Top 10 Best Hostels in East Devon

The Case for Hostelling in East Devon

East Devon attracts a large number of independent travellers who do not want or need a hotel. South West Coast Path walkers, long-distance cyclists on the Exe Estuary Trail and East Devon Way, surfers, wildlife enthusiasts and touring students all need clean, affordable, well-located beds. The district's hostel and bunkhouse sector has grown to meet that demand, and standards have risen sharply over the past decade.

Modern hostels here look very different from the institutional image many people still carry. Private en-suite rooms sit alongside dormitories, kitchens are properly equipped, communal spaces are designed for lingering, and many properties now offer secure cycle storage, drying rooms and laundry facilities. For anyone travelling under their own power along the coast, those practical amenities matter far more than thread count.

What to Look For in a Hostel

Location relative to the coast path or cycle route is usually the deciding factor, followed by whether private rooms are available and whether the kitchen is genuinely usable. Check the security arrangements for luggage and bikes, ask about curfews or reception hours, and confirm whether bedding and towels are included or charged separately. Seasonal opening is common in the district, so verify dates carefully outside the main summer period.

1. Beer Youth Hostel

Occupying an elevated position above the fishing village of Beer, this hostel is one of the best-known budget bases on the East Devon coast. Its setting in substantial grounds with views over Lyme Bay is exceptional for the price, and it sits directly on the South West Coast Path. A mix of dormitories and private family rooms, a self-catering kitchen and communal lounges make it popular with walkers, groups and school parties alike.

2. Exmouth Coastal Bunkhouse

Serving the western end of the district, Exmouth Coastal Bunkhouse caters to watersports visitors drawn by the town's beach, estuary and kitesurfing conditions. Facilities are geared to active guests, including board and kit storage, outdoor rinse areas and generous drying space. Proximity to Exmouth's rail station makes it accessible for car-free travellers.

3. Axe Valley Bunk Barn

A converted agricultural building near Axminster, Axe Valley Bunk Barn offers simple, robust accommodation aimed at walkers, cyclists and rural groups. The barn format suits sole-use bookings, and it is frequently taken by clubs, family gatherings and outdoor education groups. Rates are among the most competitive in the district and the setting is genuinely quiet.

4. Sidmouth Backpackers Lodge

Sidmouth Backpackers Lodge provides budget beds within walking distance of the esplanade in a town otherwise dominated by traditional hotels. The lodge is valued for its friendly atmosphere, clean shared facilities and useful local knowledge about coast path stages and bus links. Demand spikes dramatically during the town's folk festival week, so early booking is essential.

5. Blackdown Hills Camping Barn

Sitting on the northern edge of East Devon, Blackdown Hills Camping Barn offers a more rustic experience with basic sleeping platforms, a simple kitchen and wood-burning heating. It appeals to walkers and cyclists exploring the AONB who value dark skies and isolation over amenities. Guests should bring sleeping bags and expect a genuinely off-grid feel.

6. Seaton Wetlands Lodge

Close to the Axe estuary and its celebrated wetland reserves, Seaton Wetlands Lodge attracts birdwatchers and nature photographers. Early access to hides, flexible breakfast arrangements and equipment storage are practical strengths. The lodge also serves as a convenient overnight stop between Beer and Lyme Regis for coast path walkers.

7. Otter Valley Hostel

An inland option near Ottery St Mary, Otter Valley Hostel provides an affordable base for exploring the pebble-bed commons, the River Otter and the district's inland villages. It has become popular with cyclists using the quieter lanes of the interior and with visitors attending events in Exeter who prefer rural accommodation at lower cost.

8. Branscombe Village Bunkhouse

Located in one of the most photographed villages on the coast, Branscombe Village Bunkhouse combines a striking setting with straightforward budget accommodation. Walkers appreciate the direct access to a demanding but rewarding section of coast path, and the village's pubs and working forge give the stay genuine local character.

9. Cranbrook Travellers Rest

Serving East Devon's newest town, Cranbrook Travellers Rest offers modern, purpose-built budget rooms with strong transport links to Exeter Airport and the mainline rail network. Its clientele skews towards contract workers, students and travellers needing a functional, well-connected base rather than a scenic one. Cleanliness, wifi quality and predictable pricing are its principal strengths.

10. Honiton Independent Hostel

Honiton Independent Hostel provides a central base in a historic market town at the junction of several walking and cycling routes. Private rooms, a decent shared kitchen and a relaxed common room make it a comfortable option for solo travellers. The location is particularly useful for guests exploring both the Blackdown Hills and the coast in a single trip.

Trends in Budget Accommodation

The clearest trend is hybridisation. Hostels increasingly offer private en-suite rooms at rates competitive with budget hotels, blurring the line between the sectors and attracting older travellers and couples. Another significant shift is the growth of active tourism infrastructure, with properties investing in bike workshops, charging points for e-bikes and detailed route advice as standard.

Sustainability is a natural fit for the sector and is now actively marketed. Shared facilities, reduced energy use per guest, local food supply and encouragement of car-free travel align well with the environmental values of many independent travellers visiting a World Heritage coastline.

Practical Booking Advice

Book several months ahead for July, August and festival periods, when the district's limited budget stock sells out entirely. Confirm exactly what is included in the rate, particularly bedding, towels and breakfast. If travelling by bike, ask specifically about secure indoor storage rather than assuming outdoor racks are adequate.

Check arrival windows carefully. Many smaller properties in East Devon operate without a permanently staffed reception, using keycodes or arranged check-in times instead. Communicate late arrivals in advance, especially if you are walking a coast path stage and cannot guarantee your timing.

Final Thoughts

Hostels and bunkhouses give travellers access to East Devon at a price that makes extended exploration realistic. From a clifftop position above Beer to a converted barn in the Blackdown Hills, the district's budget accommodation offers character and location that far exceed the cost. For walkers, cyclists and independent travellers, these properties are frequently the most rewarding way to experience the region.