Kirkby Stephen Hostel

I completed my first solo coast to coast crossing on 7 August ‘23. During my crossing I made friends with other trail buddies and we walked and camped/bunked together. It was an incredible experience that will stay with me forever. One of the joys of the trip was coming across little gems of places along the route to eat, sleep, visit etc. Kirkby Stephen Hostel is one of those gems! Perfectly located in the centre of town close to all those important places when doing the C2C - chemist for foot repairs, pub, fish and chip shop, camping shop to replenish gear, supermarket for provisions. After a persistent heavy rain day a group of 4 of us swung by on the off chance there may be a room. What a brilliant decision. The door was locked but a phone number posted on the door took us straight to the lovely Denise, the owner. She brightly gave us the code to the door, and bunk room numbers, and said make yourselves at home, I’ll see you in the morning. Wow. An amazing and brilliant place. A beautiful fun large building perfect for socialising and hanging out. It is a clean and warm budget friendly hostel that has all the facilities you want for preparing food, comfortable bunk rooms, clean shower/toilet facilities, a great drying room. Denise met us in the morning and was full of useful tips and advice about all things C2C and the area. It was a real pleasure to stay and 100% I will return. Sent from my iPhone

I was walking the coast to coast and planned on camping. However, after an all day soaking after leaving Shap I decided to find a nice warm bed for the night. Kirkby Stephen hostel did not disappoint. The facilities were great and the dry room was amazing. The host was lovely and very helpful. My bed was great. The main common area/kitchen/eating area is amazing and it was lovely to spend an evening in the warmth chatting with other coast to Coasters.

Been staying here the last 6/7 years for the horse fair in Appleby. Clean rooms/toilets/showers, large kitchen to make a drink/ meal, plenty of seating. Denise is lovely everyone friendly aswell as her two little dogs. Kirkby Stephen is a nice little town a few pubs and shop for essentials. Great place see you next year :)

The person filling in for the regular manager ended up being very helpful. My wife and I had tried to book a room for two but none seemed available. We arrived in the afternoon, we could get into the room, the room code was available. When the manager did get there, she said that we could have a room for two. Another guest was frustrated at the local launderette being closed so the manager let her use the hostel machine. The facilities were in good shape. For a hostel, this was a very good stay.

Excellent value for a last minute booking when our plans altered. Nicely situated in the town, close to pubs. Friendly welcome. Facilities were basic but what I'd expect from a hostel. Liked the large common room with quiet gallery upstairs. A nice space to chat to other guests.

Lots of charm and a lovely friendly vibe, with good facilities. It is pretty basic in some respects, and a little bit tired, but some great touches and a good space. And Denise is an exceptionally lovely host, who really transforms the place.

Stayed for one night in May 2023 after a gruelling day's coast to coast walking with friends. We arrived later than expected, but Denise had kept our dinner warm and it was delicious. We then spent a very pleasant evening in the common room upstairs before retiring to comfy beds - most welcome after 4 nights camping! Thank you so much for looking after us.

One of the most uniquely stunning youth hostels I’ve ever stayed at! A beautiful old church building that was a fantastic find during my coast to coast walk! The drying room was an Absolute blessing and the facilities were clean and more than acceptable for me! I would highly recommend this place to all who want a clean, affordable and unique stay!

Really enjoyed our stay. Warm and comfortable bedrooms. Nice big hall to mix. Well placed for shopping on the high street. Walking from the door one day. The next took the car to an excellent local walk around the Nine Standards. Car was fine in large carpark. Passes the acid test. We would return.