The 10 best family friendly hostels in the British Isles
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
(15 May 2009)
YHA Golant, Cornwall, England
Set in an estate with a further 14 acres of woodland to explore, YHA Golant is ideally suited to children. Overlooking the Fowey Estuary, it’s just four miles from the sea and an excellent base for discovering the Cornish coastline.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project are both nearby, as is Dobwalls Family Adventure Park for those with children who prefer a more adrenaline filled holiday.
The hostel offers cots, a games room and restaurant meaning parents can relax, safe in the knowledge that the kids are fully catered for.
How much? Private rooms from £17.49 pp/per night
Hostelworld.com rating: 80 per cent
Smiddy Bunkhouse & Blacksmiths Backpackers Lodge, Fort William, Scotland
Located four miles from Ben Nevis, the area around this hostel is very peaceful whilst adventure opportunities for the whole family. The on-site residential mountain and river guide can organise rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing and even skiing in winter.
The small and cosy lodge sleeps between 12 and 14 people with rooms for four or six, making it perfect for families. Also available is a fully-equipped guest kitchen, washing machine/dryer and a mini-supermarket.
How much? Private rooms from £10 pp/per night
Hostelworld.com rating: 78 per cent
Avalon House, Dublin, Ireland
This hostel, based in a beautiful listed building, makes the ideal base for a family trip to Dublin. It offers fussball and pool tables, a library, playstation and its own cinema.
For those who want to explore Dublin, walking tours depart every morning.
How much? Private rooms from £31.05 pp/per night
Hostelworld.com rating: 82 per cent
Sleepzone, The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Sleepzone is in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Its location boasts close proximity to some of Ireland's most famous areas of natural beauty, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and The Burren region – 400sq miles of unique limestone terrain.
This new hostel offers 22 bedrooms including four and five-bed family rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Also at the hostel is a spacious self catering kitchen, laundry and beautiful landscaped gardens.
How much? Rates from £11.64 pp/per night
Hostelworld.com rating: 89 per cent
Goofys, Newquay, Cornwall, England
Goofy’s offers guests a choice of private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and buffet breakfast is included. The hostel is between Fistral Bay and Newquay Golf Course and with the Atlantic just a stone’s throw away.
How much? Private rooms from £20.00 pp/per night
Hostelworld.com rating: 98 per cent
YHA Ambleside, Lake District, England
Ambleside offers far more than just its gorgeous location. It is in a busy village on the shores of Lake Windemere, so its handy for guests wanting to try watersports, walking and climbing. Rooms range from two to eight beds with the four and five-bed rooms perfect for families.
How much? Rooms from £19.65 pp/per night
Hostelworld.com rating: 82 per cent
YHA Bath, Bath, England
A beautiful Italianate mansion in its own gardens, YHA Bath offers a comfortable base for exploring the city, and has its own café and bar, Café Di Fiesole. The hostel has four-bed rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
How much? Private rooms from £17.49 pp/per night
Hostelworld.com rating: 80 per cent
Central Backpackers, Oxford, England
Central Backpackers is less than a five-minute walk from the bus and train stations, Oxford’s Castle/Prison complex and museums, yet still offers quiet and peaceful accommodation.
This modern, bright and spacious hostel offers free breakfast, broadband and tennis racquet hire as well as a rooftop terrace and swipe card entry system for added security.
How much? Private rooms from £19 pp/per night
Hostelworld.com rating: 84 per cent
Ace Hotel, London, England
Located in Kensington, this hotel spans four Victorian townhouses, and has its own bar, garden and hot-tub. All double rooms have television, bathrobes, slippers, fridge and private patio.
How much? Beds from £22/night
Hostelworld.com rating: 82 per cent
Sleepzone Connemara, Connemara, Ireland
Sleepzone Connemara is one of the most spectacularly situated hostels in western Europe. Rooms for families range from three to six bed and all have ensuite bathrooms.
The hostel has its own tennis court, pool table and mini-supermarket and with the Killary Adventure Centre next door, there are plenty of adventure activities to keep you busy.
How much? Beds from £15.77/night
Hostelworld.com rating: 88 per cent