YHA Cambridge exterior

Overview

One of YHA’s oldest and best-loved hostels, YHA Cambridge provides superb, modern accommodation for those looking to explore the historic city of Cambridge. This hostel is in a prime location, only a 5-minutes walk from the train station and 15 minutes from the city centre. It offers 24-hour access, free WiFi and all the facilities you’ll need to make the most of your visit.

YHA Cambridge gives you a perfect base to take in the magnificent university buildings, beautiful gardens and unique shops. Why not stay for any one of the city’s festivals, take a stroll round the university museums (free entry!) or hire a bike to explore this cycle city?

Why guests love YHA Cambridge

  • Located in the heart of a university city packed with culture
  • Just a 5-minute walk from Cambridge rail station
  • Relax in our café and licensed bar

Accommodation at YHA Cambridge

YHA Cambridge Bedroom

Bed in a shared room

If you're happy to share, dorm rooms have multiple beds - ideal for budget breaks.

YHA Cambridge Bedroom

Private rooms

Like your own space? Private rooms offer the hostelling experience with more privacy.

YHA Cambridge Bedroom

Private en-suite rooms

Enjoy your own space with a private en-suite room, including bathroom facilities.

YHA Cambridge Outdoor Seating

Group bookings for 16+ guests

Let YHA take care of your stay with our group booking service.

Reviews

Food and drink at YHA Cambridge

Things to do around YHA Cambridge

Hostel facilities

  • 24-hour access after check-in
  • 24-hour reception
  • Ambulant accessible
  • Baby changing
  • City view
  • Contactless payments
  • Corridor zoning
  • Cycle store
  • Dining room
  • Full mobile coverage
  • Games
  • Group meals
  • Highchair
  • Licensed bar
  • Luggage store
  • Near airport
  • Near bus stop
  • Near train station
  • Outdoor seating
  • Self-catering kitchen
  • Shared drying room
  • Shared laundry room
  • Shared lounge
  • Shared TV
  • Unlimited breakfast
  • Vending machines
  • Water refill station
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • WiFi

Hostel need to know

Reception opening hours: 24 hours.

Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests from 07:30 – 09:00 on weekdays and 07:30 – 10:00 at weekends.

Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol.

Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.

Restaurant and café opening hours: Scholar’s Café & Bar is open to the public from 11:00 - 20:30, Monday to Sunday.

Parking: There is a single disabled parking bay at the hostel (Blue Badge holders only). Parking can be found on Devonshire Road - this is free between 5pm and 9am every day and all day Sunday, with a two-hour maximum stay outside these hours. Station car park is across the road from the hostel and open 24 hours. There are also five park and rides around the city. The closest for cars is Madingley Road and for coach parking (pre-booked) is Trumpington.

WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout.

Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Cambridge. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.

YHA Cambridge - Access Statement

(PDF download - 135 KB)

Location of YHA Cambridge

YHA Cambridge

Map references

OS Map:
154
OS Grid Ref:
TL460575
Lat/Lng:
52.196688, 0.135516
what3words
milk.chart.boil

Contact information

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

Did you know there were two previous Cambridge hostels before the current YHA Cambridge?

The first Cambridge Claremont hostel opened in 1934 thanks to the Cambridge University Group. Claremont closed in 1938 and Cherry Hinton Hall opened in 1939. It was a much larger and modern building. The facility was well used in its short career, closing in the outbreak of war and replaced after conflicts by the Tenison Road hostel - the current YHA Cambridge building.

On 28th March 1945, Tenison Road hostel opened for business. Did you know this YHA was built in the Victorian times as a town house? Since it opened as a hostel there have been four extensions due to its ever-increasing popularity.

Meet the team

Manager recommends: King's College and St John's College are great places to visit on your Cambridge city break, you can feel the history oozing from the brickwork! For something different, view them on a punt tour and let the tour guide give you a fantastic account of their history. Or explore one of the largest and most opulent Jacobean houses in England: Audley End House. Meander through the magnificent state apartments, glorious great hall and 1880s service wing to discover the workings of this gargantuan mansion.

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