Orchard House 1947 - 2022 75 years a Youth Hostel

Ninebanks Youth Hostel (Orchard House) House has been welcoming guests since 1947.

That’s 75 years of stories, encounters, friendships and memories made in this special place.

We need your help to celebrate!

We want to build a Ninebanks Story Bank of memories, photos and stories with contributions from hostellers, guests, staff and volunteers through the years, all the people who have made Ninebanks the special place it is.

We know that at least one couple got engaged here, others met lifelong friends and partners, learned new skills, painted the view (or the walls), what did you do?

Let us know, What did you do here? Who did you come with or meet? What does the memory make you feel?

Send anything, long or short, to us at contact@ninebanks.com

If you’re interested in the history of Ninebanks, and other hostels, here’s the link to the excellent YHA hostels archive produced by John Martin YHA archivist: duncanmsimpsonwriting

The last meeting of the Northern Advisory Board was held at Ninebanks youth hostel. Mrs Alloway [the ex Fenwick and Alnham warden] prepared the meals, ‘Mac’ [the future Once Brewed warden] gathered the mushrooms, and those less gifted peeled the spuds. The sun fell on the old stone walls and the over-ripe pears, and the wasps buzzed in and out of the window.
Tyneside Hosteller, November 1949