If you have a certain passion that you want to indulge during your holiday, look no further than this selection of specialist activities. History lovers can soak up the culture on organised field trips. Food and drink connoisseurs can enjoy an evening sampling the best local offerings with fantastic entertainment. If you enjoy themed events then murder mystery weekends and seasonal festivities are frequently on offer.
Crowden Outdoor Education and Activity Centre
Crowden
Popular with schools and groups as well as walkers and climbers exploring the North peak District.
Crowden Outdoor Education Centre and Youth Hostel - Activities
If you require activity provision, please contact Mike Adams (Chief instructor) on 07786 655 577.
• Activity programmes are managed by Rotherham Outdoor Education Services.
• The Centre holds a two year Adventure Activities Licensing Service Licence.
• All risk assessments and standard operating procedures are available on request at the centre
Activities on offer
• Stream Scramble
• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Climbing Indoor/ Outdoor
• Caving
• Archery
• Zip Wire
• Orienteering
• Hill Walking
• Team Games/Problem Solving
• Taking to the Air
The centre also offers
• Personal Social Development
• Courses to enhance other curriculum areas.
• Support with G.C.S.E modules for Schools.
Training
• Nationally recognised Outdoor Leadership Awards
• Local accreditation in Hill Walking.
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; Bronze, Silver and Gold
Tel: 0845 371 9113
Email: crowden@yha.org.uk
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Adventures in Snowdonia this winter
Llanberis
An introduction to Scrambling. Arrive Friday evening and try 2 days of scrambling up some of the more adventurous routes around Snowdon in the company of Dringo Adventure’s experienced guide. All specialist equipment will be provided but you will need to bring your own boots. Children u18 are welcome but must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Places: YHA Llanberis, YHA Idwal Cottage and YHA Pen y Pass
Dates: Fri 26th - 28th Nov
Fri 3rd - 5th Dec
Arrive evening of Tues 27th – 29th Dec (between Christmas and New Year)
Price: £191.40 Full board
£161.90 B&B
Tel: 0845 371 9645
Email: llanberis@yha.org.uk
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YHA Exeter celebrates 75th birthday!
Exeter
Come and join in the celebration - YHA Exeter is holding an Open Day to celebrate its 75th Birthday. We are part of YHA ( England and Wales ) a budget accommodation provider and registered charity raising money to help fund school and activity breaks for disadvantaged young people.
On the day there will be fun games and activities for all ages, prizes to be won, cakes to buy and cup cakes to decorate, art materials, a static bird of prey display and guided tours, and loads more too.
All proceeds raised on the day are to go towards the YHA Breaks for Kids appeal.
On the day we will be offering group leaders free memberships along with fabulous winter break offers (full board visits for only £19.95 a person per night). We will also have fabulous discounts on YHA memberships for individuals and families.
Refreshments available.
Tel: 0845 371 9516
Email: exeter@yha.org.uk
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Hike and Bike Weekend
Hawkshead
A great summer Lake District weekend getaway with the perfect combination of a day’s mountain biking and a day in the Lakeland fells. Based at YHA Hawkshead a listed Regency mansion in extensive grounds overlooking tranquil Esthwaite Water in the Southern Lakes, the location couldn’t be better for 2 days of adventure activities led by Country Adventures experienced and sociable instructors. Saturdays mountain biking venue running parallel to Lake Windermere offers tree-covered slopes bisected by bridleways and tracks that are not too difficult, but do provide great sport with climbs, short fast descents, hidden tarns, and the occasional muddy pool – also an excellent venue for those new to mountain biking. Saturday will be topped with an evening BBQ in the YHA grounds. Sundays group guided walk, graded moderate, will cap an enjoyable weekend away.
Breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meal on Saturday included.
For further information Tel: 01254 690691 or visit www.countryadventures.co.uk
2 nights: 05.08.11
Price: £165 (bike hire not included)
Tel: 01254 690691
Email: info@countryadventures.co.uk
Tel: 0845 371 9321
Email: hawkshead@yha.org.uk
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Discounted Access to the Y Club Fitness centre
Manchester
The rate for YHA guests is £4 off peak £6 peak. Off peak is from 6am-3.45pm Mon-Fri & no restrictions at weekends. Peak is any time after 3.45pm in the week. We are open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm (last entrance is 9pm & we turn all facilities down at 9.30pm so people have time to get showered & changed) Sat we are open 8am-7pm, Sun 8am-6pm (again last entrance is an hour before closing with the facilities getting shut down ½ an hour before closing) All guest need to do is bring their key card as proof of residency & their own towels. Facilities include swimming pool, sauna, gym, fitness room and indoor running track.
For more information on the fitness centre please visit www.yclub.org.uk
Tel: 0845 371 9647
Email: manchester@yha.org.uk
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Snorkel Safaris
Boswinger
Explore our underwater world and discover starfish, sea anemones and more exciting marine life. Led by Snorkel Guides from Ocean Sports based in nearby Pentewan village, Snorkel Safaris are held at high tide from local beaches. Buoyancy aid, mask, fins, and snorkels are all provided, and wetsuits can be hired for a small fee.
Visit http://www.ocean-sports.co.uk/ for more information. A minimum of 3 people is necessary and safaris are run whenever requested!
Tel: 0845 371 9107
Email: boswinger@yha.org.uk
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Browse the best gardens in the British Isles
Boswinger
Described as the Garden Capital of the World, Cornwall plays host to all types of gardens from wild woodland to neatly designed lawns, with beautiful plants and trees flourishing in the warmth of the Gulf Stream.
Just down the road from YHA Boswinger is the Lost Garden of Heligan, rediscovered in 1992 after decades of neglect, and restored on a shoestring budget. There are 200 acres to explore, including the Jungle and the Victorian Productive Gardens. Visit www.heligan.com for more information.
15 miles away, near St Austell, is the world-famous Eden Project. Once a disused china clay pit, Eden offers a journey through tropical rain forests and Mediterranean groves housed in two giant biomes, as well as extensive outdoor gardens. Visit www.edenproject.com for more information.
Pick up a Great Gardens of Cornwall leaflet, visit Eden Project first and get a stamp, then receive a £2.00 discount per person at Heligan. Both gardens are accessible by public transport from the hostel.
Tel: 0845 371 9107
Email: boswinger@yha.org.uk
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British Wildlife Safari Weekend
Byrness
This exciting wildlife weekend is packed full of opportunities to see some spectacular sights and animals. You will be led around the Cheviot Hills by an ex-military survival expert with chances of spotting buzzards, deer, the rare red squirrel and even a herd of mountain goats. You will also get the opportunity to listen and track bats with the latest equipment in sonar sound. This fantastic package also sees accommodation taken cared of, with buffet suppers and continental breakfasts to feed your sense of adventure during this exciting wildlife safari weekend.
PLEASE call YHA Byrness and book the package weekend on 01830 520425 or 07928376677 (mobile)
Accommodation and continental breakfast for both nights, late night snack on Friday, buffet supper on Saturday included in the price £85 per person for the weekend (based on 2 people sharing a 2 bed room). Special offer terms and conditions apply. This weekend is suitable for adults and children over 12 yrs old due to walking involved.
Tel: 01830 520425 or 07928376677 (mobile)
Email: byrness@yha.org.uk
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Gliding lessons
Bridges Long Mynd
Learn to fly with the Midland Gliding Club, situated on the Long Mynd just a few miles from YHA Bridges.
Gliding courses are available for beginners from March to October, while trial lessons are available at weekends throughout the year.
Lessons should be booked in advance but last minute bookings may be available. Over 14s only.
Call 01588 650206 for more information. For accommodation contact YHA Bridges:
Tel: 01588 650656
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YHA Kington free pick 'n' mix local activity packs
Kington
To explore the local area around Herefordshire at your own leisure, YHA Kington offers guests a series of five self-led pick ‘n’ mix activity packs. Choose from:
- Hearty Herefordshire (local food & drink)
- Hedonistic Herefordshire (local outdoor activities)
- Historic Herefordshire (local historic buildings)
- Holy Herefordshire (local churches, abbeys & cathedral)
- Horticultural Herefordshire (local gardens)
To receive a free e-copy of any of these, please email YHA Kington
Tel: 0845 371 9053
Email: kington@yha.org.uk
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Discover, Explore and Learn with the National Trust
Salcombe
Why not Discover, Explore And Learn With The National Trust And YHA Salcombe? You can volunteer for a half or full day and explore some beautiful coastal landscape.
Local National Trust warden Andrew Marsh takes pre-arranged groups into the local area to bracken-bash, pond-dip, learn rural skills and beach-clear. It’s an excellent way to explore the area and learn new skills at the same time. For more details please email Andrew at andrew.marsh@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Tel: 0845 371 9341
Email: salcombe@yha.org.uk
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High flying
Broad Haven
This course with Big Blue Kitesurfing, offers an introduction to kite sports leaving you with all the skills you need to practice safely on your own. It covers the basics of power kiting on the beach before introducing a mountainboard to master using the kite to power movement.
Then, after a bit of practice, we combine all the skills to master getting up on the board and moving along on the water. There's a lot to learn in two days but the three day course gives you a bit more time to practice!
For further information visit www.bigbluekitesurfing.com
For information on YHA accommodation in the area click here.
To book please contact Sue Jervis at YHA Broad Haven.
Tel: 0845 371 9008
Email: broadhaven@yha.org.uk
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