Independent Hostel Guide

22/10/2026

Base your next troop adventure at Helmsdale Lodge Hostel , the ultimate highland launching pad for up to 22 scouts.

Perfectly set up for active groups, it features six en-suite rooms, a flat garden, a secure gear shed, and two dedicated drying rooms for wet kit. After exploring the local trails and fossil-rich beaches, your group can recharge in the open-plan lounge by the log burner or cook up a feast in the self-catering kitchen—all just a short walk from village amenities and outdoor activity spaces.

Helmsdale Lodge Hostel offers the ideal stay for groups and is a great base for exploring the North East Highlands and North Coastline of this magnificent area. .

Helmsdale is a small scenic coastal village with numerous local walks of varying lengths and terrains to choose from. There is a covered multi use games area in the village that can be hired out for activities. local award-winning museum, quaint harbour and local beaches where fossils are often found.

21/10/2026

Situated in the peaceful village of Rookhope, in the heart of Weardale, Barrington Bunkhouse sleeps up to 13 people, while remaining an affordable option for smaller groups and families. The kitchen has a toaster, a kettle, microwave, electric hob and fridge. Ideally located for walkers, cyclists and family getaways, the bunkhouse offers a welcoming base for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside. Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement, and a warm welcome awaits all guests.

20/10/2026

, in the heart of an ancient woodland in Derbyshire, is a fabulous base for walking, woodland adventures and exploring the Peak District.

Many of our regular youth groups arrive by train at Ambergate and then walk up through the woods to the hostel as a great way to start their adventure.

The hostel sleeps up to 20 people in 5 bedrooms with a well equipped self catering kitchen, open plan lounge and dining area, showers and modern composting toilets.

The hostel is situated in the heart of a stunning ancient woodland, the car park is half a mile from the hostel, so wheelbarrows are provided to porter all your belongings along the woodland footpath to the hostel.

There is the option to add camping to your booking, and hire of the hostel includes use of an outdoor Gathering Circle, with gritstone circular seating around a fire pit, nestled at the base of the crag.

20/10/2026

Do you fancy an autumn city break, with the stunning Gower coastline on your doorstep? With prices starting at just £25 per night and the friendly, modern facilities at Cwtch, what’s not to love?

Hydref (autumn) is here 🍂 so it's officially cwtsh season.

For anyone who's wondered about our name: cwtsh (rhymes with "butch") is the Welsh word for a cuddle, and also for a snug, safe little spot. Pretty much what we're going for!

When the wind's up on the bay and the evenings draw in, there's nowhere better than our lounge: big windows over the city rooftops, comfy sofas and a warm welcome to come back to.

Autumn city break, anyone? Book direct, link in the comments 👇

19/10/2026

WW2, Tudor & Environmental school farm stay residentials in Suffolk

Bring your Tudor school trip to our Tudor Barn with its ancient stories to tell – wassail in the orchard, meet the hogs, collect coppiced firewood.

Or come as WW2 evacuees to re-enact parts of life on a farm in the war (the farm had Italian PoWs, plane crashes and anti-aircraft unit billeted here) – feed the chickens, rat-catch, Dig for Victory!

Or come and enjoy science-related activities outside on our environmentally-friendly farm – insects in ancient meadows, investigate trees in the woodland and pond dip in one of our 10 ponds.

The Tudor Barn (sleeping 25) combined with The Old Brooder Bunkhouse (sleeping 22), 100m down the farm track offers combined sleeping for 47+ with a huge atmospheric space in the Tudor Barn to feast, and do indoor activities if the weather is horrid.

Find out more about our activities for schools and get in touch with

19/10/2026

One of the few hostels in the YHA network to continue welcoming individual guests all year round, Jordans Youth Hostel offers far more than just a place to stay.

Owned by the Quakers and cared for by the same welcoming warden for the past decade, Jordans has made the transition from YHA-managed to independently run, while retaining the traditional hostel hospitality that makes it so special.

Nicola, who managed the hostel as a YHA employee and now works for the Quakers Trust, says "it is the communal spirit that people really love about Jordans. That and being so close to nature, the birdsong and campfire."

18/10/2026

🎄✨ SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER at Camp Hillcrest, in the beautiful Wye Valley! 🌲🏡

🛁 FREE hire of our huge wood-fired hot tub included with your booking — the perfect way to relax this Christmas!

🔥 Camp Hillcrest has availability over the festive period. Our bunkhouse sleeps up to 15 people and features a large dining table and cosy log burner, perfect for festive feasts and evenings together.

🏡 Other accommodation options are also available on site.

🎬 Plenty of fun for all ages, including:
🎮 Games room
🍿 Cinema
🛹 On-site skatepark
🌳 Beautiful surroundings to explore

🐾 Dog-friendly and family-friendly, with all accommodation heated and warm for a cosy winter getaway.

🎅 Get in touch with Camp Hillcrest to check availability and book your stay.

17/10/2026

20% discount midweek for scout groups

The bunkhouse sleeps 24 with two dorms which often works well with youth groups.

Located on a working farm just outside Abergavenny in the Brecon Beacons, there are great walking/running and cycling routes from the doorstep. A range of outdoor activities can be organised if required.

Get in touch with to claim a 20% discount to midweek scout trips.

16/10/2026

🏕️ A little note for smaller Scout groups and Scout leader teams!

has availability throughout autumn (excluding the last week of October) and is offering an exclusive 10% discount for Scout groups of up to 12 people.

🌲 Come and enjoy the beautiful Cairngorms while making time for training, team building and outdoor adventures.

16/10/2026

Autumn half-term adventure in Bannau Brycheiniog

The Star Bunkhouse in Bwlch is a warm, practical base for families, friends and groups who want days outdoors and relaxed evenings together. Set beside the Beacons Way, between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, it is well placed for walking, exploring, muddy boots, fresh air and proper time together.

The bunkhouse has six bedrooms, with private rooms or sole use available. Inside, you’ll find cosy lounge and dining areas, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, hot showers, a drying room, free WiFi, books, magazines and board games. Outside, there is off-road parking, a BBQ area and one EV charging point.

Well-behaved, family-friendly dogs are welcome too, so they do not have to miss out on the adventure.

Stay for one night or make a longer half-term break of it, with private bedrooms from £27 per room and sole use from £300 per night.

Book online on our website or call 01874 730080 or 07341 906937