Over the years, the YHA have sold or stopped leasing or pulled funding from many YHA hostels. Meaning many iconic hostels have been forced to close.
What is a youth hostel?
In 1909, a German teacher called Richard Schirrmann decided to turn a school that was empty over the summer holidays into a cheap dormitory for travellers on a budget. Within a couple of years, his idea was a raging success and youth hostels were sprouting up all over the world. His aim was to make a space in the world where “Thoughtful young people of all countries could be provided with suitable meeting places where they could get to know each other”
Nowadays, UK youth hostels operate under two enterprises: YHA England and Wales and Hostelling Scotland. Like any hostel, they provide dorm or private room accommodation, self-catering facilities, and communal areas. Their ethos always remained the same; to provide low cost accommodation for travellers looking to explore and meet.
Skiddaw House?
Why do former youth hostels exist?
In the early part of the 21st Century, the Youth Hostel Association UK updated their charitable aim “To help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside” to include “and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities”. This was accompanied by investing in large city centre YHA hostels and removing some support from rural properties.
With the YHA’s new direction of focussing on city hostels, rural youth hostels began to be closed down. These were homely establishments that had quietly provided shelter for walkers, cyclists, and tourists over the years. Many small villages, whose local youth hostel had brought income and new faces into the isolated rural communities, saw this local hub of tourism on the brink of closure. And for many rural youth hostels, they had no option but to close down. But for a few lucky hostels, the withdrawal of funding from the YHA was not the end of the story…
Tucked away in a secluded valley in Dartmoor National Park lies Bachelors Hall.. Who runs former youth hostels?
A flux of YHA hostels in amazing locations around the UK got rescued from closure by private individuals or community led groups. These individuals and groups recognised the importance of sustainable travel to these rural areas. This allowed former YHA hostels to be able to open their doors once again as private youth hostels so the world could continue to enjoy them.
Tucked away in the tranquil Shropshire hills, Bridges YHA is awaiting your arrival How many former youth hostels are there in the UK?
As former youth hostels are independently run, it is not wonder that these hostels turn to Independent Hostels for support, community, and marketing. There are currently over 50 former youth hostels in our network with more joining every year! Remember to check back to this page regularly as more hostels are always being added.
Cote Ghyll Mill is a newly referbished mill and is the perfect base for exploring the Yorkshire MoorsWhat defines a former youth hostel?
Former youth hostels can be split into two categories. Some former youth hostels are still affiliated with YHA marketing services. These can be identified by the YHA sign on their building and the YHA symbol on their feature page. Other former youth hostels are totally independent from the YHA, relying on their own resources and the Independent Hostels network.
Derwentwater Independent Hostel was run by the YHA for 50 years before it was sold in 2011
Past and present youth hostels
Sheen Bunkhouse is in a quiet corner of the Peak District, close to the beautiful Dove and Manifold valleys. It has a well equipped self-catering kitchen, lounge, two bunkrooms and separate toilets & showers.
The Manifold Track, Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail give easy access to beautiful countryside, ideal for families and cyclists. Dovedale and the moors offer stunning walking. Buxton, Leek and Bakewell are within 12 miles and Alton Towers is 20 minutes away by car.
Kirk Yetholm Friends of Nature House is perfectly located at the start/end of the Pennine Way. It is also close to St. Cuthbert's Way, the Borderloop Cycle Route and Sustrans Route 84. It's a great base too for local day hikes, ideal for individuals, families and small groups. Recently upgraded, the house offers a comfortable, friendly and peaceful retreat. Evening meals and breakfast are available in the adjacent hotel.
Fenns Farm Accommodation can offer guests accommodation to suit all budgets. It consists of four properties, Waterslacks Camping Barn sleeping 15, Wills ‘Glamping’ Barn sleeping 6 and two holiday cottages, Fenns & Foggs Barn both sleeping 7. All the accommodation is situated on the edge of the Peak District village of Butterton, in walking distance of the local pub and the Manifold Valley.
On Good Friday, 16th April 1992, Corris Youth Hostel re-opened to the public after a major refurbishment. First opened in 1962, the hostel had been gutted and as the first visitors were arriving, the workmen were leaving. There was a mutual meeting point where they shared a glass of wine. The school building was 120 years old that year.
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Elmscott Hostel is surrounded by unspoiled coastline with sea views of Lundy Island. Great for walking, cycling, surfing and bird watching. The South West Coast Path is just a few mins' walk away. The hostel is well equipped for all your self-catering needs and has a games room and shop. In winter it is only available for sole use bookings.
Perched right on the banks of Loch Ness, the Lochside Hostel has fantastic views up and down the loch and can give you direct access to the water’s edge. Why not go for a dip in Scotland’s largest water body? Take a walk to watch for wildlife? Or even hunt the elusive Nessie?
The Great Glen walking route passes the front door, and the End to End cycle route is nearby. Drumnadrochit is just 12 miles away by boat.
Every wondered what happened to Helmsdale Youth Hostel..?
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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.
This family friendly 4* hostel has en suite rooms, cosy lounge, games room and a spacious dining room. Located in the centre of town, it is ideal for Alnwick Castle, (of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter fame) and Alnwick Garden. The coast, with castles at Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh, Farne Isles, magical Holy Island and glorious sandy beaches is just a 15 minute drive. While inland the Cheviot Hills & Hadrian’s Wall await you.
This 18th-century Highland farmhouse provides warm & friendly hostel accommodation. Ideally situated within walking distance of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, on the Great Glen Way and with pubs, restaurants and supermarket close by. Residents-only bar offers over 50 Scottish beers and 25 Scotch whiskies. Hiking tours, fishing, watersports and mountain biking can all be arranged locally. Free parking. Pet-friendly (some rooms only - please contact us). Bike storage available except in Jul/Aug.
Wooler is one of 24 hostels which are part of both the YHA and Independent Hostel networks. Independently owned and run but affiliating to the YHA marketing, Wooler Hostel continues to provide a great base for adventurers of all ages.
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The Rose Award winning Kettlewell Hostel is a stylish Independent Youth Hostel in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Serving hearty, great value homemade meals & local beer in the large dining room. There’s a cosy lounge with woodburner, a lovely garden, self-catering kitchen & big bike shed! Sleeps up to 42 in 11 bedrooms. Great walking and cycling routes on the doorstep.
Run entirely by volunteers, Puttenham Camping Barn aims to keep prices low and quality high. The accommodation is environmentally-friendly and works in harmony with the surrounding village, where evening meals are available at the village pubs.
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Anyone fond of the old YHA days will remember Dolgoch Youth Hostel..
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A multi-award winning 4* hostel with a range of rooms to meet all needs and budgets in the bustling village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. Your perfect base to explore the Loch Ness area and an ideal stop off on the Great Glen Way. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and set in wooded grounds the hostel boasts 24 hour self-catering facilities, excellent home-made meal options, a rustic bar, free WiFi, and ample car parking.
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 and enjoy a quiet communal snug or 2 large areas suitable for group activities.
Every wondered what happened when Lawrenny Millenium Hostel left the Youth Hostel Association?
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Kendal Hostel, a Georgian townhouse, is your perfect base for exploring the Lake District. It is on LEJOG and the Dales Way and is only a stone’s throw from Kendal town centre.
Facilities include: secure bike storage, drying room, self-catering facilities, large comfy lounge area complete with log burner, pool table and free WiFi. Individuals, small parties and groups of up to 40 are welcome with exclusive use.
What happened to The YHA Ridgeway Centre when it turned into The Court Hill Centre?
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Come and visit this historic mountain side hostel. Stay here for a real escape from it all; real log fires, real ales, no roads and no wifi! There are many interesting and crowd-free routes up Skiddaw, Blencathra, Great Calva and High Pike from the doorstep...
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Alston Youth Hostel is within the historic town of Alston nestled in the North Pennines on the eastern side of Cumbria. It is situated directly on the Pennine Way and Isaac’s Tea Trail and also about halfway on the very popular Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route with great indoor cycle storage. The perfect stop-over for walkers and cyclists. You’ll receive a warm welcome, Exclusive hire also available!
The historic town of Inveraray, on the western shore of Loch Fyne, is a superb location for exploring Scotland’s Southern Highlands and Islands. Inverarary Hostel is perfect for independent holidaymakers who enjoy socialising.
The hostel offers simple, comfortable accommodation in private rooms, an excellent self-catering kitchen, communal dining area and a cosy wee lounge.
With its own crags, streams, lakes & 600-acres of mature woodland, Shining Cliff Hostel has nature on its doorstep.
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.
Birsay Hostel in the northwest corner of the Orkney mainland offers comfortable accommodation for groups of 10 to 26 in 5 bedrooms. An ideal venue for outdoor education trips, clubs or family gatherings. It has a well equipped kitchen, dining area, drying room, disabled access and all bed linen is provided. There is a campsite in the extensive grounds. Close to spectacular coast, RSPB reserves, early settlements and UNESCO heritage sites.
Surrounded by magnificent scenery, the Hoy Centre is ideally situated for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. It's also an ideal venue for outdoor education, weddings, workshops, clubs or family gatherings. Offering high quality, 4* accommodation, the centre has a well equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge & a large dining hall. All rooms are en suite with twin beds and one set of bunks. Hoy is an RSPB reserve comprising 3,500ha of upland heath and cliffs with a large variety of wildlife including arctic hares.
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by magnificent countryside with caves, waterfalls and mountains, Ingleton is dominated by Ingleborough, the best known of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks (this is a great base for The Challenge). Known for its walking routes and waterfall trail, the area has plenty for walkers, climbers, mountain bikers and cavers. Licensed and serving tasty meals there is also a self-catering kitchen. Perfect for families and school trips.
Nestled in the beautiful College Valley, North Northumberland, Mounthooly Bunkhouse is a perfect stop-off on the Pennine Way and St Cuthbert’s Way. Dogs are welcome by arrangement. There is a well equipped kitchen and living area with log burner. Bedding and WiFi is supplied. Cars need a permit to access the private valley which is provided on arrival. A haven for wildlife with red squirrels, otters and a thriving population of feral goats in the valley. The perfect wild get away from it all.
Saddle Mountain Hostel is a friendly 4* hostel in Invergarry, between Loch Ness & Fort William, at the junction with the road to Skye. Shortlisted for Hostel of the Year in The TGO Magazine Awards 2019 & 2020. The hostel sleeps 22 in 5 bedrooms (private & dormitory), has a large kitchen, dining room, lounge, & drying room. Perfect for Munro bagging, long distance hiking, cycling, paddling & day trips.
Hawse End Centre in the Lake District sits at the head of the magnificent Borrowdale Valley on the shores of Derwentwater. Guests enjoy easy access to Keswick and the mountains beyond via launch or lakeside walk.
The house is a large, comfortable, country mansion ideal for large groups, while the Cottage is more suited to smaller groups or large families.
Outdoor activities can be arranged.
Lledr House nestles in Snowdonia National Park. Once YHA and now newly refurbished, guests delight in the luxury mattresses, modern bathrooms, well equipped kitchen and extended car park. Individuals, groups and families enjoy the clean, comfortable accommodation.
Betws-y-Coed, Llyn Elsi and Zip World high rope course close by.
Situated in the Peak District’s Woodlands Valley, Hagg Farm offers comfortable accommodation for up to 44 people with an additional 18 beds in the John Hunt Base next door (also in this Guide). Part of Nottinghamshire C.C’s Environmental & Outdoor Education Service, Hagg Farm is available for private hire by groups, families, clubs & charitable organisations. It can be booked on a self-catering or catered basis.
This youth hostel belonged to a local church and had been leased to the YHA since 1968. The hostel was majorly reformed in 1992 when the two large, high ceiling school rooms were fitted with an upstairs floor which accommodated six bedrooms with 2 to 6 beds. This new design fitted the hostel well as it is perfect for giving privacy for families, couples, and groups.
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Anglesey Outdoor Centre was opened in 2006 as a YHA enterprise hostel. It remained affiliated to the YHA for 8 years, until in 2014 it became fully independent
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Glenprosen is the most intimate of the Angus Glens on the southernmost edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Two Munros; the Mayar and Driesh link Glenprosen to the Cairngorms plateau. Prosen Hostel is also close to the upgraded East Cairngorms footpath network. Converted to the latest and greenest specification, the 4* hostel offers cosy, quality accommodation for 18. With 4 rooms, sleeping 4, 4 and 6 in bunks and a family room sleeping 4. You can also hire the nearby village hall.
This family-run, family friendly licensed hostel is ideal for schools (classroom available), groups and families for sole use in 10 bedrooms. Very central, 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 available for groups or self-cater.Enjoy sea views from the garden patio.
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.
Derwentwater Independent Hostel is a stunning Georgian mansion, standing in its own spacious grounds between the Falls & the Lake, with stunning mountain views. Just 2 miles from Keswick, close to the Coast to Coast route and the delights of Borrowdale, it makes a great base for individuals, families, and groups of all types. Book a bed, a room, a camping pod or take over the hostel.
Tucked away in the tranquil Shropshire hills, close to Long Mynd & Stiperstones, Bridges Hostel is an ideal spot for walkers with the Shropshire Way passing close by. It is also handy for the End to End cycle route and good mountain biking routes. The hostel has a good kitchen, lounge with wood fire, drying room, shop and a large garden. Home cooked, home grown three course evening meals are available. Camping is available and there is a pub nearby.
A charming terraced cottage in a Lancashire hill village with fells all around. This former youth hostel provides comfortable accommodation in the countryside, ideal for walkers and cyclists.
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Book a bed, a room, a chalet room, a wing 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 Trai.
In 2017, the YHA abandoned many of their more remote and simple accommodations.
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Located between mountains and lochs 20 miles north of Fort William and 10 miles south of Loch Ness, the Great Glen Hostel is your ideal base. Perfect for touring the Highlands, bagging Munros or paddling rivers and lochs. It's only a short walk to the Great Glen Way. The hostel provides comfortable, well appointed accommodation in twin, family and dormitory rooms and has a shop where you can buy your essentials.
All Stretton Bunkhouse offers comfortable, cosy, self catering accommodation for groups of up to 10. It has easy access to the Long Mynd with walks & bike rides for all levels. The busy town of Church Stretton is a short drive & it’s just 10 mins’ walk to the local pub. There’s a well equipped kitchen, a shower, two toilets & a tumble dryer. Dogs welcome with sole use.
The Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite is a stone lodge & campsite, situated on the shores of a sea loch on the Scottish North Coast. Furnished, like a boutique hotel, but with all the friendliness of a hostel. There are comfortable private bedrooms, a relaxing cafe bar, a lounge/dining room and a well stocked shop. The campsite is fully equipped and has panoramic views of Castle Varich, Ben Hope & Ben Loyal. Holiday cottage and static caravan are also available.
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 C2C cycle route & is close to Hadrian’s Wall & Beamish outdoor museum. Cosy & comfortable with optional home cooked evening meals & breakfasts.
Former Methodist Church with a range of accommodation for individuals, families and groups amongst beautiful authentic features; stained glass, arches and panels. There’s a large dining room & kitchen and a quiet lounge in the gallery. Kirkby Stephen is a market town in the upper Eden Valley. On Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path with easy access to the Pennine Journey, the W2W cycle route, the Howgill Hills, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
Borth Youth Hostel in Cardigan Bay opened up as a YHA on Good Friday 1952. It was sold in July 2014 and continued to be run as a hostel under the YHA Enterprise scheme. Still to this day this lovely Edwardian house, right on the edge of the beach is affiliated to the YHA.
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Situated on a delightful family owned farm, this 4* youth hostel provides family/child friendly accommodation for groups or individuals. The hostel is 8 miles from Salisbury & 5 miles from Stonehenge. Cooked breakfasts are available as are packed lunches & evening meals which can be pre-booked. Guests receive free admission to the Rare Breeds Farm. With our Vineyard on site why not also book a vineyard tour & purchase a bottle of our English sparkling wine, from the grapes grown on our Vineyard? Guests need their own transport.
Set in a beautiful secluded valley in Dartmoor National Park, Bachelors Hall offers groups of all kind the chance to experience the freedom of the moor and the vastness of the landscape. Formerly run as a tradition youth hostel, it was completely refurbished in 2019. Sleeping 60 across 6 rooms and 2 pods it is centrally heated with a commercial kitchen and large separate dining room/classroom. Outdoor activities can be organised if required.
The iconic Bretton Hostel has been refurbished after changing from YHA to Independent ownership. Read on to find out how it has changed
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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.
Anyone who was a keen hosteller in their youth will know and love Tyncornel Hostel
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The John Hunt Base is situated in the High Peak on the site of Hagg Farm. The base offers comfortable, family friendly accommodation ideal for sightseeing, hill walking, trail running and biking as well as quieter pursuits such as photography. There is a picnic area, wildlife garden with fire pit and a playing field with climbing boulder. Activities can be arranged including climbing, stream scrambling, caving & on-site high ropes.
Situated in a beautiful secluded valley in the NY Moors National Park, this refurbished mill with en suite rooms, is perfect for those wishing to explore the Yorkshire moors, dales & coast. You can book the whole Mill, a room or a bed. Great for educational groups, families, outdoor clubs and gatherings of friends. Group activities and catering available. Next to Cod Beck reservoir, Cleveland Way, Coast to Coast & Lyke Wake Walk.
Everything you should know before staying in a former youth hostel
Is there an age limit for staying in a former youth hostel
There is no age limit for staying in a former youth hostel. Despite what the name suggests, youth hostels welcome travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, and holiday makers of all ages. From the very young to the very old! Although, it is important to note that lots of former youth hostels are located in the most stunning rural areas in beautiful historic properties. This means that local terrain and hostel infrastructure may not always be suitable for people with restricted mobility. It is always best to contact your former youth hostel ahead of time to check accessibility. Alternatively, check out our hostel accessibility page.
When the YHA put Dolgoch Hostel up for sale in 2007, the hostel was saved by the ELENYDD WILDERNESS HOSTELS TRUST Can you live in a former youth hostel?
Hostels are consistently better priced than any other form of accommodation. This makes them really accessible for people who otherwise would not be able to explore the countryside. However, living in a former youth hostel long term is not what they were designed for. Why not travel between hostels to see new places? You could stay in a hostel as part of a long distance route or stay for a couple weeks to really get to know the area. There are plenty more hostels out there waiting to be explored.
Earby Hostel is a quaint and charming cottageWhat do you bring to a former youth hostel?
Former youth hostels do not come with the amenities you would expect in a hostel such as shampoo and soap. So, it is important to pack all the basics for yourself for a comfortable stay. If you are staying in a shared dorm with strangers, pack a sleeping mask and ear plugs. Who knows if you will be in a bunk bed right next to a sunny window with relentless twittering birds! Or in a shared dorm with people on different schedules arriving and leaving late at night or in the early hours! Some former youth hostels are totally off grid meaning there will not be any plug sockets in order to charge your devices. It would be very useful to pack a portable charger, so you are still able to contact your friends and family, Instagram those amazing views and look up directions.
Greenhead Hostel is ideally situated on The Pennine Way and Hadrian’s Wall Can you take dogs to a former youth hostel?
Independent Hostels has hundreds of dog friendly hostels within the network. Many of these properties are formerly YHA hostels. Every hostel has its own rules about dogs such as dogs are only allowed in certain areas of the hostel, dogs must be kept on a lease. It is best to contact the hostel before booking to let them know you have a dog and to see if their rules work for you.
Mounthooly Hostel is a haven for wildlife such as red squirrels, goats and ottersWhat do you do at a youth hostel?
Booking into a former youth hostel is only the start of your adventure. With plenty of people to meet and countryside to explore such as AONB or Dark Skies areas. A former youth hostel is your launch pad for an outdoor pursuit filled holiday. Or alternatively sit back and relax, cook up some amazing food and admire the views straight from your doorstep.
Ninebanks hostel looks as though it stepped right out of a fairytaleAre youth hostels safe?
Youth hostels are very safe places. The people running hostels know how important it is for customers to have a safe place to store their possessions such as laptops and bikes. This is why many hostels come with secure bike storage and lockers or lockable underbed storage for your possessions.
Can you spot Skiddaw House?
