Are you dreaming of a holiday that is good for the environment and doesn’t break the bank?
Hostels, bunkhouses and outdoor centres across the UK are doing their best for the environment in lots of different ways.
Learn about their journeys to net zero carbon and a more sustainable future here.
If one catches your eye, why not enquire about a stay, and embark on your own eco-friendly adventure?
Why are hostels and bunkhouses the eco-friendly choice? By their nature, holidays in hostels and bunkhouses have a low C02 footprint. This is because:
– The shared aspects of the accommodation mean more people are making use of the same resources, which makes the accommodation more sustainable. There are shared lounges, kitchens and gardens, and some guests choose to stay in shared dormitory-style sleeping rooms, although private rooms are also available. This reduces the energy that is put into furnishing and heating the whole hostel.
-The self-catering facilities allow you to source your food locally, a great way to celebrate the region you are visiting.
-The outdoorsy nature of independent hostels means the types of activities you will be enjoying while staying at a hostel tend to be low carbon. Rather than days out that produce a lot of waste such as shopping or eating out. At independent hostels, you are encouraged to enjoy environmentally friendly activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
If that is not explanation enough you can see the facts and figures in this research .
Which eco-friendly hostels and bunkhouses go above and beyond? -A quarter of the hostels and bunkhouses in the Independent Hostels UK network have a green ethos and a quarter of these have signed up for the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Such as Palace Farm Hostel in Kent which has been awarded the Gold Green Tourism award ten times!
-Some hostels provide a Green Discount for people who arrive on foot or by public transport. This is a great way to encourage walkers, cyclists, and the use of public transport. You can find a list of these with their details on our Sustainable Travel page.
-Many of the hostels in our network create their own renewable energy on-site or use 100% renewable energy providers. For example, Houghton North Farm in Northumberland is now heated by a wood pellet biomass boiler and the electricity is supplied by their wind turbine.
-Many hostels have renovated their properties to become more efficient. For example, Elterwater Hostel in the Lake District has installed double glazing and thermal lined curtains to retain heat in their hostel.
-Eco-hostels know the importance of reusing, this is why the hostels in our network often communicate to share a surplus of items such as chairs or beds. Nothing in good condition gets thrown away in an eco-hostel!
-Some hostels provide bike rentals as an eco-friendly transportation method for the duration of your holiday. Like Old Brooder Bunkhouse in Suffolk.
-Hostels provide metal cutlery and ceramic plates in their self-catering kitchens. No need for single-use plastics here!
Eco hostels and bunkhouses
Loch Fyne Lodge, Inverneil, Ardrishaig, Argyll, PA30 8ES
Argyll Backpackers have up-scaled old table tops to make their hostel signs. They are actually locally recycled table tops edged with cycle tyres, and lettering ordered online. Being attached to the fence they go nowhere!
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Glebe Barn, Isle of Eigg, Inner Hebrides, PH42 4RL
Glebe Barn offers 4* homely accommodation on the extraordinary Isle of Eigg. It is situated within 1 mile of the island shop & café/restaurant. Offering outstanding sea views, it sleeps up to 22 in twin, triple, family & dorm rooms. Perfect for individuals, families or groups. Also two person mezzanine apartment.
Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DB
Slack House Farm is an organic dairy farm overlooking Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. It is on the NCN 72 cycle trail and close to Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. The bunk-barn has 3 en suite bedrooms of 3,5 and 8 beds. A wood pellet-fired stove gives a warm heart to the kitchen/lounge and provides under-floor heating throughout the barn.Book a bed, a private room or sole use of the whole bunkhouse.
Isle of Lismore, PA34 5UG
Just a short hop from Oban the amazing Isle of Lismore welcomes families and individuals in self catering accommodation on an organic croft. This is a unique, fertile and accessible Scottish island, where you can buy home grown local veg and help on the crofts tree planting schemes.
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Comrie Croft, By Crieff/Comrie, Perthshire, PH7 4JZ
Comrie Croft has been a long term eco hostel. In their own words, “All of our power and heat is generated onsite from renewable sources (wood for the heating, solar for the electricity), and at least 93% of our "waste" is reused or recycled, we have achieved a gold award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and are members of the world's leading eco tourism businesses as part of the Long Run Initiative."
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19 Brunswick Square, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7LR
We're really pleased to hear we've been featured in The Green Traveller. A book about conscious, low carbon adventures and eco travel in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Here at Wayfarers we try to be as eco as possible by offering electric car charging, secure bike storage and tools for fixing up your bike, lots of local info about getting around on public transport and we recycle!
Our copy is on our way and will be a welcome addition to our library :)
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Gwastad Agnes Off Panorama Road, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1DX
Beck Head Farm, Witherslack, Grange Over Sands. Cumbria, LA11 6SH
Cyclist's special price of £25 per night if you arrive by bike. Fully equipped bunk house on NCN routes based in the southern Lake District, perfect for your cycle touring or base camp.
Call to check availability and price options.
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Haye Farm, Ribbesford, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 2TP
Around Haye Farm Sleeping Barn are hay meadows, and hiding amongst the grasses are traditional meadow flowers, providing food for pollinators and a biodiverse habitat for many other creatures.
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Lovesgrove, Aberystwyth, SY23 3HP
Situated amongst the trees and old gardens this old country house provides warm and comfortable accommodation for groups and individuals. Family rooms and dormitorys available, kitchens, lounges and wildlife gardens.
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Inverie, Knoydart, By Mallaig, Inverness-shire PH41 4PL
Knoydart Bunkhouse is not only green, but community-owned and working to a responsible tourism policy.
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157 Main Street, Seahouses, Northumberland NE68 7TU
The Old Home Farm Yard, Stackpole, nr Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, SA71 5DQ
The National Trust Stackpole Centre has a theatre, meeting and classroom facilities. The centre can accommodate up to 140 guests and is ideal for educational groups, corporate clients, private group hire and family holidays.
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Croft No 9, Badrallach, Dundonnell, Ross-shire, IV23 2QP
Forget the rest and relax ! Come to this stunning remote sea loch where the colours change with the hours. There are gas lights and fresh white roses in season to fill the property with a beautiful fragrance... And foraging plants all around the campsite.
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Mabie Forest, Dumfries, DG2 8HB
Marthrown is set in the heart of Mabie Forest, 6 miles south of Dumfries. It has a sauna, a wood burning spring water hot tub, a large BBQ, garden areas, a challenge course and plenty of room for groups. There are a variety of mountain bike routes including the 7Stanes mountain bike trails nearby. The bunkhouse has now been converted to self-contained units, there are also Mongolian yurts, a bell tent and the jewel in the crown is the Iron Age Roundhouse for parties or weddings
Pelham Road, Claxby, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 3YR
The Viking centre is very proud of their Silver Green Tourism Award and now they are going for gold!
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St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1FF
It's a hat trick!! A magnificent three Gold tourism awards for Cohort Hostel. The third (at this rate we daren't say final) award is from South West Tourism. Sincere congratulations once again to everyone involved with this leading hostel.
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Llanddewi Brefi, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6PH
Exchange your Green Voucher for a half price stay at Dolgoch or Tyncornel Hostel. Dolgoch and Tyncornel Hostels are in the wild and stunningly beautiful Cambrian Mountains a days walk apart, ideal for an adventure by bike or one foot.
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Dalmally Road, Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8XD
Inveraray Hostel is close to the wild and beautiful Loch Fyne. It has a welcoming atmosphere, private rooms, a wildlife friendly garden and an Electric Vehicle charging point.
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Middle Ninfa Farm, Llanellen, Abergavenny, NP7 9LE
Laid by a Wwoofer volunteer this hedge is the boundary between our fields and the 9 acres of broad leaf woodland we planted between 1997 and 2001. The wood is diverse and lovely to walk through on the network of paths. The bluebells are already through even though it only February, so they will be early this year
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Bell's Bothy Bunkhouse, Morham, Haddington, East Lothian. EH41 4LQ
This small, cosy bunkhouse sits away from the crowds among the rolling hills of East Lothian. The shops and amenities of Haddington are just 3 miles away, while Edinburgh to the west and the coast to the east are both easily accessible. The bunkhouse sleeps six in one room. Each booking gets sole use. With a log burning stove, a supply of logs & a fab little kitchen you are assured of a comfortable stay.
18 Yealand Rd, Yealand Conyers, Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 9SH
So how does that affect your stay? Well, some of the hot water comes from solar, the building is well insulated and mostly double glazed, laundry is done in house and mostly line dried and we encourage you to sort your recyclables into the bins provided (and more!) We are currently overwelmed with apples and guests are greeted with homegrown organic apples from the orchard
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Orchard House, Mohope, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 8DQ
Stay a Ninebanks Youth Hostel in the North Pennines and be assured of an ECO friendly holiday. All the ECO measures taken by your lovely hosts mean you can enjoy you stay with a clear conscience.
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Routen Cottage, Ennerdale, CA23 3AU
Everything about the new Archway Dorm room at the Wild Wool Barn has sustainability at it's heart. Solar panels, air source heat pump are a given, but also all the fixtures and fittings have been, donated reused or recycled. This of course includes the amazing view over Ennerdale water, which is one renewable resource we really don't mind reusing
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Ballater Hostel, Bridge Square, Ballater, AB35 5QJ
Green Tourisum Silver Award Winner, Habitat Hostel uses a heat exchange system, running through the neighbouring river, to keep the hostel toastie warm.
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In secluded, ancient woodland on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, Blytheswood offers two cosy & peaceful self-catering spaces. The Nest sleeps two in a double bed & The Cabin sleeps two in a double bed + 1 child (2 at a squeeze) for two+ nights. Walk straight from the door to Heltor & Blackingstone Rock or along the River Teign valley to Fingle Bridge & Castle Drogo. Cross stepping stones to Dunsford village. Near Moretonhampstead & Exeter, 30 minutes from beaches & the open moor.
Penrhiw, Capel Dewi, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4PG
The Long barn in Tefi Valley in South Wales is heated with wood grown on the farm.
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High Wallabarrow, Ulpha, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6EA
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.
Broadrake, Chapel-le-Dale, Ingleton, LA6 3AX
The bunkhouse is an agricultural building which was converted and thus saved from falling into dis-repair. Here are five ways that they ensure their accommodations is as eco concious as possible
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Blindwell Farm, Twitchen, Sandyway, South Molton, EX36 3LT
Blindwell Bunkhouse has underfloor heating downstairs, radiators upstairs, and amazing hot showers, all from our biomass boiler. We generate electricity from our solar panels and have a Tesla power wall, for those arriving here by low-carbon electric car. Secure cycle store and drying facility help to encourage guests to arrive by totally carbon-neutral transport. Our water is from our filtered spring, and as a complete aside, this explains our name "Blindwell" as people would come here to drink the water for their eyesight.
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Greystones, Lanehead, Tarset, Hexham, NE48 1NT
In the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and close to the Pennine Way. These striking timber eco-buildings integrate into their natural surroundings making the most of this remarkable location and providing the perfect base for outdoor adventures.The bunkhouse and bothies provide stylish, versatile & comfortable self- catering accommodation which can be used for events, conferences & parties.
1 Achluachrach, By Roy Bridge, Near Fort William, PH31 4AW
Àite Cruinnichidh, 15 miles northeast of Fort William, occupies a unique sheltered spot adjacent to the Monessie Gorge where you can explore remote glens, mountain passes and lochs.The hostel has a fully equipped kitchen/dining room, sitting room, excellent showers, sauna & garden. All bedding is provided. Guests enjoy socialising and the natural environment setting.
5a Gearrannan Carloway Isle of Lewis HS2 9AL
Part of the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village on the Isle of Lewis, the Gearrannan Hostel has been refurbished to sleep 13 including a 3 bed family room. Warm and cosy it has a well equipped kitchen & two modern shower rooms. The bunkhouse (groups only) sleeps 14 in bunks. The perfect base for many local attractions from surfing to country walks, archaeology to cycling. There are also 3 holiday cottages.
Cerrig-yr-Adar, Rhoscolyn, Holyhead, Anglesey, LL65 2NQ
We don't often shout about our Eco credentials, we have just always tried to live lightly and have as little impact on our beautiful natural environment as possible.
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The Hall, Milden, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9NY
Group accommodation peacefully surrounded by our working farm with much loved ancient wildflower meadows and beautiful barns, walled garden, hedged countryside and historic landscape.
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Friends of Nature House, Waukford, Kirk Yetholm, Kelso,Roxburghshire, TD5 8PG
Kirk Yetholm Friends of Nature House is perfectly located at the start/end of the Pennine Way. It is also close to St. Cuthbert’s Way, the Borderloop Cycle Route and Sustrans Route 84. It’s a great base too for local day hikes, ideal for individuals, families and small groups. Recently upgraded, the house offers a comfortable, friendly and peaceful retreat. Evening meals and breakfast are available in the adjacent hotel.
2 Queens Road, Dunbar, East Lothian EH42 1JZ
When the owners bought the building that was the old Dolphin Inn (hotel and public bar) in Dunbar, it was derelict and on the Buildings At Risk register. Whilst the renovation this proved a considerable undertaking it also presented a unique opportunity to “future proof” the building for the 21st century.
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Craignure, Isle Of Mull, Argyll And Bute, PA65 6AY
Our eco-sensitive Bunkhouse is positioned right on the shore of the sea between Mull and the Mainland. Next door to our Bunkhouse is The Craignure Inn, a popular traditional inn offering food, drink and and a welcoming atmosphere.
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Springhill Farm, Glyn Ceiriog, Selattyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7NZ
The bio-mass boiler at Springhill Farm makes their comfy bunkhouse accommodation a great winter retreat.
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17 Tregrehan Mills, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL25 3TL
With no on street parking at Edens yard, how can we best work with the ubiquitous car? Maybe this approach can help?
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Week Farm, Bridgetown, Dulverton TA22 9JP
Formerly a granary on a working farm, this eco-friendly bunkbarn is close to Winsford Hill and Wimbleball Lake. Perfect for exploring Exmoor on foot, bike or canoe. Hot water, central heating & WiFi included in price. Well equipped, open-plan kitchen/diner with seating for all. Large drying room. Outside BBQ area and small field with campfire. BYO bedding & towels. Sleeps max 25 - sole use only. Free logs for the stove and camp fire. Enjoy Exmoor’s dark skies.
Old School, Corris, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9TQ
Setting an example with its close links to the nearby Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), Corris offers locally sourced food and materials, composting, green purchasing and an all-pervading bohemian vibe.
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Heddon-on-the-Wall, Northumberland, NE15 0EZ
The accommodation at Houghton North Farm is now heated by a wood pellet bio-mass boiler and the electricity is supplied by a 20 kilowatt wind turbine.
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Rookhow, Rusland, nr Grizedale, Ulverston, South Lakeland, LA12 8LA
Sole use hostel with woodland for groups of families and friends. 16 bed Bunkbarn, camping, yurt, Quaker Meeting House for extra group space (sleep on floor). Up to 30 staying on site.
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Deepdale Farm, Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk, PE31 8DD
The whole family is welcome at this FREE event. The theme for Open Farm Sunday 2024 is ‘Farming with nature’. We do plenty of that, so come and explore our machinery, find out about invertebrates, bats & birds, have a go at green woodworking or enjoy a guided farm walk. - www.deepdalefarm.co.uk
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Letcombe Regis, Wantage, OX12 9NE
The Courthill Centre in rural Oxfordshire provides low cost fully catered accommodation for school groups, with sole use of the facilities, large attic dorm rooms and private bedrooms for teachers.
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Yr Hen Popty – The Old Bakery, Pentre Uchaf, Tregaron, Ceredigionymru SY25 6NF
Newly renovated to a high standard, this first floor hostel sleeps 8/10 across 2 en suite rooms. The hostel is situated in the vibrant town of Tregaron in the Cambrian mountains. The area is a haven for walkers & cyclists who want to get away from the crowds, with access to the mountains from the doorstep. For mountain bikers Brechfa Forest & Bwlch Nant yr Arian MTB trails are a short drive away.
Deshar Road, Boat of Garten, Inverness-shire, PH24 3BN
Run by outdoor fans who have hosted walkers, cyclists and families for over 20 years, Froach Lodge is more then just a place to stay. Andy and Rebecca will help you or your group organise a fantastic activity each day. The Lodge is warm and welcoming. Accommodation is in private twin/triple rooms, there is log burner in the lounge and space for drying and storing outdoor gear. A self catering kitchen is available or you can treat yourself to Rebecca’s delicious home cooking.
Porthdafarch Road, Holyhead, Anglesey, LL65 2LP
Anglesey Outdoors is an ideal base for groups, individuals or families. Just a mile from Porthdafarch Beach & the coastal path & only 2km from Sustrans Cycle Route 8. It has 4 self-contained areas each with their own self-catering & bathroom facilities. These can be hired individually or together. Optional full catering. There’s an on-site bar/bistro & a drying room. Glamping also available.
East Yarde, Peters Marland, Torrington, Devon, EX38 8QA
Yarde Orchard is the perfect place for walkers, cyclists and families, especially those exploring the Tarka Trail. Even better, if you arrive under your own steam (by bike, foot or public transport) you can claim a 10% sustainable travel discount by asking for Yarde Orchards Green Discount.
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Elsdon’s Lane, Monkton Wyld, Nr Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6DQ
This Victorian neo-Gothic mansion in the Dorset National Landscape has easy access to the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis as well as the Wessex and Monarch’s Way long distance footpaths. Guests can use the vegetarian self-catering kitchen to prepare their own meals or vegetarian meals can be pre-booked. There is also camping in the grounds. Run by a charity that promotes sustainable living. Fruit and vegetables are grown in the organic garden and Jersey cows provide the dairy products.
Skomer Island, Martins Haven, Haverfordwest, SA62 3BJ.
Staying overnight on Skomer Island provides the perfect chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday.You’ll be one of a maximum of 16-overnight guests staying in the 3-star hostel accommodation, nestled at the very heart of the island. With so few people, there’s always a quiet place with amazing wildlife to encounter just round the corner. Beautiful, peaceful, and entirely unforgettable.
The Street, Puttenham, Nr Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1AR
Puttenham Barn is a wonderful old listed building which has been sympathetically restored to be environmentally friendly. They have rainwater harvesting, solar electricity and solar hot water. The restoration carried out enables you to see traditional and sustainable construction methods.If you arrive at Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse on foot, by bike or on public transport you can claim a fab 'green discount' of £3 per person per night.
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Down Court Road, Doddington, Sittingbourne / Faversham, Kent, ME9 0AU
Air source heating, solar panels and a green frame of mind have earned Palace Farm the GTBS Gold Award
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Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6NR
Eligible to anyone arriving on foot or bike. These vouchers entitle the holder to a half-price stay at either of the hostels at a later date. Dolgoch and Tyncornel Hostels are in the wild and stunningly beautiful Cambrian Mountains a day's walk apart, ideal for an adventure by bike or one foot.
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Claerwen Valley, Rhayader, LD6 5HF
Nestling in the Elan Valley in Mid Wales, Cwm Clyd Bunkhouse offers comfortable accommodation in an idyllically remote location. Sleeping 21 across 2 units, which can be booked separately or together, it is ideal for lovers of the great outdoors. After a busy day, the star-spangled sky of the Elan Valley Dark Sky Park is your evening entertainment. Dogs welcome with sole use bookings.
Capel Saron, Tyn Y Maes, Bethesda, Gwynedd LL57 3LX
Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse has 4kw of solar panels providing electricity, 30 tubes of thermal collectors providing hot water and central heating by air source heat pump.
You can't get much greener then that, and did I mention that the water is straight from a fresh mountain stream.
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Glenprosen, Kirriemuir, Angus, DD8 4SA
Prosen Hostel is an 18 bed bunkhouse in Glen Prosen on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park.
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Quantry Lane, Belbroughton, Stourbridge, Worcestershire. DY9 9UU
Bell Heath Centre, set amidst 20 acres of secluded woodlands, offers the perfect rural escape with excellent transport links to Birmingham. The centre sleeps up to 92 and outdoor adventures can be organised on site. This spacious centre is perfect for large family gatherings, reunions, weddings, stag/hen parties, schools, faith groups & corporate events. Facilities include a commercial kitchen, a hall (seating 100),lounge & games room.
St Nicholas Church, Felmersham Road, Carlton, Bedford MK43 7NA
Discover the extensive timeline of the history of this preserved building, from the early medieval church of St. Nicholas. Now holder of a Green Tourism silver award.
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Old School, Lockton, Pickering, North Yorkshire. YO18 7PY
Formerly owned by the YHA, Dalby Forest Hostel is now owned and run independently as a YHA Partner Hostel. Sleeping 21 across 4 rooms, the hostel is available for sole use bookings. Situated in the south/east of the North Yorks National Park in the sleepy village of Lockton, the hostel is perfect for groups of friends and families and groups of walkers & cyclists.
Cwmtydu, Llwyndafydd, Llandysul, SA44 6LQ
The boathouse was built using recycled and local materials, reducing the embodied energy used, and uses only renewable electricity. Other features encompass, saving water, efficient & eco-friendly waste disposal, ethical buying, staying local & seasonal, minimising food miles, promoting biodiversity and adopting a smart, sustainable outlook from top to bottom
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Chartners, Harwood Forest, Ewesley, Morpeth NE61 4LJ
Hidden away in Harwood Forest, near Rothbury, owned by Forestry England, Chartners Farm is definitely off the grid. It’s a 5 mile drive along forest tracks. Electricity is generated by a wind turbine & solar panels, a huge log burner heats the radiators and keeps the place cosy. The perfect spot to escape the rat race, relax, & recharge or get out into the countryside for walking or biking. Fully equipped for a self-catered break with LPG cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, radio CD and board games etc.
Meadow Green, Batch Valley, All Stretton, Shrops, SY6 6JW
Arrive by bike, train or bus and call at the house for your refund. All Stretton Bunkhouse provides comfortable accommodation near Church Stretton, surrounded by the beautiful South Shropshire Hills.
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Bretton, Eyam, Hope Valley, S32 5QD
Bretton Hostel, in the heart of the Peak District near Eyam & Hathersage, feels remote on Bretton Edge. It’s a peaceful space with far-reaching views across the Peak. Excellent walks & cycle rides from the door. Perfect for winding down, for outdoor activities & for gatherings. Fully equipped kitchen, living/dining room, WiFi, secure cycle store & eco-studio. Bottom sheet & pillow provided, but bring your own bedding. Local pubs nearby.
Lawrenny Old School, Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, SA68 0PW
Once a Victorian village school, Lawrenny Old School is superbly placed for exploring South Pembrokeshire. Warm, clean and comfortable, with modern facilities, the accommodation is ideal for family groups, training courses or events. The adjoining village hall is also available to rent and there is a community shop, pub and an award-winning tearoom nearby.
Auchlishie Farm, Kirriemuir, Angus DD8 4LS
Outstanding, new, architect-designed bunkhouse situated outside Kirriemuir, at the gateway to the Angus Glens.Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to experience and enjoy the proximity to the Cairngorms National Park. This eco bunkhouse, with solar panels & air source heat pumps, provides top-quality accommodation for up to 24. The bunkhouse sleeps 20 in one large dorm plus there’s a self-contained flat which sleeps 4 in 2 twin/king-sized double rooms.
The Sustainability Centre, East Meon, Hampshire, GU32 1HR
Whether as a stop-over for those walking the South Downs Way or a venue for families and friends reunions, the Lodge offers simple but comfortable accommodation.
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The Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge, W Yorks, HX7 8DG
We are excited to announce that IGLU Sauna are now in residence in our grounds at IOU Hebden Bridge Hostel. This authentic woodfired eco friendly sauna and plunge is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday and with us until the end of August 2024
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Camp Hillcrest, The Common, St Briavels, Gloucestershire GL15 6SH
Earn yourself a 10% discount if you arrive at Camp Hillcrest Bunkhouse by bike, on foot or by public transport. What better reason do you need to stay at this a quirky bunkhouse in the beautiful Wye Valley?
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Elterwater, Ambleside LA22 9HX
Elterwater is one of the Lake District’s gems, A cluster of houses, an Independent Hostel and a pub in the Langdale Valley. The hostel provides a warm welcome for individuals and groups.
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Absolute Adventure, Rhongyr Isaf Centre Pen-Y-Cae, Upper Swansea Valley, Powys. SA9 1GB
Large bunkhouse in the Brecon Beacons National Park provides great value, comfortable & flexible accommodation for groups.The spacious and well equipped bunkhouse sleeps groups of up to 42. In addition, there's a self contained apartment that sleeps 2, a glamping cabin (sleeping 2 in a double bed) and a campsite.
Jackass Lane, Alderwasley, Derbyshire. DE56 2RE
With its own crags, streams, lakes & 600-acres of mature woodland, Shining Cliff Hostel has nature on its doorstep.
Access is half a mile from the nearest parking area along a woodland footpath. Paths lead through the woods to the A6 at Ambergate (20 mins’ walk) which has a food shop, pub, buses and trains to Derby. The hostel is ideal for a wide range of groups wishing to enjoy time away in a peaceful woodland setting.
Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QX
Skiddaw House is an off-grid game keeper's lodge situated one and half thousand feet up, on the side of Skiddaw Mountain in the Lake District. Sue, the manager, is passionate about running Skiddaw House in an environmentally sympathetic way
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Bunoich Brae, Fort Augustus, PH32 4DG
Morags Lodge are working hard to take care of the environment. Well wouldn't you if you had the last of an endangered specious living in the lake next door.
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Ennerdale, Cleator, CA23 3AX
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.
Independent Hostels Climate Action Plan Independent Hostels recognises the importance of running a business with special consideration to our impact on the earth and our carbon footprint. That is why we have joined Tourism Declares. Together, alongside other businesses in the tourism industry, we are pledging to declare a climate emerency and we have created a unique action plan for the ways in which we will reduce carbon as a business.
Our declaration We declare our shared commitment to unite all stakeholders in transforming tourism to deliver effective climate action. We support the global commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050. We will consistently align our actions with the latest scientific recommendations, so as to ensure our approach remains consistent with a rise of no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. As a signatory, we commit to: Deliver a climate action plan within 12 month of signing. Report publicly both progress against interim and long-term targets, as well as the actions being taken, at least annually. Align our plan with five shared pathways (measure, decarbonise, regenerate, collaborate, finance) to ensure climate action is consistent across all of tourism. Share information on activities connected to Tourism Declares and/or the Glasgow Declaration among contacts and networks. Work in a collaborative and constructive spirit with other members of Tourism Declares and/or signatories of the Glasgow Declaration. Our Climate Action Plan Celebrating what we have already achieved (day to day) Our office is based in a building owned by the local community and staffed by volunteers. Our rent contibutes to the community and our staff volunteer at events. Wherever possible, we walk to work or use public transport. Only 10% of our staff commutes’ use a car. We reuse 95% of the cardboard packaging we recieve. All paper used in our office is purchased as recycled paper and then used on both sides. We conducted research into what type of paper is most sustainable for printing our annual guidebooks. We remove all our waste from our office, separate it for recycling and deposit at the appropriate location. We send email Newsletters to our readers (potential guests) promoting the benefits of sustainable travel. We advocated schemes such as Tourism Declares and Green Tourism to the hostels in our network (our members). Encouraging more businesses to get involved with taking steps towards a greener future and accelerate carbon awareness. Our “Items Wanted and Available” message board is used by our members for up-cycling of hostel equipment. Celebrating what we have already achieved (one off) We are part of the Green Tourism Business Scheme and have achieved the GOLD award. We have completed a carbon literacy course. This educated and inspired us as a business to continue with our carbon journey. We encourages our members to run their businesses with an eco-conscious. Such as growing produce on-site and using renewable energy. We also educates our readers (potential guests) and give them the information they need to choose greener accommodation and methods of transport. Our website allows readers to search for eco hostels and bunkhouses and provides discounts for those using car free methods of transport . Where appropriate, there are symbols for green awards and ethos on the hostels’ features in our guidebook and on our website. Our website blog helps tourists get the most out of their holidays without compromising the environment. An example of one of these blogs is How to be a Good Green Hosteller. In 2023 we reduced our paper usage by 29%, by changing the design of our book. This also reduced the bulk of the items we transport from 1190Kg to 690kg. In 2023 we conducted research into what type of paper is the most environmentally friendly for printing our books. We used FSC (100% from responsible forests) controlled paper, as recycled paper was not available of the weight required to create our new slimline books. This decision was made following the priorities Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. In 2023 we purchased Carbon Offsetting from the Woodland Trust for the paper used in our publication. In 2023 our business car use amounted to 5480 miles, equivalent to 2 tons of carbon. We have offset this with a donation to the Woodland Trust. What we will strive to do (day to day). Independent Hostels is encouraging the community that owns our office building to heat the building using the thermal waters which flow beneath it. Independent Hostels is encouraging the community that owns our office building to better insulate the building and provide secondary glazing. Independent Hostels consults Ethical Consumer before making new purchases. What we will strive to do (one off). Between April 2022 and April 2023, the business conducted travel with a total mileage of 5000 miles. (This excludes staff commutes). We will strive to reduce this between April 2023 and April 2024. At the end of the year, we will carbon offset any travel we have done. We will use The Woodland Trust to offset our carbon as this business is UK based. We pledge to purchase space on carbon-efficient servers (powered by renewable electricity sources) next time we make the transition to new servers. We will continue to conducted research into what type of paper is the most environmentally friendly for printing our books. Our ideal material would be 80gm recycled paper.