YHA Swanage

Location: Centrally located near Swanage town center, beaches, and attractions . A short walk to the sea, with a car park nearby.

The building is a converted old house that has character, especially the wooden panelled lounge in which I spent many an hour relaxing. The beds were comfortable, and each bed has its own light and power outlet. The room has a washbasin. I was initially in a shared room with 3 bunkbeds but as it was October there was only other person on the 1st night and on the 2nd night I had the room to myself. For the 3rd night I had moved to a room with 2 bunkbeds which was a private room I got for less than £30… a bargain. The showers and toilets were always clean. Always hot water. There is a modern kitchen / dining area that is a pleasure to cook and eat in with plenty of space for people cooking at the same time. This self-catering kitchen/dining area is also separate to the main dining room. I found that to be plus point after the arrival of a school trip group as them having meals in the dining room did not impact/make the self-catering area feel busy. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I initially had booked 2 nights and when I enquired about staying a 3rd night I was informed that the hostel was fully booked. The next day the receptionist came to find me to let me know there had been cancellations dure to the rain thus I was able to stay a 3rd night. The location of the hostel is good; I think this is a good base for those wishing to explore the coast. Swanage has a sandy beach, and you are right in town within 10min to shops, cafes and restaurants. The hostel is at the top of a steep hill, but that would not put me off. The town is on the Coastal path, also there are other walks that can be done. Even if not having a car, there are walking options and the bus easily links to Studland Bay, Poole and Bournemouth making it a good place to stay if those are the places you want to visit. I have been walking the coastal path for a month, staying in my tent, and this was a stopping off point to relax for a few days after my end point in Weymouth before going home. I go the bus from Weymouth, instead of going by bus all the way to Swanage, I went to Weymouth, spent 3.5 hours walking through the countryside to the Swanage Railway station and got the heritage steam train into town. It was rainy during these days so I did not explore that much. I intend to return and stay here again next Spring to walk the coast, visit Studland, and Brownsea Island. Points to note: - The Wifi connect is unstable unless in one end of the kitchen/dining area or in the lounge. Do not count on being able to reliably use it in the bedrooms. The lounge is so comfortable that it is a good place to hang out anyway. - There is a drying rom, though no laundry facilities for guests. - The 3 bunkbed shared bedrooms do not have any lockable storage.

Unbelievably cheap stay. Lovely en suite room with sea view. Staff very friendly and helpful. My first stay in a YHA in nearly 30 years and experience was so good I’m looking to come again. Only gripe would be internet signal in rooms a bit poor