8 Best Hostels in Bangor: Local-Approved Stays in North Wales

I was lucky enough to have a friend who lived in Bangor during my university years – as good a reason as any to make the journey across from London to North Wales. Now no longer a student, I still make the pilgrimage as often as time allows – and for one reason: Snowdonia.

Eryri, to call it by its traditional and officially reinstated name, begins just minutes outside of Bangor and is one of the United Kingdom’s best remaining outdoor wilderness spaces – forestlands, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls proliferate a landscape dominated by rugged mountains. 

Alongside its attractive proximity to Eryri, Bangor lures with an impressive coastline, strong pub culture, and good food.

Finding affordable hostels in Bangor and the surrounding area does require some due diligence. Because of Eryri’s popularity, many of the more affordable accommodations are located within park boundaries rather than in the city. While they might require public transport or a car to reach, picking the right hostel near Bangor can greatly influence your stay – whether that’s a convenient accommodation for a Snowdon summit or one closer to the coast. In this entry of Budget Travel Plans, we’re looking at the best eight hostels in and around the Bangor area.

Coming up in this guide:

• 8 affordable accommodations 
• Tips for some of the best views in Snowdonia National Park
• Access to the Welsh 3000s
• Tried and tested photography spots

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Hostels in Bangor?

Budget-Friendly Hostels in Bangor

Best for: striking a balance between wilderness and town access, taking the easiest route up Snowdon

Likely the best combination of rural and reachable, the Youth Hostel Association’s Llanberis location is a standout base for outdoor exploration. The accommodation sits in the shadow of Wales’ highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa – commonly Snowdon – and provides immediate access to the Snowdon-Llanberis trailhead. Having undergone somewhat recent renovations, the rooms, bathrooms (some of which are ensuite), communal kitchen, and licensed bar are all in great condition. Llanberis’ main thoroughfare is just a five-minute walk away for those who want to eat out or refresh in a pub.

Local’s Insider Tip

The Llanberis path has a reputation as the easiest route up to the Snowdon summit. However, if your legs aren’t feeling too fresh or you’re short of time, book a ticket on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The line offers a 2.5-hour round-trip experience on either a diesel or heritage steam carriage.

YHA Idwal Cottage

Best for: secluded lake walks and sunset views down Ogwen Valley

Idwal Cottage is another of YHA’s offerings near Bangor, sitting at the head of the Ogwen Valley. The accommodation, amenities, and staff are excellent, but the location can be somewhat daunting as the hostel is a bit disconnected from nearby villages and towns. Fear not; the T10 bus from Bangor travels through the Ogwen Valley and stops outside the YHA hostel – better still, having access to a car gives you even more freedom to explore the surrounding landscapes.

Local’s Insider Tip

The Ogwen Valley is one of my favorite locations in Eryri – I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time roaming the surrounding peaks. Head up the neighboring trail towards Llyn Idwal in the hours before sunset. Veer right when you reach the lake and start ascending the mountain slopes. While you can hike to the peak, there are multiple spots to stop off at along the way that offer unobstructed views down the valley – the vistas are particularly impressive during golden hour and sunset.

YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass

Best for: access to the best hiking routes up Snowdon, enjoying a beer after summiting Wales’ highest mountain

Completing the trio of YHA hostels on this list, YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass is right at the trailhead of some of the most popular Snowdon summit routes – the Miner’s Path, the Pyg Track, and Crib Goch. Aside from its stellar location, the accommodation offers some comfortable communal spaces for post-hike relaxing, a self-catering kitchen, and a licensed cafe and bar.

Local’s Insider Tip

This is my favorite base when tackling Snowdon. Rise early and venture down the Miner’s Path for views of the Snowdon horseshoe bathed in morning light. The Pyg Track starts and ends here, too, offering some route variation on the way down. Crib Goch, a grade one knife-edge ridge, is a more challenging route to the summit and is connected to the Pyg Track – the ridge is very exposed and should only be attempted by confident and experienced walkers.

Lodge Dinorwig

Best for: a quieter and more secluded location while still having access to pubs in the nearby town

A converted schoolhouse on the opposite shores of Llyn Padarn from Llanberis, Lodge Dinorwig has 14 bespoke bunk-style beds open for travelers. Though in a quieter location than Llanberis-based options, Lodge Dinorwig’s communal lounge, cafe, and dormitory sleeping arrangement make it easy to meet like-minded explorers. While buses operate between Bangor and nearby Dieniolen, having access to a car will maximize your experience. 

Local’s Insider Tip

Head southeast towards the Dinorwic Slate Quarry for a viewpoint that looks out over Llyn Padarn – as always, sunsets here can be pretty impressive.

Totters Hostel

Best for: staying in a coastal town with easy access to restaurants, cafes, and heritage sites

Totters Hostel is another hostel outside of Bangor in the coastal town of Caernarfon. A proud independent, the hostel provides warm and attentive hospitality, including a daily continental breakfast. Guests also have free use of the kitchen-dining basement area and a communal lounge with a TV and video games. Being in a sizable coastal town, pubs and restaurants are plentiful. 

Local’s Insider Tip

Totters is directly adjacent to the Menai Strait and just minutes from Caernarfon Castle – two sightseeing spots that offer a marriage of natural landscapes and heritage.

Gallt y Glyn Hostel

Best for: solo travelers wanting to socialize with a beer in the garden, groups wanting to stay in a family room, people with a taste for home-cooked pizza

A few minutes down the road from YHA’s Llanberis location, Gallt y Glyn is another option for travelers seeking affordable and convenient accommodation with immediate access to the Snowdon trails. This is an ideal choice for couples and groups, with the hostel offering several twin, double, and family rooms. The hostel also nurtures a welcoming and social atmosphere, with guests often bonding over cold pints on the garden terrace. Solo travelers will like this place. Gallt y Glyn’s kitchen also serves a popular selection of homemade pizzas come the evening – another perfect remedy to a tiring day in the mountains.

Local’s Insider Tip

For the landscape photographers out there – wander down to the shores of Llyn Padarn. There, a lone tree stands in the shallows beyond Snowdonia Watersports. With the right light and visibility, it’s an interesting subject to photograph with the lake and mountains in the background. Snowdonia’s iteration of the famous “Wanaka Tree.”

Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse

Best for: couples wanting a private space, a more secluded location off the main roads

Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse is at the bottom of its namesake valley, roughly three kilometers south of Bethesda. The hostel offers off-road parking, so having a car makes it both easy to reach and explore further afield. Those without vehicle access can still get to the hostel via the T10 bus from Bangor. Transit aside, the accommodation has a cozy interior and a log fire for those chillier nights. There is also a kitchenette for self-catering, two showering areas, toilets, WIFI, and outdoor seating. Note: Bring sleeping bags as the hostel doesn’t provide blankets or covers.

Local’s Insider Tip

Make the hour’s walk up the Ogwen Valley towards Llyn Ogwen. There, you will have views of Tryfan and Pen yr Ole Wen – both peaks offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. Be aware of the grade one scramble near the Tryfan summit.

Snowdonia Mountain Hostel

Best for: Breathtaking views of Snowdonia and cyclists looking for accessible routes right from your doorstep.

Also nestled in the Ogwen Valley, this time off the main road, Snowdonia Mountain Hostel is an ideal base for walkers, climbers, and cyclists. The former quarrymen’s cottages have been expanded over the years and now feature four dormitories and a self-contained flat – the latter being a perfect space for couples wanting extra privacy. A large kitchen and dining space make it easy to refuel throughout your trip.

Local’s Insider Tip

Several Welsh 3000s are nearby – Snowdon, Crib y Ddysgl, Crib Goch, Tryfan, Pen yr Ole Wen, and Elidir Fawr. The list goes on. All are worthwhile summits.

Things to Do in Bangor & North Wales

Bangor is a gateway to the Eryri National Park. Here, outdoor activities are ubiquitous – from summiting Snowdon and other Welsh Munros to mountain biking and beach picnics.

Bangor itself is also a hub for heritage and culture. The city has a wealth of heritage buildings, including the hilltop Penrhyn Castle. There are more castles in other nearby towns, such as Conwy and Caernarfon. As a proud university town, Bangor’s entertainment and nightlife scenes are both lively.

Guided tours are a convenient way to get insights from local experts and have curated itineraries. To make the most of your North Wales adventure, consider platforms like GetYourGuide.

Explore their selection of Bangor and North Wales experiences below:

FAQs about Hostels in Bangor

What is the average price for a hostel in Bangor?

The average price for a hostel in Bangor can vary depending on the time of year, location, and amenities offered.

Generally, you can expect to find hostel prices in Bangor ranging from:

• £20-£40 per night for a bed in a shared dorm room
• £50-£100 per night for a private room

Prices might be higher during peak tourist season between late spring and early fall. During these months, conditions are best for hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and beach-going. Still, Bangor is a viable year-round destination. Hikers heading into Eryri National Park just need to take more care of treacherous weather conditions and potential snow.

Our favorite places to book Bangor hostels are Hostelworld and Booking.com to compare prices and read additional reviews.

Further Reading

Looking for places to stay in the UK? Check out our other posts here:

• Best Campsites on the Isle of Skye
• Best Hostels in London
• Best Hostels in Newcastle
• Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

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