There are 39 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in Wales and England, all of which have their own distinct character. Here’s why these regions are an essential part of our landscape. Whoever chose the official website URL for the UK’s Areas of Outstanding...
We’ve pulled together nine great hostels ideally placed for winter getaways in the UK. From city breaks to coastal hideaways, and from active outdoor destinations to cosy lounges with roaring fires, you’ll find the perfect off-season getaway.YHA London Oxford...
There tend to be good reasons why honeypot walking locations are so popular: they might be the highest, or the easiest to get to, or the most obviously beautiful. But with popularity comes crowds. Every summer, we read stories of queues to get to the top of Yr...
The 91-year-old national youth charity YHA (England & Wales) has revealed its hopes ahead of Defra’s response to the Glover Review being published. James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA said: “We look forward to reading the detail of the government’s response....
England and Wales are both packed with memorable rail routes – lines that connect city, coast and countryside to often spectacular effect. Some are short rides that trundle through shapely landscapes, others are map-spanning journeys that cross multiple counties....
With properties scattered across England and Wales, we’re lucky to have a portfolio packed with variety. Whether in the mountains, along the coast or in the countryside, each of our hostels has its own unique appeal – something that applies not just in terms of...
One of YHA’s great selling points is the beautiful locations of its hostels. Some are remote, others in buzzing urban centres – but we like to think they’re all in reach. A huge number of our lodgings sit close to train stations or bus stops, meaning that getting...
The clue is in the name: Youth Hostels Association. The proof is in the mission statement: ‘to enrich the lives of all, especially young people, by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.’...
2021 is going to be the year of the Great (British) Escape. An escape from the stress of the past 12 months and, frankly, just a change from your home. We’ve picked out nine hostels in out-of-the-way locations for long walks under big skies, reading books in cosy...
This year marks our 90th anniversary as an organisation, but YHA’s story stretches back even further – and it’s seen more twists and turns than a switchback mountain trail. Here’s the full timeline of our evolution, from the first years of the 20th century to the...
Wide-open spaces and curious ruins. Hidey-holes, beach gates and secret passageways. Buildings loaded with myth and legend. YHA’s hostel network always feeds the imagination of children, and when you add in a wide range of activities, proximity to world-class...
Clear evenings are perfect for stargazing. Dr Sheila Kanani of the Royal Astronomical Society guides us through Britain’s night sky and teaches us how to stargaze. Astronomy can be hugely rewarding, whether you have a substantial telescope and accessories such as a...
