Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

Bunkhouses and hostels in Scotland

Hostelling is a great opportunity to connect with fellow travellers and explore the great outdoors. If you're on a tighter budget, then staying in a hostel is an ideal choice and is widely recommended by solo travellers, couples and groups of friends. Discover everything you need to know about booking a hostel stay in Scotland, the overall benefits, exclusive offers and top recommendations on coastal, family-friendly and pet-friendly hostel spots.

What is a hostel and why should I go hostelling?

The Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse, Isle of Skye

© Scottish Hostels

A hostel is similar to a hotel but less expensive and offers you more flexibility and options.

Hostels generally have larger room sizes so you can share with friends or family if you're looking for a big group getaway. The rooms are often dorm style rooms with bunk beds, sleeping up to 10 people. You'll find self-catering kitchens that will allow you to cook up a storm, as well as communal dining rooms and shared spaces, giving you the chance to meet other guests.

They also offer extra facilities including drying rooms, laundries and bike storage, making it a great option for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Advice on booking a hostel

Glasgow Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

In Scotland, you’ll find two hostel organisations:

Hostelling Scotland – a self-funded charity founded in 1931, it is part of an international hostelling community under Hostelling International and operates a network of hostels throughout Scotland, as well as independently owned and run affiliate hostels.

Scottish Hostels – set up in the mid-1980s, it is an association of independent hostels, bunkhouses, bothies and activity accommodation providers that is owned and run by its member businesses.

Most hostels offer online booking facilities and the best way to support them is by booking direct. Make sure to book in advance as well, particularly in high season, to avoid disappointment. Some hostels are closed during the winter period. Find out where you want to stay is open before planning your trip to Scotland.

Book a Scottish hostel stay

Special offers

Inverness Youth Hostel

Enjoy 3 nights for the price of 2

Looking to plan a trip to Scotland this winter? You’re in luck! Hostelling Scotland have an exclusive offer you simply can’t refuse. Until 31 March 2025, enjoy 3 nights for the price of 2 on all stays in selected hostels when booking direct using the promotional code: Winter24.

What are the benefits of hostelling?

Torridon Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

Hostelling is for everyone

The name might be Youth Hostel, but they are open to all ages!

Hostelling isn't all about shared rooms - most hostels offer private rooms, many with en-suite accommodation just the same as hotels, B&Bs or self-catering.

Find out more on hostel room types

Learn more about staying in a Scottish hostel

 

You can bring your dog

Many hostels are now dog-friendly, so you can share a room with your four-legged friend with extra perks including:

  • Treats on arrival
  • Water stations
  • Drying rooms

Check out more dog-friendly hostel stays

Find more hostel spots with your four-legged companion

 

Hostelling supports communities

Scottish hostels are at the very heart when it comes to supporting local communities and charities. From beach cleans and litter picking, to recommending local attractions, activities and places to eat for their guests.

Hostelling Scotland offer a youth and charity programme, giving Scottish breaks to people who wouldn't normally get the opportunity. They also support initiatives including Respitality, which gives breaks to unpaid carers.

Find out more about Hostelling Scotland

Black Isle Hostel, Inverness

© Scottish Hostels

“

Hostelling is good for the soul. When you hostel, you're part of a community that shares a love for travel and a passion for the great outdoors. Escape the everyday, meet new people, make new friends and discover your sense of adventure.

Graham Sheach

Hostelling Scotland

Hostels provide food and drink

Many hostels hold an alcohol license. Look out for local craft beers, cider and wines. They also come with facilities for a self-catering break, so you can cook up some great local produce.

Find out more about food & drink in hostels

 

Extra perks on membership

Become a member of Hostelling Scotland and get discounts, promotions and access to a worldwide Hostelling community through joint membership of Hostelling International. Remember, you don't have to be a member - anyone can book a stay.

But you don't have to be a member - anyone can book a stay.

Find out more on becoming a member of Hostelling Scotland

 

Enjoy private rentals

Many hostels allow you to book the whole venue through RentaHostel - a great option for local clubs or extended family and friends.

Find out more about private hire for Scottish hostels

Fantastic hostel stays in Scotland

When it comes to hostels stays, we’ve got you covered. Discover a wide variety of hostels across Scotland to suit your needs, from dog-friendly to cool hidden gems.

Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

City-centre hostels

A city-centre hostel is a great base to get to know a new city and to meet new people.

 

Edinburgh Central

This hostel has a great socialising space in the recently refurbished lounge and café bar, filled with delicious food & drink.

Book a stay at Edinburgh Central

See all hostels in Edinburgh

 

Glasgow

Admire the views over Kelvingrove Park at Glasgow Youth. It's not quite in the city centre, but it is in the heart of the busy West End, with trendy bars and restaurants nearby.

Book a stay at Glasgow Youth

 

Inverness

This is a great budget option if you're exploring the capital of the Highlands. Look out for the Innes & Gunn beer on tap, or freshly ground coffee in the lounge and café bar.

Book a stay at Inverness

 

Find out more

See all city-centre hostels in Scotland

Oban Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

Family-friendly hostels

Think safe, clean and affordable accommodation with self-catering facilities for cooking, and local knowledge available from friendly staff.

 

Cairngorm Lodge

Take the family to the heart of Cairngorms National Park with a stay at this hostel. You'll be surrounded by forest trails, and close to the highest sandy beach at Loch Morlich.

Book a stay at Cairngorm Lodge

 

Lochranza

Enjoy a break at this island-based hotel on Arran. See if you can spot the local wildlife from the hostel garden, before heading out for activities including mountain biking, pony-trekking and watersports.

Book a stay at Lochranza

 

Oban

You can easily explore many of the west coast islands from this hostel in Oban. Take the ferry out to Mull, Coll, Tiree, Iona and more. The hostel is also great for cycling - there's a secure bike store and you're on the Caledonia Way Cycle Route.

Book a stay at Oban

Dog at Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel

© Yvette Webster

Dog-friendly hostels

These hostels offer some extras for your pet, so you can bring the whole family on holiday!

 

Braemar

Braemar is an impressive former shooting lodge which sits in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This is a great base for exploring the countryside, castles and distilleries around Royal Deeside.

Book a stay at Braemar

 

Gairloch

This hostel is perfect for lots of beach walkies with your dog! Gairloch Sands is an affordable option on the popular island of Skye.

Book a stay at Gairloch Sands

 

Rowardennan

Once a hunting lodge, Rowardennan sits right on the banks of Loch Lomond so it has amazing views from many of the bedrooms, and the lounge.

Book a stay at Rowardennan Lodge

 

Find out more

Find more dog-friendly hostels with Hostelling Scotland

Discover the benefits of a dog-friendly holiday with Scottish Hostels

Loch Ossian Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

Cool hidden-gem hostels

Looking to get off the beaten track and try somewhere new? These hidden-gem hostels are perfect.

 

Achmelvich Beach

Achmelvich hostel is 300 metres from one of the best beaches in the UK. Soak up the crystal-clear waters from the sand or explore further with sea kayaking and snorkelling.

Book a stay at Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel

 

Loch Ossian

Loch Ossian is the perfect place to get away from it all. The hostel is situated high on Rannoch Moor, surrounded by Munros – perfect for Munro baggers. It's an eco-hostel only accessible by rail, bike or on foot.

Take a short 20-minute walk from Corrour Railway Station to experience the unspoiled natural beauty of this area.

Go hostelling at Loch Ossian Youth Hostel

 

Papa Westray

This community-run hostel is based on one of Orkney's smallest islands, home to an RSPB wildlife reserve perfect for birdwatching. Papa Westray has unspoilt beaches and is rich in archaeology with the Knap of Howar, restored St Boniface, and chambered cairns on Holm of Papay.

Book your next stay at Papa Westray Hostel

Port Charlotte Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

8 hostels with great things to do nearby

Looking for ideas on activities and attractions? These hostels all have exciting things to do nearby.

1. Port Charlotte

This hostel is based in a former distillery warehouse in the centre of the village. Islay itself is home to nine whisky distilleries, beautiful beaches, the Museum of Island Life, plus you can take the ferry out to explore other islands including Jura.

Book a stay at Port Charlotte

 

2. Glen Nevis

This 5-star hostel sits near the bustling town of Fort William. That makes it perfect for all the exciting activities that the UK's Outdoor Capital offers including Ben Nevis, the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way.

Book a stay at Glen Nevis

 

3. Glen Prosen

A converted primary school, this hostel has a large welcoming lounge with a wood-burning stove. Glen Prosen is part of the Angus Glens, so you'll be surrounded by green forests, tumbling rivers and heather-clad hillsides perfect for hiking, cycling and wildlife.

Book a stay at Glen Prosen

 

4. Helmsdale Lodge

This former school gymnasium has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping its original charm. It's a great base for exploring north east Sutherland, with easy access to cycling, walking or the North Coast 500. Check out the local Heritage Trail which starts at the Timespan Museum & Arts Centre in this small harbour village.

Book a stay at Helmsdale Lodge

 

5. Isleburgh House

This island hostel sits in the centre of Lerwick and is consistently rated one of the best in the world by Hostelling International visitors. On the Mainland, explore the historical sites of Jarlshof, Clickimin Broch and Mousa Broch. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, spot wildlife and experience the culture and traditional music.

Book a stay at Islesburgh House

 

6. Ratagan

This hostel is small and intimate, with a lochside location and views towards Skye. It's a popular choice if you want to explore the outdoors, with a number of low-level scrambles and ridge walks nearby. The garden is perfect for launching kayaks into Loch Duich, plus Eilean Donan Castle is just 8 miles away.

Book a stay at Ratagan

 

7. Sail Loft in Portsoy

Book this self-catering bunkhouse accommodation in Portsoy and enjoy access to the outdoor decking area with seating, a walled garden and BBQ, and even a hot tub! Portsoy sits in the north of Aberdeenshire, a beautiful coastal spot with beaches, marine life, watersports and golf courses.

Book a stay at Sail Loft

 

8. Torridon

This hostel sits on the west coast on the North Coast 500. It's obviously a great base for hillwalkers and climbers, but you'll also find archery, kayaking and mountain biking activities nearby.

Book a stay at Torridon

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