Imagine having an entire hostel all to yourself and your group of friends or family – without breaking the bank. That’s exactly what you can experience in the enchanting Brecon Beacons National Park of Wales. By taking advantage of the Youth Hostels Association’s off-season exclusive rental deals, your crew can enjoy a memorable getaway for as little as £21 per person per night.
The Charms of Danywenallt Hostel
Perched in the picturesque village of Talybont-on-Usk, Danywenallt hostel is a converted stone farmhouse that oozes rustic charm. With whitewashed walls, a slate roof, and sheep-dotted fields all around, it’s a quintessential Welsh countryside retreat. The spacious dining room boasts stunning views of the winding River Caerfanell valley, while the cozy lounge features a wood-burning stove perfect for chilly evenings.
The hostel sleeps up to 33 people across 10 en-suite rooms, some in the main farmhouse and others in converted outbuildings encircling a cloister-like garden. Covered walkways make getting around easy even in wet weather. While the decor may be simple, everything is kept toasty warm with central heating.
Cooking, Dining & Unwinding Together
Self-catering is all part of the fun in a hostel takeover. The well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to whip up feasts for your group, from big pots for hearty stews to ample fridge space. Just make sure to bring your own cafetiere and teaspoons – the two items often lacking!
Mealtimes become lively social affairs around the large dining tables, with homemade curries and cheesecakes generously shared. Afterward, gather round the lounge’s wood burner for board games, live music jams, or a hotly contested quiz. There’s nothing quite like quality time together, undistracted.
Hiking Heaven on Your Doorstep
The real magic of a Danywenallt stay lies beyond its walls. Stepping straight from the door, you’re greeted with trails galore threading through the Brecon Beacons’ river valleys, wooded gorges and windswept ridges. Gaze across Talybont Reservoir on a waterside ramble, walk in the footsteps of old industry along the Brinore Tramroad, or tackle the peaks of Pen y Fan for far-reaching views.
After a day striding beneath vast skies, spotting buzzards and listening for songbirds, return to a hearty meal and a cozy dorm bed. Hostelling is all about the simple pleasures – something a big group trip here reminds you of daily. Add in the incredibly affordable rates and the result is an enriching experience that’s light on logistics yet big on collective joy.
Insider Tips for Hostel Rental Bliss
- Book off-peak for the lowest exclusive hire rates, generally November to February (excluding Christmas/New Year)
- Get a discount of up to 20% with YHA’s winter deals – look out for promo codes
- Delegate a lead organizer to coordinate room allocations, food/kit contributions, and day plans in advance
- Divvy up cooking and washing up duties between sub-groups to share the load
- BYOB for sociable evenings, along with favorite games and instruments for impromptu entertainment
With a little planning and an openness to simple communal living, an exclusive hostel hire in Wales’ great outdoors might just become your most memorable – and affordable – group getaway yet. Round up your crew, scour the YHA network for an alluring location, and get ready to take over in style without busting your collective budget.
