With the announcement that the YHA is planning to sell off several youth hostels, several critics have suggested the organisation is trying to turn themselves into a Travelodge rather than sticking to its original purpose.
Three of the most controversial sell-offs are in the English Lake District, including the magnificent white walls of Barrow House, which has been run as a youth hostel by the YHA for over 50 years. The house was originally built by an eccentric who even diverted the waterfall behind the house using gunpowder so he could get a better view.
The house has some of the best views of any Lake District accommodation, but after many years of under-investment it is looking a little past its best. The mole hills in the garden are testament that perhaps Barrow House could do with a little more money spending on it. According to the YHA, this could be at least £1.2 million just to bring the building into the 21st Century. Selling the house would, the YHA hopes, raise at least £2 million.
According to critics of the plans, this is the same story being repeated around the country with currently eight properties being earmarked for sale and more possibly in the future.
One former employee of the YHA said this sounded like the YHA were “selling off the family silver”. Another described the moves as the YHA trying to turn themselves into a Travelodge range with rather bland accommodation options in the middle of cities, rather than the unique range they currently offer.
The YHA has announced it has a plan to invest around £4 million in the best loved hostels in England and Wales including a popular one in the middle of Oxford Street, central London.
A spokesperson for the organisation said “YHA is committed to having a network of youth hostels that meet the needs of our customers both now and in the future … financially sustainable, and ones in which we can invest securely. The plans for this year are a major step towards achieving that goal”.
The three Lake District hostels planned for closure are Derwentwater, Hawkshead and Helvellyn although there is currently no exact timescale for the sell-off, but sources suggest this won’t be until the end of 2011.
More Lake District Resources:
YHA web site
Travelodge web site
Lake District campsites and caravan parks
Tourist attractions in the Lake District
Self-catering in the Lake District
