2013 : A snow odyssey at Skiddaw House
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On Friday the 22nd of March, gale force winds started, combined with snowfalls, which were horizontal and relentless for 4 days. The result was huge snowdrifts on the access track, making it impossible to drive in and out of Skiddaw House hostel for 3 weeks. Yes, you read it correctly : THREE weeks without new supplies of fuel or heavy shopping.
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Published by Marie at Skiddaw House on Monday 10 June 2013 |
Open water access at Derwent Water
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We (family of 4, with 2 kids aged 10 and 12 years) have just spent 2 nights at Derwentwater Hostel near Keswick. What a lovely find. Unusually for a bank holiday the weather was superb, glorious sunshine with amazing sunsets over the lake.
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Published by Anna Gorman on Wednesday 5 June 2013 |
Stop over at Alnwick Hostel
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Our long drive home from Scotland was broken by a stay in Alnwick. A walled town famous for its unspoilt character and castle, surrounded by picturesque countryside with long sandy beaches and quiet villages.
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Published by Jackie Mitchell on Wednesday 22 May 2013 |
Rhossili Surf Break
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Jo and her son Zack gave us a warm welcome to Rhossili Bunkhouse. After a quick tour of the hostel and dropping off our things in our room we headed over to Sam's Surf Shack, a pleasant 15-minute walk from the bunkhouse at the back of the Bay Bistro & Coffee House – a fantastic restaurant/Café perfect for a hot drink and cake. We decided to rent a coupe of boards, wetsuits and boots.
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Published by Will Carey on Tuesday 7 May 2013 |
Geocaching around Ambleside Backpackers
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I spent Easter weekend in the Lake District researching an article and looking for a selection of hidden items. I was geocaching. If you have not heard of geocaching, it is possibly the fastest growing outdoor activity in the UK. You use a GPS or a smart phone to navigate to a specific location, then try and find a container that has been hidden by another geocache enthusiast. There are hundreds of thousands of caches hidden all over the UK.
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Published by Adam Redshaw on Tuesday 30 April 2013 |
A Weekend in the Woods
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This year we are all turning 40 and by way of celebration one of our group's birthday choice was a family weekend in Shining Cliff Woods near Ambergate, Derbyshire. So 6 families arranged to stay at Shining Cliff Hostel whist others spent the day enjoying the woods.
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Published by Alice Lockett on Friday 26 April 2013 |
Outdoor Pursuits Show, Edinburgh
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Published by Jackie Mitchell on Thursday 25 April 2013 |
Historic Lakeland tour a trip to the lakes
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One place I just had to revisit on my short trip to the lakes was Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts house, only a short drive from Bowness on Windemere. To see once again it's stunning stained glass and sit on the window-seat looking down to the lake. The exhibition (until 12 May)- “New Glass Ancient Skill, Contemporary Artform” had some beautiful exhibits and showed me new uses of glass which I was unaware. What a beautiful house with a very good tearoom too!
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Published by Jackie Mitchell on Wednesday 24 April 2013 |
Travelling in the UK and working in a Summer Camp.
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For many students, working in a summer camp is a great way to gain experience and earn a bit of extra cash while exploring the UK. Theres no need to commit to a lengthy teaching contract. But how do you get involved?
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Published by Katherine Hackett from i-to-i.com on Wednesday 10 April 2013 |
Holiday in the footsteps of Alice Lidell
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Llandudno Hostel is a great place to stay for families and backpackers alike. A charming vintage Victorian house, located in the town known as the "Queen of the Welsh resorts".
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Published by Tom Corey www.tomarhawk.com on Sunday 31 March 2013 |
2013 Photoshoot update
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Most of the IHG staff are off on a trip to the Coll and Tiree in the Hebrides this week on a photo shoot for the next book cover. They started their trip in what must be one of England's highest hostels: New Ing at Shap where atrocious weather with horizontal rain made the welcome at New Ing Lodge much appreciated. Arriving at the lodge later that day were walkers from Kirkby Stephen who had walked 20 miles in the pouring rain and mountain bikers from the coast to coast bike trail. An interesting mix of people took refuge from the weather in front of the warm fire.
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Published by Alice Lockett on Saturday 30 March 2013 |
Independent Hostel Guide stocked in Tourist Information Centres
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150 Tourist Information Centres throughout the UK have requested a reference copy of the Independent Hostel Guide and copies of the Summary leaflet.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 20 March 2013 |
Independent Inter-hostelling: Walking Routes between the Lake District Hostels
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Minimal gear, flexible walking routes, great variety, and a welcoming hostel each night: walking between hostels is a fantastic way to explore the Lake District
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Published by Katy Moore on Friday 25 January 2013 |
Self Catering Cottage or Big Mose Basecamp ?
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I was looking for a holiday cottage when I came across Big Mose Basecamp in the Independent Hostel Guide. I was looking for self catering accommodation for 4 families in Shropshire. I thought we needed a large self catering holiday cottage or self catering house, but Big Mose was a fraction of the price, self catering and turned out to be perfect.
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Published by Sam Oldfield on Monday 7 January 2013 |
December in the Lake District
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I've been to the Lake District many times, but never before in winter. During a three hour car journey filled with traffic jams, fog and hail, I began to question the wisdom of the undertaking. But arriving in Kendal just as sunset was turning the surrounding hills a delicious shade of ice cream pink it all began to seem worthwhile.
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Published by Emma Woodcock on Wednesday 19 December 2012 |
Introducing the Wishlist...
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We've just added a great new facility to our website where you can make a list of places you fancy while your look around the site. Wander around the maps adding accommodation to your wishlist as you go, or view the accommodation in detail and add it to your wishlist from there. Once your wishlist is complete you can email all the accommodation in one go, or send the wishlist to your friends. We don't use persistent cookies and once you leave the website the list will be lost, so to keep a record of places you liked you have the option of emailing your wishlist to yourself.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Thursday 1 November 2012 |
Walking Holiday in Edale
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I stayed at The Stables Bunkbarn in October 2012 with 8 friends, hoping for the perfect birthday gift; a long walk with stunning views and a pub at the end. We were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves and I couldn't have wished for a better venue.
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Published by Lara Pattison on Tuesday 23 October 2012 |
Canoeing on the River Wye
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We were on a five day trip down the river Wye, setting camp each night, when we came across the Ye Old Ferrie Inn and discovered a bunkhouse right on the river bank.
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Published by Sam Oldfield on Friday 14 September 2012 |
Family Weekend in the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District.
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This was an action packed one night weekend with a weeks worth of activities crammed in. Can you believe that in just two days we cycled on the High Peak Trail and the Tissington Trail, visited the dramatic Arbor Low stones, played on Derbyshire's best village play ground, slept in a converted Reckoning House, discovered a lost river under Lathkill Dale, lunched at Uncle Geoff's and visited to the Heights of Abraham by Cable Car. Well we did and if you want to do it too – here's how to Do It Yourself.
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Published by Sam Oldfield on Monday 27 August 2012 |
The World and his Wife at Derwentwater Youth Hostel
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You just never know who you are going to get turning up at the door when you work in a hostel.
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Published by Fiona Mccarthy on Friday 10 August 2012 |
IHUK Promotional Video
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A couple of weeks ago we published the long awaited IHUK Promotional Video, featuring several characters as they travel across the UK network of Hostels, Camping Barns, Bunk Houses and Backpackers. This fantastic video has been put together by the talented Tom Sanders with the backing of our partnership with Berghaus and of course some brilliant contributions from the hostels themselves.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 8 August 2012 |
Independent Hostels at York Cycle Show
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The torrential rain all day Friday had made a mess of York Race Course and the rain was forecast to last the weekend, but valiantly CTC decided that the show should go on and we glided our heavily laden vehicle across the muddy field zigzagging between vehicles buried in the mud to arrive at the show exhibition tent.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 4 July 2012 |
Use our new group enquiries form!
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We have recently updated our group enquires form to make it even easier to find hostel/bunkhouses accommodaion for your group.
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Published by Sam Dalley on Wednesday 16 May 2012 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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!
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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 |
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 |
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 |
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 Renee Ansell on Monday 6 June 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 |
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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 |
