Loading ...Britain has some absolute jewels among the hundreds of hostels scattered throughout the country. Some are converted farm houses, old churches, and beautiful historic buildings. Here are some of the most distinctive hostels in the country:
1. Wooler, Northumberland
Adults: £11.95; Children: £9.
There is no hostel in the UK located further north than this one. Once an hostel for the army, now it’s a cosy place for travelers to stay. Perhaps its greatest draw is the warmth of the community surrounding it. When the news came out that the hostel would be closed, the community rallied to raise £600,000 for the necessary refurbishments.
2. Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
Adults: £17; Children: £13.
Once a Methodist church, this hostel was getting ready to shut down when a private individual bought the place and fixed it up. It still retains the old tradition of communal kitchens and self catered accommodation.
3. Skiddaw House, Cumbria
Adults: £10; Youth: £8; Children: £6.
One of the most remote hostels in England, Skiddaw House is also the highest hostel, at 1,550 feet above sea level. The lack of tourists following the foot and mouth disease disaster left the hostel on the brink of closure. The hostel is once again open and somewhat off the beaten track: you can only reach the hostel on foot or by bike.
4.Whitby, Yorkshire
Adults: £18.50; Children: £13.50.
One of the newest renovations under the YHA development scheme, the Whitby hostel is located right next to the ruins of Whitby Alley and provides travelers with an almost luxurious hostel experience and beautiful views out over the ocean. Travellers will enjoy the gardens, the tearoom and the breakfast that comes with the accommodation.
5. Lockton, Yorkshire
Adults: £14; Children: £10.
Lockton hostel has been awarded by the EU for its environmental practices. The hostel has a rainwater harvesting system, a live sedum roof, a compost toilet and the whole system runs on solar power and is heated with a log-burning stove.
6. Ffynnon Wen
Adults, £12; Children: £8.
Ffynnon Wen is a hostel that works mainly with schools and long term guests although they also offer individual accommodation. The centre is a part of the YHA network and offers classes in art, the environment, sculpture, ceramics, alternative energy and sustainable living.
7. Earl’s Court, London
Adults: £24.50; Children: £20.50.
Last year, £1.7 million was poured into this hostel after a fire damaged much of the old structure. The double rooms with bathroom are £57 but travelers also enjoy the café and bar, the food made with local products, the wireless access and the courtyard garden.
8. Clyffe Pypard, Wiltshire
Adults: £11; Children: £9.
This is a fairly new hostel converted from part of a pub close to Avebury.
9. Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall
Adults: £15.50; Children: £11.
A flood forced this hotel to completely renovate, putting modern fixtures into a National Trust-owned stone building. Perched on the harbour, it has comfortable bedrooms and is wheelchair accessible.
10. Mount Batten, Devon
Each room: £32.40.
This hostel is at the center for water-sport enthusiasts. They offer lessons in sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, climbing and caving. The rooms have two or three beds; the hostel has a restaurant, a bar and a beautiful view of the river.