The Youth Hostel Association’s mission statement, displayed on a plaque outside YHA Cambridge begins as follows: ”This Youth Hostel is one of many, both in this country and abroad, where young people, regardless of race or creed, may spend the night.” The YHA aims “ to help all, especially young people of limited means to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities, particularly by providing [..] accommodation for them in their travels, and thus to promote their health, recreation and education.”

The travellers who book a bed here, in the second busiest hostel in England & Wales, come for a variety of reasons. A large number come as tourists or backpackers. Some make Cambridge YHA their home from home while searching for long-term accommodation when they first enter the country or are simply moving to Cambridge from other parts of the UK. The vulnerable ones amongst the guests come in search of friendships they find it difficult if not impossible to strike up in more traditional social settings.

Despite all their differences they share rooms, enduring each other’s night time habits and snores. Holiday friendships are forged easily. Diverse groups band together, providing friendship and even family replacements. Some will return home after their stay of up to two weeks, a few will make Cambridge theirs. Others yet will continue their travels, never staying for long in any one place.

While the faces of the guests are ever changing the warm and welcoming atmosphere and community spirit between them remains.

YHA Cambridge is due to be torn down next summer and rebuilt to suit the Youth Hostel Association's new image.

This project is work in progress. The images are currently somewhat over-contrasty on some screens. I am going to adjust the files asap (and do some more spotting on them as well).