Our fantastic network of hostels in England and Wales serves up adventure potential right across the map. Here are nine breaks for you to consider this summer.
1. Go glamping in the Peak District
It's not hard to find reasons to visit the Peak District. YHA has hostels scattered throughout the UK's oldest National Park, and YHA Castleton Losehill Hall — a Gothic mansion set in 27 acres of parkland — is a brilliant base for everything from walking trails to caving trips. Special mention in the summer months goes to the hostel's glamping options: its premium bell tents each sleep up to 5 people and come with all bedding, a futon, rugs, solar-panelled lighting and more. Also on site are fully kitted-out Landpods.
2. Cross the Mersey in Liverpool
Liverpool has a way of working its magic on visitors, whether you're here for the nightlife, the football, the music heritage or the food scene (it was named Britain's top foodie city by Time Out last year). Tours of Anfield Stadium and the Beatles' old haunts are surefire ways of tapping into the city's most famous passions, but — as the old song suggests — catching a ferry across the Mersey is another memorable option. The first new ferry in six decades, the multi-million pound Royal Daffodil, is due to start sailing this year. Stay at the well located YHA Liverpool Albert Dock.
3. Get Shakespearean at Stratford-upon-Avon
The success of Hamnet at this year's film award ceremonies saw praise deservedly heaped on Jessie Buckley and her co-stars. The movie also shone fresh light on the historical town of Stratford-upon-Avon, where much of the action is based (if not actually filmed). Admirers of the Bard have been coming here for centuries, of course, and by basing yourself at YHA Stratford-upon-Avon — set in a Georgian mansion on the town outskirts — you'll be within reach of attractions like Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, this year hosting works such as The Tempest and As You Like It.
4. Try a different ascent route up Yr Wyddfa
There's more than one way to reach a summit — especially where Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is concerned. YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, originally a climbers' hotel, has an unbeatable location on a high pass at the foot of the mountain, with the Miners' Track and Pyg Track both departing from virtually outside the hostel door. Ascending up the Miners' and descending down the Pyg is a popular option. If — and only if — you're experienced, prepared, and the weather's favourable, it's also worth considering the Y Lliwedd ascent, a dramatic ridge scramble up to the summit, reached directly from the Miners' Track near Llyn Llydaw.
5. Delve into the landscape at The Sill
The rolling contours of Northumberland National Park draw outdoors-lovers year-round. Sitting in the middle of it all is the eco-friendly YHA The Sill at Hadrian's Wall. The hostel plays home to The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, where you can hug the recovered trunk of the Sycamore Gap tree and learn what makes this swathe of the country so special. It's renowned for its clean air, clean water, dark skies (stargazers, take note — this is Europe's largest area of protected night sky) and Roman sites, which include Vindolanda, Housesteads and Hadrian's Wall itself.
6. Hit the saddle in the New Forest
Laced with more than a hundred miles of waymarked, car-free cycle trails — not to mention an abundance of sheltered country roads — Hampshire's New Forest National Park is as fine a place as any in the country for a cycling break. From child-friendly woodland routes to long-distance loops, it turns two-wheeled adventure into something for all ages and abilities. Bring your own bike or hire one from Forest Leisure Cycling, an easy 15-minute wander from YHA New Forest.
7. Catch a wave in Cornwall
The North Cornish coast is synonymous with surfing, thanks to its reliable Atlantic swells and broad sandy beaches. It's also where you'll find YHA Treyarnon Bay, sitting pretty just 50 metres from the shore with spectacular sea views. The hostel is also enticingly close to Harlyn Surf School — specialising not just in surfing and board hire but also coasteering, paddleboarding and kayaking — where hostel guests who are YHA members can get 10% off two-hour activity sessions. If you've always fancied yourself as a big-wave rider but don't know your carves from your cutbacks, why not give surfing a go in 2026?
8. Take a family break in the Lakes
The western fells of the Lake District can sometimes feel like one huge adventure playground. For families in particular, YHA Eskdale — one of around a dozen YHA hostels in the National Park — is brimming with different ideas for nearby outings. Top examples include the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway, the high ropes course at Go Ape in Grizedale Forest, the birds of prey displays and ghost stories of Muncaster Castle, and the fascinating history of water-powered Eskdale Mill. Factor in hiking, cycling, and an on-site bar and restaurant (pizza? yes, please!) and it's ideal for a multi-generational break.
9. Get cultural in Bristol
Earmarked by Lonely Planet as one of the top 50 destinations to visit worldwide in 2026, Bristol has long been a bona fide cultural powerhouse. This summer is a typically busy one for the city, with June and July hosting events such as the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, the Bristol Craft Beer Festival, the large-scale (and free) Bristol Harbour Festival and the food-focused Feast On Festival. Book a stay at the harbourside YHA Bristol and dive in.
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