British Youth Hostels Association

British YHA

Mention Britain and immediately you get visions of magnificent palaces, Big Ben, and Her Majesty, the Queen. Towering structures abound in this beautiful urban area, and you might get just a little intimidated with all the high-level, high-class structures. Not to worry, though, because there are many British hostels to give you a comfortable and affordable place to stay while you’re enjoying the place, people, and culture. These places are so nice, you might find yourself hard-pressed to leave your chosen British hostel to experience the rest of the place! Most of all, because these hostels are governed by the British Youth Hostels Association (YHA), you're assured of excellent service and utmost hospitality.

YHA London Central

The YHA London Central is the newest hostel in the YHA network, and this British hostel has a few things to boast of. This spacious, modern hostel is approximately 5 minutes away from Oxford Street on foot, so it's perfect when you want to take in the sights and absorb the hustle and bustle of the city around you.

The hostel also offers WiFi Internet access in their 24-hour café, which is a great place to meet and greet other people over sumptuous food, or over a rousing game on their Nintendo Wii. The staff places high priority in efficiency and speed, and their service is impeccable. A warm smile and a friendly, helpful attitude is what awaits you from the staff!

If you're up for some exploring, take your newfound friends and talk to the hostel's travel desk personnel about discounts to the major attractions around town, like Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the famed Tower of London. If afterwards you find yourself wanting to kick back and relax, Regent’s Park is also just a heartbeat away.

London Central is the place to be if you’re looking for that cosmopolitan vibe, and is definitely one of the hippest hostels Britain has to offer!

YHA Earl’s Court

The YHA Earl’s Court is found in the heart of the capital, and as such, this British hostel is also found in the heart of exciting activities and great places to go! No wonder this hostel is also in the hearts of many travelers.

Among the many hostels under the British YHA, Britain holds Earl’s Court in very high esteem because of its great facilities, very clean surroundings, and 24-hour service. This hostel is located very close to creature comforts such as public transport stations and groceries.

In this hostel, Britain’s lust for life and adventure is brought to the forefront. From the Heathrow Airport, only 5 minutes away from the hostel, Britain’s great attractions are within reach, such as the Kensington Museums, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Science Museum. After a busy day, the hostel does offer some solitude with a small courtyard garden, a lounge with a TV, and a solemn reading room.

All in all, Earl’s Court is a place that has something for everyone.

London Thameside

If you’re with a group with a taste for adventure and meeting new people, then YHA London Thameside is the British hostel for you. Among all the hostels in Britain, this is one of the few that offers group accommodations. A round-the-clock service; an accommodating, friendly, and competent staff; and a wide range of activities in the hostel itself, such as WiFi Internet access, a great café and bakery, and a fully stocked bar gives this British hostel a thumbs-up from the many travelers who have experienced its hospitality.

Take a short walk around the Rotherlithe where this hostel is located, and you will find a shopping center complete with supermarket, sports shops, bowling alley, and cinema. Should you be having trouble finding your next activity or destination, don’t hesitate to talk to the concierge, and the personnel will be happy to assist you in any way, from recommending major attractions and events, to going out of their way to provide amenities to make your stay more comfortable.

The nearest attraction to this hostel is the Tower of London where British history abounds. For outdoors buffs, this hostel is located near the scenic Thames river, and walks along the riverside are something not to be missed. You can also rent a cycle, and go around the city faster and further. You can even take a bus ride or an underground train, or even a river taxi to take in the sights, such as the London Eye or the Isle of Dogs.

From this hostel, Britain is your oyster, and you can take your time to explore to your heart’s content.

YHA Manchester

Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group of friends or family, the YHA Manchester is a great hostel to stay in. While there are many places for the culture-starved like museums and concert halls situated around this hostel, Britain’s Manchester United Museum and stadium tour is a must-see for anyone who is a true sports fan. Don’t forget to drop by the Museum of Science and Industry and The Urbis Museum.

The hostel itself offers very good service and many amenities to make your stay more enjoyable and comfortable, such as a game room, a library, a lounge, cable TV, and a fully stocked bar. After a hard night of exploring and staying out, breakfast is included in the charge, and the breakfast buffet table is something of a great sight all on its own.

This is a beautiful British hostel, with everything that every “youth” - from age 3 to 93 - could want!

YHA Oxford

If there was ever a hostel in Britain that conjures up images of prestige and history, the YHA Oxford is the one to beat. Beauty and purpose are the main themes of this hostel, and it is evident in the structures and gardens found in and around it.

This hostel can accommodate families and individuals, with breakfast being included in their fees. A friendly staff, 24-hour service, and great amenities are but some of the things that you will experience if you stay here.

This British hostel is located next to the Oxfordshire railway station, which means that after you check in and put down your stuff, you’re ready for the next part of your adventure. Check out the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera. The Ashmolean Museum is another place not to be missed, and if you have the time, go “punting” - a boat ride in straw boats, chauffeured by men in traditional waistcoats.

YHA York

Not far from the Scottish Border way up north lies one of the most famous YHAs in England. YHA York is inexpensive, yet adheres to high quality standards. This converted Victorian mansion (former home of the Rowntree family) has consistently garnered a three-star rating, thanks to the beautiful scenery of the riverside walk, the friendly and intelligent staff, the clean and spacious rooms and lounges, secure lockers, WiFi Internet access, wide bar list, and fine yet affordable meals (breakfast is included in hostel fees). Such charm has made this hostel pretty hard to book, so remember to do so in advance.

The hostel is located about a mile from the city center and is a self-contained environment with its own private grounds and more than adequate security facilities. There are single and private rooms, as well as rooms that can accommodate up to 4 to 18 boarders. The beds are known to be more comfortable than the usual bunks.

The YHA York also offers many tourist must-haves, such as the York Pass, which will give you access to more than 30 locations, and the Discounted Attraction Tickets, which include Jorvik, York Dungeons, York Boat, and City Sightseeing. There’s also a Ghost Tour which you may find interesting.

York is an historic place where the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans have left their marks. You may choose to visit historical sights, do some shopping, see helicopter fights or F1 racing, or check out the theatre scene. To wrap up the day, there are pubs that line the York Streets, mere walking distance from the YHA York.

YHA Bath

Set on top of the private Bathwick Hill is the Italian-style mansion of YHA Bath, secluded enough when needed, but near enough the city center should you wish to explore the World Heritage City of Bath. The city proper is a fifteen-minute walk away, and it is known for hot springs, Roman Baths, and Georgian Architecture. At any given time of the year, visitors can keep busy with festivals, theatre shows, and exhibitions. Add that to the breathtaking view of lush greenery and it’s an all-year round must-see.

YHA Bath actually attracts a wide variety of clientèle from young adults and early twenties to families with young children into its midst. This is a fairly large-sized hostel and is quite popular, so expect quite a few people around, no matter what season you decide to visit. It's safe to say that nobody ever gets lonely at the YHA Bath!

YHA Bath offers private rooms and single sex dorms, but co-ed bathrooms. Security for the YHA Bath is relatively good with locked doors and a code to enter the premises at night. The hostel also offers Internet access. For food, you can either cook your own at the self-catering kitchen, get a package meal at the counter, or go to a nearby café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The area in which to eat the food is not a problem; there are plenty of lounges with a TV inside and picnic tables outside. The hostel also offers laundry facilities.

No matter what your purpose of visiting Britain is, the many hostels under he British YHA are sure to offer you accommodations that are both hospitable and affordable, making your stay an exciting and memorable one!

Cities in England