YHA Stratford-upon-Avon is a wonderful 4-star hostel in the village of Alveston. It is located just 2 miles from the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, making this an ideal spot to soak up the serenity of the Warwickshire countryside and immerse yourself in the Shakespearian attractions.
Offering private rooms and dorms in Hemmingford House, and pods and bell tents nestled into the 3 acres of landscaped gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon is a sustainable budget option for families, school groups, friends, and couples alike.
Here’s what to expect from a stay at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon.
History of Hemmingford House
The first hostel in Stratford-upon-Avon was a 16th-century farmstead on the west side of the town in 1931, which then moved to a magnificent 19th-century villa. With World War II and then a buyout for flat conversions, the YHA moved to the Georgian mansion, Hemmingford House in 1947.
Built-in 1784 it had been a private residence until WWII when it was commandeered by the British Iron and Steel Corporation. YHA bought the property for the mere sum of £15,000 thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Education and the generous legacy of Mr. Thomas Wilson of Manchester.
The YHA transformed Hemmingford House into a popular hostel and built an extension in 1975 for the dining room and extra bedrooms.
This Grade II listed building retains many original features including stables, coach houses, and old trees of which three are listed.
What to expect at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon
Accommodation at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon
The hostel houses 132 beds including 16 en-suite rooms and dorms, deluxe camping pods, and premium bell tents in the peak season.
My stay was in a spacious private en-suite room with 2 bunk beds and a sink in the main room and 2 rooms with a separate shower and bathroom. The bunk beds are super comfortable, with good-quality duvets and pillows – perfect for a top night’s sleep. Each bunk had separate light, plug and charging shelf which is handy.
As I strolled around the gardens in the morning, I had a nosey in the camping pods as they were being cleaned. They look so cool, and above all, warm and cosy. I’d be excited to try the deluxe camping pods on my next visit.
Shared Facilities at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon
The hostel has character with beautiful stained-glass windows and traditional floor tiles. The décor in the shared lounges gives the heritage feel in keeping with the property with rich purple, green and ochre. Relaxing spot to read books or play the interactive board games available.
There is a huge games room with giant Connect 4 and table tennis so you can challenge your travel buddies to a round of ping-pong.
There is a well-equipped self-catering kitchen with an oven, fridge, cutlery with recycling facilities and sticky labels to keep your put your stamp on your food in the fridge or cupboards. There is also a laundry and drying room for guests who stay at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon.
There is a bike shed to keep your wheels secure and there is a large free car park for hostel guests which is big enough for coaches if you are in a big group.
There is a bright meeting room with a garden view designed to keep teams and groups creative and focused.
From start to end, the staff at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon were chatty, welcoming and informative about the surrounding area. If you want to read more, there are posters around the hostel and leaflets with local guided walks.
The reception is open from 7 am – 12 midnight and there is 24-hour access via key code. And, of course, free WiFi to stay connected if you need to. Remember that sometimes you need to disconnect to reconnect.
Food and drink at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon
The food at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon is served in Hemmingford Restaurant. Expect simple well-cooked food that won’t cost the earth. On sunny days, there is a terrace to sit out and dine al-fresco listening to the birds.
The Classic YHA Breakfast served us well on both mornings. For £9.95, you get the option of cooked food (including vegetarian) and a choice of continental options with hot drinks and juice. Did I mention it was unlimited too?
If that all sounds a bit too much, there is a Continental Breakfast option for £5.95 with cereal, yoghurt, warm pastries and croissants, hot drinks, and juice.
The daytime menu is served every day until 8.30 pm with mouth-watering burgers, stone-baked pizzas, loaded nachos and delicious desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. They cater to vegetarians and can advise on food allergen requirements.
The hostel bar is well-stocked with craft beers, wines, artisan spirits and soft drinks, the ideal accompaniment to a board game and a giggle with friends in a relaxed atmosphere.
How to save money on the food at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon? If you travel as a family, your kids under 10s can enjoy a free meal whenever you buy an unlimited breakfast or main meal costing £6 or more.
And, if you become a YHA member you are entitled to save 10% off your stay and any pre-booked breakfast. Two great deals to make your stay even cheaper!
Disclaimer: Thanks to YHA (England & Wales) for sponsoring my stay. Although I was a guest, all opinions are my own.
How green is YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon?
It’s always a joy to hear when venues care about the planet. YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon continues to improve its green credentials and sustainable policies and is one of the most eco-friendly accommodations in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
- Sensor LED lighting in the main house.
- Renewable solar power on the bell tents for lighting and USB charging.
- Recycling facilities for glass, card, paper and plastic.
- Drying rooms rather than inefficient tumble dryers.
- Food waste recycling as well as joining the B-Corp Too Good to Go movement to ensure that surplus food goes to good use.
- Switching to environmentally friendly chemical-free sanitiser and cleaner.
- YHA England & Wales is a social enterprise that aims to transform young lives through travel and adventure.
FAQs | Stay at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon
Are towels provided at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon?
Towels are not provided as standard but you can hire them at reception to save space in your bag.
Is there free WiFi at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon?
Yes, there is free WiFi to stay connected if you need to. Remember that sometimes you need to disconnect to reconnect.
What are the opening times and check-in at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon?
- Reception opening hours are from 7.30 am to 10 pm
- Check-in time is from 5 pm until 10 pm. Check-out is at 10 am.
- The main house is locked at 10 pm, and you are given a code to enter out of hours to access the facilities.
How do you reach the town from YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon?
There are a few options to reach the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon from the hostel.
- To walk it will take approximately 40 mins – 1 hour.
- The Number 15 bus takes 11 minutes to Mcdonald’s near the Royal Shakespeare Company. The bus stop outside YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon.
- Taxis are available to call – Othello Taxis was a popular choice. Uber is possible but if the WiFi signal isn’t strong, you may not get the updates.
Things to do near YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon
Attractions near YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon
If you fancy venturing out for dinner near YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon If you are walking in without a reservation at the weekend, you could discover there is no room.
Warwick Castle – A medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. It is cheaper to buy online than at the ticket office. Book your Warwick Castle ticket.
Charlecote Park – A 16th-century Tudor house with Victorian extensions and interiors. This National Trust property is surrounded by its own deer park, historical buildings, gardens, cafe, and restaurant.
Hidcote Manor Garden – World famous garden in Gloucestershire created by celebrated horticulturalist and plant collector, Major Lawrence Johnston. The National Trust treasure has a plant centre, potting shed, cafe and shop.
Coughton Court – A National Trust English Tudor country house with a collection of Catholic treasures set in beautiful gardens, located near Alcester.
Compton Verney – A parish and historic Georgian manor house set on 120 acres of land with a wonderful schedule of events and exhibitions fusing art and nature to suit all visitors.
Shakespeare’s Distillery – A carbon-neutral artisan gin distillery offers entertaining and educational tours as well as tasting the botanically infused award-winning Stratford Gin and newly launched Jester Rum.
Royal Shakespeare Company – A national treasure that is a must-visit in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The RSC runs daily tours to see the action backstage and learn about the history of the theatre. This tour will make you want to book a Shakespearian performance in the main auditorium.
Stratford Butterfly Farm – Discover the magical world in the UK’s largest tropical Rainforest Flight Centre. Learn about the beautiful butterflies and the conservation efforts with communities in Kenya and Belize.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace – Visit the childhood home of William Shakespeare to imagine times gone by and listen to stories of family life.