Hostelling Offers A Cheaper Family Break

This is a guest post for my lovely UK readers from the lovely people at YHA.

If you’re keeping an eye on your finances, you’re probably considering holidaying in the UK this year – and why not?

With national parks like Snowdonia, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, there’s no shortage of beautiful landscapes in our own back yard, and whether you’re on foot or on a bicycle, exploring these areas is a more active and exciting option than lying on the beach for a week.

Snowdonia Walks image by Badgernet via Wikimedia Commons

Hostelling is an affordable and fun way to experience these kinds of adventurous family holidays. Organisations like YHA operate a large network of hostels all across the country, from remote locations to city centres. National parks are particularly well-served by YHA hostels, which are cheaper than a B&B and more comfortable than a caravan or a tent. Hostels are a great choice for people who love the great outdoors.

If you haven’t stayed in a hostel since your student days, you may be surprised to discover how they’ve changed. While hostels are still popular with backpackers, the majority are equipped with family-friendly facilities such as high chairs and baby monitors, as well as restaurants and laundries. Many also offer cycle hire and storage facilities, so you can plan an activity break with ease.

A great way to see a national park in its entirety (well, almost) is to cycle, stopping at a different hostel every night. Whether you want a leisurely tour or a challenging ride, there are plenty of established routes to take, from the High Peak Trail of the Peak District to the massive Marchlyn Mawr Reservoir Circular in Snowdonia. Be sure to consider the whole family when planning a route, and avoid the more challenging hills if you have little ones in tow!

The cycle-hire centre at Parsley Hay on the High Peak Trail. Image by Hogyn Lleol via Wikimedia Commons.

Alternatively, a walking holiday is suitable for all ages and offers a more relaxed way to drink in the wonderful scenery Britain’s national parks have to offer. Take a tour of the Lake District and see the waters that inspired Wordsworth and Coleridge, explore the charming villages and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales or experience the rugged wilderness of Bodmin Moor: after a long day of hiking, you’ll be glad you have a comfortable hostel and a hot meal to go back to.

Arnside YHA in Cumbria in the UK’s Lake District

By: Barbara

A career girl who dropped out, traveled, found love, and never got around to going home again. Now wrangling a cross-cultural relationship and two third culture kids.