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Is it advisable to take any bedding when staying in youth hostels.?
It usually says on the info for each one but I can't remember needing anything for years now
I haven't stayed in one for many years, but you used to have to take just a sleeping bag liner.
Last one I went to added on prices for sheets/towel etc
Was only a couple of quid still mych cheaper than a normall B&B
The website will tell you if you need anything special, other than pyjamas (no-one wants to see your naked body, trust me...)
Rachel
My missus has spent the last 12 months dragging me and the kids around a range of our finest youth hostels, and seeing as I know jack about bikes compared to most on here, it's nice to have something that I consider myself to be a bit of an expert. First up, they supply you with a thin foam pillow + case, mattress, sheet and duvet. I always take an extra pillow (but if you're on a bike, maybe not an option). Also if it's cold you may want to take a blanket or somesuch as the duvet's are on the small side of single. If you're tall, you may wish to consider the fact that the vast majority of their beds are all for 6 foot max and have rails around three sides. I'm 6'4" and have to put the mattress on the floor. Some of the hostels serve meals, some don't, you'll need to check, but if they do you can usually get something edible for less than a tenner. If you've got kids they often do deals where you can get a family room for £25-£35 a night, worth checking on their site. You definitely need to bring your own towels!
Almost all will supply a sheet liner. The exceptions are some of the very wee out-of-the-way ones.
Lube....
Someone else. So that they can talk to the weirdo.
Stayed in a couple last year (Helvellyn, Melrose, and a non-YHA/SYHA one that names its rooms after the 7 stanes 🙂 ).
They have duvets and stuff now but you still need to make/strip the beds. Some even have a bar 🙂
Do take towels, earplugs, and eye-bleach. Assuming it's a dorm, not a family room, there will be someone that snores at 130decibels, and there will be a german guy wearing nothing but flipflops and you will be going "I really didn't want to see that" !
tbh I've stayed at budget hotels with private en suite for less per night, but then they weren't directly on the bridlepath up to Helvellyn.
I'm old enough to remember having to do chores every morning / evening as part of YHA stays. Wouldn't catch on these days. Yoof of today.... Mumble, mumble...
You never quite know what they'll be like
Kielder - superb, clean, warm and fresh
Coniston - nearly as good
Hawkshead - damp, dark and cold
Save a few quid by taking a sleeping bag if you like.
I have used hostels (YHA and independents ) a lot ,and some of them are very good, with evening meals and breakfast if you don't want to cook.
We meet 3 other families every year ,and it's a very cheap way for us all to get together.
Remember that too.
Only chores now are making/stripping your bed, and washing up what ever you've used if self-catering.