Discover why Tarset Tor, a stylish, eco-friendly “poshtel” in the heart of Northumberland, is turning heads. On a visit to meet hosts Rob and Claire, I explored their stunning bunkhouse, cosy bothies, and the sustainable vision behind this unique retreat. With dark skies, adventure on the doorstep, and a warm hostel spirit at its core, Tarset Tor is a standout example of modern, meaningful travel.
The “Poshtel” Bringing Style, Sustainability, and Adventure to Northumberland
At Independent Hostels, one of the best parts of our job is getting out and meeting the incredible people who make our network so special. This month, I visited Tarset Tor, a striking eco retreat in the heart of Northumberland National Park. Run by Rob and Claire Cocker, two hosts with a big love for the outdoors and an even bigger vision for sustainable, sociable travel.
Tarset Tor has been affectionately described by its guests as a “poshtel” and I can see why. Combining the amazing community feel of a hostel with the design flair of a boutique retreat, Tarset Tor offers the best of both worlds.
The site features a stylish 20-bed bunkhouse and five beautiful self-contained bothies, sleeping between six and eight people each. Whether you’re part of a school group, cycling club, family, or group of friends, every space feels modern, warm, and welcoming.
Each building was purpose-built using sustainable materials, with a focus on low-energy. And beyond the accommodation, guests can unwind at the Hillbillies Bar, enjoy a sauna, or make use of the mini football pitch which is perfect for children.
Tarset Tor sits within Northumberland National Park, one of only a handful of International Dark Sky Parks in Europe, and if you’re lucky, you might even see the northern lights from your doorstep.
Perfect for Adventure Seekers
Adventure is at the heart of Tarset Tor. The bunkhouse sits right on National Cycle Route 10, linking the Cumbrian coast to Northumberland, and close to the Pennine Way. For those who prefer to stay local, there are walking trails, forest tracks, and historic routes all around.
Guests can also book a wide range of outdoor activities — from archery and foraging to shooting, fishing, and more. “All sorts of weird and wonderful things,” laughs Rob. “Northumberland is the ideal place to try something new.”
From Backpacking to Building a Business
The idea for Tarset Tor came from Rob’s own backpacking days in Australia, where he fell in love with the atmosphere of hostels. “When I came back, I realised there wasn’t much in North Tyne Valley offering affordable, group-friendly accommodation,” he share with me.
With a background in hospitality and a knack for planning, Rob designed and built Tarset Tor with family and friend, from the ground up. What started as a single bunkhouse has grown into a sustainable, thriving hub for lovers of the outdoors.
Rob and Claire now run Tarset Tor together, managing everything themselves. “We love it — especially meeting the amazing people who come to stay,” says Rob. As many of our hostel owners will know, “It can be tough in the quieter months, but the freedom and the friendships make it all worthwhile” explains Rob.
Eco at Its Core
Sustainability runs through every part of Tarset Tor’s design. Each bothy and the bunkhouse is heated and powered by biomass boilers, fuelled by locally sourced pine pellets from Kielder Forest which is just a few miles away.
“The pellets are made from wood grown and processed right here in the Borders,” Rob shares. “It’s low impact, renewable, and keeps everything cosy for our guests.”
The buildings are heavily insulated to minimise energy use, and every design choice has been made with the environment in mind. There’s even a wildlife pond on-site, providing a safe home for native fish, frogs, and other species.
The Future of “Poshtelling”
Rob believes hostels like Tarset Tor are the “last bastion of budget accommodation,” and he’s passionate about showing how versatile and high-quality they can be. “People are missing a trick with hostels,” he says. “We’ve created something that’s affordable, but also stylish and sustainable. You don’t have to compromise.”
For now, Rob and Claire plan to keep building on what they’ve created. They continue to welcome guests, families, and groups from across the UK and beyond. And judging by the enthusiasm and care they put into everything, Tarset Tor’s story is far from finished.
I loved meeting Rob and Claire and hearing the inspiring story behind Tarset Tor, it’s a place that captures everything we love about independent hostelling: creativity, community, and a passion for the outdoors.
I’m already looking forward to going back.
Plan your stay:
You can find out more about Tarset Tor on our website Independent Hostels network.
About Independent Hostels:
Independent Hostels UK connects travellers with over 300 independently owned hostels and bunkhouses across the UK. From remote mountain bothies to vibrant city hostels, each offers a warm welcome, affordable prices, and a love of the great outdoors.