An initative by the German YMCA. In London since 1860
Opening doors to the disadvantaged
We've been welcoming youth and school groups to our Kensington Gardens Hostel in Central London for over 50 years and have seen first hand the benefits of visiting world class museums, art galleries, theatres, educational and cultural events. Our Room for Opportunity inititive seeks to enable youth groups and schools with limited financial means to enjoy our great city with free accommodation and breakfast
Our youth hostel in numbers:
Number of rooms
20
Number of beds
50
Free bed nights
available in 2024
3,000
Number of guests
in 2022
1,884
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.
During 2021 an initiative called Room for Opportunity was launched to provide free accommodation to groups visiting London who would otherwise struggle to fund a trip. So far, it has provided free accommodation to schools, the Sea Cadets, the Girl Guides and youth groups from across the UK and Europe.
With its world class theatres, museums and attractions, London presents a wealth of educational and cultural opportunities. The aim of this programme is to open these opportunities up to a wider audience in the hope that it might spark new ideas and inspire a passion to discover new skills and friendships. Along with providing accommodation, our friendly team can also assist in pulling together an itinerary and direct you to organisations that give youth discounts to groups.
The hostel can accommodate groups of up to 50 people (including supervisors) with rooms varying from 2 to 4 people from age 6 upwards and for a maximum period of 5 days.