Where to stay
Places to stay in Britain are as varied as the places you visit. Whatever your budget, the choice – from basic barn to smart hotel, from tiny cottage to grand castle – is all part of the fun.
For more info on loads of different places to stay in Britain, check out accommodation of all types.
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Hostels
Cheap, good-value hostels are aimed at all types of like-minded traveller, who prefer value over luxury and you don't have to be young or single to use them.
YHA and SYHA hostels are a good, clean, efficient option for budget visitors. Some are purpose-built, but most are former country houses, farms, cottages, and even castles.
Britain’s independent hostels and backpackers hostels also offer a great welcome. Facilities and prices vary, especially in rural areas, where some hostels are little more than a bunkhouse while others are remarkably comfortable – almost like bargain hotels.
In cities, backpackers hostels are perfect for young budget travellers from around the world. Most are open 24/7, with a lively atmosphere, good range of rooms (doubles or dorms), bar, café, Internet and laundry. Though some independent hostels in London have been dubbed ‘backpacker ghettos’ – overcrowded with few facilities – so choose carefully from an approved organisation such as those listed below.
Youth Hostels
Founded many years ago to ‘help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside’, the Youth Hostels Association is still going strong in the 21st century. The network of 230 hostels is a perfect gateway for exploring Britain’s towns and countryside.
Check these out...
For locations, prices or reservations in England & Wales (www.yha.org.uk).
For the same low-down on Scottish hostels (www.syha.org.uk).
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Camping, Barns and Bunkhouses
A tent is not vital for a visit to Britain, but they’re extremely handy if you’re on a tight budget, and is a very trendy option now, in the 'keeping it real' sense, whether you're going to a festival or simply enjoy fresh air and the great outdoors. There’s even places around London. Campsites range from simple farmers’ fields to proper sites with hot showers, shop, bar, playground and so on – some can be busy in summer.
For more details see UK Campsite (www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/) for all things camping in Britain and the Camping and Caravanning Club (www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/) has all you need to know about experiencing a holiday in the great British outdoors. Or if you're thinking of renting a motorhome or caravan, check out the Caravan Club (www.caravanclub.co.uk/).
Alternatively check out Britain’s network of ‘camping barns’: warm and dry, with absolutely no frills. You’ll need sleeping bag, stove and food, but there’s no need to carry a tent! See or visit YHA (www.yha.org.uk ) and search on ‘camping barns’.
The next grade up is a bunkhouse. They usually have stoves and utensils, and beds may have mattresses but you'll still need a sleeping bag. They’re perfect for hikers and cyclists – especially when exploring remote areas.
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B&Bs
The B&B (‘bed and breakfast’) is a great British institution. In essence you get a room in somebody's house, and small B&Bs may only have one guest room, so you’ll really feel like part of the family. Larger B&Bs may have four or five rooms and more facilities, but just as warm a welcome.
In country areas your B&B might be in a village or an isolated farm surrounded by fields. Prices reflect facilities: and usually run from around £12 to £20 per person. City B&Bs charge about £25 to £30 per person, although they’re often cheaper as you go further out to the suburbs.
Most B&B rates are based on two people sharing a room. Single rooms are rare and lone travellers need to plan ahead a little. Even then, single rooms are 20% to 50% more than the usual per person price for a shared double room.
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Pubs & Inns
As well as selling drinks and meals, Britain’s pubs and inns sometimes offer B&B, particularly in country areas. Staying a night or two can be great fun and puts you at the heart of the local community and if you’ve had one too many, you don’t have to stagger very far!
Rates run from around £15 to £25 per person. Pubs are more likely to have single rooms.
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Five of the Best
Picking just five places to stay in a country as diverse as Britain is a hard task. For atmosphere, location or value, here’s a selection:
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The Wasdale Head Inn
A lovely old pub in the heart of the Lake District with great views of the highest peaks where rock-climbing was invented in the 19th century. Comfortable rooms, great food and ale, and an atmosphere so convivial it’s hard to leave. Lake District, England, Tel: +44 (0)19467 26333
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The Hill on the Wall
Almost on top of the great Roman wall, and dating from 1595, this former fortified house is now a welcoming B&B. Historical flavour and modern charm – a winning combination. Gilsland, nr Hadrian’s Wall, England, Tel: +44 (0)1697 747214
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Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel
An old coaching inn with little renovation and all the better for it. Favoured by hikers with cosy rooms and a bar full of mountaineering memorabilia – the ceiling is signed by members of the 1953 Everest expedition. Near Capel Curig, Snowdonia, Wales, Tel: +44 (0)1286 870211
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The Ceilidh Place
This small hotel exudes warmth and style with a modern-traditional mix, welcoming bar and views across the loch that’ll keep you mesmerized for hours. Ullapool, Western Highlands, Scotland, Tel: +44 (0)1854 612103
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Loch Lomond Youth Hostel
Forget about roughing it, this is one of Britain’s most impressive hostels – an imposing 19th-century country house set in beautiful grounds overlooking the loch. And yes, it is haunted. Southern Highlands, Scotland, Tel: +44 (0)1389 85 226
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