Here we are with a handy guide on how to make the most of autumn when staying at our hostels. The best bit? Everything is free! From climbing peaks to visiting harbours, perusing markets to watching seal pups, here’s some inspiration.
Visit a Swiss village but in the UK
When you’re staying at YHA Ilam Hall, you may be mistaken for thinking you’ve stepped into a Swiss village. Ilam was built in the early 1800s by a wealthy landowner because the surrounding Peak District hills reminded him of Switzerland. Once you’ve taken in the chocolate box houses in the village, take a walk amongst the red-tinged trees in the fantastic National Trust grounds that the hostel is based in, all for free. Being in the Peak District National Park with Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud right on the doorstep, it’s a fantastic base for an autumn break. From the front door you can walk to Dovedale, a stunning limestone gorge with the River Dove winding through the spectacular hills. For twitchers there’s a variety of bird life to be seen in the area this season including redstart, willow tit, great spotted woodpecker and sparrowhawk. And for children there are caves to discover that were used as shelter in the neolithic times. With a stay at Ilam there are plenty of walks around the Manifold Valley and along the Tissington trail. A perfect spot for autumn watch.
Epic experiences in and around London
In London you can find something new to do every day. Whilst staying at YHA London Thameside take a soul-soothing stomp along the Thames Path National Trail. It’ll take you into London with magnificent sites along the way. As well as all London’s free museums and art galleries, you can peruse one of London’s many markets. We love Columbia Road Flower market for its colour and buzz, or Sunday morning walking around Portobello Market makes you feel like a local. There’s no end to glorious bookshops in London. Have a wander around the multi-story Foyles on Charing Cross Road and spend a day getting lost in words. During autumn London’s parks put on fabulous displays of colour, from Hyde Park, where you can comfortably walk to Buckingham Palace to Regent’s Park to Hampstead Heath, there is so much choice.
Avoid the tourists in Shakespeare’s birthplace
Stay at YHA Stratford-upon-Avon to visit this world-famous town, made famous by playwright Shakespeare. It’s a fabulous location for meandering autumn walks along the River Avon upon which the Royal Shakespeare Theatre sits, a beautiful Grade II listed building which retains many of the art deco features of the 1932 Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. Admire Tudor buildings, twee old cottages with Shakespeare’s head as door knockers, and discover curious old alleyways outside of the packed summer tourist season. What was once a horse-drawn wagonway is now the Tramway and forms a Grade II listed bridge and busy tree-lined walk away from the town. Cross the Avon and head to the Holy Trinity Church which is the picturesque resting place of The Bard. On Saturdays the town bustles with the farmers market at Rother Street Market Place, where there is an eclectic selection of stalls selling their wares. We also have three fantastic walks from the hostel that would be fabulous in autumn.
Watch the sun set over the Pembrokeshire coast
Enjoy blissful solitude on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path with an autumn stay at YHA Broad Haven. Get up early to watch the mists descend over the craggy coast as our hostel has a beach-side location, with the Coast Path — that has over 950km of footpaths to discover — just moments from the front door. Take in the swiftly changing colours of the autumn landscape, the berries in the hedgerows, and make the most of the shorter days by watching the sunset whilst having a picnic at dinner time. If you visit between September and November, you could have the chance to spot hundreds of white seal pups from the clifftops and see their parents going back and forth to the sea to feed them. There are also many castles and Neolithic structures to discover around the area. Nearby is Little Haven with its quaint fishermen’s cottages and quayside which is also worth a visit.
The magical wonder of Wordsworth’s Lakes
Autumn is wonderful in the Lake District National Park. The sweeping valleys turn to shades of orange, yellow and gold, making for some truly spectacular views. When staying at YHA Ambleside you will be situated right on the shores of Windermere, which is an unbeatable location with stunning views. It’s also within walking distance of its charming village namesake. Just over a mile from Ambleside is Rydal Mount where, from 1813 until 1850, William Wordsworth lived — and where he penned some of his best-known poems. You can explore the beautiful gardens for free. It’s the perfect time for long walks in the mountains, cycling through the golden forests or even a dip in the lake for the brave!
Beautiful blue bays in Cornwall
Penzance has been a hub of activity on the shores of Cornwall for centuries and you can see why with its stunning natural beauty thanks to its location on Mount’s Bay, described as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Our hostel YHA Penzance is set within large gardens and is close to dramatic coastlines and picturesque beaches. Wake up early and catch the autumn sun rise over the iconic St Michael’s Mount, a medieval castle perched at the end of a tidal causeway. Watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch of fresh fish, crab, lobster and other seafood at Newlyn Fish Market, in the charming fishing village of Newlyn or visit St Ives in this quieter season with its pretty harbour and beach.
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Photo credit: Adobe Stock – ND STOCK / Ian Kennedy / anastasstyles / newbeltane / Julian Gazzard
