Come stay with us in the school holidays and do great stuff for free. From enchanting family walks spotting wildlife to discovering local history in a bustling city to pootling on pebble beaches by the sea, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top picks of places to visit in the half-term holidays in the UK… enjoy!
Bath
When you book a getaway at YHA Bath, take in the magnificent examples of Georgian architecture at The Royal Crescent. The Grade I-listed houses built from honey-hued Bath stone and lined with classical columns is iconic and a perfect picture taking spot. Go picknicking and duck feeding at Royal Victoria Park, which was originally an arboretum. Among the 57 acres of parkland there’s still a beautiful botanic garden and secluded woodland forest glade. Have a cycling adventure along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, keep a look out for wildlife along the way. For the best view of Bath take a walk up the wooded hillside to Alexandra Park where you can get a panoramic look at the city’s skyline.
Stay at YHA Bath
Bristol
Whilst spending an overnight at YHA Bristol enjoy one of the world-class museums and galleries in Bristol that are free to enter. You can visit M shed, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Spike Island, Underfall Yard and The Matthew or if photography is more your thing, then The Royal Photographic Society and Martin Parr Foundation all have free entry. There’s a free self-guided walking tour of the infamous Banksy street art that you can download from Visit Bristol or for history buffs, visit some of Bristol’s historic houses such as The Red Lodge, Georgian House Museum and Charles Wesley’s House which are all free of charge. Enjoy the green spaces such as Brandon Hill, where you can spot squirrels, explore the nature reserve or get panoramic views of the city from Cabot Tower. Or head to the beautiful Georgian Queen Square that has leafy tree-lined avenues and plenty of space to enjoy a game of frisbee. Don’t forget to head to Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol’s most famous attraction, to walk across and get that all important selfie!
Stay at YHA Bristol
Stratford-upon-Avon
With an escape to YHA Stratford-upon-Avon, you can explore the town made famous by William Shakespeare. The bard is around every corner, you can walk around the town, see his statute, the house he was born in and admire the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and the River Avon, wander along the Bancroft Basin of the Stratford-upon-Avon canal which lies in the heart of the historic town and is busy with colourful boats. Or why not try the River Avon walk which starts at the front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The walk takes in a visit to the Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway are buried. Shakespeare’s Tomb is inside the church so make sure you visit at a time when the church is open.
Stay at YHA Stratford-upon-Avon
Brighton
Sunset strolls along Brighton Palace Pier are a must when you stay at YHA Brighton. The Victorian pier is one of the most famous landmarks of the South Coast. On the seafront with its pebble beach, hang out in one of the free deckchairs and go for a paddle if you dare! Walk the promenade before heading to Brighton Marina, a working harbour where you can admire boats of all shapes and sizes. There are free ping pong tables and giant chess boards to play on whilst there. The picturesque Regency gardens of the Royal Pavilion feature a dazzling array of shrubs, flowers and trees. For arty types, join the public art trail which starts at Brighton train station.
Stay at YHA Brighton
Hartington
For those into the rural lifestyle, pack your walking boots and head to YHA Hartington Hall. The Peak District is a perfect place to head with family as there are so many walks, footpaths and trails across the National Park — the rolling hills are great for little legs. You can walk from the doorstep of the hostel into the village of Hartington with its quaint tearoom, pubs, local cheese shop and duck pond and you’ll find a beautiful walk along the river Dove that starts and ends in the village. Other favourite walks include impressive Dovedale, ethereal Lathkill Dale and the chocolate box town of Bakewell. It’s a great place to get on your bike as there are old railway tracks that have been transformed into traffic free routes for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users. The Tissington Trail is a super place to start.
Stay at YHA Hartington Hall
Cornwall
Heading down to Cornwall, when you stay at YHA Treyarnon Bay, not only are you already on the coastal path right outside the hostel with views of the bay but you are close by to so much more. Walk the Camel Trail which is a level pathway starting at Padstow that skirts the Camel river along the estuary. Go to the beach, build sandcastles, play beach cricket, fly a kite or paddle. Around the corner at Constantine Bay is a perfect place to go rock pooling when the tide is out. Wander around the shops at Padstow harbour and fill up on a Cornish pasty whilst trying your hand at a spot of crabbing. Further afield there’s Cardinham Woods near Bodmin which has a Zog activity trail for little ones, cycling and walking routes for the oldies.
Stay at YHA Treyarnon Bay
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Photo credit: hardyuno / Marius Igas / Will / Gary / dannywilde / valdisskudre / Matthew / Adobe Stock
