It’s that time of year again. We’ll see thousands of people posting “new year, new me!”, inspirational quotes, and photos of the festivities they’ve chosen to partake in to celebrate with family and friends. If you need some inspiration for places to visit or things to do, worry not. We’ve put together a guide on five fantastic New Year’s breaks in the UK to enjoy.
Cornwall
Convivial Cornwall is a magical place to visit in winter. You can wander the streets of Penzance at your leisure without being jostled by the summer crowds and you can feel the salt air whistle around you on the South West Coast Path. During your stay at YHA Penzance, look out across the harbour and you’ll see the famous St Michael’s Mount, or you could plan a hike out to Kenneggy Cove and take in the view of the bright turquoise bay. If you’re feeling more like partying than hiking, you could always head out to St Ives for a New Year’s party like no other. The town comes alive as partygoers in fancy dress costumes pour out onto the streets, with restaurants and bars with lights aglow, all enjoying the themed celebration.
Stay at YHA Penzance
Coniston in the Lake District
The Lake District is not to be missed this New Year. From dramatic mountainous landscapes to sparkling lakes, Coniston has everything you could want for a wilderness focused New Year break. YHA Coniston Coppermines is the perfect base for planning a variety of outdoor activities. You could brave a wild swim in the numerous tarns and lakes (with the right equipment!), go for a scramble up Dow Crag, or hike up the ever-popular Old Man of Coniston. If you’re visiting just after the 31st of December, you could even go to the Ruskin Museum to learn more about John Ruskin, Coniston mines, or Donald Campbell’s famous Bluebird which hit over 300mph on Coniston water, breaking the previous speed record.
Stay at YHA Coniston Coppermines
Brecon Beacons
If you’re a bit of a history buff, you’d enjoy a visit to YHA Brecon Beacons. The Brecon Cathedral is a must-see piece of historical Norman architecture. Because of its location, it’s thought that the Norman Priory might have been built on the site of an older, possibly Celtic, church. You could even start out the New Year with a bit of mountain biking through the Brecon Beacons National Park, taking in the fantastic landscape that was shaped and forged by iron. The National Park has lots of green roads, ideal for the relaxed mountain biker. You can hire bikes in the town or have them delivered to YHA Brecon Beacons to get a head start on your winter adventure, if you book in advance.
Stay at YHA Brecon Beacons
Chester
If a New Year city break is more up your alley, why not book a stay at YHA Chester Trafford Hall? You’ll only be a 15-minute drive away from the historic town centre with it’s glorious architecture. As well as offering the opportunity for you to shop til you drop, Chester has an incredibly rich history. This ancient city was home to Roman Legionnaires who marched into battle, Viking raiders wreaked havoc in the streets, and Norman invaders arrived and conquered Anglo Saxons. Chester is also host to a variety of popular restaurants and bars, so you can eat, drink and dance your way into the new year.
Stay at YHA Chester Trafford Hall
Stratford-Upon-Avon
If English Literature is more your vibe, then we can wholeheartedly recommend YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon. Famous for being Shakespeare’s birthplace, this city is a central hub if you’re searching for rich history, arts and culture. Take a walk through the 12th century grounds and woodland at Charlecote park and admire the 16th century home, you can also visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and enjoy a tour led by costumed guides. If watching a performance seems the perfect way to start the New Year, look at The Royal Shakespeare Company. They put on various performances of Shakespeare’s works all throughout the year and have even adapted some to make them more accessible for neurodivergent people.
Stay at YHA Stratford Upon Avon
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