![Orford Castle](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_4_3/public/media/image/880372c3__orford-castle.jpg?itok=kxVPTsOH)
Orford Castle
Discover the secrets of one of England's most unusual keeps within the chambers of this fascinating polygonal tower. Visit the English Heritage website for Orford Castle.
YHA Blaxhall is the ideal base for exploring everything that the Suffolk coast has to offer. Comfortable and inviting, this former school building is at the heart of the village. The hostel sits on the edge of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of the best areas for wildlife watching in Britain.
Cosy up with a book in our quiet lounge or relax on our garden picnic benches and enjoy being surrounded by flowers, should the weather be favourable.
This hostel is available on an Exclusive Hire basis only, so you'll get the entire place to yourself.
Accommodation: This hostel is available on an Exclusive Hire basis only, so you'll get the entire place to yourself.
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: This hostel is self-catering only. Guests have access to a kitchen.
Parking: There is parking at the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Blaxhall, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
(PDF download - 128.24 KB)
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.
The former national village school in Blaxhall opened in 1851, and the last child was admitted in January 1962.
Later that year, YHA bought the building and it opened as a YHA in August 1963. Major refurbishments begun to extend the hostel in order to provide more beds for the public.
The rise in capacity was reversed in 1987, from 48 beds to 40 beds, reflecting the new mood of the time to bring increased comfort and privacy, and encourage family hostelling.
Manager recommends: Our perfect day would be a trip to National Trust Sutton Hoo to explore the world of the Anglo Saxon Kings, fish and chips at Aldeburgh with a promenade up the beach to see the outstanding ‘Scallop Shell’ sculpture, ending with a wander round the nature reserve at RSPB Minsmere to see as many birds, deer and other wildlife as you could dream of.
Snape Maltings is just two miles away. Snape has something for everyone, from art galleries and sculpture gardens to river boat trips and beautiful walks along the edge of the River Alde. Snape Maltings Concert Hall is home to the Aldeburgh Festival of music, founded by composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears.