YHA Brighton

Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.  

The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.

Find out more and apply to volunteer.

Brighthelmston gained its town charter in 1313 allowing it a weekly market, and so the shopping began! The street plan of The Lanes is that of medieval Brighton, and locally the small alleyways are known as “twittens” and “catcreeps”. Initially, goods were all fish-related, however, these days there is much more variety, ranging from chocolate unicorns to vegetarian shoes.

In 1783 the Prince of Wales visited Brighton and was the first to recognise its ‘coolness’. His Royal Pavilion grew from farmhouse to palace in stages between 1787 and 1823, during which time he became Regent and then King George IV. The arrival of royalty and associated hangers-on, changed Brighton’s fortune, and provided many local people with otherwise scarce work. Many of the grand squares seen in Brighton today were started during the Regency period.

During the 1800s the health benefits of the seaside were marketed as alternatives to the waters of the spa towns. Initially, this was a trend for the wealthy, but by the end of the 19th century the success of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of the railways meant that people of all classes could escape the city smog, and towns like Brighton thrived. Many of Brighton’s grand hotels were built in the 19th century to accommodate this influx of visitors, the Royal York being one of them.

Originally built as a manor house in 1771, the Royal York was named after the Duke of York, cousin of the Prince Regent. The site was developed into a distinguished hotel in 1819, attracting guests such as Benjamin Disraeli, William Makepeace Thackeray and even Charles Dickens, who did a reading of David Copperfield there in 1860.

Falling into disrepair in the early 20th century, the refurbishment was handled by Harry Preston, later knighted for his services to charities around Brighton, making YHA’s presence in the building all the more fitting. In 1908 the cost of a double room was 80p and breakfast was 18p; not even YHA can beat that! The Royal York had a less thrilling 20th century, much of which was spent as an office building until 2006 when it reverted to a hotel.

As of November 2014, The Royal York Hotel was transformed once again, this time to the incredible YHA Brighton. With the generous support of The Coastal Communities Fund, the building was refurbished creating a stylish, modern Youth Hostel whilst maintaining many of its original features and charm. YHA Brighton is a stylish, eclectic social hostel, reflective of the area.

Our team come from all corners of the globe and speak many languages. They are always keen to help you, are knowledgeable about the area, and can give great advice on what to see and where to eat in this amazing city.

Manager recommends: There is so much to see and do in Brighton, from the historic Brighton Pavilion, to the modern i360. Just a stones throw from the hostel is the beach, as well as many of Brighton’s best bars and clubs. Brighton really does have something for everyone.