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A unique range of very special adventures. Experience Europe's longest Ziplines, or massive underground trampolines and high-rope cavern adventures called Bounce Below. See the Zip
This eco-friendly hostel offers superb Snowdonia accommodation for activity breaks in the Ogwen Valley and is surrounded by all of the area’s geographical wonders. YHA Idwal Cottage is great for strolls to the Cwm Idwal nature reserve, or for walking holidays on the Cambrian Way or the Welsh 3000s.
This is YHA’s longest standing hostel - follow in the footsteps of YHA's founders and relive the walks and scrambles enjoyed by the Merseyside Group in those early years. Remember to pick up a copy of the 'Idwal log' at the hostel!
Dorms are not currently available.
Dorm rooms have multiple beds and are shared with other people who may not be travelling together. They are usually more affordable than private rooms as you'll be booking a bed rather than the whole room.
A typical shared dorm room includes bunk beds, a reading light and a storage cupboard for each guest.
Children aged between 12 and 15 can stay in dorm rooms as long as an adult of the same gender accompanies them.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room. None of our dorm rooms have en-suite facilities.
Want some privacy? With a private room, you'll be booking the whole room for your stay.
Private rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus a wash hand basin.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room.
For added privacy, relax with your family, friends or by yourself in a private en-suite room.
Private en-suite rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus shower and toilet facilities solely for the people in your room.
With shuttered windows for privacy and plenty of bunks to sleep comfortably, our simple but functional Anglesey Hut will take you back to your school days.
The hut features electrical sockets and lights - your essentials for a rest between adventuring. It sleeps six or seven people in a double bed with a single over the top and two sets of bunk beds. The hut is fully furnished and bedding is included - perfect for rural getaways.
Guests have access to a separate shower and toilet across from the hut.
Camping is sold per person and not per pitch. During the booking process, you will need to select the number of people who you wish to camp.
YHA Idwal Cottage's campsite is located in a beautiful pine wooded area - ideal if you want the comforts of 4-star hostel facilities combined with the adventure of sleeping under the stars! Ogwen waterfall provides the perfect background soundtrack.
We have space for up to seven small tents on the campsite. Guests have 24-hour access to the hostel's facilities, including bathrooms. There is also a BBQ area in front of the hostel.
Cars cannot park on the campsite but there is a car park next to the site. Campfires or open fires are not permitted.
Planning an overdue get-together or celebrating a birthday/anniversary? Looking for a base for your group's next adventure? Make your special occasion extra special with YHA Exclusive Hire.
You can hire the whole building at YHA Idwal Cottage and, with sole use of the property, come and go as you please. This property is a remote but very beautiful base for family activity holidays in the Ogwen Valley.
Guests have use of the whole property, except the Anglesey Hut - if you would like to add this to your booking, please contact the hostel.
Reception opening hours: From 08:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 20:30.
Self-catering: YHA Idwal Cottage is self-catering only. Guests have access to a kitchen.
Parking: There is parking at the hostel.
WiFi: There is no WiFi at YHA Idwal Cottage so it's the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle and have a digital detox.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Idwal Cottage. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
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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 at this hostel through YHA volunteering.
Our network's second oldest hostel opened the day after it was acquired, in April 1931, and became an almost overnight success. In Idwal's first year of operation, camp beds had to be squeezed into every available space to accommodate the mountaineers that thronged here to conquer the crags of Snowdonia.
In the 1950s, extensive improvements began on the hostel, improving the exterior, electricity, water supply, number of beds and much more. To this day, YHA Idwal Cottage is a very popular hostel, due to the great access of exploring the iconic Snowdonia National Park.
Manager recommends: Don't miss Cwm Idwal Nature reserve, one of Wales’ most important wildlife sites. The footpath to the lake takes you through spectacular and breathtaking scenery. YHA Idwal is great for cheap family breaks to Wales, or walking holidays and activity breaks in a unique and dramatic landscape.