Small pilgrim hostel in its own building

Walkers and pilgrims, plus cyclists, small walking groups and other budget travellers passing through.

Nightly charge per bed, with higher rates for private rooms. Breakfast, evening meals, packed lunches and group bookings bring in extra. Income is seasonal, so plan for quieter winter months.

• Running a small team or rota
• Booking, budgeting and admin
• Hospitality and customer care

• The startup cost estimate assumes a leased building and covers deposit, fit-out, fire safety work, beds, kitchen equipment and working capital. Buying a property would cost far more
• Building works and fire safety upgrades can push costs well above your first quote, so get surveys and quotes before signing a lease
• Planning permission or change of use is likely to be needed, check with your council early
• Fire safety, building regulations and possibly licensing for shared sleeping accommodation, rules vary across the UK
• Public liability insurance, buildings and contents cover, and employer's liability insurance if you hire
• Register as a food business with your council if you serve food, and check alcohol licensing if you sell drinks
• Business rates and fixed costs continue through the quiet winter season
• Check any lease carefully, including repair duties and use restrictions

Startup costs are typically around £50,000 to £250,000, assuming a leased building. That covers deposit, fit-out, fire safety work, beds, kitchen equipment and working capital. Buying a property would cost far more, and works can exceed first quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your location, number of beds and the season. Business rates and fixed costs continue through the quiet winter months, so plan for that.

Check planning permission or change of use early with your council. Also check fire safety, building regulations and any licensing for shared sleeping accommodation, as rules vary across the UK, plus food registration and alcohol licensing if relevant.