The oldest YHA youth hostel in England and Wales, YHA Street in Somerset in the South West, has been completely overhauled following a £300,000 investment.

The much-loved youth hostel has been spruced up in time for summer and festival season as part of the leading youth charity's continued investment in its network of accommodation.

As well as having a complete refresh inside, the chalet-style hostel, which is located near Glastonbury and surrounded by National Trust land, now offers camping pods and bell tents in its grounds.

The introduction of YHA Camping & Cabins products at the youth hostel has increased the number of available beds at YHA Street from 28 to 46. The bell tents will be available for guests to stay in between April and October each year and the pods can be booked year-round.

The quirky, tipi-like tents are fully kitted out with futon beds and can sleep up to five people. They also include all bedding, comfy bean bags, tables, rugs and soft flooring. The wooden camping pods sleep up to four people in a double and twin beds and benefit from lighting, heating, an outdoor seating area, beds and bedding.

The investment has breathed new life into the hostel which first opened in 1931, only a year after the youth hostelling charity was first formed in England and Wales.

YHA has worked to ensure that the charm of the Swiss-style building has been retained, whilst bringing the interior up to modern standards and adding luxury camping accommodation to the grounds.

Inside YHA Street, a contemporary open plan kitchen dining space has been created, all bedrooms have been redecorated, furniture replaced throughout, and the number of toilet and shower facilities increased.

“I am delighted that we have been able to invest so significantly in one of our most loved and oldest youth hostels. Introducing camping pods and bell tents is an excellent way for us to make the most of the beautiful grounds surrounding YHA Street,” James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales) explained. 

“People want to experience something different when they take a break with us. The fact we have glamping now available at YHA Street will provide that experience on a number of levels. The pods and bell tents are a wonderful addition to the hostel.”

YHA Street is one of seven youth hostels in the South West, owned and operated by YHA, that has received significant investment over the last 12 months. Around £5 million has been invested in YHA Bath, YHA Swanage, YHA Street, YHA Perranporth, YHA Treyarnon Bay, YHA Penzance and YHA Eden Project.

 Since 2014 YHA has invested more than £40 million into its 151-strong network of hostels, creating modern, comfortable, award-winning accommodation. Nearly two million overnight stays were taken with YHA in 2018, with more than 500,000 under 26-year-olds benefiting from a visit to a youth hostel.

To book a stay with YHA, volunteer or help raise money for the charity, please visit yha.org.uk or call 0800 0191 700.