Nine hostels for cosy winter breaks in the UK

Winter can be a beautiful time of year. Snow on the high ground, frozen spider webs on the hedges, semi-frozen lakes. And what better than a warm hostel, a mug of tea and games to entertain you through the long evenings? Here’s our pick of properties for a memorable winter break. 

YHA Ilam Hall

Live the high life in a Peak District manor  

YHA Ilam Hall is a remarkable place, a Victorian gothic mansion located within 84 acres of pristine parkland. For a winter escape to the country, there can be few more evocative places. The perennially lovely Dovedale is a short walk away, and the hostel has grand lounges and a games room to return to.  

YHA Brecon Beacons

Relax in a homely farmhouse under the South Wales giants  

Wood-burning stove? Tick. Bookshelves loaded with games and novels? Of course. Hearty meals? We’ve got you covered. YHA Brecon Beacons is a refurbished 19th-century farmhouse and is one of the cosiest places to return to after a blustery walk or muddy mountain bike among the highest mountains in South Wales.  

YHA Keswick

Stay busy at Lake District bolthole with activities  

We imagine our winter walks plodding across frost-crisped grass, but — news flash — it does rain occasionally. That’s why YHA Keswick is a great off-season destination, with plenty to do in this large, lovely town when the rain falls and easy access to the fells for the bits in between.  

YHA South Downs

Enjoy the town and country in Sussex  

Lewes, a couple of miles from YHA South Downs, is a gorgeous, fun little town with independent shops and old, atmospheric pub — perfect for a cold-day amble. The refurbished farm that is today YHA South Downs is located directly on the South Downs Way.

YHA Snowdon Pen-Y-Pass

Nestle yourself among the highest mountains in Wales  

This former hotel has been frequented by some of the world’s greatest mountaineers, including George Mallory, as a base for early Everest expedition training in the notorious Welsh winters. YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass still attracts winter mountaineers and those looking for captivating snowy views.  

YHA Treyarnon Bay

Clear the cobwebs at a Cornish clifftop residence  

You may be one of those brave souls who look forward to the Cornish winter swells for a spot of surfing, and if so, YHA Treyarnon Bay is where to stay. It’s also where to head if your idea of a winter break involves brisk clifftop walks followed by mugs of hot chocolate and long sunsets.  

YHA Penzance

Take a winter Cornish holiday 

Penzance has all the ingredients for an invigorating winter break: long beaches, independent shops and galleries, a busy harbour and the South West Coast Path, which passes through the town. YHA Penzance is a stately Grade II-listed Georgian mansion, and St Ives is a relatively short hop away, too.  

YHA York

Explore Medieval York and countryside  

York is a lovely city to discover at any time of year, with its cobbled streets and medieval Shambles, but in winter, it is particularly evocative. There are dozens of wet-weather attractions — among them JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, National Railway Museum — as well as easy access to North York Moors National Park, finshing your day at YHA York.  

YHA Borrowdale

Visit a much-loved Lakeland adventure centre 

There are few cosier places to be in the Lake District than in the wooden-clad Alpine-style bar and lounge at YHA Borrowdale. When it’s time to venture outside, you’ll be met by some of the Lake District’s biggest mountains for chilly walks and — for those on two wheels — high mountain passes.  

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