Bluebell Farm Bunk Barn - Revamped.
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Bluebell Farm Bunkbarn have built a covered veranda along the front of the Bunkbarn to extend the recreational/dining space - the living area is quite small, so they've built bench seating in there and bought in fold-up tables that can be used indoors or on the veranda. The owner's have also put in another work surface in the kitchen, with a cup shelf, and fitted a wall-mounted TV in the living area. The veranda has strip lighting, drop down blinds, and fairy lights so it's quite a funky space. They've also fitted combi locks for the bedrooms!
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 10 May 2012 |
New IHUK Promo Video
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We are currently busy putting the finishing touches to the new Independent Hostels UK video. Tom Sanders has been providing the artwork/animation and overal production.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 9 May 2012 |
Haggis Hostels to Forest View Walkers Hostel
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At Haggis Hostels, just off Princes Street, we received a warm welcome from Alan who gave us a tour round all the improvements he and Chris have made. I was tempted to book there and then for the Festival...perhaps it was the rolled up fluffy white towels that clinched it...or the very accessible free wi-fi...
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Published by Sam Dalley on Tuesday 1 May 2012 |
Old School Hostel gets creative
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"Last year our big project was to install solar hot water heaters on the room and new showers for them to feed into. Now that these are pumping out piping hot water we've gone creative.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 26 April 2012 |
Galford Springs, Devon.
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I arrived at Galford Springs by car, a working farm on the border of Devon and Cornwall run by horse enthusiast and artist, Claire and her partner Fern. The farm is quite isolated so it's not the kind of place you are liable to pass on the way to somewhere unless you happen to be walking the 'Two Castles Trail' from Okehampton to Launceston through ancient woodlands, moorlands and Galford Springs Farm.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Monday 23 April 2012 |
Summer Assistant required at hostel in the Scottish Highlands
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Great Glen Hostel are looking for a part-time hostel Assistant from May-October 2012. The Great Glen Hostel is a 50-bed self-catering hostel set amidst the stunning scenery of Scotland's Great Glen. They're 30 minutes from Fort William and just over an hour from Inverness and the Isle of Skye.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 18 April 2012 |
2 nights at Thorney How Independent Hostel
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It was already night time and dark as we drove through the countryside from Ambleside to Grasmere. But thanks to the good online-directions from the hostel, which is located 5 Minutes from Grasmere Center, we found it easily.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Tuesday 10 April 2012 |
The Conwy Valley from the Backpackers Barn
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The Conwy Valley stretches from the heart of Snowdonia out to Wales' north west coast and is an ecologically precious area rich in ancient history. Most people head here to enjoy the spectacular walking in the National park, yet there is so much more to this pocket of North Wales than simply Snowdonia. Visitors really looking to get the most from the region must take the time to explore – among others – the 12th century walled city of Conwy, the amazing Bodnant Gardens, and the eccentric seaside town of Llandudno with its wacky pier, and cable car up the famous Great Orme.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Monday 12 March 2012 |
Thank you for visiting us at the TNT Show, London!
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Thank you to everyone that helped out and came and said hello at the TNT Show at Earls Court, London last weekend. Our stand was shared with the Swiss Backpackers network who along with IHUK, gave away holidays in hostels. A total of 7 holidays were won over the day, in places such as Interlaken, Switzerland and the Caiirngorm Mountains of Scotland.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 7 March 2012 |
Come and See us at the TNT Travel Show this Weekend
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Come and meet us at the TNT travel show at Earls Court in London this weekend - 3rd March. We will be sharing a stand with the Swiss Backpackers network and giving away holidays in hostels every hour! There will be Berghaus gear to be won and free copies of the 2012 Independent Hostel Guide up for grabs.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Tuesday 28 February 2012 |
Job Vacancies
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Thorney How Independent Hostel.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 22 February 2012 |
Comments from a recent guest at Ocean Backpackers, Ilfracombe.
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The following was sent in to us by Lucia from Warwick Surf after their weekend tour at Ocean Backpackers, Ilfracombe.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 26 January 2012 |
Video Competition!
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Competition time everyone.
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Published by Will Carey on Tuesday 10 January 2012 |
Job Opportunity! Comrie Croft, Perthshire
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Comrie Croft have the following job opportunties available.
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Published by Will Carey on Wednesday 18 January 2012 |
Old Red Lion bunkhouse in Castle Acre, Norfolk
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After departing the train at Kings Lynn I was soon on board the second of my three-legged journey to Castle Acre. I admit I've never been on any form of public transport with so many over 60s. Albeit over 60s the way one assumes such a generation should be like - friendly and chatty with sensible shoes, they know the bus driver's name and say thank you when they get off. In return, an advertisement from the bus company reads 'We encourage our drivers to be extra helpful and polite. Because a smile goes a long way'. This is one of those ways of life that differentiates rural areas from big cities. The other way of putting it, as the taxi driver on the third and final leg of my journey made reference of this area, is that it's like 'God's waiting room'. I was eager to find out for myself what this little nook of Eastern England had to offer.
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Published by Kathryn Louise Geels on Tuesday 29 November 2011 |
Hostel Job Vacancy! Ocean Backpackers.
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General Asssistant required at Ocean Backpackers.
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Published by Will Carey on Thursday 10 November 2011 |
Hebden Bridge Hostel in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
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Hebden Bridge is one of those gems, tucked away in the English countryside, smack bang in between Leeds and Manchester. A gem that would not look out of place blanketed in snow, on a postcard or Christmas card and looking whimsical and enticing. A gem that took me by surprise so much so that during my two-day visit, it kept me thinking 'why on earth didn't anyone tell me about this place before?' As it turns out, many other people do know about this little market town nestled along the Pennine Way. A once important wool-producing mill town, Hebden Bridge nowadays is a bustling bohemian valley which draws in the likes of musicians, poets and artists, those taking courses in alternative therapies and not mention avid walkers, hikers and cyclists.
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Published by Will Carey on Wednesday 26 October 2011 |
High Street Hostel in Auld Reekie, aka Edinburgh
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Edinburgh, a multicultural metropolis (a small one at that compared to other major cities in Britain), a city with sole that oozes wisdom and self-assurance combined with a chic and student-like playfulness and carefree attitude. A city that provides an ever-emerging underground scene, in both senses of the word. Half of the goings on in the city seems to be underground – a good thing when you're trying to escape the cold weather, discover a new band or immerse yourself in a good book in a historic pub – a bad thing when you're desperate to make a phone call or check your emails. It's a city that's big and happening enough to hold it's own with the tourist trail - Hogmanay, Fringe Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to mention but a few. Yet small enough to retain it's individuality and charm and is home to friendly, chatty and helpful people who on the whole seem to enjoy life and are proud of the city they call home.
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Published by Will Carey on Tuesday 25 October 2011 |
Haggis Hostels in Auld Reekie, aka Edinburgh.
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Edinburgh, a multicultural metropolis (a small one at that compared to other major cities in Britain), a city with sole that oozes wisdom and self-assurance combined with a chic and student-like playfulness and carefree attitude. A city that provides an ever-emerging underground scene, in both senses of the word. Half of the goings on in the city seems to be underground – a good thing when you're trying to escape the cold weather, discover a new band or immerse yourself in a good book in a historic pub – a bad thing when you're desperate to make a phone call or check your emails.
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Published by Will Carey on Tuesday 25 October 2011 |
Photo Shoot at Dalehead Bunkhouse
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Here is the second part of our behind the scenes photos at the 2012 Independent Hostel Guide photo shoot.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 28 September 2011 |
Photo Shoot!
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Here are some behind the scenes photos from our photo shoot for the 2012 Independent Hostel Guide. The best photos will be used for next years front cover.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Tuesday 27 September 2011 |
Photo Competition Winner!
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Well done to Ray Wise whose photo has been chosen as the winner of our August Photo Competition.
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Published by Will Carey on Monday 26 September 2011 |
General Assistant Needed at Llandudno Hostel
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General Assistant for Llandudno Hostel
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 21 September 2011 |
Fell Running and Catbells Camping Barn
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Cat Bells camping barn was to be our groups luxury accommodation after two days of wild camping in Borrowdale which had involved some tough hiking and a good 2000m of ascent (including the summit of Scafell Pike for the third time in a month for me!). We had picked this place especially due to its proximity to a pub where we could consume a meal which was not re-hydrated cous cous with chorizo again and the fact that it had a hot shower!
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Published by Sam Dalley on Tuesday 20 September 2011 |
Cycling the North Downs via Puttenham Eco Camping barn
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Draped in verdant green, obscured beneath a tumbling contortion of branches and leaves, row upon row of giant fifteen foot wooden frames and wires extend far up the hillside towards the chalky Hogs Back ridge. It looked like grapes at first.
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Published by Will Carey on Tuesday 20 September 2011 |
A Night in Ambleside, by Amanda Seims
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After a beautiful drive along the A65 from Leeds, my friend and I arrived in Ambleside, eager to look at the weather report for the weekend as I would be taking part in the famous Borrowdale Fell Race; a 17 mile course over some of the toughest terrain in England, taking in the summit of Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Dale Head, totalling 2000m of ascent.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Monday 22 August 2011 |
24 hours in Llandudno, by Harry Drysdale Wood
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Back in 2003, following a short stay, travel writer Bill Bryson named Llandudno in north Wales his "favourite seaside resort". I knew little of the town then, and only discovered Mr Brysons approval from the Lonely Planet Wales edition. But a quick internet search brings up a BBC report of the writers comments accompanied by an excited response from locals keen to see the Welsh town emerge from the shadow of "Bournemouth" and "Eastbourne" as a major UK tourist destination for all ages. That a writer of Mr Brysons calibre felt moved to single Llandudno out is quite an accolade, yet for those familiar with Llandudno and its proximity to the Snowdonia National Park – just 27 miles from Llanberis – it should come as no real surprise.
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Published by Will Carey on Thursday 18 August 2011 |
YHA's for Sale - update.
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The YHA have now anounced that Helvellyn Youth Hostel, Hawkshead Youth Hostel, and Salisbury Youth Hostel are now earmarked for closure. Newcastle Youth Hostel, Castleton Youth Hostel, Scarborough Youth Hostel, Kendal Youth Hostel and Hunstaton Youth Hostel are all sold.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Monday 15 August 2011 |
Travel Blog 3: Wetherdown Lodge, By Fiona Trowbridge
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I'd like to point out from the very beginning that I am not a passionate cyclist. I do not get up at the crack of dawn, pull on skin tight lycra shorts, fill a platypus with water and stuff an energy bar in the small of my back before racing my mates to the top of hills. In fact, as far as bikes and hills are concerned, I find it more agreeable not to mix the two.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 7 July 2011 |
Independent Hostels on the Coast to Coast Cycle Route
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140 miles in length, the coast to coast cycle route begins in west Cumbria in either Whitehaven or Workingham and finishes at the North East coast in either Newcastle or Sunderland. Hostels are a popular choice of accommodation among participating cyclists since they offer groups sized rooms and a sociable atmosphere where guests can mingle and chat about the days events.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 23 June 2011 |
Travel Blog 2: Smart City Hostels, by Renee Ansell
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Having just travelled through the beautifully rugged countryside - from Inverness through Invergarry and onto Fort William, I had no idea what to expect from the big urban centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Everyone told me I would love them, so I couldnt wait. Glasgow proved to be gritty and wonderful at the same time. The people are friendly and I had a great couple days exploring around the Necropolis and Cathedral, down by the riverside and other areas.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Monday 6 June 2011 |
Photo Competition!
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Upload your photos for a chance to win a Berghaus Freeflow Rucksack and a cabin for 8 people for 2 nights at the L&A Centre in Wales. All entrants will receive a free copy of the 2011 Independent Hostel Guide!
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 2 June 2011 |
Investment Opportunity for Hostel in Sheffield
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Investment Opportunity for Hostel in Sheffield,
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 26 May 2011 |
YHAs for Sale
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As the Independent Hostel Network is growing it looks like the YHA is continuing to shrink. We have heard that the YHA is selling its hostels in Arundel, Derwentwater, Kendal, Newcastle, Osmotherley, Scarborough and Totland Bay. They have also sold Saffron Walden, River Dart and Hunstanton. Hunstanton is soon to be re-opened as and Independent Hostel. Other sales likely are Salisbury and Hawkshead. The freehold on Helvellyn (on a nominal rent) may also be available.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Tuesday 24 May 2011 |
Travel Blog 1: Invergarry Lodge, by Renee Ansell.
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Jumped on the bus in Inverness, Scotland after my 1.5 hour flight from London, England, plopped me right out onto the tarmac at the airport - sunny and beautifully windy - the perfect way to arrive in a new place...
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Published by Sam Dalley on Monday 23 May 2011 |
Job Vacancy: Llandudno Hostel, Wales
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General Assistant for Llandudno Hostel
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 19 May 2011 |
Eco-Friendly Independent Hostels
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Independent Hostels offers some great places to stay for the environmentally conscious traveller. There is a range of energy efficient hostels to choose from across England, Scotland and Wales. Here is a handful of carbon-cutting ambassadors of Independent Hostels UK.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Tuesday 17 May 2011 |
National Trust Bunkhouses and Bothies
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National Trust bunkhouses offer simple self catering accommodation, not only for groups of volunteers taking part in conservation work but also for recreational, educational and corporate groups looking to escape the rat race of the city. Each bunkhouse is rich with its own unique history and offers the outdoor enthusiast an ideal base for exploring beautiful landscapes and unspoilt coastlines.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Monday 9 May 2011 |
House for Sale (potential for use as hostel)
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Isle of Skye: House for sale with 7 bedrooms, 2 receptions, 3.5 bathrooms (master en-suite), kitchen and utility. 0.7 acre of land. Currently a large family home offering seasonal B&B but with potential for use as hostel or self-catering accommodation. Village location with beach across road. Easy access to all main tourist routes. Large car park. Meets all current fire regulations. Fixtures and fittings available by negotiation. Offers in the region of £295,000 (all sensible offers considered).
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Published by Sam Dalley on Monday 9 May 2011 |
Job Vacancy: Thorney How Hostel, Grasmere.
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General Assistant Wanted
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 5 May 2011 |
Become an Independent Hostel Guide Travel Writer
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Are you an outdoor enthusiast with a succinct writing style?
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 4 May 2011 |
Job Opportunity at Helmsdale Hostel
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Job opportunity at Helmsdale Hostel
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Published by Sam Dalley on Tuesday 3 May 2011 |
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Want to contribute?
We always welcome articles about hostels and surrounding areas from visitors who have stayed in hostels.
Whether you're a hostel owner, backpacker, walker or just enjoy writing informative articles then please get in touch with us.
Whilst we can't guarantee every article submitted will be published where we do we will give you, the author, full credit.
Thank you,
The IHG Team |
