Great Orme Country Park
Dramatic limestone headland renowned for its wildlife and history. Don't miss the live camera that watches the seabird colonies.
YHA Rowen
Rowen, Conwy, LL32 8YWOverview
A lovely rural retreat high in the Welsh hills, YHA Rowen is a stunning traditional Welsh farmhouse packed with character. The hostel boasts breathtaking views over the Conwy Valley and across to Snowdonia and makes for the perfect base from which to explore the hills, mountains and scenery of this area of North Wales.
The hostel’s cosy lounge with open fires will greet you upon your return from the hills in colder weather, whilst in the warmer months, sit back and relax in our quiet garden area.
Why guests love YHA Rowen
Accommodation at YHA Rowen
The hostel
The hostel has 20 beds. YHA Rowen is a small, rustic and isolated retreat, and it's staffed by helpful volunteers.
YHA Rowen offers great views of the surrounding area, but guests do need to be aware that being on the side of a mountain means the road leading to the hostel is steep in parts but accessible by car with care. The hostel is up a very steep (1:3) hill on a narrow, but tarmac surfaced, road. You can leave your car at the bottom of the hill and walk up with your things, but please note it is a 10 minute walk to the hostel.
The hostel is self-catering only and has a well-appointed and modern kitchen offering all you will need for most culinary creations. Come prepared, but there are pubs and restaurants nearby. Our hostel has three cookers, three ovens, twelve hobs, two microwaves, two fridges, one freezer, plus cutlery, crockery, pots and pans.
Hire the whole place
This hostel is occasionally made available for hire on an exclusive basis. This means that you can have the place to yourself and choose how many of your friends, family, club mates, etc., join you. We allocate availability for exclusive use in blocks, typically up to 90 days in the future. If you are looking for space to stay with us on a normal shared basis, and can’t see any availability three months or more into the future, then this hostel may be being held for Exclusive Hire. You can check availability for Exclusive Hire on our dedicated website.
Things to do around YHA Rowen
Zip World - Slate Caverns
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
Portmeirion
Portmeirion, the setting for the cult 60s series 'The Prisoner' ("I am not a number.
Conwy Castle
One of the most impressive castles in Wales, overlooking the Conwy estuary. Don't miss a walk along the town walls. Visit the website
Bodnant Gardens
There's 80 acres of magnificent gardens to explore, with lovely Italianate terraces, formal lawns and magical wooded valley. From here there are stunning views across to northern Snowdonia.
Conwy RSPB Nature Reserve
Conwy RSPB Nature Reserve This reserve is delightful all year. There are events to suit everyone from keen birdwatchers to beginners or young families. Visit the website
Walking and Rambling in Rowen
Take the old Roman road from outside the hostel and walk to Tal-y-Fan Mountain, part of Carneddau Range, 2000ft above sea level.
Conwy Water Gardens
1.1 miles Visit the aquarium, reptile house and otters, fish on the lake, explore the woodlands and tuck in at the Dutch pancake house. Visit the website
Zip World - Penrhyn Quarry
A unique range of very special adventures. Experience the world's fastest Ziplines, or a tour of the quarry.. See the Zip World website for full details of all the adventures.
Zip World - Fforest
In a stunning woodland setting nestled in the North Wales Conwy Valley, close to the iconic Snowdonia village of Betws y Coed, a host of forest adventures and foodie delights await.
Aberconwy House
The oldest dated town house in Wales. The furnished rooms reflect daily life from different periods in its history. Visit the National Trust website
Facilities
General
- Basic food shop
- Cycle store
- Garden / grounds
Essentials
- Drying room
- Lounge
Accommodation options
- Private rooms available
Food & drink
- Dining room
- Self-catering kitchen
Transportation & parking
- Parking
Other YHA products
- Trade bookings
Need to know
Check in: 17.00 - 21.00
Check out: Before 10.00
Towels and toiletries: Towels and toiletries are not provided but are available to hire or purchase from reception. Bedding is supplied.
YHA Rowen - Access Statement
(PDF download - 48.49 KB)
YHA Exclusive Hire
Invite all your family and friends along to YHA Rowen and hire the whole place to yourself. To do so please visit our YHA Exclusive Hire website. Open for bookings all year round.
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.
This hostel is part of our Volunteer Managers programme. You can find out about becoming a Volunteer Manager and supporting our small hostels on our Volunteering site.
History
In 1947, YHA’s Merseyside, North Wales and Isle of Man Group opened a simple type of hostel at a hill farmhouse in the Carnedds hills above the village of Roewen. The hostel could accommodate 13 men and 12 women and was named the Harold Burrows Memorial Hostel after a tireless worker for the YHA Regional Group. The hostel has had many renovations over the years, making the hostel more refreshing and modern for its visitors.
Meet the team
Manager recommends: Walk over Tal-y-Fan Mountain behind the hostel and then treat yourself to a meal in Ty Gwyn, the local pub.
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