This map shows bunkhouses, camping barns and hostels in the South and South-east of England. Many are within a couple of hours drive or a short train ride from London. Whether you require self catering accommodation for a stop-over in Kent on the way to the continent, or if you are exploring the South Downs or the New Forest, hostels and bunkhouses provide the ideal accommodation. City hostels in Canterbury, Brighton and London are ideal for exploring these cities or enjoying the nightlife. Camping barns and hostels provide ideal accommodation on the South Downs Way, the North Downs Way and the Ridgeway.
South - South East England
Darsham Country Centre is in the old railway station. Affiliated with the Woodcraft Folk, the Centre provides affordable self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 24. It is perfectly situated for exploring the beauty of the Suffolk countryside & visiting the area’s many tourist attractions. Suffolk’s Heritage Coast & the market town of Saxmundham are only 5-6 miles away. Overflow camping for up to 15.
Only a few steps from the historic Ridgeway National Trail, Court Hill Centre enjoys breathtaking views over the Vale of the White Horse. Reclaimed barns surround a pretty courtyard garden.
Providing accommodation for schools, families, groups and individuals, the centre offers evening meals, breakfasts and picnic lunches. There is a beautiful high-roofed dining room which retains the atmosphere of the old barn. A meeting/class-room, camping and self-catering kitchen are also available.
Welcome to Stonehenge Hostel, family farm & vineyards, where the perfect overnight accommodation awaits!Set in over 40 acres of stunning Wiltshire countryside, vineyards, farm & woodlands, the hostel is located just 8 miles from the historic city of Salisbury and is only 5 miles from the iconic Stonehenge. Come along and enjoy the rare breed farm animals, vineyards and over 70 beds in the fantastic Stonehenge Hostel.
Unique venue for sole use groups in an ancient, Gr I listed church, converted into an award winning Centre. Sleeps 36 in bunkrooms (+ 30 camping -Youth grps only - charges apply). Modern facilities, self-catering kitchen & breakout lounges. Situated in beautiful Bedfordshire countryside with amazing views. Easy access from M1/A1, but a world apart. Disabled access. Youth grp discounts.
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.
The 1912 Centre is the former Harwich fire station with views to the harbour.The centrally heated hostel offers a large dining / recreational area and cabin style rooms, with two ground floor rooms suitable for disabled. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, showers & drying room. BYO sleeping bag. The Centre is close to town amenities, Harwich Town railway station and 50m from the promenade and sandy beach.
Comfy, farm stay self-catering in rural, train-accessible, Suffolk. Sleeps 22 in five bedrooms, including a restored Shepherd’s Hut. Mix of oak bunks & beds. Relax in cosy sitting room; croquet, BBQ, ping-pong & badminton; explore the farm, picnic in a meadow. 20+ bikes included in hire or kayak down the River Stour. Go Ape, visit castles, coast, historic towns. Larger groups can also book the Tudor Barn (also in this guide).
An award winning eco-renovation in the heart of the South Downs National Park right on the South Downs Way. The perfect base for walkers, cyclists, business away-days and family get-togethers. The Lodge offers well appointed self-catering accommodation. There are also B&B rooms and a campsite with yurts & secluded pitches. Large grounds with woodland trails and a café. Pubs, shops & take-aways, 2 miles.
Palace Farm Hostel is a relaxing, flexible 4* hostel on a family run farm.Situated in the village of Doddington, (which has a pub!), in the North Kent Downs AONB. The area is great for walking, cycling & wildlife. There are ten fully heated en suite rooms sleeping up to 39. Duvets, linen and continental breakfast included.
Gumber Bothy Camping Barn & Campsite is now open. A converted Sussex flint barn on a working sheep farm within the National Trust’s Slindon Estate, Gumber Bothy provides simple overnight accommodation & camping for walkers, horse riders and cyclists, just off the South Downs Way. A tranquil and remote location for you to get away from it all. Just 5 mins’ walk from Stane Street, the Roman Road that crosses the South Downs Way at Bignor Hill. NO CARS.
Cowes Base Camp is located at UKSA, a charitable organisation and leading watersports centre. It offers catered holidays by the sea with optional activities for families and groups of all sizes. Choose from private 4, 6 or 8-person rooms. The Base Camp is directly on the waterfront. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, canteen and full-sized sports hall.
A former boarding school nestling in beautiful countryside, Gaveston Hall accommodates groups of all sizes. The 100 beds are spread across dorms, private single/twin rooms & chalets.Set in magnificent grounds with a football field, tennis court, woodland walks and fishing lake. Inside there are table tennis & pool tables and an indoor swimming pool. Room for coach parking.
The Tudor Barn offers atmospheric group accommodation on an environmentally friendly working farm in rural Suffolk. Sleeping 25+ (singles/doubles/4 posters) in 4 private rooms plus the huge space of the Tudor Barn where you also feast & relax. The perfect base for group celebrations, reunions or activity breaks. Bikes & Tudor costumes are included. Larger parties can also hire the Old Brooder Bunkhouse (sleeping 22) 100m down the track (also in this guide).
The Caldecotte Xperience on the south eastern edge of Milton Keynes offers an unrivalled choice of glamping or residential accommodation for groups of 18 to 239. Situated just 10 mins’ drive from the M1, it is easily accessible from all parts of the country. Catered or self-catering packages are available and a whole range of outdoor activities can be booked if required
Perfect for walkers, cyclists, runners etc wanting to stay in the South Downs National Park. This beautifully converted barn on a working farm is on the South Downs Way. Equipped with 2 ovens, microwave, fridge/freezer toasters, kettles, dishwasher, washing machine & tumble dryers. Courtyard with BBQ. Pubs & cafes within walking distance. Secure bike storage & bike wash.
Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse, on the North Downs Way, offers simple accommodation for walkers & cyclists in the Surrey Hills AONB. A converted historic barn with a volunteer warden to welcome you. Pub food in the village. Garden, picnic benches & secure cycle shed. No cars allowed on site but there is limited street parking nearby. Railway stations: Wanborough (3.5 km) & Guildford (7 km).
The Walrus Hostel is London's most central hostel. Just outside Waterloo station it is only a 10 minute walk to Big Ben, The London Eye and The Houses of Parliament. This prime position, the friendly, helpful staff and the competitive prices have meant that it steadily ranks among the top 5 budget accommodation in London. Book direct for free early check in, towel hire + 10% off at the bar!
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.
South England / South East England- locations of bunkhouses, hostels, and camping barns, This map shows the Bunkhouses, Camping barns, and hostels in south and south east England. Covering the counties of Essex and Hertfordshire to the north, Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire to the south, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Dorset to the west, and of course London. The area includes the North Downs, the South Downs National Park, and the New Forest National Park. Also the south easts natural landmarks such as the white cliffs of Dover and the Isle of Wight. As well as all the attractions the capital has to offer, the area is replete with visitor attractions from Legoland and Brighton Sealife Centre to a vast number of castles and stately homes. The best known of these are Leeds Castle and Dover Castle, Windsor Castle, and Highclere (home of Downton Abbey).
The nightlife of London’s West End faces stiff competition from that of Brighton. Whist the seaside town also boasts a magnificent pier as well as the royal pavilion and the famous Brighton Beach. Further down the coast Bournemouth also challenges Brighton with its beach and historic grandeur. Further east, Canterbury is dominated by the UK’s oldest cathedral the seat of English Christianity.
White Cliffs of Dover Whilst many visitors to and from the European continent come via the port at Dover, Kent is the perfect place for an overnight stop on the way to the ferry. The traditional seaside town of Margate is not only home to the UK’s “original pleasure park” Dreamland but also the Turner Contemporary Gallery of modern art. Outdoor enthusiasts can find fantastic walking on the South Downs Way, the Kent coastline, and of course Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Further north walkers might want to tackle the Ridgeway National Trail through the Chilterns, possibly England’s oldest road. Whist wildlife watchers will revel in the delights of the Stour Valley estuary and the RSPB reserve there.
Isle of Purbeck The Isle of Purbeck on the Jurassic coast with the coastal town of Swanage makes a great area for an overnight stay.
