In praise of Youth Hostels

Hello. This post is for Summerdays, Sandy, and HelenD, who want to know more about Youth Hostels. Everyone else may read it as well. The name Youth Hostels can be misconstrued, anyone can stay at them, not just young people. The YHA is a charity, they provide cheap affordable accommodation to people travelling around. Not just for holiday makers, travelling business people can use them as well. I twice stayed in them on nights out with my truck. 

There are all types of buildings, from large stately homes, mansion houses, modern purpose built ones, and converted cottages, barns, and schools. Some of them now have camping pods in the garden. 

Prices vary depending on the location, type of room, and time of year. Prices go up in the peak holiday times, and they can be very low in the quiet off peak times. The web site prices are for everyone, but if you are a member there is a discount of £3 off per bed per night. There is the option of booking a family room en suite, or a double en suite. You can even book the whole hostel for a private party. A bed in a dorm is the cheapest option, the dorms can be four bedded, up to ten bedded. Most dorms have a sink in the room, some have a toilet and shower en suite. 

This is the reception desk at Malham. Check in here, book your meals if you want one, buy a beer if you so wish. It is not allowed to take your own booze into a hostel which has a liquor licence. If you have forgotten your towel you can hire one. All bedding is included, sometimes you have to make up your own bunk, when you leave you strip the linen off and leave it at the collection point. Booking in time is about 4pm, but the warden may be around if you arrive earlier.You can come and go as you please, but normally the front door is locked at 11pm. If you come in later you punch a code into the lock to gain entry. Try not to disturb other residents.

This is the lounge area next to reception. You can usually order coffee and snacks.

Breakfast is served from 7.30am. Help yourself to tea and coffee, cereals, toast and jam. 

The hot food is served here, a good choice, the usual English Breakfast. Yogurt, fruit, and cheese available.

This is the dining room at Malham. Clean, light and bright. When you have finished eating take your crockery to the trolley and place things in groups together. Cutlery goes in a bowl of soapy water, plates piled up, and waste food goes in the bin. There is the option of going self catering, just ask for the members kitchen. All the pots and pans you need, you don't need to take anything from home.

There is a very nice lounge at Malham. Comfy easy chairs, watch tele, magazines and books to read, and games for children to play. Most hostels have these facilities, some rooms are bigger, some smaller. The city hostels can be busy and noisy, they seem to attract a lot of young people, they generally have a quiet room away from the noise. A lot of hostels now have WI FI. 

I always have a bottom bunk if there is one available. I prefer a smaller dorm, but there has been times when I have had to go into an 8 or 10 bedded room. Some room mates can be a bit noisy, but most are fine. A lot of hostels have lockable lockers, take a small padlock with you. If no lockers, don't leave valuables in your room. Everyone in the room is issued with a key. There are separate showers and toilets for everyone to use. 

I was a member in 1981 - 82 - and 83. They had a system where you got a rubber stamp whenever you stayed at one. Some of these hostels are now closed. I believe you can still collect these stamps, but I haven't kept up with it.

Whenever I book a bed, I check availability on the web site. There is a facility for booking online, but I prefer to ring up and book over the phone. There is always a pleasant and helpful person on the other end. You can also ask about a private room, if you prefer that option.

Here is the link to the YHA web site.

I've borrowed a few pics from the web site, some of the hostels I have stayed at. Have a good look around and see if there is one you fancy.

Grasmere, Lake District. a stunning Victorian Mansion.

Grinton Lodge, North Yorkshire. An old Hunting Lodge, set in it's own grounds with fantastic views over Swaledale.

 Hartington Hall, Derbyshire. A country house in the heart of the Peak District..

Perranport, Cornwall. A cosy hostel in a cliff top location with fantastic views, and two and a half miles of sandy beaches.

Ravenstor, Derbyshire. A National Trust property near Buxton.

I made a short video when I was at Earby Youth Hostel. It will take me ages to find it on my computer so if you click on the 'My Videos' page at the top under the header it will take you there. This link will also take you to the page. The one you want is the eighth one down. It is 6 mins 43 seconds long.

Phew, I think I have covered most points, if I have forgotten anything, please ask. This is not a sponsored post, although it does read like an advert, ha ha. Hostels are great places to stop if you are single, there is always someone friendly to talk to. Happy hosteling.
Toodle pip

PS. Here is the link to the Scottish Youth Hostel site.