Here’s some dates for your diary this spring and summer. As the weather warms, pack some enjoyment into the lighter months with our ideas of things to do. And because we have hostels all over England and Wales, there’s always one close by to the action.
An extra day off!
Yay to the extended bank holiday (2nd – 5th June). We get the extra holiday to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a historic milestone as Queen Elizabeth II is the first British Monarch to celebrate 70 years on the throne. There’s an array of street parties, parades, public events and community activities going on but if you’re in London, be sure to check out Superbloom at the Tower of London. In the Tower’s famous moat 20 million seeds will be sown as a permanent legacy of Her Majesty The Queen.
Stay at any of our London hostels
Watch the Lionesses
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 is taking place in England this summer. Kicking off at Old Trafford on 6th July, when England’s Lionesses face Austria, there will be 15 other nations competing for three and a half weeks. Fans can watch the 31 matches at nine host cities across the country, including Brighton (bed down at YHA Brighton), London (stay at YHA London Earl’s Court) and Manchester (sleep at YHA Manchester).
Hadrian’s Wall celebrates its birthday
To celebrate the building of Hardrian’s Wall 1,900 years ago, a programme of events and activities will be presented by local community groups, arts organisations, creatives, visitor attractions, venues and individuals. The activities are being delivered across the length of the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn all about the iconic wall’s Roman history at the Roman Army Museum or take in the Northumberland Dark Skies Exhibition.
Stay at our fantastic YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall
Admiring art in the Peaks
A visit to the Peak District is not complete without going along to the impressive Chatsworth House. With its spectacular grounds, adventure play area, farm and great shops and cafes you really can spend a whole day playing Duke and Duchess. To add to the charm, all summer they have the Living With Art We Love exhibition. The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire are longstanding supporters of the arts and have collected works throughout their lives. This exhibition brings their private artworks into the public areas of the house to share with visitors for the first time.
Places to stay in the Peak District
Get down with the Count in Whitby
May marks the 125th anniversary of the original Gothic novel, Dracula. For nearly 700 years, the splendid 13th-century Gothic abbey has towered high above the town of Whitby, and the abbey will be the venue for a series of events to mark the anniversary. A play based on the book will be staged in the abbey’s grounds on selected dates throughout summer, and you can visit the museum which contains a first edition of the Bram Stoker novel. Put your head down if you dare in the magnificent Grade I listed mansion, YHA Whitby, which is situated immediately beside the iconic ruins of Whitby Abbey, and you get free entry in whilst you’re staying.
Go spooky with Dracula at YHA Whitby
Music sessions at the Eden Project
There are some big names performing at Eden Sessions at the Eden Project, Cornwall. You can roll with it as you take in Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds on the 15th June or be turned upside down by Diana Ross on the 21st June and Bryan Adams will do everything for you on 29th June. If Nine Inch Nails is more your jam then they’re on 17th and 18th June.
Go glamping at YHA Eden Project
Celebrate midsummer at Penzance
You don’t need to go to Sweden to celebrate the summer solstice, when you can head to a street party in Penzance. Golowan is the Cornish word for the traditional celebration of midsummer and is marked with music, serpent dances, fairs, greenery and banners between 17th – 26th June. Expect fireworks on Mazey Eve or bring the family to Mazey Day to see the parade of incredible, giant sculptures.
Stay at YHA Penzance
Great North Swim, Windermere
Want to give open water swimming a try? Then there is no better venue than the stunning surroundings of the Lake District at Windermere. The Great North Swim takes place at Brockhole on Windermere between the 10th and 12th of June. There are races ranging from a beginner and family-friendly 250 metres to a more challenging two miles.
If you want to fundraise for YHA by doing the one miler, we still have places available. There are lots of other activities in the area such as walking, cycling, exploring the world of Beatrix Potter, going on a cruise or you can Go Ape. Stopover at our Windermere hostel and enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the lake and mountains, or explore the large wooded ground. It’s a perfect getaway.
Book YHA Windermere
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Photo credit: Dmitry Naumov / Jacob Lund / drhfoto / Simon / Adobe Stock
