty.
One obvious solution is to find some Christmas accommodation. Increasingly many families are turning to hostels and bunkhouses for great value accommodation at Christmas time. The hostels and bunkhouses on the map above are all open at Christmas and have room for everyone with self catering facilities and large dining and sitting rooms.
If you hire the whole hostel or bunkhouse (which is what we would recommend), you will have all the facilities to yourself. The hostel or bunkhouse becomes yours for the Christmas period, a proper home from home, with space for all the generations. What fun it will be to wake up on Christmas morning all together, sharing the fun and laughter from the very start of the day. Preparations for the big Christmas meal can be shared among everyone with no one person being the host and feeling responsible for the day.
Why not rent a hostel or bunkhouse big enough for all the family this Christmas?
The festive season is the perfect occasion to spend time with your family and closest friends. Renting a hostel or bunkhouse is one of the most economical ways to get the accommodation you need to host everyone in a stunning location. Independent hostels range from large country houses to farm bunkhouses with all manner of barn and house conversions, purpose built eco hostels and many more in between.
You will find them all over the country, from the far north of Scotland and the Scottish Isles to Lands End. From rugged coastal locations to hostels perched on mountain sides, from vibrant city centre hostels and bunkhouses to accommodation among rolling hills and quaint market towns. Wherever you fancy spending your Christmas you should fine a hostel or bunkhouse nearby. Have a look at the map to see for yourself where the independent hostels and bunkhouses open at Christmas are located.
All the hostels and bunkhouses which are open this Christmas have self catering facilities. They invariably will have large dining tables, ideal for seating the whole family for the big Christmas dinner, and a kitchen designed for catering for large numbers. (As each hostel is unique, always be sure to check that their facilities are adequate for your group when you book). The hostels’ self catering facilities make sharing all the food preparation tasks between family members really easy. Everyone from young to old will have the opportunity to contribute. Picture yourselves on Christmas Eve, sitting around the big table. Everyone peeling the vegetables with festive music playing in the background. It may well be worth packing a few extra vegetable peelers. You wouldn’t want to leave anyone without a job!
A large family Christmas around a bunkhouse table
Where will we all sleep?
Sleeping accommodation in independent hostels and bunkhouses is generally in bunk beds. Many hostels also have private rooms with standard beds which are ideal for the older generation. What’ s more the bunk beds are often in normal sized bedrooms, with a choice of 2, 4 or 6 bunks per room quite usual. This is ideal for a gatherings of families, when each family can have their own bedroom whist sharing the dining and lounging areas to celebrate together. Or you can allocate rooms just for the children. What fun to have a room full of bunks for all the children in your party. After all no one needs to go to bed early at Christmas! As always, you are advised to check the facilities; the number and arrangement of the beds with the individual hostels and bunkhouses before you book.
Bunkrooms. Ideal accommodation for a family Christmas holiday.
How much will it cost?
The costs of renting a whole bunkhouse or hostel for your Christmas holiday are very low, especially if you rent an ideal sized hostel or bunkhouse for your family group. Our range of hostels and bunkhouses can offer you everything from basic accommodation if that’s what you want, to luxury bunkhouses where there is no necessity to compromise on comfort. Log burners are a common feature. They provide a lovely, festive focal point in the shared living space. Often luxury accommodation is provided cheaply simply because there are more people sleeping in each bedroom.
A cosy hostel sitting room for the whole family at Christmas.
Don’t delay. Christmas is coming.
Hostel and bunkhouse accommodation soon gets snapped up over the Christmas period.
Contact any of the accommodation providers shown above direct or why not make a group enquiry using our Group Enquiry system. Click on the link below. If you want to explore the possibilities of booking hostel or bunkhouse accommodation for the New Year, for the festive season next year or are looking for accommodation on other dates, the group enquiry system will make your search for the perfect accommodation so much easier.
New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate with friends and family. Why restrict yourself to a small New Year’s celebration, when you can hire a whole hostel or bunkhouse and invite everybody? Hostels and bunkhouses offer great value New Year accommodation for groups of all sizes. What fun it will be to meet all together in your hostel, in a new and exciting location. With the hard work and stress of Christmas behind you, now’s the time to relax and unwind. Traditionally, of course, New Year celebrations are alcoholic in nature. But they needn’t be. You could spend the day blowing away the Christmas cobwebs walking on beautiful deserted beaches or in rugged mountain scenery. Then spend the evening cooking, eating together, and relaxing in front of the warmth of a log burner. You could always stay in a picturesque rural market town and join in with local quirky New Year’s traditions. Alternatively, stay in one of our city hostels and hit the sales or take in the culture.
Bunkhouse ideal for a New Year holiday
There are hostels in all sorts of wonderful locations and in all shapes and sizes.
Where to stay this New Year’s Eve?
You can choose to stay in the mountains, at the seaside or in village locations. Or take a break in one of our city-centre hostels and be right where the action is at the strike of midnight. There are bunkhouses and hostels in stunning rural locations all over the UK. The ones shown on the map above all provide accommodation with availability this New Year for you to hire exclusively. But please don’t delay. Accommodation at New Year gets booked up quickly. Act now to avoid disappointment.
All hostels and bunkhouses have self-catering facilities. The great advantage of self-catering accommodation is that it allows you to be flexible over meals. The self-catering kitchens allow your group to share the cooking or take advantage of the new restaurants to try around you. The great variety of New Year accommodation means there will be something perfect for your group or extended family, whatever their size or room requirements. With large dining rooms and big pans in the kitchens, the group accommodation provided by bunkhouses and hostels is perfect for sharing a meal together. There are often large tables, ideal for group dining. Kids love the freedom of a large house or converted barn to explore. While adults enjoy the opportunity to relax without worry. Always be sure to check that the hostel has the facilities you need when you book.
New Year accommodation with large dining tables
Hire a hostel this New Year and extend your celebrations over a couple of days.
Why not make this New Year extra special? Instead of the traditional New Year’s Eve Party, which is often over all too quickly, you can hire a hostel and spend a couple of days having great fun together. Get out in the fresh air in the daytime and gather together in the evening for a meal together and a few drinks. There are many bunkhouses and hostels within walking distance of a pub or a town centre for the important New Year’s Eve celebration.
Many hostels are located in wonderful surroundings. Ideal for a winter walk. What’s more many hostels are dog friendly, so there is no need to leave your four-legged friends behind. ( Please always be sure to check with the hostel before booking).
New year accommodation at Mid Wales Bunkhouse
With New Year marking the end of the Christmas holidays many people use our New Year accommodation to get away for a few days before starting the daily routine again.
Tips for a great New Year’s Eve celebration and house party in our New Year accommodation:-
Make sure to book in advance– As our hostels are very sought after at New Year.
Get everyone together -To discuss what food you are all taking, who’s cooking which meals and plans for places to explore.
Plan to enjoy the fresh air and rural settings– Pack your winter coats and boots as there are numerous beautiful places to explore around our hostels.
Research where you are going – There are numerous fun activities to take part in around our hostels, so there’s no excuse for staying indoors all the time. If you are unsure of where to look or need ideas, just ask the hostel you are staying at. They will all be very happy to help.
Blow the Christmas cobwebs away- Most of our hostels are situated in areas of breathtaking natural beauty- with astonishing walks. Why not plan to go on a family walk on New Year’s Day?
Don’t try and do everything- If you are responsible for cooking and hosting the New Year’s house party, then don’t take it all upon yourself. Why not ask other family members or friends to bring different parts of the meal?
Sit back, relax and enjoy New Year.
Warning- You may enjoy it so much that you will want to hire a hostel again for next New Year’s celebrations!
The mountains of England, Scotland and Wales boast a wonderful selection of hostels and bunkhouses. They offer great value self-catering accommodation in stunning mountain locations. These hostels and bunkhouses have grown up over the years to meet the accommodation needs of the hundreds and thousands of visitors to the UK’s spectacular mountain ranges such as the Cairngorms and the Grampians in Scotland, the Cumbrian Mountains and the Pennines in England and Snowdonia (Eryri) and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) in Wales.
Skiddaw Mountain in the Lake District
In the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, a mountain is usually defined as any summit at least 2,000 feet (or 610 metres) high, whilst the official UK government’s definition of a mountain, for the purposes of access, is a summit of 600 metres or higher.
Self-catering Accommodation for Mountain Adventurers.
Whatever your passion, be it mountaineering, hill-walking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, scrambling, mountain biking, Munro or Wainwright bagging, golf, canoeing, kayaking or canyoning you are sure to find a hostel or bunkhouse close to your chosen area. Use the map (enlarge it as necessary) as a quick and easy way of finding the closest accommodation to the area you want to visit.
Many of these hostels have been specifically designed with mountain sports enthusiasts in mind. Indeed some are run by mountain guides and offer guidance and lots of advice. Others are outdoor activity centres and you can hire equipment and provide instruction. The facilities will typically include a boot room, drying facilities, equipment storage, robust central heating, plenty of hot water and large comfortable bunks. Along with a warm welcome, great company and lots of local knowledge. Click any of the red flags on the map above and you will get to our feature of that hostel or bunkhouse with all relevant details. Scroll down that page and you can link to the hostel’s own website for even more information.
Hostels and Bunkhouses for Mountain Lovers.
You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to feel at home in the mountain hostels and bunkhouses. Almost all the hostels and bunkhouses in the UK’s mountainous regions are accessible by car and provide low cost, self-catering accommodation as you tour the mountain ranges. Uniquely hostels and bunkhouses are the only type of self-catering accommodation that you can book for just one night. Of course, you can book for much longer too! Photographers, wildlife watchers and nature lovers whether they are individuals, families or groups of friends are all frequent visitors to the mountain hostels and bunkhouses in the UK. You will also find that many hostels and bunkhouses in the mountain regions also have private and family rooms.
Hostels and Bunkhouses in the Mountains of Scotland
You will find hostels and bunkhouses in all the main Scottish mountain areas. In the Cairngorms at the eastern edge of the Grampian mountains; around Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain; in Fort William, the spiritual home of downhill mountain biking and near to the Cullin Ridge in Skye, said to make the experienced walker’s heart flutter!
Knoydart Bunkhouse on the remote peninsula of Knoydart is ideal for mountain lovers. Cut off from the Scottish mainland by rugged, mountainous terrain with few paths, Knoydart is home to 3 Munros including mainland Britain’s most westerly, Ladhar Bheinn. A National Scenic Area with miles of stunning walks, both high up and in the glens. Knoydart is also a haven for coastal and land-based wildlife. Bring walking boots and binoculars and you’re set for a holiday to remember.
And if you are a Munro bagger you are sure to find a hostel or bunkhouse close to most of the 282 Munros. A Munro is defined as a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet (914 metres) in height. They are named after Sir Hugh Munro who was the first person to compile a list of them in 1891.
Hostels and Bunkhouses in the Mountains of Wales
There are also plenty of hostels and bunkhouses in the mountainous areas of Wales. From the map above you will see that these tend to cluster in Snowdonia (Eyri) and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). Both areas are a haven for the mountain lovers amongst us. With a huge range of activities and tourist attractions on hand, it’s easy to see why. Climbers, walkers, mountain bikers, canoeists and kayakers are all regular visitors to both the Welsh mountains and the local hostels and bunkhouses.
While Bounce Below, deep inside Llechwedd slate caverns, Zip World Velocity, is the longest zip line in Europe and the fastest in the world. The National Whitewater Centre in Bala, and Snowdon Mountain Railway in Llanberis are just a few examples of the hundreds of tourist attractions in the Welsh mountains to keep you and your family entertained.
Snowdonia (Eryri) mountain landscape
Hostel and Bunkhouses in the Mountains of England
Many of the hostels and bunkhouses in the mountains of England are found in the Lake District. Others are located in and around the Northumberland National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District. The map will show you their exact location. Once again these hostels and bunkhouses provide all types of visitors to the mountains of England with cost-effective and flexible accommodation in a stunning mountain setting.
Skiddaw House is one of the most loved mountain hostels. High up on the shoulder of Skiddaw Mountain this old hunting lodge has been preserved by generations of trustees to provide a warm and comfortable welcome in the wilds of the Lakeland Mountains.
Skiddaw Mountain showing Skiddaw House Independent Hostel
Bring your club or group of friends/family to a mountain hostel or bunkhouse.
Many of the hostels and bunkhouses in our beautiful British mountains can be hired exclusively for your group or party. These ‘sole use’ bookings have become more and more popular in recent years, as groups of friends, families and sports clubs enjoy the space and the facilities that these hostels and bunkhouses provide. Not to mention the very good value for money a ‘sole use’ booking represents.
How about spending a big birthday, Easter, Christmas or New Year with a big group of friends or family in a spectacular mountain location? Surrounded by stunning views, loads of wildlife and wonderful dark skies? You need look no further as there is sure to be a hostel or bunkhouse to suit your needs.
A holiday by the sea is perfect for all ages. Children love nothing more than playing in the sand on one of the UK’s thousands of beautiful beaches or stepping into the sea for the very first time. The anticipation of seeing the water for the first time after a long car journey and it making their faces light up is almost worth making the trip on its own. The country’s stunning coastline provides walkers with miles of paths to explore and enjoy. Finding a “hidden cove” where most won’t venture and spending an evening in a peaceful place with just you, the sand, and the waves is an incredibly tranquil experience guaranteed to relax even the most stressful of souls. Hostels by the sea provide an affordable way to stay in some of the UK’s best locations.
Hostels and bunkhouses by the sea provide great accommodation for inexpensive family seaside holidays
Why stay in a hostel by the sea?
Each bunkhouse and hostel by the sea is unique. They come in all shapes and sizes, from just 4 or 6 beds to over 100. Some are in modern purpose-built buildings, whereas others have been converted from former schools, barns, fisherman’s cottages, or country houses. Some hostels and bunkhouses by the seas offer extra accommodation in yurts or bell tents. Others allow camping on their grounds. Why not take time to explore the map?
Have a look at the map of the coast of Britain and see for yourself all the wonderful places you can stay. Remember lots of hostel and bunkhouse accommodation can be booked for as short a period as one night. So it is perfect for stop-overs to break your journey or for a touring holiday. But many guests prefer to stay for longer, to make the most of the idyllic locations so many of these hostels and bunkhouses are in.
Hostel and bunkhouse accommodation often includes small private rooms, which are perfect for families or couples. While large family gatherings and groups of friends often book the whole hostel out on a sole use basis. So they can enjoy having the whole building and all its facilities to themselves.
What to do
Staying in a hostel by the sea allows you to take part in some amazing activities that only the coastal areas of the country can offer. Water sports are prevalent in coastal towns. Sailing on the open ocean is an unmissable experience. Surfing in Cornwall is exhilarating but if you’re looking for a more relaxing day then why not go fishing? You might even catch your dinner.
Wildlife lovers are spoiled for choice, you could go looking for rare sea birds that make their home on the cliffs and shorelines or out to sea on a guided tour and the astounding local knowledge will guide you to see seals and other creatures that call the British coastline their home. Although the most reliable way to get up close and personal with British wildlife is to buy some local, delicious fish and chips and then wait for the inevitable seagull raid to take place.
You can see amazing wildlife when you stay in a hostel by the sea
Please remember that our hostel and bunkhouse accommodation on the coast does get booked up quickly, especially in the school holidays. So don’t be disappointed, start your search now and book your hostel or bunkhouse before it’s too late.
When you are choosing a hostel or bunkhouse there will naturally be many things that will influence your choice. For many people choosing hostels which are near to pubs is very important. Hostels in the Independent Hostel network that are situated close to pubs prove very popular and booking is always advisable, especially in peak season.
Fortunately, many hostels and country pubs go hand in hand and there are so many bunkhouses and hostels in the network which are within a short walk of a pub. The map shows the location of hostels near pubs.
Barrington Bunkhouse, is very near to the pub and on the C2C cycle route and the Pennine Journey
Why are Hostels near pubs so popular?
There are many reasons why people choose to stay in hostels or bunkhouses close to pubs.
All hostels and bunkhouses are self-catering with kitchen and dining facilities. For the most part, guests enjoy the flexibility and the economy self catering brings. However, there are occasions when a quick walk to the pub nearby is just what is needed.
After a busy day out in the countryside, walking, cycling, climbing or whatever your passion you may not feel like cooking your own meal for once, so what could be easier than taking a very short walk to the nearby pub and treating yourself to a hearty home cooked meal.
Often guests find that on their first evening they are tired after a long journey. Rather than cooking for themselves, they will start their holiday off with a visit to the pub nearby for some pub grub and a pint while they plan the next few days. Others like to finish their stay on a high, with a hearty meal at the pub down the road.
Then there is always that awful situation when you discover that you haven’t got enough food for the evening meal. What an enormous relief to know that you are staying in a hostel near to a pub.
Just go for a drink
You may decide after cooking for yourself at your accommodation to pop over to the pub for a pint of the local real ale. There isn’t a better way to meet the locals, learn more about the area and get a feel for the community you are visiting than sitting and chatting to the regulars in the pub.
Hostels or Bunkhouses close to pubs are vital for people on a walking holiday.
If you and your group are on a walking holiday, perhaps traveling one of the long distance paths and are walking from hostel to hostel, then choosing accommodation that is near to a pub and its benefits is very important.
Who wants to walk miles to the pub for their dinner after having walked miles during the day? The alternative, if your hostel is not close to a pub, is carrying your provisions for your evening meal and your breakfast while you walk. I am sure you will agree it is much more prudent to book hostels or bunkhouses situated close to pubs!
The Bunkbarn and Pub in Derbyshire.
Hostels near pubs are great for groups of friends or families
Many groups of families and friends favor hostels and bunkhouses close to pubs as their proximity gives more choice as to what people do and where they go. With larger groups, people don’t always want to do the same things all of the time. Having the opportunity to slip next door for a pint or two is not to be turned down.
Self catering for a large group saves lots of money. But again as a treat, a rest for the ‘cooks’ and for a celebration, a quick walk to the pub close by for a tasty meal, a couple of drinks, and a stroll home is a real perk.
Pubs with bunkhouses oftern provide meals for guests.
Camping Barns near pubs are very popular.
Camping barns are much more basic than hostels or bunkhouses. Guests are expected to bring their own cooking equipment, utensils, and food. The chance to book a camping barn close to a pub is not to be turned down. Having the choice to give self-catering a miss and pop down the road for a plateful of pub grub, a roaring fire, and some local beer is really valued by the camping barn guests.
Stay at a Hostel near to a pub and you can invite other friends to join you for the evening.
Often groups staying at a hostel or bunkhouse seize the chance to invite other more local friends to join them in the evening for a meal for a catch-up. This may not always be possible in the hostel itself. Accommodation close to a pub means everyone can meet up and enjoy an evening together.
Dog friendly accommodation in hostels and bunkhouses:
All our dog friendly accommodation is shown on the map. There are so many hostels and bunkhouses in the Independent Hostels network that would love to welcome you and your dog. We have dog friendly accommodation throughout the UK, from Sussex to the Scottish Highlands. You will even find places to stay with your dog on some of the Scottish Islands. These dog friendly hostels and bunkhouses are often ideal locations for holidays with your dog. There is a wide choice of hostels and bunkhouses in awe-inspiring locations in the National Parks of Britain. Many are dotted along the UK’s stunning coastlines, ideal for coastal walks and most are in rural locations. From your dog friendly accommodation, you can explore seaside towns, wild moorlands, historic battlefields, and ancient hills. You can walk through woodlands, along picturesque rivers, through hidden villages, and across our green and pleasant land.
Why bring your dog on holiday with you
Taking your dog with you on holiday is a real treat for you and your dog. Seeing their happy face and wagging tail as they arrive in a new place is a true joy and will warm even the coldest of hearts. Their senses will overwhelm them with excitement and in their own unique and special way they will thank you for bringing them along on an amazing adventure.
Bunkhouses and hostels provide great value self catering accommodation. They are well suited to groups of friends or families and because they provide accommodation for as short a period as one night. They are ideal for a stop-over to break a long journey. But why stay for just one night? You, your friends and family, and your dog will be welcome for as long as you like. All of our many hostels that allow dogs are displayed on the map above. On the individual hostel, pages look out for the brown dog friendly symbol shown below. This same symbol is used in the printed Independent Hostel Guide. You can send an inquiry to a number of dog friendly hostels using our Send Enquiry service. Look for the ‘Dogs by arrangement’ tick box.
Two dogs enjoying a day out together
What to look out for
Dog Friendly Symbol
Once you have established that the hostel or bunkhouse you wish to stay in welcomes dogs be sure to pre-arrange your visit with the hostel manager. Some hostels and bunkhouses have a limited number of dog friendly rooms and the managers will need to check availability. Other bunkhouses have a policy of only one dog staying at a time in an effort to prevent doggy conflicts. Some of the hostels are on farms where livestock and farm dogs are around. Always keep your canine friends on a lead unless you have been informed otherwise.
A beautiful walk from Knoydart Dog Friendly Bunkhouse, Inverness-shire
Here are some examples of Dog Friendly Accommodation from the Independent Hostel Network
Here are some stories from just a few of the hostels and bunkhouses providing dog friendly accommodation in our network. Deepdale Rooms and Camping in North Norfolk has dog friendly rooms in the hostel as well as a dog friendly Tipi and their website also has a guide to the area which tells you about dog friendly pubs, cafés, and beaches as well as ideas for walks.
Walking along the beach in front of Bamburgh Castle
Pentre Bach Bunkhouse in Snowdonia is an eight-minute walk from a local pub that welcomes dogs in the bar additionally there is a sheepdog trainer next door and you can often see him training his collies. The accommodation is dog friendly and the 250-yard track to the barn has grassy areas all the way down. Making it ideal for constitutional walks.
Gilfach Wen Barn welcomes dogs and is adjacent to the Brechfa Forest and not far from the Brecon Beacons. The forest is designated as a dog friendly tourism destination by Carmarthenshire County Council because of the wide range of tracks and trails on which walkers have the right to roam through the forest. What could be better for your lovely long dog walks?
New Ing Lodge is on the Coast to Coast path and most of their canine visitors have walked a long way before reaching them (probably at least twice as far as their owners!). That’s why there is a dog bed available so they too can have a comfortable rest for their tired paws additionally they have large grounds at the back of the building for the dogs to stretch their legs as well as a walled garden in front of the house so you can let your dogs run off lead.
So what are you waiting for?
As you can see there is really no reason at all why you should leave your dog at home or in kennels when holidaying in Independent Hostels. Independent hostels offer great value accommodation and provide even better value when you don’t have the extra cost of kennelling on top of your other expenses making the only difficult decision to make is where to go. But with so many options to choose from because there is certain to be the right holiday destination for you and your dog. So wherever you fancy going, you’ll find an independent hostel perfect for you and your four-legged friend.
Of course, all the hostels and bunkhouses in the Independent Hostel Guide are lovely places to stay but some do go the extra mile to add a bit of luxury to your group holiday. These bunkhouses and camping barns offer great value accommodation with added comfort. Get away together in style with Independent Hostels.
Our luxury Bunkhouses still have shared bedrooms, mostly with bunkbeds but they all have high-quality mattresses, and will provide bed linen and in some cases even towels.
Many of our luxury bunkhouses and camping barns have been purpose-built meaning the architect and owners have been able to design everything a group needs.
Most Luxury camping barns have en suite facilities but even where washing facilities are shared these are usually modern bathrooms with good quality hot showers and a few extras to make your stay that little bit special.
It is the communal area where most of these bunkhouses and camping barns put in extra comfort. They have well-decorated, modern, and well-equipped kitchens, large dining areas, and sumptuous soft furnishings in the sitting room.
Most of these bunkhouses and camping barns have entertainment such as TV systems and wifi, some even have well-stocked games rooms. Ideal to keep you entertained in the evenings or on rainy days.
Some of these luxury bunk barns have hot tubs! Picture yourself with a glass of wine, bubbling away in the hot tub. If thats not luxurious I don’t know what is.
If you are looking for group accommodation with an extra touch of luxury we have something for you.
A Bunkhouse can take many forms, but all offer a place for you to hang up the boots and put your feet up. Bunkhouses are often found in some of the most stunning locations in the UK and provide a place to stay and really take it all in. Scenic stays for you and your group, all at an affordable price. With the term bunkhouse being so broad you’ve got plenty to choose from, making it easy to find something that’s perfect for you. Maybe you’re looking for large accommodation with room for the whole extended family. Or perhaps you just want somewhere quiet and away from it all.
There are bunkhouses all across the country. Many are in National Parks and other beautiful locations while others are on National Trail routes or long-distance walks. You are spoiled for choice with our bunkhouses.
It’s becoming an increasing trend that some hostels (most notably in the YHA) do not accept individuals. Despite this being the initial goal for hostels. While the pandemic caused some hostels to only accept group bookings most have returned to normal and will accept the solo traveller. The hostels on this list welcome individuals so why not book a stay with one of them?
A camping barn provides basic rural accommodation, converted from traditional stone barns once used to store hay and house livestock. They are sometimes called stone tents. There is no bedding and sometimes only a sleeping shelf to lay your camping mat and sleeping bag on. There is usually water and a toilet, a table and benches, and a safe area for you to use your camping stove. Some barns have mattresses to sleep on. While others just have a sleeping shelf for you to lay your own camping mat on. Some have a wood-burning stove to gather around in the evening.
Taddington camping barn (now closed). A typical cooking area
What is a Bothy in Scotland?
Bothies are remote barns in the mountains and wild areas of Scotland. Built as a basic overnight shelter for shepherds or fishermen many have been adopted by the Mountain Bothies Association. There is often no charge to stay in a bothy and no system for booking. You can turn up to find a simple stone shell or a bothy full of steaming walkers.
Some simple private accommodation in Scotland uses the word Bothy in the accommodation name. So you will find some bothies available to rent in the Independent Hostel Guide. These are not to be confused with the accommodation maintained by Mountain Bothies Association.
What is it like to stay in a Camping Barn?
Camping Barns offer a memorable way of staying within some stunning scenery. They are a great alternative to camping with a roof over your head if it rains.
The most developed camping barns have mattresses or bunks, showers, and cooking facilities, but many do not. They are very rural and sometimes so remote they have no electricity. Aimed at the walker who might walk from barn to barn, you can also book a camping barn for the sole use of your group. They are cheap to hire and great for family adventures and away from traffic with no decor to worry about.
What do I need to bring when I stay in a Camping Barn or Bothy?
Don’t forget if you plan to stay in a camping barn or bothy that you will definitely need to bring your own sleeping bag (sometimes a sleeping mat) and usually your own cooking equipment including a camp stove, cutlery, and plates. Some barns and bothies don’t have running water so you may need a water container too. You will always need warm clothes, walking boots and a torch.
The camping barns and bothies on this page are in the most amazing, remote spots. They are a fantastic opportunity to stay in some of the UK’s most beautiful areas often under dark skies and far from the hustle and bustle of modern life!
This history of Camping Barns in England and Wales
Camping Barns were inspired by the Youth Hostel Association, although they have always been owned and run independently by local farmers. They were created to provide shelter for walkers and cyclists and often filled the gaps left when a rural YHA hostel was closed. In the early 2000s, the YHA started removing some camping barns from their network. In 2017 they stopped supporting all the barns, except for the two properties they owned themselves. This was part of a wider closure of rural YHA accommodation.
The good news is that many of these privately owned barns and hostels remain open and are still welcoming guests as independent establishments.
A full list of the camping barns open and in the Independent Hostels network can be seen on this page.
Puttenham Camping Barn, renamed Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse remains open. It was similarly set up by a local Trust wishing to provide economical access to the glorious Surrey countryside. The farm barns: Northcombe Camping Barns, Edale Camping Barn, Alstonefield Camping Barn all remain open and welcome guests. Taddingon Camping Barn decided to close when it lost support from the YHA .
If you enjoy using simple rural accommodation and would like to see these barns flourish please spread the news that they remain open. If you post on outdoor sites or have a website of your own, please add a link to this page to help others find these camping barns.
Lakeland Camping Barns
A group of YHA camping barns in the Lake District joined together to form a local marketing group in the early 2000s, Lakeland Camping Barns. Lakeland Barns produce their own marketing and have worked with the Independent Hostels network for many years.
Our luxury Bunkhouses still have shared bedrooms, mostly with bunkbeds but they all have high-quality mattresses, and will provide bed linen and in some cases even towels.
Most Luxury camping barns have en suite facilities but even where washing facilities are shared these are usually modern bathrooms with good quality hot showers and a few extras to make your stay that little bit special.
