We had to stay at the hostel very last minute, we were on our way to Blackpool when our car broke down. However I absolutely loved our stay here, the children absolutely loved the dorm style rooms and the big kitchen, and were excited to stay in an old church.

My Mam was also with us and at 70 year old she struggled to get in and out of the beds. She was on a bottom bunk but it had such a lip round the wood that she couldnt swing her legs round to put on the floor. However if this had been a more planned out stay I’m sure they would have had a more accessible room for her.

The old church is awesome and the transformation to a hostel is excellent. The living area is fantastic as is the kitchen. Atmospheric and cosy. The staff are just delightful and soo helpful. The place was filled with runners and hikers and was a hive of activity. It made for an entertaining stay.

The room was a little squishy for our family of 5 and our luggage. We had more stuff than the usual backpacker so we had trouble containing large suitcases and 5 people in the room. Also the room was a little cool and the drying room wasn't very effective for our super, super wet gear. Probably would have been fine on normal stuff but we had been walking in the rain and mud all day and our boots were soaked.

Booking a room in a dorm is always a risk, but I was fortunate to be the only one in the room so could make myself very much at home. It's a beautiful unique place with lots of character. The ensuite shower room was a big surprise - modern, clean and far better than you can sometimes get in a regular B&B! I only wish I could have stayed a bit longer to make the most of the facilities and the local area. It would also be fun to come in a group. I did not meet Denise but all the communication both online and on arrival (plus instructions in the hostel) was easy to follow and I felt safe as a solo female traveller.

Nothing - but don't expect luxury when it comes to the beds and bedding etc. This is a youth hostel :)

Check in was so easy, with friendly staff and dog helpers! The room was cute and quirky with original features and a huge skylight to observe the clear skies through- if it hadn’t been raining! The room was spotless and the beds comfy. There were heaters in the room to take the chill out of the air.

The room was advertised as having an ensuite bathroom - in fact it was just a shower, and it was down a corridor. The toilet was across the landing and up the stairs! Other customers were noisy when coming in late at night. The door to the room had a hole in it.

We really enjoyed the hostel - the price is very competitive so the lack of facilities etc is to be expected. The converted church is a great building with loads of atmosphere. Check in was easy - the rooms are fine for a short stay and the location is perfect for exploring the local area... The owner is a very nice lady who spent time to chat to us all and make sure we were happy with the stay.

Nothing - considering the price all was perfect...

We stayed at Kirkby Stephen Hostel for one night while walking the Coast to Coast. We booked a private twin room. The hostel is one of the nicest I have ever seen – the converted church is a beautiful building, with a huge common room, kitchen and living room area with lots of seating that could easily seat everyone when the hostel is full. The whole place was spotlessly clean on our arrival. Our room was really sweet and cosy, with comfortable beds. Plenty of toilets, wash rooms and shower rooms available, with good hot water from the shower. Breakfast options were available to order but we did not take up that option. I'd love to stay here again!

An independent hostel making a stand against underfunding, to keep hostelling available to the masses. This is a key coast to coast location, and prices means it is possible to keep a reasonable C2C budget.

Nothing, I got yo have a rest day and use all the facilities. Some will think a little the cosmetics are a little dated, but that's not important, as the stay is much more about the place. I loved every minute

Location excellent in centre of lovely Kirkby Stephen. Beautiful building with large communal area. Kitchen well stocked with pans, utensils, crockery and cutlery.We had a private twin room which was very clean, bed linen provided, beds comfortable. Friendly host.

Minor issues only. An oven ( other than microwave) would have been nice, and window in our room was very high on ceiling so difficult to close blind at night.

I loved Kirkby Stephen Hostel for the drying room. It was such a welcomed facility on a very wet weekend. Denise is a lovely host, very welcoming. The kitchen and communal room were well equipped and in such a lovely setting of the old church.

As hostel accommodation goes, it was perfect but if there was anything, I'd say, my pillow but then I am a fuss pot when it comes to pillows. A little more could be done with the colour choice /paintwork of the rooms to make it a little more cosy and funky.😁

Fantastic stay at a lovely hostel. The communal space is full of character with lots of space. Facilities were basic but clean, just what we needed for a two night trip. The lady who runs it was lovely, and her two dogs Milly and Dolly were very cute and friendly, my son loved having them around at breakfast. Parking overnight nearby was no problem.