From incredible historic buildings to city centre locations and hostels right at the foot of the UK's highest mountains, YHA offers so many wonderful options to choose from. If you want to explore the UK solo, take your family on a cheap holiday, or get away with your friends on an activity break, these hostels provide the perfect accommodation.
Some of our hostels are more well-known than others, and therefore you might find it more of a challenge to find availability for your preferred dates in these locations. So why not try somewhere new? In this article, we're shining the spotlight on some of our lesser-known but absolutely incredible locations.
If you're looking for something a little more undiscovered, then check out one of our six underrated hostels in England and Wales.
YHA Ambleside
If, like Kirsty and Phil, it's all about Location, Location, Location for you, then look no further than YHA Ambleside for your next break.
The Lake District is a favourite UK holiday destination for many, and it's not difficult to see why. With miles of incredible walks for all abilities, spectacular scenery in every direction, and quaint towns and villages to explore, there's something here for everyone. YHA Ambleside is the perfect base for your trip to the Lakes!
This modern hostel is situated on the shores of the mighty Windermere and has beautiful views over the water and the mountains beyond. It's also within walking distance of the popular market town of Ambleside with its selection of independent bistros, cosy pubs, and fine dining restaurants, not to mention a decent collection of shops selling outdoor gear.
There's even an independent cinema (Zeffirellis) in the town, which is an excellent option for something to do if the weather is less than ideal. It shows a variety of films, including art-house and independent cinema as well as staging live music, alongside tasty Italian food.
Ambleside has a fascinating history dating back to Roman times, and you can explore the remains of a fort nearby from the 2nd century. This English Heritage-managed site is within walking distance of the town.
If you're into hiking the you will want to explore some of the nearby fells. There are long-distance routes around Loughrigg Fell and Fairfield Horseshoe to test your legs, where you'll be rewarded with amazing views.
At the end of a busy day, return to the hostel to relax. There's a licensed café bar that takes full advantage of those stunning views plus free on-site parking, making it a great stop for road trips. There’s even a well-equipped self-catering kitchen with everything you need to prepare and store your own food during your stay.
YHA Liverpool Albert Dock
If you fancy a city break with plenty to do, then they don't come much better than Liverpool. Music buffs, football fans, and culture vultures will all find plenty to enjoy in this northern powerhouse.
YHA Liverpool Albert Dock is just a short stroll from the historic Albert Docks, part of Liverpool's famous waterfront and home to the Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story, two of the city's must-visit attractions. Finding affordable city centre accommodation is difficult, but here at YHA, we think we've nailed it.
Liverpool was previously named the European Capital of Culture, and it's also a UNESCO City of Music thanks to its rich and diverse music history and the talent which comes from the region. Head to the Cavern Club to see the place where The Beatles made their name. There's live music here most days, so you might just discover the next big thing.
If sport is more your thing, take a stadium tour at the ground of one of the city's two rival clubs or come and watch a match. Reds should head to Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC, while blues should visit Goodison Park, where the toffees (aka Everton) play.
The hostel itself takes inspiration from the city, with a large Beatles mural in the licensed bar and Liverpool-inspired décor throughout the social areas. You can get a drink here or indulge in some tasty food. On the menu are all-time favourites including pesto pasta, sausage and mash, and cheeseburgers, plus several veggie and vegan options.
YHA London Thameside
Looking to go to London without breaking the bank?! Head to the capital with a stay at YHA London Thameside, the perfect accommodation for families or solo travellers. Hotels in London can be seriously expensive so save some cash with a stay in a hostel bed or private room here, without compromising on comfort.
YHA London Thameside has an excellent location in Zone 2 and you can be in central London within 30 minutes. Hop on the tube at Canada Water, or catch the River Bus and enjoy the views of the Thames along the way.
There's so much to do in London that you can visit again and again and again. First-timers should check out the main sights such as Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, and the London Eye. Don't miss the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a traditional ceremony marking the moment when the soldiers currently on duty change places with new soldiers.
Back at the hostel, you can keep costs down by cooking your own meals in the self-catering kitchen and eating in the communal dining room. Play games in the shared lounge and treat yourself to a reasonably-priced glass of wine at the licensed bar.
All of the bedrooms here have en-suite bathrooms for your convenience and corridor zoning for safety and security. The hostel has also recently undergone a refurbishment to bring it bang up to date, so it's looking its very best right now.
YHA Penzance
For a seaside location to beat all others, YHA Penzance is a fantastic option. Get away from the holiday crowds on the Cornish coast for a relaxing break in a peaceful part of town.
The hostel is set in beautiful gardens – a lovely spot to read a book or watch the children as they burn off some energy. This Georgian mansion is impressive from the outside and the inside doesn't disappoint either. There's a comfortable lounge with a TV and books to borrow, a restaurant serving delicious food, and a self-catering kitchen.
And it's not just the hostel accommodation. YHA Penzance also has some fantastic glamping and camping options to choose from. The most cost-effective option for staying here is to bring your own tent and pitch up in the grounds.
If you like the idea of camping but don't like roughing it, then try a premium bell tent or a Landpod instead. Our spacious bell tents sleep up to five people, making them perfect for families or groups of friends travelling together. Each tent has a wood burner inside to keep you warm and cosy when the temperatures drop.
Couples and smaller families might like to try a stay in a Landpod. These half-tent-half-camping-pod structures sleep up to four people on two small double mattresses and feature a canopy roof that can be raised up for stargazing or watching the sun come up.
YHA Bristol
Another city break location on our underrated hostels list is YHA Bristol. The hostel is right in the centre of the city, near some of its best attractions. Plan your own street art walking tour and discover some of Banksy's most famous works, including The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum and The Grim Reaper.
You can hop on board the Brunel's SS Great Britain at Bristol Harbourside or visit the Bristol Aquarium. If you prefer to get on the water yourself, you can also take part in paddle boarding or rowing. On a clear day, head up to the Clifton Observatory for incredible views over the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge, and the city itself.
YHA Bristol has been sympathetically restored in keeping with its history as a former waterfront grain house. It offers a bustling bar and a stylish reception area, a great spot to hang out. If you're travelling by yourself, head here to make friends and make plans for your trip.
Bristol has plenty of restaurants to choose from, from independent burger joints such as Three Brothers Burgers to fine dining at Adelina Yard. There's also a great craft beer scene in the city too, so if you fancy a pint, be sure to check out one of the many microbreweries.
If you fancy a night in, the hostel has its own bar and restaurant, with a friendly, exciting atmosphere and décor in keeping with Bristol's industrial side. Choose from a range of burgers, pizzas, light bites, sharers, and classics.
YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass
If you love spending time in the great outdoors, then pop YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass on your list. With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainous landscapes, the hostel has easy access to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), in the heart of the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). There's no better place to stay if you're thinking about climbing the highest peak in Wales!
If you love the idea of staying in a traditional mountaineering hut but don't want to go without your home comforts, then YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass offers the best of both worlds. There's a social atmosphere with hikers swapping stories over a pint in the licensed bar after a day exploring the mountains, and the hostel has been recently refurbished to provide comfortable accommodation.
Find out more about its famous past – the well-known mountaineer George Mallory visited here many times to climb while training for his Mount Everest expeditions – and discover a sense of place from the interpretations throughout the hostel’s social areas.
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