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YHA South Downs - Hostel

4.0 star property
Enjoy the free parking at this 4-star Lewes hostel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for YHA South Downs - Hostel

A sign welcoming visitors to YHA South Downs, indicating the location of the Courtyard Café.
A room with a brick fireplace, leather sofas, and a wooden table.
A reception area with a green and grey color scheme, a large 'Discover YHA' poster, a vase with flowers, and a wooden bench.
Shared kitchen facilities
A room with a brick fireplace, leather sofas, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a window with a curtain.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Itford Farm, Beddingham, Lewes, England, BN8 6JS
  • Place, Brighton Marina
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, Brighton Beach
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Brighton Centre
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Airport, London (LGW-Gatwick)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Room options

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

A bunk bed room with a sink and a mirror.

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

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

A bunk bed room with a sink and a mirror.

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

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

View all photos for Room (2 Bed Private)

Room (2 Bed Private)

Room (2 Bed Private)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Bed sheets

Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Room (4 Bed Private)

A room with bunk beds, a chair, and a desk.

Room (4 Bed Private)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

Bed sheets

Room, Ensuite (4 Bed Private)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room (6 Bed Private)

A bunk bed room with a sink and a mirror.

Room (6 Bed Private)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

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

A bathroom with a white toilet, a glass-enclosed shower with a blue accent, and a window above the toilet.

Room, Ensuite (6 Bed Private)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room (5 Bed Private)

Bed sheets

Room (5 Bed Private)

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

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

A bunk bed room with green bedding, a blue carpet, and a single orange chair.

Room (5 Bed Double Private Ensuite)

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

View all photos for Tent

A tent with a single bed and two smaller beds.

Tent

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

About the area

Lewes

Lewes retreat .Stay at this Lewes hostel and you'll be within 2 miles (3 km) of Monk's House and 6 miles (10 km) of South Downs National Park. Newhaven Ferry Port and Seaford Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Hostels in LewesOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Preston Park - 20 min drive - 24.8 km
  • Brighton Marina - 23 min drive - 25.4 km
  • Brighton Beach - 24 min drive - 25.4 km
  • Brighton Pier - 26 min drive - 26.4 km
  • Brighton Centre - 27 min drive - 27.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Lansdown Arms - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Padella d'Oro - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Runaway Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Swan Inn - ‬8 min drive

About this property

YHA South Downs - Hostel

Enjoy the free parking at this 4-star Lewes hostel
Along with a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. A library, a vending machine, and a garden are also featured at YHA South Downs - Hostel. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Lewes hostel is smoke free.

  • 17 guestrooms or units
  • Deli
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Library
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • 1 conference room
  • Dining venue
YHA South Downs - Hostel offers 17 accommodations. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

Similar properties

Exterior
The Blacksmiths Arms
Lewes
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 642 reviews
The price is CA $181
CA $217 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
The Blacksmiths Arms

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Snack bar/deli

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 11.95 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

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)

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately GBP 11.95 for adults and GBP 5.95 for children
  • Towels fee: GBP 3.50 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)

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

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, JCB International, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

Please note that this property does not charge an additional temporary membership fee. Discounts are not available for members of YHA (England and Wales) or IYHF as part of this booking.

Property class

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

How close is YHA South Downs - Hostel to the airport?

YHA South Downs - Hostel is 38.7 mi (46-min drive) away from the Gatwick Airport (LGW) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at YHA South Downs - Hostel?

As of Aug 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at YHA South Downs - Hostel on Sept 2, 2026 start from CA $61, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does YHA South Downs - Hostel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at YHA South Downs - Hostel.

How close is YHA South Downs - Hostel to the beach?

This hostel is 13 mi (28-min drive) from Brighton Beach and 4.1 mi (8-min drive) from Seaford Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does YHA South Downs - Hostel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at YHA South Downs - Hostel, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of GBP 11.95 for adults and GBP 5.95 for children. It's available every day from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

Is there a casino at YHA South Downs - Hostel?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

What time is check-in at YHA South Downs - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 5 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM.

Is there free parking at YHA South Downs - Hostel?

This hostel offers free self parking.

Does YHA South Downs - Hostel have a pool?

YHA South Downs - Hostel does not have a pool.

Does YHA South Downs - Hostel have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does YHA South Downs - Hostel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is YHA South Downs - Hostel to downtown Lewes?

YHA South Downs - Hostel is 1.1 mi away from Beddingham.

YHA South Downs - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 88 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 88 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 88 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 88 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 88 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

lucy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good self serve breakfast
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Food was fine but local produce /freshly made options would be good vs standard frozen fare.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Pavla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything exelent.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Pavla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
everything very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ella

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

8/10 Good

URSULA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff were fabulous. Room was good. The road noise was bad , I had read on previous reviews, and even the ear plugs they very thoughtfully provided couldn’t block it out.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jo

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Penelope

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

10/10 Excellent

Mark

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

Fantastic

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

10/10 Excellent

Chris

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

S

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is absolutely unique in its proximity to Southease railway station on the line between Seaford and Lewes/Brighton and its access to the South Downs Way voa the pedestrian footbridge over the A25.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sue

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

Worth the stay

Staff very helpful as arriving very late. Beautiful position. Very clean. Plenty of amenities. Mattress a little hard
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022
Verified review

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
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

SUI PIK

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Steven

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

10/10 Excellent

michael

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

Amazing

A beautiful place to stay, the staff were friendly and the rooms were clean. It was really useful that there is a very nearby train station. I enjoyed exploring the incredible nature surrounding the hostel, but a trip into the city was made easy too. I definitely reccomend and i'll be back next time i'm in the area
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Richard

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

Great stay for the price

The stay was very good overall for the price. Staff were friendly, the hot full english breakfast was really good, the room was ok all be it a bit on the small side and is just a bumk bed with nothing else, a little table or a stool would have been uswful. The sheets were clean and the beds comfy, only thing was its right next to the road and the cars going by are loud however they did put a pair of ear plugs in the room although this was more for if people snored.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dr M J

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

Very clean and friendly accomodation.

Comfortable,spotlessly clean room. Nice firm matress. Cheerful andvery helpful staff. I slept very well but my wife was disturbed by traffic noise from the road to Newhaven. Amazing value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022