Mumsnet Talk

I'm thinking of a family holiday staying in Youth Hostels in the summer (have 2 DSs aged 12 and 14). We're thinking of South Wales. Any suggestions would be welcome.

I think at that age they would love it as much more relaxed than a hotel and likely to be other kids around.

We use the ones in the Lake District and Peak District regularly but haven't been to South Wales.

My favourite is Coverack in Cornwall and the worst by a mile is St Pauls in Central London (Dirty and very poor security) which is a shame because the location is brilliant.

They can be brilliant for a family, esp if you get a family room. Hostels do vary a lot in their facilities though - some are quite spartan and others are very comfy.

Yes have stayed in dorms in YHA - I have a dd though so not a problem with sharing a single sex dorm.

You can also pitch a tent in many YHA gardens and then use all the facilities in the YHA as in their kitchen and bathroom ffacilities, which works out much cheaper than a room for three.

Don't know any in that area sorry OP, but just to say hostel-ing is a great way to have a holiday! My dc's are 9 & 12 and have enjoyed it a few times over the years. Only tip would be to book a family room if you can as my dd has been spooked (with no reason it seemd) before by a stranger in a dorm we once slept in. I also prefer a room with its own bathroom but then I like to pretend I'm actually in a hotel

I did as a kid and loved it, everyone else there was on different kinds of interesting holidays, the facilities can be fantastic and better than a hotel or very basic, but when they're basic it doesn't matter because the price means you're not disappointed

Wales also has some good independent hostels (not YHA)

We stayed in a family ensuite room (not in Wales though) this year for the first time. The kids LOVED it. They liked having bunks, sleeping all in the same room, croissants, coco pops and hot choc from the brekkie buffet (we were on holiday). We were lucky enough to have the room opposite the quiet lounge so we could watch our door and sit outside the room. It was a fab location.

From an adult point of view some areas were quite skanky, although the communal kitchen was spotless. For us, it was only a few pounds cheaper than nearby cheap chain hotels and more basic.

We love Youth Hostelling and I was looking at North Wales this summer with activities. Last one we went to was Boswinger in Cornwall - it was just awesome. We always get family rooms.

We only have DS (9) and there are always kids about for him to play with.

We stayed in a couple this summer when my husband's leave was cancelled at short notice and I couldn't face camping with 3 children by myself .

If you go on the YHA website (and possibly tripadvisor too) you'll be able to see the reviews of individual hostels.

We stayed at one in Langdale in the Lakes and it was fabulous - just beautiful location, spotless kitchen, lovely lounge with games etc. We stayed in a family room (me, 2 x 7yr olds, 3 yr old) in bunks, was a fun adventure. We only used it as a base, we were out and about pretty much all day.

I can highly recommend Islam Hall near Alton Towers. The DC loved it and we're going back this year.