Jordans Hostel continues to welcome individual guests into its dormitories and private rooms, offering more than just a place to stay. A visit to Jordans is a chance to become part of a community, meet new people and share in the joys of travel and adventure.
Owned by the Quakers and cared for by the same welcoming host for the past decade, Jordans Youth Hostel has made the transition from YHA-managed to independently-run hostel without losing the traditional hostel hospitality that makes it special.
Nicola, who previously managed Jordans as a YHA warden, continues to run the hostel, now employed by the local Quaker group that has always owned the property. Keeping the hostel open to individual guests throughout the year is particularly important to her. While exclusive hire bookings provide essential income to sustain the hostel, it’s the individual travellers Nicola most loves to welcome.
Under Nicola’s care and the Quakers’ stewardship, Jordans remains a friendly, community-minded place to stay, welcoming solo walkers, cyclists and anyone who enjoys meeting people and discovering the local area.
At the heart of Jordans is the simple pleasure of bringing people together. Guests swap stories in the cosy lounge, chat over a cuppa in the communal kitchen or head out on a walk together. Friendships often form naturally, and it’s these connections that keep people coming back.
As Nicola, the host at Jordans Youth Hostel, explains:
“You walk into our hostel as an individual, but if you’re here on your own, you’ll walk out with a good friend – because we take the time to talk to people and make them feel at home.”
The hostel’s welcoming spaces make it easy to get to know fellow guests, from the cosy common room with its wood-burning stove to the self-catering kitchen and outdoor firepit, where conversations continue long into the evening.
“I think a lot of people come on their own because we offer single beds. When they’re cooking in the self-catering kitchen or sitting in the communal lounge, they naturally start chatting. They’re usually like-minded people who enjoy the outdoors and nature. We also have a campfire, which brings people together too.” Nicola says.
Nicola takes pride in making every guest feel at home, sharing local knowledge, stories and recommendations to help them make the most of their stay. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a cyclist, a local worker, or a family visiting Windsor Castle or LEGOLAND, you’ll find a warm welcome.
As Nicola puts it, hostelling is about much more than an affordable bed for the night:
“It is the communal spirit that people really love. And it’s so close to nature, the birdsong and campfire.”
The move to independent management, and partnership with the YHA, has enabled Jordans to continue welcoming guests under the YHA banner. Despite the YHA no longer being able to afford to run it, Jordans Hostel retains the YHA values of affordability, adventure and open-mindedness at the heart of everything it does.
Jordans is more than a place to sleep. It’s a place to connect – with fellow travellers, the local community and the countryside beyond its doors.