FAQ
Here is a selection of our frequently asked question. If you have something to ask that isn’t listed here please contact us.
What is it that makes a Hostel rather than a Hotel or B&B?
Hostels tend to offer cheaper accommodation, with simple rooms, often with bunk beds. Hostelling is all about spending time with like minded people, there is generally greater focus on the communal spaces rather than in their rooms. There is also a self catering kitchen which you are welcome to use whilst you are here to make a simple meal, or just help yourselves to the free tea and coffee.
Can anyone stay or do you have to be a member of YHA?
Anyone can stay here! As we are part of YHA, we do offer a 10% discount to YHA members, you can also join YHA whilst you are here if you would like to.
Are you part of YHA?
Absolutely! We are part of the YHA enterprise scheme, which is where some of the smaller, privately owned hostels are part of the YHA Network, and in return, bookings made through the YHA website go to support the good work that they do. We bought the Hostel in 2015 and have been working ever since to make it as nice as we can!
Do you allow dogs?
Sorry, not even our own dog Billy is allowed in the hostel! Assistance dogs are welcome, of course.
We hear that parking is limited at the hostel, what happens if there is no space outside the hostel when I get there?
Kettlewell was not built with cars in mind, we have some parking up at the hostel. If there isn’t a space obvious when you are here, park nearby, bring your bags in and we may be able to suggest somewhere free to park – there are a few spots that won’t be in anyones way. Otherwise there are a couple of carparks in the village- the £3 carpark is good for a one night visit or the National Park carpark behind the village garage is £6.50 for 48 hours, which is often better for weekend guests. We may ask you to move your car, if it’s in the way of one of our neighbours, please don’t be offended, it isn’t always obvious.
How many beds do you have?
40, although 2 of them are doubles so we can sleep up to 42
How many rooms are there?
11, You can see the bed plan at the bottom every page on the website which you can print out to figure out where everyone should go.
Can I book an Ensuite room?
We only have communal facilities here. The showers are good and hot with plenty of water pressure, in their own individual shower rooms.
Can I book a double room?
Yes you can, although we only have a couple of double rooms, they tend to sell out first, you might have to book a little earlier to secure one.
What time is check in?
4pm-9pm
Can I check in earlier?
Sorry, early check in is not possible. You are welcome to park up at the hostel and take a walk around the village if you get here early and we will be ready to welcome you in at 4.00.
Can I check in later?
If you are going to arrive later than 9.00, please let us know and we will either be around to let you in or if you are going to be very late, we may have to text you with the door code and meet you in the morning.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Most people bring their own towel, however if you forget yours, we have some nice big striped ones to hire for £2.50
Are the beds made when we get there?
Yes, all the beds will be made and ready for you when you arrive. There are also extra pillows available.
Do we have to strip the beds?
Yes please, it is really helpful for us to know which beds have been used. We see it as a throwback to the times that YHA guests were expected to do a job before leaving, we don’t ask anyone to clean the windows or to chop firewood! If you are unable to strip the bed for any reason, don’t worry we will happily do it for you.
Can you make us a meal?
Yes, you can see our regular and group menu at the bottom of every page of our website, for groups just pick which main course you would like for everyone to have and let us know in advance. For the regular menu, all we need is orders by 6pm, and dinner is at 7pm.
Is there a self catering kitchen big enough to us to cook for ourselves?
Yes there is! We have 2 large ovens, 2 microwaves, kettles, big pots and pans, we will make sure that you have everything that you need when you get here.
What time is Breakfast?
Breakfast is at 8.00 every day, we take breakfast orders in the evening before and have everything ready for you at the stroke of 8.00. If you are up a little earlier, you can come down for coffee and cereal, toast etc from around 7.30
What time is Dinner?
Dinner is served every day at 7.00, we ask for orders to be in by 6.00. Our homemade food is really good, if you will be arriving at 7.00, you can phone us from the road to get your order in and your food will be ready at 7.00!
Can I bring my own booze?
We ask that if you having a meal from our menu, that you buy the drink from us, like a pub or a restaurant. However, if you are making your own food, and doing your own washing up, you can bring your own drink. As we are a licensed premises, normal rules apply regarding no alcohol to minors etc…
What is there to do in Kettlewell?
There are some lovely walks right from the hostel door, Great Whernside and Buckden Pike make for a more challenging hike, but there are gentler walks if you prefer. We sell the 2 maps which cover our area OL30 and OL2
Do you have a bike shed?
Yes, we have a large, secure bike shed with big metal hoops fastened to the floor for you to lock your bike to. The cycling is amazing right from the hostel, Park Rash (one of the UKs greatest cycling climbs) a mile from the hostel.The Tour De France, Cycling World Cup and the Tour De Yorkshire all came through Kettlewell, so there are plenty of routes available on the internet for you to pick from.
Are you open all year round?
Sort of, we are open from mid February through to mid November for for bookings for private rooms, dorm beds etc, and then over winter we are only open for weekends for whole hostel bookings for larger groups.
Can I hire the whole place?
Absolutely, you can hire the whole building all year round, although we do try to make sure that we have enough weekends available for families and individuals to be able to stay here too. Have a look at the Exclusive Hire tab on the website to see the availability and rates.
