With so many YHA hostels dotted across England and Wales, why stick to just one? If you’re planning an extended break and want to see more of what the UK has to offer, why not turn it into a multi-centre trip? Add a second hostel stay and make the journey part of the adventure.
Top tip: Pick up one of our stamp books at a hostel and collect a stamp at each stop. Most are themed around their local area, so you’ll end up with a personalised, memory-filled keepsake of your travels. What’s not to love?
To help you get started, we’ve put together a selection of two-stop itineraries. We’ve suggested routes between hostels, with some using public transport, but don’t feel limited, there may be other ways to travel and part of the fun is figuring out what works best for you.
So, get planning and make the most of back-to-back YHA adventures. While we’ve focused on two-stop trips, you can always add a third (or fourth!) if you fancy.
Whitby and Boggle Hole
Planning a North Yorkshire getaway? Start your trip at YHA Whitby and soak up the Gothic charm of the town from the hostel’s dramatic clifftop location. Explore Dracula’s heritage, hunt for fossils on the Jurassic Coast, visit the iconic Whitby Abbey next door, and climb the famous 199 steps for sweeping views.
Then head 5.45 miles south as the crow flies to YHA Boggle Hole, a hidden gem tucked in an old smuggler’s cove near Robin Hood’s Bay. This family-friendly hostel sits right on the beach, with treasure trails, wooded grounds to explore and a pirate themed café.
Here are a few recommendations for getting between the two hostels:
- Around a 25-minute drive.
- Get a bus (X93 MAX or X94) from Whitby bus station to Thorpe Lane, then it’s a mile walk to the hostel. Depending on the tide, you can walk over the cliffs or on the beach. Make sure to check the local weather conditions!
- Around 6.5 miles and 2.5 hours walk.
Castleton and Edale
Set in 27 acres of parkland with stunning views, YHA Castleton Losehill Hall is a Gothic mansion perfectly placed for exploring the Peak District. Visit Peveril Castle, venture into Blue John Cavern or hike up Mam Tor.
Then head over the Great Ridge to YHA Edale Activity Centre, one of the highest residences in the Peaks. Surrounded by Dark Peak moorland, it’s a dream for walkers. Tackle Kinder Scout or go climbing at Stanage Edge.
To make things easier, we’ve listed a few suggested ways to travel between the two hostels:
- Around a 15-minute drive.
- Get the Peak Pathfinder 62 bus between the two hostels.
- Around 3.5 miles and 1.5 hours walk.
Bristol and Bath
Soak up the vibrancy and quirkiness of Bristol with a stay at YHA Bristol, set right on the harbourside. Explore the M Shed Museum, Bristol Aquarium, and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. Nautical fans won’t want to miss the SS Great Britain, either.
Then hop on a train to the cultural city of Bath. Discover theatres, galleries and museums, step into Jane Austen’s world, or relax at the famous thermal spa – just as the Celts and Romans did 2,000 years ago. YHA Bath, a beautiful Italianate Grade II listed mansion, makes the perfect base.
You can either drive between the two sites, which takes around 50 minutes or get the Great Western Railway from Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa, then it’s a mile walk to the hostel.
Broad Haven and Manorbier
Kick off your trip at YHA Broad Haven, just a stone’s throw away from a stunning Blue Flag beach. Step into your walking boots for a stroll along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, go beachcombing, or walk half a mile over the sand to charming Little Haven with its quaint cottages and quayside.
Keep the seaside vibes going with around a 45-minute drive to YHA Manorbier, perched on a clifftop with fabulous coastal views. Walk the Coast Path to Tenby, explore Manorbier Castle or enjoy family favourites like Folly Farm and Heatherton World of Adventures. Two lovely beaches are just minutes away.
Treyarnon Bay and Penzance
Only a mere 50 metres from the sea, YHA Treyarnon Bay boasts some of the best coastal views in the YHA network. The bay is perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, sandcastle building or simply relaxing. Also, the popular seaside town of Padstow is only 4 miles away.
YHA Penzance is around a 1 hour 15-minute drive further south, set in a peaceful part of town with easy access to St Michael’s Mount, Land’s End, St Ives, Minack Theatre and so much more. The Isles of Scilly departure point is nearby, and public transport links make it easy to explore more of the beautiful county of Cornwall.
Hartington and Ilam
For a cultural stay in a historic setting, check into YHA Hartington Hall. This 17th-century manor features stained glass, oak panelling and original features. Nearby attractions include Alton Towers (perfect for thrill seekers), Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Thornbridge Hall, plus the towns of Buxton, Ashbourne and Bakewell.
Next, head to YHA Ilam Hall, an impressive Victorian Gothic mansion set in 84 acres of National Trust parkland. Explore the stunning Dovedale valley full of incredible limestone gorge scenery, cross the famous stepping stones or climb Thorpe Cloud. Carsington Water is also close by for watersports and outdoor fun.
You can drive, which takes around 25 minutes, or if you’re up for a long walk, it’s approximately 8.4 miles and takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes on foot.
Truleigh Hill and South Downs
Just outside the vibrant city of Brighton, YHA Truleigh Hill offers a peaceful countryside escape close to the action. Explore the South Downs Way, walk Devil’s Dyke, or unwind in the spacious grounds with a pond and campfire area. Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion and the Bluebell Railway are all within reach.
Then continue to YHA South Downs, a beautifully refurbished Sussex farmhouse set right on the South Downs Way. It’s around a 40-minute drive to get there, making it a convenient next stop on your journey. With a train station just 300 metres away, you can easily reach Lewes (with its Norman castle and cobbled streets), London or Brighton. Don’t miss a trip to Beachy Head and the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs.
Manchester and Liverpool
Stay at YHA Manchester and dive into a city packed with culture, music, sport and nightlife. Explore world-class galleries and museums, shop till you drop, or visit the National Football Museum. Football fans can tour two of Europe’s biggest clubs and there’s even a real snow ski slope.
Then hop on a train to YHA Liverpool Albert Dock, right near the iconic waterfront. Discover the city’s rich cultural scene – from Tate Liverpool and the International Slavery Museum to Anfield Stadium and its two cathedrals. Stroll along the docks and soak up the atmosphere.
There are a couple of easy ways to travel between the two hostels. Driving takes around an hour or you can take a Northern train from Deansgate to Liverpool Lime Street, then walk the final mile to reach the hostel.
Idwal Cottage and Snowdon
YHA Idwal Cottage, the oldest YHA in Wales, sits in the stunning Ogwen Valley. It’s ideal for strolls to Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve or hikes along the Cambrian Way. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, it’s a dream for nature lovers. For those craving adrenaline, Zip World offers Europe’s longest zip lines just a short drive away.
Then take your adventure to new heights at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, perched over 1,000 feet above sea level at the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Tackle the highest mountain in Wales and take in awe-inspiring views.
Hop on the T10 bus from Llyn Ogwen to Bryn-Ilys, then switch to the S1 bus, which will bring you straight to Pen-y-Pass YHA bus stop. Or the two hostels are around a 20-minute drive from each other.
Keswick and Ambleside
Set by the river and overlooking Fitz Park, YHA Keswick is perfectly placed in this charming Lake District town. Enjoy views of Latrigg and Skiddaw, take a boat trip on Derwentwater, or visit Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, the Lake District Wildlife Park, or Castlerigg Stone Circle. A great base for walkers and cyclists.
Further south, YHA Ambleside offers extraordinary views across Windermere from its unbeatable lakeshore location. Explore the heart of the National Park, hop on a Windermere Lake Cruise, or visit The World of Beatrix Potter, perfect for fans of Peter Rabbit and friends.
Travelling between the two hostels is simple. You can drive in around 35 minutes or opt for the 555 bus from Greta Bank to Waterhead Inn for Pier, offering a public transport alternative.
With plenty of YHA hostels in the Lakes, you can easily create your own multi-stop adventure. Explore all our hostels in the Lake District.
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Photo credit: chris2766 / Adobe Stock
