With YHA properties throughout England and Wales, exploring the regions at Christmas time is easy. Here’s why each region is well worth the visit this December and where you can rest your head after a day of festive fun. We ho ho hope you enjoy.
North West
Whether you’re looking to celebrate the magical festivities or wanting to blow away the cobwebs in the great outdoors, there are plenty of reasons to visit the North West over the Christmas period. From shopping to your heart’s content at Manchester’s Christmas markets, taking a relaxing Christmas morning ramble in Britain’s largest national park or enjoying Christmas tipples and carol-oke under ONE Big Tree in Liverpool, the North West has something for everyone.
YHA hostels open over Christmas and New Year in the North West
YHA Ambleside, YHA Borrowdale, YHA Coniston Holly How, YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe, YHA Keswick, YHA Liverpool Albert Dock, YHA Liverpool Central, YHA Manchester
London
Ah, winter. The nights draw in, the weather is cold, and the days become shorter but it’s certainly not disheartening if you are visiting the Big Smoke. From ice skating around Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park to shopping till you drop in Harrods or even gazing at the fireworks at Thames riverside on the 31st, London does not disappoint, especially not at this time of year.
YHA hostels open over Christmas and New Year in London and the South East
YHA London Central, YHA London Earl’s Court, YHA London Lee Valley, YHA London Oxford Street, YHA London St Pauls, YHA London Thameside, YHA Brighton
North East
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the festivities across the North East. Discover houses and gardens lit up with gleaming lights for the festive season at Belsay Hall. Tuck into delicious food and drinks at Newcastle’s Christmas market and enjoy a wonderful Twixmas walk along Hadrian’s Wall path. Whatever you choose, you’re certainly not going to regret visiting the North East over the festive period.
YHA hostels open over Christmas and New Year in the North East
YHA Berwick, YHA Newcastle Central, YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall
Yorkshire
Nowhere celebrates Christmas quite like Yorkshire. From dazzling Christmas lights and parades, to festive displays and cabarets, discover the authentic meaning of a traditional Christmas this year in Yorkshire. Visit York’s Christmas markets or take a relaxing Christmas Day ramble across the beaches of Whitby. Maybe watch the New Year fireworks in a little Yorkshire town? Whatever you decide, Yorkshire will not disappoint.Â
YHA hostels open over Christmas and New Year in Yorkshire
Midlands
Make this year’s festivities memorable by attending special events across the Midlands. Discover new places at Chatsworth this Christmas — following in the footsteps of explorers Phileas Fogg and Amelia Earhart. For Twixmas plans, watch the iconic Raft Race at Matlock Bath or wander through the quaint markets that are dotted around the region, or see in the new year with a beautiful firework display. Make your own traditions with all your loved ones right here in the Midlands.
YHA hostels open over Christmas and New Year in the Midlands
YHA Castleton Losehill Hall, YHA Edale Activity Centre, YHA Eyam, YHA Ilam Hall, YHA Hartington Hall, YHA National Forest, YHA Stratford-upon-Avon
Wales
The countdown to Christmas is on and Wales makes for the perfect visit at this time of year. From exploring the dazzling Bodant gardens in Conwy or taking on a wintry hike up Snowdon, to festive craft workshops and the traditional pantomime in the heart of Cardiff, there’s plenty to excite the whole family this Christmas – oh yes there is!
YHA hostels open over Christmas and New Year in Wales
YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, YHA Brecon Beacons, YHA Idwal Cottage
South West
Celebrate the festive season with family and friends in the South West. Coastal breaks don’t always have to mean sun, sea and sand. What about Santa, snow and sleigh bells? The South West has many festive experiences to offer — from enchanted houses in Brighton and Christmas markets in Devon to taking part in the Twixmas three-legged fancy dress race, or watching the fascinating fireworks light up the sky on Looe beach on New Year’s Eve. The South West has something to tickle anyone’s fancy, whether it’s for Christmas, Twixmas or New Year.Â
YHA hostels open over Christmas and New Year in the South West
YHA Bath, YHA Bristol, YHA Eden Project, YHA Penzance, YHA St Briavels Castle
