Acton Scott Working Farm Museum
A fascinating insight into rural life at the turn of the 19th century. There are daily demonstrations of period skills showing how life might have been. Visit the Farm website
YHA Bridges
Overview
The tranquil retreat of YHA Bridges has been described as one of the last remaining rural idylls. You can enjoy a traditional hostelling experience at this former village school, set within the wonderful landscape of the Shropshire Hills AONB.
YHA Bridges has, since May 1931, made a lovely base for walkers and cyclists. Our hostel includes a cosy lounge with an open fire. Enjoy a choice of our home-cooked three course evening meals with ingredients from our fruit and vegetable garden.
Why guests love YHA Bridges
Accommodation at YHA Bridges
Food and drink at YHA Bridges
Things to do around YHA Bridges
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Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd
Some of the best walking in the Marches and an important place for wildlife, geology, landscape and archaeology. Part of Shropshire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Cycling in Bridges
Voted top five by the Observer and top ten by the Guardian for walkers to stay in England 2014.
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Stokesay Castle
Stokesay Castle was constructed at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, who at the time was one of the richest men in England.
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Walking and Rambling in Bridges
The popular Shropshire Way passes the hostel grounds and you'll meet plenty of other walkers heading out for a day in the beautiful countryside.
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Eastridge Woods
This hill-top woodland has stunning views across the surrounding countryside and some great, raw mountain bike trails.
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Mountain Biking at YHA Bridges
Enjoy popular routes in Eastridge Woods and on the Long Mynd hills - the ultimate ride surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Hostel facilities
- Ambulant accessible
- BBQ area
- Breakfast
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Large garden/grounds
- Minibus parking on premises
- Outdoor play area
- Outdoor seating
- Packed lunch
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared lounge
- Sole use available
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception opening hours: From 07:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily. Evening meals are also available.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is free parking at the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Bridges. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
YHA Bridges - Access Statement
(PDF download - 52.68 KB)
History
The hostel takes its name from the three bridges which span the East Onny River and Darnford Brook. It was built as a village school in 1866, commissioned by Lady Scott, Lady of the Manor of Wetnor and Ratlinghope. She built the school for the children of her employees, seeking to encourage her workers to stay with her, rather than join the drift to the factories of Industrial England.
The stone for the building came mainly from a local quarry near Norbury, though some of the windowsills are of Cotswold stone. The bell-tower is still standing, but it has lost its pointed top and the original bell, soon to be re-built. The back of the building was originally the school teacher’s house, the school rooms, divided by glass partitions, being at the front.
The building did not survive long as a school - there were not enough children in the area - and for a while it was left largely unused. In 1931 it became a Youth Hostel, making it one of the oldest in the country. It appeared in the first English handbook. Until 1968 the toilets were ‘holes in the ground’ and washing was done in the stream. An old Hostel duty was to hand-pump water from the stream into the Hostel. In the summer of 1991 the Bridges came into the ownership of Michael Boulton. It has since been run in a traditional manner, intentionally sustaining those elements that have made it so popular whilst bringing the facilities more closely in tune with modern experiences.
Meet the team
Manager recommends: Just relax and enjoy walking in the peace and quiet of this beautiful area, before returning to the comfort of your tranquil rural retreat.
