Helmsdale Lodge Hostel, Stafford Street, Helmsdale, Sutherland, KW8 6JR

Call Marie on 07971 922356 or 07971 516287

  • Helmsdale Lodge Youth Hostel showing picnic benches in the garden and yellow hillside behind
  • Dining room
  • kitchen
  • en-suite family room at helmsdale lodge and helmsdale hostel
  • rooms off hallway
  • Bunks
  • Helmsdale Hostel with the new Helmsdale Lodge sign

Self catering accommodation in Helmsdale

Helmsdale Lodge Hostel is set in the scenic coastal village of Helmsdale [halfway between Inverness and John O'Groats].

All six rooms at the Lodge are ensuite, each room sleeps up to four people. There is a self catering kitchen, sitting area and a comfortable lounge area with log burning stove. There is a large garden for guests use along with lockable bike shed and bike washdown area.

On the North Coast 500 and the Land's End to John O'Groats routes, the Lodge is popular with 'end to enders' and walkers exploring the far north Marilyn hills such as Morven and Scaraben.

A perfect stopover on route to Orkney and great location for beach walks, archaeology, geology, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, bird and wildlife watching. Pets welcome on request (dedicated room - advance booking essential).

Groups welcome, discount for sole use. Free WiFi. Free parking. Free tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk and sugar.
Set in the scenic coastal village of Helmsdale, on both the NC500 and the Land’s End to John O’Groats routes. The Lodge offers ensuite rooms, a self-catering kitchen, a comfortable lounge with a log-burning stove, a garden, and a lockable bike shed. It is popular with cyclists, ‘end-to-enders’ and walkers exploring the far-north Marilyn hills. A perfect stop-over enroute to Orkney. Pets welcome on request. Groups welcome.
Helmsdale Lodge Hostel is set in the scenic coastal village of Helmsdale [halfway between Inverness and John O'Groats].

All six rooms at the Lodge are ensuite, each room sleeps up to four people. There is a self catering kitchen, sitting area and a comfortable lounge area with log burning stove. There is a large garden for guests use along with lockable bike shed and bike washdown area.

On the North Coast 500 and the Land's End to John O'Groats routes, the Lodge is popular with 'end to enders' and walkers exploring the far north Marilyn hills such as Morven and Scaraben.

A perfect stopover on route to Orkney and great location for beach walks, archaeology, geology, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, bird and wildlife watching. Pets welcome on request (dedicated room - advance booking essential).

Groups welcome, discount for sole use. Free WiFi. Free parking. Free tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk and sugar.

This accommodation is featured on our map of North East Highlands of Scotland and here is its own website.

Availability

Available    Unavailable

Details

  • Beds & Rooms:

    24: 6x4 (all ensuite, two bedrooms with a double bed and set of bunks.)
  • Open:

    All year. Advanced bookings only from Nov-March. Check in 4-8pm.
  • Price per night:

    Adults from £38. Children from £20. Private ensuite room from £65. Dog £10 per stay.
  • Booking:

    Book online, by email or phone. Open all year - advanced booking only from Nov-March.
  • Directions:

    The Lodge is situated on the corner of Stafford Street/Old Caithness Road. From bus: walk up the slope for 100 metres. The Lodge is on the corner after the old church on your left. From train: Cross over the old bridge, turn right along Dunrobin Street, then left up Stafford Street. The Lodge is 200m up the slope on the left.
  • Public Transport :

    Helmsdale is served by the City Link and Ember bus services and is on the railway line from Inverness to Thurso.
  • Walks :

    Long Distance Walkers AssociationLong Distance Walks John o’ Groats Trail North Sea Cycle Route Land's End to John O Groats on foot LEJOG Land's End to John O'Groats by bike North Coast 500
This accommodation is featured on the following pages
En suite rooms By the Sea Dog Friendly Close to a Pub Individuals welcome Youth Hostels Hostels with log burners and open fires Accommodation for Cyclists Breakfast

This accommodation is available at the following peak times

Available February Half Term 2027 Available Easter 2027 Available Spring Bank Holiday or Half Term 2026

Facilities

bSingle sex dormitories
cPrivate rooms
&Family rooms
dBedding provided
gFully heated
nBreakfast available (with notice)
oMeals available locally
kSelf catering facilities
'Bike/equipment store (lockable)
iDrying room
jShowers
sComputer with internet
[WiFi
yYHA Affiliated
ZDogs by arrangement
9Best Price Guarantee

Map

Map showing the location of Helmsdale Lodge Hostel

News & Offers from Helmsdale Lodge Hostel

The Famous Scottish Highland Games

August 3rd 2026

Helmsdale Highland Games are on the 15th August 2026. Helmsdale Games are one of the longest running games in Scotland. Over the last 45 years the Games have attracted many visitors who enjoy the traditional games, a bit like a Scottish version of the Olympic Games. Once the games had ended the festivities carry on in the village with a ceilidh dance in the street then the finale is the dance in the marque into the small hours. Helmsdale Lodge Hostel has always been an active supporter of Helmsdale’s Highland Games and will be helping out again this year. At the lodge we have limited availability for that weekend so best to book direct or call www.helmsdalelodgehostel.co.uk

Scottish Highland Games are world famous and can be found throughout Scotland between May to September. Helmsdale Highland Games are on the 15th August in Couper Park a great day out is always guaranteed, fingers crossed for good weather. There are a variety of traditional events in the Highland Games, include highland dancing, solo pipping, heavy events including tossing the caber, hammer throwing and stone putting, track and field races including the Scottish Championship Hill Race along with Highland Pipe Bands. There are also the mini–Highland Games in the morning for the younger children, just join in on the day – great fun for the little ones. Plenty of quality Scottish food stalls and local traders selling their unique creations along with a refreshment tent and a fun fare that opens on the Friday night. The events are always well attended by locals and visitors and have a place in most Scots hearts – so why not come along and experience the Games for yourself – you will leave feeling you understand a little bit more about some of our Scottish traditions. Contact Helmsdale Lodge Hostel direct if you wish to stay and experience this amazing day out www.helmsdalelodgehostel.co.uk

Latest News

Summer holidays in the Scottish Highlands – Welcome to Helmsdale Lodge Hostel

July 14th 2026

Helmsdale Lodge Hostel awaits new and returning guests exploring this magnificent coastline. The lodge is situated halfway between Inverness and John o’ Groats making all the main attractions on the Far North of East Sutherland and Caithness within easy driving distance. The lodge offers family friendly accommodation and all rooms are ensuite. There is a self-catering kitchen along with a large dining and comfortable lounge area for guests to relax after a day’s adventure. The option to eat in or eat out is available as Helmsdale has a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, all within a few minutes walk – book direct on this site or call Marie 07971922356

Helmsdale Lodge Hostel offers the ideal stay for families and now the summer holidays are here the Scottish Highlands are waiting for you.

Situated on the famous NC500 road trip, Helmsdale Lodge Hostel is a great base for exploring the magnificent far North East area of Sutherland and Caithness.

Helmsdale Lodge Hostel offers 6 ensuite bedrooms – each room sleeps up to 4 people. A self-catering kitchen with complimentary tea/coffee/sugar/hot chocolate, milk, bread, butter and porridge is provided. There is a large dining and comfortable lounge area with wood burning stove for guest to relax. Additionally there is a large garden with seating area and a secure shed to store outdoor equipment.

Helmsdale is a small scenic coastal village with numerous local walks and hills of varying distance to choose from. There is the award-winning Timespan museum, and a quaint harbour with local beaches where fossils can be found. There is also a space themed play park for our younger guests a few minutes walk from the Lodge. There is 9 hole golf course in Helmsdale and football playing fields.

Helmsdale is also one of the entry points into the breath taking Flow Country.

Local knowledge is always available from our friendly staff to help plan your adventures – so do not hesitate book direct for the best deal.

Latest News

Latest Blog about Helmsdale Lodge Hostel

Scottish Gardens of the Far North

November 4th 2019

We were on a four day expedition to visit the Scottish gardens of the North. The hostel accommodation provided by Helmsdale Hostel was comfortable and fun and the gardens were aglow with colour.

Read More
busy bee in Scottish Gardens
Latest Blog
Helmsdale Lodge Youth Hostel showing picnic benches in the garden and yellow hillside behind

Contact Helmsdale Lodge Hostel

Contact Helmsdale Lodge Hostel - Call Marie on 07971 922356 or 07971 516287

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07971 922356 or 07971 516287 Visit Website   Send Message