Would you like to stay in a small hostel where there will be only one or two other guests to chat to, or hire a small space in an amazing place all to yourself. Then our Small Hostels may be just the thing for you. All of these hostels sleep 10 or less and many only sleep 8, 6 or 4. The small hostels on this page are equipped with comfortable bunk beds, hot showers and self catering kitchens. Small hostels are great for having the full hostel experience on a smaller scale!
Small Hostels in Scotland, England and Wales
The Backpackers Lodge, the oldest croft house in Mallaig, offers a homely base from which to explore the Inner Hebrides, the famous white sands of Morar and the remote peninsula of Knoydart. Mallaig is a working fishing village with all the excitement of the boats landing. You can see the seals playing in the harbour and take whale and dolphin watching trips. The hostel provides excellent budget accommodation with central heating, a well equipped kitchen/common room and free WiFi. Hot water and heating provided by renewable energy.
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.
At the foot of Souther Fell, within easy reach of Blencathra, Blakebeck Farm is set amidst the wildflower meadows of Mungrisdale. On the C2C cycle route & the Cumbrian Way. Perfect as a weekend break for walkers. The large upstairs room has bunk beds for 8 people (BYO sleeping bags) & a large farmhouse table. The kitchen has all you need to cook a simple meal and cooked breakfasts are available on request. One dog by prior arrangement. Not suitable for parties. No children under 11 years.
Ilderton Dod Barns, in Northumberland National Park, include The Barn (6 permanent beds plus sofa bed and space for cot and Z beds) & Cuckoo Cottage (king-sized bed plus sofa bed and space for a cot/Z bed). On a working hill farm down a 1.5 mile track. Close to The Pennine Way and The Sandstone Way with many other footpaths & bridleways on the doorstep. The perfect base for walkers, mountain bikers & horse riders (paddocks available).
Whether cycling or walking you will love this cosy, clean and comfortable accommodation with breathtaking views of Cader Idris and Cardigan Bay. Handy for Cycle Route 8, Cambrian Way & Mawddach Trail. Bunkorama is an ideal place to stopover for a few days exploring the mountains, rivers and beaches of the Cambrian Coast. There is also a camping pod and camp site.
A short drive from Kendal, Dacres Stable Camping Barn is on the eastern edge of the Lake District National Park. On a gated road away from the main A6 it is a perfect base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the Eden Valley. Great too for mountain biking, walking, & cycling on quiet tracks and lanes. The camping barn sleeps up to 8 on a sole use, self-catering basis.
Platt’s Farm Campsite and 3* Bunkhouse is situated in a range of Victorian farm buildings, in the charming village of Llanfairfechan. Close to the A55, the Bunkhouse lies at the start/end of the 14 Welsh 3000 Peaks walks in the Snowdonia National Park, within a 10 min walk of the Wales Coastal Path and on the NCN 5 Cycle Route. Shops, pubs and cafés are within 5 mins’ walk. Just 15 mins from Zipworld, Bethesda & 20 mins from Surf Snowdonia.
Noran Bank Farm is near Ullswater just through Patterdale in Cumbria, just 5 minutes’ walk away from the Coast to Coast route and The Westmorland Way.Shepherd’s Crook Bunkhouse is a barn converted to a very high standard and sleeps 8. Duvets, linen and towels are provided. DIY breakfast and packed lunches can be pre-booked. It is very popular with Coast to Coasters, walkers, cyclists and for family/friends get-togethers.
Yarde Orchard provides accommodation and refreshments to those using the Tarka Trail with good access to the great North Devon beaches and Dartmoor.
The bunkhouse has an en suite double room with its own entrance, a bunk room sleeping four, a twin room for two, and a campsite. You can enjoy home-cooked meals and the relaxed café atmosphere on the terrace.
Overlooking Mam Tor, at the start of the Pennine Way, Edale Barn is a traditional camping barn; a stone tent with a wooden sleeping platform. Close to Kinder Scout, Jacobs Ladder, Kinder Downfall & Hollins Cross. Adjoining the barn, but with external access, is a cooking area with a mains water tap and a chemical toilet. There is no heating or electricity. BYO sleeping mats/bags, cooking equipment and torches. Pubs serving meals are an easy walk away.
Unique, quirky comfortable compartments in a vintage railway carriage at Glenfinnan Station. At the start of the Viaduct Trail to the viewpoint for the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter films). En-route to Skye (Mallaig ferry), Knoydart & the Small Isles. Kitchen, seating area, WC, shower & drying room. Breakfast, lunch, evening meals in walking distance.
Luxury accommodation for 6 + 3 kids in the centre of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Hawks Barn sits in a sleepy hamlet just a 10 min walk from Horton-in-Ribblesdale.With easy access to the Pennine Way, the Pennine Bridleway, the 3 Peaks Challenge and other routes it makes a fantastic base for an adventure in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Run on the lines of a ski chalet you can opt for catered meals or self-cater.
Tastefully converted from a stone cowshed, Loughviews Bunkroom, offers comfortable & affordable accommodation for up to 4 guests with a kettle and fridge. Book by the bed or sole use. Occupying an idyllic, secluded position, 2.5 miles along a private track. With Hadrians Wall, the Pennine Journey & the Pennine Way close by it is perfect for walkers. For families it’s great for exploring Northumberland National Park.
St John’s-in-the-Vale Camping Barn is an 18th century stable on a peaceful hill farm, with stunning views to Blencathra, Helvellyn and Castle Rock. The Barn has a sleeping area upstairs (mattresses provided) and a kitchen and sitting/dining area below. A separate toilet and shower are within the building. A wood-burning stove makes it nice and cosy. Outside there is a BBQ area. The star-filled night skies are magical. Self catering hayloft is also available (sleeping up to 4 - 2 adults and 2 children).
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.
Luxury bunkbarn, camping barn and B&B on an organic farm in beautiful Glaisdale Dale. Stunning views of the North York Moors and just 1 mile from the Coast to Coast route. The Bunk Barn (Dorm Cottage) is a modern barn conversion ideal for groups and families enjoying longer stays. The camping barn provides simple, single-night shelter for walkers and cyclists.
A cosy, 4-bed, mini-bunkhouse situated in the centre of Ingelton in the Yorkshire Dales. Surrounded by magnificent scenery, it's the perfect base for walking. The Three Peak Challenge and a number of long distance routes are on the doorstep. The area also boasts superb climbing, caving, cycling and mountain biking. Dogs are welcome. Bedding & towels are provided.
Situated in the north of Hoy, breeding ground for many birds, including puffins, & site of famous 137m sea stack, The Old Man of Hoy. Wild flowers and bird life make this a must-visit location for naturalists.Overlooking Rackwick Bay (one of the most beautiful places in Orkney). Sleeps 8 across 2 bunk rooms. A small kitchen with good range of utensils & separate dining area. Bedding provided. Free car parking and bike storage.
Toad Hall sits beside the River Dovey, close to Snowdonia National Park in the market town of Machynlleth. NCN Cycle Route 8 & Glyndwrs Way pass nearby. The accommodation sleeps 8 in 4 private bedrooms with small shared self-catering kitchen & single shower room. There are no bunks & no shared dormitories. Above the owners family home with a flat garden for camping and a small workshop for bike repair/storage.
Nestling in the beautiful Tanat Valley with the backdrop of the Berwyn Mountains, Wild Valley Bunkhouse & huts offer the perfect base for adventurers or a rural retreat for a family. The bijou, quality bunkhouse sleeps 4, while the 2 shepherd huts each sleep two. Red Kite hut in a double bed and Cuckoo hut in a king bed. Book the bunkhouse and/or a hut or book the whole site.
A former smithy converted into a self-catering bunkhouse on a mixed working farm 1/2 mile from Chatton. Eight miles from Northumberland’s vast empty beaches and historic castles and five miles from the heather clad Cheviot Hills.Walking, water sports, climbing, fishing, golf and cycling are all nearby. Fully equipped kitchen, seating around the original blacksmith’s fire & hot showers.
The Rafters is a luxury small hostel in the bustling village of Braunton just off the North Devon Coast. It sleeps 6 in 2 twin rooms & one double. Book a bed, a room or the whole place. Situated directly on the South West Coast Path, the Tarka Trail and Devon Coast to Coast cycle route, NCN 27 the accommodation is perfect for walkers and cyclists.All bedding & towels are provided. Breakfast packs and pack lunches can be ordered in advance.
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.
Situated in the market town of Hawes in Wensleydale, Chapel Gallery Bunkhouse offers comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests. Book a bed in a dorm, a private room (sleeps 5) or the whole bunkhouse.With The Pennine Way on the doorstep, and easy access to footpaths, bridleways as well as the famous Yorkshire 3 Peaks, the bunkhouse is perfect for walkers, cyclists and runners.
Located in a tiny hamlet in the picturesque and historic Nantlle valley, Capel Tanrallt is the perfect base for exploring Eryri/ Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsular. With stunning mountains and beaches on the doorstep, as well as two UNESCO World Heritage sites (the slate quarries and Caernarfon Castle), cafes and numerous other visitor attractions, you are sure to find your ideal activities.
A small comfortable walkers/cyclists bunkbarn & campsite on Hadrian's Wall, the Pennine Way, Hadrian's Cycleway & The Pennine Journey. The bunkhouse sleeps 8 in 2 rooms. All beds are singles. Bedding & towels are provided, A simple breakfast is included in the price and there's a kitchenette with microwave, kettle & fridge. There's a pub 5 mins walks away that serves meals 7 days a week. No arrivals by car & no groups.
On a 34 acre croft managed by the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory on the most northern isle of Orkney. Adjacent to a shell sand beach visited by seals and unique seaweed-eating sheep. Spectacular bird migrations and outstanding views. Ideal accommodation for those interested in wildlife but welcomes all. The hostel sleeps 10 in three dormitories with a self-catering kitchen. Lounge bar and meals available in the Observatory Guest House.
Maentwrog bunkhouse is a newly converted cowshed on a working farm. It has a fully equipped kitchen, underfloor heating, TV/DVD, BBQ area, laundry facilities, power washer and bike lockup. Local activities include hill walking (Moelwyn and Cnicht 10 mins away), white water rafting, Coed y Brenin cycling centre, Blaenau Ffestiniog down hill cycle track, RopeWorks & canyoning. Ffestiniog railway and beautiful beaches are within 15-20 mins’ drive. The Welsh Coastal Path passes the end of the lane.
This small, cosy bunkhouse sits away from the crowds among the rolling hills of East Lothian. The shops and amenities of Haddington are just 3 miles away, while Edinburgh to the west and the coast to the east are both easily accessible. The bunkhouse sleeps six in one room. Each booking gets sole use. With a log burning stove, a supply of logs & a fab little kitchen you are assured of a comfortable stay.
Nestled in the peace of the Ennerdale Valley, overlooking Ennerdale Water.
The Wild Wool Barn provides luxury bunkhouse accommodation for 6 (plus 6 camping). Traditional wood-burning stove, electric heating, cooker and shower marry tradition with luxury. With no mobile signal or WiFi The Wild Wool Barn is a true chance to get away and explore the rarely visited Western Lakes. Perfect for camping at Ennerdale Bridge
A converted 200 year old stone building, Bala Bunk House is full of character. Set back from the road with an acre of grounds & private parking and views of the Berwyn Hills. Ideal for small groups, families & couples. Large patio area with seating, BBQ and fire pit. Close to many outdoor activities. Perfect for walkers & water sport enthusiasts: Bala Lake & National White Water Centre at the door.
Middle Ninfa Farm, on the edge of Blaenavon World Heritage Site in the Brecon Beacons, offers bunkhouse/cottage accommodation & camping on eleven ‘remote’ pitches with fine views over the Vale of Usk. Sympathetically renovated to retain its rustic charm, the 400-year-old bunkhouse provides self-catering accommodation for 6 people. BYO food, sleeping bags, towels & pillowcases. The electric heating may be cool for some in winter.
On the unspoilt Isle of Lewis, Ravenspoint Hostel sits on the shores of Loch Erisort, providing comfortable accommodation in a traditional crofting community where Gaelic is still spoken on a daily basis.Whether travelling by bike, car or on foot, look out for white-tailed eagles, otters, deer and enjoy exploring the community-owned Pairc Estate on which the hostel sits alongside a small shop, tea-room, fuel service and museum.
Ross of Mull Bunkrooms are located less than a mile from the ferry link to Iona at Fionnphort. Ideal for exploring the superb wildlife, rich history & shell-sand beaches of the Ross of Mull, so loved by outdoor enthusiasts.Perfect for day trips to Staffa, the Treshnish Isles & Iona.There are two 4 bed bunk rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, woodburner and stunning views.
This self-catering hostel can also be hired as a holiday cottage. The Bunkhouse overlooks the ferry port of Port Mor, it is near to The Tearoom and to the island's Community Hall. The Isle of Muck is just 2 miles long by 1 mile wide and has a population of 40 people. With a rich cultural heritage and amazing wildlife, Muck is the perfect place to unwind. BYO towel or hire from the hostel. Bring your own food supplies (no general store on Muck).
Reagill Village Hall offers simple budget accommodation to C2C walkers, cyclists, families & outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in a tiny hamlet of just 20 houses, there are no street lights, little traffic and wonderful dark skies for star gazing. There are plenty of lovely walks from the doorstep, while Shap is 3 miles away, Appleby 10 miles and Penrith 12 miles. Facilities include a kitchen with a new cooker, fridge & microwave, 2 new multi stove heaters and a new power shower. Blow up mattresses are provided (1 dbl, 2 twin, 2 kid’s). BYO bedding.
Situated within a small hotel in the north Highlands, the bunkhouse consists of 4 rooms with a shared shower room & toilet. Guests can enjoy the hotel facilities; comfortable reception area, cosy bar with real fire, real ale and regular music sessions. Cyclists, walkers, bikers, fishermen, Munro baggers, families and individuals are all welcome. The bunkhouse is just off the North Coast 500 road route. No self-catering facilities but breakfast & evening meals are available.
Hamilton Lodge and James John Hamilton House sit side by side in the coastal town of Fishguard close to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. They provide B&B rooms, a holiday cottage and quality self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 20 people.Fishguard is a natural harbor surrounded by the sweeping sands of Cardigan Bay, regularly visited by communities of grey seals and dolphins.
A bijou 2 person bunkroom in the majestic setting of Rydal Country House B&B at the heart of the Lake District. Beautifully appointed, there’s a small kitchenette, one set of bunks, a dining table & an en suite shower room. Superb walking, cycling & scenery. Dogs welcome.
Ideal group accommodation for up to 10 people, Snowdon House Bunkhouse lies in the iconic Llanberis Pass at the foot of Snowdon and now has a brand new 7 person hot tub. Surrounded by stunning Snowdonia landscape, it is the perfect base for walkers, climbers, cyclists & families wanting to explore Snowdonia.With walks, scrambling & climbing on the doorstep & a short drive to beaches, castles, steam trains and the famous Zip Wire, there is something for everybody.
High Wallabarrow is a traditional hill farm in the Duddon Valley, the Lake District’s quiet corner. The well equipped camping barn, an old farmhouse, sleeps 10 upstairs. Downstairs there’s a large living area with woodburning stove and fully equipped kitchen. Mattresses provided BYO sleeping bags/pillows. Toilet just outside and shower nearby. 15 mins’ walk to pub, 10 mins to climbing crag. Not suitable for rowdy groups.
Close to the idyllic fishing village of Ullapool in a peaceful rural setting with lots of wildlife. A perfect base for climbers & walkers with 22 Munros and many other hills in the area.Next to Lael Forest Gardens which is renowned for its wildlife. The bunkhouse is ideally located for touring the North West Highlands with easy access to the areas of Torridon and up to Assynt.
Small Hostels are perfect for those wanting to travel as a small group or a family wanting somewhere affordable to stay. Whilst some of them are group only most offer accommodation to individuals prepared to share facilities with others. All of these hostels sleep 10 or less with some as few as 4 people in total. There are small hostels in the Independent Hostel Guide across the country, in England, Scotland and Wales.
But what makes a small hostel different from a holiday cottage? Well, most are available to individuals including Dacres Stable Camping Barn , Shepherds Crook Bunkhouse and Bunkorama so whilst there may not be many of you, you can still have the full hostel experience of meeting new people in communal areas.
All our small hostels have well-equipped kitchens, comfortable bunk beds, and hot showers and some have wood-burning stoves. Maentwrog Bunkhouse & The Wild Wool Barn are newly renovated farm buildings sleeping 4 and 6 respectively in bunk rooms. Maentwrog and Middle Ninfa Bunkhouse are located on a working farm.
These hostels may not sleep many but they are far from small when it comes to space both inside and out – with many having outside BBQ or firepit areas. As often quirky, always stunning, locations to stay where not so many people have trod the path before you they are second to none.
Small hostels are great for having the full hostel experience on a smaller scale!
