Things to do
The best winter beaches in the UK
Beaches have so much more to offer than just sandcastles and sunbathing. A beach in the autumn and winter is often far less crowded than the summer months – you can appreciate its beauty all to yourself! Wrap up warm, check out those tide times and enjoy a few of...
Family-friendly walks across England and Wales
There are thousands of kid-friendly walks across the nation offering families an inexpensive great day out. The art of following a walking route, like those below, can provide plenty of fun and curiosity, so why not let the children take control of the map, whether...
Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside
The smell of the salt in the air and the splash of the waves on your bare feet. Fish and chips on the pier, epic sandcastles built with bright plastic buckets, whole worlds swirling in the waters of a rockpool, arcade games, deckchairs, candyfloss, crab catching,...
UK summer holiday breaks for the family
Looking for the perfect break with the family? There are plenty of destinations that make for the best UK summer holiday breaks. Below are our top picks for a brilliant staycation where you can explore the hidden gems of England and Wales over the summer...
Going on Safari: YHA Truleigh Hill
As we peered into the dark waters of the boating lake searching for the fidget toy our son had dropped overboard, they suddenly came into focus: scores of pale, translucent creatures gently stretching and contracting as they circulated just below the surface, like...
10 of the best places to walk in London
While London is famous for its busy streets and energetic buzz, hidden within the city are beautiful gardens and parks where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a breath of fresh air. Whether you’re taking in the busy surroundings of Oxford Street...
Fun things to do in London this summer
There are so many fabulous things to do in London this summer. London is fantastic all year round, but when the temperature starts rising and the sun starts to shine, the surroundings and activities are even more enchanting. Here are a few brilliant things to do in...
Adventures by bus with the £2 single fare cap
Whether you're barrelling down Borrowdale through a tunnel of autumn leaves or breezing up to the Downs from Brighton on a frosty spring morning, the top deck of a bus can give you a wonderful new perspective on the world. Looking down from that height -- and...
Somerset in spring: YHA Cheddar
Just before the quarter hour people gather expectantly near the cathedral's mighty strainer arches and gaze up at the burnished face of the ancient astronomical clock. As it chimes, jousting knights come galloping out. One knocks another flat with his lance. On the...
Discovering Dark Skies with YHA
Stargazing – a simple yet intriguing and inspiring evening activity. The hope that a shooting star might pass, or that there will be a full moon, or seeing who can spot the biggest star – there’s so much excitement and interest in observing dark skies. The best...
Nick’s travel love letter
Dear YHA, I fell in love with Berwick-upon-Tweed when visiting YHA Berwick. The windswept Northumbrian coast, a place of mystery and ancient battles. Often referred to as a ‘disappointed Scot’ for my Tyneside roots when I was growing up in Edinburgh, this journey...
Lindsey’s travel love letter
Dear YHA,My love affair with youth hostels began when I was a young boy. I was around 10 years old, and as a family we had just got our first car. On sunny Sundays we would go out for a drive and frequently visited YHA Ilam Hall’s Italianate Garden. I recall...