YHA Blog
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as Britain’s longest reigning monarch. As YHA’s Patron, The Queen recognised our achievements and contribution to society.Her legacy will last foreverThe Queen’s legacy of involvement in the youth...
From the ancient ruins of Whitby Abbey to the 73-mile-long Hadrian’s Wall, Britain has plenty heritage hotspots full of beauty and historic importance. We are proud to be part of the Heritage Alliance and with many of our hostels located nearby, we provide you...
By YHA Chief Executive James BlakeIn YHA, we have a 90-year history of quiet radicalism. Not beating down the doors, or shouting from the rooftops, but pursuing practical change with steady determination.We were founded in 1930 on a principle of inclusion. It is...
We take a look at some of the UK’s ancient autumnal rituals and see where the traditions originated. Anyone for a piece of parkin?Harvest FestivalThe word ‘harvest’ comes from the Old English word hærfest meaning ‘autumn’, aptly the season for gathering the food of...
The spookiest of days is drawing closer. And for Halloween lovers, there’s no better time to visit horror film locations dotted around England and Wales. Will you be trick or treating? Maybe bobbing for an apple or two? Or are you planning on drawing the curtains,...
From the founding of Ordnance Survey 230 years ago to the digital era of maps today, how has OS mapping changed over time? Ordnance Survey’s Jessica Baker and Joss Harris talk us through the history. Ordnance Survey has been mapping Britain since 1791. Today,...
Halloween is celebrated across the world on the night of 31st October. Modern day celebrations generally involve crazy costumes, ghoulish decor, pumpkin carving, and cauldrons of sweet treats that explode on October 31st. However, there is a rich heritage behind...
In honour of All Hallows’ Eve, we present our three most haunted hostels. Delve into our creepy chronicles for chilling tales of ghostly goings-on in some of our oldest and most atmospheric accommodation. Are the stories believable or total bunkum? We’ll let you be...
Dinosaurs died out around 65 million years ago, so it’s easy to forget that they once lived right here on our planet. The countryside would have looked very different back then, but these giant creatures walked, ate and slept under the same sun, moon and stars that...
“I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” This timeless quote comes from George Macaulay Trevelyan, whose legacy with YHA was assured by virtue of his being the organisation’s first president.The historian and author was instrumental in helping hostels to...
