3. England
Former youth hostels of Great Britain
Contents
YHA – ENGLAND
Hostel name: Abbey Stables
Grid reference: NZ901112
Nearest town: Whitby, North Yorkshire
These buildings are currently empty, as the YHA have moved to new premises a hundred yards away behind the main Abbey House.
by Richard Law
Open as a YHA hostel from 1934 to 2006
Notes:
Hostel name: Acomb
Grid reference: NY934666
Nearest town: Acomb, Northumberland
Acomb Youth Hostel, near Hexham, opened in May 1933 in converted stable buildings and served for over 70 years, finally closing in 2006. Here it is looking spick and span, a credit to the voluntary wardens and others who cared for the little hostel.
by John Martin
Open as a YHA hostel from 1933 to 2006
Notes:
Hostel name: Alfriston
Grid reference: TQ517019
Nearest town: Alfriston, East Sussex
Frog Firle is mention in the Domesday Book. The House here was owned by Mr Austen-Leigh a relative of the novelist Jane Austen. In 2005 a traffic calming one way system was put in here, hence the "give way" lines.
by Kevin Gordon
Open as a YHA hostel from 1952 to 2015
Notes:
Hostel name: Allendale (Catton)
Grid reference: NY830574
Nearest town: Allendale, Northumberland
No image yet
Open as a YHA hostel from 1945 to 1965
Notes: Still standing, private residence
Hostel name: Ampleforth
Grid reference: SE585787
Nearest town: Ampleforth, North Yorkshire
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1933 to 1959
Notes: still extant
Hostel name: Arundel
Grid reference: TQ032074
Nearest town: Arundel, West Sussex
Open as a YHA hostel from 1946 to 2012
Notes:
Hostel name: Astwell Castle
Grid reference: SP608440
Nearest town: Brackley, Northamptonshire
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1935 to 1953
Notes: tower of a medieval manor house, still standing and grade 2* listed
Hostel name: Aysgarth Falls
Grid reference: SE011883
Nearest town: Aysgarth, North Yorkshire
The proposal for Aysgarth youth hostel's closure came in late 2002. The property was sold and at the time of writing was owned by a businessman in the book-dealing business.
by Trevor Littlewood
Open as a YHA hostel from 1951 to 2004
Notes:
Hostel name: Badby
Grid reference: SP560587
Nearest town: Badby, Northamptonshire
Brookside Lane forms part of the Nene Way long distance footpath along the River Nene, as it passes through Badby.The picture features the building that once served as Badby Youth Hostel, before the hostel closed in 2005
by Alan Kent
Open as a YHA hostel from 1945 to 2005
Notes: replaced 2 earlier hostels
Hostel name: Baldersdale
Grid reference: NY930179
Nearest town: Romaldkirk, Durham
Open as a YHA hostel from 1979 to 2014
Notes:
Hostel name: Bellingham
Grid reference: NY843834
Nearest town: Bellingham, Northumberland
This simple hostel on the Pennine Way is now sadly earmarked for closure.
by Dave Dunford
Open as a YHA hostel from 1937 to 2006
Notes: replaced by a more modern facility in the town centre
Hostel name: Blackboys
Grid reference TQ521215
Nearest town: Uckfield, West Sussex
Hostel name: Bradenham
Grid reference: SU828971
Nearest town: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
The old school in Bradenham, formerly a youth hostel, opposite St Botolph's Church, Bradenham.
by Christine Matthews
Open as a YHA hostel from 1965 to 2006
Notes: former school, now private housing
Hostel name: Bretton
Grid reference: SK200780
Nearest town: Bretton, Derbyshire
Situated on Bretton Moor, this house has been a self-catering youth hostel with 18 beds since 1942. However, it is now up for sale, so its closure as a Youth Hostel must be imminent. An orange security light and a triangular YHA sign can be seen near the top of the dwelling. The postcode of this Youth Hostel is S32 5QD. Update: this Hostel was closed on the 31st October 2014 and sold on the 28th November 2014 for continued use as a hostel outside YHA.
by David Hillas
Open as a YHA hostel from 1941 to 2014
Notes: rebuilt in 1966/67; now an independent hostel
Hostel name: Bridges (Long Mynd)
Grid reference: SO394964
Nearest town: Ratlinghope, Church Stretton, Shropshire
Bridges Hostel is close to the small Shropshire settlement of Ratlinghope - 'Rachup' in pronunciation.
Bridges was once part of the YHA operation but was sold on some time ago to owners (or an owner) who still operate(s) the building as a hostel; it remains bookable through the YHA.
Bridges was once part of the YHA operation but was sold on some time ago to owners (or an owner) who still operate(s) the building as a hostel; it remains bookable through the YHA.
by Trevor Littlewood
Open as a YHA/ hostel from 1931 to 2001
Notes: now a privately owned "YHA enterprise"affiliate hostel
Hostel name: Broom Hall
Grid reference: SP092531
Nearest town: Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire
A traditional 16th Century Inn beside the Bidford Road.
by David Stowell
Public house on the Bidford Road in a 16th century timber-framed house.
by Philip Halling
Open as a YHA hostel from 1944 to 1968
Notes: half timbered hall, now an inn
Hostel name: Byrness
Grid reference: NT764027
Nearest town: Byrness, Northumberland
Byrness village was built to house foresters in the 1950s. The youth hostel occupies two terraced houses and is the last overnight stay before the last and longest day of the Pennine Way. Byrness is yet another Pennine Way hostel earmarked for closure - see also NY8483 : Bellingham Youth Hostel and SD9146 : Earby Youth Hostel.
by Dave Dunford
Open as a YHA hostel from 1972 to 2014
Notes:
Hostel name: Carlisle
Grid reference: NY386569
Nearest town: Carlisle, Cumbria
This was Etterby House, belonging to the Youth Hostels Association (see Wikipedia Link
) from 1953 to 1997. It has since been converted to several individual properties, and renamed Eden Bank.
Before being purchased by the YHA, it had been a private residence (with fishing rights) - in 1861 it was occupied by George Relph, magistrate and draper (Carlisle Encyclopaedia Link ).
) from 1953 to 1997. It has since been converted to several individual properties, and renamed Eden Bank.Before being purchased by the YHA, it had been a private residence (with fishing rights) - in 1861 it was occupied by George Relph, magistrate and draper (Carlisle Encyclopaedia Link
).by Rose and Trev Clough
Open as a YHA hostel from 1953 to 1997
Notes:
Hostel name: Charlbury (The Laurels)
Grid reference: SP360197
Nearest town: Charlbury, Oxfordshire
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1946 to 2001
Notes: Former glove factory and associated house; affiliate hostel (independently owned) from c.1992; now converted to flats
Hostel name: Chester (Hoole Bank)
Grid reference: SJ429691
Nearest town: Chester, Cheshire
Open as a YHA hostel from 1952 to 1962
Notes: replaced Roodee House (qv)
Hostel name: Chester (Hough Green House)
Grid reference: SJ396650
Nearest town: Chester, Cheshire
A sunny picture of what was once the Chester Youth Hostel. Citing the excessive cost of upgrading as the reason for disposal, in 2009 the hostel has been sold. The website now states that there is alternative accommodation at "...YHA Liverpool (25 miles) or YHA Manchester (41 miles)"!
by John S Turner
Open as a YHA hostel from 1962 to 2009
Notes: replaced Hoole Bank (qv)
Hostel name: Chester (Roodee House)
Grid reference: SJ401661
Nearest town: Chester, Cheshire
From the city walls with main entrance to Chester racecourse on the left, Holiday Inn in the centre with the railway viaduct in the background.
by Dennis Turner
Open as a YHA hostel from 1934 to 1952
Notes: demolished (photo is of the site)
Hostel name: Cockermouth (Double Mills)
Grid reference: NY118298
Nearest town: Cockermouth, Cumbria
Beautifully situated at Double Mills, alongside the River Cocker, near to the centre of the busy but small market town with two breweries, lots of pubs, good food. It's closed - for the winter.
by Bob Jenkins
Open as a YHA hostel from 1933 to 2016
Notes: Grade 2 listed 17th century watermill, became uneconomic to run as a hostel.
Hostel name:
Grid reference: TM008251
Nearest town: Colchester
Open as a YHA hostel from 1949 to 1996
Notes: Grade 2 listed 18th century house
Hostel name: Copt Oak
Grid reference: SK481129
Nearest town: Copt Oak nr. Markfield, Leicestershire
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1959 to 2003
Notes: still standing as a private residence
Hostel name: Crosthwaite (Damson Dene)
Grid reference: SD425912
Nearest town: Crosthwaite, Cumbria
Open as a YHA hostel from 1931 to 1963
Notes:
Hostel name: Crowcombe (Denzel House)
Grid reference: ST137338
Nearest town: Crowcombe Heathfield, Somerset
Situated at Crowcombe Heathfield, Denzel House opened as a Youth Hostel in 1940 and closed in 2006. This country house is now a private dwelling and its postcode is TA4 4BT.
by David Hillas
Open as a YHA hostel from 1940 to 2006
Notes:
Hostel name: Crowden (Peak National Park Hostel)
Grid reference: SK073993
Nearest town: Crowden, Derbyshire
Former Youth hostel on the Pennine Way, with a French minibus.
This hostel closed Autumn 2006. A new YHA Hostel at Crowden has opened in 2007 and is situated less than 1 km away in adjacent grid square SK0699.
This hostel closed Autumn 2006. A new YHA Hostel at Crowden has opened in 2007 and is situated less than 1 km away in adjacent grid square SK0699.
by Stephen Craven
Shared Description
Open as a YHA hostel from 1965 to 2006
Notes: replaced by a purpose built hostel nearby
Hostel name: Delamere Forest (Fox Howl)
Grid reference: SJ528712
Nearest town: Mouldsworth, Cheshire
Open as a YHA hostel from 1936 to 1972
Notes: now an outdoor activity centre
Hostel name: Dentdale
Grid reference: SD773850
Nearest town: Cowgill, Cumbria
Open as a YHA hostel from 1944 to 2006
Notes:
Hostel name: Derwent Bank
Grid reference: SE778711
Nearest town: Malton, North Yorkshire
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1945 to 1997
Notes: still standing (47 York Road)
Hostel name: Derwentwater (Barrow House)
Grid reference: NY268200
Nearest town: Grange, near Keswick, Cumbria
Barrow House has been the Derwent Youth Hostel for many years and is in a fine position overlooking Derwent Water, previously it was a hotel. See: NY2620 : Barrow House Hotel 1960
by Philip Halling
Open as a YHA hostel from 1961 to 2011
Notes:
Hostel name: Dirt Pot
Grid reference: NY853461
Nearest town: Allenheads, Northumberland
Open as a YHA hostel from 1950 to 1971
Notes: The square building towards the right of the photo. Now the Allenheads Lodge Outdoor Adventure Centre.
Hostel name: Duntisbourne Abbots
Grid reference: SO969080
Nearest town: Duntisbourne Abbots, Gloucestershire
For many years the Old Rectory in Duntisbourne Abbots was a Youth Hostel.
by Philip Halling
Open as a YHA hostel from 1945 to 2001
Notes:
Hostel name: Eastrington Lodge
Grid reference: TA187671
Nearest town: Bridlington, East Yorkshire
Open as a YHA hostel from 1946 to 1965
Notes:
Hostel name: Edmundbyers
Grid reference: NZ017500
Nearest town: Consett, Durham
Formerly an inn, dating back to the 17th century.A youth hostel of the old style since 1935, but now sadly out of synch with modern trends in youth hostelling, and only open on a limited basis. Link
by Oliver Dixon
Open as a YHA hostel from 1933 to 2014
Notes: now an independent hostel
Hostel name: Ellingstring
Grid reference: SE176836
Nearest town: Masham, North Yorkshire
1941-2003 was a 16-bed simple Youth Hostel.
by John Lawson
Open as a YHA hostel from 1940 to 2003
Notes:
Hostel name: Elterwater
Grid reference: NY327046
Nearest town: Elterwater, Cumbria
For many years this building was a YHA youth hostel. It's now been sold and is to be converted into a Guest House/Hotel.
by Norman Caesar
Open as a YHA hostel from 1939 to 2013
Notes: now an independent hostel
Hostel name: Elton Old Hall
Grid reference: SK224609
Nearest town: Elton, Derbyshire
Situated in Main Street, this 17th Century listed building opened as a Youth Hostel in 1943 and had 32 beds. It closed in 2002 and is now a self-catering boarding establishment, its postcode being DE4 2BW.
by David Hillas
Open as a YHA hostel from 1942 to 2003
Notes:
Hostel name: Epping Forest
Grid reference: TQ408983
Nearest town: Loughton, Essex
This rather basic hut on Wellington Hill was Epping Forest Youth Hostel between 1964 and 2008. It was one of the YHA's simpler establishments, for many years operating with a rota of volunteer wardens who opened it up at weekends. The building is now empty.
by Stephen McKay
Open as a YHA hostel from 1963 to 2008
Notes: Replaced an earlier hostel at Buckhurst Hill
Hostel name: Exeter (Mountwear House)
Grid reference: SX941898
Nearest town: Exeter, Devon
Open as a YHA hostel from 1938 to 2013
Notes:
Hostel name: Garsdale Head (Shaws)
Grid reference: SD796948
Nearest town: Lunds near Sedbergh, Cumbria
Open as a YHA hostel from 1949 to 1983
Notes: distant shot; formerly in W.R.Yorkshire
Hostel name: Gidleigh
Grid reference: SX670883
Nearest town: Chagford, Devon
1971 view. The Youth Hostel was open from 1932 to 1988.
by John Lawson
Open as a YHA hostel from 1932 to 1988
Notes:
Hostel name: Gradbach Mill
Grid reference: SJ993660
Nearest town: Quarnford, Derbyshire
The former water-powered flax mill (centre) on the banks of the River Dane dates from 1785 and was used to manufacture sewing silk. On the right is the former manager's house; the workers' cottages were demolished when the mill became uneconomic. The buildings were converted into a Youth Hostel in 1980. The footbridge adjacent to the mill building is visible (left) and the footpath in the foreground leads to another footbridge over the Black Brook tributary in SJ9965
by Espresso Addict
Open as a YHA hostel from 1981 to 2013
Notes:
Hostel name: Great Bavington
Grid reference: NY984802
Nearest town: Great Bavington, Northumberland
Easter Cottage stands at the very centre of Great Bavington which at one time was a much larger place than it is today. It forms part of the oldest building still standing in the village and was built in 1625. This end of the building housed the village school from 1855 until 1946. From 1949 the school building housed a Youth Hostel but it was closed in 1959 because of "unseemly behaviour" by the hostellers - what ever can that mean?
by Oliver Dixon
Open as a YHA hostel from 1948 to 1959
Notes: former village school, now a private house
Hostel name: Great Stambridge (Ragstone Lodge)
Grid reference: TQ896914
Nearest town: Great Stamford, Essex
At the time of this photograph, taken in January 1978, this fine old house was undergoing conversion into a youth hostel. It did function as such for a short time but later became a nursing home.
by Stephen McKay
Open as a YHA hostel from 1978 to 1982
Notes: private hostel in a former rectory, advertised through YHA
Hostel name: Greenhead
Grid reference: NY659654
Nearest town: Greenhead, Northumberland
Originally a nineteenth century Primitive Methodist chapel, now used as a Youth Hostel. See NY6565 : Primitive Methodist Church 1885.
by David Dixon
Open as a YHA hostel from 1978 to 2009
Notes: now an independent hostel
Hostel name: Greens Norton
Grid reference: SP670500
Nearest town: Towcester, Northamptonshire
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1953 to 1983
Notes: Former POW camp buildings, of which only one survives
Hostel name: Grindon
Grid reference: NY816700
Nearest town: Haydon Bridge, Northumberland
Link Seen from Hadrians Wall National Trail which runs 135 km from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend.
Link
Seen from Hadrians Wall National Trail which runs 135 km from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend. Link
by Oliver Dixon
Open as a YHA hostel from 2005 to 2010
Notes: YHA "affiliate" hostel not directly owned
Hostel name: Hagg Farm
Grid reference: SK160888
Nearest town: Ashopton, Derbyshire
Open as a YHA hostel from 1973 to 1988
Notes:
Hostel name: Hindhead
Grid reference: SU896328
Nearest town: Hindhead, Surrey
Open as a YHA hostel from 1948 to 2015
Notes:
Hostel name: Houghton Mill
Grid reference: TL281719
Nearest town: Houghton, Cambridgeshire
In the days when it was used as a youth hostel, and used as the base for a Young Ornithologists Club visit from Scotland.
by Peter Richardson
Open as a YHA hostel from 1934 to 1982
Notes:
Hostel name: Hull (143 Westbourne Avenue)
Grid reference: TA075300
Nearest town: Hull, East Yorkshire
At the junction with Richmond Street, dwellings at Nos.143 to 147 Westbourne Avenue.
by Bernard Sharp
Open as a YHA hostel from 1981 to 1983
Notes: replaced an earlier temporary hostel (qv)
Hostel name: Inglesham
Grid reference: SU204964
Nearest town: Highworth, Wiltshire
Taken in July 1982 from the East, this photo shows the former Youth Hostel in Upper Inglesham on the left of the photo and a red GPO telephone box in the distance on the right. It is now a private dwelling on the former A361 road.
by David Hillas
Open as a YHA hostel from 1938 to 1991
Notes:
Hostel name: Ivinghoe
Grid reference: SP944161
Nearest town: Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire
The youth hostel is expected to close-down on 1st October 2007
by Chris Martin
Open as a YHA hostel from 1937 to 2007
Notes: Old brewery
Hostel name: Keld
Grid reference: NY892009
Nearest town: Keld, North Yorkshire
Originally a shooting lodge then a Youth Hostel until 2006, Keld Lodge has been restored as an elegant hotel. A triangle, indicating where the Youth Hostel sign was fixed, can be seen above the "E" of Lodge on its side. Its postcode is DL11 6LL.
by David Hillas
Sadly one of several youth hostels that may be sold because they are unprofitable.
by Les Hull
Open as a YHA hostel from 1943 to 2006
Notes:
Hostel name: Kemsing
Grid reference: TQ555588
Nearest town: Kemsing, Kent
Taken on the evening of 21 May 1992 the day before walking the Invicta Hundred from Seven Oaks. Link
by Ian S
Open as a YHA hostel from 1939 to 2006
Notes:
Hostel name: Kendal
Grid reference: SD512911
Nearest town: Kendal, Cumbria
Open as a YHA hostel from 1943 to 1984
Notes: now a nursing home
Hostel name: Kentchurch (Great Corras Farm)
Grid reference: SO419249
Nearest town: Kentchurch, Herefordshire
Briefly in the 1930s this building was used by the YHA as a Youth Hostel, as was SO4024 : Lower Treseny Farm, Grosmont.
by Philip Halling
Open as a YHA hostel from 1935 to 1935
Notes: now known as Great Corras Farm, just in England, replaced by Lower Treseny Farm, Grosmont across the border
Hostel name: Kielder
Grid reference: NY632932
Nearest town: Kielder, Northumberland
Kielder Youth Hostel was purpose built and is attached to the village school, which is seen to the left.
by Trevor Littlewood
Open as a YHA hostel from 2001 to 2015
Notes: Purposed built "5 star" hostel, leased from the county council. Replaced an earlier hostel (1954-1975) at NY631923, a stone building subsequently demolished with no Geograph photo. The later building
Hostel name: Kirkby Stephen (Fletcher Hill)
Grid reference: NY774085
Nearest town: Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
Was once a Methodist Church
by Alexander P Kapp
Open as a YHA hostel from 1981 to 2011
Notes: originally a Methodist chapel, now an independent hostel (from 2006-2011 still affiliated to YHA). Replaced an earlier one, qv
Hostel name: Kirkby Stephen (Friends Meeting House)
Grid reference: NY774083
Nearest town: Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1939 to 1980
Notes: replaced by the former Methodist chapel (Fletcher Hill). Still in use as a place of worship
Hostel name: Leam Hall
Grid reference: SK225791
Nearest town: Grindleford, Derbyshire
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1939 to 1970
Notes: replaced by Eyam hostel NT0806 : Tree lined path up to Gallowhill. Still standing.
Hostel name: Leamington Spa
Grid reference: SP325655
Nearest town: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
This building was a youth hostel operated by the Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales) (YHA) between 1952 and 1970.
(Source:Neal, Tim; Neal, Simon (1993). Youth Hostels of England and Wales 1931-1993, referred to on Wikipedia, 2010. Also postcard of hostel enabled me to locate the building.)
(Source:Neal, Tim; Neal, Simon (1993). Youth Hostels of England and Wales 1931-1993, referred to on Wikipedia, 2010. Also postcard of hostel enabled me to locate the building.)
by John Brightley
Open as a YHA hostel from 1952 to 1970
Notes:
Hostel name: Linton
Grid reference: SD997627
Nearest town: Linton nr. Grassington, North Yorkshire
This was a YHA youth hostel from 1943 to 2002. In 1983 it was classed as "standard grade".
by Nigel Thompson
Open as a YHA hostel from 1943 to 2003
Notes: originally a rectory, now a restaurant
Hostel name: Ludford
Grid reference: SO512741
Nearest town: Ludlow, Shropshire
The house, seen from Ludford Bridge was once a youth hostel. It closed, probably because the building became too valuable. The YHA have no doubt another excuse, but where would you rather stay, here or with respect, Leominster? The place did a roaring trade with geology field trips.
by Richard Webb
Open as a YHA hostel from 1948 to 1999
Notes:
Hostel name: Malvern Hills
Grid reference: SO774440
Nearest towm: Great Malvern
South (garden) elevation.
Also see SO7744 : Malvern Youth Hostel, 18 Peachfield Road and SO7743 : The King Edwards Road and Fruitlands estate from Perseverance Hill
Also see SO7744 : Malvern Youth Hostel, 18 Peachfield Road and SO7743 : The King Edwards Road and Fruitlands estate from Perseverance Hill
by John Brightley
Open as a YHA hostel from 1947 to 2006
Notes: Alternative names: Malvern (1948-51); Malvern Wells (1952-74).
Hostel name: Maypool (River Dart)
Grid reference: SX877546
Nearest town: Brixham, Devon
On the left is Maypool, the former youth hostel sold in 2010. This view is from the Dart Valley Trail.
by Derek Harper
Open as a YHA hostel from 1952 to 2010
Notes:
Hostel name: Myddylton Place
Grid reference: TL535386
Nearest town: Saffron Walden, Essex
Youth Hostel Saffron Walden, Essex.
by Keith Evans
Open as a YHA hostel from 1942 to 2011
Notes:
Hostel name: Naughton Mill
Grid reference: TM017495
Nearest town: Nedging Tye, Suffolk
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1939 to 1983, Also known by the name of the villages as Nedging Tye.
Notes: still extant as private house
Hostel name: Overbecks
Grid reference: SX728374
Nearest town: Salcombe, Devon
The house and garden are owned by the National Trust. Part of the house is a Youth Hostel.
by David Smith
Open as a YHA hostel from 1938 to 2013
Notes: part of a National Trust property
Hostel name: Oxford (Jack Straws Lane)
Grid reference: SP533074
Nearest town: Oxford, Oxfordshire
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1936 to 2001
Notes: still extant as a nursery
Hostel name: Patcham Place
Grid reference: TQ300089
Nearest town: Brighton, Sussex
The current building dates from 1764 and was largely a rebuild from a much older house dating back to 1558. The house passed through various families until it was purchased by Brighton council in 1926 who still own it today. Between 1939 and 2007 they leased it to the Youth Hostel Association but since they left it has not been used though they are currently plans to use it as offices.
by Simon Carey
Open as a YHA hostel from 1938 to 2007
Notes:
Hostel name: Pateley Bridge
Grid reference: SE130652
Nearest town: Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire
This minor road, it is also the route of the Nidderdale Way, comes up from Bewerley but is unmade from this point. Left the access road to Hole Bottom farm, ahead the driveway to Low Hole Bottom, now a private house but it was Pateley Bridge Youth Hostal for 10 years up to 1956. Go right to continue up the road shortly passing Hillend farm
by Martin Dawes
Open as a YHA hostel from 1946 to 1956
Notes:
Hostel name: Pendennis Castle
Grid reference: SW823319
Nearest town: Falmouth, Cornwall
Open as a YHA hostel from 1963 to 2000
Notes: replaced an earlier hostel at Rock House (1938-1951)
Hostel name: Penquite House
Grid reference: SX118556
Nearest town: Golant, Cornwall
Set in three acres of grounds with a further 14 acres of woodland to explore, YHA Golant is ideally suited to children. Overlooking the Fowey Estuary, it’s just four miles from the sea and an excellent base for discovering the Cornish coastline. There’s plenty of good walking on Bodmin Moor.
by Patrick Pavey
Open as a YHA hostel from 1970 to 2014
Notes: there was a pre-war hostel at Fowey called Triggabrowne (qv)
Hostel name: Quantock Hills
Grid reference: ST145415
Nearest town: Holford, Somerset
This house "Sevenacres" opened as Holford Youth Hostel in 1945, later being changed to Quantock Hills Youth Hostel. It closed in 2007 and its postcode is TA5 1SQ.
by David Hillas
Open as a YHA hostel from 1945 to 2007
Notes:
Hostel name: Ramsgill (Longside House)
Grid reference: SE116721
Nearest town: Ramsgill, Nidderdale, North Yorkshire
Formerly the Ramsgill Youth Hostel (closed circa 1990?)
by Stephen Craven
Large house and former youth hostel, situated on the valley side near Ramsgill. The parish is that of Fountains Earth, indicating that it was once land owned and farmed by Fountains Abbey.
by Gordon Hatton
Open as a YHA hostel from 1967 to 1983
Notes:
Hostel name: Rock Hall
Grid reference: NU200202
Nearest town: Rock nr. Alnwick, Northumberland
This building used to be a Youth Hostel in the 1970's, and the Masons Arms NU2119 : The Masons Arms is a country mile away.
by Jonathan Billinger
Now a school, this was a youth hostel for many years. It was one of a group that provided laboratory facilities to encourage field studies. This is a sixth form group from the Manning School, Nottingham, which was then a very successful grammar school. The teacher is on the left, and still extant. The lone male is Peter Hawkey, who was also manager of the Farne Islands for many years, and died in 2006. See also NU2438 : Longstone Light on the Farne Islands - 1963.
by M J Richardson
Open as a SYHA hostel from 1949 to 1991
Notes:
Hostel name: Rudyard Lake
Grid reference: SJ938599
Nearest town: Leek, Staffordshire
Country House on the shore of Rudyard Reservoir, seen from the Staffordshire Way
by Richard Croft
Open as a YHA hostel from 1933 to 1969
Notes:
Hostel name: Rushall
Grid reference: SO642350
Nearest town: Much Marcle, Herefordshire
Between 1939 and November 1979 when it closed due to low usage, this building was a youth hostel. I understand the youth hostel occupied the upper floor, whilst the ground floor was a social club for the locals.
by Philip Halling
Open as a YHA hostel from 1939 to 1979
Notes: still extant
Hostel name: Sabrina
Grid reference: SE621320
Nearest town: Selby, North Yorkshire
Link describes setting up this barge as the first UK floating youth hostel, open from 1965 to 1982.
describes setting up this barge as the first UK floating youth hostel, open from 1965 to 1982.by John Lawson
Open as a YHA hostel from 1965 to 1982
Notes: floating hostel on a boat
Hostel name: Saltburn
Grid reference: NZ662204
Nearest town: Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland (ex North Yorks)
I stayed here for the night of 11-12 April 1984. The hostel was closed in 1992.
by John Baker
Open as a YHA hostel from 1937 to 1992
Notes:
Hostel name: Sandown (The Firs)
Grid reference: SZ597843
Nearest town: Sandown, Isle of Wight
Located at 39 Fitzroy Street, PO36 8JH, this Youth Hostel, known as "The Firs", was opened in 1945, but closed in 2007. Modern housing has since replaced it and the house to its right. The town's Telephone Exchange in Leed Street can just be seen on the left of the photo.
by David Hillas
Open as a YHA hostel from 1945 to 2007
Notes:
Hostel name: Scarborough
Grid reference: TA026907
Nearest town: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
The hostel stands beside Scalby Beck (Sea Cut). Hopefully, the building will have a continuing use for educational purposes.
Scarborough Youth Hostel opened in 1935 with its first owner and warden, Mrs Atkinson in charge. She eventually sold the business to the Youth Hostel Association.
Scarborough Youth Hostel opened in 1935 with its first owner and warden, Mrs Atkinson in charge. She eventually sold the business to the Youth Hostel Association.
by Pauline E
Open as a YHA hostel from 1935 to 2013
Notes: now an independent hostel
Hostel name: Shining Cliff
Grid reference: SK335522
Nearest town: Whatstandwell, Derbyshire
This basic youth hostel is in the ancient woodland of Shining Cliff Wood. Parking is a 10 minute walk away.
by Nikki Mahadevan
Open as a YHA hostel from 1978 to 2007
Notes:
Hostel name: St John's Hall
Grid reference: NZ069339
Nearest town: Wolsingham, Durham
This fine old building is now deserted and beginning to deteriorate. I've some memory that it was at one time a youth hostel - one of the earliest but a web search has found no information.
by Trevor Littlewood
Open as a YHA hostel from 1948 to 1955
Notes:
Hostel name: Stainforth
Grid reference: SD820668
Nearest town: Stainforth, North Yorkshire
Taken in October 2006, this photo shows "Taitlands" on the B6479 road South of Stainforth. This house was erected in the 1840s and was a grade II listed building. It opened as a Youth Hostel in 1945 having 50 beds but closed in 2007. Now it is an Events and Weddings venue, its postcode being BD24 9PA.
by David Hillas
Open as a YHA hostel from 1944 to 2007
Notes:
Hostel name: Steps Bridge
Grid reference: SX802882
Nearest town: Dunsford, Devon
A timber-built chalet building perched above the Teign valley on the eastern edge of Dartmoor.
This simple hostel sadly had to close at the end of 2006.
This simple hostel sadly had to close at the end of 2006.
by Jonathan Billinger
Open as a YHA hostel from 1935 to 2006
Notes:
Hostel name: Stow on the Wold
Grid reference: SP191258
Nearest town: Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire
Open as a YHA hostel from 1935 to 2013
Notes:
Hostel name: Summerden (Waggoners Wells)
Grid reference: SU856342
Nearest town: Hindhead, Surrey
Open as a YHA hostel from 1932 to 1943
Notes: still standing, now a National Trust Warden's house
Hostel name: Thirlmere
Grid reference: NY318190
Nearest town: Legburthwaite nr. Keswick, Cumbria
The former youth hostel closed in 2001. In April 2006 plans to demolish the building and to rebuild in stone and slate were refused Lake District planners. The Parish Council objected to the plans on the grounds the new 19 bed hostel "would be visually intrusive, there is no local need for the development, and on road safety issues". Link
by Mick Garratt
Open as a YHA hostel from 1970 to 2001
Notes:
Hostel name: Thixendale
Grid reference: SE841611
Nearest town: Thixendale, North Yorkshire
The village school and schoolhouse were built by the Sykes family, when Thixendale was part of the Sledmere estate. In 1849, Lady Sykes had supported the building of a small schoolhouse. This was replaced by the larger Public Elementary School and schoolhouse which opened in 1876 and could hold 70 children.
The school closed in the 1950s and until 1999 was used as a Youth Hostel in the summer months. The building then reverted to use as a village hall. (Information from village website: Link )
The school closed in the 1950s and until 1999 was used as a Youth Hostel in the summer months. The building then reverted to use as a village hall. (Information from village website: Link
)by Paul Harrop
Open as a YHA hostel from 1971 to 1999
Notes: village hall (former school) rented by YHA in the summer
Hostel name: Thorneyhow
Grid reference: NY331084
Nearest town: Grasmere, Cumbria
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1932 to 2010
Notes: still standing
Hostel name: Triggabrowne
Grid reference: SX151513
Nearest town: Polruan nr. Fowey, Cornwall
The National Trust has divided the farmhouse into three holiday cottages. Amazed to find that the current visitor's book for the one we stayed in began in 1968. This view is from the lane from Polruan.
by Derek Harper
Open as a YHA hostel from 1933 to 1939
Notes: now National Trust holiday cottages
Hostel name: Walsingham
Grid reference: TF933368
Nearest town: Little Walsingham, Norfolk
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1969 to 1983
Notes: hostel run by the Catholic Pilgrim Bureau but affiliated to YHA. Presumed still standing
Hostel name: Westerdale Hall
Grid reference: NZ662060
Nearest town: Westerdale, North Yorkshire
Westerdale Hall was built as a very substantial early Victorian shooting lodge. From 1947 to 1992 it was a popular youth hostel, but was closed and is now a private residence.
This 1972 test image is from an original Kodachrome colour slide (dias), scanned with an Epson Perfection 3170 flatbed scanner at 2400dpi.
This 1972 test image is from an original Kodachrome colour slide (dias), scanned with an Epson Perfection 3170 flatbed scanner at 2400dpi.
by Roger Kidd
Open as a YHA hostel from 1936 to 1992
Notes: now a private house
Hostel name: Wheathill (The Malthouse)
Grid reference: SO613819
Nearest town: Wheathill, Shropshire
On the wall in the foreground, there is a YHA (Youth Hostels Association) sign pointing the way to the accommodation. I stayed here as a member of the YHA for the night of 6 April 1984. The hostel closed in 1998 see Link
by John Baker
Open as a YHA hostel from 1937 to 1998
Notes: Closed 1944-1954. Now holiday accommodation, privately run
Hostel name: Wheeldale
Grid reference: SE812983
Nearest town: Goathland, North Yorkshire
A misty morning at Wheeldale when it was still open as a hostel, as a cyclist sets off for a day's ride.
by Stephen Craven
Open as a YHA hostel from 1948 to 1999
Notes:
Hostel name: Whitwell
Grid reference: SZ522777
Nearest town: Whitwell, Isle of Wight
NO IMAGE YET
Open as a YHA hostel from 1947 to 1991
Notes: an old rectory, replaced an earlier hostel known as The Hermitage.
Hostel name: Wholehope
Grid reference: NT901093
Nearest town: Alwinton, Northumberland
This extremely remote hostel situated high in the Cheviots along Clennell Street was opened about 1949 and rapidly became the stuff of legend. Despite, or perhaps because of its remoteness, Wholehope had a loyal band of adherents and was always financially viable. However after about 1962, when the new road up to Kidlandlee was built, bikers and others began using the place for booze-ups and as a doss. There was some inappropriate behaviour (at least by YHA standards) and the authorities finally decided to pull the plug in 1965. A history of the hostel with many anecdotal accounts can be found on Trevor Hipkin's website at Link
by Oliver Dixon
Looking westwards across the head of Kidlandlee Dean to the ruins of the old Wholehope Youth Hostel. For a closer view and details of the hostel see NT9009 : The ruins of Wholehope Youth Hostel.
by Oliver Dixon
Open as a YHA hostel from 1949 to 1964
Notes:
Hostel name: Winchester
Grid reference: SU486293
Nearest town: Winchester, Hampshire
Straddling the Itchen, this old mill was the city's Youth Hostel from 1931 until 2005.
by Christopher Hilton
Open as a YHA hostel from 1931 to 2005
Notes:
Hostel name: Windgather
Grid reference: SKJ993785
Nearest town: Kettleshulme, Cheshire
No image yet.
Open as a YHA hostel from 1938 to 1983
Notes: Now a private residence
Hostel name: Woodlands
Grid reference: SJ505120
Nearest town: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Open as a YHA hostel from 1938 to 2002
Notes: replaced a temporary hostel on another site.
Hostel name: World's End
Grid reference: SO364450
Nearest town: Staunton-on-Wye, Herefordshire
George Jarvis, a Staunton boy, made very good in the City. When he died in 1793 he endowed almshouses and this grand building, once a boarding school. It was never a success and until recently part of it was used as the local primary school. The architects were Fulljames and Waller of Gloucester and it all dates from 1857-60. In addition there are grand detached houses in the neighbouring trees, originally for the senior staff of the school. Recent local news is that it has been sold and will re-open as a nursing home, thereby guaranteeing some sort of future for this relatively unknown but remarkable building and its superb setting.
by Philip Pankhurst
Open as a YHA hostel from 1963 to 1990
Notes: YHA leased part of a school as a seasonal hostel; temp closed 1982-1987; now a nursing home
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