YHA Malham
We believe in the power of travel and adventure. To connect people to each other, to nature and the outdoors, to culture and to heritage.
Hostelling makes travel and adventure accessible to everyone, everywhere. YHA operates a network of hostels throughout England and Wales — a community of shared spaces, open to all and for the benefit of everybody.
We provide inclusive adventures, in extraordinary buildings, in amazing places. We’re proud to rank first globally for guest satisfaction. Yet we are much more than accommodation.
We are a leading social enterprise and a 90-year-old movement. A charity on a mission to enrich the lives of all, but especially young people, and improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills through the experiences we create.
We bring the adventure, for the first time, for a lifetime. By staying with us, becoming a member, donating to or volunteering with YHA, not only will you feel the benefit, but you will help us continue to reach those who’d miss out without us.
About YHA Malham
YHA Malham opened in July 1938
The hostel was designed and built by John Dower who lived in nearby Kirkby Malham. It was the first purpose built hostel in Yorkshire, and was built on the site of the old Malham sheep fair.
The funding of £1000 to build the hostel came from the King George’s Jubilee Trust.
John Dower was an architect, rambler and conservationist. In 1940, after being invalided out of the army with TB, John Dower devoted three years to The Dower Report whilst living at The Rookery in Malhamdale.
This government report was not published until after the war, but it greatly influenced an Act passed in 1949 that established National Parks in this country. Unfortunately, John Dower did not live to see this great achievement; he passed away in 1947, just a year before the first TB antibiotic was available. The hostel was dedicated to his memory in 1948.
John Dower believed passionately that National Parks should be there for all to enjoy whatever their background. He was a greatly influential figure in the early Youth Hostel movement; ensuring young people from our often impoverished inner cities, had access to the beautiful countryside we all enjoy today.
His vision is still a huge aim of today’s YHA: to inspire all, especially young people, to broaden their horizons by gaining knowledge and independence.
Contact Details
Visit YHA Malham
Located in Malham Village, just a short distance from the famous Malham Cove, Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar. Get directions to this place
