Top 20 Best London Hostels For The Budget Traveller
Travelling to London on a Budget
When it comes to travelling to London on a budget, the first thing you need to realise is that it is possible. In fact, plenty of people manage to visit the capital on a tight budget every year, even if they are travelling alone, don’t speak the language and have very little experience when it comes to navigating the streets.
One of the best ways to save money on your trip is by using a combination of public transport and walking. While many visitors head straight for Central London when they arrive in town, these days there are lots of great attractions around the city centre as well as some great places to stay that are much less expensive than central accommodation. So while it might not be easy, there are definitely ways to save money and make your trip an affordable one.
There are so many ways to save money when it comes to travelling to London. And the key is to have a plan. Start by thinking about the cheapest way for you to get there and work from there. You could go by bus or train. Or you could choose the most expensive option and spend your time in London exploring different areas and seeing more of the city. Of course, if you want to stay in a hotel, you can expect to pay more than if you were couch-surfing or finding an affordable place to stay in a hostel or apartment sharing. But if you want all of the comforts of home and don’t mind staying in a hotel, it might be worth considering that option over cheaper alternatives.
Why you should stay in a London Hostel
Staying in a hostel for the first time can be really nerve-wracking. I remember how I felt the first time I did it! But now I am an enormous fan of hostels – and not just because of the low prices. Here are some of my favourite things about staying in hostels when I travel:
- Hostels are a great way to meet other travellers and make new friends. A lot of people who stay in hostels are really up for meeting other people. I’ve loved coming in from a gig or the theatre and talking to my roommates about what we’ve been up to. I’ve met some really interesting people in hostels. Many even have common rooms where people will go specifically to meet new people. It’s a great opportunity to get to know some really cool and interesting people.
- Hostels are usually much cheaper than hotels, so they are a great option for budget travellers. I find that accommodation can easily end up being one of the most expensive parts of a trip. You can travel by coach instead of train, and get restricted view tickets for the theatre, but a hotel will be the thing that pushes your trip cost up into the hundreds. Lets be honest, not all of us have that money to spend – but that shouldn’t mean we should miss out on having a great time. Hostels give you the opportunity to have the trip of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Even more reasons to stay in a London hostel
- Hostels often have unique and interesting architecture and design. Hostels are often hosted in really unique buildings, often old ones or buildings that have been repurposed. A great example of this is the “Clink” hostels – hostels that are hosted in what used to be old prison buildings. Unique, right? Not only that, but hostels tend to be decorated in a more colourful and laid back way, making them really interesting and relaxing places to stay.
- Hostels usually have a great atmosphere, with lots of activities and events going on. As hostels are normally aimed at younger travellers, there are often social events aimed at young people hosted here. This can be a great opportunity to do something a bit different and meet new people. It’s a great way to meet other travellers too, so you already have something in common. This can be a real added bonus to your trip that you wouldn’t get anywhere else, and can help to make it extra special.
The Top 20 London Hostels
Now I’ve convinced you that staying in a hostel is a great idea, I’m here to recommend you the top 20 London hostels. These are the places where you will get the best experience for the best price. Without further ado, here are my recommendations for the best hostels in all of London:
Best London Hostels 1 – 10
1.Clink 261, Camden – Modern design with up to date amenities. Private lockers in every room and great for night life.
2. Safestay London Elephant and Castle, Southwark – Historical building with free wifi and lockers. Fresh pastries served for breakfast and a 15 min journey from top tourist spots.
3. The Mornington, Camden – A female-only hostel with free bikes and a garden. Each room has a private bathroom. Great location for the nightlife of Camden Town.
4. Publove @ The White Ferry, Victoria – A London favourite hostel in a traditional British pub serving award-winning food.
5. Hootenanny Hostel, Lambeth – Friendly hostel with open lounge and kitchen area. Guests get money off drinks at the bar, which is also a top London music venue.
6. Wombat’s City Hostel, Tower Hamlets – A little further out of town, in a beautiful modern building, with a terrace to go and enjoy the London views.
7. YHA London Central, Westminster – Extremely close to the attractions like Big Ben and the London Eye and for a great price and all the facilities you need.
8. Book A Bed Hostels, Lewisham – Hostel aimed at a younger crowd with a great bar attached. Close to the O2 Arena, so a great choice for gig-goers.
9. Publove @ The Green Man, Paddington – Held above a traditional London pub, great for those staying in West London. 15 minute walk from Hyde Park and great burgers onsite.
10. Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage, Camden – #1 for looks alone. An enormous old Victorian mansion with traditional character features. Just stunning, and only 2 miles from the West End.
Best London Hotels 11 – 20
11. YHA London Earls Court, Kensington and Chelsea – A modern, West London hostel complete with continental breakfast and board games. A ten-minute walk from the main museums.
12. Lee Abbey London, Kensington and Chelsea – In a historic building in a beautiful part of London, complete with a large garden and green space.
13. Urbany Hostel, Westminster – Modern and trendy social hotel, just off Hyde Park. Great for a younger crowd looking for a welcoming experience.
14. Barmy Badger Backpackers, Kensington and Chelsea – A homely feeling hostel in a great spot in West London. Offers buffet breakfast and has a gorgeous sun terrace.
15. Kensal Green Backpackers, Kensington and Chelsea – A simple but very popular London hostel, with a unique Brazillian restaurant and Moroccan social lounge.
16. Safestay London Kensington Holland Park – A traditional old building with modern, bright interiors. Next to a lovely green space with a pond and host a games room to keep you occupied!
17. Publove @ The Steam Engine, Waterloo – In a cosy, traditional London pub and close to Waterloo station, the National Theatre and the River Thames.
18. NX London Hostel, Lewisham – A bright and airy hostel, with a modern feel. Just off the high street and a short journey away from Greenwich Park and the O2 Arena.
19. Generator London, Camden – A modern and vibrant hostel, aimed at a social crowd. Has a great bar and pool table for you to enjoy.
20. Astor Hyde Park Hostel, Kensington and Chelsea – A beautiful old building on the edge of Hyde Park. Offers bike hire so you can go off and explore.
Enjoy your stay in the best London hostels.
So, you’ve now got in your pocket 20 amazing hostels to choose from when you come to London. There is absolutely something for everyone here no matter where you’re staying, what your tastes are and what you’re doing. I really hope I’ve helped you find the perfect hostel for you so that your trip to London can be as wonderful as possible.
Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon.
Ta-ta for now! x
