Holmbury St Mary Youth Hostel is in the Hurtwood a beautiful area of heath and woodland in the Surrey Hills. Opened by Lord Allen of Hurtwood in July 1935 it was the first purpose-built Youth Hostel in England. Over the past 70 years thousands of people have discovered this wonderful countryside while staying at the hostel. It is hoped to redevelop the facilities to increase the capacity and provide an environmental education centre.