Wales hostel accommodation | Cheap places to stay in Wales

Welcome to Wales

Rugged coastlines and mountainous national parks, Wales has got it all.

Packed full with Celtic culture, great nightlife and stunning scenery, a Welsh holiday has everything. Choose from the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park with lakes, glacial landforms and hiking trails in the north, vast countryside, and beautiful beaches in the south.

YHA hostels in Wales

YHA Borth

Meeting room(s)
Free parking on premises
Cycle hire

YHA Brecon Beacons

Garden/grounds
Free parking on premises
Licensed bar

YHA Brecon Beacons Danywenallt

Garden/grounds
Contactless payments
Mountain view

YHA Broad Haven

WiFi
Garden/grounds
Games

YHA Conwy

WiFi
Meeting room(s)
Games

YHA Gower

WiFi
Self-catering kitchen
Sole use available

YHA Idwal Cottage

Large garden/grounds
Self-catering kitchen
Cycle store

Two stone hostel buildings surrounded by green lawn and trees

YHA Kings

Free parking on premises
WiFi
Library

YHA Manorbier

WiFi
Sea view
Restaurant

YHA Port Eynon

WiFi
Self-catering kitchen
Cycle store

YHA Snowdon Llanberis

WiFi
Free parking on premises
Self-catering kitchen

YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass

WiFi
Café
Wheelchair accessible

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Things to do in Wales

Five free things to do in Wales

Big Pit, Blaenavon

This is one of Britain’s leading mining museums. Take the famous underground tour and see a section of the original workings.

National Wool Museum, Dre-fach, Felindre

Enjoy a fascinating tour of this old mill and discover the process from fleece to fabric, see historic machinery in action and view the textile gallery.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast

This remote stretch of soft, golden sand can only be reached via a cliff-top path and steep decent through woodlands and dunes owned by the National Trust.

Ellin's Tower RSPB Seabird Centre, Goferydd, Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey

See thousands of breeding seabirds including peregrine falcons and chough. Displays, information and wonderful views.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Gwynedd

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales. Choose your route to the summit, pack a picnic and, weather-allowing, enjoy a day of spectacular scenery.

Wales is a country of extremes

There are so many ways Wales will enchant you. From castles to coalmines, Wales is steeped in history, while the Arthurian legend also has strong links to its stunning landscape. Today’s Wales is just as fascinating. It has three National Parks, over 600 castles and more than 40 Blue Flag beaches.

The craggy Pembrokeshire coastline is home to the exhilarating activity of coasteering, and there are many opportunities for abseiling, climbing, surfing, diving, fishing and golf.

Marsh land nature reserve behind Aberdyfi

Aberdyfi – Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre

Visit the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre at Aberdyfi and find out what makes this area special as well as how you can visit sustainably. Information centres are also located in...

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park Visitor Centre

Visit Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park Visitor Centre where a team of friendly and knowledgeable information officers are on hand all year round to help you make the most of your...

Beaumaris

Beaumaris is a seaside town on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. It’s a gorgeous historic town with a mixture of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian influences and plenty to see and do.

View of Llyn Dinas lake in the direction of Beddgelert village

Beddgelert – Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre

Visit the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre at Beddgelert for all you need to know about exploring the area sustainably and making the most of your visit to Wales. Information centres...

Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed is a beautiful village that serves as the gateway to the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) in North Wales. You’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into the Alps with a visit to this rural...

Betws-y-Coed – Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre

Visit the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Information Centre at Betws-y-Coed – the perfect place to learn about what makes Eryri (Snowdonia) spectacular as well as advice on visiting sustainably...

Blue Lagoon

This sub tropical water park has a monster wave pool, rapid rides, rivers and flumes plus lots of special events throughout the year.

Brecon Cathedral

Because of its location it's thought that the Norman Priory might have been built on the site of an older, possibly Celtic, church.

Cardigan town

Discover a vibrant culture, ideally located to explore the fabulous land and seascapes of the Teifi Valley and Cardigan Bay. Visit the Visit Cardigan website

Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn self-guided walking route

An exhilarating and rugged mountain route which is steep in places, with short scrambles. Including a high-level section of the Cambrian Way, this route provides stunning mountain scenery and far...

Castell Henllys Iron Age Village

A unique Iron Age hill fort recreated with replica Iron Age roundhouses. Travel back in time over 2,000 years to experience life in the Iron Age. You can walk in the footsteps of the Demetae tribe...

Centre for Alternative Technology

The Centre for Alternative Technology aims to inspire, inform and enable people to explore new ways of living. Visit the CAT website

Church Doors Cove & Beach

A small rocky beach, where sand is exposed at low tide. There's a large natural arch and caves along the steep cliffs. Visit Pembrokeshire website for more information.

Climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Yr Wyddfa, also known as Mount Snowdon, is a mountain in the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park). It is the highest mountain in Wales and the highest mountain in the British Isles, south of...

Three Cliffs Bay, jagged and dramatic, Gower

Climbing in Gower

Climb and scramble to your hearts content and enjoy the spectacular views from this beautiful part of the country. Check out the UK Climbing website for routes

Climbing in Port Eynon

There's lots of fantastic coastal climbs to choose from and there's something suitable for every climber. Castle Rock off Fall Bay is very popular and boasts some amazing crags. The hostel can...

Coastal Foraging with Black Rock Outdoor Company

This highly recommended company offers tailor-made experiences, including bushcraft & survival, foraging, and guided rockpool safaris. Dan Moar created Black Rock Outdoor Company after practicing and...

Coed-y-Brenin

Coed-y-Brenin is a mountain biking mecca set amongst mountains and forests of southern Eryri (Snowdonia). There are also fantastic walks, a visitor centre, a high ropes course, and opportunities to go...

Conwy town and marina self-guided walking route

An enjoyable walk through picturesque Conwy passing the marina, estuary, nature reserve, town walls and castle.

Craig y Nos Country Park

Craig y Nos is over 40 acres of parkland with riverside walks through woodland and meadows. The park is also used as a base to study the flora and fauna of the area.

Cwm Deri Vineyard and Estate

Stroll through a vineyard surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Pembrokeshire National Park - a unique attraction which isn't often seen in the UK climate.

Cwm Idwal Nature reserve

Discover a landscape that was sculptured by ice thousands of years ago. Cwm Idwal has the glacial lake of Llyn Idwal at its centre, is encircled by some of Wales' most impressive mountains and is home...

Cwm Idwal self-guided walking route

A great walk to Llyn Idwal which is surrounded by steep, high crags and scree slopes. With lots for geologists and botanists to enjoy this stunning route provides great views across the Ogwen valley...

Dryad Bushcraft

Dryad Bushcraft is dedicated to providing the highest standard of Wilderness Bushcraft training. As well as teaching traditional skills and crafts we also have our finger on the pulse with regards to...

Dylan Thomas Centre

Houses a permanent exhibition on Dylan Thomas and his life, as well as a shop stuffed with books, posters and memorabilia. The Centre is right next to the pedestrian Sail (Millennium) Bridge and the...

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

Travel on the glorious line from Caernarfon through Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog – some 40 miles of narrow-gauge steam! These are 2 separate railways which meet at the central station of Portmadog...

Folly Farm

Folly Farm is so much more than just a farm. There's also a zoo, a vintage funfair and a whole host of indoor and outdoor adventure play for you to enjoy.

Heatherton World of Activities

Whether you want a relaxing afternoon, a sports-filled activity fun day out, or an adrenalin-fuelled, extreme adventure day, Heatherton has it all!

Machination Visitor Centre

The only permanent exhibition of contemporary Automata in the UK. The interactive models move with a variety of fascinating mechanisms.

Manor House Wildlife Park

Here you'll find 52 acres of parkland to wander around and meet the wildlife. If you've only got a couple of hours make a beeline for the walk-throughs.

Wales FAQ's

Which YHA is best in Wales?

Ah this is far too tricky a question to answer as they’re all amazing! And with 14 wonderful hostels located in Wales, it will take you quite some time to try them all.

As a country, Wales (or Cymru) is part of the United Kingdom and bordered by the Irish sea on its west coast and England to the east. It’s a huge area (8,192 square miles) with a relatively small population (3.2 million people). And there’s over 1,600 miles of coast line to explore!

And that’s before you consider its mountains, including its highest summit Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).

So where you stay in Wales really depends on what you fancy doing whilst you’re there. Choose from:

Which YHA is best for exploring Snowdonia?

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is one of Wales's most searched destinations and for good reason. It’s absolutely stunning. If you’re looking for hostel accommodation in Snowdonia, there are 5 places to choose from:

Which YHA is closest to the Welsh coast?

If climbing mountains is not your thing then why not book a hostel to explore Wales’ 1,600 miles of coastline, complete with 20 Blue Flag beaches?
YHA hostels close to the beach include:

Are YHA hostels in Wales family friendly?

YHA hostels are absolutely perfect for families with young children as well as older children. And our hostels in Wales are no exception. Whether you love a day on a beach, a walk in the countryside or just chilling with friends, there’s a YHA to suit every family.

You can book a family-friendly private room (some with en-suites) as well as take advantage of our offer where kids eat from as little as £1 (T&Cs apply).

Families also love our free Wi-Fi, communal lounges and self catering kitchens (perfect for budget friendly meals) as well as the opportunity to meet lots of new friends.

Can I stay in a camping pod, cabin, or glamping accommodation in Wales?

Yes, there are several glamping alternatives to staying in a room at a YHA hostel in Wales:

Hostel	Glamping option
YHA Brecon Beacons	Landpod Landpod Plus
YHA Broad Haven	Camping
YHA Conwy	Premium Bell tent
YHA Idwal Cottage	Camping Anglesey Hut
YHA Manorbier	Large Pod Plus Premium Bell tent Camping
YHA Snowdon Llanberis	Large Pod Plus

Can I book an entire YHA hostel in Wales?

If you’ve got a large group you’d like to go away with for a special celebration, you are more than welcome to hire out the whole hostel at the following YHA hostels in Wales:

Do Wales YHA's have parking?

YHA hostels in Wales which offer off-street parking (some of which may be charged for) include:

Which YHA is best for cyclists in Wales?

Hostels which offer a secure cycle store for your bikes in Wales include:

Which YHA has the best views in Wales?

We could probably debate which hostel in Wales has the best views all day long! But in the meantime, here are some of our favourites:

Best for	Hostel	Why?
Mountain Panoramas	YHA Snowdon Pen-Y-Pass	It’s situated right at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) and offers unbeatable, rugged views of the highest mountain in Wales plus a head start on trails like the Pyg and Miners' tracks.
Dramatic Coastlines	YHA Manorbier	Located on a dramatic cliff-top in an ex-Ministry of Defence building, it has fabulous sea views and is just steps away from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
Sunsets	YHA Conwy	It offers a fantastic tiered patio where you can sit and watch the sun set directly over the dramatic Carneddau mountain range.
Beach views	YHA Broad Haven	Located on a dramatic cliff-top in an ex-Ministry of Defence building, it has fabulous sea views and is just steps away from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
Sea views	YHA Port Eynon	Converted from a former lifeboat station, this hostel sits on the most southerly point of the Gower Peninsula. It features unparalleled ocean views from its large lounge windows.

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Places to stay in Wales

Introduction