There are hostels and bunkhouses in the most beautiful areas of South Wales. These provide self catering accommodation ideal for families and walkers along the South Wales coast of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and The Gower. South West Wales is especially known for beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and soft white sand. Here you can see seals, puffins and porpoises. The wild upland areas around Brecon and the Cambrian Mountains have bunkhouses and hostels ideal for groups and individuals who love the great outdoors. You can stay in a hostel and visit the thriving cities of Swansea and the Welsh Capital of Cardiff. Hostels and bunkhouses provide great value self-catering accommodation in central and scenic locations. They are available for stays as short as one night and are ideal for group, family or touring holidays.
Pembrokeshire & South Wales: Bunkhouses, camping barns & hostels
Experience the peace of the remote Tywi valley in an era before electricity at this 17th century farmhouse. Dolgoch is a traditional simple hostel owned by the Elenydd Wilderness Trust. It has hot showers, log burner, self-catering kitchen, dormitories & private rooms. The Lôn Las Cymru and the Cambrian Way pass nearby and there are many mountain tracks to explore. Ideal for bird-watchers and lovers of the solitude of the scenic Cambrian Mountains.
Woodlands Bunkhouse is a converted stable block set in the 10 acre grounds of Woodlands Centre. It overlooks the River Wye and has wonderful views of the Black Mountains. The historic town of Hay on Wye is near by. The Bunkhouse provides comfortable, modern accommodation for families and groups, with availability at weekends and during school holidays. There’s a well equipped kitchen and dining room and 22 beds in 9 rooms. The bunkhouse can arrange courses in a variety of outdoor activities.
FSC Dale Fort is a Field Studies Council centre on the Pembrokeshire Coast, within walking distance of beaches & the Wales Coastal Path.
Built in 1856 it now accommodates individuals, families & extended family groups. There are 3 accommodation blocks with single, twin, family & dormitory rooms (many en suite).
Outside there are several games areas.
Escape to this wonderful rugged corner of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Old School Hostel is in Trefin, a pretty village which has a pub and a café, just a quarter of a mile from the world famous coast path. Circular walks from the door take you to stunning wild beaches & harbours. The cathedral city of St. Davids and the popular Whitesands Bay are 20 minutes by car.
Brecon Bunkhouse is a spacious, comfortable, bunkhouse in the Brecon Beacons. Great value self-catering accommodation with a big dining room and sitting room with wood-burner.
In the Black Mountains, with mountain walks from the door, an ideal base for horse riding, mountain biking and canoeing. There is a riding centre on the farm and the bunkhouse has a drying room and storage/cleaning facilities for bikes and canoes. Camping available.
Clyngwyn 4* Bunkhouse sits in the Brecon Beacons, only minutes away from the waterfalls and caves of Ystradfellte and Sgwd Yr Eira. Cosy group accommodation for all outdoor activities. You can book the Bunkhouse for 4, 15 or 19 people plus camping + three double B&B rooms.
Green Man Backpackers offers inspired accommodation in a Grade ll building in the heart of Chepstow. Chepstow is the starting/finishing point for Offa’s Dyke path, the Wales Coast Path, Gloucester Way and the Wye Valley Walk. The Land’s End/John O’Groats route is just 1 mile away. The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley AONB are also nearby.
Mid Wales Bunkhouse has a superb unspoilt rural location, close to the Elan Valley, with a stunning natural garden. Explore or swim in the river. There’s walking and biking from the door, and room for your horse. Fully equipped for self catering. Meals & bedding available on request. Authentic tipi and camping. Welcomes groups or individuals.
Plas Dolau is set in 25 acres just 3 miles from Aberystwyth. Ideal for exploring West Wales, walking, cycling, riding, fishing & golf. The mansion has mainly dormitory style accommodation for up to 45. An adjoining Swedish style farmhouse sleeps another 15. Plas Dolau includes meeting rooms, dining rooms, games room & outdoor areas. Suited to youth groups, field courses, retreats, house parties or individuals.
The 117-bed, Stackpole Centre is the perfect venue for large families/groups, schools, special interest breaks and outdoor activities.
Close to wild woodlands and stunning beaches. It comprises four large group houses, 2 of which are dog friendly. Book by the house or book the whole centre for your sole use.
Set on a hill farm in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, 2 hours’ walk from Pen Y Fan. This Bunkhouse provides well appointed self-catering accommodation; ideal for stag, hen and family parties.Outdoor activities can be organised or there’s direct access onto the mountains and waterfalls close by. Bike Park Wales, Merthyr Tydfil, Penderyn Whisky and Brecon are all within easy reach. The pub at the bottom of the drive serves great food and fine ales.
Llansteffan is a beautiful village at the tip of the Towi River & Carmarthen Bay. The sandy beaches below the castle offer sun bathing and relaxation. The virtually traffic free country lanes are ideal for cycling. The Wales Coastal Path is on the doorstep and the city of Carmarthen is close by. The hostel provides dorm accommodation, private rooms, family rooms and en suite rooms.
On a small hill farm in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Cadarn Bunkhouse is surrounded by views of the Black Mountains and the Wye Valley. With easy access to the mountains it is perfect for walking, mountain biking and horse riding whist the River Wye is great for canoeing. Self-catered bunkhouse, with the pub in Felindre half a mile away. Close to Hay on Wye and Brecon. Pony trekking available on-site, plus bike and canoe hire available locally.
Cwtsh hostel is new, exciting and trend-setting. Situated in the heart of Swansea City Centre, overlooking Castle Gardens, Cwtsh Hostel provides a modern and unique base to explore the city and surrounding areas.
Choose from pod-bunk or private accommodation. Electric bike hire and introductory Welsh classes - bendigedig available. Backpackers, explorers, families, party-goers, schools and freelancers are all welcomed.
FSC Orielton is a Field Studies Council centre set in a Georgian mansion close to Pembroke. Accommodating groups of all sizes up to 130, the centre is perfect for schools, clubs, conferences and family celebrations. It sits in 48 hectares of private grounds, including woodlands, meadows, ponds and streams. A wide range of outdoor activities can be provided both on and off site. The stunning Pembrokshire coastline with its beautiful beaches is a short drive away.
Ideal base for exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park. Situated in the village of Bwlch alongside the Beacons Way long distance footpath. Expect a warm and comfortable stay in a dog friendly bunkhouse with spacious bedrooms, lounge/dining areas, self-catering kitchen, BBQ, hot showers, drying room and off-road parking. Accommodation for up to 20 people over 6 bedrooms. Private bedrooms or sole use available for individuals, couples & groups of all sizes.
Environmentally sensitive barn conversions close to the Milford Haven Waterway in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Ideal for divers, climbers, walkers or family get-togethers. The four independent 5* lodges have fully fitted kitchens and have access to garden/patio, laundry/drying room, secure storage and ample parking.
Hardingsdown Bunkhouse and The Chaffhouse both provide accommodation for families or groups.
Comfortable and well appointed they are perfect for exploring Gower and all it has to offer. The properties can be hired individually or together. Rates vary with numbers.
Nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay, Naturesbase is 9 acres of flower rich meadows and woodland, 10 minutes drive from the Welsh coast. Accommodation is in a beautiful large lodge sleeping up to 36 and a shepherds hut. Ideal for families, friends, retreats and activity groups wanting to enjoy the open countryside and the joy of nature.
Aberystwyth University Bunkhouse is on the Wales Coast Path, close to beaches, dramatic walking and white knuckle mountain biking. Aberystwyth has all the attractions of a Victorian seaside town with the added adventure of an ancient castle and thriving nightlife. Accommodation is in single rooms with shared self-catering kitchens and bathrooms. Meals available. Ideal for education trips, conference, or those looking for a base for a family seaside holiday or outdoor group trip.
A converted 18th century stone barn in stunning countryside just 2 miles from the small market town of Rhayader, gateway to Elan Valley and the Cambrian Mountains. The bunkhouse is on three National Cycle routes and the Trans Cambrian Route. Beili Neuadd offers lovely gardens and stunning scenery. The centrally heated barn sleeps 16 in 3 en suite rooms and includes a fully equipped kitchen/dining room and drying room. There is also a self contained annex sleeping 4.
Beautiful big bell tents & a cosy bunkhouse, right on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Between Barafundle/Broadhaven South & Freshwater West, and the closest you can stay to the Green Bridge of Wales. Perfect for family holidays or a quick surfing or climbing trip with friends. Simple, comfortable accommodation and private pitches with kitchens, loos & wetrooms for the bell tents. Don’t delay, come glamping!
Situated just a short walk to a stunning beach, this 5* Eco Lodge offers catered accommodation & a range of outdoor activities to individuals, families & groups of all sizes. Popular with schools, clubs & hen/stag groups it boasts great communal areas including a bar, outside picnic area, fire pit & games field. Just 1 mile from the Wales Coast Path & right on the Sustrans Celtic Trail.
The Chapel House, Swansea caters for travellers from around the world. It sits between the Castle & the Lighthouse, in the heart of the famous Mumbles. There are private rooms, dorms or private hire for groups of up to 12 guests. Every room has a large en suite, TV & tea-making facilities. Dogs are welcome in the private rooms. Just 5 minutes away from Swansea centre & The Wales Coast Path. Within walking distance of great surf, walking & climbing. The perfect base for those seeking adventure on the Gower!
James John Hamilton House was the first free school in Fishguard, built in 1850 by James John Hamilton. The house provides comfortable, characterful self-catering accommodation for 12 people in five private rooms. It’s close to the centre of Fishguard with pubs & cafes. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path passes through the town and communities of grey seals and dolphins are regularly seen in the local harbours.
Rhossili 4* Bunkhouse is situated at the end of the Gower Peninsula, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It is within easy walking distance of three glorious beaches, (including Rhossili Bay voted the best beach in Europe and in the top ten in the World 2017). Ideal for families and groups and perfectly located for a wide range of outdoor activities including walking, surfing, cycling & climbing.
Stonecroft Lodge is in Llanwrtyd Wells, the smallest town in Britain. Surrounded by the green fields and mountains of mid Wales, Llanwrtyd is in renowned red kite country and is a great base for mountain biking, walking & pony trekking.
The hostel has private rooms with made-up beds, a fully equipped kitchen, lounge with TV, free laundry and drying, central heating, a large riverside garden and ample parking. The hostel adjoins the Stonecroft Inn for great beer & food.
Eastern Slade Barn is a luxury farmhouse conversion on a working farm on the Gower Peninsula. The Gower has glorious beaches, castles & a network of traffic free lanes, ideal for mountain bikes. The Coastal Path passes through the farm. Port Eynon seaside village is a 30 min walk, while Oxwich Bay with its castle, beach & hotel serving tasty meals is just a 20 min walk. Camping is also available and weddings/birthdays can be accommodated.
River Cabin, let on a sole use basis for a min of 2 nights, is perfect for 2-4 people. Dog friendly with a secure garden, it overlooks a mill stream which feeds into the River Wye opposite. It has one cosy bunkroom (double bed & 2 bunks), a kitchen/lounge area, sunny dining porch, patio & private garden with picnic table, fire pit and BBQ. From Easter-Oct there's also a small campsite. Located on the Wye Valley Walk & NCN 8, it's a fantastic base for walkers & cyclists. Canoeing, pony trekking, gliding, bike hire, rope and climbing centre all close by.
Situated between the famous cathedral city of St Davids and the Irish ferry port of Fishguard, the 4* Lodge overlooks the spectacular Pembrokeshire coastline. Within walking distance of the Sloop Inn at Porthgain and the internationally renowned Coastal Path. An ideal stopover for cyclists with The Celtic Trail cycle route passing the bottom of the drive. The lodge sleeps 23 in 5 separate rooms, all en suite with great showers. Dogs welcome by arrangement.
Once a Victorian village school, the Lawrenny Hostel is superbly placed for exploring South Pembrokeshire. Warm, clean and comfortable, with modern facilities, the accommodation is ideal for individuals or groups, training courses or events. The adjoining village hall is also available to rent and there is a community shop, pub and an award-winning tearoom nearby.
A homely, high quality, bunkhouse for individuals, extended families or groups on a working farm. The large social area is ideal for reunions or celebrations. There are 7 family bedrooms including one downstairs for disabled. Perfect for exploring Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Brecon Beacons, Cambrian Mountains and the Gower. Walker, cyclist, dog & equestrian friendly. Village pub close by.
Tyncornel is a former farmhouse set in stunning Cambrian Mountain scenery at the head of the beautiful Doethie Valley. It is one of the most remote hostels in Wales, favoured by walkers, cyclists, and bird watchers. It is on the Cambrian Way long distance footpath. The hostel has 16 places. There is a cosy common room with wood-burning stove, two dormitories with built-in bunk beds and a self-catering kitchen.
Middle Ninfa Farm, on the edge of Blaenavon World Heritage Site in the Brecon Beacons, offers bunkhouse/cottage accommodation, camping on eleven ‘remote’ pitches and occasional hands-on training in coracle making & willow sculpture. Sympathetically renovated to retain the rustic charm with fine views over the Usk Valley, the 400 year old bunkhouse provides self-catering accommodation for 6 people. BYO food, sleeping bags, & pillowcases.
This beautifully restored 12 bed bunkhouse owned by the Landmark Trust sits in the Black Mountains. There are two dorm rooms one sleeping 9 and the other 3. There is a well equipped kitchen/common room and an outdoor eating area. BYO sleeping bags and pillows. The location is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with the Brecon Beacons on the doorstep, it is also a short walk to the Beacons Way, Offa’s Dyke path and the Cambrian Way.
Hamilton Lodge (now ONLY AVAILABLE FOR GROUP BOOKINGS and minimum of 5 nights) is one minute walk from the centre of Fishguard and very close to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
It sleeps 8, with en suite double, twin and family bedrooms. Fully equipped kitchen, dining area and two lounges. Charming, private garden with covered patio area. Groups of up to 18 are welcome in collaboration with James John Hamilton House next door.
Yellow Wood Hostel is located in the market town of Brecon at the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. There are shops and pubs 3 minutes walk away and you can drink your morning coffee across the road by the river. Single, double, triple, dorm rooms and futon/sofa options with shared kitchen. Quiet time from 11pm-7am.
Run by an experienced Outdoor Instructor with bushcraft and woodland camping available. Social distancing in place during 2020.
Set in the beautiful Mid Wales countryside on the Glyndwrs Way, the 4* bunkhouse is an ideal location for exploring or unwinding. Built to the highest standards it provides high quality accommodation for groups or individuals. It can also be booked for conferences and seminars. Attractions close by include sailing, golf course, outdoor pursuit centre, motorbike school and the picturesque market town of Llanidloes (1/2 mile) with many places to eat and drink.
This old stone barn continues the tradition of 900 years when Llanthony Priory next door provided accommodation. Surrounded by the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons National Park, it is your ideal base for all mountain activities. There is a fully equipped kitchen, hot showers, heating throughout and a wood burning stove. Small or large groups are welcome with sole use and a minimum charge. Two pubs nearby offer real ale and bar food.
Penrhiw is an organic farm with views over the Teifi Valley. The stunning Ceredigion Coast and the Cambrian Mountains are an easy drive away and the busy small town of Llandysul (1.5 miles) has all essential supplies. The farm's location is ideal for exploring, studying or simply admiring the Welsh countryside. Local activities include fishing, swimming, climbing, abseiling, canoeing, farm walks and cycling.
Craig Y Nos Castle sits in the Brecon Beacons. The Nurses Block can be booked on a daily or a room basis. It can also be booked sole use as group accommodation. Offering B&B or self-catering, the choice is yours. The castle provides hearty meals, cosy evenings by the wood burning stoves and a free history tour. Superior B&B rooms are available in the castle.
This map of Pembrokeshire, Brecon Beacons, Cardiff and South Wales shows bunkhouses, camping barns & hostels which are part of the largest Independent Hostels network in Wales IHUK.
Looking for affordable accommodation in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Swansea, Cardiff, the Gower or South Wales’ coast and country side? This map of Independent hostels show a wide range of hostels and bunkhouses all over South Wales. The hostels and bunkhouses are in most beautiful parts of South Wales: Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Tenby, St Davids, and along the Pembrokeshire coast path, and Wales coast path. Also on the Gower Peninsular, and the City of Cardiff. Some bunkhouse and hostels are in serene and secluded parts such as Lennox Head or by the Blue Lagoon in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. South Wales and Pembrokeshire especially are well known for their beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and soft white sands. Here you can see Seals, Puffins and porpoises. Some of these beaches are so hidden and secluded that you can only reach them when the tide its out! The Gower is a rural landscape surrounded by a multitude of beaches, each one with its own definitive character. The Gower peninsula is criss crossed by quiet roads and green lanes ideal for mountain bikes. This promontory of land sticking out into the Bristol Channels is a ready made for a seaside family holidays. Rhosilli Beach with its wide expanse of sand and vast sand dune backdrops is ideal for large water and wind sports. Kite surfing on the sands or hang gliding from the dunes. Oxwhich Bay is a family beach with an ice cream van and a lovely hotel serving teas. The hidden beaches of Mewslade Bay and Fall Bay by Overton offering rewarding virgin sands at low tide for those agile enough to descend the cliff paths.
The friendly atmosphere in Independent hostels means there will always be someone to show you the way (also a lot of hostels have wifi so you can look up coast paths and other exciting activities on your phone, laptop, or tablet!). Independent hostels can range from modern to historic, from luxury hotel style to cosy barns, from city central to remote country side- but they all offer affordable and friendly accommodation and are great for groups trips. With Pembrokeshire’s gorgeous beaches South Wales is a beautiful place to do many activities, like swimming, hiking, bike riding, pony trekking, and more, but its not just about that. South Wales is an enchanting place to take your children to learn about the exciting history and legends of the castles and is an educating experience for the whole family.
