When Visit England named the winners of its 2019 ROSE Awards – given to a select group of hotels, hostels, guesthouses and holiday rentals, all of which have shown outstanding customer service – YHA appeared not just once on the list, but twice. YHA Holmbury St Mary, our recently refurbished hostel in the Surrey Hills, was one of our worthy winners, while the other was a unique property in a truly spectacular building: YHA St Briavels Castle.
Occupying a Grade I-listed building dating back to the 12th century, the hostel still has every appearance of a medieval castle, with a bulky gatehouse, high walls and an atmosphere as dense as the Magna Carta. It has 60 beds across 9 bedrooms, one of which was once a prison – but as the award attests, you can expect the warmest of welcomes. Visit for an unforgettable historical stay, and great walking in the surrounding Gloucestershire countryside.
Plan your trip to YHA St Briavels Castle.