HOSTELS IN CORNWALL, DEVON, DORSET, SOMERSET, BATH & BRISTOL
- Dorset & Somerset Pleasant & fascinating stretches of coast, quaint towns & villages, feast of geology & history, and cider
- W Somerset & N Devon Quantock and Brendon hills with fine ridge walks, Exmoor National Park for moorland hikes, sea cliffs, fishing villages & coastal paths.
- South DevonClassy seaside resorts with warm and sunny climate, backed by moorland.
- DartmoorBleak moorland with rocky outcrops, for bracing walks with widespread views.
- Devon & Cornwall Pretty coastal villages, friendly towns, great beaches, superb cliff paths, wild moorland.
- BATH Roman baths, outstanding buildings, tours to Stonehenge.
- BRISTOL Large interesting city
- BOURNEMOUTH Modern spacious resort, with superb beaches and cliffs
- NEWQUAY Surfing, 3 lively hostels
- ILFRACOMBE Quaint harbour town
- MINEHEAD Diverse resort, good base
SOUTHWEST ENGLAND
Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall are generally known as 'The West Country'. This peninsula has some glorious scenery including pretty coastal villages and towns, beaches, superb cliff paths and large areas of wild moorland. The region also has the warmest and sunniest weather all year round, although spells of heavy rain lasting many hours are always possible.The trouble is, most people in Britain know all this, and in summer the area is choc-a-bloc with English and Scots families on their fortnight's holiday.
Coastal Paths
The Cornish coastal path has magnificent scenery throughout, with plenty of hostels and B&B's. Alternatively you could choose the North Devon coastal path between Barnstaple and Minehead. Indeed a coastal path runs for some 900 km around the peninsula.Transport
Trains run frequently from London, taking about 2.5 hours to Exeter and a further 3 hours to Penzance. There are then several branch lines which give access to some good centres or starting points. If you have a rail pass you can explore most of these routes, and there are several convenient hostels. There are good bus services extending radially from the main centres to most towns, but if you want to tour the area by bus, check the timetables carefully first.You can also get to Exeter easily by train from Bristol or Birmingham.
National Express coach services to the area are good. From London they run to Exeter (4.5 hours) and Torquay (5 hours) 6 times in the day plus an evening and a night service. There are 4 coaches per day to Penzance (8 hours), 4 a day plus one at night to Plymouth (5 hours) and at least one a day direct from London to most other centres. What's more, you can pick these up directly at Heathrow airport.
If you are renting a car, the roads to the area are good, but very busy on summer weekends. Use the car to get to the area, then be sparing with it, as the coastal roads can get jammed and parking is very very limited in the tiny coastal villages.
If you have 5 days or more to spare, get to any of the Cornish coastal villages then walk a section of the coastal path.
Hostels
There are plenty of hostels throughout the area. Many of the YHA hostels are closed in winter, but there is an increasing number of independent hostels and these are open all year, and there are numerous low-cost bunkhouses especially in Dartmoor.DORSET AND SOMERSET
Bournemouth
is an impressively clean and well-maintained resort and conference town with cliffs, fine beaches both crowded and quiet, and a relaxing atmosphere. Frequent trains from London. We cannot recommend any budget accommodation here.Bournemouth Backpackers may be OK if you are not British, but if you are British you cant stay here!. Lynden Court Hotel is a budget hotel with dorms but they are for Groups only. The Lazy Shark was reported by a reviewer as: 'Just a bar with a few spare rooms, no common room or kitchen'.
Swanage
is a family resort with good beaches including a clothing-optional beach at nearby Studland, and some good coastal walks.Address: Cluny, Cluny Crescent
Tel: 01929-422113
Email: swanage + AT + yha.org.uk
Lulworth
A most interesting bit of coast with cliff formations is Lulworth Cove.Address: School Lane
Tel: 01929-400564
Take the train to Weymouth then a short bus ride (frequent) gets you to the Isle of Portland with cliffs and views.
Address: Hardy House, Castletown
Tel: 01305-861368
Email: portland + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: New hostel in attractive building.
A Somerset village
In a pleasant secluded bit of country is Litton Cheney (buses until late evening then a mile walk). A two-mile walk from the hostel gets you a view over Chesil Beach, an impressive natural pebble beach 15 miles long with a gentle curve.
Tel: 01308-482340
Email: reservations + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: Pleasant small hostel; self-catering, nearby pub serves good meals.
GLASTONBURY
is a unique town. One shop is called 'Man, Myth & Magik', and more than half the shops have the themes of crystals, yoga, eastern medicine, therapies and astrology. Half the population seem to be new- age or hippie from young to old. But even if this is not your scene, you will enjoy exploring the town which is steeped in history and legend, not forgetting the large music festival that takes place, though not every year, in June. It has no railway, and is best reached from Bristol (hourly buses) or by one bus a day from London, Heathrow Airport or Liverpool. There is a comfortable hostel right in the centre.
Address: 4 Market Place
Tel: 01458-833353
Email: info + AT + GlastonburyBackpackers.co.uk
Facilities: Mod kitchen/dining area, lounge w TV & pool, lockers, bar w smoking, cheap internet, DJ & party nights.
UK Trail opinions: A casual, fun hostel with a bar and lively atmosphere.
Three miles away near Street is a small self-catering hostel, in pleasant country on a ridge with views and good walks, but not close to shops (hourly buses then short walk):
Address: The Chalet, Ivythorn Hill
Tel: 01458-442961
Cheddar Gorge
is impressive and has good walking on the adjacent Mendip Hills. Stay atAddress: Hillfield
Tel: 01934-742494
Email: cheddar + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: Buses from Weston-super-Mare until late evening.
WEST SOMERSET AND NORTH DEVON
The coast from Bridgwater to Minehead is delightful, with pleasant scenery, picturesque villages with thatched roofs, and spacious views across the bay to Wales. The area starts with the modest Quantock and Brendon hills, with some fine ridge walks along good paths with excellent views. Following the interesting resort of Minehead, Exmoor National Park offers fine plateau walking with cosy valleys in which villages nestle.
From Bridgwater, take the bus to Minehead (4 in daytime plus 3 in evening).
From London there are frequent trains to Taunton, and National Express buses also stop there. Then take a bus towards Minehead (several per hour daytime, and until late evening, journey time 80 min).
If you are driving, you will enjoy the route along the coast from Bridgwater to Minehead, which is easy to drive though winding.
Minehead
Minehead is an interesting seaside town at the foot of Exmoor, and also at the start of the coastal walking path. There are mountain bike trails close by. You have a choice of two good hostels.The Base Lodge is comfortable and friendly, and the owner is involved with local environmental interests and outdoor activity festivals. It is in the centre of town, yet you can walk to the coast path from the hostel.
Alternatively, if your main interest is in walking on Exmoor, you would like the YHA hostel, which lies among the footpaths leading up on to Exmoor. Car access is by a good track, and there is plenty of parking. By bus, get off the bus before Minehead, and you then have a 1.5km walk up a wooded valley to this delightful location on the hillside among woods, with Exmoor footpaths starting right there. With a car you can also enjoy the town, but on foot this hostel is a bit far from Minehead (3km).
Address: 16 The Parks
Tel: 01643-703520
Email: togooutdoors + AT + hotmail.com
Facilities: Owner-run. Equipped kitchen, dining/lounge with small TV, books, games. Bike shed. Spacious dorms..
UK Trail opinions: Owner is friendly and helpful, and enthusiastic about walking and mountain biking..
Address: Alcombe Combe
Tel: 01643-702595
Facilities: Equipped kitchen, large sociable dining room, small lounge with wood stove, books. Beer/wine bar, meals. Pleasant quiet grounds, no traffic noise. (Book through YHA website)..
UK Trail opinions: Friendly chatty manager, takes a pride in the hostel. Pleasant dorms. Lovely quiet country atmosphere, views over forest..
In Exmoor National Park there are fine moorland hikes with spacious views, with small valleys nestling among the hills. Minehead YHA is a good base or starting point for exploring Exmoor. In one of the small valleys is Exford, a delightful village with a pleasant hostel:
Address: Exe Mead
Tel: 01643-831288
Buses within the area are scarce, and nil on Sundays, so if you want to augment your tour with buses, check full details first.
Somerset Coastal Path. The Base Hostel is a good place to start or finish. If you want a day's walk, you can plan a round trip to Lynton and Lynmouth using a bus to Lynton (4 buses a day, not Sun).
ILFRACOMBE is a quaint town with a fishing harbour, which offers
surfing and many strenuous outdoor activities, coastal and moorland hiking, and trips to Lundy Island featuring birds, seals & dolphins. It is a convenient stop if you are walking the Coastal Path, or you can stay here 2 nights and walk a section of it. Close by the harbour is a comfortable hostel with a laid-back atmosphere: Address: 29 St James Place
Tel: 01271-867835
Email: info + AT + oceanbackpackers.co.uk
Facilities: Large kitchen with table, dining room with DVD player, comfy lounge with TV, outdoor tables and bbq, free internet, free tea/coffee, surfboard storage.
UK Trail opinions: Friendly manager, laid-back atmosphere.
There are frequent buses from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple, from which there are several trains per day until late evening to Exeter. National Express buses also go to Ilfracombe.
SOUTH DEVON, DARTMOOR
Dartmoor is a large, circular area of bleak moorland grazed by wild ponies, with scattered rocky outcrops. It is great for bracing walks with widespread views in all directions. But if the mist closes in, and it can do so for several days, then the atmosphere is quite different and you can very easily get lost. The area also has facilities for climbing, mountain biking and kayaking. There are numerous hostels and bunkhouses in and around the fringe of the park, all with immediate access to fine walking country.Heart of the Park
Bellever, Princetown & Postbridge have 2 buses a day (not Sun) from Tavistock, and 3 a day (inc Sun) from Plymouth or Exeter:
Tel: 01822-880227
Facilities: Converted barn, friendly atmos, open fire.
Tel: 01822-890240
Facilities: Low cost, kitchen, adjacent bar.
Tel: 01822-880277
Email: Martin + AT + powdermillsbunkhouse.co.uk
Facilities: Converted barn, equipped kitchen, sleeping bag needed.
Edge of the Park
On the northern edge, Okehampton is a pleasant town with good transport and easy access to the Moor:Address: Klondyke Road
Tel: 0870-770-5978
Email: okehampton + AT + yha.org.uk
Moretonhampstead on the east edge of Dartmoor is a village (2-hourly buses from Exeter incl Sun) with an eco-friendly hostel:
Address: 45 Ford Street
Tel: 01647-440318
Email: ali + AT + sparrowhawkbackpackers.co.uk
Facilities: Dorm beds £15 (2009). Small friendly hostel in centre of hillside village. Equipped kitchen, laundry. Ecological. Bike hire..
Widecombe is a village on the east side of the Moor. Buses run there in summer from Newton Abbot. A 2 km walk gets you to:
Tel: 01364-621249
Email: earle + AT + clara.co.uk
Facilities: Bunkhouses, low-cost, equipped kitchen.
Just outside Dartmoor
In pleasant country just outside Dartmoor, is Dunsford (2-hourly buses from Exeter).
DEVON AND CORNWALL
These counties are the star attractions of southern England with pretty coastal villages, friendly towns, great beaches with swimming and some with surfing, superb cliff paths, large areas of wild moorland and, in between, rolling country with rich red soil, fields and woods. The scenery improves the farther southwest you go. The price you pay is that they are quite a long way from anywhere, so plan for at least two full days in the area.The coast is threaded with lots of fishing villages and small towns all approached separately by roads, some of them narrow and steep. In most areas you cannot drive directly between these places, which makes it all the pleasanter for walkers who can walk along the coast continuously for miles at a time.
DEVON SOUTH COAST TOWNS
Exeter
The train from London first arrives at Exeter, an interesting city. There are frequent buses to the nearby coast at Exmouth and Dawlish. If you stay, there is a hostel in the heart of Exeter:Address: 71 Holloway Street
Tel: 01392-215521
Email: info + AT + exeterbackpackers.co.uk
Facilities: Small kitchen, social area, TV room.
UK Trail opinions: Designed primarily for independent travellers..
Reviewers' comments: Most say excellent hostel, with a party atmosphere. Many guests seem to be long-termers, and one reviewer complained of this..
Get a bus 4km out of town, or take the pleasant riverside walk if your pack is light, to:
Address: 47 Countess Wear Road
Tel: 0870-770-5826
Email: exeter + AT + yha.org.uk
Back east along the coast is Beer (4 buses a day from Exeter or Weymouth) where you might want to stay just for the name:
Address: Bovey Combe
Tel: 0870-770-5690
Email: beer + AT + yha.org.uk
Torquay
is one of England's prime resort areas, with a hostel (and in winter, hotels may be nearly as cheap):Address: 119 Abbey Road
Tel: 01803-299924
Email: jane + AT + torquaybackpackers.co.uk
Facilities: Friendly atmosphere, evening activities, free pickup from station.
Along the Devon coast are these hostels:
Address: Galmpton, Brixham
Tel: 01803-842444
Address: Sharpitor
Tel: 01548-842856
Plymouth
has much historical and naval interest, but the centre was destroyed during World War II and the modern buildings are uninspiring. Ferries go from here to Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain.CORNWALL
Cornwall is not all coastline, but there's a lot of it, indented with an amazing number of really beautiful bays and coves. Driving around the county is pretty easy, but when you want to visit one of these little resorts you'll find some of them very cramped indeed. Leave your car at the top, or in an outer town street; or stay in one town and do a day's walk along a section of the Coast Path and get a bus back.Penzance
is as far southwest as you can get by train, and is a good base: Address: The Blue Dolphin, Alexandra Road
Tel: 01736-363836
Email: info + AT + pzbackpack.com
Facilities: £13 (2006). Kitchen and lounge.
Address: Castle Horneck, Alverton
Tel: 01736-362666
Email: penzance + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: Cramped basement kitchen/dining, brightly lit dining area on another floor, TV lounge.
Address: International Ho, The Orchard, Alverton
Tel: 01736-334820
Email: admin + AT + cornwall.ymca.org.uk
Facilities: £15 (2006). Meals, no kitchen, internet, sporting facilities.
St Ives
is also a surfing area and a good base if you just have a night or two:Address: The Gallery, Town Centre
Tel: 01736-799444
Email: st.ives + AT + backpackers.co.uk
Facilities: £12(2009). Kitchen, TV & music, mixed dorms, courtyard w BBQ. Natnl Express & Roadtrip stop nearby, frequent trains..
UK Trail opinions: Built around a courtyard, looks sociable.
Reviewers' comments: All reviews on Hostelz.com are good. Seems to be generally liked. Informal atmosphere..
Starting from Plymouth and working round the Cornish coast, the first available hostel is 2 miles inland, overlooking the Fowey estuary:
Address: Penquite House
Tel: 01726-833507
Email: golant + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: Kitchen, TV lounge, internet, conservatory.
The next hostel is quiet and well-situated near a beach:
Address: Boswinger, Gorran
Tel: 01726-843234
Facilities: Lounge, dining, kitchen, cycle store, drying room.
FALMOUTH
Falmouth is on a peninsula with a beautiful harbour and attractive shops and beaches. National Express buses and trains both come here. It has a hostel close to the beach, with sea views:
Address: 9 Gyllyngvase Terrace
Tel: 01326-319996
Email: judi + AT + falmouthlodge.co.uk
Facilities: Owner-run, £19-20(2009), free tea/coffee & breakfast. Equipped kitchen, dining room, lounge w TV & games, free wifi & internet, parking. Close to beach and coast path, 8 mins to town & harbour. Close to rail station. Mobile: 07525-722808..
UK Trail opinions: New owner in 2009. Sea view..
If you go down the Lizard Peninsula, you will come to the only hostel in UK where you can walk to a latitude in the 40s:
Address: Parc Behan, School Hill
Tel: 01326-280687
Facilities: Dining, kitchen, lounge w fire.
The coastline of Cornwall, near Landsend
Next comes Penzance. From here you can take a bus (4 a day) to Lands End, or walk along the coastal path with more fine cliff scenery.
Right by the coastal path and 4 miles from Lands End is:
Address: Letcha Vean, St Just-in-Penwith
Tel: 01736-788437
Slightly inland in a sheltered valley is
Address: Kelynack Camping Park
Tel: 01736-787633
Email: francis&wendy + AT + kelynackholidays.co.uk
Facilities: £8 (2006) incl bedding but not linen. Bunkhouse in camping park. Large well-equipped kitchen/dining room.
UK Trail opinions: Pleasant and comfortable. 2km from St Just, buses from there to Penzance (frequent)..
At the small village of Zennor (occnl buses to St Ives) is
Address: Zennor, St Ives, Cornwall
Tel: 01736-798307
Email: zennorbackpackers + AT + btinternet.com
Facilities: £15 (2009). Cafe, all meals available, good views. Self-catering..
Next comes St Ives.
Next we come to a small hostel with spectacular coastal views:
Address: Droskyn Point
Tel: 01872-573812
Newquay
is the surfing capital of Britain, with surfing courses. The town is filled with fit young people. It is also good for sightseeing, with amazing beaches, and it is a good stopping point on the coastal path. Hostel prices DOUBLE from winter to summer at most hostels!Hostels seem to come and go here. We had 10 on our list, but on a visit in 2009 only 3 hostels were evident. We can recommend all of these as having a good atmosphere especially for young people. We liked the International most for atmosphere. St Christophers is one of their best, and their view is outstanding for ANY hostel, but they don't have a kitchen and some other things don't seem to be as good as they could be. Families do stay in these hostels, but they need to be prepared for a lively atmosphere:
Address: 69-73 Tower Road
Tel: 01637-879366
Email: newquay + AT + backpackers.co.uk
Facilities: Owner-run. Lounge w books, TV & guitar. Equipped kitchen, outdoor tables, music, sauna, BBQ.
UK Trail opinions: Looks very sociable and partying. Owners very friendly and easygoing..
Reviewers' comments: Home away from home. Beautiful place, beautiful people, difficult to leave. Nice vibe. Very cheap. A little shabby but clean. No significant negative comments..
Address: 110 Mount Wise
Tel: 01637-874651
Email: matt + AT + matts-surf-lodge.co.uk
Facilities: Lounge area with wall TV, gentle background music, dining room w pool, good equipped kitchen, friendly easy-going staff.
UK Trail opinions: Lively young atmosphere, partying, friendly vibe. Book by email..
Reviewers' comments: Mixed opinions. Fun place, good value, good staff..
Address: 35 Fore Street
Tel: 020-7407-1856
Email: bookings + AT + st-christophers.co.uk
Facilities: Good sitting areas, bar with lots of seating, TVs on wall, pool. Large outdoor terrace. Hot tub. No kitchen. Surfing courses. Outstanding view..
UK Trail opinions: With the fantastic view and the large open-plan sitting areas with bar, it seems ideal. Although no kitchen, plenty of mingling areas. However, numerous reviewers have niggling complaints, and it seems they need to make a bit more effort..
Reviewers' comments: Many say: Really lively atmosphere; clean and comfortable beds; excellent value. However we also hear: Bathroom stunk. Bathroom not cleaned during our stay. Shower water scalding. Heating in room didn't work. On one day no breakfast served. No communal area so difficult to socialise..
Beautifully situated on the coast and 4 miles from Padstow is:
Address: Tregonnan
Tel: 01841-520322
Yet another ideally-placed hostel, but not good to take a car to, is a small self-catering hostel:
Address: Dunderhole Point
Tel: 01840-770334
Just 5 miles farther, more accessible is the hostel in former stables in the little port of Boscastle:
Address: Palace Stables
Tel: 01840-250287
Email: reservations + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: Lounge/dining, kitchen, cycle store.
UK Trail opinions: Destroyed by flash flood 2004 Aug. Refurbished and re-opening about 2006 Oct..
Bude is an attractive town worth a night or two, epecially if you are into any of a whole range of outdoor activities ranging from surfing and kite surfing to cycling and walking. The coastal path passes through. The Backpackers hostel, which has received numerous recommendations, is in a quiet part of town 10 minutes walk from shops, including several takeaways, and they will pick you up from local bus stops if you phone:
Address: 57 Killerton Road
Tel: 01288-354256
Email: northshorebude + AT + btconnect.com
Facilities: Owner-run. Excellent well-equipped kitchen, large bright sociable dining room, separate lounge with giant TV and DVDs, books, garden. Free tea/coffee..
UK Trail opinions: Friendly and very helpful owners. Fine views over sea from some dorms..
Reviewers' comments: All reviewers are enthusiastic, all say the staff make a friendly atmosphere and have travel advice. Nice big TV. Nice big kitchen for all to use. Great friendly atmosphere..
After a further 12 miles you find a hostel on a windy plateau overlooking the coast:
Tel: 01237-441367
Email: reservations + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: Small cosy common room. Good dining room w lg TV on wall. Long very narrow kitchen. Private annexe. In country 6km from nearest shops..
UK Trail opinions: Car or cycle very desirable. Cosy accom on windswept hillside overlooking Lundy island..
At Hartland, 4 miles from Elmscott, you can get a bus (4 a day, 2 on Sundays) to Barnstaple, then to
BATH
Transport
Frequent trains run from London, and there are frequent trains and buses from Bristol.Hostels
Since Bath is so expensive, avoid restaurant meals here, buy from supermarkets and cook in the hostels. The Backpackers and YHA hostels both have good kitchens.In the centre of Bath are the modern St Christophers, the friendly off-beat Backpackers, and the comfortable and good-value YMCA.
Address: 9 Green St
Facilities: £12 (2008). Bar. No kitchen..
Reviewers' comments: . Some say bar was good, others say you need earplugs because of the bar. Internet expensive..
Address: 13 Pierrepont Street
Tel: 01225-446787
Email: bath + AT + hostels.co.uk
Facilities: Cosy bar, moderate kitchen, dining/lounge room w TV & internet. Mainly mixed dorms and bathroom. Piped sound system..
UK Trail opinions: Frequent changes of management. Was always a casual atmosphere, looks a fun place..
Address: International House, Broad St Place
Tel: 01225-325900
Email: stay + AT + bathymca.co.uk
Facilities: Lg & comfortable, lg restaurant/sitting area w TV in corner, good breakfast, no kitchen, gym, moderate price, good value twins/singles.
UK Trail opinions: Clean and comfortable but not sociable..
The excellent YHA hostel is 1.5 km from the stations up a long hill, but is refreshing and peaceful. Buses run hourly until late.
Address: Bathwick Hill
Tel: 0870-770-5688
Email: bath + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: Good kitchen, several dining and common areas, lounge with TV and internet, picnic lawn, street parking.
BRISTOL
Transport
Frequent trains run from London and Birmingham to Bristol. The Bristol rail station is called Temple Meads; do not get out at Bristol Parkway station, which is far from the city centre with poor transport.Hostels
There are two hostels in the City Centre, close to everything, and a newer one, The Full Moon, which we have not yet seen. Address: 14 Narrow Quay
Tel: 0870-770-5726
Email: bristol + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: Modernistic design, open-plan dining/chatting area, moderate kitchen/eating area, TV lounge, internet £5/hr.
Address: 1 North St, Stokes Croft
Facilities: £18(2008). Eco-friendly. TV lounge, laundry, wifi. Over 18s only. Hen/stag groups welcome..
Address: 17 St Stephens Street, City Centre
Tel: 0117-925-7900
Email: info + AT + bristolbackpackers.co.uk
Facilities: Owner-run, common/reception room w TV area, bar, moderate kitchen, free tea/coffee, internet £2/hr, bike storage. Booking by phone only..
UK Trail opinions: Has expanded since we last saw it. Several TV areas. Favours individual travellers..
