Complete your DofE with YHA
For over 60 years, YHA has partnered with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to help young people achieve their residential, volunteering and expedition sections.
Get set for the experience of a lifetime – from hostel stays to camping, volunteering at a hostel or our National Office, or even supporting as a fundraiser. Staying with YHA is a great way to boost your confidence and independence while leaving a positive footprint on the lives of others as well as your own.
Residential benefits
- Boost your practical skills
- Make new friends
- Improve your employability
- Increase your social skills
- Build your confidence
YHA National Park DofE Gold Residentials (Conservation work)
This Summer, YHA is once again partnering with Peak District National Park to offer DofE Gold Residentials. Participants will undertake conservation work with the park rangers and stay in single-gender shared dormitories at YHA Hartington Hall with all meals included.
Price: £320
Board: Full bed and board
Location: YHA Hartington Hall
There will be four residentials running over the summer holidays with the following dates and limited to the following age ranges:
- Monday 12th August - Friday 16th August 2024 (for ages 16 & 17 year old)
- Monday 26th August - Friday 30th August 2024 (for ages 16 & 17 year old)
- Monday 9th September - Friday 13th September 2024 (for ages 18 to 25 year old)
Itinerary for each residential
Monday: You will arrive at YHA Hartington Hall where YHA staff will welcome you to the hostel, brief you on the week to come, and introduce you to your fellow participants.
Tuesday - Thursday: You will join National Park Rangers to learn and gain first hand experience doing conservation work around the Peak District.
Friday: In the morning, you will have a reflection session and a pack up to leave after lunch.
Your evenings will involve fun social activities (walks, movie nights, games) at and around the hostel.
Applications close at 9am on Monday 8th July 2024.
YHA Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award (Volunteering)
Complete your volunteering section with YHA by volunteering locally at one of our hostels or anywhere in the country by becoming a YHA virtual volunteer.
Price: Free
Location: Flexible
YHA was built by volunteers. Together we work to help improve the health, wellbeing and life chances of all, but especially young people facing adversity and challenges.
Becoming a YHA volunteer opens doors for everyone. It’s a chance to gain experience, develop your skills and make new friends — all while having a positive impact on those who need our support most.
You could be involved in a range of tasks including housekeeping, reception, café or kitchen tasks when volunteering at one of our hostels. Or virtually volunteer and get involved in our photography, videography, social media and much more.
Complete your DofE at YHA Hartington Hall, Peak District
YHA Hartington Hall is in a lovely, unspoilt area of the Peak District. Stained glass, oak panelling and plenty of original features make this 17th century manor house perfect base for your stay while you complete your YHA National Park DofE Gold Residential with us.
As well as the amazing surroundings, YHA Hartington Hall offers fantastic catering during your stay. We source our ingredients with care, providing delicious food that is ethically sourced – using British produce wherever possible – so you can have confidence in your meals. Vegetarian options are available and, with prior notice, we endeavour to cater for any special dietary requests.
Applications close at 9am on Monday 8th July 2024.
Special offers
10% off group bookings for Scouts, Guides and DofE groups
Access to the outdoors is important. That's why we offer 10% off group accommodation and pre-booked meals for Guides, Scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Award groups.
25% off winter residentials and group stays
Take your group on an adventure this winter with 25% off midweek stays for self-led groups of more than 15 people in winter 2024/25 and 2025/26.
15% off Exclusive Hire stays for young persons’ organised groups
Take the entire place for less on your next group getaway. Young persons’ organised groups get 15% off Exclusive Hire accommodation when booking directly through YHA.