D of E’s rules have recently changed and they now allow participants doing the Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards to stay in camping barns or bunkhouses.
Independent Hostels have a network of camping barns and bunkhouses all over the UK that fit this new D of E condition perfectly.
Accommodation for the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
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.
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.
Comfy, farm self-catering in rural Suffolk. Sleeps 22 in five bedrooms, including a restored Shepherd’s Hut. Mix of oak bunks/conventional beds. Relax in cosy sitting room; BBQ, ping-pong, croquet & 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 & houses. Larger groups can also book the Tudor Barn (also in this guide).
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.
Fordhall Organic Farm, near Market Drayton, is England’s first community owned farm. The Straw Bale Bunkhouse is ideal for schools, retreats & groups.
This unique property has exceptional environmental credentials & is designed to encourage people to get immersed in nature & enjoy the wonderful landscape. Educational sessions, linked to elements of the National Curriculum, can be arranged or you can host your own retreat or event.
...comfortable accommodation and a whole range of activities ..
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A unique and memorable venue for group stays. Situated in the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside with amazing views across the Great River Ouse, it’s easily accessible from the M1 but a world apart. The converted 12th century church can sleep 30 in bunkrooms, with modern facilities, self-catering kitchen and two breakout rooms. Campsite and youth group discounts available.
St John’s-in-the-Vale Camping Barn is an 18th century stable on a peaceful hill farm, with stunning views to Blencathra, Helvellyn and Castle Rock. The Barn has a sleeping area upstairs (mattresses provided) and a kitchen and sitting/dining area below. A separate toilet and shower are within the building. A wood-burning stove makes it nice and cosy. Outside there is a BBQ area. As there is no light pollution, the star-filled night skies are magical.
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 16,32,38 or 43 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.
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!
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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 & the city of Bath. Camping available. Ample parking.
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.
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Mid Wales Bunkhouse is perfect for school groups and especially D of E groups.
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Perched at 290m (950ft) in the foothills of Snowdonia with direct access to the Carneddau mountains, Bron-y-Gader Bunkhouse offers comfortable & great value accommodation for up to 37.
Although remote and isolated it is 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.
Bowderstone Bunkhouse is situated along the Borrowdale Valley by the famous Bowderstone – a massive boulder that has lain precariously on one side for the last 10,000 years! It has a kitchen, accessible shower room and communal area, plus running water, electricity and drainage, but linen and mattresses not provided. Please note, Bowderstone Bunkhouse is only for use by clubs, educational groups or other organisations such as the Scouts, as it is on National Trust land and has certain restrictions to its use.
In the heart of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks country right on the route between Pen-y-ghent & Whernside & close to the Dales Way, Dales High Way, Pennine Way & Pennine Bridleway. This warm comfortable bunk barn sleeps up to 13 in three rooms. Living room with cosy wood burner, spacious well equipped kitchen & garden with stunning views. Group bookings only at w/ends. Dogs & breakfast by arrangement. 4 bed annex also available.
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.
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Surrounded by the fells & valleys of the North Pennines, Carrshield Camping Barn offers basic accommodation for 18 across 3 rooms, each with a wood-burner and a wooden sleeping platform. There’s a separate cooking area & a composting WC. BYO stove, utensils & sleeping bag/mat. Perfectly located it’s on the Isaac’s Tea Trail, C2C cycle route and close to a number of mountain bike routes. Camping may be available.
The Roaches Bunkhouse provides group accommodation at the foot of The Roaches gritstone edge in the Peak District. The area has some of the best climbing in the country plus walks & cycling in stunning scenery. Facilities include a large communal area with tables & chairs, a log fire, DVDs & board games. There’s a small well equipped kitchen. Outside there’s a BBQ area and on-site parking. Walking distance to Ye Old Rock Inn & the Roaches Tearooms. 3 miles to the bustling market town of Leek.
Situated close to the Golden Lion Hotel in the idyllic village of Horton in Ribblesdale the 3 Peaks Bunkbarns are available for groups or individuals. An ideal location for walking on the Pennine Way, Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough & Whernside. The main bunkbarn has 2 large dormitory style bunkrooms, each sleeping up to 20 people. In the brand new second bunkbarn, there are four bunkrooms each sleeping up to 6.
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 C.C’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.
Set in 30 acres on the North Devon coast, the farm boasts sea views overlooking Woolacombe, Lundy Island, Lee Bay, Ilfracombe & the Welsh coast. A former stable block, all the accommodation is on ground level with raised sleeping areas & mattresses.
BYO sleeping bag/bedding & warm clothing. There is a dining area & well equipped kitchen. Toilets/coin operated showers are in a nearby block. Sole use bookings only. No stag/hen parties. Dogs welcome. B&B, camping & a static caravan are also available on site.
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.
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Denton House is a purpose built hostel in the lake District offering bunkhouse accommodation. Warm and well equipped for self-catering, the centre was designed for groups with parking for 40 cars. There is equipment storage and access to the River Greta across the road.
In the Ennerdale Valley, one of the most beautiful, least spoilt and quietest in the Lake District, Low GIllerthwaite Field Centre sits at the foot of Pillar and Red Pike. Well equipped for groups it is the perfect base for fell walking, rock climbing, bird & wildlife watching, mountain biking, orienteering & canoeing. The centre generates its own hydro-electricity. Vehicle access is by forest track and a BT payphone is on site as most mobiles do not work here.
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 by the YHA, 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.
Here at Kendal we are perfect for groups, schools and even people that are achieving their D of E award.
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The Old School House welcomes schools, groups, walkers and families to the picturesque village of Robins Hood’s Bay. Home to one of the best beaches on Yorkshire’s east coast. At the end of Wainright’s Coast to Coast walk and on The Cleveland Way. Ideal for groups of families and friends to book exclusively and also available to individual families looking for an affordable holiday by the sea.
Enjoy our loch-side location overlooking the Caledonian Canal, with Ben Nevis & Fort William 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 busy day in the fresh air return to a welcome drying room & laundry, hot showers and a comfy private bunkroom ideal for families & groups.
This former weather station has been converted into a comfortable bunkhouse in a quiet location between Llanidloes & Machynlleth in the Cambrian Mountains. A great base for kayaking, mountain biking, fly fishing, family groups & parties. Fully central heated with a large dining room, well equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge and private bedrooms. Self catering available for exclusive hire. Bed and breakfast for individual, or small group bookings, evening meal available if pre booked.
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?
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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.
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 miles away, it is popular with walkers. While for cyclists the Sandstone Way & Hadrian’s Cycleway pass right by.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Raydale Barn is an off-grid camping barn nr Lake Semerwater in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Mattresses for 16 inside plus camping outside in the barn’s own field.
The barn is tucked away about 0.3 miles from the nearest road. It has a gas cooker, a wood burner, toilets and showers, but no electricity. BYO bedding, torch & candles. Perfect for groups of walkers, cyclists, runners and families wanting to explore the Dales.
Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre, operated by The Woodcraft Folk, is situated in glorious isolation high above Ladybower Reservoir. The Centre provides exclusive accommodation with stunning views across Snake Pass. The converted hill farm provides accommodation in two units; the Cottage sleeps 6 and the Bunk Barn 38. Catering & outdoor activities available with notice.
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.
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.
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. Converted in 2011, the bunkbarn is warm & well appointed with one dorm of mostly single beds. The camping barn provides simple, single-night shelter for walkers and cyclists.
Close to Dovedale, the Manifold Valley Cycle Trail, Carsington Water, Alton Towers and the Roaches Rocks (great for climbers). Ideal for quiet group get-togethers/parties, families, cyclists, walkers, DofE, Scouts, school groups and team building. Camping in the comfort of a remote cosy barn with log burning stove, fully plumbed in toilet and hand wash basin. No electric and no distractions. Stands in a meadow, off the beaten track, has outstanding views. BYO all camping equipment.
Lledr House nestles in Snowdonia National Park. Once YHA and now newly refurbished, guests delight in the luxury mattresses, modern bathrooms, well equipped kitchen and extended car park. Individuals, groups and families enjoy the clean, comfortable accommodation.
Betws-y-Coed, Llyn Elsi and Zip World high rope course close by.
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.
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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.
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Situated in Thirlmere at the foot of the Helvellyn mountains, close to Sticks Pass & the spectacular Fisher-Gill waterfall, the barn has direct access to numerous walks, hill & rock climbing. It is just off the A591 with local & national bus stops at the end of the lane. Accommodation consists of two rooms; a kitchen/diner with all the basic equipment & a 10 bed bunkroom (BYO sleeping bag). A pub serving meals is a short walk away. Perfect for quiet country retreats, but not suitable for noisy groups. No mobile phone signal or WiFi.
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.
Our hostel at lower Penderleath Farm near St.Ives is great for DofE groups.
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Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse (formerly Puttenham Eco Barn) on North Downs Way offers simple accommodation for walkers & cyclists in the Surrey Hills AONB. A converted historic barn with a voluntary warden to welcome you. Pub food in the village. Garden, picnic bench & cycle shed. NO CARS even for off-loading. Railway stations: Wanborough (3.5 km) & Guildford (7km).
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.
D of E’s rules have recently changed and they now allow participants doing the Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards to stay in camping barns or bunkhouses. Their website now states as one of ‘The 20 Conditions of Expeditions’ that ‘Accommodation must be by camping or other simple self-catering accommodation (e.g. camping barns or bunkhouses)’. Independent Hostels have a network of camping barns and bunkhouses all over the UK that fit this new DofE condition perfectly. With prices starting at £11 per person per night they won’t break the bank.
Puttenham Eco Camping Barn on the North Downs Way passed by many D of E walkers every summerSituated in the typical areas for D of E expeditions, these independent camping barns and bunkhouse are often close to footpaths and quiet roads. They have traditionally been used mainly by walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers because of their unique locations. Generally small and compact, your DofE group could book the either the whole place or a dormitory for their sole use.
Fisher Gill Camping Barn in Thirlmere at the foot of the Helvellyn range of mountains in the Lake District. Another great place for D of E groups to stay.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 their own mats, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food etc. In fact pretty much everything except their tent. Quite a few of the camping barns listed below belong to the National Trust and are on National Trust estates. If you are wanting your DofE group to have an overnight experience as close to camping as possible, then a stay in a camping barn (sometimes also called a bothy) would be the best option. Many don’t have electricity or heating other than a fire or log burner.
Sleeping platforms at Carrshield Camping Barn in Northumberland. Bunkhouses come in all shapes and sizes and generally offer a better standard of accommodation than a camping barns. There will be bunk beds in dormitories, a self catering kitchen with crockery and cooking equipment, hot water and showers. The bunkhouses listed below do not provide bedding, so your D of E group will still need to carry a sleeping bag.
Bunks at Hagg Farm Outdoor Centre in the Peak District ensure a dry night’s sleep There are many more bunkhouses in the Independent Hostel Network that do provide bedding as a standard, these are not listed below but it may well be worth looking at them too as they may be in just the right location for an overnight stay. If you search by the location you are looking to stay in on any of Independent Hostel’s website pages all the possible accommodation in that area will come up.
DofE campers enjoying an evening at Pindale Farm in the Peak District You might also be interested in a group of hostels and bunkhouses that have campsites on the same site. Good examples of this are Pindale Farm in the heart of The Peak District or Garrigill Village Hall just off the Pennine Way (and many other footpaths) in Cumbria. These hostels with campsites are very popular with with D of E groups, traditionally the leaders have tended to stay in the hostel while the participants have camped. With the rule change of course everyone can now stay within four stone walls.
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.
