Shining Cliff Hostel
Shining Cliff Hostel, Jackass Lane, Alderwasley, Derbyshire. DE56 2RE
Call Kate Tuck on 07794 268059
Group accommodation in a peaceful, woodland setting
The entrance porch, with space for hanging coats and boots, leads into the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. The well-equipped kitchen has an induction hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and water boiler. The dining area comfortably seats 20 people whilst the lounge provides seating and space to relax. 5 bedrooms sleep up to 20 people in bunk beds. All bedding is provided. Three bathrooms each have a shower cubicle and composting toilet.
There is a stunning hostel Meeting Circle area with circular gritstone seating and a barbecue, that nestles against Shining Cliff crags where you can gather together.
It is a ten minute walk, down a woodland footpath, from the hostel parking area. Footpaths lead through the woods to the A6 at Ambergate (20 mins' walk) which has a food shop, pubs, buses and trains to Derby.
There is a separate original 1940s wooden hut, called the Beech Hut, available for day hire. This is a great base for exploring the woodland for the day, with access to drinking water, a composting toilet, and a stunning outdoor Meeting Circle area with larch bench seating, a table created by our wonderful volunteers, a mud kitchen for kids to play with and a barbecue.
Sole use bookings only at the weekend. Individual room bookings are welcome mid-week with shared use of the communal facilities. .
Shining Cliff Hostel is an accredited 'Learning Outside the Classroom' quality badge holder, demonstrating that we have robust policies, procedures and risk assessments in place and provide quality outdoor learning experiences, making us ideal for residential groups looking for a base away from everyday distractions, in a phenomenal woodland setting.
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.
The entrance porch, with space for hanging coats and boots, leads into the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. The well-equipped kitchen has an induction hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and water boiler. The dining area comfortably seats 20 people whilst the lounge provides seating and space to relax. 5 bedrooms sleep up to 20 people in bunk beds. All bedding is provided. Three bathrooms each have a shower cubicle and composting toilet.
There is a stunning hostel Meeting Circle area with circular gritstone seating and a barbecue, that nestles against Shining Cliff crags where you can gather together.
It is a ten minute walk, down a woodland footpath, from the hostel parking area. Footpaths lead through the woods to the A6 at Ambergate (20 mins' walk) which has a food shop, pubs, buses and trains to Derby.
There is a separate original 1940s wooden hut, called the Beech Hut, available for day hire. This is a great base for exploring the woodland for the day, with access to drinking water, a composting toilet, and a stunning outdoor Meeting Circle area with larch bench seating, a table created by our wonderful volunteers, a mud kitchen for kids to play with and a barbecue.
Sole use bookings only at the weekend. Individual room bookings are welcome mid-week with shared use of the communal facilities. .
Shining Cliff Hostel is an accredited 'Learning Outside the Classroom' quality badge holder, demonstrating that we have robust policies, procedures and risk assessments in place and provide quality outdoor learning experiences, making us ideal for residential groups looking for a base away from everyday distractions, in a phenomenal woodland setting.
This accommodation is featured on our map of the Peak District and here is its own website.
Availability
Details
Beds & Rooms:
20: 1x4, 2x6, 2x2Open:
All year.Price per night:
Sole use: £325 Fri/Sat (min 2 nights). £200-280 Sun-Thur. Room bookings: £25 per adult, £15 per child (Sun-Thurs only). £10/dog (sole use only).Booking:
Book online, by phone or email. Advance bookings only.Directions:
Directions are provided when you book. Sat Navs NOT recommended as they take you to the wrong part of the woodland.Public Transport :
Ambergate rail station (1 mile). Transpeak bus on A6 (1 mile)Walks :
Long Distance Walks The Pennine Bridleway
White Peak Loop
Long Distance WalksOff Grid School Residentials Dog Friendly Hostels with firepits and campfires University Groups Eco Hostels Individuals welcome Youth Hostels Charitable Retreats Hammocking IHUK Community Discount for Sustainable Travel
This accommodation is available at the following peak times
Available Easter 2026 Available August Bank Holiday 2026Facilities
Map
News & Offers from Shining Cliff Hostel
🌲 A Quiet Start to the New Year – January Weekend Now Available
November 30th 2025
If you’re looking for a gentle way to ease into the new year, Shining Cliff Hostel has a rare January weekend now open for sole-use bookings on Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th January.
This is a lovely chance to gather your favourite people after the busyness of Christmas, or to simply enjoy some winter stillness together in the heart of ancient woodland.
🌿 Discounted Sole-Use Rates for the Weekend:
Up to 6 people: £200 per night
7–12 people: £225 per night
13–20 people: £250 per night
No minimum night stay — come for a single night of woodland retreat or settle in for a whole slow, cosy weekend.
Shining Cliff Hostel offers a peaceful off-road setting surrounded by towering trees, winding paths, and the quiet magic of Shining Cliff Woods in winter. Evenings often end around the outdoor gathering circle tucked against the crag — a perfect spot for shared food, stories, and reconnecting after the festive season.
If you’re craving some space, nature, and simplicity to begin the year, this could be just the thing.
Late Availability: Peaceful Woodland Escape This December
November 23rd 2025
If you’re craving a bit of quiet before Christmas, Shining Cliff Hostel has a wonderfully peaceful weekend now available on Friday 19th – Sunday 21st December. It’s a lovely chance to slow down, step into the woods, and enjoy some calm before the festive rush sets in.
We’ve opened the weekend for both:
🌿 Individual Room Stays – £25 per night
Perfect if you’d like your own cosy bedroom in the middle of the ancient woods, with shared kitchen and communal spaces.
If more than one room is booked — or if you’d simply feel happier with company — there will be an overnight warden on site for reassurance.
🌿 Discounted Sole-Use Rates
Ideal for small groups, friends’ meet-ups, family gatherings, or a low-key pre-Christmas getaway:
Up to 6 people: £200 per night
7–12 people: £225 per night
13–20 people: £250 per night
No minimum stay — book one or two nights as suits.
Shining Cliff Hostel sits tucked away in ancient woodland, off-road and wonderfully secluded. Guests love the sense of stepping out of the everyday and into nature, with woodland trails right from the door and evenings gathered around the outdoor gathering circle beneath Shining Cliff Crag.
Latest Blog about Shining Cliff Hostel
A Weekend in the Woods at Shining Cliff Hostel
March 9th 2013
Rather unseasonable for this year the first Saturday in March was a glorious warm cloud free day. The ancient woodlands where we spent the weekend gloried in the signs of spring already showing a hint of the Bluebells that will cover the understory in six weeks or so.
Read More
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