Top experiences in rural YHA locations
The beauty of a rural stay with YHA is how many hidden corners of the UK you can uncover. Our countryside escapes are the gateway to adventures. We have hostels in historic buildings or tucked away in nature reserves, near walking trails, cycle routes, and natural attractions. Here’s some inspiration for your next holiday.
1. Lace up for the Lakes
If you’re dreaming of big skies, deep lakes, and mountain air, YHA Ambleside or YHA Borrowdale in the Lake District are ideal. These hostels provide access to world-famous hikes like Scafell Pike or more gentle lakeside strolls perfect for all ages. Surrounded by crags and waterfalls, it’s perfect for adventurous families wanting to canoe, climb or simply experience the local wildlife.
Top tip: Many hostels offer drying rooms, packed lunches, and maps for self-guided walks, tailored to different abilities.
2. Discover the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is a patchwork of valleys, stone walls, and waterfalls. Stay at YHA Grinton Lodge for stunning views and easy access to cycling routes and wild swimming spots. Or a short distance from the famous Malham Cove, Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar, YHA Malham offers comfortable Pennine Way accommodation in the heart of a beautiful Dales village. The Pennine Way and Yorkshire Dales Cycle Way pass close by, making it a great option for walking and cycling holidays in the Dales.
Top tip: At most YHA hostels with Camping & Cabins, dogs can come too. So your four-legged friend can join in the fun.
3. Coastal calm in Pembrokeshire
For those drawn to sea breezes and dramatic coastlines, book a stay in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Choose from YHA Broad Haven, which is just a stone’s throw from a Blue Flag beach, or hire the whole hostel at YHA Pwll Deri, situated on a beautiful cliff top with panoramic views of the sea. These hostels make excellent bases for kayaking, dolphin-spotting, or simply soaking in ocean views.
Top tip: The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs along 186 miles of British coastline. From relaxing walks to surfing and coasteering, there’s something for everyone.
4. Explore the Welsh wilderness
YHA’s hostels in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, like YHA Snowdon Llanberis, place you at the foot of the UK’s most iconic mountain hikes. With rural charm and big-mountain energy, it’s the perfect balance for families seeking a challenge and a chance to bond away from screens. Or why not try YHA Brecon Beacons, where wild Welsh mountain ponies roam freely and summer sunsets paint the hills in gold. It’s a paradise for stargazers thanks to its Dark Sky Reserve status, making it a unique spot for a family astronomy night.
Top tip: Some hostels offer stargazing kits to make the most of the dark skies.
5. Peak District charm
The Peak District is one of the UK’s best-loved walking destinations and YHA has some of its most iconic hostels right in the heart of it. YHA Hartington Hall is a 17th-century manor house with its own gardens, games room, and an array of farm animals on its doorstep. YHA Castleton Losehill Hall sits in a wooded area close to Mam Tor and the Great Ridge. With access to caves, cycle trails, and market towns, it’s a perfect blend of rural peace and family fun.
Top tip: You’re also close to Alton Towers if you want an adrenaline-fuelled day out.
6. Escape to the South Downs
Looking for sea views and rolling hills? We have YHA Truleigh Hill, perched above the Sussex coast on the South Downs Way or converted farmhouse YHA South Downs. The area is a haven for walkers, cyclists, and families who want to experience chalk cliffs, butterfly meadows, and beautiful views. The hostels offer easy access to both countryside and coast. Don’t miss the chance to spot kestrels, visit a local vineyard, or explore nearby Devil’s Dyke.
Top tip: Start the day with a hearty YHA breakfast, Kids eat for £1* with a full paying adult.
7. Discover Cornish coves
For a peaceful rural escape in Cornwall, YHA Boswinger is based in the scenic Roseland Peninsula. This converted farmhouse provides comfortable accommodation with sea views, just a short walk from the South West Coast Path and the secluded Hemmick Beach. YHA Boscastle, perched above a picturesque fishing village, is ideal for coastal walks and exploring local legends like the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Or there’s YHA Penzance, set in a Georgian manor house that offers easy access to the Morrab Gardens and the Golowan Festival, a vibrant midsummer celebration featuring music, dancing, and parades.
Top tip: Make the most of hostel communal spaces, many have gardens or games rooms where kids can play while parents unwind.
Affordable adventures
One of the best things about rural stays with YHA is how affordable they are. With options like private rooms, self-catering kitchens, and meal deals, you can stretch your holiday budget without sacrificing comfort.
Whether it’s your first countryside escape or one of many, there’s always a new trail to hike, a new story to discover, and a new view to wake up to.
And, when you stay at YHA, you’re also helping fund access to the outdoors for young people and underserved communities across the UK.
So this summer, go rural. Go slow. Go YHA.
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*Kids eat for £1
Offer subject to availability at participating hostels. YHA reserves the right to amend or end this offer at any time. This offer is valid for one kid's meal for £1 for a child under 10 with a purchase of an unlimited breakfast costing £9.95 or an evening meal costing £6 or more.
Exclusions: Offer not available for groups of 16 or more. Offer only available to residential guests staying at one of the participating hostels.
