
Pendennis Castle
Visit the hands-on discovery centre and explore one of the finest mighty fortresses built by Henry VIII to defend the country.
Boswinger is a charming coastal retreat in the Cornish countryside overlooking the sea. It is uniquely situated right in the middle of the county so makes a great base for exploring all that Cornwall has to offer. It is also the closest YHA hostel to the award-winning Eden Project.
If you're enticed by Cornwall's amazing attractions, then this hostel is perfectly placed for visits to the Eden Project, Caerhays Castle & Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. We are just off the South West Coastal Path and the Cornish Way cycle route as well as being close to the historic fishing village of Mevagissey. It's also a 10-minute minute walk to the secluded Hemmick beach.
Although in a quiet location, YHA Boswinger is a short bus or taxi ride from St Austell mainline railway station. There are endless adventures on offer for walkers, cyclists, swimmers and kayakers with a multitude of secluded coves, coastal paths and leafy lanes just moments from the door.
Looking for a base for your group? You can hire the whole hostel for up to 40 people through YHA Exclusive Hire.
This hostel is great for family group celebrations. The newly refurbished dining room with folding furniture also allows for movie nights, classroom activities or presentations – ideal for schools, colleges and training groups.
With its rural charm and coastal views, YHA Boswinger is ideally placed for your outdoor-themed trip to Cornwall. Your group can feast on the extensive array of walking, cycling and water-based activities all available from the doorstep -we are just moments by foot from the famous South West Coast Path and the Lands End to John o’ Groats cycle route.
And while the tiny village of Boswinger has a remote, secluded feel, it boasts convenient proximity to many of the Duchy’s major attractions, with the Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan making easy days out from the hostel.
Most of our bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. We always try to allocate bedrooms close together and will never ask your group to share bedrooms with anyone not in your group.
Upgrades are available for sole use of an area, floor or the entire place.
With a dining room, shared lounge plus extensive gardens and grounds, this hostel can accommodate groups of all ages.
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Boswinger.
Meal plans range from bed and breakfast up to full-board catering. Vegetarian options are available and we aim to cater for any special dietary requests.
There is parking available at the hostel for up to 12 cars or 3 minibuses. The maximum permitted coach size is a 40-seater.
YHA Boswinger holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (Site Only) (105552).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Reception opening hours: From 08:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 20:30.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is parking available at the hostel for up to 12 cars or 3 minibuses. The maximum permitted coach size is a 40-seater.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Boswinger, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
(PDF download - 132.57 KB)
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.
YHA Boswinger is the oldest continually operating YHA site in Cornwall. Welcoming travellers since 1932, it is now made up of the original farmhouse joined to an older barn that was originally used as sleeping accommodation. The dining room was added more recently along with the connector building which now comprises the entrance hall, main stairs and modern bathrooms on two floors.
Manager recommends: Take a stroll down the lane to Hemmick Beach where you can enjoy a peaceful day of sea-swimming, rock-pooling, or taking off on stunning walks along the South West Coast Path. Or if you fancy something a little more challenging, why not try a cycle ride to Mevagissey, where you can admire the fishing boats in the impressive double harbour and cool off with a Cornish ice cream?