Over the years, the YHA has sold or stopped leasing many Youth Hostels.
Thankfully, some of the hostels have been rescued by individuals or communities. These amazing people were able to see the value of maintaining these iconic buildings as hostel holiday accommodation.
Thanks to the hard work of independent hostel managers, these hostels have continued to provide an affordable place of rest, sanctuary, and adventure for travellers and holidaymakers alike!
Some former YHA hostels are still affiliated with the YHA marketing scheme, whereas others rely totally on their own resources and the independent hostel’s network.
Use this handy map to explore the former youth hostels of the UK!
Past and present youth hostels
In 2017, the YHA removed all the independently owned camping barns from their network. Alstonefield Camping Barn, located on Gateham Grange Farm in the Peak District, was one of these. Previous to this it had been part of the YHA's network for 17 years. Located on a working farm on the Staffordshire / Derbyshire border, the barn continues to provide simple accommodation close to Dovedale and the Manifold Valley as part of the Independent Hostels network.
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Skiddaw House is the highest hostel in England! The hostel was built as a Games Keeper lodge and Shepherds Cottage around 1860. 90 years later the last residents moved out and Skiddaw House began to decline until 1986 when it was leased by John Bothamley. After much effort and expense John Bothamley handed the lease of a full operating simple hostel over to YHA. The YHA continued to operate Skidddaw House as a hostel until 2002. By 2006, the building was empty and worn out. But, under an initiative started by Marie and Martin Webster (the YHA wardens from 1992 to 2000) and with the backing of "Skiddaw House Foundation" and it's trustees the hostel was reopened in April 2007 as an independent hostel! Skiddaw House Hostel is affiliated to the YHA and also part of the Independent Hostel network.
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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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Cote Ghyll Mill, started life as a hostel in 1934 but closed again in 1940. After a gap of some 40 years it opened again as a youth hostel in 1980. In 2021 it was transferred into private ownership and runs as Osmotherly Youth Hostel under the enterprise scheme. In 2013 it joined our network of Independent Hostels.
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Surrounded by magnificent scenery, the Hoy Centre is perfect a peaceful & relaxing holiday. It’s also an ideal venue for walking, 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 & cliffs with a large variety of wildlife including arctic hares.
Built right alongside the Pennine Way in the market town of Alston (which is incidentally the highest town in England), this hostel passed into private ownership in 2006. It continued to be run under the Enterprise scheme and joined our Independent Hostel network in 2016.
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Anyone who was a keen hosteller in their youth will know and love Tyncornel Hostel
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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.
Before it was opened as a hostel in 1958, part of Earby Hostel was home to Katharine Bruce Glasier for the final 28 years of her life. Katharine was a well-known political evangelist and a founder member of the
Independent Labour Party. On her death in 1950 a committee was set up to raise funds for a memorial to her name. The decision was made that the money raised should be used to buy her cottage and two adjacent properties and convert them for use as a hostel. This hostel was then presented to the YHA.
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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.
Built in 1886 as a Methodist chapel for the village's mining community, Greenhead Hostel was opened as a 40-bed hostel by the YHA in September 1978. After 28 years as a YHA hostel it was sold into private ownership in 2006. Initially it joined the YHA Enterprise scheme but pulled out in 2010, when it was sold for a second time. It was at this time, in 2010, that the hostel joined the Independent Hostel network. The hostel is run alongside the Greenhead Hotel, bar and restaurant on the opposite side of the road. Greenhead Hostel is perfectly located for stop-overs for walkers on Hadrian's Wall and The Pennine Way.
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In fact, Bridges Long Mynd Youth Hostel can claim to be the second longest serving hostel in England. The longest being YHA Street (Somerset). In the 50's it was known as the Hugh Gibbins Memorial Hostel. In 1991 it moved into private hands and became one of the earliest YHA Enterprise Hostels. In 2009 we welcomed Bridges into our Independent Hostel network
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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.
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.
Kettlewell Hostel is a multi award winning stylish Independent Youth Hostel in the the Yorkshire Dales. Serving great value home-made meals & local beer in the large dining room. There’s a cosy lounge with woodburner (logs provided), a lovely garden, self-catering kitchen & a secure bike shed. Sleeps 42 in 11 bedrooms. Great walking/cycling from the doorstep.
Previously a Methodist Church, Kirkby Stephen Hostel was opened by the YHA in 1981. It replaced the first Kirkby Stephen hostel sited in the Friends' Meeting House (40 High Street) which was opened in 1931. The latter was the first hostel to be opened in the Lakeland region. When the current Kirby Stephen Hostel was opened in 1981 it received praise for its imaginative conversion, using original features, which are still in evidence today. The 'new' hostel went into private ownership in 2006, it continued to operate under the YHA Enterprise Scheme until 2011 when it went fully independent. It joined our Independent Hostel Network in 2008.
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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.
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.
That's how our reviewer described this Peak District hostel. A former well-loved YHA hostel, Youlgreave Hostel is now under private ownership and has undergone an extensive contemporary upgrade. (En suites for every room is the next project). So why did this gem of a hostel deserve such a perfect rating?
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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 swimming, climbing, abseiling, canoeing, farm walks and cycling.
Formerly YHA Llanddeusant, Almond Lodge Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) has been tastefully refurbishes and continues to offer hostel style accommodation to groups of up to 26. Perfect for clubs, universities, corporate team building and friends & family get-togethers. It is the perfect place for a retreat, for walking, hiking, running, cycling and mountain biking, kayaking or hiking to wild swim spots and exploring this stunningly wild part of the country.
The Hostel at Hawes is your perfect base of enjoying the delights of the Yorkshire Dales. Surrounded by great walking & cycling & with the option of booking outdoor activities, it is popular with schools, clubs, families, couples and groups of friends.Sleeping 56 across 15 rooms. Choose from doubles, rooms with a single set of bunks to family rooms and larger rooms for groups of friends. Book by the room or book the whole hostel.
One of the earlier YHA hostels that went into private ownership in 2013, Kings Hostel continues to be affiliated to YHA but is also fully independent. It joined our Independent Hostel Network in 2022. The main hostel building was originally 2 cottages and a chapel. Previous names were: Dolgelley (1937-58); Kings, Dolgellau (1959-69).
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Anyone fond of the old YHA days will remember Dolgoch Youth Hostel..
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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.
Edmundbyers was opened in 1933 by the Youth Hostel Association. Apart from closure during the war years, it has been in constant use ever since. In 2014 it went into private hands but continued as a hostel operating under the Enterprise scheme. In 2016 it joined our Independent Hostel network, while still operating as an enterprise hostel. Originally an early 17th century inn, the heavily beamed, stone flagged. rugged stone building still has a section operating as a small, unique and quirky little pub with a cobblestone floor. Affectionately called 'The Baa' this is a great hit with today's thirsty hostel guests.
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Saddle Mountain Hostel is a friendly 5* hostel in Invergarry, between Loch Ness & Fort William, at the junction with the road to Skye. The 20 bed hostel has 5 bedrooms (4 private & 1 dormitory), a large kitchen, dining room, lounge & drying room. Perfect for Munro bagging, long distance hiking, cycling, paddling & day trips. Available for individual bookings and exclusive use. Exclusive use bookings only during winter.
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.
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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Cholderton Youth Hostel, also known as Cholderton Stonehenge, was opened in 2004. It operated under the YHA banner for 10 years after which time it went fully independent. It joined our Independent Hostel network in 2012.
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YHA Dalby Forest (previously know as Lockton Hostel) is now owned and run by an experienced independent hostel owner. This is indeed great news and a huge relief to the many thousands of people for whom Dalby Forest Youth Hostel has special memories and is a favourite place to stay. Currently offering sole use bookings, the hostel, in the sleepy village of Lockton in the North York Moors National Park, sleeps groups of up to 21 across 4 rooms. Affiliated to the YHA as a partner hostel.
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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, WiFi and car permit (to access this private valley) are provided. 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.
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.
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.
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.
It has been refurbished and has opened again as an independent groups only bunkhouse. Once a traditional Welsh farmhouse, the bunkhouse retains much of its original character. Situated at the top of a steep, narrow lane, it offers breathtaking views over the Conwy Valley. On the outskirts of the village of Rowen, a mile from the village pub & just 15 mins drive from Conwy & its popular attractions, Rowen Bunkhouse is the perfect base from which to explore the hills, mountains and coast of North Wales. Ideal for the Welsh 3000, Carneddau Mountains and only 30 min drive from Eryri (Snowdon) and Zip World.
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This former Highland farmhouse provides warm & friendly hostel accommodation. Ideally situated within walking distance of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen Way and Affric-Kintail Way & with pubs, restaurants & supermarket close by. Residents-only bar. Hiking tours, fishing, watersports, mountain biking can be arranged locally. Whisky & beer tasting by arrangement. Catering for groups of 10+. Pet-friendly by arrangement.
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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This impressive Georgian building was once part of a brewery. It was turned into a youth hostel in 1986 to replace Kendal's Stone Cross Hostel which was deemed too large to be viable. Princess Ann opened Kendal Hostel officially on 30/3/87. Now in private hands, it joined our Independent Hostel network in 2013.
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Removed from the YHA in 2017 and 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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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.
Holmbury St Mary Youth Hostel is set within open-access woodland in the Surrey Hills National Landscape. It is a perfect rural retreat, only 30 miles from central London. The hostel has a large bright and comfortable lounge decorated with the original fresco celebrating the early youth hosteling movement. There is a bar/cafe (opening to be announced) and a well-equipped self-catering kitchen. Ideal for families and those wanting private rooms the hostel has lots of 4 bedded rooms and some twins and doubles too.
Located in the peaceful village of Elterwater, in the Langdale valley, 15 mins’ drive from Ambleside. The area has many walks for people of all abilities, from gentle riverside meanders to the challenge presented by the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell. Pubs, shops and other amenities are nearby. The area is popular for both on and off-road cycling, rock climbing and other outdoor activities. An ideal overnight stop on the Cumbria Way.
This popular outdoor centre, set in former 19th century farm buildings, was never owned by the YHA. It was owned by the Peak District National park and run in partnership with the YHA. This cooperation with the YHA ended in 1988. In recent years the centre has been run by Nottinghamshire County Council for the benefit of its own schools, other organisations and private groups.
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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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Located in the Forest of Bowland Natural Landscape, Downham hugs the skirt of Pendle, an area reknowned for Quakers, radicals and witches. This off-grid, simple barn sleeps 12 (BYO camp beds or roll mats). There is a table with benches, WC with basin (cold water), and upstairs sleeping area. Photovoltaic cells provide power for limited LED lighting and there is a wood-burning stove (purchase fuel when booking). Outside there is a portable BBQ, fire pit and camping.
Converted from an isolated country school building, which the YHA bought from Devon Educational Authorities, Elmscot was run by the YHA for 59 years until 2007, when it went into private hands and was run under the enterprise scheme. Still run as an Enterprise hostel it joined the Independent Hostel network in 2009
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What happened to The YHA Ridgeway Centre when it turned into The Court Hill Centre?
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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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After 30 years Corris Hostel went into private hands in 1992 and continued to be run under the YHA banner. A couple of years later in 1994 it joined our Independent Hostel network. In 2004 and it left the YHA Enterprise marketing scheme.
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Ex YHA hostel in sleepy rural Shropshire. Clun Mill is a restored 18th century stone water mill with many original features including some original machinery. Available for sole use, Clun Mill sleeps groups of up to 23 across 4 rooms. With a large enclosed grassy area, plenty of space inside and well away from our friendly neighbours, it is perfect for young children & gatherings of friends or families.
The John Hunt Base is situated in the High Peak on the site of Hagg Farm (also in this guide). The base offers comfortable, family friendly accommodation for groups of up to 18. It is 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.
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.
Initially operating under the YHA Enterprise scheme, it became fully independent in 1990. The Old Red Lion joined the Independent Hostel network in 1993 and was one of the hostels featured in the 1st edition (1993) of The Independent Hostel Guide.
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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 old school was converted to an independent youth hostel around the year 2000 by the local community trust, with the aid of a grant from the Millennium Fund. Lawrenny Millenium Hostel was affiliated to the YHA for a few years but left in 2005. It remains an Independent Hostel, now let only to groups.
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On the 22 June 2011, the Queen opened Alnwick Youth Hostel. Operating under the YHA Enterprise scheme it joined our Independent Hostel network right from its early days in 2012.
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In secluded, ancient woodland on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, Blytheswood offers two cosy & peaceful self-catering spaces. The Nest sleeps two in a double bed & The Cabin sleeps two in a double bed + 1 child (2 at a squeeze) for two+ nights. Walk straight from the door to Heltor & Blackingstone Rock or along the River Teign valley to Fingle Bridge & Castle Drogo. Cross stepping stones to Dunsford village. Near Moretonhampstead & Exeter, 30 minutes from beaches & the open moor.
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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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.
Every wondered what happened to Helmsdale Youth Hostel..?
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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.
Find out more 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, 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 & Wales, and Hostelling Scotland. Like independent hostels, 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? Hostels have always come and gone from the YHA network, as buildings ceased to be available or local YHA groups took new places under their wings. In the early part of the 21st Century, the Youth Hostel Association 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 an investment in city hostels and an acceleration in sales of rural properties.
With the YHA’s new direction of focus, more 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, were sad to see this hub of tourism on the brink of closure. 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 was 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 no wonder that these hostels turn to the Independent Hostels network 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 refurbished 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 of 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
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 hotel 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 under bed storage for your possessions.
Can you spot Skiddaw House?
