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A former 17th century lead miners cottage

Ninebanks started life as a youth hostel in 1947. Its closure was planned for 1990, but it was bought by 2 YHA long-term members who continued to run it under the YHA banner. It joined our Independent Hostel network in 2014 and is still run under the YHA Enterprise scheme

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Exterior view

Autumn Loviness in North Wales

Summer maybe over but you will always find a warm welcome waiting for you here at Bala Bunk House with picturesque surroundings and tranquil setting ideal for those who enjoy the great outdoors

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With Autumn just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your half-term break!

So, calling all youth groups… if you are looking for accommodation for your residential visit and oodles of space for activities and craft work, then look no further! Seahouses Hostel is located in the pretty coastal village of Seahouses in beautiful, rural North Northumberland and is within walking distance to the beach, picturesque coastal walks […]

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This former linen mill has been a hostel three times!

Cote Ghyll Mill started life as a hostel in 1934 but closed in 1940. After a gap of around 40 years, it reopened as YHA Osmotherly in 1980. It was sold into private ownership in 2013 and joined our network of Independent Hostels while remaining affiliated with the YHA until October 2025. It closed for refurbishment that winter and reopened in March 2026, offering luxury private rooms and a group venue.

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October half term in the Lakes

The Lake District is beautiful all year round and October is no exception. As the nights start closing in immerse yourself in one of the country’s most stunning landscapes.

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Calm lake, tree branch overhead, rocks on right hand side

Hostellers have been staying here since 1938

Built in 1885, this impressive Victorian house became a Youth Hostel in 1938 when it replaced Ingelton (Storrs Hall) Hostel. It passed into private ownership in 2014 and continued to operate under the YHA Enterprise Scheme. In the same year, it joined our Independent Hostel network.

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Exterior view of white hostel building

2023 Prices

All rooms are ensuite with bedding/towels & tea/coffee making facilities.
For all ‘Sole Use’ or 3+night bookings, please contact the hostel to ensure availability and enable rate reduction.

Dorm bunk (in shared room) from £35pp (for 3+ nights), or £40 per single night;
Private double/twin room for 2 guests from £65pn or £50pn single occupancy in a twin (for 3+ nights), or £70/£55 respectively per single night;
‘Sole Use’ can either be:
‘Partial’ from £315pn* (up to 13 guests for 3+ night bookings), or
‘Whole’ from £550pn* (up to 23 guests for 3+ night bookings).
(1 night: ‘Partial Sole Use’ charged at £390* and ‘Whole Sole Use’ charged at £690*)
Enquire for wedding & New Year rates*.
* NB: Please bring your own personal towel.

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Hostel from outside

Big big welcome to Smithys Bunkhouse

This cosy bunkhouse near Abergavenny in the Black Mountains has just joined our Independent Hostel network. There are mountain routes up to Skirrid, Sugarloaf and Blorenge from the doorstep and for cyclists Sustrans 42 and the Lon Las Cymru run close by. Available on a sole-use basis, the bunkhouse sleeps a max of 24 and is always popular with groups of friends & families, outdoor enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, clubs and youth groups. There’s a pub which serves meals at the end of the drive to the bunkhouse. Why not gather a group together for a few days of adventures?

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Exterior view of part white part brick building

“I loved being in this wonderful old house”

We love Bwthyn Bach and our customers do as well. One recent review read “I stayed in your hostel last weekend. It was a very interesting stay and I loved being in this wonderful old house. Thank you so much for keeping it original and real.” Come see for yourself why so many love it here.

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Tudor style building. White walls, black timbers and red doors.

This former manor house became a permanent youth hostel in 1961

PERMANENTLY CLOSED ON 3rd MARCH 2024. Derwentwater Independent Hostel has had an interesting history. Built as an impressive manor house overlooking the lake, known as Barrow House, it later became a grand hotel. It is surrounded by extensive grounds which include Barrow Falls, an artificially created series of waterfalls allegedly inspired by the nearby Lodore Falls. In 1931 a small section of it opened briefly as a hostel for a few months. What happened in the intervening years is not known but it didn’t open again as a youth hostel until 1961. This time the whole mansion was used as accommodation. In 2011 the running of the hostel transferred to Derwentwater Youth Hostel Ltd. and in 2012 it joined our Independent Hostel Network. A tip for guests, have a look at the plasterwork in room, it’s amazing!

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Derwentwater Independent Hostel

An affordable and unusual wedding to remember in the Lake District

PERMANENTLY CLOSED ON 3rd MARCH 2024. Derwentwater Independent Hostel is the perfect venue to accommodate wedding guests. Watch as the building and surrounding gardens change seamlessly from ceremony to dinner to party. Derwentwater Independent Hostel offers a flexible amount of beds in grand rooms made of original Georgian architecture, for an affordable price!

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this image depicts a lot of wedding goers out in the woodland as the hapy bride and groom prepare to tie the knot