YHA Berwick - Hostel

A budget-friendly, cheerful hostel with great staff and a lovely breakfast. It’s not really suited to a romantic break, but it was perfect after a long walk.

The building is a renovated five-floor granary, and you can still see parts of its original structure. It’s clean and well kept, with lifts for disabled access. On the top floor there are kitchens and a TV lounge, plus a board where you can add your pin to show where you’re from 😀. Floors 3 and 4 have the rooms. Ours was a larger one, with two bunk beds and a single bed, good space and an ensuite toilet and wet-room shower that runs along the room. Bring your own towels. Each bed has its own light, and a thick, comfortable white duvet is folded at the end with a white sheet and pillow. The wooden shutters can be closed for privacy, though they recommend leaving the windows open for fresh air. There are several lockable cupboards for belongings, but bring your own lock. The second floor is an art gallery you can view. Downstairs there are different places to sit, a small children’s play area, plenty of books and board games. A continental breakfast is available to buy, with fruit, pastries, cereal and toast, plus juice, coffee, tea and milk. You can add a hot breakfast for an extra charge. They prefer you to order the night before, but will make it if you’re happy to wait 20-25 minutes. It comes with two eggs, two rashers of bacon, two sausages, two triangular hash browns and half a tomato. The night staff were extremely friendly. There are two working entrances and exits. After 10pm, the front doors can’t be used, but the back entrance has private key-card access around the clock. There’s outdoor seating round the back, and a short walk along an old path brings you to a beautiful view, with the water just a stone’s throw away. The history in every bit of the building is amazing.

We had a short weekend away with my partner and adult son. The location right in the centre was perfect, and our ensuite room was comfortable with everything we needed. The staff were very helpful, and there are some nice shared spaces for relaxing.

I decided at the last minute to break my journey and make use of the current YHA offer. Scott gave us a great welcome, and the hostel was lovely. The breakfast team were great as well. I’ll definitely keep this place in mind for another stay. : )