For over 60 years, YHA has partnered with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to help young people achieve their residential, volunteering and expedition sections.
Get set for the experience of a lifetime – from hostel stays to camping, volunteering at a hostel or our National Office, or even supporting as a fundraiser. Staying with YHA is a great way to boost your confidence and independence while leaving a positive footprint on the lives of others as well as your own.
Residential benefits
- Boost your practical skills
- Make new friends
- Improve your employability
- Increase your social skills
- Build your confidence
YHA Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award residentials
YHA is the UK’s largest single provider of cost-neutral Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award residentials. We even cover the cost of travel – so you only need to chip in for food!
You will work as part of a team to complete a practical task, such as painting and decorating, gardening or grounds work, as well as socialising and cooking meals together.
Our volunteering-based Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award residentials are typically held from October to May during school half-term, Christmas and Easter holidays with over 300 places offered each year. Various locations are available.
YHA Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award volunteering
Complete your volunteering section with YHA by volunteering locally at one of our hostels or anywhere in the country by becoming a YHA virtual volunteer.
You could be involved in a range of tasks including housekeeping, reception, café or kitchen tasks when volunteering at one of our hostels. Or virtually volunteer and get involved in our photography, videography, social media and much more.
Special offers
10% off group bookings for Scouts, Guides and DofE groups
Access to the outdoors is important. That's why we offer 10% off group accommodation and pre-booked meals for Guides, Scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Award groups.
25% off winter residentials for self-led groups
Take your students on an adventure this winter with 25% off midweek stays for self-led groups of more than 15 people in winter 2024/25 and 2025/26.
15% off Exclusive Hire stays for young persons’ organised groups
Take the entire place for less on your next group getaway. Young persons’ organised groups get 15% off Exclusive Hire accommodation when booking directly through YHA.