youth hostels, the history, people and ideas behind them
Youth hostels were always magical, dreaming but practical places, run by locals but accommodating guests from far away places. They required generous spirits, and hard work, of the people who ran them and a willingness to welcome visitors from anywhere. They have always been international, places where the world and young people met. I’ve always... Continue Reading →
Heading to London on a weekend set to be one of the hottest on record seemed to be a mistake, or an act of stupidity. Especially as it meant leaving my home in the lovely Derbyshire Dales, a garden that needed watering and that wanted to be sat in, under a shady umbrella, accompanied by... Continue Reading →
I first went to Street youth hostel nearly 40 years ago, for an interview for the job of manager, or warden as we were called then. When I was offered the job at Steps Bridge, in Devon, I went there instead. I loved the time I spent at Steps Bridge but, ironically, it's no longer... Continue Reading →
Self help and an Essex village The story of the youth hostel at Castle Hedingham, and how it came about, is a story of self sufficiency and self-help, typical of early pioneering youth hostels. In a village on the Essex border in pretty countryside, for those who liked cycling on lanes and quiet by-ways, Castle... Continue Reading →
Youth hostels conquered the world. When travel was beyond the pockets of many and impossible for many young women, even if they could afford it, youth hostels opened the world. Youth hostels taught the world to travel, to journey, not to have a holiday, not to tour, but to travel using your own resources. Youth... Continue Reading →
SIMPLY HOSTELS 