Plas Menai National Watersports Centre
Ideal for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and powerboating with easy access to the open sea and superb coastal scenery. Visit the website
This eco-friendly hostel offers superb Eryri (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!
Reception opening hours: From 08:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 20:30.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire.
Self-catering: YHA Idwal Cottage is self-catering only. Guests have access to a kitchen.
Parking: Paid parking is available at this hostel. YHA guests can park for free from 5pm to 10am each day (daily charges apply outside these times).
WiFi: There is no WiFi at YHA Idwal Cottage. 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.
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 Cottage is great for cheap family breaks to Wales, or walking holidays and activity breaks in a unique and dramatic landscape.