Best Hostels with Board Games in London
5 top-rated hostels with board games & game room in London Handpicked for travelers who want the best.
Not every London evening needs to be a pub crawl. These 5 hostels stock board games and puzzles in their common areas, giving you a low-key social option that doesn't require a budget or a hangover. Rain, jetlag, or just wanting a quiet night in: board games solve all three.
London has 150 rainy days per year. Your hostel common area isn't a backup plan, it's a legitimate social venue. Board games, cards, and puzzles turn a grey afternoon into the highlight of the trip for many travelers.
🎲Why London is Perfect for Board Games & Game Room
London's weather is famously unreliable. When it's raining (which is often), a common area with board games becomes the social center of the hostel. Card games, puzzles, and classic board games create natural conversation without the pressure of a structured event.
For solo travelers, sitting down at a board game in progress is the lowest-pressure way to join a group. No icebreakers, no forced conversation, just 'can I play next round?' Board games work across language barriers too.
Onefam Waterloo, Barmy Badger, YHA Central, Astor Museum, and Clink261 all stock games in their common areas. Some hostels combine game nights with other events. It's a complement to the social calendar, not a replacement for it.
Traveler's take
“It rained my entire first day in London. I'd planned to walk the South Bank but ended up playing Catan in the Onefam Waterloo common area with four other stranded travelers. We played for three hours, then ordered takeaway together. Sometimes the best travel days are the ones that go wrong.”
Our Top 5 Picks
Hostels in London with board games & game room, sorted by guest rating.
Onefam Waterloo
Lambeth, Waterloo
Excellent
1,506 reviews
Social hostel for ages 18-36 in Lambeth near the South Bank, with daily walking tours, bar crawls, evening entertainment, a coffee shop, and a snack bar. Strong community vibe with an age-restricted crowd.
From
£25//night
Why travelers love Onefam Waterloo
“Totally recommend. The staff was amazing. Superb place to stay for a couple nights. Daily tours, friendly staff, and great vibes. Location near the South Bank is perfect for sightseeing.”
Barmy Badger Backpackers
Earls Court, Kensington and Chelsea
Excellent
1,548 reviews
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.
From
£20//night
Why travelers love Barmy Badger Backpackers
“Very clean and quiet. Staff friendly and helpful. Bunks comfortable. Bathroom great, clean with good shower. Female-only dorm available. Free breakfast and easy check-in.”
YHA London Central
Fitzrovia, Westminster
Very Good
4,293 reviews
YHA's flagship London property on Bolsover Street in Fitzrovia with bar, restaurant, shared kitchen, and elevator. Purpose-built hostel with male/female dorms and family rooms, five minutes from Great Portland Street Tube.
From
£28//night
Why travelers love YHA London Central
“Location was amazing, safe neighbourhood with great cafes and restaurants close by, as well as Regent's Park. Perfect location, nice and quiet but also central. Great price for clean rooms with comfy beds.”
Astor Museum Hostel
Bloomsbury, Camden
Very Good
2,493 reviews
Social hostel directly opposite the British Museum with daily bar crawls, walking tours, themed dinners, and a sun terrace. Adults only (18+) with shared kitchen, laundry, and bike rental.
From
£24//night
Why travelers love Astor Museum Hostel
“Staff were extremely friendly. Everywhere was very clean and the facilities felt modern despite the building being old. Bed was comfortable. Fantastic location right by the British Museum.”
Clink261 Hostel
King's Cross, Camden
Good
5,990 reviews
Modern hostel two minutes from King's Cross Station with pod-style beds, lockers, shared kitchen, walking tours, board games, and 24-hour reception. Nearly 6,000 reviews make it one of London's most-reviewed hostels.
From
£20//night
Why travelers love Clink261 Hostel
“The pods are really comfortable and quieter than a regular dorm. Location is great, close to King's Cross and walkable to the West End. Comfortable beds, good lockers, helpful staff, well-equipped kitchen.”
💡Tips for Choosing a Hostel with Board Games & Game Room in London
- 1Rainy days are game days. Check the forecast and mentally prepare for an indoor afternoon.
- 2Onefam Waterloo and Clink261 have the biggest game selections. Cards, puzzles, and classic board games.
- 3Bring a deck of cards if you have a favourite game. International card games are instant icebreakers.
- 4YHA Central's lounge is large enough for multiple game groups. Good for bigger hostels where you want options.
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