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YHA South Downs - Hostel

4.0 star property
Hostel in Lewes with a coffee shop and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for YHA South Downs - Hostel

Building design
Fireplace
Shared kitchen facilities
Reception
Lounge

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Business services
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
Itford Farm, Beddingham, Lewes, England, BN8 6JS
  • Place, Monk's House
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Brighton Marina
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Place, Brighton Beach
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Airport, London (LGW-Gatwick)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bathroom (Sleeps 6)

Bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bathroom (Sleeps 6)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bathroom (Sleeps 6)

Bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bathroom (Sleeps 6)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Room (2 Bed Private)

Room (2 Bed Private) | Bed sheets

Room (2 Bed Private)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Bed sheets

Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Room, Ensuite (3 Bed Private including Double Bed)

Bed sheets

Room, Ensuite (3 Bed Private including Double Bed)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Room (4 Bed Private)

Room (4 Bed Private) | Bed sheets

Room (4 Bed Private)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room, Ensuite (4 Bed Private)

Bed sheets

Room, Ensuite (4 Bed Private)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room (6 Bed Private)

Bed sheets

Room (6 Bed Private)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room, Ensuite (6 Bed Private)

Shower, soap, toilet paper

Room, Ensuite (6 Bed Private)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room (5 Bed Private)

Bed sheets

Room (5 Bed Private)

  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Room (5 Bed Double Private Ensuite)

Room (5 Bed Double Private Ensuite) | Bed sheets

Room (5 Bed Double Private Ensuite)

  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Tent

Tent | Bed sheets

Tent

  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Futon

About the neighborhood

Lewes

Located 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Monk's House, YHA South Downs - Hostel is within a 5-minute drive of South Downs National Park. This 17-room, 4-star hostel has a restaurant and a bar/lounge, along with free self parking.
View more Hostels in LewesOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Monk's House - 6 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • American Express Stadium - 13 min drive - 9.9 miles
  • Brighton Marina - 22 min drive - 15.2 miles
  • Brighton Beach - 23 min drive - 15.0 miles
  • Brighton Centre - 26 min drive - 16.5 miles

Getting around

  • Southease Station - 3 min walk
  • Gatwick Airport (LGW) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Padella d'Oro - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Daisy's Sandwich Shop - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Ram Inn - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Snowdrop Inn - ‬5 min drive

About this property

YHA South Downs - Hostel

Hostel in Lewes with a coffee shop and a restaurant
YHA South Downs - Hostel features free WiFi in public areas, a meeting room, and a library. A stay here includes free parking. Staff members can answer questions about accommodations, and also provide luggage storage. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, a garden, and a TV in a common area.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: GBP 10.95 for adults and GBP 5.95 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Books
  • Games
  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (once per stay)

Business services

  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Communal living room
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 5 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Sunday to Thursday (7:30 AM – 10 AM), Sunday to Thursday (3 PM – 10 PM), and Friday to Saturday (3:00 PM – 10:30 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
All adult guests are required to present a valid government-issued photo ID card at check-in.
The name and address on the booking must match the photo ID presented by the guest at check-in. This property does not accept name changes for existing bookings.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately GBP 10.95 for adults and GBP 5.95 for children
  • Towels fee: GBP 2.75 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
Special cancellation policies or charges may apply for group reservations (more than 8 rooms for the same property / stay dates)
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 5 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Charges or special cancellation policies for group reservations may apply (more than 8 rooms for the same property/stay dates).
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitEngland, the National Tourist Board for England.

Property is also known as

YHA South Downs Hostel Lewes
YHA South Downs Hostel
YHA South Downs Lewes
YHA South Downs
YHA South Downs - Hostel Lewes
YHA South Downs - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
YHA South Downs - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Lewes

Frequently asked questions

What can I see around YHA South Downs - Hostel?

This hostel is located in Lewes, close to American Express Stadium, Glyndebourne Opera House, and Drusillas Park. You'll also find South Downs National Park and Newhaven Ferry Port within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at YHA South Downs - Hostel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel. Free RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Does YHA South Downs - Hostel include a casino at the property?

No, YHA South Downs - Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at YHA South Downs - Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Is YHA South Downs - Hostel good for couples?

Couples will appreciate amenities like a bar, a restaurant, and a garden at this hostel.

Does YHA South Downs - Hostel have a hot tub?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does YHA South Downs - Hostel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, YHA South Downs - Hostel serves a full breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will YHA South Downs - Hostel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at YHA South Downs - Hostel.

Does YHA South Downs - Hostel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

How far is the airport from YHA South Downs - Hostel?

The closest major airport to YHA South Downs - Hostel is Gatwick Airport (LGW), which is about 24 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at YHA South Downs - Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at YHA South Downs - Hostel.

YHA South Downs - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 84 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 84 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 84 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 84 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 84 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Luke

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ella

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely setting, nice and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Xavier

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emma Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great access to the south downs way
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Hesther

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic

Comfy, friendly, spacious, green!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Traveled with group
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Penelope, Penge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing breakfast. Great quality to start the day!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

miss r

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Ideal location when tackling the South Downs Way. Staff were very hospitable and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Country comforts

We loved our x2 night stay in an en-suite room in the long barn. YH combines a peaceful countryside location with everything needed for a comfortable trip. Walked to nearby villages and caught the train from Southease station to get further afield. Staff were really helpful and we enjoyed eating at the cafe during our hassle-free visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Francesca

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

SUI PIK

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Traffic noise and power failure inside room

the power supply stopped as circuit breaker tripped at around 22:00 .... the electric roof window cannot be closed leaving the room suffered from extremetraffice noise throughout the night. all bedside lights and wall power sockets failed.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

S

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Suitable room for 3

Beds OK and it was good to have an ensuite. Breakfasts very good and so was the evening meal, despite a long wait. Very convenient for the train.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Right on the South Downs trail, close to a train station or by car. Staff was friendly and nice, and the food was great. I really liked their morning English breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yanping

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Steven

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Alan

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Great location, could be improved with better mgmt

Beautiful location with lovely views from the garden. Very convenient for Newhaven ferry and for walking on the South Downs. Welcome at check in was not great. Two staff members ignored us whilst taking their time to finish their conversation first. Lack of attention to detail. Light fittings had dozens of dead flies. Not cleaned for months. One ceiling light in our private room did not work. Also one of the bedside lamps didn't work. Bath screen allowed the shower to leak all over the floor and corridor carpet. Bathroom floor was dirty. Kitchen had a faulty cooker. Several spiders in the bathroom and bedroom. We had dinner at restaurant and food was excellent. Such a shame that 3 staff members were chatting with each other and loudly berating previous clients while we were eating. Not a nice atmosphere, unfortunately.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly people, lovely room, great cafe, breakfast and supper, will definitely stay again. Thank you
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

CLAIRE

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Convenient but overpriced

Stayed here whilst walking the south downs way. Food was very good both evening and breakfast. Beds very uncomfortable, plastic matress makes you very hot. Quite noisy as near main road and unmanned railway station next to it means trains use their horns everytime the pass. Charge 4* hotel prices for private room with a bunkbed.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jo

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Really convinient location for South downs way walk, very helpful staff, safe, clean and comfortable. Lovely setting and property.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Anthony

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jorge Manuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very well located and very comfortable rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023