Longer ago than I'd care to admit (12 years? ahem...), I backpacked through Europe and found quite a few castles that served as youth hostels - most notably, two in Scotland that are now closed down. I've found quite a few threads on luxury accommodations in castles, but does anyone know of any hostels or similarly cheap locations? We're particularly interested in Scotland, but will be taking the train from the Highlands to London, and for the right place we could potentially forego the sleeper train to stay overnight somewhere in the middle...

Castle Rock hostel in Edinburgh isn't in a castle but is eight under Edinburgh Castle in a great location.

But two castle-ish hostels are: http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/grinton-lodge in the Yorkshire Dales -- but nowhere near any train stations.

and http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/st-briavels in far western Gloucestershire/almost Wales

Don't know any castles as such, but there are some cracking hostels.

oops -- that should say >> . . . but is right under Edinburgh Castle . . .<<

And I agree w/ sheila there are some wonderful/wonderfully located hostels that have nothing to do w/ castles or posh buildings.

http://www.nts.org.uk/Holidays/Speci...le-Apartments/

Are fairly cheap out of season

there is the rental organisation which deals with properties that are out of the ordinary. The pineapple folly was one of their's, Janis might remember their name.

http://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/Search-and-book/

That's them, not sure if it helps.

One basic option is to simply decide which are you want to head for and then trawl tripadvisor and AirBnB.

I know this sounds inane but there are many owners of substantial properties who let out rooms on a BnB basis just to raise cash.

The problem w/ the Landmark Trust is they tend to be pretty expensive. Worth it IMO for the uniqueness/locations of the properties but hardly 'hostel budget'. They usually run higher then even the National Trust properties -- and often book up far in advance.

>>I know this sounds inane but there are many owners of substantial properties who let out rooms on a BnB basis just to raise cash.<<

Traquair House as an example -- absolutely <B>WONDERFUL !!!</B> fantabulous -- but it runs £110 single and £190 double occupancy.

http://www.traquair.co.uk