Top 10 Best Hostels in High Peak

Hostelling in the High Peak

The High Peak has a special place in the history of outdoor recreation. The 1932 Mass Trespass on Kinder Scout helped pave the way for national parks and public access to the countryside, and hostels have long provided affordable accommodation for the walkers, climbers and cyclists drawn to these hills. Today's hostels and bunkhouses are far more comfortable than their spartan predecessors, with private rooms, cafés, drying rooms and self-catering kitchens, while retaining the sociable, adventurous spirit that makes hostelling so enjoyable.

The list below includes hostels within the High Peak and a few just beyond the borough boundary that are popular bases for exploring the area.

What to Expect from a Modern Hostel

Most hostels now offer a mix of dormitories and private rooms, some with en-suite facilities. Many provide meals or have cafés and bars, while self-catering kitchens help keep costs down. Drying rooms are invaluable after a wet day on the moors. Exclusive hire options make hostels popular for school trips, clubs, family reunions and celebrations.

The Top 10 Hostels In and Around High Peak

1. YHA Castleton Losehill Hall

Set in a grand Victorian Gothic mansion within extensive grounds, YHA Castleton Losehill Hall is one of the most impressive hostels in the country. A short walk from Castleton village, it offers private and shared rooms, a café-bar and easy access to the caverns, Mam Tor and the Great Ridge.

2. YHA Edale

YHA Edale sits on the slopes beneath Kinder Scout and doubles as an outdoor activity centre. It is a superb base for walkers tackling the Pennine Way or the Edale Skyline, and for groups enjoying climbing, caving and other adventurous activities.

3. YHA Crowden

Located in remote Longdendale on the route of the Pennine Way, YHA Crowden is a traditional hostel loved by long-distance walkers. Its wild moorland setting and peaceful atmosphere offer a true escape.

4. YHA Hathersage

Just east of the High Peak boundary, YHA Hathersage occupies a Victorian house in a village famous for its connections with Charlotte Brontë and Robin Hood's companion Little John. It provides quick access to Stanage Edge, one of Britain's most celebrated climbing venues.

5. YHA Ravenstor

Overlooking Millers Dale, YHA Ravenstor is a former mill owner's house set in National Trust woodland. It is a short drive from Buxton and ideal for exploring the limestone dales and the Monsal Trail.

6. YHA Eyam

Housed in a striking Victorian building above the famous plague village of Eyam, this hostel combines fascinating local history with excellent walking. It is popular with families and school groups.

7. YHA Hartington Hall

Hartington Hall is a seventeenth-century manor house offering characterful rooms, a welcoming bar and generous grounds. Though located in the southern Peak District, it is a firm favourite with visitors exploring the wider national park.

8. Pindale Farm Outdoor Centre

Just outside Castleton, Pindale Farm offers bunkhouse accommodation and camping on a working farm. Its historic buildings and convenient location near the caverns and walking trails make it a practical, friendly base for groups.

9. Thorpe Farm Bunkhouses

Located near Hathersage, Thorpe Farm Bunkhouses are popular with climbers and walkers seeking simple, comfortable group accommodation. Their rural setting and proximity to the gritstone edges make them a classic choice for outdoor clubs.

10. Hagg Farm Outdoor Education Centre

Set in the Woodlands Valley along the Snake Road, Hagg Farm provides residential accommodation primarily for schools and groups. Its location between Ladybower Reservoir and Kinder Scout offers immediate access to some of the High Peak's wildest country.

Trends in Budget Travel

Hostels have reinvented themselves for a new generation of travellers. Private rooms suitable for couples and families are now common, and many hostels offer locally sourced food, craft beer and comfortable lounges. Exclusive hire for groups has grown significantly, while sustainability initiatives such as renewable energy and reduced waste align with the values of outdoor-loving guests. The convenience of the Hope Valley railway line also makes car-free hostel breaks easy, with Edale and Hope stations close to several hostels.

Tips for Hostel Guests

Book ahead for weekends and school holidays, especially for private rooms. Bring a towel if one is not included and pack slippers or indoor shoes. If you are walking between hostels, check opening days carefully, as some operate seasonally or for exclusive hire only. Always carry a map, compass and waterproofs when heading onto the moors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member to stay at a YHA hostel? Membership is no longer required to stay at YHA hostels, although members may receive discounts and other benefits. Anyone can book, from solo walkers to families and groups.

Are hostels suitable for families? Absolutely. Many hostels offer private family rooms, games rooms and grounds where children can play, making them an affordable and sociable choice for family holidays in the Peak District.

Final Thoughts

Hostelling remains one of the most rewarding ways to experience the High Peak. Whether you choose a Victorian mansion near Castleton, a moorland hostel on the Pennine Way or a farm bunkhouse beneath the gritstone edges, you will find affordable comfort, fellow adventurers and a direct connection to the landscapes that inspired the right to roam.