D of E Accommodation : Bunkhouses and Camping Barns

Accommodation for the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

“Accommodation must be by camping or other simple self-catering accommodation (e.g. camping barns or bunkhouse)”

Did you know, The Duke of Edinburgh Awards now allow participants doing the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards to stay in camping barns or bunkhouses? Number 6 on “The 20 Conditions of Expeditions” states “Accommodation must be by camping or other simple self-catering accommodation (e.g. camping barns or bunkhouses)”

This is where Independent Hostels come in! We have hundreds of camping barns and bunkhouses all over the UK that fit this DofE condition perfectly. Camping barns and bunkhouses at incredible prices that won’t break the bank.

Why choose an Independent Hostel camping barn or bunkhouse for DofE accommodation?

Independent Hostels camping barns and bunkhouses are ideally suited for DofE groups because:

• Camping barns and bunkhouses are situated in the typical areas that DofE expeditions take place such as AONB.
• They are often close to footpaths and quiet roads as these buildings have been used by walkers, cyclists, and mountain bikers for decades.
• Our camping barns and bunkhouses are generally small and compact, some only sleeping 4-6 people. DofE groups could book the whole place for themselves or a dormitory within a larger camping barn.

Why stay in simple self-catering accommodation rather than camp?

Staying in a camping barn or bunkhouse rather than a tent makes so much sense.

• It allows DofE expeditions to take place outside of the summer months as they are less susceptible to the elements and have heating such as a log burner.
• There is nothing worse than camping in the pouring rain as the water slowly seeps through your tent and onto your belongings, then packing up soaking wet equipment and trudging on in wet boots the next day. Thankfully, camping barns are much more water-tight than tents meaning the DofE group can have a comfortable night’s sleep and the participants will be in much better spirits to face the day’s challenges.
• Camping barns and bunkhouses are safer options as the doors are lockable. Meaning the DofE group can sleep soundly at night.
• There are bathrooms and showers located inside the accommodation which means there is no need to run across a field in the middle of the night in search of a toilet.

  

Should your DofE group choose a camping barn or bunkhouse?

DofE accommodation: Camping barn

• Camping barns are generally more basic than bunkhouses.
• Some are little more than a stone tent with sleeping platforms and a cooking area.
• The D of E participants would need to bring mats, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food etc.
• Many don’t have electricity or heating other than a fire or log burner.

If you are wanting your DofE group to have an overnight experience as close to camping as possible, then stay in a camping barn (sometimes also called a bothy).

DofE accommodation: Bunkhouse

• Bunkhouses come in all shapes and sizes and generally offer a better standard of accommodation than camping barns.
• There will be bunk beds in dormitories, a self-catering kitchen with crockery and cooking equipment, hot water, and showers.
• The DofE expedition group will still need to bring their own bedding though.

If your participants are looking for something with a few more creature comforts and the facilities to make a hearty dinner or breakfast, a bunkhouse would be more suitable.

Camping barn and campsite on the same site for DofE groups.

You might also be interested in hostels and bunkhouses with campsites on the same site. These hostels with campsites are very popular with D of E groups, traditionally the leaders stay in the hostel while the participants camped.  However, with the rule change, DofE participants can choose wherever they like.

Don’t let the British weather ruin your next D of E expedition. Book into an independent camping barn or bunkhouse to guarantee a dry night’s sleep. The participants will be in much better spirits to face the challenges of the next day.