Pendennis Castle
Visit the hands-on discovery centre and explore one of the finest mighty fortresses built by Henry VIII to defend the country.
YHA Boswinger (Partner)
This hostel is independently owned and operated
Overview
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 really quiet retreat for two? Then rent the Tiny House, our newly renovated studio with its own kitchenette, bathroom and private courtyard in the grounds.
If your 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 adventures. The newly refurbished dining room with folding furniture also allows for movie nights, classroom activities or presentations – ideal for schools, colleges and training groups.
YHA Boswinger is well situated to explore all of Cornwall. So, use this hostel as a base to go out, explore, walk, cycle, swim, surf and enjoy all that Cornwall has to offer.
Accommodation at this hostel
- Private room is offered here
- Entire place is offered here
- Bed in a shared room is not offered here
- Camping & Cabins is not offered here
Why guests love this hostel
- Quiet, peaceful, coastal hostel
- Centrally located for exploring all of Cornwall
- Perfect base for walking and cycling holidays
Accommodation at YHA Boswinger
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 40 people
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.
Group-friendly facilities
Sleeping arrangements
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.
Shared spaces
With a dining room, shared lounge plus garden and courtyard, this hostel can accommodate groups of all ages.
The dining room only seats 30. There are picnic benches outside for additional seating. The common areas are quite small. We recommend using this hostel as a base to explore Cornwall and enjoy family adventures. It is not suited to a big group staying on the property all day.
Group catering
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.
Parking
There is parking available at the hostel for up to 12 cars or 3 minibuses. The maximum permitted coach size is a 36-seater.
Accredited site
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.
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- BBQ area
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Intermittent mobile coverage
- Minibus parking on premises
- Outdoor seating
- Sea view
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Sole use available
- Water refill station
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception opening hours: From 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 36-seater. We recommend dropping off coach groups at Seaview Holiday Camp and walking to the hostel (about 200m). Please note that roads in the area are very narrow. Overnight parking for large coaches is available at Willow Car Park in Mevagissey.
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.
YHA Boswinger - Access Statement
(PDF download - 132.57 KB)
Food and drink at YHA Boswinger
Things to do around YHA Boswinger
Eden Project
Situated in a former china claypit near St Austell, the Eden Project features a series of immense golf ball-shaped biomes which contain spectacularly exotic artificial Mediterranean, rainforest and...
Hangloose Adventure SkyWire
Looking for a new adventure? For those thrill-seekers out there, why not fly down Skywire, England’s Fastest Zipline! Better yet, challenge yourself by trying Gravity or swing like Tarzan on Skytrek...
Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre
Don't miss this unusual glimpse into the past - a unique collection of shipwrecks, historical artefacts and varied exhibitions about the China Clay industry.
St Austell Brewery
Enjoying the beers at YHA Boswinger? See how and where they're made with a trip to this award-winning brewery. Plenty to see and plenty to drink.
Cycling in Boswinger
The hostel has a handy emergency cycle and puncture repair kit on hand - just in case! Make a day of it with a round trip along quiet lanes and trail to Mevagissey and the Lost Gardens of Heligan for...
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
5 miles Lovingly restored, Heligan offers over 200 acres for exploration. Discover the romantic Pleasure Grounds and lush sub-tropical Jungle. Visit the website
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm
Pay homage to this state-of-the-art brewing facility, including the press house and distillery, followed by a free tasting. Have a look around their museum. Take a ride around the orchards on a...
National Maritime Museum Cornwall (Falmouth)
Love boats, the sea and Cornwall? You'll find all things nautical at this amazing museum – don't miss the stunning views from the lookout tower across Falmouth Harbour.
Watersports in Boswinger
This lovely area is great for water sports, so whatever mode of water transport takes your fancy, take the plunge and enjoy some fun on, or in, the water!
Walking and Rambling in Boswinger
Fancy a walk on the wild side? Plan a day trip to one of the many isolated and quiet coves near Boswinger for a little wild swimming!
Mountain biking in Boswinger
Explore Clay Country along the Pentewan, Bugle and Wheal Martyn trails on the way to the Eden Project. Don't forget that there's a £3 discount off entry fee when you arrive by bicycle!
More about this hostel
Volunteering
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.
History
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.
Meet the team
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?
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