I love staying in hostels. Meeting people in these sociable shared accommodations really helped me to make friends and enjoy my stay as a solo traveller. While these days I prefer to have a private room instead of shared dorms I still love finding unique and sociable budget accommodation in the UK and around the world. If you’re looking for some fun and great value short break in the UK you’re in the right place, check out these cheap trip options with YHA!
AD This post is sponsored by YHA
While I always knew that YHA had dorm rooms and private rooms in their hostels, I recently discovered that YHA has a lot more options for cheap breaks in the UK than I realised!
Whether you’re looking for a short break or a longer stay, you can save a lot of money by thinking outside the box. If you’ve never thought about staying in a hostel before, then think again. From great value private rooms to unique glamping facilities, a short break at a YHA hostel could be just what you’re looking for.
Who Is YHA?
YHA is a charity and a social enterprise that has been running for 90 years. YHA have over 150 hostels and campsites all around England and Wales, in incredible locations from city centres to National Parks and iconic beauty spots. In their words, YHA provides “inclusive adventures, in extraordinary buildings, in amazing places”. Sounds good to me!
Their mission is to provide brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and life skills to enrich the lives of everyone, especially young people. This is something I am also passionate about, as I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy adventure and travel experiences without being held back by budget, background, nationality, or anything else.
Anyone can stay with YHA at one of their properties as a guest but signing up as a member from just £15 per year means that you will also get up to 15% off every stay, £30 off exclusive hire bookings and discounts from YHA partners including Blacks, Millets, Go Ape, National Express, Bradt Travel Guides and many more.
Members are also automatically given membership to Hostelling International which you can use to get discounts at hostels all around the world. And that’s just the benefits to you. Becoming a member also helps to support the valuable work that YHA do, so what are you waiting for?
Are Hostels Safe?
I spend a long time assuring women and other solo travellers that hostels are safe, and while during the pandemic most of us preferred to keep our distance, now we can mix with people and get sociable again, and get back to meeting people from all over the world in hostels.
If you love the idea of meeting people but prefer some privacy, YHA dorm rooms are available to book privately for a small group of family or friends, and in many cases, you can also book out the whole hostel for exclusive hire. Private double, twin and family rooms are available, and there is a range of camping and glamping options at many of the hostels too.
Where Can You Go with YHA?
YHA have over 150 hostels and campsites all around England and Wales, so there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Want a city break? You could check out YHA hostels in cities such as London, Manchester or Cambridge.
Want some beach time? Coastal YHA hostels in gorgeous locations like Cornwall, Pembrokeshire or Whitby will give you that. Or want to head to the hills? Then you’ll prefer rural hostels in the Lake District, Brecon Beacons or the Peak District, for example. Book direct with YHA for the best prices.
If you’d like more inspiration for where to go, check out YHA’s travel articles and news page here.
What Kind of Accommodation Can You Choose?
As well as the hostel rooms, YHA have a lot more options for cheap UK breaks. Most hostels offer some kind of camping and glamping facilities where you can choose from pitching your own tent to staying in shepherd’s huts, pods and even airstream trailers! Here is a taster of what you can find at different hostels around England and Wales:
private rooms
While shared dorms are closed, you can book a dorm room just for you and your group. Hostel rooms are basic yet comfortable and are usually made up of bunk beds, although many rooms have a combination of a double bed and bunks to suit families and couples.
Some bedrooms have en-suite facilities with a private bathroom, while others use shared bathroom facilities.
Book a RoomExclusive Hire
Don’t forget that you can hire out the whole hostel for you and your group, such as a family wedding or birthday. I stayed at YHA Kettlewell for a wedding a couple of years ago and it was a wonderful base to catch up with friends before the wedding – and sleep after the party!
Many hostels are out in the countryside and are a perfect location for having a walk with the family to brush off those cobwebs.
Book a HostelAirstream Trailers
I was so excited to stay in one of these trailers! I loved the retro vibe, and these original Airstreams really put the glam in glamping. There are currently just four hostels that have Airstreams, so if you’re planning to visit YHA Borrowdale, YHA Windermere, YHA Manorbier or YHA New Forest like me, you HAVE to book one!
Airstreams are kitsch getaways for couples or solo travellers, perfect for short breaks in the UK. Each Airstream is equipped with a double bed including pillows and bedding, heating, USB charging points, storage, lighting, and space to sit and relax. The Airstreams also comes with a table and two chairs so you can sit outside and soak up the sunshine.
camping pods
Several hostels in England and Wales have these cute pods for you to spend the night in. Different options include wooden camping pods, eco-friendly land pods and deluxe camping pods with en-suite shower room and kitchenette.
Book a PodBell Tents
YHA’s canvas bell tents come with futon beds and cozy duvets to keep you comfy and warm at night. Their premium bell tents also have an integrated wood burner, and all bell tents include a BBQ fire pit to complete the glamping experience.
Camping
If you prefer to bring your own gear, then you can find space for pitching your tent at hostels in some incredible locations. Some hostels have dedicated facilities just for campers, while others have their usual shared facilities available for you. From camping in the Lake District to Cornwall, the Brecon Beacons to the New Forest, you’ll find the perfect campsite at YHA.
I hope you can see now that exploring the UK doesn’t have to be expensive. Staying in a hostel might not have been your first thought for a weekend away (or a week!), but trying something new can give you a unique experience without splashing the cash. The only thing you need to do now is to book your favourite option and enjoy an amazing short break in the UK!
