Step off the tourist tracks for your next holiday.
You can rent friendly, inexpensive accommodation in unusual buildings that once used to be something else through the UK Independent Hostels network. Check them out right here.
Of the 300-strong network of UK Independent Hostels, several hostels occupy lighthouse keepers’ cottages, railway carriages, schools, Methodist chapels and a courthouse.
A large number of modern hostels have also been converted from old farm buildings and barns. These provide self-catering facilities suitable for singles, couples and groups, with prices starting from around £10 per person per night.
Lighthouses and Railway Carriages
Two hostels are located in former lighthouse keepers’ cottages in remote and dramatic locations in Scotland.
One is the Rattray Head eco-hostel, set amongst huge dunes on an isolated 11 mile-long, sandy beach near Peterhead in Aberdeenshire.
Their eco credentials include a wood burning boiler for heating and hot water, which uses the waste wood found locally. Prices here start from £14pp for a bunk bed including drinks (non-alcoholic).
Perched dramatically on the cliff top 12 miles north of Gairloch, in the Highlands, is Rua Reidh lighthouse. This is an active lighthouse, which still beams out light to the Outer Isles and Skye.
Guided walks are on offer from the hostel, while the whole area is great for watching whales and dolphins from the mainland. A night’s stay will cost from £10.50pp up to £22 for a room with private en-suite facilities.
Two former railway carriages are also located in Scotland. One is next door to Glenfinnan Railway Station, on the West Highland Line, near Fort William. This is the historic Glenfinnan Sleeping Car with a dining car next door if you prefer not to self-cater.
This is an ideal location for exploring the mountains of Lochaber, Rough Bounds, Moidart and Ardgour; or a good stopping off point on the way to Skye. A night’s stay here is £14pp or you can book the entire carriage which sleeps ten for £120.
At Rogart Station, midway between Inverness and John O’Groats, you can stay in three first class carriages or a showman’s wagon, both of which have been tastefully converted although they have kept many original features.
Four trains per day pass through the small crofting community, which has a shop, post office and a pub/restaurant.
Glenfinnan sleeping car: UK Independent Hostels Network.
Prices at Sleeperzzz.com start at £9 per night for under 12s and £14 for adults. And there’s a 10% discount if you arrive by train or bike!
To help you choose the hostel that’s right for you, the Independent Hostels network produces a neat, annual handbook that will fit easily into a rucksack, or large pocket.
At least one page is devoted to each hostel with a full description of facilities, price guidelines, contact details and colour photographs. Copies (£6.45 including postage and packing), can be purchased online, by calling 01629 580427 or emailing sam@backpackerspress.com.
But if you fancy a jail or a school, check out The Clink, London, and some Chapel and School Hostels here.
