The Kirkby Stephen Hostel was a nice warm haven after a day spent cycling through brutal weather. The hostess, Denise, made us a warm cuppa tea before even checking us in. She also gave me a lift to the train station the next rainy morning which was unexpected, but VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. The hostel was formerly a Methodist church and still has pews in the dining room. Most of the other guests were fellow cyclists or hikers and we sat around the dining table that night swapping bad weather stories. The beds were good, the wifi good, the large communal kitchen had EVERYTHING we needed and the town had plenty of grocery stores nearby. We'd never stayed at a hostel before, but if they're all like Kirkby Stephen we'd probably prefer them - if only for the company and stories of the other guests.

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 :)

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...

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.

Easy to find, parking very close, Denise (host) very helpful, communication was first class. The hostel is a lovely building, everything you need is there, and there are plenty of shops for food etc. The whole place is very clean and tidy. I would happily recommend this hostel and would definitely stay there 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

Denise the owner is wonderful and will look after your any need. Lots of super pubs in the town immediately round the corner is the La'l Nook superb range of cask ale and the Taggy man does super food including a great range of pies with loads of gravy.

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.