Barmy Badger Backpackers
Old-school Earls Court backpackers with a garden, BBQ, and genuinely cheap beds
Classic backpacker hostel in a historic Earls Court building with BBQ terrace, garden, sun deck, shared kitchen, and daily housekeeping. Cozy, personal, and genuinely budget-friendly.
Barmy Badger occupies a historic building on Longridge Road in Earls Court, London's traditional backpacker quarter. The building has character that purpose-built hostels can't replicate: high ceilings, creaky stairs, and a garden terrace that feels like someone's back yard rather than a commercial outdoor space.
The BBQ terrace and sun deck are the social centerpiece. During summer, the garden is where travelers actually hang out, cook together, and share stories. The shared kitchen is well-maintained with daily housekeeping (unusual for budget hostels), and the lounge has the worn-in feel of a place where people genuinely relax.
Earls Court Tube is a four-minute walk, giving you Piccadilly and District line access. The Natural History Museum, V&A, and Science Museum are all within 15 minutes on foot. Cromwell Road buses connect you to Knightsbridge and central London. The area has solid pubs and affordable restaurants, plus a Tesco Express for kitchen supplies.
At £20/night with free breakfast, Barmy Badger is one of London's genuine budget options. It's not flashy, not social-media-friendly, and the building shows its age. But it's clean (reviews consistently confirm this), the staff are helpful, and the garden makes it feel like a home base rather than a transit point.
- 01£20/night with free breakfast in central London. The math speaks for itself.
- 02BBQ terrace and garden. A genuine outdoor space, not a fire escape with chairs.
- 03Historic building with character. High ceilings, period features, a real London house.
- 04Female-only dorm available at budget prices. Consistently praised as clean and safe.
- 05Daily housekeeping. Clean common areas are not a given at this price.
- Historic Earls Court building
- BBQ terrace + garden
- Free breakfast
- From £20/night
“Host was very nice and courteous! One of the few hostels with a female-only dorm which was comfortable. Room had enough space for luggage.”
“Clean and quiet. Staff were friendly and helpful. Bunks comfortable. Bathroom was great, clean and a good shower pressure.”
“Restrooms were newly renovated and clean. Free breakfast and easy check-in/check-out. Great value.”
- Earls Court Tube Station4 min walk
- Natural History Museum15 min walk
- Victoria & Albert Museum15 min walk
- Science Museum15 min walk
- Tesco Express3 min walk
- Old Brompton Road Pubs5 min walk
