Youth hostelling with kids

[fadingfast]

Has anyone done this in the UK? We are planning a trip to Scotland in the summer, hoping to fit in a few days on the west coast. I was wondering whether a family room in a youth hostel would be a good plan. Possibly in Oban. The hostel looks nice and is recently refurbished, with the advantage of self catering available if we want to cook. Had anyone tried this? Any horror stories I need to know about?? Dc are 9 and 6.

We did it last year. Had planned to camp, H's annual leave got cancelled at the last minute so I was on my own with 3 children. Loved it (not Scotland). Kitchen facilities, lounge area with games / tv, family room (although wasn't ensuite). Really lovely. Worked well for us but we were only using it as a base really, out and about all day. Would recommend.

My boys - now 11 and 14 - much prefer youth hostels to hotels or cottages or whatever. The family rooms are great, the hostel food of a good standard, or you can cook your own, and most importantly there is usually lots of space and lots of other kids their age to chill out with. And there is usually a bar nowadays for you.

They make a good cheap break, (though get more expensive if you want to do a week away.)

We always did it as children. It was great for us (no idea how it was for our parents although we did it a lot so it can't have been too bad!)

We do this every other year with DS - we love Youth Hostelling!

The Oban Youth Hostel is lovely as well, there is the old main building and an annex at the back, which was very modern & well equipped. We were there a few years ago.

Last year we went to Hartington Hall in Peak District, absolutely stunning YH and really convienent for loads of attractions.

I started using hostels, both YHA and independents, since my youngest was about 4, he is early 15 now.

My oldest is 17 and we still use them. I book a family room. We have used them in TheLakeDistrict, Kielder Forrest, all over Scotland,and the Peak District as well as hostels in Switzerland,Poland, Slovakia, Denmark .

No horror stories,lots of good times and happy memories of backpacking across different countries. The lads still talk of some of the things we have seen and done.

Do it! We go to this one several times a year and it's fantastic: clean, comfortable and great fun for families.

It's probably worth joining the YHA before you book, then you'll get money off (as long as you book with the YH itself).

Don't forget the are loads of independent hostels

www.marthrownofmabie.com/folder-31-2014-prices-bookings
Marthrown of Mabie is awesome!!

Well we've taken the plunge and booked three nights at Oban! Think we can get a family and friends membership with SYHA for only £14. I was quite surprised how expensive the hostel is, £300 for three nights! But it is a private room (ensuite) and I suppose it's peak season in August.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement, I always enjoyed hostelling when I still qualified as a 'youth'.