Did you know, that DofE participants can stay in simple, self-catering accommodation while completing their expedition? This accommodation style such as camping barns and bunkhouses is what Independent Hostels is best at! Why not peruse some of the most suitable DofE accommodations below or use the map to zoom in to areas you are most interested in?
Accommodation for the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Mid Wales Bunkhouse is perfect for school groups and especially D of E groups.
Find out more
In the village of Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Wharfeside house provides self-catering accommodation for groups. It has a well equipped kitchen with Aga and fridge freezer, showers with male and female toilets, a large communal space, drying area and large indoor bike/equipment store. Onsite parking for 4 vehicles.
Bradwell War Memorial Hall, situated in the village of Bradwell in the Hope Valley in the Peak District, is now available to DofE groups at weekends during term time and all week during the holidays.
Find out more
Comfy, farm stay self-catering in rural, train-accessible, Suffolk. Sleeps 22 in five bedrooms, including a restored Shepherd’s Hut. Mix of oak bunks & beds. Relax in cosy sitting room; croquet, BBQ, ping-pong & badminton; explore the farm, picnic in a meadow. 20+ bikes included in hire or kayak down the River Stour. Go Ape, visit castles, coast, historic towns. Larger groups can also book the Tudor Barn (also in this guide).
Garrigill Village Hall in the Lake District is ideal for DofE Groups. There is bunkhouse style accommodation above the village hall and a simple campsite with showers and toilets in the grounds. There is even Wifi. All this and a discounted camping rate for DofE Groups. It couldn't be better.
Find out more
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.
At the foot of Souther Fell, within easy reach of Blencathra, Blakebeck Farm is set amidst the wildflower meadows of Mungrisdale. On the C2C cycle route & the Cumbrian Way. Perfect as a weekend break for walkers. The large upstairs room has bunk beds for 8 people (BYO sleeping bags) & a large farmhouse table. The kitchen has all you need to cook a simple meal and cooked breakfasts are available on request. One dog by prior arrangement. Not suitable for parties. No children under 11 years.
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.
Opening in May 2020 to the public as an independent hostel. This hidden gem of a building in rural Mid Wales will captivate the imagination of all who stay here. Groups of up to 17 can book sole use of this Grade II listed building and immerse themselves in the profound sense of history. Ideal for cyclists on the Lon Las Cymru.
Find out more
High Wallabarrow is a traditional hill farm in the Duddon Valley, the Lake District’s quiet corner. The well equipped camping barn, an old farmhouse, sleeps 10 upstairs. Downstairs there’s a large living area with woodburning stove and fully equipped kitchen. Mattresses provided BYO sleeping bags/pillows. Toilet just outside and shower nearby. 15 mins’ walk to pub, 10 mins to climbing crag. Not suitable for rowdy groups.
...comfortable accommodation and a whole range of activities ..
Find out more
The Foundry Activity Centre in the Peak District offers easy access to the countryside for self-lead adventures and the option to have instructors for groups such as scouts of Duke of Edinburgh's award candidates.
Find out more
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.
Located in the Forest of Bowland Natural Landscape, Downham hugs the skirt of Pendle, an area reknowned for Quakers, radicals and witches. This is camping with an historic Lancastrian edge - a place of visions and magic in the shadow of a hill like no other. The camping barn is a short walk from pubs & cafes. This off-grid, simple barn sleeps 12 (BYO camp beds or roll mats). There is a table with benches, WC with basin (cold water only), and upstairs sleeping area. Photovoltaic cells provide power for limited LED lighting (but not phone charging) and there is a wood-burning stove (purchase fuel when booking). Outside there is a portable BBQ, fire pit with sitting area and space for tents.
Surrounded by the stunning North Pennines, Carrshield Camping Barn offers basic accommodation for 18 across 3 rooms, each with a wood-burner & a wooden sleeping platform. There’s a separate cooking area & a composting WC. BYO stove, utensils & sleeping bag/mat. On the Isaac Tea Trail, C2C cycle route & close to mountain bike routes. Camping may be available.
Set in a beautiful secluded valley in Dartmoor National Park, Bachelors Hall offers groups of all kind the chance to experience the freedom of the moor and the vastness of the landscape.Formerly run as a tradition youth hostel, it was completely refurbished in 2019. Sleeping 60 across 6 rooms and 2 pods it is centrally heated with a commercial kitchen and large separate dining room/classroom. Outdoor activities can be organised if required.
In the untouched Ennerdale Valley of the Lake District, Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre beckons. At the base of Pillar and Red Pike, this eco-friendly centre offers spacious communal areas, a classroom, and a sprawling meadow for relaxation or activities. Ideally located for self-led adventures, with connections to outdoor providers, you are sure of a memorable stay for all ages, especially schools and universities.
Denton House is a purpose built hostel in Keswick in the Lake District. Surrounded by stunning scenery, great cycling and wonderful walking. Derwentwater is just a short stroll away.Recently refurbished, the hostel is warm, comfortable and well equipped.Book by the bed, the room or book sole use of the whole place (sleeps 66).
In the centre of the village of Newbrough, this community run bunkhouse sleeps 22 across 3 dorms. Facilities include
2 shower/WC rooms, 2 sink areas & a small equipped kitchen. A large communal area is available to groups by arrangement. With footpaths leading directly to Hadrian’s Wall, approx 3 km away, it is popular with walkers. While for cyclists the Sandstone Way & Hadrian’s Cycleway pass right by.
Welcome to the edge of Hafren Forest. Choose from catered, self-catered exclusive group accommodation, or B&B with optional dinners.The bedrooms offer simplicity and comfort, for a peaceful sleep. When booking B&B you have exclusive hire of your bedroom.Unwind in the spacious lounge or enjoy breathtaking views in the dining room you won’t be disappointed. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or for those who just want to sit back and relax.
Remote & peaceful, surrounded by the rugged splendour of Snowdonia, Ffridd Bunkhouse offers budget accommodation. Harlech with its beach, pubs, cafes & castle is just 2.5 miles away. This basic accommodation is in 2 units, one sleeps 12 & the other 4/5. Both have kitchen/dining areas & some heating. Each has a separate outside WC, but the shower is shared.
Walkers, climbers & mountain bikers alike return annually to this hidden gem of a bunkhouse. BYO bedding.
Luxury bunkbarn, camping barn and B&B on an organic farm in beautiful Glaisdale Dale. Stunning views of the North York Moors and just 1 mile from the Coast to Coast route. The Bunk Barn (Dorm Cottage) is a modern barn conversion ideal for groups and families enjoying longer stays. The camping barn provides simple, single-night shelter for walkers and cyclists.
At Pindale Farm we love D of E groups. So much so that we are converting our Powder House into a D of E leaders hut, complete with WiFi. In addition to our barn accommodation, we have dedicated camping areas for D of E groups away from the public camping grounds, where there will be no vehicles in the field with the tents. To top it off, we now have a freshly resurfaced car park and new high speed WiFi system!
Find out more
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.
Blakedean Scout Hostel is now available for other youth, church and family groups to enjoy. Sleeping groups of up to 24, the hostel provides wallet-friendly, no-frills accommodation in the Pennine Hills on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border.The Pennine Way passes close by leading to some superb walking over the moors. The area is also great for mountain biking, geo-caching, river walks, bird watching and exploring the great outdoors.
Situated in Horton in Ribblesdale, the 3 Peaks Bunkbarns are perfect for walking on the Pennine Way and the 3 Peaks.The main barn has 4 rooms each sleeping up to 8. The second barn has 4 rooms each sleeping up to 6, with en-suite shower rooms. Both have a kitchen/dining room.
Hawse End Centre in the Lake District sits at the head of the magnificent Borrowdale Valley on the shores of Derwentwater. Guests enjoy easy access to Keswick and the mountains beyond via launch or lakeside walk.The house is a large, comfortable, country mansion ideal for large groups, while the cottage is more suited to smaller groups or large families.Outdoor activities can be arranged.
Did you know? Not only is St Johns In The Vale Camping Barn the ideal basic barn for groups up to eight, it also has camping availability for DofE groups!
Find out more
Gumber Bothy Camping Barn & Campsite is now open. A converted Sussex flint barn on a working sheep farm within the National Trust’s Slindon Estate, Gumber Bothy provides simple overnight accommodation & camping for walkers, horse riders and cyclists, just off the South Downs Way. A tranquil and remote location for you to get away from it all. Just 5 mins’ walk from Stane Street, the Roman Road that crosses the South Downs Way at Bignor Hill. NO CARS.
Enjoy the loch-side location overlooking the Caledonian Canal, with Ben Nevis & Fort William just 4 miles away. Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast with advice & guiding available for walking/climbing, river, loch and sea kayaking, open canoeing & dinghy sailing. Outdoor equipment hire available.After a day in the fresh air return to a hot shower and a comfy private bunkroom ideal for families, groups & clubs.
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.
Cumulus Outdoor Residential Centre is situated in the small seaside town of Swanage on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The purpose built centre sits in 6 acres of private grounds and has 4 separate accommodation units sleeping 16,32,32 or 47 which can be hired individually or together. The centre is popular with groups of friends/families, schools, youth groups, DofE & corporate groups. A whole range of outdoor activities are available for your group if required. Dogs welcome with prior arrangement.
A mile outside the town of Dulverton on Exmoor, Northcombe Camping Barns nestle in the Barle river valley with good canoeing, walking and bridleways. A perfect base for groups on Exmoor. The barns sleep 16 and 28 in partitioned dormitories. Smaller groups can be catered for. Heated by wood-burning stoves with a well equipped kitchen, you just need to bring your own pillows, sleeping bags or duvets.
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.
Haggs Bank Bunkhouse and Campsite provides secluded camping and a bunkhouse for group leaders, just North of Alston on the Pennine moors. Excellent facilities and a warm base with plenty of parking.
Find out more
Bluebell Farm Bunkbarn is within walking distance of shops and pubs. It is ideally located for exploring Nothumberland’s Heritage Coast, the Cheviot Hills and the Scottish Borders. The Bunkbarn sleeps 14, the Studio 4. Plus 2 studio apartments and 5 self-catering cottages.
There is a shared modern toilet block. BYO sleeping bags/towels or hire. Studio apartments & cottages have bed linen.
Tucked away in the Brecon Beacons, off the road and well away from neighbours, Clyngwyn makes an ideal base for your DofE expeditions. There are footpaths and waterfalls on the doorstep and a choice of camping or bunkhouse accommodation for the pupils. For School Residentials canyoning and climbing is available from local providers with full risk assessments and insurence.
Find out more
Perched at 290m (950ft) in the foothills of Snowdonia with direct access to the Carneddau mountains and close to the end of the Welsh 3000s Challenge route, Bron-y-Gader Bunkhouse offers comfortable & great value accommodation for up to 37.Remote and isolated but just 8 miles to Conwy and 2 miles to the nearest pub. The many attractions and high adrenaline activities in Snowdonia are just a short drive away.
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.
Larkshall (Mendip Bunkhouse) is the Cerberus Spelaeological Society’s HQ. It offers well appointed comfortable accommodation on The Mendips, perfect for caving, walking, cycling, climbing, diving at Vobster Quay and for exploring the Somerset countryside. Local attractions include Wells, Wookey Hole, Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury & Bath. Camping available. Ample parking.
Lockerbrook 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 two barns, which sleep 38 in 7 rooms, with an additional 3 twin rooms. Self-catering kitchen, dining room, large social space with log burner & drying room. Catering & outdoor activities available.
With 4 miles of stunning beach just 20 metres from the front door, Borth Youth Hostel is perfect for a beach holiday. This Edwardian house has 11 bedrooms and is a great base for visits to the Centre for Alternative Technology, Aberystwyth or the beautiful Dyfi Biosphere. Snowdonia National Park is just a short drive away making Borth perfect for mountain biking, golfing & surfing. The Ceredigion Coast Path passes the door. With two classrooms Borth YH is ideal for school trips. There’s free WiFi, a games & TV room, bike storage & drying room. Breakfast, packed lunch & licensed bar.
Greencarts Bunkhouses & Camping are on a working farm in Northumberland National Park. Right next to Hadrian’s Wall, they are perfect for walkers or cyclists. There are two accommodation units: The Bunkhouse sleeps 10 in two rooms, while the Barn sleeps 13 in one open plan room. All bedding is provided and continental breakfast is available. There is also a large campsite.
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.
The Court Hill Centre on the Ridgeway long distance path provides ideal camping and hostel accommodation for individuals, small groups and larger groups. The rural location, simple campsite, teachers accommodation and class room make it ideal for DofE expeditions and training.
Find out more
The Old School House welcomes schools, groups, walkers & families to Robins Hood’s Bay, home to one of the most unique beaches on Yorkshire’s east coast. At the end of the Coast to Coast walk, on The Cleveland Way and just 1 mile from NCN1, Robin Hood’s Bay is an historic fishing village with cobbled streets, rockpools, pubs & cafes. The perfect place to explore & unwind.
Kendal Hostel is situated close to Kendal’s town centre. It is available for exclusive hire only and provides comfortable and affordable accommodation for groups of outdoor enthusiasts, friends, and family.Kendal Hostel provides your group with 40 beds in eleven bedrooms, well-equipped self-catering facilities, a large comfy lounge with log burner, secure bike storage, and a drying room. At the gateway to the Lake District National Park, close to the Dales Way and LEJOG.
Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse, on the North Downs Way, offers simple accommodation for walkers & cyclists in the Surrey Hills AONB. A converted historic barn with a volunteer warden to welcome you. Pub food in the village. Garden, picnic benches & secure cycle shed. No cars allowed on site but there is limited street parking nearby. Railway stations: Wanborough (3.5 km) & Guildford (7 km).
A small comfortable walkers/cyclists bunkbarn & campsite on Hadrian's Wall, the Pennine Way, Hadrian's Cycleway & The Pennine Journey. The bunkhouse sleeps 8 in 2 rooms. All beds are singles. Bedding & towels are provided, A simple breakfast is included in the price and there's a kitchenette with microwave, kettle & fridge. There's a pub 5 mins walks away that serves meals 7 days a week. No arrivals by car & no groups.
Carrs Farm Bunkhouse in the North Pennines loves to support DofE groups. Just for DofE groups, they offer a discount on the bunkhouse rates and camping is FREE. Is it any wonder that DofE groups love staying at Carrs Farm?
Find out more
Our hostel at lower Penderleath Farm near St.Ives is great for DofE groups.
Find out more “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.
Puttenham Eco Camping Barn on the North Downs Way passed by many D of E walkers every summerWhy 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. 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).
Alstonefield Camping Barn in DerbyshireDofE 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.
Bunks at Hagg Farm Outdoor Centre in the Peak District ensure a dry night’s sleep for DofE participants. 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.
DofE campers enjoying an evening at Pindale Farm in the Peak District 
