Civic guests and the local community gathered in the Hurtwood yesterday to mark the 90th anniversary of YHA Holmbury St Mary Youth Hostel—the first purpose-built youth hostel in England—and to celebrate its exciting new chapter as the Hurtwood Hideout. The hostel has long been a symbol of affordable access to nature, and thanks to recent investment, it is set to continue that legacy for generations to come.
Phil Maddock, Head of Partnerships at the YHA said.
“The YHA is delighted to partner with organisations such as the Hurtwood Hideout as it enables the long-term future of some amazing buildings and to deliver experiences to those who need it most. It is estimated that this hostel has provided half a million people with an overnight stay in the heart of nature since it opened in 1935, and we look forward to seeing the hostel flourish for the next 90 years and beyond.”
The new owners of the Hurtwood Hideout, Matt Morris and Tim Metson shared.
“We are delighted to safeguard the heritage of such a fantastic facility that has touched the lives of so many. The Hurtwood Hideout will continue to welcome visitors from the UK and the far corners of the world for hopefully many generations to come. The investment that has been made has positioned the site as the perfect central Surrey Hills location for activity, health and wellbeing generally. Everyone is welcome at the hideout!”
Tim Hall, Chair of Surrey County Council said.
“I am delighted to visit this fantastic facility and see the investment that secures its future. Huge thanks to the Youth Hostel Association for safeguarding the site, and to Tim and Matt for taking it forward. Most of all, thanks to the community—including Shere Manor Estate and Friends of the Hurtwood—for ensuring access for all to this wonderful countryside in the Surrey Hills.”
Michael Coughlin, Chair of Surrey Hills Enterprises said.
“Working with sustainable, community-driven businesses is at the heart of delivering exceptional visitor experiences in the Surrey Hills. This investment provides a hub for local businesses to come together to create new opportunities for adventure and overnight stays in this glorious part of the Surrey Hills.”
This project has been supported by the Surrey Hills National Landscape Access Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, the site has undergone improvements to ensure better access and maintain its role as a gateway to the Surrey Hills landscape. This includes a bike hire hub, new kitchens, resurfaced paths, toilet block (including a disabled toilet), perimeter fencing, and firepits. Partnerships with local groups now enhance the hostel’s offering for cyclists, horse riders, and walkers, while off-road wheelchairs are available free of charge to open more of the countryside up for everyone.
