Youth Hostels : YHA and former youth hostels in the Independent Hostels network
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Over the years, many Youth Hostels once run by the YHA have either been sold or had their leases ended. But the story doesn’t end there…
Thankfully, passionate individuals and local communities stepped in to save some of these iconic, much-loved places. They recognised how special these hostels are—and worked hard to keep them open for future travellers to enjoy.
Today, thanks to the dedication of independent hostel owners and managers, these former YHA hostels continue to offer affordable, welcoming stays full of character, comfort, and adventure.
Some still partner with the YHA, while others thrive independently through networks like Independent Hostels UK.
Want to explore them all?
Check out our interactive map to discover unique and inspiring hostels across the UK that were once part of the YHA story.
Past and present youth hostels
What is a youth hostel?
In 1909 Richard Schirrmann, a German teacher, used a school that was empty over the summer holidays as 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.
Can you spot 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…
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.
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.
What 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.
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.
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.
What 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.
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.
What 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.
Are 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.