Hostels in England set to reopen from 4 July – but without dorms or socialising

Hostels face the challenge of social-distancing regulations while also trying to maintain their communal ethos

Staying somewhere specifically designed to encourage strangers to socialise may not be top of everyone’s post-lockdown travel wishlists, but England’s hostels are hoping that outdoor enthusiasts and younger travellers will be quick to return – even if much of the communal fun is missing.

“For the first time in our 90-year history, we are encouraging people not to be social,” said James Blake, CEO of the England and Wales Youth Hostel Association (YHA). But Blake is confident that the essence of the organisation remains: “affordable places to stay to connect with people, the outdoors and heritage” – and that it will have strong appeal after three months of lockdown.