British hostelling isn't all about country houses (gorgeous as they are) and purpose-built traditional hostels. YHA accommodation can include everything from remote huts to grand mansions!
Time to cross off some of those never evers. YHA has a plethora of properties for you to enjoy on its roster. Never stayed in a castle? Fear not, you can be a knight in shining armour with us. Never slept in the middle of the forest? We can point you in the right direction.
Here are our top picks of unusual places to stay in the UK, each with their own unique personality and quirky surprises. Don't worry – you'll still get the authentic hostelling experience and all the facilities you've come to expect from YHA. Book a stay and experience Britain at its exciting and eccentric best.
YHA St Briavels – Norman castle
Perfect knight's sleep
Want a taste of real British history? Expect a welcome fit for a King or Queen at YHA St Briavels Castle – an 800-year-old castle, a very popular unusual place to stay in the UK! The building is remarkably well preserved, with many fascinating historical features intact from its rich heritage (ask for a tour of the hostel and prepare to be amazed).
You can sleep in an old prison, complete with 16th-century graffiti from convicts, or uncover the spooky secret dungeon under the Oubliette room. Or join guests for a medieval feast in the candlelit banqueting hall and fall in love with the atmosphere of the past. And did we mention it's supposedly one of the most haunted buildings in England?
YHA Boggle Hole – pirate stronghold
Explore a smugglers' cove
Ahoy there! A glorious family fave, YHA Boggle Hole sits in a smuggler's cove and is everything a dream seaside holiday is made of. From the fun pirate-themed décor (a rum in The Brigg dining room anyone?) to the treasure trails and dressing-up boxes, buccaneers of all ages find it easy to lose themselves here. Spend the day building sandcastles or fossil hunting on the beach on your doorstep, or relaxing in the old mill building's Quarterdeck Cafe.
The renovated hostel is looking more shipshape than ever, incorporating a new Crow's Nest annexe – an environmentally friendly timber building with stunning sea views.
YHA Black Sail – shepherd's bothy
Go off grid
If getting away from it all is your number one requirement, you can't get much more remote and rural than YHA Black Sail. Miles away from the nearest road and only accessible on foot, this old shepherd’s lodge is nestled in a dramatic traffic-free valley that's being returned to its 'wild' state, making it an unusual place to stay in the UK.
Step out from the rustic stone hostel and all you can see is miles and miles of mountains, perfect for exploring. With no electric sockets and limited phone signal, it really is just you and the great British outdoors! Pack your hiking boots, take a walk on the wild side, and forget about civilisation for a few days at this tranquil Lake District retreat.
YHA Helvellyn – mountain retreat
Situated in a unique spot, 963ft up Helvellyn – the third highest mountain in England – YHA Helvellyn is quite the base for those looking to enjoy action-packed getaway or to relax in the peace and quiet with no Wi-Fi or phone signal. Bliss.
Mountain bikers will get a thrill from the downhill ride from the summit of the mountain. In the colder months, there is a ski slope with drag lift 40 minutes' walk (or ski) away from the hostel. There are also plenty of less strenuous walking routes starting from the front door suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
YHA Beverley Friary – 600-year-old friary
Sleep inside a real piece of history
Situated at the heart of the pretty East Yorkshire market town of Beverley and with more medieval charm than Game of Thrones, YHA Beverley Friary is the result of decades of loving restoration. This place was home to Dominican friars 600 years ago and was even mentioned in the Canterbury Tales.
Book a stay and get original features by your bed, a charming market town of attractions, and all the facilities you need for a break in East Yorkshire. This hostel is available on an Exclusive Hire basis only, so you’ll get the entire place to yourself… who else can say they've hired a friary?!
YHA Ilam Hall – gothic mansion
Discover a historic beauty
YHA Ilam Hall is a Victorian gothic mansion that sits at the heart of 84 acres of National Trust parkland within the Peak District National Park. The beautiful hostel is full of character and nestled near the quaint village of Ilam.
A 25-minute walk from Ilam Park, the Dovedale Stepping Stones have remained a big interest for Peak District day-trippers since they were laid in the mid-19th century. You'll also discover some of England's most astonishing limestone gorge scenery.
YHA Broad Haven – shoreline wonder
A turquoise dream
Always wanted to wake up to the gentle crashing of waves? Pull back the curtains to unveil the beautiful Blue Flag beach when staying at YHA Broad Haven.
Shoreline wanders are taken to a new level, with the magnificent Pembrokeshire coastal path right on the hostel's doorstep. This nautical-inspired retreat is good for the soul, with spectacular views and plenty of quaint villages to explore.
YHA New Forest – fairytale escape
Deep in the forest
YHA New Forest is set within beautiful grounds on the edges of the Hampshire village of Burley. Its peaceful position is close to the thatched cottages, tea rooms and cider farms which typify the area, and the coast is just a short journey away, making this a perfect spot for a family getaway.
You can camp, stay in bell tents, sleep in the pod village or bunker down in this beautiful hostel nestled deep in the New Forest. It is the perfect destination if you fancy herds of wild horses, deer and cattle roaming and grazing in close proximity where you're staying. It's the stuff fairytales are made of...
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