FAQ

What is a Youth Hostel?
A Youth Hostel is good quality, budget accommodation at affordable prices that offers a good night’s sleep in friendly surroundings. They provide the perfect way to get to know a country at low cost and meet with likeminded people who share your attitude towards travelling.

Are Youth Hostels only for young people?
YHA (England and Wales) welcomes visitors of all ages

How do I become a member of YHA (England and Wales)?
You can join YHA online today. Simply click here and select the type of membership you wish to have from the YHA Membership page, fill in the form and submit. It’s as simple as that! Alternatively call 01629 592700 to join over the phone.

What facilities are available at the Youth Hostels?
At most Youth Hostels you will find comfortable sitting areas, as well as self catering kitchens, drying rooms, cycle stores and local information. Some also have games rooms, TV lounges, garden or grounds and laundry facilities. Others offer a bar and meals service.

Most rooms are fitted with bunk beds and some smaller rooms have en suite facilities. All beds have freshly laundered bed linen. Click here to visit your chosen Youth Hostel page on this site to get a break down of the facilities available specific to that Youth Hostel.

Will I need to bring anything with me?
If you are a YHA member you will need to bring your membership card with you. If not you will be required to produce a suitable form of identification on arrival in order to maintain safety and security for all our guests. This could include:

Credit card details
Driving Licence (with photo)
Passport
Utility bill or bank statement with home address

Are the Youth Hostels open all day?
Generally Youth Hostel reception will be open at least between 08:00 - 10:00 hours and 17:00 - 22:00 hours. Some larger city hostels are open 24 hours a day. When reception is closed, you may be able to access some facilities. Click here to visit your chosen Youth Hostel page on this site to see the opening times specific to that Youth Hostel.

Can I stay in a Youth Hostel abroad?
You can travel the world with YHA membership, which entitles you to stay at over 4,500 Youth Hostels in 60 countries. Always look for the Hostelling International logo, which assures you of safe, clean and comfortable accommodation all over the world. Visit the ’YHA Overseas’ section on this site for further information.

Will I have to help with chores?
No. Although, wherever you stay you are asked to tidy up after yourself.

Will I have to sleep in a dormitory?
Unless you have made special arrangements in advance, you will sleep in comfortable bunk bedded rooms sharing with people of the same sex. Some hostels offer private bunk bedded rooms, sometimes with their own wash facilities. Otherwise you will find showers, toilets and washing facilities close to your room.

Can I book my accommodation in advance?
Yes, most YHA locations can be booked online. You can fill in your requirements in the Find Accommodation form on the home page or search accommodation to book online direct from the hostel page.  Alternatively you can call the YHA contact centre on 01629 592700 or contact the hostel direct by phone or email, details of which on found on each individual hostel page.

Are Youth Hostels open all year round?
Some of the larger city hostels are open all year round. All Youth Hostel opening patterns are listed on the individual hostel pages on this site. To view the opening dates, visit your chosen Youth Hostel page on this site by searching accommodation.

How late can I arrive at a Youth Hostel?
Generally a Youth Hostel reception will be open until 22:00 hours. Some larger city hostels are open 24 hours a day. To ensure that you will be able to check in at your arrival time reception opening times are listed on each individual hostel page - search accommodation to find the hostel you wish to visit.

Do Youth Hostels cater for people with disabilities?
While a minority of Youth Hostels have specific facilities for people with disabilities, most can offer limited facilities and aim to be as flexible as possible. To ensure the hostel you wish to visit has the facilities you require, look out for the icon on the hostel's facilities page - alternatively contact the hostel direct. 

Can I take a pet to a hostel during my stay?
No pets are allowed at any hostel with the exception of Assistance Dogs where the Hostel Manager has been informed and an agreement made in advance.

Dogs are welcome at some Camping Barns - please check prior to making a reservation - if you do take a dog, you must book the barn on a 'sole-use' basis.