For me, birthdays are all about the parties. Embrace every year, gather your pals, have some food, a laugh, and maybe even a little dance. Remember the last year or the last decade, remember that silly teen crush, that first sunrise together, those dreadful shoes or that awful haircut. That’s what birthdays are for, and that’s what we’ve been doing for years. Amongst many others, my 25th, Chris’s 30th, my 40th, Barry’s 75th and most recently, Maeve’s 50th.
Why am I telling you this? Because YHA Exclusive Hire just so happens to be great for celebrations. Take Maeve’s 50th in January at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall. A beautiful Peak District hostel nestled in extensive grounds. Maeve had a plan. Hire the gatehouse, order in a curry for 30 from the local takeaway, gather the mates from all over the country, stick up the bunting, and chat the night away.
In the morning, enjoy a lovely breakfast made in the self-catering kitchen, and choose your day. You could be part of the happy potterers, who enjoyed Castleton village and the gorgeous grounds. You could be the “curled up with a book” crowd, settling back in a warm and cosy lounge for the afternoon.
Or you could be the Mam Tor hikers, and take in the superb views, forcing poor old Maeve to carry a 50th balloon all the way up. Try it. If she’d had a pound for every hearty “Happy Birthday!” on that path, she’d be rich. And that night? Do it all again. Hot showers, more chat, food, cheesy games, stories, and laughter. That’s the thing with hostel parties. They work for the whole crew, with plenty of space to do your thing, whatever that may be.
I can trace the story of my life in hostel trips likes these. In our twenties, we were underprepared and somewhat haphazard, but that was all part of the fun. In our thirties, no-one could finish a cuppa or a sentence as we chased after babies and toddlers and went on endless bear hunts. We’re in our late forties now, and those same bear hunting babies are almost grown up and planning parties of their own. And of course, there are loads of 50ths to plan, old photos to find, bunting to buy, adventures to organise.
So, let’s keep our fingers crossed for the next few decades. Like Grandad Barry at 75, we’ll still be choosing YHA. Because when you stay at a hostel, you do some good for someone less advantaged. You give them a new experience. One which might just change who they become. And that’s certainly something to celebrate.
Book your YHA Exclusive Hire getaway today.
Written by Clare Fordham, YHA Trustee
