Are you craving a new adventure, or maybe you’re wanting to explore the great outdoors and take on a new challenge? With our perfectly located hostels, YHA is at the heart of adventure. Whether it’s surfing, coasteering or wild horse trekking, there’s something for every thrill-seeker. Prefer a more laid-back experience? Discover the Jurassic Coast or marvel at the stars in Ennerdale.
Take a look at our range of brilliant hostels in amazing locations and book your adventure today!
We’ve lined up 20 incredible activities to check off your adventure bucket list in the UK. The best part? Each one is near a YHA hostel, so you can rest up before your next big day …
1. Coasteering on the Pembrokeshire coast
Ready to take the plunge? In the UK’s smallest city, YHA St Davids puts you at the heart of Wales’ rugged and beautiful coastline, perfect for a non-stop activity break. Scramble across jagged rocks, leap into the wild waves, and navigate sea caves in the ultimate adrenaline-fueled coastal challenge.
2. Explore the Jurassic Coast
A World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast is a hugely diverse and gorgeous landscape with dramatic cliffs, hidden caves and fossil-strewn beaches. Step into this prehistoric world, whether you want to just soak up the awe-inspiring coastal views or hunt for ancient relics. YHA Lulworth Cove is available on an Exclusive Hire basis, perfect for family retreats and group adventures.
3. Walk Hadrian’s Wall
Only a few hundred metres from the epic Hadrian’s Wall, YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall is your gateway to one of Britain’s most legendary landmarks. Impressive enough to inspire Game of Thrones, this frontier of the Roman Empire is a must-see. Step into the shoes of Roman soldiers and march in their footsteps along the ancient border.
4. Wild swimming in the Lake District
Surrounded by towering fells and stunning vistas, YHA Buttermere is the perfect place to warm up after your adventure. Dip into the crystal-clear waters of the Lakes for an invigorating wild swimming experience. Not only does open water swimming increase your metabolism and improve moods, but it also helps effective brain function and a strong immune system. It’s a win-win!
5. Stand-up paddleboarding in the Lake District
The beautiful Coniston Water sits in the shadows of the mountain ‘Old Man of Coniston’, where you can find your balance and glide across one of the most spectacular bodies of water to paddle on. With stunning mountain views and crystal-clear reflections, YHA Coniston Holly How is a traditional Lakeland house.
6. Explore Cheddar Gorge
An international centre for caving and rock climbing, you can wander through ancient caves, scale dramatic limestone cliffs and soak in the breathtaking views of England’s largest gorge. Stay at YHA Cheddar for an adventure packed with history and heart-pounding scenery, whilst visiting the Site of Special Scientific Interest.
7. Hot air ballooning in Bristol
Every year Bristol hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, which is free to attend and a three-day event that celebrates the city and its heritage links to the fascinating world of hot air ballooning. Get in touch with one of the operators to float above the vibrant city and rolling hills between 8th and 10th August. After touching back down, YHA Bristol offers a comfy stay in the harbourside setting.
8. National Three Peaks Challenge
For the ultimate test of endurance, conquer the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland – Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis. YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass and YHA Borrowdale will keep you well-rested and ready for the next peak. And if you’re talking Ben Nevis, our friends at Hostelling Scotland have you covered with a stay at Glen Nevis. Remember, if you’re a YHA member, you’re automatically a HI member and can get 10% off!
9. Visit Stonehenge
Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at this unmissable monument, which is a powerful testament to human ingenuity and creativity. Just a short hop away is YHA Cholderton Stonehenge which offers a charming countryside retreat.
10. Cycle the Camel Trail
Pedal through picturesque Cornish countryside along this traffic-free, scenic cycle route between Padstow and Bodmin and marvel at the area’s natural wonders. After a day of adventure, unwind at YHA Treyarnon Bay, only four miles from Padstow and perched only 50 metres from the sea.
11. Zip Line in Wales
Soar through the skies in this unparalleled adventure and fly at speeds of 100mph on the world’s fastest zip line at Zip World! You’ll be going head-first down the quarry with nothing but a bright blue lake beneath you. YHA Conwy is the perfect place to wind down in for thrill-seekers looking to experience North Wales like never before.
12. Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean
Step into an enchanted world and real-life fairy tale in the moss-covered forest of Puzzlewood. A popular film location (seen in Merlin and Star Wars) this family-friendly adventure is as unique as they get. Stay at the medieval 800-year-old YHA St Briavels Castle, which is full of charm and character, to add to the mystery.
13. O2 Arena Climb
See London from a whole new angle as you scale the iconic O2 Arena and step onto their world-famous roof. Choose from daylight, sunset and twilight climbs to see the capital’s skyline in different lights. After your sky-high adventure, YHA London Thameside puts you only a stone’s throw away from the city’s action.
14. Wild horse trekking in the New Forest
Saddle up and explore the enchanting New Forest on horseback, one of the finest ways to experience the natural beauty of the National Park. Horse riding lessons are available for residents and visitors alike, it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new. With wild ponies roaming freely and endless trails to discover, YHA New Forest is the ideal countryside hideaway.
15. Underground caving
Described as the finest cavern that can be seen by the public in Western Europe, venture into the depths of the Peak District in the Blue John Cavern. Explore eerie underground caves filled with stunning rock formations. YHA Castleton Losehill Hall is set in a charming village and provides a blissful retreat after a subterranean adventure.
16. Stargazing in the Lake District
Managed to increase wildlife and limit human intervention, Ennerdale has some of the darkest skies in Cumbria and a real natural wilderness feel. Escape the city lights and witness the wonders of the universe in secluded valleys and remote fell tops. YHA Ennerdale offers a remote and peaceful base for an unforgettable night under the stars.
17. Kayaking in the docks
Experience the docks like you’ve never seen them before with a kayak or canoe session. Paddle your way through Liverpool’s historic waterfront, past iconic landmarks and vibrant dockside scenery. Only a five-minute walk away, YHA Liverpool Albert Dock is the perfect spot to rest and recharge after an exciting day on the water.
18. Punting in Cambridge
Glide along the River Cam in a traditional punt, hot chocolate in hand, soaking in the stunning architecture and charming atmosphere of this historic university city. Admire the world-renowned colleges and learn all about Cambridge’s nine famous bridges, all from the water. For a culture-filled getaway, be sure to visit YHA Cambridge.
19. Discover hidden waterfalls
Hike through lush valleys and discover the breathtaking hidden waterfalls of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Combine three waterfall trails (The Elidir, Four Falls and Sychrhyd Gorge walk) to create a nine-mile loop, where you pass nine stunning waterfalls. And don’t worry it’s suitable all year round, no matter the weather. Stay at YHA Brecon Beacons and wake up surrounded by gorgeous Welsh landscapes.
20. Discover the Minack Theatre
Experience drama like never before at the spectacular Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre carved into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Watch a play as the sun sets over the waves or explore the stunning gardens and history of this iconic Cornish landmark. After a magical day or evening, retreat to YHA Penzance for a peaceful coastal escape.
Which one will you tick off first? Book now!
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Photo credit: Nick / matt / acceleratorhams / Gary Perkin / Paul / Adobe Stock
