Is the YHA Central London good for families in 2024

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Travelling with a family of four presents unique challenges when finding accommodation.

We all crave a comfortable and convenient location, but budget-friendly family options can be scarce, especially in popular cities like London.

Finding spacious rooms that comfortably accommodate four can be particularly difficult and expensive.

Finding Value- Family Accommodation in London: Our YHA Central London Experience

Like many major cities, London can pose challenges for budget-conscious families seeking spacious, well-located lodgings.

Having found success with family-friendly hostels in Europe and Asia, we decided to explore this option in London. The YHA Central London became our home base for our recent family adventure!

YHA Central London: Welcoming Atmosphere and Social Vibes

Upon entering YHA Central London, you’re instantly greeted by the staff’s warm smiles and friendly hellos. After a smooth check-in process, they’ll inquire if it’s your first visit to London, offering local recommendations if needed.

The inviting lounge area buzzes with activity. Here, guests, backpackers, and travellers socialize, grab food and drinks, or relax outside their dorm rooms.

The check in desk at the YHA London Central has a large wooden desk in a light and airy room
Front desk communal area of YHA London

For first-time London visitors, the friendly YHA Central London staff goes above and beyond a simple check-in.

The staff will transform you into local experts, offering a crash course on must-see attractions. While brochures and tourist information are readily available, there’s no substitute for insider recommendations.

The knowledgeable staff can even assist you with booking tours and activities directly through the front desk, saving you valuable time and planning effort.

What facilities does the YHA Central London have?

The YHA Central London offers a seamless reception area and social hub blend, incorporating a cafe, bar with snacks, and a dedicated breakfast space. Throughout the day, guests can grab coffee and pastries, quench their thirst with beers and chips, or choose from light bites to full meals.

The menu caters to diverse preferences and budgets, offering pizza, nachos, salads, jacket potatoes, paninis, and classic sides like chips, onion rings, and garlic bread. You’ll find something satisfying whether you crave a quick snack or a hearty meal.

Breakfast is conveniently available on-site for just 6 pounds per person, and it includes pastries, fruit, cereal, and drinks.

Choose from the complimentary breakfast option with some room rates, or whip up your morning meal in the hostel’s kitchen facilities – a valuable amenity for families seeking budget-friendly options.

Breakfast offerings are a hallmark of many family-friendly hostels in London.

bar area of YHA central London with the totally cool Union Jack light shades that hang from the ceiling
The bar area

YHA Central London: Family-Friendly Relaxation and Entertainment

The inviting lounge area at YHA Central London provides a comfortable space for families to unwind and connect. Couches and bench tables are perfect for relaxing, chatting, and enjoying downtime.

They’ve thoughtfully stocked the area with various board games, keeping everyone entertained, especially younger family members.

The hostel offers free Wi-Fi in the communal areas, ideal for staying connected and sharing your London adventures on social media (Facebook, Instagram).

It’s important to note that Wi-Fi access is currently limited to the common areas and unavailable in the rooms. This might be a consideration for families with teenagers who rely heavily on internet access.

Do family-friendly London hostels exist?

One of the biggest perks of YHA Central London for families is the presence of many other families with children and teenagers.

The hostel offers a budget-conscious haven in a city like London, renowned for its hefty price tags. You can choose from private rooms with en-suite bathrooms for added privacy or rooms with shared facilities for an even more economical stay.

family bedroom at YHA Central London. This is a picture of the top bunk with the signature green bedding that comes in all of the YHA hostels
The signature green colours of YHA

What are the rooms like at YHA Central London?

YHA Central London caters to families with private room options featuring bunk beds. While the rooms might be smaller, they offer a comfortable and manageable space for families.

Smartly designed storage solutions come in handy; suitcases can be tucked under the beds, and personal belongings can be secured in the provided lockers. Additionally, wall hooks ensure convenient hanging space for jackets.

A major plus for families with teenagers: the rooms boast ample power outlets, keeping everyone’s devices charged and connected.

The nearest underground station is Great Portland Street, 500m away. The
nearest rail station is London Euston, a mile away

Can you save money at the YHA Central London?

YHA Central London caters to families seeking budget-friendly meal options. Start your day with an affordable breakfast offered by the hostel for 6 pounds.

Alternatively, the hostel boasts a spacious, well-equipped kitchen in the basement—a perfect haven for families who enjoy preparing their own meals.

The kitchen provides storage containers for extended stays to keep your groceries organized. Four large fridges, stoves, and microwaves allow you to whip up anything from simple snacks to full meals, replicating the comfort of home cooking while travelling.

In 2024, I no longer consider the rooms to be that budget. For a family of two adults and two children under 18, you will occasionally pay a minimum of 100 pounds and up to 250 pounds a night.

Is there a laundry at the London YHA Central?

Travelling with kids often means more laundry! Thankfully, YHA Central London offers a convenient on-site laundry room equipped with washers and dryers, making it easy to freshen up your clothes throughout your stay.

Laundry room at Central London YHA with plenty of machines for people to use to get their washing done.
Plenty of washing facilities

This laundry facility cleverly doubles as a beauty room, providing a spacious mirror and hair dryers for those who want to freshen up before hitting the town.

Here’s a tip: Towels are not always included. You can bring your own or purchase them directly from the hostel’s reception desk.

Search here for all the very best travel products for your vacation to London and beyond!

Can the YHA Central London organise London activities for you?

Savvy travellers will appreciate YHA Central London’s commitment to budget-friendly experiences. Beyond affordable accommodation, the hostel sometimes gets access to discounted theatre tickets.

This incredible deal allows you to see some of London’s most acclaimed musicals – a perfect way to add a touch of magic to your family vacation.

The friendly reception staff is happy to guide you through the current show options, assist with ticket purchases, and even provide helpful directions to the theatre.!

Looking to explore London’s iconic landmarks? The hostel can also organize pub crawls (for teens 18+) or Walking Tours. On the Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour nearby, you can see the Tower of London, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Natural History Museum, and more.

The knowledgeable staff is always eager to assist with planning any other activities you might have in mind.pen_spark

Willow standing out the front of the theatre showing Wicked. There is the big poster advertising it and lights showing it is ready to go.
Theatre tickets to Wicked

Is the YHA Central London centrally located?

For travellers arriving in London, YHA Central London boasts a superbly convenient location. Reaching the hostel is a breeze, thanks to its proximity to major transportation hubs:

  • Train Stations: Just 1 kilometre from London Euston Station (serving trains from the north) and 1.5 kilometres from London St Pancras International Station (welcoming Eurostar arrivals).
  • Underground Stations: Situated within a 700-meter radius of both Oxford Street and Regent Park underground stations, offering easy access to London’s extensive tube network.

Whether you’re arriving at Heathrow Airport, Stansted Airport, or Gatwick Airport, reaching your comfortable and centrally-located YHA hostel is a smooth and stress-free process.

The 4.95 breakfast that you are able to purchase when you stay at the YHA Central London
Breakfast at the YHA

YHA Central London’s prime location places you right at the heart of the action. Immerse yourselves in London’s cultural gems with effortless ease:

  • The British Museum: A world-renowned treasure trove awaits, just a leisurely 15-minute walk away.
  • Madame Tussauds: Stroll down memory lane or meet your favourite celebrities in wax form – it’s only 10 minutes from the hostel!
  • Oxford Street Shopping: Indulge in some retail therapy at the iconic Oxford Street, a shopper’s paradise reachable within 10 minutes.

This central location is a dream for families, offering easy access to London’s top attractions and vibrant energy.

YHA Central London: Your Perfect Family Hub in the Heart of London

YHA Central London emerges as a champion for families seeking budget-friendly and comfortable family accommodation in London. En-suite rooms, on-site kitchen facilities, convenient laundry services, and a vibrant common area cater to every family’s needs.

Whether you’re whipping up meals in the kitchen, grabbing a quick bite from the affordable dining options, or unwinding in the social space, the hostel fosters a comfortable and economical environment.

YHA Central London is a winning choice for families planning a 4-day or extended London adventure. The property’s central location places you within easy reach of family-friendly attractions like the London Dungeons, The London Eye, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, allowing you to easily explore the city.

Important Information for Hostel Guests

  • Reception Hours: Our reception is open 24/7.
  • Food and Drink: Breakfast is served from 07:30 to 09:00 on weekdays and from 07:30 to 10:00 on weekends.
  • Licensed Bar: We have a licensed bar offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted.
  • Self-Catering: Guests can use our self-catering kitchen.
  • Parking: There is no parking available at the hostel.
  • WiFi: Enjoy free WiFi in all rooms and common areas.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed at YHA London Central. However, assistance dogs are welcome. Please inform us when booking.

Inspired to Try Hostels?

We hope this glimpse into YHA Central London has sparked your interest in exploring hostel stays for your family adventures. Hostels offer a fantastic way to experience London’s vibrant energy while saving on accommodation costs.

Looking for More UK Travel Inspiration?

Wyld Family Travel is your one-stop shop for amazing holiday ideas in the United Kingdom. Visit our England Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration to craft your perfect family vacation.

Staying in hostels: If you want some expert advice on brilliant hostels to stay in all over the work click through to our Worldwide Hostels Page for more reviews.


More travel inspiration for your trip to England


Author bio:

Father, husband, traveller, and chief destination manager here at Wyld Family Travel. When Mark is not discussing travel or planning travel, you will find him working in disability support. Mark is a family travel advocate, having travelled to over 45 countries with his kids from 10 months to their teenage years. You will find his work here and on other popular websites.

Having a beer in Pilsen Czech
Mark Wyld

Content Creator

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