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Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Wales Online
I found a £25 budget holiday in the town they call the Welsh Riviera, you won't beat it
I found a £25 budget holiday in the town they call the Welsh Riviera, you won't beat it This budget-friendly hostel, situated in a former military installation, provides glamping and camping facilities and costs under £50 for a private en-suite room for two Located right on the craggy Pembrokeshire coast, the hostel is the perfect launch pad for hiking adventures (Image: YHA ) Think hostels are all grotty bunk beds and dodgy shared showers? You may need to raise your expectations. Wales is home to some seriously cool hostels that are perfect for budget-savvy travellers who don't want to fork out a fortune on accommodation or compromise on comfort. One of my favourite Hostel stays is the YHA Manorbier near Tenby. This budget-friendly hostel, situated in a former military installation, provides glamping and camping facilities and costs under £50 for a private en-suite room for two (YHA members pay even less). Here's why you should embrace the hostel life and enjoy an affordable break in Tenby this summer. The location If you have a car, the popular seaside resort of Tenby is just a 12-minute drive away. (Image: Portia Jones ) The hostel is located on the craggy Pembrokeshire coast, making it the perfect launch pad for hiking adventures through wildflower meadows and along the Wales Coast Path. If you have a car, the popular seaside resort of Tenby is just a 12-minute drive away. With picturesque beaches just a short stroll from the lively town centre, quaint cobbled streets that could rival those in Italy or the French Riviera, and a collection of eye-catching, brightly-coloured houses that many towns across Britain would envy, it's hardly surprising that this coastal jewel consistently tops the list of the "best" seaside towns in the UK. The 'jewel in the crown' of the 'Welsh Riviera', Tenby has long been a tourist hotspot and is one of Wales' most popular seaside towns. Here, you'll find a picturesque harbour, Victorian houses, sandy beaches, independent cafes and coastal walks along the charming shorelines. Stepping beyond its historic 13th-century walls, you'll be greeted by sun-drenched beaches and dramatic cliffside vistas over the sea towards the mesmerising Caldey Island. You're also just a short hop from the ethereal Church Doors beach with its striking rock arches and Skrinkle Haven, a sweep of sand where you may spot a seal. Access to Church Doors is only possible at low tide via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or by sea kayak for experienced paddlers. If you're walking to the cove, you'll need to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail to reach this scenic spot. You have to spend some time on Church Doors Cove before heading to Skrinkle Haven Beach (Image: birdsonline Getty Images ) Once you reach Church Cove, you can access the beach at low tide by walking down steep concrete steps and a metal stairway to the picturesque bay. Feeling adventurous? Head for Skrinkle Haven, a beach only accessible via Church Doors Cove. If you're an experienced outdoor swimmer, there are some cracking spots for a wild swim here, but don't forget the golden rule regarding tides. In the roughly six hours between low and high tide, steer clear of the middle two when the water's shifting fastest. You don't want to be the hapless tourist who has to be rescued by the RNLI. The Hostel The hostel also has camping pods (Image: YHA/ Matt Selby Photography ) Accommodation options include affordable private rooms (YHA members pay even less), unique American Airstreams, cute camping pods, and pitch-up camping. I stayed with my obliging husband in a snug, extremely clean, private en-suite room for just £45 for the two of us (I'm a proud YHA member, so we had 10% off). Yes, the room has limited space for large luggage and is what estate agents might call 'bijou' and what normal people might call 'compact.' However, for just over £20 each, it's a genuine bargain, especially in the pricey Pembrokeshire area. Let's be honest; you're not checking into a YHA expecting a concierge, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a robe monogrammed with your initials. You're here for the vibes. A community-spirited atmosphere fostered by shared kitchens, mismatched mugs, and conversations over wine in the lounge. Now, I've spent my formative years in $3-a-night hostels across the globe, many of which felt more like low-budget hostage situations than accommodations. We're talking dingy 28-bed dorms where the sanitary conditions would alarm the Red Cross, 'free breakfast' comprised three stale crackers, and the ancient dorm beds had a whiff of typhoid. Hostels, where someone called Skye (real name: Brian) played a hand-painted ukulele at me. Seriously. YHA Manorbier, mercifully, is none of those things. It has zero dreamcatchers, barefoot philosophers, or driftwood signs imploring you to "Explore. Dream. Discover." I mean, in this economy? The licensed on-site cafe bar has a surprisingly solid menu. (Image: YHA ) Instead, it's bright, breezy and well-maintained. There's free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, a clean communal kitchen, a cosy lounge area for unwinding and sharing stories with fellow Pembrokeshire explorers, and a small conservatory with houseplants and paperbacks, perfect for sipping wine and relaxing after a day of exploring (visiting cute coastal pubs). Keep an eye out for special events too, as the hostel has a range of live music gigs coming up to add an extra sizzle to your summer stay. If you can't be bothered to cook, and frankly, why should you when you're on holiday and the nearest shop is miles away? The licensed on-site cafe bar has you covered with a surprisingly solid menu. Pizzas hover around the £10–£12 mark, burgers cost £13, and mains range from £9 to £13. Frankly, I'm not sure how they're turning a profit unless someone's nan is in the back, hand-tossing pizza dough out of sheer love. Consider this is a clifftop accommodation. In Pembrokeshire, perched above one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in Wales. And yet, somehow, you're paying less for a hot meal here than you would for a sad ham sandwich at an M4 service station. Madness. This is why I adore hostels. You get fed without being ripped off. None of that boutique hotel nonsense where a 'Foraged Mushroom Arancini' starter is £17. Here, it's just decent, fuss-free food for a fair price. In the morning, there's an unlimited breakfast for less than a tenner, because of course there is. Camping Outside the main building, a range of budget-friendly camping options is available on-site, including American-style Airstreams, bell tent, camping pods, and pitch-up camping with your own gear. (Image: YHA ) Outside the main building, a range of budget-friendly camping options is available on-site, including American-style Airstreams, bell tent, camping pods, and pitch-up camping with your own gear. Dogs are welcome to stay on the campsite and in the Airstreams, camping pods, and bell tents for a £10 charge per dog per night. Alternatively, you can bring your dog for free if you are camping in your own tent. Bargain. Swish Airstreams are an absolute steal at £100 a night, which, in today's cost of living crisis, is roughly the going rate for a Premier Inn with a broken hairdryer and a view overlooking the A465. YHA Manorbier has become my favourite budget stay in Wales (Image: YHA ) But here, you're getting the full glamping get-up. Proper bedding, heating, USB charging points, actual lighting, storage space and use of a campfire with a free bag of kindling thrown in. It's camping, but for people who don't want to endure the character-building misery of a soggy tent. So, there you have it. A hostel that doesn't smell like regret and damp socks. A private room for the price of a pub lunch. Clifftop views, affordable pizzas, and not a drum circle in sight. Frankly, it's everything you never dared hope for from budget accommodation in Wales. YHA Manorbier has become my favourite budget stay in Wales, and I must admit I'm a little reluctant to share it with the masses. But, let's face it, travel writers can't keep secrets. Not if we want to keep the lights on and Blossom Hill on the table. So, consider this my reluctant gift to the internet: a banging Welsh hostel that hasn't yet been overrun by TikTokers doing sunrise yoga on the lawn. Go now before the price increases and selfie-takers arrive. For more information and booking click here Article continues below
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
These surprisingly good hostels might be the best budget stays in Wales and they're not what you'd expect
These surprisingly good hostels might be the best budget stays in Wales and they're not what you'd expect Wales is home to some seriously cool hostels that are perfect for budget-savvy travellers These aren't your average hostels; they're a brilliant and affordable way to explore Wales without blowing your budget (Image: Portia Jones ) Think hostels are all grotty bunk beds and dodgy shared showers? You may need to higher your expectations. Wales is home to some seriously cool hostels that are perfect for budget-savvy travellers who don't want to fork out a fortune on accommodation or compromise on comfort. We're talking Airstream stays, on-site cafe bars, bike storage, organised hikes, and even private rooms, so you don't have to bunk up with a snorer. These aren't your average hostels; they're a brilliant and affordable way to explore Wales without blowing your budget, and they've got bags of personality and a community vibe. So forget everything you thought you knew about hostels; these Welsh stays are stylish and welcoming and come with a few surprises. Here is a selection of some of our favourite hostels so you can plan your wallet-friendly Welsh stay. YHA Manorbier, Tenby Located right on the craggy Pembrokeshire coast, the hostel is the perfect launch pad for hiking adventures through wildflower meadows and along the Wales Coast Path. (Image: ChrisAt - Getty ) Stay near tourist hotspot Tenby for less than £50 per couple at the budget-friendly YHA Manorbier. This highly regarded hostel is renowned for its stunning coastal location, excellent camping facilities, and top-notch amenities. Located right on the craggy Pembrokeshire coast, the hostel is the perfect launch pad for hiking adventures through wildflower meadows and along the Wales Coast Path. You're also just a short hop from the ethereal Church Doors beach with its striking rock arches and Skrinkle Haven, a sweep of sand where you may spot a seal. Accommodation options include affordable private rooms (YHA members pay even less), unique American Airstreams, cute camping pods, and pitch-up camping. Inside, the main building is bright and airy, featuring a large kitchen and lounge, as well as a cafe bar serving classics like pizza and burgers, along with an unlimited breakfast. Visit: YHA The Rocks at Plas Curig Hostel, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) Ideally located in the Eryri National Park is the family-run, five-star, dog-friendly mountain hostel with serious flashpacker vibes (Image: Portia Jones ) Ideally located in the Eryri National Park is the family-run, five-star, dog-friendly mountain hostel with serious flashpacker vibes. This former YHA property is situated beneath Moel Siabod and offers unspoilt and awe-inspiring views of the Snowdon horseshoe from the hostel itself. The Rocks at Plas Curig Hostel is a must-book hostel in the National Park. Curl up with a book in the open-plan reception and relaxation area, roast marshmallows over their fire pit, or cook a feast in their large kitchen. They really have thought of everything at this modern and well-equipped hostel. The hostel offers a variety of private and dorm rooms, each with a different price range depending on the room type and length of stay. The Rocks also provide a range of traveller and hostel amenities, including a bike store, parking, a small shop, towel hire, WiFi, and a drying room. Visit: The Rocks Lodge Dinorwig Hostel, Dinorwig This historic, independent hostel is located on the edge of the Eryri National Park (Image: Getty Images ) A historic, independent hostel located on the edge of the Eryri National Park. Surrounded by a dramatic landscape, Lodge Dinorwig is an ideal hub for outdoor adventures in North Wales. Nearby, you'll find Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in the National Park, Llyn Padern and a multitude of mountain bike and hiking trails. It's an old-school hostel vibe with community spaces, including a lounge and dining area where you can purchase lush home-cooked meals. Their bespoke, handmade bunks feature all your hostel essentials, including a privacy curtain, reading light, shelf and a plug socket to keep your tech charged. Additional facilities include bicycle parking, outdoor seating areas, and picnic spots, as well as free on-site private parking. Visit: Dinorwig Hostel YHA Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire YHA Broad Haven (Image: YHA ) This ocean bunkhouse is just 100m from Broad Haven Beach and the Pembrokeshire coastal footpath. Great views and easy access to the beach, and it's also great if you're on a budget this autumn. It's a spacious, modern, single-storey building set on its own grounds, with 15 bedrooms and a total of 77 beds. The popular hostel is also a Visit Wales-accredited 4-star accommodation, making it the perfect Welsh getaway for families, friends, and couples. Explore the Pembrokeshire coastal path from the hostel's front door, or at low tide, walk the half-mile over the sand to Little Haven with charming fishermen's cottages and quayside. If you're feeling peckish, why not enjoy some food with a stunning sea view at their Haven's Beach Cafe? Visit: YHA YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, Eryri National Park This renovated YHA property offers an affordable stay in the Eryri National Park. (Image: YHA ) This renovated YHA property offers an affordable stay in the Eryri National Park. The much-loved mountain hostel is 1,000ft above sea level and could not be a better base camp for Yr Wyddfa [Snowdon]. Pen Y Pass takes pride in being once the haunt of famed Victorian climbers and pays tribute to its famous past. Information about the surrounding mountains is visible throughout the building. If you want an off-grid mountainous stay, there's pretty much zero phone signal but plenty of games and books to pass the time with your fellow travellers and hikers. The hostel is the go-to location for climbing groups, and knowledgeable staff can advise you on hiking routes like Crib Goch, the Miners' Track, and the Pyg Track. Accommodation is in 2-6+ bedded rooms, and facilities include a self-catering kitchen, games room, and evening meals. Visit: YHA Llangollen Hostel, Llangollen Llangollen Hostel is a 4-star Victorian townhouse in the centre of Llangollen (Image: Llangollen Hostel ) Llangollen Hostel is a 4-star Victorian townhouse in the centre of Llangollen, offering a cosy hostel stay for budget travellers. Nearby, you'll find the narrowest stretch of the Dee Valley that carves through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. This pretty geographical setting is considered 'Outstanding Universal Value' by UNESCO and includes eleven miles of canal from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls via the remarkable Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It offers numerous facilities and amenities, including complimentary WiFi, a well-equipped kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals, a dining room, a lounge with a log burner, and a selection of games and books. There are twins, doubles, family rooms, 4-bed quads and a 6-bed room, many of which are en-suite. For the active backpacker, Llangollen Hostel also has a drying room, bicycle and canoe storage, as well as a book exchange. All linens are provided, and towels can be hired for a small charge. Visit: Llangollen Hostel YHA Brecon Beacons Danywenallt, Bannau Brycheiniog YHA Danywenallt National Park Study Centre (Image: YHA ) Surrounded by wooded slopes, high peaks, waterfalls, and trails, this converted farmhouse in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park makes an ideal rural retreat for a family holiday, school trip, or activity break. With original stonework, characterful beams, an old fireplace, plus a well-equipped self-catering kitchen, the hostel provides a rustic retreat surrounded by incredible landscapes and hiking trails. There is space for 36 people across private rooms, dorm rooms and camping pitches. This beautifully converted farmhouse also has extensive grounds and cosy social areas to relax in. Most rooms have private facilities, and a comfortable lounge is available for relaxation after a busy day of exploring. The rooms are split over two blocks and include a dining area. Visit Treks Bunkhouse, Ffestiniog Family-run Treks Bunkhouse is situated 900 feet above sea level in the majestic Moelwyn mountains (Image: Treks Bunkhouse ) Family-run Treks Bunkhouse is situated 900 feet above sea level in the majestic Moelwyn mountains, near the village of Ffestiniog, where the Welsh language and culture continue to thrive. It's ideally situated for people who love spending time outdoors exploring hiking and biking trails in Snowdonia. Knowledgeable staff are happy to share their expert local knowledge of the best mountain biking trails, kayaking routes, and mountain-to-sea walks, as well as other 'secret' activity routes. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, both of which offer free WiFi throughout the premises. Visit: Treks Bunkhouse The Old School Hostel, Pembrokeshire The Old School Hostel, Pembrokeshire (Image: The Old School Hostel ) This is a great value-for-money hostel accommodation in one of the most beautiful corners of Wales, and it is well-located to explore Pembrokeshire. The owners say they've "had a lot of fun trying to create one of the nicest budget lodgings you'll find anywhere". The cosy lounge features an extensive library, and there are plenty of toys and games to keep the kids happy. Situated in Trefin, it's only a few minutes' walk from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, so hikers will love this hostel for its easy access to epic coastal walks. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Visit: YHA Cardiff Central YHA Cardiff (Image: YHA ) YHA Cardiff Central is one of YHA's newer hostels, offering the perfect base for city breaks and is an easy travel distance of Cardiff's best attractions. There's free WiFi throughout the building, plus a stylish restaurant and bar to relax in. You'll even find on-site parking! In addition to stylish dorms, there are premium rooms that feature beds instead of bunks, a TV, a hairdryer, a room safe, soap, towels, and a dressing table. Visit: YHA Brecon Beacons YHA Brecon Beacons (Image: YHA ) If you are looking for a cheap family break in the Brecon Beacons, this cosy 19th-century farmhouse, with access to some of the best walking routes in Wales, is perfect for you. Step out through the front door and be greeted by breathtaking views of Pen y Fan, the highest mountain peak in South Wales, making it an ideal destination for an adventurous walking or cycling holiday in the National Park. And if the weather isn't favourable [this is Wales, after all], warm up by the hostel's roaring fire or snuggle up in the welcoming lounge of comfy armchairs and feast on tasty home-cooked meals. Visit: YHA YHA St Davids, Pembrokeshire YHA St Davids (Image: YHA ) A converted farmhouse at Whitesands Bay, one of Britain's Blue Flag beaches, makes it perfect for a cheap family seaside break full of coastal walks. A favourite with walkers, this 18-bed hostel offers both private rooms and dorms, as well as lovely camping options near the coastline. Swimming, surfing, coasteering, climbing, riding and walking – everything's here for a non-stop activity break or watersports holiday. This characterful YHA has undergone an upgrade, featuring a new self-catering kitchen and redecorated rooms with more contemporary furniture. Thankfully, it hasn't lost its rustic charm and sense of rural place - the nearest shop is 3 miles away, along an unmade road. Twin-bed and private rooms are available, either in the old Pembrokeshire farmhouse or one of the converted outbuildings. Article continues below Visit: YHA
