Alnwick Castle
Tour the castle and enjoy fascinating stories from the past. Children can step into the world of a medieval knight or pretend to be witches and wizards as they stroll the corridors.
YHA Wooler
Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6LWOverview
COVID-19 Industry Standard
In Partnership with The National Tourist Organisation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In recognition that this business has confirmed that they have followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social/physical distancing.
Set on the outskirts of the Northumberland National Park and 400 meters away from the picturesque market town of Wooler, this Youth Hostel is the ideal location for exploring the delights of Northumberland and the Borders.
Either stay in our homely hostel or try one of our unique and fully-equipped Shepherd's Huts - painstakingly created by local craftsmen. Excellent for walking, cycling and mountain biking, there’s plenty of choice to be had here, either long distance along St Cuthbert’s Way to Lindisfarne or staying closer to home in the hills.
Why guests love YHA Wooler
Accommodation at YHA Wooler
The hostel
The hostel is open all year round to groups and open to individuals and groups March – November.
Dorm beds and private rooms are available, as well as Shepherds' Huts and the hostel sleeps up to 57 guests including the traditional Shepherds’ Huts which are hand crafted locally. The four Shepherds’ Huts sleep two people in each.
Originally built in 1943 for the land army girls, its now modern facilities include a large dining/common room with Wi-Fi and tables and chairs, and a reasonably priced restaurant using local produce where available. There is also a good-sized drying room which is perfect for hanging wet clothes and boots. There is free onsite car parking, secure cycle storage and all areas are fully accessible throughout.
There are great self-catering facilities if you want to cook for yourself including new cookers and a new fridge, fitted units and stainless steel preparation surfaces. There is plenty of crockery, glassware, saucepans and cutlery. There are also breakfast options available at the hostel.
Shepherd's Huts
Painstakingly reproduced by local craftsmen, these mobile shelters replicate those once wheeled into the Cheviot Hills to allow shepherds to tend their flocks. These traditional hand crafted Northumbrian huts sleep two or three people in bunk beds complete with warm duvets. They also have electric heating and lighting and are fully insulated from the elements.
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 Wooler
Bamburgh Castle
Explore 14 public areas, learn more about the castle and watch history being uncovered during archaeological excavations. Sample Northumberland produce from the tea rooms. Visit the castle's
Cragside House and Gardens
The home of Victorian inventor and landscape genius Lord Armstrong. Crammed full of ingenious gadgets, and the first house to be lit by hydro-electricity. Visit the National Trust website page
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne is famous both for its medieval religious heritage and its picturesque 16th century castle.
Farne Island boat trips
A range of boat trips including the special grey seal cruise, Holy Island cruise and various bird-watching trips.
Climbing in Wooler
Some of the best rocks, crags and sandstone faces in the UK can be found in Glendale, the area around Wooler. One of the most challenging climbs in the area, the Bowden Doors, is steep and techn
Farne Islands
17 miles A range of boat trips are available to see the most famous sea bird sanctuary in the British Isles with a large colony of Grey Seals.
Chillingham Castle
This ancient and remarkable fortress has alarming dungeons and torture chambers, as well as the beautiful parklands and gardens. It is reputed to be Britain's most Haunted Historic Castle!
Facilities
General
- Classroom
- Cot available
- Cycle store
- Free wi-fi
- Garden / grounds
Essentials
- Drying room
- Laundry
- Lounge
Entertainment
- Board games
- Library/Quiet room
Accommodation options
- Private rooms available
- Camping and Cabins
Food & drink
- BBQ area
- Group catering available
- Self-catering kitchen
Transportation & parking
- Parking
Other YHA products
- Trade bookings
- YHA Exclusive Hire
- YHA School Trips
Need to know
Reception times: 08.00 - 10.00, 17.00 - 22.00
Check in: 17:00 - 20.00
Check out: 08:00 - 10:00
Open every day?: From April until the end of October, YHA Wooler is open every day. The hostel is available for YHA Exclusive Hire only from November until the end of March.
Pets: Dogs can stay in our shepherds huts. There is a £5 charge per dog per night for our camping pod accommodation which is payable upon arrival. Pets are not permitted in the hostel accommodation at YHA Wooler however, assistance dogs are welcome throughout, please advise upon booking.
YHA Wooler - Access Statement
(PDF download - 153.7 KB)
YHA Exclusive Hire
To enjoy YHA Wooler for just you, your friends and family visit our YHA Exclusive Hire website and hire the whole property. Open for bookings all year round.
YHA School Trips
YHA Wooler is perfectly situated for your school residential trip. We can offer an assortment of activities that are suitable across all Key Stages, and a food and drink menu that will suit the ages and purpose of your groups. The hostel has great facilities including a classroom, library and games room.
Visit the YHA School Trips website for more information.
Volunteering
There are currently no volunteering opportunities at YHA Wooler. Please visit our Volunteering Site to see what opportunities are available at YHA.
Meet the team
Karl and Cindy Wait took over the Wooler Youth Hostel and Shepherds’ Huts from March 2018. They have two Daughters, Evie (21 year old) and Daisy (12 Years Old).
They are a local family who firmly believe that Wooler and the wider area of Northumberland have lots to offer.
Karl is a qualified Mountain Guide who can give you lots of advice on local walks, and regularly organises guided walks in the Cheviot Hills. He is also a volunteer trainee member of the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team and both Karl and Cindy work with local groups, including Scouts and DofE Groups.
