Hostels in York
Updated 14/10/2021
If you are looking for hostels in York for your trip then you are spoilt for choice.
York is fortunate to have several, excellent quality hostels as well as a good selection of cheap York hotels.
Hostels have changed radically in recent years and they are no longer grungy budget options with huge, noisy dorms.
Today, hostels offer private en-suite rooms as well as small dorms and attract backpackers, couples and families who are looking for a social, self catering budget stay.
Why stay in a hostel in York?
York, England is an old city with fantastic medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture and the hostels in this post are located in historic, grand houses. Why stay in a bland, featureless room when you can stay in a hostel in York packed with character?
York hostels are very affordable so are an ideal choice for those travelling on a budget plus self catering helps your travel budget and any dietary requirements.
The communal kitchens, living rooms and outdoor spaces in a youth hostel result in social connections.
Hostels are staffed by knowledgeable people (often locals) who are happy to help with questions and local directions and who can arrange tours in York for their guests.
Finally, each of the hostels featured below are in fantastic locations with excellent transport links.
The best hostels in York for kids
York Youth Hostel Association (York YHA)
York YHA is a large hostel housed in a converted manor house in the Clifton area of York with spacious, leafy grounds. The hostel had a £2 million renovation in 2013.
It currently has 203 beds in 45 rooms and 32 rooms are en-suite. Private en-suite rooms can sleep between 4 and 6 people and are accessed by a key card.
There is a well stocked kitchen, a large lounge and games room plus an onsite restaurant and free WiFi on site.
York YHA is friendly hostel but it is not a party hostel and attracts many groups and business people. It is a perfect choice for visiting York with kids as the hostel is adjacent to Homestead Park and playground.
The hostel offers free parking on site – a rarity in York – and a bike store.
Price – Private en-suite room for four people starts from £46 per night.
Access to York – York city centre is a 20 minute walk on Bootham or choose a car free 15 minute walk alongside the River Ouse. This pedestrian path is popular with cyclists and joggers.
Alternatively, you can catch a bus (2 or 2A) from outside the hostel the city centre; the journey takes 13 minutes.
From York Rail Station – If you are arriving into York by train, it is a 25 minute walk to York YHA or catch a taxi from outside the station or a bus (2 or 2A) from Station Avenue, a one minute walk from York rail station.
Book the excellent York YHA here.
Water End, Clifton, YO30 6LP
Safestay York
This hostel is part of the Safestay hostel chain and is housed in a grand Georgian townhouse on Mickelgate, a cobbled street running from the medieval Mickelgate Bar into York city centre. Not many hostels can boast sash windows and sweeping staircases!
Safestay York has clean, comfortable family and private rooms as well as dorms.
There is luggage storage, laundry available, free WiFi and a small outdoor courtyard, a dining room, bar and games room.
This friendly hostel offers an excellent continental breakfast at a budget friendly £3.50 per person plus lunches and dinners are available from the snack bar.
Unfortunately, there is no self catering kitchen on site but the hostel has a microwave available for guests and free tea/coffee.
Safestay York is cheaper to book online in advance here. The prices below are ‘pay at check in’ prices.
Price – A private, en-suite room for 4 costs from £70.
Access to York – York city centre is a 10 minute walk.
From York Rail Station – Safestay York is a 15 minute walk from the train station.
Micklegate, YO1 6JX
Stableside at York Racecourse
This 4 star hostel is, as the name suggests, located at York Racecourse and has had an extensive upgrade in 2021.
The pet friendly hostel has free parking, free WiFi, garden, a lounge and large restaurant/dining room on site. Guests can choose bed and breakfast or half board options with bike hire and luggage storage also available.
Check availability and prices here.
Price – A private, en-suite room for four (double bed and sofa bed) costs around £200 per night.
Access to York – York city centre is a 20 minute walk away and The Knavesmire (large park for a good runaround) is just 650 yards away. guests can catch a bus nearby to the city centre.
From York rail station – 20 minute walk or catch the No. 4 or No. 12 bus (a 6 minute journey time).
York YO24 1QG
Astor Hostel
This hostel is located outside the city walls in a large Grade II listed Victorian house full of character and original features. The hostel is in Holgate just a 10 minute walk from Micklegate Bar and the city walls.
Astor Hostel York is part of the award winning Astor Hostels Group and offers clean, comfortable rooms, all of which are en-suite.
There is a well stocked kitchen with free tea and coffee which serves a light breakfast for £1 and all proceeds from breakfast go to a local charity.
The hostel has a licensed bar, games room, two dining rooms and a colourful lounge with armchairs and sofas. There is free WiFi on site and free access to a PC and printer.
The 19 bedrooms are accessed by key card with dorms ranging from 4 beds to 18 beds and there is a small car park on site.
Families are warmly welcomed at this hostel but you may experience night time noise as the hostel hosts regular entertainment such as a quiz night, movie night and local bands.
Click here for latest prices and availability.
Price – 4, 5 and 6 bed dorms start from £18 per bed per night.
Access to York – It is a 20 minute walk to York city centre or catch the No. 1 bus from Holgate Road (the nearest main road) to either York Rail Station or to Exhibition Square near York Minster.
From York Rail Station – Astor Hostel York is a 10 minute walk from the train station.
Holgate Road, YO24 4BB
Before you book a hostel in York with kids, price compare with my comprehensive guide to the best hotels in York with kids to suit every budget.
