Located right by the Italian fountains in Kensington Gardens, Kensington Gardens Hostel has the perfect budget accommodation to explore the wonderful sights of the capital, from our central city location. The Hostel is owned by the German YMCA in London, which is a registered charity that supports local community projects for all ages and nationalities, along with the German community in London as a whole. We have been welcoming student groups on cultural exchanges, sightseeing trips and studying programmes for more than 50 years!

London

Kensington Gardens Hostel, 5 Craven Terrace, London, W2 3EL

MONTHS OPEN
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December

DAYS OPEN
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

AGE GROUPs
6-10 and upwards



Listed under: accommodation| Accommodation & Residential| Hostels| Residential School Trips|
What does your accommodation offer school trips


We’ve been welcoming groups to London for over 50 years!
We have experience of School, College and University student groups for cultural exchanges, sightseeing and studying ranging from primary level upwards. In addition we have accommodated sport teams and societies of all ages.
Located right by the Italian fountains in Kensington Gardens we have the perfect budget accommodation to explore the wonderful sights of central London, Notting Hill along with Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
The traditional attractions such as Kensington Palace, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A are a leisurely 20 minute walk through the park. Equally Notting Hill with its eclectic mix of markets, restaurants, music venues and the famous Portobello Road market are just a short walk or bus ride away. There is plenty to see on foot or by bike and great transport connections, including the new Elizabeth Line at London Paddington Station, to explore further afield!
Kensington Gardens Hostel London
Accommodation London
Hostel London
Hostel Kensington
Accommodation Kensington
What makes you a great group accommodation choice for a school trip


Why book with us? Our Location and facilities!
Free Wifi | 24 Hour Reception | Lifts | Social Spaces | Great Transport Links | Luggage Room
- Great location with huge number of attractions within walking distance
- Safe and clean with 24 hour reception and security
- 250m to Kensington Gardens / Hyde Park
- 20m to Tfl Cycle Hire Station
- 500m to Paddington Station, Bakerloo, District & Circle Lines
- 400m to Central Line tube station
- 2 tube stops to Notting Hill
- 3 tube stops to Oxford Street
On site activities


We have 2 large Common room spaces, one on each floor, for groups to use during the day, and buffet style continental breakfast is also served in these rooms. Each Common room has lots of seating and a kitchen with a microwave. They also contain large fridges to store any food items you bring-in.
To note, since ‘Natasha’s Law’ was introduced we are no longer able to provide packed lunches.
Group sizes


Up to 50 people inc. supervisors. We have a total of 20 rooms in an elegant Victorian building, comprising:
X1 Single
X9 Twin
X6 Triplet
X4 Quadruple
Room types, sizes


Kensington Gardens Hostel has 20 rooms in an elegant Victorian building moments from Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and Paddington Station. The Hostel has been completely renovated so has all the convenience of a modern building but retains its period charm with many decorative features still intact.
We particularly like one of our 3 bedrooms that retains the windows from a former chapel that used to be on the site before the hostel was built. All hostel rooms have a sink, free Wifi and access to a shared bathroom. Linen, towels and bedding are all included in the price.
Risk assessment


What we don’t do
- Supervise groups
- Coordinate Safeguarding
- Risk Assessments
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions


No restrictions
Booking info


If you are planning a group trip to London then contact us directly via phone or email for great discounts!
Tel: +44 (0)20 7723 9276 / info@kensingtongardenshostel.co.uk
Pricing


To note, all group bookings price includes a continental style breakfast served buffet style in the Common Rooms. Linen, towels and bedding are all included in the price.
If you are planning a group trip to London then contact us directly via phone or email for great discounts!
Tel: +44 (0)20 7723 9276 / info@kensingtongardenshostel.co.uk
https://www.
Please send your application or any other enquiries to:
info@roomforopportunity.org.uk
NEW charity funding initiative | Room for Opportunity.
Since its launch in 2021, the Room for Opportunity initiative is proud to offer free accommodation to groups visiting London, who might otherwise face financial barriers to organising such trips. We are run by the German YMCA in London.
The German YMCA in London has a long history of supporting organisations and charities helping young people through projects funded by profits from the (German YMCA owned) Lancaster Hall Hotel. In addition, it operates the Kensington Gardens Hostel (based in central London, W2) which has provided budget accommodation for youth groups and schools for nearly 50 years.
To date, we have supported schools, youth groups such as the Sea Cadets, Girl Guides, and partnered with other charitable organisations from across the UK and Europe such as The Talent Tap, Children With Cancer and Good Work This initiative enables young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to benefit from educational and life-enriching experiences in London.
Our Kensington Gardens Youth hostel can host groups of up to 50 individuals (including supervisors) for a maximum stay of 5 days. Rooms accommodate between 2 and 4 people and are suitable for those aged 6 years and above with free accommodation and breakfast.
We welcome applications from:
- Schools and youth groups, particularly those supporting disadvantaged pupils (e.g., those eligible for free school meals).
- Charities organising educational trips or respite holidays for young people, carers, or their families.
If your organisation would like to apply for this opportunity, please complete the form below with as much detail as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and availability is subject to demand.
Application Form
- Name & mission of your school or charity or group organisation:
- Age range of children/young people & short overview of demographics supported:
- Purpose of the trip (e.g., education, holiday, event):
- Intended outcome (e.g., learning objectives, team-building goals, respite benefits):
- Preferred dates (please provide a range if possible):
- Number of people in the group:
- Total number:
- Number of adult supervisors:
- Age range of young people attending
- Number of rooms required:
- Any special requirements:
- Accessibility needs:
- Dietary requirements:
Additional information (optional):
Available facilities


Free Wifi | 24 Hour Reception | Lifts | Social Spaces | Great Transport Links | Luggage Room
Soft drinks and snacks available from the sister business of the Lancaster Hall Hotel reception. There are multiple shops including a pharmacy in the immediate area.
Catering options


- For Groups breakfast is included in the price and served in the hostel Common Rooms.
- We can provide costings for evening meals for groups when arranged in advance.
- The common rooms also contain large fridges to store any food items you bring-in.
- To note, since ‘Natasha’s Law’ was introduced we are no longer able to provide packed lunches.
Accessibility & disabled facilities


Kensington Gardens Hostel Access Statement
Hostel accommodation is split over 2 floors which can be accessed by either lifts or stairs. The first floor is entirely step-free, the second floor corridor is split by 3 steps in two places. Should you have any particular requirements or needs, it would be helpful if you let us know at the time of making a reservation, so that we may endeavour to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
We have a fully accessible en suite twin bedroom which may be booked in advance, subject to availability. There is one step to the entrance of the hostel, but there is a step-free alternative entrance via the Lancaster Hall Hotel. There are no steps to the Common/breakfast room. There is an accessible toilet situated on the ground floor.
- Each room has a wash-basin, fan and racks for hanging clothes
- There are 6 communal toilets, along with 6 communal showers and 1 bath
- 1 room has a full wheelchair accessible bathroom
Opening times


All year round
Testimonials


“Thank you for giving our brave children this wonderful experience and the friendships they made will last them a lifetime. Please thank the staff for their kindness towards the children, the staff were wonderful and very helpful” Adoption & Fostering Group Angus
For further testimonials https://www.kensingtongardenshostel.co.uk/
Location info


The Hostel is located on Craven Terrace, London W2. The nearest tube stations are 5 minutes walk – Lancaster Gate (Central Line) and Paddington (Bakerloo, District, Circle and Elizabeth Lines). Nearby bus stops are 94, 148, 7, 23, 27, 36, 205 and 274.
The Royal Albert Hall, The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum are all within walking distance across the park. All major theatres and museums are readily accessible via public transport.
- 250m to Kensington Gardens / Hyde Park
- 20m to Tfl Cycle Hire Station
- 500m to Paddington Station, Elizabeth, Bakerloo, District & Circle Lines
- 400m to Central Line tube station
- 2 tube stops to Notting Hill
- 1 tube stop to Oxford Street
Further info


Kensington Gardens Hostel Frequently Asked Questions.
What size groups can you accommodate? The capacity of the Hostel is 50 beds.
Can coaches safely load and unload groups? Groups commonly arrive by coach and Craven Terrace is a fairly quiet road in which groups and luggage can be loaded and unloaded.
What time is check-in and check-out? Normal check in times are from 3:30pm and check-out is at 10:30am. We commonly have groups arriving and leaving very late or very early and can accommodate this with advanced notice.
What meals can you provide? For Groups breakfast is included in the price and served in the youth hostel Common Rooms.
In addition we can provide costings for evening meals for groups when arranged in advance.
What facilities do you have? We have a reception that is open 24 hours a day along with lifts, a specially adapted room for disabled guests and large conference rooms in the Lancaster Hall Hotel which can be booked on a case by case basis for evening events. Each floor has a dedicated Common room with lots of seating and a kitchen with a fridge and a microwave.
How easy is it to get around London from the Hostel? The Kensington Gardens Hostel is within a short walk to Paddington station which is served by mainline trains and 5 tube lines. In addition Lancaster Gate on the Central line serves West London and the City. There are several bus routes that pass on the nearby Bayswater road and from Eastbourne Terrace by Paddington Station. The galleries and museums of South Kensington include the V&A the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum are a 20 minute walk through Kensington Gardens.
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