Leave the hustle and bustle of busy cities behind and venture out to where the UK feels still, quiet and wonderfully slow. Think beachcombing on deserted sands, frosty wanders up forgotten peaks and fire-lit evenings tucked inside cosy hostels. YHA have a range of coastal and countryside hostels across England and Wales, perfect for a winter escape.
Maybe you’d enjoy a digital detox in the middle of nowhere? Or a location where you step out the front door and just keep walking? A place to reconnect with nature and to spend some time slowing down. Here are five ideas for the perfect cold-season refresher...
Beachcomb in Yorkshire
Our clifftop hostel, YHA Whitby, is perfectly placed for exploring some of Yorkshire’s most spectacular beaches. Head to Runswick Bay, an unspoilt sweep of sand framed by dramatic cliffs and home to one of the prettiest coastal villages in the region. Follow the narrow lanes down to the former coastguard’s white-washed thatched cottage, perched right by the sea.
Beachcomb for ancient fossils, semi-precious stones, or even the occasional ‘pirate treasure’ stirred loose by winter tides on the crumbling cliffs. The Cleveland Way offers miles of breathtaking coastal walks, including the rugged viewpoint from Kettleness. Or visit Robin Hood’s Bay at low tide for rock pooling among its craggy ledges. This old fishing village on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors is charming all year round. In winter, it’s wonderfully peaceful. Just around the corner sits YHA Boggle Hole, hidden away in a smuggler’s cove and perfect for a wild weather retreat.
Spot puffins in Bamburgh
Blow the cobwebs away and breathe in the fresh North Sea breeze when you visit Bamburgh. With its miles of expansive golden sands, towering above the beach is the dramatically set Bamburgh Castle dominating the skyline. Out to the sea you’ll spot the Farne Islands, famous for puffins and seals along with wonderful wildlife. With drifting sand dunes and cosy eateries in snug corners, where you can escape the cold, the royal capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria is in a National Landscape.
Stay at nearby YHA Berwick and whilst there why not try one of our self-guided walking routes from the hostel to discover many of Berwick-upon-Tweed’s historic attractions. Art lovers will enjoy the links to LS Lowry.
See stone circles in the Lakes
The Lake District transforms into a winter wonderland under soft seasonal light, with so much to see and do you’ll never be bored. Towering fells, deep valleys, still tarns and glistening lakes create a landscape that feels ancient and magical. Frost on the ground, snow-tipped peaks and miles of waterfall trails add to the sense of tranquillity.
Just outside Keswick, the Castlerigg Stone Circle sits in a natural amphitheatre framed by Helvellyn and High Seat. On a misty winter’s day, it’s atmospheric, otherworldly and easily reached on foot. Believed to date from around 3000 BC, it is one of the earliest stone circles constructed in the country.
For a gentler outing, follow the Derwentwater Lakeshore route. This is created by Miles without Stiles and is accessible for all. Picnic benches are dotted along the path, offering perfect spots to enjoy a packed lunch with mountains rising across the lake. After a crisp day outdoors, retreat to one of the many YHA hostels scattered across the Lake District.
Devour a cream tea in Devon
Nestled in the heart of Devon, YHA Beer sits in a handsome Arts and Crafts style country house located on the edge of the stunning Jurassic Coast, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. From the hostel you can wander through the peaceful private gardens down to the sea, or stroll into the charming fishing village of Beer, where you can uncover local tales of smugglers and coastal adventures.
Walk the cliff path to Branscombe for a classic Devon cream tea, the real question is... jam or cream first? Traditionally, Devonians put clotted cream on first and then cover it with jam. Or you can warm up with local cider paired with sweeping coastal views. The nearby Lyme Regis has four beaches, guided fossil-hunting experiences and the historic 13th-century harbour known as the Cobb.
As YHA Beer is on Exclusive Hire for the winter season, you can enjoy the entire house to yourselves. A perfect pick for a family gathering or friends retreat.
Have a cosy stay in the Peaks
Hunker down at YHA Hartington Hall, a beautiful 17th-century manor house, which makes an idyllic base for a winter break in the Peak District National Park. Built in 1611 and steeped in centuries of stories (including rumours of a supposed visit from Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite rising of 1745) this charming hostel has all the ingredients for a perfect winter escape: oak-panelled rooms, stained glass windows, cosy log fires and even a romantic honeymoon-style suite for a snug hideaway.
Step outside the hostel and you’ll find a network of fantastic walks available to you. Enjoy a gentle stroll to Hartington village for local produce, welcoming pubs or look at the gargoyles at the local church. Venture further afield into the Manifold Valley to discover Thor’s Cave, Dovedale and Ilam Hall (where we have a hostel waiting for you). Many routes are dotted with tearooms, perfect for warming up with a hot drink between winter wanderings.
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Photo credit: drhfoto / nyiragongo / Joe / Alan / veneratio / Tim Hill / Adobe Stock
