The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are officially over, and the British team have brought home an assortment of medals. Have you been inspired to improve your fitness or maybe pick up a sport you loved as a child? You might have been on the sofa saying, ‘I can do that!’ If you’re itching to try out a range of different sports, YHA have got you covered. There really is something for everyone.
To elevate your experience, pair your sporting adventures with a stay in one of our hostels. Our accommodation provides you with a comfortable, relaxing base to unwind in after a tiring day. Grab an old pair of trainers, the bike you’ve neglected at the back of the shed or the goggles you hung up after swimming lessons.
Get a taste of these five Olympics sports at the following YHA hostels.
Archery
YHA Edale Activity Centre sits on the edge of Kinder Scout and offers a variety of on-site activities for group bookings. This is the perfect place for large families, groups of friends or even colleagues to take part in outdoor adventures. Take in the beautiful countryside of the Peak District National Park, whilst trying your hand at archery. You will learn and improve many new skills, including concentration, precision and patience.
YHA Okehampton is right next door to Dartmoor National Park and is the perfect location for family friendly activities, including archery, which are scheduled throughout the school holidays. You can choose from adventure breaks, which include full-board accommodation, or half-day activities. Either way you can have a go at learning archery, and our qualified instructors will ensure everyone has an amazing experience and makes long-lasting memories.
Channel your inner Robin Hood and stay at YHA Edale Activity Centre or YHA Okehampton
Swimming
A stay with YHA could help you try a new method of swimming, as there’s more to the sport than indoor leisure centres and lidos. There are outdoor swimming pools all over England and Wales, and here are a few of our favourites. We recommend visiting Cleveland Pools and tying in a stay at our magnificent YHA Bath. The UK’s oldest public outdoor swimming pool, this activity offers Brits the opportunity to feel like they’re abroad. Also, YHA Penzance is the perfect base for all things water sport related. Whether you want to visit the UK’s Most Celebrated Saltwater Lido or swim in the gorgeous Cornish Sea, there is something for everyone.
If you fancy going hard-core and pushing yourself, try out Hengrove Park Leisure Centre’s 50m Olympic sized swimming pool. Then after a hard day’s work, stay at YHA Bristol on the harbourside and make use of the relaxing accommodation. You can spend an enjoyable weekend in the quirky city of Bristol and explore the local eateries.
Become the next Adam Peaty or Rebecca Adlington and book your stay at YHA Bath, YHA Penzance or YHA Bristol
Canoeing
Canoeing is the perfect sport to pick up in the summer and it’s never too late to try. YHA Wye Valley even has its own canoe landing station making it great for activity breaks.  You can organise friendly competitions amongst yourselves or simply enjoy the peacefulness of being set on the banks of the River Wye. Following a fun and tiring day, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside, whilst making use of the hostel’s fantastic facilities. Â
Take a trip to our unique YHA London Lee Valley hostel, which is made up of six wooden-lodge style buildings. With both Lee Valley White Water Centre and Herts Young Mariners Base nearby specialising in water-based activities, it’s the perfect place to try your hand at canoeing. There’s even the opportunity to take canoeing courses, whilst exploring the charming Lee Valley Regional Park.  You’re one step closer to becoming an Olympian!
Book your stay at YHA Wye Valley or YHA London Lee Valley
Cycling
Cycling is the ultimate activity for the whole family. Grab a picnic and you can spend the whole day exploring new areas of England and Wales. YHA’s unique properties are ideal for cycling holidays, due to their superior locations in the countryside. There are 18 hostels in the Lake District and 10 in the Peak District for you to choose from. Both areas offer routes for all experience levels, and you can decide between quiet country lanes, bridleways and designated cycle paths. Take in the outstanding views whilst riding through one of England’s breathtaking national parks.
Are you wanting to become the next Laura or Jason Kenny? Book your break in the Lake District or Peak District
Running and walking
There’s nothing better than exploring our beautiful surroundings in the fresh air and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the beautiful surroundings of our hostels in England and Wales. Choose from an early-morning run, a leisurely walk with your family, or an organised competition.
If you’re the more committed runner, go for something more intense like the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Try to take on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in less than 12 hours. If you’re up for the challenge, we recommend staying at YHA Ingleton for a well-earned rest. You’ll be surrounded by excellent walking routes and countryside views.
For the more relaxed walkers, we would suggest the world-famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Wales. Grab your trainers and explore the 186 miles of beaches and clifftops this path has to offer, with routes to suit all abilities. We have four YHA hostels close to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park where you can appreciate the incredible scenery from great accommodation.
Make running your new hobby at YHA Ingleton or at a hostel along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
YHA Exclusive Hire for groups
YHA Exclusive Hire also offers the opportunity for large groups to enjoy the sole use of the property. There are over 100 incredible locations where you can get together with family, friends or colleagues and make the occasion extra special.
Discover more about YHA.
Photo credit: Simon / Studio Romantic / / david hughes / Adobe Stock
