What plans do you have for the months ahead? We’ve come up with 26 suggestions for filling the year ahead with inspiration, escapism and adventures.
1. Read… Is a River Alive?
Robert MacFarlane’s newest book follows in the much-heralded footsteps of its predecessors, combining lyrical prose, thoughtful debate and on-the-ground experiences. Focusing on the life and health of our waterways, it’s a powerful and important read.
2. Watch… H is for Hawk
The film adaptation of Helen MacDonald’s unforgettable 2014 memoir, which sees the bereaved author training a goshawk, comes out in January with Claire Foy in the lead role. It’s attracted high praise from early reviews, and the landscapes of Wales feature heavily.
3. Try… volunteering
We’re always on the lookout for volunteers to help us continue to make a difference. Whether you fancy joining a working party, volunteering at one of our hostels, helping with gardening or even taking on a volunteer manager role, we’d love to hear from you. Visit jobs.yha.org.uk/pages/volunteering-with-yha
4. Walk… the Roof of England
One of the newest hiking routes in the UK is the Roof of England Walk, an epic 187-mile loop through the North Pennines National Landscape. It’s split into 14 separate sections, theoretically taking a fortnight to complete, but the day-long hikes are adventures in their own right.
5. Read… You Are Here
Hampshire-born novelist David Nicholls is best known for international bestseller One Day, but his entertaining sixth novel, You Are Here, carries special resonance for outdoor lovers. Why? The plot centres on the main characters walking England’s Coast to Coast National Trail.
6. Try… a nearcation
Getting away for a break doesn’t have to involve multiple days off, or even a long journey. Sometimes, a one- or two-night trip to a spot just a couple of hours away can be all you need to recharge and experience something new.
7. Go to… the National Eisteddfod
August will see the 850th edition of Wales’ National Eisteddfod, one of Europe’s largest touring festivals. Blending art, poetry, literature, music and more, it takes place over eight days and will be centred on North Pembrokeshire.
8. See… the Bayeux Tapestry
Head to the British Museum from September to see the Bayeux Tapestry, in full and up close. The fabled, 70-metre embroidery — loaned to the UK while its usual home in France undergoes refurbishment — tells the story of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.
9. Try… a digital detox
Fed up of being a slave to the meaningless dopamine hits from your smartphone? Take the initiative back by turning your tech off, putting it out of reach and fully immersing yourself in the place you’re visiting. YHA Black Sail, with no Wi-Fi or phone signal, is a perfect base for doing just that.
10. Witness… spring bluebells
It’s said that the UK is home to more than half of the world’s bluebells, so taking the time to marvel at their dreamy annual display should definitely be on your to-do list. Older woodlands generally have the most spectacular swathes of soft blues and purples.
11. Read… Moonlight Express
The UK is blessed with only two sleeper trains — the Caledonian Sleeper from England to Scotland and the Night Riviera from London to Penzance — but the world is full of incredible overnight journeys. Get inspired by Monisha Rajesh’s new book Moonlight Express: Around the World by Night Train.
12. Be part of… the Festival of Nature
June will see Bristol and Bath hosting the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world, when the weeklong Festival of Nature returns. Run by the Natural History Consortium, it will feature workshops, wildlife walks, family activities and much more.
13. Go to… the Dark Skies Festivals
Nothing has the power to transport you quite like a crisp, star-speckled night sky. The National Parks Dark Skies Festivals will see events in regions like the North York Moors and South Downs, mainly in February.
14. See… Turner & Constable
Two legendary landscape painters, one exhibition. Running until mid-April at Tate Britain, some of the best-known works of JMW Turner and John Constable are on display alongside each other.
15. Witness… a starling murmuration
The shape-shifting spectacle of a mass starling murmuration can be breathtaking. These aerial displays commonly take place just before dusk in autumn and winter, with key spots including the Brighton seafront and the Somerset Levels, close to YHA Street.
16. Be part of… the Festival of Walking
Our annual Festival of Walking gets bigger and better by the year. It will be making a return in the autumn from 11th September to 11th October 2026 with a bumper programme of social walks, alongside mapped, self-guided walks for you to use at any time. yha.org.uk/festival-of-walking
17. Watch… Wild London
There’s infinitely more to London than its tower blocks and tourist attractions. This new BBC documentary, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, shines a fascinating light on the capital’s resident wildlife, from parakeets and peregrines to urban mammals such as deer, hedgehogs and foxes.
18. Try… bringing your dog
Your four-legged friends can enjoy hostelling too, with many of our properties offering canine-friendly stays. Lots of our Exclusive Hire and Camping & Cabins accommodation welcomes dogs.
19. Go to… the ICC Women's T20 World Cup
One of the showpiece events of women’s international cricket will be hosted this year by England. Running from mid-June to early July, the biennial T20 World Cup will see matches take place in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester and Southampton.
20. Try… fundraising
There are countless ways of raising money for the work YHA does for young people. Join one of our challenge events, sign up for our weekly lottery, or create your own fundraising challenge. Bike, bake, jump out of a plane... the choice is yours! getinvolved.yha.org.uk/fundraising
21. Go to… Caerphilly Castle
Sitting a short distance south of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, spectacular Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales. Following two years of conservation work, this mammoth medieval fortress has now fully reopened to the public.
22. See… a solar eclipse
More than 90% of the sun will be covered by the moon in the early evening of 12th August, giving a rare chance to witness an eclipse in the UK. Obtain certified solar-filtered eclipse glasses in advance — regular sunglasses simply aren’t up to the task of staring directly at the sun’s glare.
23. Read… Call of the Mountains
The beauty of a good coffee table travel book is that you can pick it up at any time of year and be spurred to head out and explore. This new, 272-page ode to the world’s mountains from Gestalten and Sidetracked Beyond covers everywhere from The Alps to The Himalayas, in handsome style.
24. Walk… the coast
It’s been a long time coming, but this year finally sees the official unveiling of King Charles III England Coast Path, which covers close to 2,700 miles of salty-aired hiking. Which stretch will you choose?
25. Witness… grey seals pupping
The north Norfolk coast is something of a haven for wildlife, with the wetlands offering some of the best birdwatching in the country. No less wonderful are the county’s resident grey seals, which have pups in the winter months and can be admired from afar. YHA Sheringham provides a useful base.
26. Try… glamping
Many of our hostels have quirky but comfortable accommodation options in their gardens and grounds, from Landpods and bell tents to tipis and camping pods. Make this the year you treat yourself.
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Photo credit: Liliya Trott / Pavel Babic / Monisha Rajesh / David Nicholls / Adobe Stock
