These converted stables offer simple accommodation close to the market town of Hexham with its fine abbey, museum and theatre. Better still is the hostel's proximity to breathtaking countryside. Follow winding lanes to pretty villages, enjoy the river and forest trails or take to the high moorlands of Northumberland and the North Pennines. Hadrian's Wall is also nearby. Kitchen and Drying room available Last chance to visit - hostel closes on 1st October

This Sussex flint house, partly dating from 1530 with a Tudor beamed lounge, is just a mile from the picturesque village of Alfriston. Norman and medieval sites are within easy reach, as is the Herstmonceux Science Centre, Drusillas Zoo Park and the Seven Sisters spectacular sea cliffs. Set in a large garden overlooking the Cuckmere Valley, the hostel is also an ideal base for exploring the South Downs where walkers and cyclists alike will find plenty of footpaths and bridleways to explore.

Stay on top of the world in England's highest market town where steep, cobbled streets are surrounded by wild, solitary fells. Walkers and cyclists will love this modern hostel overlooking the South Tyne Valley, on the Pennine Way and Coast-to-Coast cycle route. Dining room, Drying room, Lounge and Self-catering kitchen available Last chance to visit - hostel closes on 1st October

Overlooking Dovedale, this is a comfortable base from which to explore the Manifold Valley and Beresford and Wolfscote Dales on foot or by bike, with Chatsworth House and Alton Towers both nearby. The hostel consists of two barns, each with its own lounge, dining area and self-catering kitchen. All five bedrooms are en-suite and there is a large patio and garden area.

In the heart of ancient woodland, Shining Cliff Youth Hostel is ideal for groups of friends and families with a sense of adventure Close to Derwent Valley World Heritage Site and within easy reach of Peak District National Park, you can still escape back to tranquillity after a fun packed day out.

Converted from Elterwater's oldest farm, this hostel is superbly located for the Langdale fells in a popular, but peaceful village. Accommodation is comfortable, warm and friendly, the food is good and the pub and village shop are close to hand. There are outdoor activities for all levels, with easy access to the Cumbria Way, road and mountain biking trails and crags for rock climbing.

This listed Regency mansion retains many of its original features including lavish plasterwork and a magnificently decorated cupola over the grand staircase. Overlooking the tranquil Esthwaite Water in the southern Lakes, it is a gorgeous spot from which to explore the surrounding Beatrix Potter country. Hawkshead village, known as the prettiest village in the Lake District with clusters of whitewashed houses, is just a mile from the hostel.

Take your children to Butharlyp Howe and test their energy levels. The hostel, a traditional Lakeland Victorian house, has extensive grounds with a safe play area for children and plenty of outdoor games equipment. Staff at the hostel can help you book a wide range of outdoor activities including watersports, climbing, orienteering, cycling and fishing. It goes without saying that there is walking galore, including high-level ridge and fell routes

Thorney How was the first hostel bought by YHA in 1931. The building is over 350 years old and set in the most magical location. Dorothy Wordsworth used to write much of her work sat on Thorney How (craggy mound), in our grounds. This hostel is well cared for and a jewel in YHAs crown. * The hostel is ideal for Coast to Coast walkers. We are situated directly on Wainwrights famous long distance path. We provide excellent, healthy, balanced, hearty meals to all guests. Grouos are asked to book in advance. * The hostel is becoming more and more popular with families, it is in easy reach of the village with all its attractions and also close enough to the fells for an adventurous family day out.

This rambling Victorian mansion with open fires is owned by the National Trust and stands in its own grounds between Elterwater and Grasmere. Close to the Langdale Pikes, it's an ideal base for walkers wanting to explore the Langdale valleys.

Ambleside is in the very heart of the Lake District and a popular base for watersports, walking and climbing enthusiasts. This large hostel is just outside a busy village on the shores of Lake Windermere. The views from the hostel lounge and many of the waterfront bedrooms are outstanding and, should you feel the need for an extra degree of comfort, premium rooms are available.

This large stone house stands on the green in a quiet, pretty village on both the Pennine Way and Cumbria Cycle Way. Approach Cross Fell or High Cup Nick from here, or take a ride from Appleby on the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway. It's perfectly situated for exploring the moorland of the North Pennines or the green valleys of the River Eden. The re-development project has been made possible thanks to substantial funding form the Cumbria Rural Development Programme and the European Regional Development Fund through their Rural Economic Development Zone fund.

If you love the Lake District but not its summer crowds, try YHA Arnside. This mellow Edwardian-Tudor house is positioned above the waters of Morecambe Bay and boasts great views of the Lake District mountains. It's a good touring base both for the Lakes and the western Yorkshire Dales and you'll find a variety of walks in the area. Birdwatchers will enjoy the RSPB reserve nearby and wildlife lovers shouldn't miss Arnside Knott, famous for its butterflies.

Enjoy the best of both worlds in this handsome Georgian mansion. Situated at the end of a private road with a spacious front lawn, it's well away from the busy traffic of Arundel yet just over a mile from the town centre. If you're bringing the family, you'll be pleased to know the sandy beaches of Littlehampton and West Wittering are nearby, where the kids can run riot with buckets and spades. There's also walking aplenty - the Monarch's Way will lead you onto the expansive South Downs or, for an evening stroll, follow the riverside path to Arundel.

This is a Youth Hostel to remember! A Victorian gothic manor house owned by the National Trust, it makes for a civilised break. Its grounds stretch to 84 acres of country park on the banks of the River Manifold, making outdoor games, woodland wanders and riverside walks an appealing possibility. Walk in the gently undulating White Peak area of the Peak District National Park, visit Dovedale or cycle along the Tissington and Manifold Trails. Cot Available

Above the River Bradford and Lathkill Dale, Youlgreave was once the old Co-op village store and it still retains some of the original characteristics - look for the stone beehive (symbol of the Co-op) and the windows inscribed with the shop's services. Rooms are named after the store departments and there are interesting displays to give you a flavour of the period. Many adventures await outside in the White Peak, where walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers will be in their element.

With fine views over the historic market town of Bakewell and the Wye Valley, this relaxed hostel is the ideal base from which to explore the many delights of the Peak District. Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, Lathkill Dale and Monsal Dale are all within easy walking distance and there are great public transport links. Bakewell itself is a hive of activity. Famous for its puddings and tarts with a market tradition stretching back over 700 years old, this wonderful town is full of hidden surprises.

If you're walking the Pennine Way, you'll be glad to rest your weary feet at Baldersdale, nestling in a green oasis with open counrtyside all around. The hostel, an old stone farmhouse with adjacent barn, has 10 acres of grounds managed as an environmentally sensitive area where the only sounds you'll hear are the calls of curlews and lapwings. The friendly small hostel atmosphere will restore your spirits to explore nearby Teesdale and the interactive Killhope mining museum. When you return a well earned pot of our speciality and Fair Trade teas awaits in the sheltered garden with views over Blackton resevoir.

For a holiday jam-packed with a diverse range of activities, YHA Bangor, a large, Victorian house just minutes from the town centre, makes a great base. The mountains of Snowdonia are just a 15-minute drive away, offering a range of gentle wanders in the foothills and energetic all-day hikes. There's an awesome array of beaches close by on the Isle of Anglesey and the historic castles at Penrhyn and Caernarfon are within easy visiting distance. To help you explore to the full, mountain bikes, tandems and trailer bikes can be hired by arrangement.

Few folk venture to Northumberland without walking a part of Hadrian's Wall and this purpose-built hostel is just half a mile from its most spectacular section. Being two miles north of Bardon Mill, it's also within easy walking distance of Vindolanda, where you can see how the Romans lived, and Housesteads Fort, the most complete Roman fort in Britain. Once you've had your fill of history, the hills of the Northumberland National Park await.

Those of you who have ‘gone green' will appreciate the environmental efforts made in this hostel. There are recycling and alternative energy breaks, as well as weekend courses on the outdoors and the environment. And you'll certainly appreciate the environment while you're here - in the centre of one of Britain's largest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is one of the highest hostels in England with magnificent views across the North Pennines landscape from the lounge.

A beautiful Italianate mansion in its own gardens, YHA Bath offers a comfortable base for exploring this elegant city. Buzzing with cosmopolitan energy, it enjoys all the facilities you would expect of such a prestigious location. Bath is a World Heritage City and famous for its hot springs, Roman Baths and Georgian architecture. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, you'll be sure to find a variety of festivals, theatre shows and exhibitions to keep you entertained.

Hunt for history in this traditional hostel in a quiet village with an impressive heritage. Closely associated with the early Quaker movement, the village is home to the Mayflower Barn, William Penn's grave and a 17th century meeting house. A trip to Milton's Cottage in the next village is recommended and Windsor is within visiting distance. The hostel enjoys quiet surroundings with a garden and all-day access available for families.

Escape the modern world at this hostel in the centre of Dartmoor National Park surrounded by open moorland with a network of off-road walking and cycling routes. Once part of a Duchy farm, this hostel makes a comfortable, child-friendly retreat.

This red cedarwood, purpose-built hostel sits on the Pennine Way, high above the little border town of Bellingham. But don't just make this a one-night stop while walking the epic long-distance route. Stay a while longer and you'll discover quiet lanes offering excellent cycling, and there's good walking on the Northumberland Moors too. Kielder Water, Europe's largest man-made lake, has watersports and miles of forest trails, with Hadrian's Wall nearby.

This hostel's picturesque location, two miles from the village that shares its name, is part of a very lively and busy hotel and tourist complex. The hostel is ideal for groups and individuals alike, and is a very popular location for walkers and cyclists.

Beverley is one of northeast England's premier towns, its minster the superior of many an English cathedral. A beautiful old building in a quiet corner of the town, this hostel is close to the minster and ideally placed to explore the cobbled lanes and elegant Georgian and Victorian terraces. It also affords easy access to Hull, York and the Yorkshire Wolds, while the coast is just 15 minutes away. Whether you want to go cycling or shopping, birdwatching or sunbathing, this hostel makes a magical setting for your break.

This homely hostel and its lovely garden enjoy a peaceful setting in an unspoilt Lincolnshire village. A 15th century forge and annexe, it offers a quiet haven to those seeking a tranquil base. Attractions in the area include the Wool Churches built by local sheep farmers, while cycling, fishing and watersports are on hand at Rutland Water.

If you are planning on visiting the Hadrian s Wall Roman heritage sites, YHA Greenhead is very convenient. Mind you, the hostel has plenty of history of its own. It was built in 1886 as a Methodist Chapel, fuelled by the religious flavour of the village s mining population. The church gave its last service in 1972 and has been a hostel since 1978. Walkers of all levels will also find plenty of interest in the area and like-minded company in the lounge as YHA Greenhead is a popular stop on the Pennine Way.

The smallest and highest hostel in the Peaks, Bretton is situated above the historic plague village of Eyam with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. An open fire and Rayburn stove provide a homely welcome and add to the traditional character and friendly atmosphere. Walkers will be in their element here, with clear paths and trails over the White Peak within easy reach.

With so much to do, Brighton is an exciting city to visit. No one can resist the traditional seaside pursuits at the world-famous pier and pavilion. Then there's a cosmopolitan range of shops to explore before you even contemplate an energetic night on the town. Just as well then, that this 16th century manor house offers a retreat from the city in open parkland on the outskirts of Brighton. And, when you're rested, the staff will be only too happy to help plan your activities for tomorrow.

This hostel makes the perfect base to explore the vibrant city of Bristol. With views over the waterways, it has been sympathetically restored to create a relaxing yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. Visit the magnificent Avon Gorge, Brunel's suspension bridge or one of the many theatres, museums and art galleries in the city.

A former family home, this hostel stands in extensive grounds with immediate access to the New Forest and within easy reach of the Beaulieu Motor Museum and the beaches of Bournemouth. With cycling, pony trekking and watersports all possible to arrange locally, it s the ideal base for a get-away-from-it-all break close to the seaside.

This National Trust property stands high above the dales of the River Wye in 60 acres of grounds. Surrounded by the fascinating limestone scenery of the White Peak, the hostel is on the White Peak Way and there is excellent walking for all abilities nearby. It is also within easy visiting distance of Litton Mill. The hostel is set in 70 acres of land and surrounded by the facinating scenery of the White Peak. The area is great for walkers of all abilities as well as many other outdoor persuits. Nearby attractions include Chatsworth House, Show caves and caverns and Alton Towers.

A former mill in its own secluded grounds on the banks of the River Dane, this hostel is close to the Staffordshire moorlands and gritstone Roaches. If you're a National Trust member then there is plenty to do as National Trust properties Quarry Bank Mill at Styal, Little Morton Hall, Tatton Park, Dunham Massey and Biddulph Grange are all nearby. Or, for a dose of fun, Alton Towers is 15 miles away. Gradbach Mill is predominantly a group visit only hostel . Bookings must be made in advance.

This hostel was once the haunt of Victorian climbers - George Mallory of Everest fame once stayed here on his early climbing trips to Wales. With such a prestigious history, it now makes the ideal base to ascend Snowdon and explore the surrounding mountains. Parking is limited. This hostel has a full Residential Licence and its own bar open from 17.30.

This busy international hostel is just minutes from the railway station and 15 minutes' walk from the city centre. The Victorian townhouse makes a great base for an English city break where you can relax by the river and visit colleges, museums and art galleries galore.

This splendid Victorian villa is near the centre of the early Christian city of Canterbury, with good access onto the Kent Downs. The hostel is popular with groups and individuals alike, who enjoy the friendly atmosphere. It's within easy reach of the North Downs Way and Pilgrims' Way, while the city itself has a cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, various museums, guided tours and theatres. Breakfast, picnic lunch. Evening meals are only available to groups booking in advance.

Stay in an award-winning conversion of the former Theakston's Brewery. These Halls of Residence offer comfortable rooms just a few minutes' walk from Carlisle's city centre and historic castle. Also within easy reach are Hadrian's Wall and the Lake District.

A new YHA location offering a memorable experience. Situated on the most continuous stretch of Hadrians Wall, the well appointed farmhouse conversion is within the Birdoswald Visitor Centre complex, so your nights stay includes your visit to this beautiful archaeological site.

This renovated Victorian house is in the village of Ingleton and offers excellent accommodation for individuals and families alike. Within easy access of the M6, it's ideally located for exploring the Dales and just a short distance from the Lakes. Walks range from the gentle Waterfalls Walk to Thornton Force to the demanding Three Peaks Walk. There's also excellent limestone climbing for the adventurous. Children will love White Scar Cave, the largest show cave in Europe, and the open-air swimming pool and park next door. Cot Available

If your idea of hostelling is basic bed and board, think again. Stay in this 16th century building and you'll enjoy substantial meals with the emphasis on home-cooked dishes and vegetarian fare. There are plenty of attractions to help you work up an appetite, and the hostel has a large lawned garden in which to relax afterwards. Bon appetit!

Originally Castleton Hall, this building dates back to the 13th century and, together with the former vicarage, stands at the heart of the village square. Walkers staying at this hostel on two separate sites will be spoilt for choice. There are many fine routes around the valley which is overlooked by the spectacular Winnats Pass and Mam Tor, known as the shivering mountain. Peveril Castle and a choice of underground caves are all within walking distance.