Cornwall is a heaven famed for its rugged coastline, and quaint harbour towns, and features some of the best surf locations at the Southwest tip of England! It is renowned for its picturesque landscape and gorgeous views. You can hike the coastal paths, stop for a traditional Cornish Pasty, or relax while watching the sunset and basking in the majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
It is a little more expensive than in the north of England, but it’s totally worth it. With that said, if you are planning your next trip to Cornwall and looking for suitable accommodations, we have you covered! There are several hostels sprinkled throughout Cornwall for your trip, which are as diverse as Cornwall itself. We will share more about this beautiful country with you and provide the best hostels in Cornwall for your comfortable stay.
Before we get into discussing the best hostels in Cornwall, let us understand more of what Cornwall has to offer. The best way to enjoy the serene beauty of the place is by buying up with fellow backpackers and renting a car. It provides the most freedom to explore Cornwall. But if it isn’t an option, bus and train routes are also available throughout the country.
Looking for your next travel destination? We have a detailed guide to the best hostels in London.
Our favorite hostels in Cornwall are:
- Cohort Hostel - best for female solo travelers
- St Christopher's Inn Newquay - best for solo travelers and social butterflies
- Smarties Surf Lodge - best for surfers and party goers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Cohort Hostel
2. St Christopher's Inn Newquay
3. Smarties Surf Lodge
Traditionally, the area was popular amongst elderly couples looking for a quiet and peaceful weekend getaway. However, it has recently become a place attracting a much younger generation. There are towns like Falmouth with two universities, increasing young folks. The town has many little bars, cafés and various second-hand clothing stores.
It also has some of the most beautiful cobbled streets and an abundance of picturesque hills. Similarly, the other nearby cities boast stunning cathedrals, stellar views and a variety of shops. Walking around the town, you will see many aromatic cafés and the sweet sound of acoustic music from bars and pubs.
If you are a history lover, visiting Pendennis Castle is a great option. It was one of the fortresses that protected England from invasion. A national maritime museum is also located along the harbour, which contains information on all essential things related to the sea, boats, and Cornwall.
Good To Know: Read our best hostels in Bristol and the best hostels in Brighton!
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
The magical destination is worth the visit and is full of beautiful beaches and stunning scenery. With so much to see and explore, we hope you will be convinced to have Cornwall as your next travel destination.
Many great coastal walks and hikes can be done in this beautiful country, which will pique your interest. If you are planning to travel during the winter, the area experiences a lot of rainfall, so make sure you pack accordingly.
With great beaches, mountains, history, and many outdoor activities to explore, Cornwall attracts a lot of travellers from all over the world. That said, be prepared to book in advance, as hostels in Cornwall tend to be more crowded during the summers.
We have shortlisted some of the best hostels in Cornwall that are generally good value for money and a great place to rest after a busy day exploring the beautiful scenery.
What do we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Cornwall
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Cornwall cost $20 – $25 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $55 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Safety in Cornwall: Cornwall is generally a safe place to visit, with a low crime rate and a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. But, guests should take the same precautions as they would in any other unfamiliar area, such as being aware of their surroundings, avoiding walking alone at night, and not leaving valuables unattended. It is also important to take extra care when walking on the cliffs and beaches, as they can be dangerous.
Getting around in Cornwall: Public transport, cycling, and driving are the main methods of getting around Cornwall. The region is well-connected by bus services, while cycling and walking are popular routes for exploring the area. Car hire and taxi services are also available.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Cornwall are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Cornwall.
- Cohort Hostel – best for female solo travelers
- St Christopher's Inn Newquay – best for solo travelers and social butterflies
- Smarties Surf Lodge – best for surfers and party goers
These are our favorite hostels in Cornwall. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Cohort Hostel
2. St Christopher's Inn Newquay
3. Smarties Surf Lodge
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | St Christopher's Inn Newquay |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Cohort Hostel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | St Christopher's Inn Newquay |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Cohort Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | St Christopher's Inn Newquay |
| 🏄🏻♀️ Surf lovers: | Smarties Surf Lodge |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Smarties Surf Lodge |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | St Christopher's Inn Newquay |
1. Cohort Hostel
We start our list of the best hostels in Cornwall with the Cohort Hostel , housed inside a Grade-II listed building in the heart of St. Ives. The moment you step inside, you experience its bright and funky feel!
From bean bags to shower cubicles, a large communal lounge with a bar, and a large screen for the movie night, the place gives you a vibrant feel and typical party vibes.
The hostel is clean and contemporary, right in the centre of the town and has a mixture of private rooms and dormitory beds, catering to all travellers on a budget. The rooms are well refurbished to help you make the most of your stay. There are seven mixed dorms and two female-only dorms with custom-built pod beds, each with a privacy curtain, plug socket, USB port and locker.
Beyond excellent accommodation, the place is very friendly, and you’re bound to meet some amazing people during your stay! The Cohort Hostel also features a private courtyard, comfy lounge, fully equipped kitchen and fast Wi-Fi.
Overall, it is a great place to stay and is highly affordable. It’s also wonderful for female travellers who are travelling solo, as the area is quite safe. Finally, the staff is always there to lend a helping hand with anything you may need!
Location: With a great location in the centre of St Ives and walking distance from pubs, cafés, bus and train stations, the beach – you name it- makes it a fabulous place to stay, especially if you have a budget in mind.
The best choice in Cornwall for
- female solo travelers
- party goers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. St Christopher's Inn Newquay
Wish to stay in the heart of the city without spending extra? St Christopher's Inn Newquay is a safe bet! Its strategic location makes it a favourite choice amongst travellers.
The best part of the hostel is that it offers surfing packages with discounted offers. So, if you plan on hitting the waves, head to the reception and book your lessons, all the while saving a pretty penny!
With its mantra of living life to the fullest without breaking the bank, we have named it one of the best hostels in Cornwall. There is an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the clifftop views and nightly pubs where you can party all night.
It is nestled on a jaw-dropping cliff that gives the best view of the town. Also, there are several room setups, from private to dorm beds.
The hostel is a perfect spot to chill after catching waves or spending a day full of adventure. Ultimately, social butterflies will love the place since it attracts a diverse crowd!
Location: It is just a minute’s walk away from Towan Bay, considered ideal for surf lessons, and is close to the Newquay’s cool bars and independent cafés.
A great choice for
- social butterflies
- solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Smarties Surf Lodge
The ideal location of Smarties Surf Lodge makes it one of the best hostels in Cornwall. When you arrive at the hostel, you are welcomed with homemade cakes, tea, coffee, or beer.
The hostel is newly renovated and beautifully decorated and offers a more personal and comfortable stay. It is never overcrowded, as there are a maximum of 18 guests at a time.
All the rooms are spacious and are equipped with modern amenities, from LCD TV and wireless internet access to clean linens, towels, and hairdryers.
Guests can choose from double, triple and bunk rooms, which are mostly ensuite. Ensuite simply means you will have your own bathroom facilities. There are also tea and coffee-making facilities in every room, and the guests can enjoy English breakfast for an additional charge.
Location: It is just a few minutes from all the superb bars, restaurants, beaches, and shops. It’s a great place for surfing and partying and has friendly and easy-going vibes.
This is one of the best hostels in Cornwall for
- surfers
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Cornwall for Solo Travelers and Partygoers?
We think that the best hostel in Cornwall for solo travelers and partygoers is St Christopher's Inn Newquay .
St Christopher’s Inn Newquay is a great option for solo travelers. The hostel has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of activities and events for solo travelers to participate in.
There are also plenty of shared rooms, which are a great way to meet other solo travelers.
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Backpacking Tips For Cornwall
Cornwall is a popular holiday destination and caters to the needs of every generation. From families looking for a seaside holiday with kids to couples looking for a romantic retreat, there is so much for everyone. The fantastic beaches on the north and south coasts, picturesque towns and stunning scenery have made it a favourite destination for summer holidays. In addition, we have compiled essential backpacking tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Plan your visit to the famous St. Michael Mount. It can be done via boat that departs from Marazion; the best and the most authentic way is through the causeway. It is accessible at low tide, and during that time, the ancient cobbled causeway stretches from the beach to the island. This allows you to get the best view of the mount from sea level.
Have you ever tried Cornwall Pasty? If you haven’t, you are seriously missing out! It is a savoury food that originates from Cornwall and is one of the things why the country has become famous. Whether you have tried one before or not, your trip is incomplete without having a pasty.
Situated in Boscastle is the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, established in 1961. It’s great for those who love to try something new and different and add a bit of mysticism to their journey. It is home to the world’s biggest witchcraft and magic paraphernalia collection, boasting over 3000 products related to witchcraft, such as books, dolls, and charms.
Eden Project is one of the top attractions and is home to the largest indoor rainforest. It is dedicated to teaching visitors about conservation efforts and the environment. It houses exotic plants from all over the world and features an array of arid plants and a range of fascinating sculptures.
If you plan your next holiday in Cornwall, check out these top things to see and do while you are there.
What about the cheapest hostels in Cornwall?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Cornwall.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Cornwall
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
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How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Cornwall best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Cornwall?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Cornwall put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Cornwall hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
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FAQs
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Flights to Cornwall?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
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- best hostels in Brighton
- best hostels in Liverpool
- best hostels In Bristol
- 19 BEST hostels in Scotland, including best hostels in Edinburgh
- 24 best hostels in Ireland, including best hostels in Dublin
- best hostels in Galway
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- best hostels in Cardiff
From London, it’s also super easy to hop across and check out the best hostels in Amsterdam and the best hostels in Belgium.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Cornwall guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
