Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Youth Hostel?

Youth Hostels are places to eat, sleep and socialise. There are thousands of Youth Hostels all over the world. Some used to be Schools, some mansions and some are even more unusual. There are some buildings that have been especially built for the purpose recently and some are very old and have been adapted.

For example, Boscastle Harbour used to be a stable for horses that pulled boats ashore. Original beams and an open fire can be found there. Elmscott Hostel is a converted Victorian school. Port Eynon is a former lifeboat station, a ramp leads from the hostel door straight into the sea. Black Sail used to be a shepherds hut. It is a stone hut tucked away at the base of a mountain. The list could go on and on, every hostel is unique.

Some hostels offer fairly basic facilities and others are almost like hotels. In Britain, hostel dormitories are still single sex but some hostels have small family rooms. This is great if you have children because it means you can all stay together.