YHA Wye Valley

Francis Lamb

9 years ago

As a scout group we took 33 young people for an overnight stop half way through an expedition by canoe. It's a beautiful and charismatic spot especially as the early morning mist rises over the valley. The site is super clean and well cared for but could do with toilets closer to the main buildings - a friendly staff af member with lots of local knowledge told us this was under way. We have done this trip several years in a row and will be back next year!

Lana Antunes

4 years ago

Lovely location. Access direct to the river very shallow (good for small boats or paddle boards) Breakfast in the morning and pizza in the evening available at the hostel bar. Good facilities (kitchen, showers, etc) very clean

Alex Hopcroft

4 years ago

Superb location, beautiful views and scenery also nicely off the beaten path. Clean rooms, great facilities. We pre-ordered breakfast baps and they were a bit measly but kick started our morning. Having stayed here now a few times I would definitely stay here again.

Emma Postlethwaite

2 years ago

Amazing little hostel but the drive off the main road down the lane is precarious if in a large car! We only had about 2" clearance on each side of our XC90 and would have been stuffed if something was coming the other way as I wouldn't have wanted to reverse on the steep lane! It was worth it for the tranquil location though!

Jonathan Ives

4 years ago

This hostel has the most interesting drive we have ever experienced and the kids loved it! The drive to the hostel is as described by the YHA; it is steep, narrow, uneven and has a hairpin bend; our Berlingo did it, as did a Triumph Stag, so don't let the drive put you off as the location, the building itself and the church next door are amazing. Situated by the river Wye in a beautiful wooded valley which is within easy reach of lots of attractions like Raglan Castle, Hay-on-Wye, Monmouth, the Brecon Beacons and even Cardiff....if one's navigation goes a bit haywire! Or you can just while your time away without getting back in your car with river walks, cycling , canoeing and paddle boarding (your own equipment). The hostel itself is a huge stone Gothic type building with a terrace which looks out over the valley. There are camping and land-pod options as well so it is worth checking out the website. If you are reading this review I guess you have an idea of what Youth Hostels are like but they have changed since I were a lad. We had a private family room which had bunk beds and a sink. There were plenty of facilities, everything was clean and tidy and the self catering kitchen and dining areas were brilliant; great for meeting people and swapping ingredients and recipes! Lots of fridges for everyone to store food. There is also a small dining room serving breakfasts and limited evening meals with good natured banter with the chef included. We were fortunate to enjoy good weather so ate outside, either in the courtyard or on the terrace with a view. The courtyard is a fairly safe haven for younger children just bear in mind everything is built of stone. In fact, the site is huge with lots of grassy areas for relaxation and St Margaret's Church is particularly lovely so all in all the setting is gorgeous. All the staff were very friendly, helpful and good fun.

Emma Mead

year ago

I absolutely adore this hostel. Just coming to the end of our second stay here - last time my son and I had a private room, this time we've camped, both have been sterling experiences. We are YHA members and have stayed in upwards of a dozen of their hostels. It's important when you book here that you know what you're getting into - the location means it's always teeming with hikers, cyclists and kayakers and all of their associated gear. It's never going to match the shine of the newer city centre hostels but it's a comfortable and charming old school hostel in a stunning location, with friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel at home. We have particularly enjoyed our days hiking around Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean, and a half day of pony trekking in the Brecon Beacons which is just over an hour's drive away. The driveway down feels like a rite of passage but it's so worth it. This is a magical spot. Thank you Bryan and all of your team, we can't wait to come back for round three!

Maryam Juneja

3 years ago

Beautiful location, so peaceful, and the views are amazing. The walk down the river is great. Lots of space for kids to run around. The lounge has lots of games for all ages (or ask at the desk, they have some stored too). A number of fridges and freezers in the self catering kitchen. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful (above and beyond). The only downside for us was the very little storage in the bedrooms (room for 8 only had one small cupboard), which is a hindrance, especially if you are staying more than a night or two.

M Jones

year ago

Clean rooms and super friendly staff. The kitchen had just closed but the made me scampi and chips. Camping is available down the bottom and they share the hostel self catering facilities. Lovely location. Drive down the country lane is an experience, go slow. Saw some lovely deer when I drove back up😄

Matt Parker

3 years ago

Incredible setting, riverside with large grounds and lovely large house. Very friendly staff, only issue is if on a top bunk the emergency fire light is a green LED so worth bringing an eye mask, but extremely friendly and welcoming staff make this a great stay. Excellent self catering kitchen and decent catered breakfast options available. If driving be prepared for an extremely narrow one width car final decent. Take caution as this only really has one passing space and consider parking at top or across the valley if reversing is not your strong suit.

Laura Watson

2 years ago

We enjoyed our breakfast with views across the Wye Valley. Saw deer in the grounds, spent our days walking in forests and by waterfalls, saw a wild boar mother and twelve boarlets. Bathed in the icy waters of St Anthony's well. The hostel was a warm, comfortable home to return to at the end of the day. On the evening we ordered our meal from the hostel it was prepared quickly and cheerfully. It was just what we needed.