Spring bank holiday, at the end of the may, will take place on a Monday 31st May in 2021. The week following it Whitsun Half Term in many schools across the UK. Read on to see hostels and bunkhouses which have accommodation still available for these peak holiday times.
Accommodation available over Whitsun Half Term and Spring Bank Holiday
Situated in the town of Callander at the start of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Callander Hostel is a great location for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With outstanding views over Ben Ledi this Visit Scotland 5* Hostel has comfortable beds, en suite rooms and a fully equipped self-catering kitchen. Everything you need for the perfect retreat. On the Rob Roy Way, Heart200 and NCR 7.
Come to Colonsay Backpackers Lodge and savour the idyll of this Inner Hebridean island. Explore the magnificent sandy beaches, ancient forests and beautiful lochs.
Wildlife abounds; spot dolphins, seals, otters and many rare birds. The pub, café & shop are 3 miles away. Or buy fresh lobster, crab and oysters from the fishing boats. The lodge is a refurbished former gamekeeper’s house with bothies. Centrally heated, it has 2 twin, 3 twin bunk and 2 three-bedded rooms. Free WiFi.
Thorney How offers clean, comfortable accommodation in Grasmere. Family-run and welcoming it provides en suite, simple B&B and self-catering. Close to the Coast to Coast path, local village and lake.Your perfect Lake District base. A bar, restaurant and spacious grounds complete the experience.
Close to the picturesque Ilfracombe Harbour, this clean and friendly hostel offers fantastic facilities for walkers, cyclists, surfers, families, schools and activity groups. Providing self-catering accommodation with great facilities including, communal lounge (free WiFi), bike/surfboard storage, drying area and free parking. Ilfracombe is full of cafés, galleries, shops and restaurants and is home to Damien Hirst's statue, Verity.
Thornbridge Outdoors offers excellent flexible group accommodation. With its superb location in the heart of the Peak District you have access to wonderful countryside, quaint villages, stately homes, and the traffic free Monsal Trail, popular with walkers and cyclists.
N°5 Drinishader is on the Isle of Harris, 5 miles from Tarbert & 8 miles from the famous white sandy beaches. Situated above Drinishader harbour, overlooking the beautiful East Loch Tarbert, the hostel & self-catering units provide a variety of accommodation for individuals, families & groups. Pick-up services from Tarbert can be arranged for a small cost. Your perfect base for coastal/hill walking, cycling, kayaking, boat trips, sightseeing and bird/wildlife watching. Breakfast & packed lunches can be provided.
The High Street Hostel is one of Europe’s best regarded and most atmospheric hostels. It is hugely popular with world travellers. Located just off the historic Royal Mile in a 470 year old building, it is your perfect base for exploring all the city’s many attractions and of course its wonderful nightlife.
Providing excellence in location, ambience and facilities, the hostel is highly recommended by more than ten of the world’s top backpacker travel guides. Come along and see for yourself!
Ballater Hostel lies in the centre of Ballater, near Balmoral, on the east side of the Cairngorms National Park. Traditional dorms & private rooms, along with a large open plan kitchen/dining/communal area make a great space to relax . Drying room and cycle storage available. Either book the whole hostel, a room or just a bed with no minimum stay. Excellent facilities, comfortable beds and a warm and friendly welcome awaits you - the kettle is always on!
The Bunker is on the South West Coastal Path, with Chesil Beach on its doorstep and world class sport climbing, diving sites and water-sports a short distance away. Sleeping up to 18 in 6 private bunk rooms, each with a shower and sink, The Bunker offers bunk & breakfast and self-catering accommodation for groups and individuals. It has a large communal area, kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities and free WiFi. Packed lunches and evening meals available on request.
Feet from the edge of Loch Harport, Isle of Skye, with breathtaking views of the Cuillins, this purpose built, stylish & comfortable bunkhouse is an ideal base for hill walkers or sightseers. There is spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife in the surrounding hills and glens. The bunkhouse has a kitchen and common room with a balcony overlooking the loch and 5 bunkrooms, one en suite. The Old Inn, a traditional highland pub provides breakfast, lunch and dinner if required.
Astor York is set in a beautiful Grade II listed building just minutes’ walk to the historic centre!
With a huge cosy lounge & dining areas, free WiFi throughout the building and every room en suite, Astor York is the perfect base for exploring the incredible historic centre of York. There is also a bar on the property if you fancy a drink with friends, or to meet fellow travellers, and a kitchen where you can cook your own food if you are on a budget!
Opening on 17th May 202, Radcliffes Lodge is a purpose built boutique hostel overlooking the Marina in the vibrant harbour town of Amble on the Northumberland Coast. Sleeping 48 across 9 en suite rooms, with plenty of communal areas, the lodge oozes quality and style. With the Coast & Castles cycle route and the Northumberland Coastal Path on the doorstep the Lodge is perfect for walkers, cyclists, independent travellers and groups of friends and families.
Formerly a granary on a working farm, this eco-friendly bunkbarn is close to Winsford Hill and Wimbleball lake. Perfect for exploring Exmoor on foot, bike or canoe. Hot water, central heating & WiFi included in price. Well equipped, open-plan kitchen/dinning with seating for all. Large drying room. Outside BBQ area and small field with campfire. BYO bedding & towels. Sleeps max 25 - sole use only. Free logs for the stove and camp fire. Enjoy Exmoor’s dark skies.
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 and a campsite. You can enjoy home cooked meals and the relaxed café atmosphere on the terrace.
Mid Wales Bunkhouse has a superb unspoilt rural location, close to the Elan Valley, for any activity or occasion with a stunning natural garden. Explore or swim in the river. There's walking and biking from the door, even accommodation for your horse. Fully equipped for self catering or meals provided. Authentic tipi and camping. Available for groups of up to 26 or individuals.
The Kyle of Tongue Holiday Park is a stone lodge and campsite, magnificently 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, roomy dormitories and relaxing communal areas. The campsite is well equipped and has panoramic views of Castle Varich, Ben Hope & Ben Loyal. Holiday cottage and static caravan also available.
The Rose and Crown, close to London Bridge in central London provides everything you need for your adventure. There is a double rooms and a choice of well designed bunkrooms. Enjoy the atmosphere and history of this great British pub with a wide selection of ales and spirits and an full English/Irish breakfast available in the morning.
A warm welcome & great value accommodation in Oban for singles, couples, families & groups. Enjoy a large self-catering kitchen, spacious lounge, comfortable rooms & big beds. Corran House is perfect for exploring Argyll & the inner Hebrides & is close to the bus, train & ferry. Downstairs try Markie Dans bar for tasty meals, live music & Highland hospitality.
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.
Ackers Residential Centre (ARC) is a purpose built accommodation centre set in 70 acres of semi rural land just 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham. Perfect for The Sea Life Centre, Cadbury World, Thinktank, The Bull Ring shopping centre, National Motorcycle Museum & the NEC. With 9 sleeping rooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining area and a rec room with TV, DVD, games and comfy seating. Ackers Adventure provide instructor led outdoor activities on site which can be incorporated into your stay.
The Tudor Barn offers unique group accommodation on an environmentally friendly working farm in rural Suffolk. Sleeping 23 (singles/doubles/4 posters & truckles) in 4 private rooms + the huge space of the Tudor Barn where you can also feast & relax. The perfect base for group celebrations, reunions or activity breaks. Bikes and Tudor costumes are included. Larger parties can also stay at the Old Brooder Bunkhouse on the same site (also in this guide).
Nestling in the Yorkshire Dales, Wharfedale Lodge offers luxury, hotel quality, accommodation to groups of 6-20 in 8 comfortable twin rooms and a further 4 bed family room (2 x bunks). Groups of friends, families and business will enjoy the stunning location and the top quality facilities. With the famous Kilnsey Crag close by, the beautiful market town of Skipton a short drive away, the Dales Way on the doorstep and fishing, golf and pony trekking nearby there will be plenty to keep everyone happy.
An ideal base for exploring the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. The bunkhouse is situated in the village of Bwlch alongside the Beacons Way long distance footpath. Expect a warm & comfortable stay in this dog friendly bunkhouse with spacious bedrooms, cosy lounge/dining areas, fully-equipped kitchen, outside BBQ area, hot showers, drying room and car park. Accommodation for up to 20 people in bunkbeds in 6 bedrooms. Private bedrooms or sole use available. Individuals, couples & groups welcome.
Comfy, farm self-catering in rural Suffolk. Sleeps 22 in five bedrooms, including a restored Shepherd’s Hut. Mix of oak bunks/conventional beds. Relax in cosy sitting room; BBQ, ping-pong, croquet & 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 & houses. Larger groups can also book the Tudor Barn (also in this guide).
Eastern Slade Barn is a luxury farmhouse conversion on a working farm on the Gower Peninsula. The Gower has glorious beaches, castles & a network of traffic free lanes, ideal for mountain bikes. The Coastal Path passes through the farm. Port Eynon seaside village is a 30 min walk, while Oxwich Bay with its castle, beach & hotel serving tasty meals is just a 20 min walk. Camping is also available and weddings/birthdays can be accommodated.
Sanday is the perfect place to take time out, with long stretches of unspoilt sandy beaches, an abundance of birds, seals and other wildlife, glittering seas, clear air and spectacular skies. Those lucky enough to live here enjoy a rare quality of life in a small, friendly and safe community. Enjoy the views over the Holms of Ire from the conservatory in this 4* hostel.
Five minutes’ stroll from Euston Station and just 15 minutes’ walk from the Eurostar at St Pancras, with The British Museum, Madame Tussauds, Regents Park and many of London’s attractions an easy stroll away. PubLove@The Exmouth Arms not only gives you a bed for the night, but also the great atmosphere of a British pub. Complete with pub quizzes every Tuesday, hand crafted burgers and a wide range of drinks including local gins and ales. Explore London by foot in the day with a night of cracking PubLove ahead.
In the heart of historic Hull this hostel is aimed at the individual traveller, small groups, cyclists and families. Perfect for visiting Hull’s art exhibitions & attractions, like the newly opened Hull Bonus Arena. Family and en-suite rooms, self-catering kitchen and vibrant coffee lounge. Great for visiting the East Yorkshire Coast, historic Beverley and York. Daily ferries to Belgium and the Netherlands put Europe on the doorstep.
Saddle Mountain Hostel is a friendly 4* hostel in Invergarry, between Loch Ness & Fort William by the road to Skye.
Shortlisted for Hostel of the Year in The Great Outdoors Magazine Awards 2019 & 2020. There are 5 private bedrooms on a room-only basis available for between 1 and 5 people. Each bedroom is for one household only. Perfect for Munro bagging, long distance hiking, cycling, paddling & day trips.
Next to an award winning Peak District country pub, The Royal Oak Bunkbarn is perfectly situated with direct access onto the High Peak and Tissington Trails (disused railways for easy off-road cycling). The area is also very popular with climbers and walkers with limestone gorges and stone circles to explore. The bunkbarn offers comfortable, clean bunk bed style rooms ideal for groups of 1 to 34. The five separate bunk rooms are all heated and lockable. Campsite and holiday cottages also available.
The Walrus is a multi-award-winning hostel above a bar, with staff who are famous for their genuine friendliness and humour. It has a fantastic location only a short 10 minutes' walk from Big Ben and the House of Parliament and all-inclusive hostel prices. It consistently ranks among the top 5 hostels in London. The bar is a crossroads of local and international guests with a laid back atmosphere, a quirky cocktail menu and real ales on tap.
Whether you’re a lone cyclist or a group of walkers you will love discovering this cosy, clean and comfortable accommodation with breathtaking views of Cader Idris and Cardigan Bay.
Handy for Cycle Route 8, the Cambrian Way & Mawddach Trail and at only £15 per night Bunkorama is an ideal place to make a stopover or spend a few days exploring the mountains, rivers and beaches of the Cambrian Coast.
Orcades Hostel in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, is an excellent base for exploring the Isles. Accommodation is in doubles, twins, 4 & 6 bedded rooms. Each bedroom has en suite toilet/shower rooms. TVs and all bedding is provided. There is a stylish kitchen, a lounge with DVD & games and WiFi throughout the building.
A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at this comfortable 4 star hostel.
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 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.
Globe Backpackers offers clean, comfortable, self catering accommodation. It is just a few minutes' walk from Exeter's city centre with its cathedral, picturesque historic waterway, quay and wide range of shops, pubs, clubs, cafés and restaurants.
In the scenic Rackwick Valley in the north of Hoy, the 3* hostel overlooks Rackwick Bay considered one of the most beautiful places in Orkney. It sleeps 8 across 2 rooms of 4 beds. There’s a small kitchen with a good range of utensils, and a separate dining area. Singles, families and groups are welcome for private room or whole hostel bookings. Car parking and bike storage behind the hostel. Walkers and Cyclist Welcome
Llangollen Hostel, in the Dee Valley is perfect for walking, cycling, canoeing & white water rafting. Families will love visiting the steam railway, horse drawn canal boats & Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - a World Heritage Site. The town has a great choice of restaurants/pubs. It is home to a fringe music & arts festival & the International Eisteddfod. Llandegla, Chester, Wrexham & Offa’s Dyke Path are all nearby. A warm welcome awaits!
Opened in summer 2019, The Chapel House is Swansea’s only boutique hostel. Catering for travellers from around the world, it is nestled between the Castle and the Lighthouse, in the heart of the Mumbles.
Just 5 minutes away from Swansea centre and The Wales Coast Path. Within walking distance of great surf, walking and climbing. The perfect base for those seeking adventure on the Gower!
Family run and friendly, Derwentwater Independent Hostel is a Georgian mansion in 17 acres of grounds 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, groups and conferences. The hostel has plenty of space in & out for you to use and relax in. Home-made food is available.
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.
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.
Comrie Croft is a perfect rural retreat for mountain bikers, hikers, families & backpackers, just over an hour from Edinburgh & Glasgow. The 4* hostel offers cosy, home style rooms which are also available for sole use & weddings. On-site facilities include café, bike shop, lots of mountain bike trails, family-friendly valley routes and a farm shop. A footpath takes you to the vibrant village of Comrie & gives access to stunning glens and mountains.
Located in the centre of St Ives, Cohort is sytlish and comfortable. Great facilities include a hot shower in the courtyard for surfers, through to a laundry & dry room. The on-site bar is cheap; there’s a big guest kitchen; free super fast WiFi, a TV room & comfortable pod beds - all with USB ports, lights, curtains & under-bed storage. Free tea & coffee before 10am. Walk outside to find cafés, bars, galleries, Tate St Ives and four spectacular beaches. The SW Coast Path is 5 minutes from the front door.
Ledgowan Lodge bunkhouse is adjacent to the hotel. Perfectly located, it is within easy driving distance of the Torridon and Fannich Mountain ranges while Fionn Bheinn Mountain is on the doorstep. The bunkhouse sleeps five in five private rooms. There are cooking facilities for self-catering in the bunkhouse. Guests are welcome to use the hotel facilities when available.
Stay in the birthplace of Lawrence of Arabia! Snowdon Lodge provides self-catering group accommodation. Located in the village of Tremadog, Snowdon Lodge is perfect for family reunions or groups wanting to explore Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. It has 10 rooms (twins, doubles and small dormitories), an additional lecture room and a large car park leading to woodland walks.
Surrounded by the fells & valleys of the North Pennines, Carrshield Camping Barn offers basic accommodation for 18 across 3 rooms, each with a wood-burner and a wooden sleeping platform. There’s a separate cooking area & a composting WC. BYO stove, utensils & sleeping bag/mat. Perfectly located it’s on the Isaac’s Tea Trail, C2C cycle route and close to a number of mountain bike routes. Camping may be available.
Set in the scenic coastal village of Helmsdale, the hostel (which was completely refurbished in 2018) has en suite private rooms, a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge area with log burning stove. On the NC500 and Land's End to John O’Groats route, the hostel is popular with ‘end to enders’ and walkers exploring the far north Marilyn Hills. It is also a perfect stop on the way to Orkney. Dogs on request. Groups welcome.
Experience the peace of the remote Tywi valley in an era before electricity at this 17th century farmhouse. Dolgoch is a traditional simple hostel owned by the Elenydd Wilderness Trust. It has hot showers, log burner, self-catering kitchen, dormitories & private rooms. The Lôn Las Cymru and the Cambrian Way pass nearby and there are many mountain tracks to explore. Ideal for bird-watchers and lovers of the solitude of the scenic Cambrian Mountains.
Craignure, a superior eco-sensitive bunkhouse, purpose built in 2014, is the perfect base for your Mull adventure. Set on the water's edge close to the ferry port, there's the Craignure Inn next door for traditional island hospitality. The 4 well-appointed bunkrooms have en suite showers and there's a spacious well appointed communal area with kitchen, ample dining and relaxing space.
In the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and close to the Pennine Way. These striking timber eco-buildings integrate into their natural surroundings making the most of this remarkable location and providing the perfect base for outdoor adventures.
The bunkhouse and bothies provide stylish, versatile & comfortable self- catering accommodation which can be used for events, conferences & parties.
In a wonderful location, facing south with a sunny aspect and panoramic views over the city, Castle Rock Hostel is just steps away from the city centre. The historic Royal Mile, the busy pubs, the late-late nightlife of Grassmarket and Cowgate are all only a short walk away. Then, of course, there is the famous Edinburgh Castle.
Most of the rooms have no traffic noise and there are loads of great facilities, 24-hour reception and no curfew.
Southsea Rocks Hotel has a variety of rooms from great value hotel rooms with en suite options to cool hostel dorms.
There are social areas, an outdoor courtyard to sit in the sun and space for guests to enjoy take outs from local restaurants. It is within walking distance of the castle, common and aquarium and is a great base for exploring other attractions including Portsmouth’s historic dockyard, Charles Dickens’ birthplace and The Mary Rose Museum.
Perfect for an adventurous or relaxing break. The Rock and Rapid Adventure Centre offers activities such as climbing (climbing wall on site for lessons or use by experienced climbers) coasteering, raft building and canoeing. The bunkhouse can be rented out for sole use, or an activity package can be put together for your group. This can vary from a few activities to a full programme, including food.
Just 20 mins from the North Devon coastline. Hen and stags welcome as are family and school groups.
Close to Hathersage and 2 miles west of Stanage Edge, the bunkhouses are on a family-run dairy farm. Popular areas for climbing, walking from meadows to moorland with fantastic views & mountain biking. Each bunkhouse is heated and has a living room, kitchen, bathrooms with toilets, showers and washbasins. Sleep in dorms with bunks or the Hayloft has mattresses on the gallery floor. Camping is available. Secure bike storage and free parking.
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.
All Stretton Bunkhouse offers comfortable, cosy, self-catering accommodation for individuals and groups of up to 10. It has easy access to the Long Mynd with walks and bike rides for all levels. It is within easy reach of the busy town of Church Stretton and just 10 minutes' walk from the local pub. There's a well equipped kitchen, a shower, two toilets and a tumble dryer. Sole use bookings may bring dogs.
Great Langdale Bunkhouse is situated amidst some of the finest mountain scenery in England with access to mountain biking, cycling, walking, fell running and climbing. The bunkhouse has 18 single beds divided into 3 twin rooms and 2 rooms of six (all bunk beds). The rooms are simple but comfortable and each room has a double plug socket. The bunkhouse has biomass central heating throughout so its toasty warm with an endless supply of hot water and powerful showers.
A mile outside the town of Dulverton on Exmoor, Northcombe Camping Barns nestle in the Barle river valley with good canoeing, walking and bridleways. A perfect base for groups on Exmoor. The barns sleep 16 and 28 in partitioned dormitories. Smaller groups can be catered for. Heated by wood-burning stoves with a well equipped kitchen, you just need to bring your own pillows, sleeping bags or duvets.
