Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire Wolds & the East of England: Bunkhouses, camping barns & hostels
The East of England has some great Independent Hostels in the Lincolnshire Wolds, the North Norfolk Coast and rural Suffolk. The area is steeped in history with Romans and Anglo Saxons remains. Lincoln, Norwich, Ely, and Peterborough have impressive Cathedrals and the whole area is dotted with abbeys and castles including Castle Acre Priory in Norfolk, Nottingham Castle and Sutton Hoo in Suffolk. The popular resorts of Great Yarmouth, Southwold, Skegness, Ingoldmells, Cromer and Sheringham, and Hunstantion Beach are all in this area as well as The Norfolk Broads and nature reserves including Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, The North Norfolk Coast AONB, The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and famous RSPB reserve at Minsmere.
Norfolk, Suffolk & the East of England
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Chellington Centre
The Chellington Centre, St Nicholas Church, Felmersham Road, Carlton, Bedford MK43 7NA
A unique and memorable venue for group stays. Situated in the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside with amazing views across the Great River Ouse, it’s easily accessible from the M1 but a world apart. The converted 12th century church can sleep 30 in bunkrooms, with modern facilities, an industrial style kitchen for self-catering and two breakout rooms. Youth group discounts available. -
Brancaster Activity Centre (bac)
Dial House, Harbour Way, Brancaster Staithe, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8BW
This National Trust Grade ll listed flint cottage lies in the picturesque harbour of Brancaster Staithe on the North Norfolk Coast. With stunning sea views across the beautiful marshes. Groups of up to 22 or 48 can be accommodated (sole occupancy). Self-cater in the well equipped kitchen, or eat out in nearby pubs and cafés. The upstairs ‘snug’ has a TV and woodburner and there is a garden with seating. Perfect for sailing, walking, kite surfing, bird watching & the Norfolk Coast Path. -
Viking Centre
Pelham Road, Claxby, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 3YR
Situated in the village of Claxby in the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this low cost hostel has a well equipped kitchen and good sized communal area. Within easy reach of Lincoln, Gainsborough, Scunthorpe and Grimsby. The perfect location for: walking, cycling, field studies, outdoor pursuits, educational activities and conservation projects. Popular with family groups, schools, scouts, guides, walkers, cycling groups and other organisations. Ideal for groups wanting a break in beautiful rural surroundings. -
Tower Windmill
Tower Windmill, Tower Road, Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk, PE31 8JB
Built in 1816 and last used as a working mill in 1914, this National Trust bunkhouse has panoramic views of the countryside and the Norfolk coastline. A perfect venue and location for groups of family and friends to get together and explore the local beaches and miles of public footpaths. Featuring a well equipped ground floor kitchen, sitting/dining area, a third floor library and large enclosed garden. BYO bedding and linen. -
Harlow International Hostel
13 School Lane, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2QD
Harlow International Hostel is in the centre of a landscaped park and is one of the oldest buildings in Harlow. The town of Harlow is your ideal base for exploring London, Cambridge and the best of South East England. The journey time to central London is only 35 minutes from the hostel door and it is the closest hostel to Stansted Airport. National Cycle Route 1 passes the front door. Meals can be provided for groups. There's a children's zoo, orienteering course and outdoor pursuits centre in the park. -
1912 Centre
Cow Lane, Off Kings Quay Street, Harwich CO12 3ES
The 1912 Centre, in the Harwich Conservation area, is just 50m from the sandy beach & promenade. The centrally heated hostel is the former town fire station. The old engine garage is now the dining and recreational area. The upper floor has 4 cabin style sleeping areas, other beds are on the ground floor & suitable for disabled. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, showers & drying room. BYO sleeping or hire duvets. -
Old Brooder Bunkhouse
The Hall, Milden, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9NY
Comfy, farm self-catering in rural Suffolk. Sleeps 22 in five bedrooms, including a restored Shepherd’s Hut. Mix of oak bunks/conventional beds. Relax in cosy sitting room; BBQ, ping-pong, croquet & badminton; explore the farm, picnic in a meadow. 20 bikes included in hire or kayak down the River Stour. Go Ape, visit castles, coast, historic towns & houses. Larger groups can also book the Tudor Barn (also in this guide). -
Hull Trinity Backpackers
51/52 Market Place Kingston Upon Hull HU1 1RQ
In the heart of historic Hull this hostel is aimed at the individual traveller, small groups, cyclists and families. Perfect for visiting Hull’s art exhibitions & attractions, like the newly opened Hull Bonus Arena. Family and en-suite rooms, self-catering kitchen and vibrant coffee lounge. Great for visiting the East Yorkshire Coast, historic Beverley and York. Daily ferries to Belgium and the Netherlands put Europe on the doorstep. -
Hunstanton Backpackers and Yha
15-17 Avenue Road, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5BW
This family-run, family friendly licensed hostel is ideal for schools (classroom available) & groups as sole use or for families & individuals in private rooms. Close to the beach, town centre, Sealife sanctuary, cliff walks and buses serving the Norfolk Coast. Perfect for walking, cycling, birding and fun on the beach. Food served or self-cater in the kitchen. Enjoy sea views from the garden patio. -
Old Red Lion
Old Red Lion, Bailey Street, Castle Acre, Norfolk, PE32 2AG
The medieval walled town of Castle Acre is on the Peddars Way ancient track/long distance path. This former pub, continues to serve travellers who seek refreshment and repose. Stay in private rooms or dorms (bedding/linen supplied). There are quiet communal areas and 2 large areas suitable for group activities. -
Deepdale Backpackers
Deepdale Farm, Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk, PE31 8DD
Deepdale Backpackers offers a range of comfortable, private, en suite rooms, plus single sex dorms. All bedding is provided, BYO towels. Facilities include a large well equipped kitchen, communal dining area & living room, underfloor heating throughout & laundry/drying facilities. More accommodation is available for groups at Deepdale Groups Hostel (also in the guide) which is on the same site. -
Tudor Barn
The Hall, Milden, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9NY
The Tudor Barn offers unique group accommodation on an environmentally friendly working farm in rural Suffolk. Sleeping 23 (singles/doubles/4 posters & truckles) in 4 private rooms + the huge space of the Tudor Barn where you can also feast & relax. The perfect base for group celebrations, reunions or activity breaks. Bikes and Tudor costumes are included. Larger parties can also stay at the Old Brooder Bunkhouse on the same site (also in this guide). -
Igloo Hybrid
Igloo Hybrid, 4-6 Eldon Chambers, Wheeler Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2NS
On Market Square, right in the centre of Nottingham, Igloo offers great value and comfort. Decorated using up-cycled furniture and street art murals, with a self-catering kitchen, free WiFi, power showers, lockers, lounge, outdoor courtyard and laundry facilities. The Pods & Annexe offer further rooms with the same standard. The Igloo SHED is our newly addition with ensuite room. -
Deepdale Groups Hostel
Deepdale Farm, Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk, PE31 8DD
Deepdale Groups Hostel is in Burnham Deepdale on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast. The Groups Hostel offers comfortable, self-catering accommodation for groups. Sleeping up to 18 people in 4 bedrooms, it is perfect for friends, larger family gatherings, clubs or reunions. A great base for a walking break, cycling tour or for bird/wildlife watching groups. More accommodation is available at Deepdale Backpackers (also in the guide) which is on the same site.
This map shows the Bunkhouses, Camping barns and hostels in the East of England
It covers the East Anglian counties of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, as well as Lincolnshire and Nottingham to the North and Cambridgeshire to the West.
The North Sea coastline is a haven for wildlife and has a number of fantastic sites for bird and wildlife watchers including Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, The North Norfolk Coast AONB, The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and famous RSPB reserve at Minsmere.
Lincolnshire Wolds
Further inland the Lincolnshire Wolds rise above the agricultural land surrounding them and are the highest hills between Kent and Yorkshire. The City if Lincoln is easily visited from our hostels in the area and is well known for it’s cathedral which has featured in a number of films including the Da Vinci Code.
The lincolnshire Wolds are well known for quite swooping lanes ideal for cycle touring and peaceful footpaths with an historic tie to the Rambling movement of the 1930’s. There are two walking festivals in this area the, Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival and the South Lincolnshire Walking Festival. These are organised by Heritage Lincolnshire with support from Lincolnshire County Council, Access Lincoln, North Kesteven District Council, South Kesteven District Council, Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council.
Nottinghamshire
Walkers, Cyclist and Horse-riders love the Forestry Commission’s action packed sites at Thetford Forest and Sherwood Pines or the National Trust Site at Clumber Park, whilst lovers of the legend of Robin Hood can find out more at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre near Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire.
The East of England is steeped in history with both rural and urban areas influenced by the Romans, Anglo Saxons and Vikings. Lincoln, Norwich, Ely, and Peterborough all boast impressive Cathedrals whilst the area is dotted with abbeys and castles including Bury St Edmunds Abbey, Castle Acre Priory, Framlingham Castle, Nottingham Castle and many more whilst the fascinating Anglo Saxon royal burial ground can be visited at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk. Colchester’s is Britian’s oldest recorded town and was once the capital of Roman Britain, whilst Ipswich has a long history as an important port. Nottingham boasts a fascinating system of caves underneath the city whilst three of it’s pubs; The Bell, The Salutation and The Trip to Jerusalem fight it out with Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans, for the title of Oldest Pub in England! Lovers of the seaside visit the popular seaside resorts of Great Yarmouth, Southwold, Skegness, Ingoldmells, Cromer and Sheringham in their hoards whilst Hunstantion Beach makes it into the Trip Advisor top 25 best British beaches. The Norfolk Broads are another attraction for boat and wildlife lovers alike.