Leave the hustle and bustle of the busy cities behind, and head for beachcombing breaks on deserted sands or go for a frost-laden wander up forgotten peaks. Book yourself a winter escape in the UK with YHA. Here are some ideas for your perfect winter refresher…
Beachcomb in Yorkshire
Our hostel YHA Whitby is surrounded by fantastic beaches. Head to Runswick Bay, which has been named as Britain’s best beach due to this unspoilt beauty spot’s spectacular views. Wander along the tiny paths to see the former coastguard’s white-painted thatched cottage, perched right by the sea.
Beachcomb for ancient fossils and semi-precious stones from the crumbling cliffs and old pirate treasures. There are miles of lovely coastal walks along the Cleveland Way with breathtaking views from Kettleness. Or head to Robin Hood’s Bay to go rock pooling at low tide. Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque old fishing village on the heritage coast of the North York Moors and is wonderful all year round. The perfect winter escape.
Spot puffins in Bamburgh
Blow the cobwebs away and breathe in the fresh North Sea breeze when you visit Bamburgh. With its miles of expansive golden sands, towering above the beach is the dramatically set Bamburgh Castle dominating the skyline. Out to the sea you’ll spot the Farne Islands, famous for puffins and seals along with wonderful wildlife. With drifting sand dunes and cosy eateries in snug corners, where you can escape the cold, the royal capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Stay at nearby YHA Berwick and whilst there why not try one of our self-guided walking routes from the hostel to discover many of Berwick-upon-Tweed’s historic attractions. Art lovers will enjoy the links to LS Lowry.
See stone circles in the Lakes
Towering mountains, stunning lakes, deep valleys and tarns. There is so much to see with a visit to the lakes, and even in winter it doesn’t disappoint. The landscape turns into a wonderland when covered in frost and dappled in the unique winter light. Here, you’ll be surrounded by impressive snow-topped mountains and miles of waterfall trails. Castlerigg stone circle is very atmospheric on a misty winter’s day, with a backdrop of Helvellyn and High Seat, it’s just a short walk from Keswick. The stone circle is thought to be one of the earliest constructed in the country, in about 3,000 BC.
For a beautiful woodland walk that is suitable for all and a Miles without Styles route there’s Derwentwater Lakeshore. The lake views are magnificent, framed by mountains. Picnic benches are dotted along the way so you can enjoy your packed lunch with a beautiful backdrop. Rest your head at one of our many Lake District hostels.
Devour a cream tea in Devon
We have a beautiful hostel in the heart of Devon, YHA Beer. A country house built in the Arts and Crafts style, it’s located on the stunning Jurassic Coast, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. You can wander down to the sea from the hostel through the attractive private grounds or saunter into the charming fishing village of Beer, where you can delve into the local legends of pirates and smugglers. One of our favourite things to do is take a walk along the cliffs to Branscombe for a Devon cream tea, or local cider with a side order of stunning views. Nearby Lyme Regis has four beaches which offer organised fossil walks and a delightful 13th century harbour known as the Cobb.
As YHA Beer is on YHA Exclusive Hire for the winter season, you can have the entire place for yourself. A perfect choice for a family get-together.
Have a cosy stay in the Peaks
Hunker down at YHA Hartington Hall, a 17th-century manor house in the heart of the English countryside is steeped in history. This charming Jacobean building was constructed in 1611 and it’s even rumoured that Bonnie Prince Charlie may have stayed here during the Jacobite rising of 1745. Tucked away just outside of the picturesque village of Hartington, it has all the ingredients for a perfect winter escape in the UK — cosy log fires, oak panelling, stained glass windows and even a honeymoon-style suite to hideaway in.
The hostel is surrounded by fantastic walks. Enjoy everything from a short stroll into the village where you can stock up on local produce, visit the local pubs with their roaring fires or see the gargoyles at the local church, or venture further afield into the Manifold Valley where you’ll find Thor’s Cave, Dovedale, Ilam Hall. They are all equally impressive walking routes; many with tea rooms along the way for you to stop in an warm up with a nice refreshment.
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Photo credit: drhfoto / nyiragongo / Joe / Alan / veneratio / Tim Hill / Adobe Stock
