Hostels in Cornwall

Cornwall is quite well known for its picturesque landscape and authors such as Daphne du Maurier, who have used this landscape as inspiration for their writing. Cornwall is a little more expensive than the north of England, and more expensive still in the summer months. But it is worth it.

Although traditionally popular with elderly couples looking for a weekend, getaway Cornwall is becoming more of a place for young people. Towns like Falmouth have two universities, so they have a large population of young people. Falmouth has many little hipster bars and cafes, and a variety of second hand clothing stores and independent shops. It has small cobbled streets and, like most of Cornwall, it has a lot of hills.

Similarly, the nearby city of Truro boasts a variety of shops and a stunning cathedral. Walking around this town you will come across a lot of trendy looking young people. And you'll hear acoustic music coming from the many pubs and bars, as it has a good live music scene contributed to by the students. If you like history, a visit to Pendennis Castle is a great option. It was one of Henry VIII’s fortresses and protected England from invasion since Tudor times. There is also the National Maritime Museum located along the Falmouth harbour, which contains information on all things sea, boats, and Cornwall related.

With great beaches and good sea Cornwall attracts a lot of surfers from all over the world seeking out good waves, and many hostels are geared towards surfers because of this. Newquay is in particular is a popular destination with many hostels for surfers and holiday makers of all kinds. People also tend to visit Cornwall for its great range of outdoor activities. There are many great coastal walks and hikes to be done in this beautiful county. Although if going in winter, be prepared for rain!

For something a little different, the quiet quaint town of Fowey is beautiful in the summer months. It also holds a literary and music festival in May which attracts a lot of people. So if booking a hostel for these months, be sure to do so in advance. St Ives is another great town which attracts a lot of families with young children. The beaches here are lovely, and the sea is such a beautiful shade of blue, you would be forgiven for thinking you were not in England anymore!

Hostels in Cornwall are common, but not quite as much so as in other parts of England. There tends to be at least one in most towns and cities, and more choice in the bigger towns. As expected, the hostels in Cornwall are more crowded in the summer months, and it is recommended that you book ahead of time for these months if you want to have a guaranteed room. The hostels tend to be of a different style than the ones found in mainland Europe. They are often closer to a guesthouse, not always having such a social atmosphere. They are generally good value for money though, and great if you just need a place to rest after busy days spent exploring the beautiful scenery.

Handwritten by local expert for Cornwall hostels Pippa