YHA St Briavels Castle

Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 6RG

93%

Excellent rating

(215 reviews)

When would you like to stay at YHA St Briavels Castle?

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Bed in a shared room View options & details

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What our shared rooms offer

Bed linen
Cot available
Heating
Lock on doors
Smoke alarm

What you need to know about our shared rooms

Check-in: From 17:00 - 22:00
Check-out: Before 10:00
Towels and toiletries: Hand soap is provided next to all sinks. Towels are not supplied as standard but can be rented from the hostel.
Bedding: Bedding is supplied in all our shared rooms.

Private room View options & details

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What our private rooms offer

Bed linen
Cot available
Ground floor rooms available
Heating
Lock on doors
Smoke alarm

What you need to know about our private rooms

Check-in: From 17:00 - 22:00
Check-out: Before 10:00
Towels and toiletries: Hand soap is provided next to all sinks. Towels are not supplied as standard but can be rented from the hostel.
Bedding: Bedding is supplied in all our private rooms.

Hire

Whole hostel View options & details

Sleeps up to 50 people
8 bedrooms
7 bathrooms

YHA St Briavels Castle is a 800-year-old Grade I listed historic monument. This property has original features including wood panelling, ancient fireplace, original staircase and dog spit wheel. Great for history fanatics.

Where you'll sleep

Across the entire building there is a total of eight bedrooms.

Ground floor

One room that sleeps up to 6 people. It includes 2 sets of bunk beds and 2 single beds.

First floor

One room that sleeps up to 3 people. It includes a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

One room that sleeps up to 5 people. It includes 1 set of bunk beds and a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

One room that sleeps up to 6 people. It includes 3 sets of bunk beds.

One room that sleeps up to 8 people. Includes 3 sets of bunks and 2 single beds.

Second floor

One room that sleeps up to 12 people. It includes 3 sets of bunk beds and 6 single beds. This room consists of two rooms, one room includes 4 of the single beds and the other includes 3 sets of bunks and 2 of the single beds.

East tower

Ground floor

One room that sleeps up to 6 people. It includes 2 sets of bunk beds and 2 single beds.

First floor

One room that sleeps up to 8 people. Includes 3 sets of bunks and 2 single beds.

A cot is available.

Shared spaces

Kitchen and dining

The kitchen is located on the ground floor and includes a range of conveniences listed below.

Kitchen appliances: freezer, 2 kettles, 2 microwaves, 2 ovens, refrigerator, stove, 2 toasters.

Kitchenware: dishes and cutlery for 50 people, kitchen utensils, pots, pans.

Cleaning basics: anti-bacterial spray, bin bags, cloths, tea towels, washing up liquid.

Located on the ground floor, the Old Stables dining room seats up to 36 people across 6 tables and chairs. There is a door to the courtyard area which includes 6 picnic tables.

There is a second dining room on the first floor, the Banquet Hall, which seats up to 50 people. There are 9 tables, 10 chairs and benches. This room is accessed via a steep staircase.

A highchair is available.

Lounge

The Chapel Lounge is located on the first floor and seats up to 20 people across sofas and chairs. It has original features, including a high-beamed ceiling.

There is a second lounge on the ground floor, the Old Kitchen, which seats up to 8 people. There is a comfy sofa and chairs.

Bathrooms

Across the entire building there is a total of seven bathrooms.

Toilets: 7

Showers: 8

Toilet paper is provided and hand soap is available next to all sinks.

Outdoors

Outside is a medium-sized garden.

The garden is enclosed with walls and has a lockable gate.

Guests have full access to the garden.

Outdoor amenities: cycle store, grass/lawn, picnic tables.

What our whole hostel offers

Bed linen
Carbon monoxide alarm
Cleaning basics
Cooking basics
Cot available
Dishes and cutlery
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Fridge
Garden/grounds
Ground floor rooms available
Heating
Highchair
Hot water
Kettle
Kitchen
Kitchen utensils
Laptop-friendly workspace
Lock on doors
Microwave
Outdoor seating
Oven
Shower(s)
Smoke alarm
Stove
Toaster

What you need to know about our whole hostel

Check-in: From 16:00
Check-out: Before 10:00
Heating: There is central heating throughout the property.
Towels and toiletries: Hand soap is provided next to all sinks. Towels are not supplied as standard.
Bedding: Bedding is supplied in all our rooms.
Checking in: You will receive an email prior to your arrival with the property address and check-in instructions.
Guest access: Guests have use of the whole property, except the bar, shop and staff laundry room.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA St Briavels Castle. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Your booking summary for YHA St Briavels Castle

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Overview

YHA St Briavels Castle is a venue with real wow factor that will amaze and inspire visitors of all ages. The castle is over 800 years old, with bags of character and remarkably well-preserved features throughout, and a magical charm that promotes social interaction and historical interest in equal measure.

The castle is a Grade I listed ancient monument, a rich piece of history and an inspiring location. Be transported back in time to Medieval world of King John and the Magna Carta within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Why guests love YHA St Briavels Castle

WiFi
Free parking on premises
Garden/grounds

Stay in an 800 year old castle
Well-preserved medieval features
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Accommodation at YHA St Briavels Castle

Bed in a shared room

If you're happy to share, dorm rooms have multiple beds - ideal for budget breaks.

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Private rooms

Like your own space? Private rooms offer the hostelling experience with more privacy.

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Hire the whole place

With YHA Exclusive Hire, you can take the entire building for you and your group.

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Group bookings for 16+ guests

Let YHA take care of your stay with our group booking service.

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Hostel facilities

Baby changing
Classroom(s)
Coach parking on premises
Contactless payments
Cycle store
Dining room
Evening meals
Free on-street parking
Free parking on premises
Games
Garden/grounds
Group meals
Highchair
Library
Licensed bar
Medium garden/grounds
Meeting room(s)
Minibus parking on premises
No mobile coverage
Outdoor seating
Self-catering kitchen
Shared drying room
Shared lounge
Sole use available
Unlimited breakfast
WiFi

Hostel need to know

Reception opening hours: From 07:30 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.

Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily from 07:30 – 09:00. Meals are also available from 17:00 – 20:00.

Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire.

Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.

Parking: There is parking at the hostel.

WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.

Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA St Briavels Castle. Assistance dogs are welcome.

YHA St Briavels Castle - Access Statement

(PDF download - 60.47 KB)

Food and drink at YHA St Briavels Castle

Unlimited Breakfast at YHA St Briavels Castle

Enjoy all you can eat for breakfast including sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, tomatoes and beans. Continental options include fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt and pastries. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to get stuck into. Drinks are included too! Under 10s eat for £1 with our special offer (see menu for details).

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Main menu at YHA St Briavels Castle

Take your pick from our range of delicious light bites, hearty classics, and delicious desserts – everything you need after a long day of exploring. Under 10s eat for £1 with our special offer (see menu for details). Vegan and vegetarian options available.

View menu

YHA St Briavels Castle

St Briavels, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 6RG

Map references

OS Map:: 162
OS Grid Ref:: SO558045
Lat/Lng:: 51.738112, -2.640796
what3words: final.army.unlisted

Contact information

Phone:: +44 345 371 9042
Email:: stbriavels@yha.org.uk

Get directions

Things to do around YHA St Briavels Castle

Go Ape Forest of Dean

High wire fun in the forest – climb rope ladders, zip wire through the trees and tackle high wire rope bridges. As well as Treetop Challenge and Forest Segways at Go Ape Mallards Pike, Treetop...

Walking and Rambling in YHA St Briavels Castle

Walking and Rambling around St Briavels Castle

The hostel is right in the middle Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley so there's lots of fantastic walks from the doorstep. Offa's Dyke path, an ancient border between England and Wales, runs right past...

Chepstow Walking Festival

Chepstow Walking Festival 22nd - 27th April 2025 The festival invites you to step into the beauty of spring and explore the rich landscapes of Monmouthshire and its borders with England. This much...

Cycling in the Forest of Dean

Hop on your bike and explore the Forest of Dean. Try the Royal Forest Route which takes in a sculpture trail, mines dating back to the 1820's and a virtual lagoon of bluebells in spring!

Inspire2Adventure

Exciting adventure in the forest - try Inspire2Adventure's Guided Open Canoe Expeditions, Gorge Scrambling Experience, Rock climbing and Abseiling and more!

Taurus Crafts

So much to see! local craft workshops, events and shops to inspire your creativity. Throw your own pot or visit the garden retreat.

Clearwell Caves

Visit the atmospheric mine workings with nine impressive caverns and winding passageways - great whatever the weather.

Goodrich Castle

Standing in open countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a fascinating history, spectacular views from the...

Tintern Abbey

One of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales. Don't miss the Nave's west window which is currently being restored. Visit the website

Perrygrove Railway

See the Forest of Dean in style with a train ride through the woods. Look out for the family-friendly Treetop Adventure play area on your journey. Visit the website

Puzzlewood

Explore this unique and enchanting place, with meandering pathways and fantastic rock formations that inspired JRR Tolkien.

More about this hostel

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Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.

The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.

You can find out more and apply to volunteer at this hostel on the volunteering website.

The Castle dates back to the 12th Century, and many a tale from this world and the next can be found across the Internet. As an introduction why not take a Virtual Tour, but there really is no substitute for the real thing, and joining one of our regular Castle Tours where you can become a history detective and help uncover the secrets of the past.

As King John’s former hunting lodge we are uniquely placed to offer this within a living reminder of the King and one of the most important pieces of history to shape our society today. You enter this remarkable and unique YHA site through a triple portcullis gatehouse into a secluded courtyard and walled garden, and then enter through the grand wooden period door into the West Tower to a warm welcome fit for a King or Queen. Take a walk through time within this former hunting lodge of King John from the 13th century, spend a peaceful moment in his Chapel, rest your feet in his bed-chamber, and wonder who spent time in the debtors prison and met their grizzly end on the Castle gallow.

All bedrooms are full of character with amazingly well-preserved Castle features, original stone walls & features from the Medieval to Victorian period (when the Castle was extensively renovated as a family home). However, they are basic (bunk beds/storage only). The only exceptions are King John and Queen Isabella which have sinks and a double bed bunk.

There are no en-suites and some rooms are quite a walk from washroom facilities and up steep, narrow staircases – the Grade 1 listed nature of this site does not permit modernisation to facilitate demands for smaller rooms/en-suites. The compromise in facilities however is more than made up for with the opportunity to step back in time and imagine yourself a travelling lord or lady staying as the guest of a Medieval Sheriff, joining his household for a feast and rest on your journey of discovery through the Royal Forest of Dean. A smaller, quiet social area is set up in the Old Kitchen under the remains of the “Turn Spit Wheel” – a marvellous old feature that would have turned the Wild Boar on the spit over the kitchen fire, powered by a small dog.