Time to cross off some of those never evers. YHA has a plethora of properties for you to enjoy on its roster. Never stayed in a castle? Fear not, you can be a knight in shining armour with us. Never slept in the middle of the forest? We can point you in the right direction. Read on to find unique stays in the UK that you never ever knew existed…
Perfect knight’s sleep
YHA St Briavels Castle is a venue with real wow factor that will amaze and inspire visitors of all ages that have unique stays with us. The castle is over 800 years old, with bags of character and a magical charm. It is a rich piece of history and an inspiring location. Built between 1045 and 1129 it is a moated Norman castle in Gloucestershire.
The banqueting hall is a spacious dining room with a grand fireplace perfect for feasts! The castle even has its own prison, complete with graffiti dated 1671, where you can now sleep. But don’t worry, we will leave you the key. Be prepared to be transported back in time to the Medieval world of King John and the Magna Cart.
Stay in a smugglers’ cove
Ahoy me hearties, a perfect pirate experience at YHA Boggle Hole awaits. A ten-minute walk from Robin Hood’s Bay, a town famous for its tradition of smuggling, Boggle Hole is a tiny cove at the bottom of a wooded valley. Boggle (the local name for hobgoblin) Hole is rumoured to be an old haven for smugglers.
This old smugglers’ haunt is a lovely spot for fossil-hunting and rock-pooling on the private beach. Once safely indoors, enjoy the warmth of the woodburning stove. Our lovely Old Mill will delight and inspire you, with its treasure trails, stunning sea views and wooded grounds for the kids to explore. The perfect unique stay for all ages to enjoy.
A turquoise dream
Always wanted to wake up to the gentle crashing of waves? Pull back the curtains to unveil the beautiful Blue Flag beach when staying at YHA Broad Haven.
Shoreline wanders are taken to a new level, with the magnificent Pembrokeshire coastal path right on the hostel’s doorstep. This nautical-inspired retreat is good for the soul, with spectacular views and plenty of quaint villages to explore.
Go off grid
Location, location, location. Quite simply, that is what YHA Black Sail is all about. Remote and accessible only on foot, it’s a unique rural retreat for lovers of the great outdoors. Located in a traffic-free valley, those who love walking, hiking and climbing will value the superb access to nearby peaks including Great Gable, Pillar, Red Pike and Steeple.
Breakfast and evening meals are available every day to keep you going. The common room functions as a lounge, dining room and drying room, (much needed in the Lakes). The nearest road is nearly three miles away by mountain path. There are no credit card facilities on site so its cash only. There are no electric sockets and mobile phone coverage is limited. You will need a torch as the bedrooms, showers and toilets are all accessed from outside. If you hanker after a simpler way of life, then this is it.
Get lost in a forest
YHA New Forest is set within beautiful grounds on the edges of the Hampshire village of Burley. Its peaceful position is close to the thatched cottages, tea rooms and cider farms which typify the area, and the coast is just a short journey away, making this a perfect spot for a family getaway.
You can camp, stay in bell tents, sleep in the pod village or bunker down in this beautiful hostel nestled deep in the New Forest. It is the perfect destination if you fancy herds of wild horses, deer and cattle roaming and grazing in close proximity where you’re staying. It’s the stuff fairy tales are made of…
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Photo credit: Julian Gazzard / Adobe Stock
