YHA Tanners Hatch - Surrey Hills

"Beautiful location spoiled by rotten weather! My younger sister and I hitch hiked through northern Europe in the early 1970s staying in youth hostels. After starting out in northwestern Germany we made our way through the Netherlands staying in Amsterdam & Rotterdam and through Belgium staying in Brussels and across to the chalk cliffs of Dover and rain!!!! For the two weeks we were in England it rained and rained so on our way back to Dover (and across the Channel)we stopped off at the Tanners Hatch and had a great time for the two days we stayed despite the rain and despite having to sleep in a tent (at least my sister was able to get a bed inside)and waking to cows mooing. After contiuing to flee from rain to Dover, across the Channel and back to Belgium and no rain!! We continued on to Paris and sunshine!!"

"A real gem tucked away in the woods - be prepared for a walk to get to Tanners Hatch (especially if you intend to drive and park at Denbies Hillside) but it’s certainly worth it. Highly recommend camping and having a campfire in one of the fire pits. When the fire is going inside the hostel too it is really cosy and welcoming! One word of warning for the Safari Tents on cold nights: buy more wood for the wood burner. I stayed over with the family during April. The days were warm enough but the nights got cold still. Since the tents are large and airy they get very cold overnight. One pack of the wood the hostel provides is not enough to burn overnight. In my opinion the hostel should account for colder nights and provide enough wood to maintain a sensible temperature."

"Just returned from a most enjoyable stay from Tanners Hatch, Kitchen was very well equipped. Great base for walking/cycling and National trust property. I understand that in the week it’s usually not busy but it was filled with delightful people on training for YHA plus other interesting guests. Had a great time!!!!!!! Don’t let the fact the toilets are outside put you off!!!! It was all kept clean and very homely."

"Lovely cottage style home with two wonderful groundskeepers. Has an open space with benches for meals and a well equipped kitchen, clean toilets and plenty of trails to explore around the area."

"Lovely old school hostel. It is about half a mile down a track from Ranmore Common Road, which may prove an issue for some, but this does give it a great isolated feel. The service is good for a YHA, with a fire ready to be lit if it's a bit chilly, and the rooms are warm and cosy without being cramped. It's often booked out by groups at weekends, so it's worth checking availability well in advance before planning a trip."