North Pennines: Bunkhouses, camping barns & hostels
The North Pennines is an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and a UNESCO Global Geopark. Covering much of County Durham as well as large parts of Cumbria and Northumberland. Known as the Roof of England it is an area of undiscovered beauty, due to its elevated position and vast open skies, the area offers some of the best cycling and walking territory that the country has to offer. Nestled between the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland, the North Pennines is easily accessible for anyone wanting to explore the great outdoors.
North Pennine bunkhouses & hostels
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Alston Youth Hostel
Firs Edge, The Firs, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RW
On the very eastern edge of Cumbria, nestled in the North Pennines and within the historic town of Alston, is Alston Youth Hostel. Not only is the hostel about halfway on the very popular Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route but it is also located directly on the Pennine Way. The perfect stop-over for walkers and cyclists. You’ll receive a warm welcome, We’re also available for exclusive hire! -
Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel
Gibbs Hill Farm, Bardon Mill, Nr Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 7AP
Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel is on a working hill farm near Once Brewed and Hadrian’s Wall and close to the Pennine Way. Designed to reduce energy consumption it is centrally heated throughout. Comprising 3 bunkrooms, 2 shower rooms, 2 toilets, a well equipped kitchen, a comfortable communal area and a large deck where you can enjoy the evening sun. Ideal for families who can book a whole room with private facilities. Study groups welcome. Self catering only. -
Barrington Bunkhouse
Barrington Cottage, Rookhope, Weardale, Co. Durham, DL13 2BG
Situated in the peaceful village of Rookhope, in Weardale, Barrington Bunkhouse accommodates 15 people. There’s room for 13 in the bunkhouse, whilst the adjacent caravan sleeps two. Camping space is also available. The kitchen is equipped with two toasters, a kettle, a microwave and a fridge, whilst The Rookhope Inn next door serves fine food. All are welcome; cyclists, walkers and family groups. -
Haggs Bank Bunkhouse and Camping
Haggs Bank Bunkhouse, Nentsbury, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3LH
In the stunning North Pennines AONB, England’s last wilderness, perfect for lovers of the great outdoors such as walkers and cyclists. Isaac’s Tea Trail passes through the site, directly on the C2C and with bicycle hire (including electric bikes) available nearby. Pre-booked breakfast and evening meals can be provided for larger groups. The campsite has tiered pitches to enhance the views across the Nent valley. Electric hook-ups available in the car park. -
Carrs Farm Bunkhouse
Carrs Farm, Wolsingham, County Durham, DL13 3BQ
Carrs Farm Bunkhouse is a converted 17th century barn with stunning views over Weardale. It provides comfortable bunk bed accommodation for groups of up to 21 people, in three rooms. There is a fully equipped self catering kitchen, games/lounge area and outdoor seating with BBQ. Situated on a working farm at the heart of the North Pennines. Guided walks and outdoor activities are available for groups and schools. -
Deneholme
Northumberland Adventure Centre, Deneholme, Allendale, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 9PX
On the edge of Allendale, in the North Pennines AONB, Deneholme hostel & outdoor activity centre accommodates groups of 14-40. Perfect for schools, clubs, family reunions & weddings. Stag/hen groups are welcome. Self cater or catered. This impressive Edwardian country house set in expansive lawns and 5 acres of steep woodland has 11 bedrooms and plenty of communal areas, some large enough for 40+ guests to dine/celebrate together. -
Allenheads Lodge
Allenheads Lodge, Allenheads, Northumberland NE47 9HW
Situated in the heart of the North Pennines, Allenheads Lodge is an excellent venue for outdoor activities or relaxing in the peaceful countryside. An ideal accommodation stop on the C2C cycle route it’s just 47 miles from the North Sea coast. Comfortable and well equipped, the lodge has 24 beds in four rooms, central heating, individual toilet and showers and a large kitchen/dining room. The lodge also boasts hot showers, drying facilities, bed linen and secure bike storage. -
Ninebanks Youth Hostel
Orchard House, Mohope, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 8DQ
Book a bed, a room, a chalet room or the whole hostel. Ninebanks 4* Hostel, in stunning rural Northumberland, has en-suite bedrooms, a sitting room with log-burner and a spacious dining room. In the chalet are two high quality studio rooms, fully self-contained and separate from the hostel. Dogs welcome with prior notice for sole use or in the chalet. In the North Pennines close to Hadrian’s Wall and on Isaac’s Tea Trail. -
Allendale Bunkhouse
Market Place, Allendale, Hexham, NE47 9BD
The Allendale Bunkhouse sits on the Market Square overlooking the hustle and bustle of this small country town, the fells & River East Allen beyond. An oasis for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, families, groups of friends and youth & school groups alike. Book a bunk, a room, a floor (up to 18) or the whole bunkhouse (up to 39). Allendale is well served with tea rooms, the Forge art gallery & café, a quirky gift shop, pharmacy, and three wonderful country pubs, all serving food and family & dog friendly. -
Slack House Farm
Slack House Farm, Gilsland Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DB
Slack House Farm is a working, organic farm overlooking Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. On the NCN 72 cycle trail and bordering the dark-skies of Kielder and the Northumberland National Park. Half a km from Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. The bunkbarn is adjacent to the farm’s cheese dairy. It is heated and has basic self-catering facilities and an outdoor cooking/barbecue cabin. Breakfasts, farmhouse suppers, ready meals and packed lunches available. -
Carrshield Camping Barn
Near Blue Row Cottages, Carrshield, Hexham, NE47 8AR
Surrounded by the fells & valleys of the North Pennines, Carrshield Camping Barn offers basic accommodation for 18 across 3 rooms, each with a wood-burner and a wooden sleeping platform. There’s a separate cooking area & a composting WC. BYO stove, utensils & sleeping bag/mat. Perfectly located it’s on the Isaac’s Tea Trail, C2C cycle route and close to a number of mountain bike routes. Camping may be available. -
Edmundbyers YHA at Low House Haven
Low House, Edmundbyers, Consett, Durham,DH8 9NL
Edmunbyers hostel lies in moorland, close to the Northumberland/County Durham boundary, with fine views. It’s just two miles from Derwent Reservoir, for sailing & fishing. Ideal for walking holidays, it’s also on the Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route & is close to Hadrian’s Wall & Beamish outdoor museum. Cosy & comfortable with optional home cooked evening meals & breakfasts. -
Florries Bunkhouse
Florrie's on the Wall, Kingbank, Walton, Cumbria, CA8 2DH
Located right on the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail this newly converted bunkhouse is aimed at walkers or cyclists. With drying room and cycle storage this is the perfect stop-over on the trail. Open for individuals from April to October, Florrie’s provides a comfortable bed, breakfast and evening meals plus the opportunity to socialise with other guests at the bar. From October 2020 the bunkhouse will be open to groups in the winter season with self-catering. -
Garrigill Village Hall
Garrigill Village Hall, Garrigill, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3DS
Perfect for the Pennine Way or C2C cycle route. In the lovely village of Garrigill, the bunkroom above the village hall sleeps 8 with bedding hire available. Larger groups can BYO bedding and use the hall itself where 12 camp beds are available. There is free WiFi, a well equipped kitchen, showers and drying room. It makes the ideal long distance walk/C2C stop over. -
Greenhead Bunkhouse
Greenhead Hotel, Greenhead, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7HG
Situated in the village of Greenhead on both the Pennine Way and Hadrian’s Wall, the bunkhouse is ideal for walking the Pennine Way Trail or The Wall Path or for exploring the nearby Roman heritage sites. It has a self-catering kitchen big enough for large groups. The flexible accommodation can be booked by the bed, the room or for sole use. Greenhead hostel/ bunkhouse is run by Greenhead Hotel just over the road.
This map shows the locations of bunkhouses, camping barns and hostels in the North Pennines, an area known as the Roof of England.
The North Pennines is an area of upland wildness sandwiched between The Lakes, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland, incorporating much of County Durham. Known as the roof of England it contains land in Cumbria, Northumberland and Yorkshire, but has a character all of its own. This an outstandingly beautiful landscape is just north of the Yorkshire Dales, ideal for outdoor pursuits combining wild and rugged fells with the gentler countryside of the lower slopes, home to bustling villages and working farms. Keen cyclists can test themselves on the highest roads in England, then wind down on the more relaxing routes. For mountain bikers, there are off-road opportunities in Blanchland, and in Hamsterley Forest, which lies between Weardale and Teesdale. Walkers have the choice of trails at every level, from riverside strolls to long distance paths such as the Weardale Way, a long distance path along the roof of England visiting High Bishop Seat and Hanging Wells, and the Pennine Way.
The village of Nenthead hold a gala with Victorian/Edwardian themes and mining activities. North Pennine real ales are brewed locally at the Allendale Brewery. You can explore and immerse yourself in this area by staying at one of the great independent hostels or bunkhouses which are scattered across the region. Barrington Bunkhouse is right on the Coast to Coast Route and the Weardale way offering easy access to the landscape and provides ideal accommodation for walkers and cyclists. Haggs Farm bunkhouse and campsite has a wild location and warm hearth, offering visitors the chance to get closer to nature. Alston Youth Hostels provides friendly self catering accommodation of Alston with its cobbled streets and many shops, pubs and cafes. Independent Hostels provide ideal accommodation in this paradise for outdoor activities and exploration.
Whether you want to conquer the mighty Cross Fell, spot rare birds, marvel at the dark skies, or just get a taste of true space and freedom, the Roof of England is an ideal destination.