Description
Clink261 Budget Hostel in London
Looking for an affordable hostel in London?
Clink261 can be found within a former Student Union building in central London. Renowned for its relaxed and welcoming vibe, the hostel first opened its doors over fifteen years ago. Time sure does fly! It feels just like yesterday that we said hello to our first guests. Our smallest hostel has come a long way since then, but it’s still got that laid-back atmosphere that backpackers and travellers love.
Staying at Clink261 feels a bit like coming home – with friendly staff, comfortable sofas and regular movie nights, it’s a welcoming place to return to after a day of city exploration. The old Student Union building brought to life with cool Britannia interior design, is just a five-minute walk from King’s Cross Underground. A location that’s hard to beat!
From physical distancing measures to cleaning with increased frequency, we’re doing what we can to make sure Clink261 is clean, safe and fun for all our guests. We’ve levelled up our safety measures, if you fancy a bit of light bedtime reading check them out here.
Rooms
Private Rooms
Get a little slice of peace and quiet in your own private room
- Available in twin/4-bed/10-bed and girls only options
- You’ll have access to a shared bathroom and shower facilities are located nearby on every floor so bring your flip flops!
- Each room has a wash basin and the bunks come with bedding, a reading light, power outlet, USB port and a locker for small luggage
- Perfect for couples, friends or solo travellers who like the vibe of a hostel but prefer their own privacy at night
4-6 bed dorms
Small shared dorms
- For city explorers on a budget who miss sleepovers, this mixed dorm is for you!
- Each bunk comes with bedding, a reading light, power outlet, USB port and a locker for small luggage
- You’ll have access to a shared bathroom and shower facilities are located nearby on every floor so bring your flip flops!
- Bed linen is provided and towels can be hired at Reception for a small fee
8-10 bed dorms
Medium shared dorms
- The ideal mixed dorm for budget-conscious city explorers
- Each bunk comes with bedding, a reading light, power outlet, USB port and a locker for small luggage
- You’ll have access to a shared bathroom and shower facilities are located nearby on every floor so bring your flip flops!
- Bed linen is provided and towels can be hired at Reception for a small fee
18 bed dorms
Large shared dorms
- For the backpacker on a super tight budget that wants a larger mixed dorm
- Each bunk comes with bedding, a reading light, power outlet, USB port and a locker for small luggage
- You’ll have access to a shared bathroom and shower facilities are located nearby on every floor so bring your flip flops!
- Bed linen is provided and towels can be hired at Reception for a small fee
Book with Confidence
4 & 10 bed girls-only dorms
Small and medium girls-only shared dorms
- Sorry boys, girls only. Female-only dorms that sleep 10 guests
- Each bunk comes with bedding, a reading light, power outlet, USB port and a locker for small luggage
- You’ll have access to a shared bathroom and shower facilities are located nearby on every floor so bring your flip flops!
- Bed linen is provided and towels can be hired at Reception for a small fee
Central location
Getting here
- From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar)
- From Heathrow Airport
- From Gatwick Airport
- From Stansted Airport
- From Luton Airport
- From Southend Airport
- From London City Airport
- From Victoria Train and Coach stations
- Parking at the hostel
From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar)
The closest Tube/Underground/Subway Station to Clink261 is King’s Cross St. Pancras. It’s just 7 minutes’ walk away.
There’s lots of exits at the station – but don’t worry, you can use any one of them. When you leave the station, just make sure Euston Road is in front of you and King’s Cross and St. Pancras Stations are behind you.
Cross Euston Road and then take a slight left down Gray’s Inn Road (you’ll pass a Tandoori restaurant on your right – no curry stops yet, though; you’ve got a hostel to find!) Carry on along this road and after about 5 minutes you’ll see Clink261 on your right – look out for purple paint and a big red sign!
From Heathrow Airport
By train (cheapest option): Jump on the Piccadilly Line (Dark Blue) and head Northbound until you reach King’s Cross St Pancras. Get off here and follow the directions on the From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar) section to get to the hostel – The journey takes about 50 minutes altogether.
By Heathrow Express and Underground: Another option is to take the Heathrow Express Train to Paddington and then the Underground Eastbound to King’s Cross St. Pancras on the Circle / Hammersmith and City Underground line (Pink / Yellow). However, this way is a lot more expensive, not direct and not that much quicker either, so we’d recommend the option above instead.
From Gatwick Airport
By train (cheapest option): The Thameslink train takes you right to St. Pancras Station. From there, follow the directions on the From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar) section to get to the hostel – The journey takes about 50 minutes in total.
By Gatwick Express and Underground: Another option is to take Gatwick Express to Victoria and then the Underground Victoria Line (Light Blue) Northbound to King’s Cross St. Pancras. It is more expensive though, and you need to change stations, so it’s not the route we’d recommend.
From Stansted Airport
By Bus and Underground (cheapest option): You will need to book a bus through National Express for this option (online bookings only). The bus will take you from Stansted Airport to Stop S in Midland Road (Right between British Library and St. Pancras Station). From here head east toward Kings Cross, once there follow the directions on the From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar) section to get to the hostel – This journey takes about 2 hours and costs a minimum of £10 per person.
By Train (fastest option): The Stansted Express goes to Liverpool Street Station. From there, ride the Metropolitan Line (Dark Red), Circle Line (Yellow) or Hammersmith and City Line (Pink) Eastbound to King’s Cross St. Pancras Station and then follow the directions on the From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar) section to get to the hostel -. This route takes about 45 minutes in total.
From Luton Airport
By Bus and Underground (cheapest option): Get on a bus to Baker Street Underground station. Both National Express and Green Line coaches run services from Luton. From here, jump on the Metropolitan Line (Dark Red), Circle Line (Yellow) or Hammersmith and City Line (Pink) Eastbound to King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station. From there, follow the directions on the From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar) section to get to the hostel – This takes about 75 minutes in total.
By Train (fastest option): Jump on the shuttle bus to Luton Airport Train Station. From here, take the Thameslink train which goes to St. Pancras station (It’s best to buy your ticket at the airport as this includes the shuttle bus) From here, follow the directions on the From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar) section to get to the hostel – This route takes about 40 minutes altogether.
From Southend Airport
By Train and Underground: Catch the train from the airport to Liverpool Street Station. From here, transfer to the Underground and get on either the Circle Line (Yellow), Metropolitan Line (Maroon/Dark Red) or Hammersmith and City (Pink) line to King’s Cross Station. follow the directions on the From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar) section to get to the hostel.
From London City Airport
By Train and Underground: From London City Tube Station, get on the DLR Line (Docklands Light Railway) to Bank Station. Here, change to the Northern Line (Black) which will take you to King’s Cross Station. From here, follow the directions on the From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar) section to get to the hostel.
From Victoria Train and Coach stations
By Tube: Jump on the Underground Victoria Line (Light Blue) Northbound to King’s Cross St. Pancras and then follow the directions on the From King’s Cross & St. Pancras (Eurostar) section to get to the hostel – This takes 20 minutes.
Parking at the hostel
We don’t have any parking spaces directly at the hostels unfortunately. However, parking is available at the nearby NCP car park. The address is:
Judd Street NCP Car Park, Judd Street, St. Pancras, WC1H 9QR.
The car park is open from: 05:00-23:00. Height restriction is: 1.9m
Parking charges are as follows:
2 hours – £10.00
4 hours – £20.00
24 hours – £28.00
You can follow this link to pre-book.
Good to know
Check in 4pm|Check out 10am
Free WiFi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel. Just sign up with your Facebook or email!
Breakfast
Breakfast is available to purchase online from £4.50 per person per day. Click into the pre-arrival email you will receive 72hrs before your arrival to book.
Towel Hire
Towels are included in private rooms (double, cell and twin rooms) and are available to purchase online for £2.50 per towel for guests in dorms (the towel is yours to keep for your whole stay). Click into the pre-arrival email you will receive 72hrs before your arrival to book.
Luggage & Lockers
If you arrive before check-in, you’re welcome to store your bags for free in our shared luggage room. We’re happy to keep your bags on your day of departure too but, unfortunately, we can’t store bags for longer periods of time due to a high volume of people checking in and out.
Each bed has a small safety box which can fit valuables (mobile phone, wallet etc). Remember to bring a padlock or buy one from reception for £3.60. Small Lockers (which can fit small backpacks and laptops) are available next to Reception. These cost £1.50 for 4 hours, £2 for 12 hours or £2.50 for 24 hours. We also have larger lockers (95.5cm x 30cm) that are big enough for 1 suitcase. They cost £2 for 4 hours, £2.50 for 12 hours or £3 for 24 hours. Just bring / buy a padlock.
Guest Kitchen
Our guest kitchen has all the things you need to cook a tasty feast! Open from 1.00pm – 2.00am
Hair Dryers
If you need a hairdryer, we have a few at reception. just come down and grab one.
Free Walking Tour
See London’s amazing sights and meet new friends with our Sandeman’s walking tour! Meet at Covent Garden at 10am daily.
TravelSHOP
Buy your discounted tickets for London attractions + travel essentials at reception.
Laundry
Coin-operated washing machines are available at the hostel. 40-minute cycle + washing powder = £4.50. 45 minute drying cycle = £1.50.
Reception 24/7
Our Reception is open 24/7 so there’s always someone available if you need help! Arriving late? Our night team can check you in no problem 😊