Solo travelling is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world. It offers complete freedom to set your own pace, discover new places on your own terms, and gain confidence as you navigate new experiences alone.
YHA hostels make solo travelling easier with flexible accommodation (dorm rooms for affordability or private rooms with an en suite) and social spaces where you can meet fellow travellers. You can even choose between eating with us or using the self-catering kitchens.
Whether you’re hiking through the mountains, exploring historic towns, or soaking in the arts scene, there’s a YHA hostel for every kind of solo traveller. Here are the top 10 to consider when solo travelling …
YHA Bath
For history buffs
Perched on a hill overlooking one of England’s most elegant cities, YHA Bath is your gateway to a solo adventure steeped in history. Housed in a stunning Italianate mansion, this hostel blends period charm with comfort, offering a social space and lush gardens perfect for winding down.
Things to do in the area:
- Visit the Roman Baths and learn about their ancient origins
- Stroll through the Royal Crescent and marvel at the Georgian architecture
- Unwind at the Thermae Bath Spa with its rooftop thermal pool
Top tip: Book a guided walking tour to uncover the hidden stories of Bath’s past. They’re a fantastic way to meet fellow history enthusiasts.
Stay at YHA Bath
YHA Brecon Beacons
For outdoor adventurers
If solitude and adventure are what you crave, YHA Brecon Beacons is the perfect retreat. Nestled deep in the National Park, wake up to misty mountain views and disconnect from the rush of the world by immersing yourself in untamed nature.
Things to do in the area:
- Hike up Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales
- Feel serene and watch the water flow at Sgwd yr Eira
- Go stargazing in the National Park at one of the UK’s best Dark Sky Reserves.
Top tip: Pack a headtorch for early morning or late-night adventures. The views at sunrise and sunset are spectacular.
Stay at YHA Brecon Beacons
YHA Haworth
For literary lovers
YHA Haworth is your kind of place if you love stories and tranquillity. Set in a gothic mansion on the edge of Brontë country, this hostel is an atmospheric retreat that feels like it fell straight out of a novel. Evenings here are best spent curled up with a book, listening to the wind howl outside, and embracing the timeless magic of Yorkshire.
Things to do in the area:
- Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where the famous sisters lived
- Walk the Brontë Way to Top Withens, said to have inspired the renowned Wuthering Heights
- Ride the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, a heritage steam train that runs through beautiful Brontë country
Top tip: Read your favourite classic Brontë novel in our social space, as nothing beats reading Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights near the very landscape that inspired it.
Stay at YHA Haworth
YHA Keswick
For nature nerds
Located in the centre of the Lake District’s adventure capital, YHA Keswick is the perfect mix of social buzz and outdoor escapism. Overlooking the River Greta and just minutes from Derwentwater, this hostel is ideal for solo travellers who want to hike, kayak, or simply soak in the beauty of Cumbria.
Things to do in the area:
- Take a scenic boat ride across the stunning Derwentwater
- Hike up Catbells, a rewarding climb with panoramic views of the Lake District
- Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, a mysterious and atmospheric ancient site
Top tip: Bring a good pair of binoculars. The area is a haven for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Stay at YHA Keswick
YHA Bristol
For art and culture fanatics
For solo travellers who love a city with character, YHA Bristol delivers. Housed in a historic grain warehouse in the buzzing harbourside district, this hostel is surrounded by street art, indie cafés, and vibrant nightlife.
Things to do in the area:
- See Banksy’s iconic street art up close in his hometown
- Visit the SS Great Britain, one of the most important historic ships in the world
- Wander through St Nicholas Market, a bustling hub of independent traders, vintage stalls and delicious street food
Top tip: Visit Arnolfini, Bristol’s contemporary arts centre, for thought-provoking exhibitions.
Stay at YHA Bristol
YHA Castleton Losehill Hall
For countryside admirers
YHA Castleton Losehill Hall is a dream come true for those who love grand old country houses surrounded by picturesque countryside. Tucked away in the heart of the Peak District, this gorgeous gothic manor makes the perfect base for solo travellers looking to escape the ordinary.
Things to do in the area:
- Hike to the top of Mam Tor for breathtaking views of the Peak District’s rolling hills
- Explore the Blue John Cavern, home to the rare and beautiful Blue John stone
- Visit Peveril Castle for a glimpse into medieval history
Top tip: Get up early to hike Mam Tor for sunrise. You’ll be treated to an unforgettable view without the crowds.
Stay at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall
YHA Manchester
For city champions
Manchester is a city that thrives on music, football, and creativity, and YHA Manchester places you right in the middle of it all. Set in the modern Castlefield area, this hostel is the ideal base for solo travellers looking to explore the city’s industrial history, legendary nightlife and cultural hotspots.
Things to do in the area:
- Stroll through the Northern Quarter, which is brimming with street art and indie shops
- Visit the Manchester Museum for a peek into ancient civilisation and dinosaur fossils
- Catch a game at Old Trafford, home to Manchester United or at the Etihad, where Manchester City are based
Top tip: Take a tram to MediaCityUK. It’s a hidden gem for a modern, Instagrammable side of the city.
Stay at YHA Manchester
YHA Malham
For walking wizards
If your idea of a solo adventure is awe-inspiring landscapes and peaceful escapes, YHA Malham is a hidden treasure nestled in the Yorkshire Dales. A gateway to dramatic limestone scenery, you can walk the same paths as the Romans, let the fresh country air clear your mind and enjoy the simplicity of life away from the noise.
Things to do in the area:
- Marvel at Malham Cove’s towering limestone cliffs and sweeping vistas
- Take a peaceful walk to Janet’s Foss, a magical waterfall tucked in the woods
- Spend some quiet time by Malham Tarn, a serene glacial lake
Top tip: Embark on the circular walk around Malham Cove and Tarn. It’s the perfect mix of stunning landscapes and tranquillity.
Stay at YHA Malham
YHA Treyarnon Bay
For surf seekers
YHA Treyarnon Bay is pure magic if you’re a solo traveller looking for a coastal escape. Sitting right on the edge of a stunning Cornish beach, this hostel is all about salt air, golden sands and spectacular sunsets. Spend your days surfing, coastal hiking, or just watching the waves roll in with a book in hand.
Things to do in the area:
- Surf or relax on the sandy shores of Treyarnon Bay
- Hike along the South West Coast Path for stunning views of rugged cliffs and the sea
- Explore the charming town of Padstow, famous for its seafood
Top tip: Head to Treyarnon Bay (only 50 metres away) at low tide for rock-pooling adventures and the chance to spot local marine life.
Stay at YHA Treyarnon Bay
YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
Sitting high in the rugged heart of Eryri (Snowdonia), YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass is an adventurer’s paradise. With trails leading straight from the doorstep, this hostel is for those who crave the thrill of the mountains. If you’re a solo traveller looking to push your limits, admire breathtaking views and explore wild landscapes, this is where you belong.
Things to do in the area:
- Hike Snowdon via multiple routes, including the rugged and challenging Pyg Track
- Explore Llyn Llydaw, a stunning and natural glacial lake
- Try rock climbing in one of the UK’s most iconic rock-climbing valleys, Llanberis Pass
Top tip:
Check the weather forecast before your hike, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
Stay at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
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