Cornwall is a slice of heaven at the furthest southwest tip of England. Come here to stand at Land’s End, surf the waves of the northern shores, explore the legend of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle, visit the Eden Project or call by the Barbara Hepworth Museum and wander around St Ives. You’ll never be at a loss of things to do or see on this majestic peninsula.
There are several hostels in Cornwall sprinkled throughout the area for your trip. Just as the landscape changes from shore to shore, so do the many options of places to stay. Some are focused on sustainable farming, others are surfing schools, and others simply provide comfortable accommodation at a great price. Among the warm Cornish folk, it’s easy to find a great place to stay that’s totally affordable.
So, let’s take a look at the best hostels in Cornwall, England.
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Cornwall, England
- Best Overall Hostel in Cornwall – St. Christopher’s Inn Newquay
- Top Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cornwall – Newquay International Backpackers
- Best Cheap Hostel in Cornwall – Holifield Hostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Cornwall – Breakers Guesthouse
What to expect from Hostels in Cornwall
Booking a hostel instead of a hotel comes with loads of perks. One of them is obviously the way more affordable price but there’s even more waiting for you. The one thing that makes hostels really stand out is the incredible social vibe. You can meet travellers from all over the world by sharing common spaces and staying in dorms – it’s a great way to make new friends.
When you’re visiting Cornwall, you’ll find all sorts of different hostels. From party to surf vibe focused hostels, there are endless options. The main types you’ll find in Cornwall are party hostels, beach hostels and surf hostels.
Luckily, most hostels are focused on being very affordable while still offering a high value. The general rule is: the bigger the dorm, the cheaper the nightly rate. If you go for a private hostel room, you’ll end up paying a bit more, but it’s still more affordable than Cornwalls’s hotels. We did some research and listed the average price that you can expect for a hostel in Cornwall.
- Private Rooms: £19 – £22
- Dorms (mixed or female only): £69 – £98
When looking for a hostel, you’ll find most Amsterdam hostels on HOSTELWORLD. There you can check out photos, detailed information about the place and even reviews from previous guests. Just like other booking platforms, each hostel will have a rating, so you can easily pick out the hidden gems! In general, most hostels can be found near Newquay, in the heart and soul of the backpacking and surfing scene. To find the best hostels in Cornwall, check out these three neighbourhoods:
- St Ives – This vibrant and busy seaside town is also where you can excite your senses and dine on some of the best seafood in the UK.
- Newquay – Newquay has long been a popular seaside tourist resort. Known for being the surfing heart of the UK.
- Truro – Truro is Cornwall’s only city and it is also the county’s capital.
You see that it’s important to find out where to stay in Cornwall before you book your hostel. Do your research beforehand and have an even better trip!
5 Best Hostels in Cornwall
With quite a few options, all of them awesome, picking only 5 was difficult. So we took all the hostels in Cornwall with the highest reviews and separated them to meet your personal travel needs. There’s a little something for everybody!
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1. Best Overall Hostel in Cornwall – St. Christopher’s Inn Newquay
- $$
- Located in Newquay
- Free Wifi
- Bar/Restaurant
With a mantra like “Sleep, Surf, Rave, Repeat” we had to name St. Christopher’s Inn Newquay the Best Overall Hostel in Cornwall. Everything about St. Christopher’s is about living life to the fullest without breaking the bank and exploring the local area, so no need to search for anywhere else!
Wanna learn how to surf? Book lessons at reception. Wanna enjoy a happy hour drink? In-house bar Belushi’s has you covered. Wanna kick it up a notch? Head out with new friends on the daily bar crawl around Newquay that leaves from the hostel every evening. That’s why it’s one of the sickest Cornwall hostels and guests love it!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Outdoor Terrace with Clifftop Views
- Discounts on Burgers
- Nightly Pub Crawls
St. Christopher’s has several different room set-ups to choose from a private to a dorm bed and all include bed linen and free cancellation. Each is as comfortable as the last, so you can recharge and do it all over again tomorrow. You really can’t go wrong at this multiple award-winning hostel!
At St. Christopher’s you can experience a classic British seaside holiday and the hostel is located on a jaw-dropping cliff overlooking Town Beach. It’s the perfect spot to chill after a day catching waves looking out over the ocean from the outdoor terrace. After that, head to the onsite bar and restaurant to party the rest of the night away and go one of the nightly pub crawls.
2. Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Cornwall – Newquay International Backpackers
- $
- Located in Newquay
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Free Breakfast
Backpackers will be super comfortable in Newquay, and guests will love what Cornwall hostels have to offer. The Newquay International Backpackers hostel has got everything you could want on an epic solo adventure. That’s why we’ve named it Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cornwall.
Situated right in the heart of Newquay the location is ideal for visiting some of the best beaches in the areas including Fistral Beach and Town Beach. You’re literally within walking distance from some of the best surf in the UK. There’s even a secure lock up on sight just for surfboards and wet suits, so no worries keeping your gear safe. There are also so many bars and restaurants close by in town too so you can be sure to have a fun night out after a day on the waves.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Surfboard and Wetsuit Storage
- Lounge and Dining Area
- Super Fast Free Wi-fi
Communal spaces like the kitchen help keep the food costs down. They’re also a great space for meeting other travellers! The vibe at this hostel is welcoming and supportive – so any backpacker will feel right at home. Here, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself on the north shore.
Newquay International Backpackers is often described as the first and last traditional backpackers in town. So you can expect all the regular hostel features including dorm rooms that are basic but clean, comfortable and friendly and come in a variety of different sizes. There are also private rooms available from single to double rooms with ensuite bathrooms if you want a bit of privacy during your stay.
3. Best Cheap Hostel in Cornwall – Holifield Hostel
- $
- Located in Helston
- Free WiFi
- Dorms Only
Get into the true spirit of rural Cornwall when you stay at Holifield Hostel. Located in the Holifield Farm Project, community and sustainability are at the heart of everything here. The bunks at Holifield offer peak comfort at a really affordable price, ideal for anyone backpacking the UK on a budget.
There’s a warm welcome guaranteed when you arrive at Holifield Hostel and you’ll be in heaven in this massive woodland on the picturesque Helford River. The hostel offers a different vibe than the beachside party hostels, here you can experience the rolling English countryside whilst still being a short distance from the coast. The hostel also prides itself on its holistic and inclusive ethos with a focus on sustainability and community living.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Ethos of Sustainability
- Set in Beautiful Countryside
- Community Vibes
Keep costs down even more and make a new friend or two in the communal, vegetarian kitchen. Relax while you explore the vast 32 acres of land that surrounds the Holifield. The hostel is on the Gweek Valley in Helston, perfectly positioned to explore places like the Tremenheere sculpture garden and the rest of Cornwall, so guests love the location!
This hostel is a place for everyone to enjoy their time in Cornwall, whether you’re coming here to chill out or to head out on some unforgettable adventures… or both! The facilities here are ideal for both couples, groups and solo travellers. There is a range of different options from dorms to private rooms and even camping areas, so they’ve got you covered. There’s also free cancellation if you change your mind!
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Want more deetz on why it’s so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Best Hostel for Couples in Cornwall – Breakers Guesthouse
- $$
- Located in Newquay
- Dorms and Private Rooms
- Bar
When planning your couples’ getaway, you and your partner want a place that offers you everything—especially a bit of privacy. This stunning hostel in Newquay provides just that. The variety of private rooms gives guests different setups to choose from, including some with private bathrooms and lovely sea views. You’re just a short walk away from the beach as well as heaps of places to eat, drink, shop and take romantic strolls along the coast!
If you’re a solo traveller or want some great budget digs, then the dorms here are lovely. They offer a clean and cosy set-up that ranges from 4-bed to 10-bed dorms for all budgets. There’s also no curfew here so you can be sure if you choose to head out and take advantage of the Newquay nightlight, you’ll be sweat as on your return… just be sure to be quiet crawling into bed if you’re in a dorm!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site Bar
- Outdoor Patio
- Close to Fistral Beach
Enjoy a drink on the patio at The Breakers, the hostel has a licensed bar and a large outdoor communal area on which to enjoy a drink or two and enjoy the view. There’s even an indoor chill-out room too so if you’re looking to meet new people or just have an area to relax in of an evening then this hostel is the ideal spot.
Located in the heart of town you’re close to many of the highlights of Cornwall, but public transport connections are also just a few minutes away, so you can easily explore the whole of Cornwall with ease. They also offer free cancellation too if your plans change but with the homely vibe here it’s more likely you’ll be wanting to extend your stay!
5. Best Party Hostel in Cornwall – The Escape
- $$
- Located in Newquay
- Bar
- Thai Restaurant
The Escape is without a doubt the best place to start and end a night out on the town. During the day, you can explore the town of Newquay or enjoy the sandy beaches nearby. If you’re looking for more, The Escape can arrange surfing, go-karting, or Coasteering. As evening falls, loosen up with a drink at the on-site bar or enjoy dinner at the onsite Bird Thai restaurant before heading out on the town.
The Escape is somewhere you deffo won’t want to escape! In fact, with its sick facilities and friendly vibe, you won’t want to leave at all. It’s somewhere for the younger crowd looking to have a great time partying hard at night and adventuring hard during the day. It’s “run by young people for young people”, who knows what age range that means, but those wanting to stay up until 4 am at the onsite bar will be right at home!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Pool Table
- Party Until 4 am On-site
- Young, Friendly Vibe.
Newquay is the best place to stay in Cornwall for nightlife, so there’s no need for a taxi or designated driver because the bars and clubs are just a few steps away! Don’t want the night to end? You’re in luck! The bar at The Escape is open late-night, so you can keep the party going.
The hostel features some classic dorm rooms with bunk beds, nothing fancy but it’s clean and friendly and a top place to socialise too. If you’re looking to hang then be sure to pay a visit to the pool table, it’s always a guaranteed ice breaker and with 150 guests in the joint, you’ll have plenty of opponents lined up!
The Escape is one of our favourites in Cornwall but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
More Epic Hostels in Cornwall
Not happy with the choices on offer? Make sure you know what kind of travel needs you have in order to find the perfect place for you! Below we’ve got a couple more top hostels in Cornwall coming for you!
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Cornwall – Cohort Hostel, St Ives
- $$
- Located in St. Ives close to Land’s End
- Free WiFi
- Dorms & Private Rooms
This hostel in St. Ives is a repurposed school building with great spaces for travellers to have a grade-A stay. Don’t worry about it being old-school—it’s been completely modernised! Your bunk bed has its own reading light, electrical socket, and USB port. There’s free wifi throughout the hostel, making this an ideal pick for digital nomads wanting a base in St Ives.
Like most schools, Cohort is centrally located in St Ives. so it’s just a short walk to tons of places to eat and awesome things to see like the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Land’s End. Back at the hostel, the large rooms allow spacious areas for the lounge, courtyard, and TV room, providing plenty of space to chill after a day of exploring St Ives and Cornwall. There’s free cancellation too if your plans change!
Best Hostel with a Private Room – Blue Room Hostel Newquay
- $
- Located in Newquay
- Free Breakfast
- Free Parking
When you’re looking for a solid place to stay at a decent rate, Blue Room Hostel Newquay has got you covered. You have some options here too—you can choose between a dorm bed or a private double room. Centrally positioned in Newquay, you’ve got the whole town at your fingertips and it’s not too far from places like the Eden Project too.
Use Blue Room as a jumping-off point for Newquay and the local area, surf the northern shores, or explore the whole of Cornwall. The hostel offers free parking, making this an ideal place to stopover. There’s also a bar and TV lounge to relax in at the end of the day.
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What to Pack for your Cornwall Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Travel Safety Tips for Cornwall
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Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Cornwall
The abundance of hostels throughout Cornwall makes it a solid destination spot for guests looking to have a fun trip at an affordable rate. These hostels provide an epic base, whether you’re headed off to surf the north shore or looking for a stopover on your Cornwall road trip.
If you’re still unsure which hostel in Cornwall is best for you, stop your search and check out St. Christopher’s Inn Newquay. With an epic location, free cancellation and superb amenities, you really can’t go wrong no matter what your travel plans!
Do you own or run a kick ass hostel? Want to be featured in this list? Get in touch at [email protected]
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
