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Holiday with a difference in the heart of the South Pennine landscape.
Downham Camping Barn is an ideal escape for all ages and has some availability over the summer holidays. A stone tent, no need for the complications of canvas, it comfortably sleeps 12 and is let out on a sole use basis for individual groups. Nestled in a National Landscape area, formerly known as Area of Outstanding Beauty, you will be staying on the skirts of iconic Pendle, a hill steeped in history and mystery and landmark of Lancashire.
Last-minute summer stays – brilliant for hikers, bikers, families, groups – and dogs, too!
Looking for a spontaneous summer escape? The Roost Merthyr Tydfil is the perfect last-minute getaway for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone needing a breath of fresh air. Nestled on the edge of the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, and just minutes from BikePark Wales, The Roost offers a peaceful base with easy access to some of South Wales’ best hiking, biking, and outdoor experiences. Whether you’re climbing Pen y Fan, tackling mountain trails, or just unwinding under the trees, you’ll find everything you need for a refreshing break.
And, there is still some cabin availability for July/August but it’s filling up fast.
A great place to stay on the cycle Lôn Las Cymru (NCR 8)
Find Plas Isa Dolgellau, right on the Lôn Las Cymru route. You do the cycling – we take care of the rest.
Walking the beautiful Eden Way? When you reach Kirkby Stephen, make us your stopover.
Nestled right in town, Kirkby Stephen Hostel offers a cosy, friendly spot to rest.
Accommodation on the Yoredale Way in the market town of Hawes.
The Hostel at Hawes (YHA Hawes) provides private rooms in a range of sizes, along with a drying room, self-catering kitchen, dining room, and a comfortable lounge with a bar. If you’re not in the mood to cook, you can book breakfast and evening meals, or head out to enjoy the pubs and restaurants of Hawes.
Great value family holidays in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning coastal towns and picturesque villages to historic sites and natural beauty. Cote Ghyll Mill, located in the heart of the National Park, provides VisitEngland 4-star rated accommodation that is ideal for families. The private family rooms feature a combination of beds and bunks, making them suitable for families of all sizes. The hostel is spacious with a café and self-catering facilities. The large grounds include a stream and woodland—perfect for paddling and exploring. Nestled in idyllic countryside, the Mill is surrounded by picturesque trails for walking and cycling.
Walking the Yoredale way?
At the northern end of the scenic Yoredale Way- stretching from York to Kirkby Stephen. Kirkby Stephen Hostel is the perfect place to rest, recharge and celebrate finishing this stunning 73 mile journey. We have comfy beds, hot showers, self catering kitchen, drying rooms and secure kit storage. Book a stay and finish/start your Yoredale adventure the right way.
Great dooking spots a stroll away from the Lodge and more in the local hills.
Close to Cleikum Mill Lodge in Innerleithen where the Cuddy meets the Tweed there is a lush oasis for wild swimming with channels and paddling areas, surrounded by ancient Scots Pine trees. Alternativly the Cuddy Brig on the River Leithen provides a pool beneath the historic bridge, where people swim.
Wild Swimming in the River Dee
The River Dee in Llangollen is a fantastic spot for wild swimming, with highlights including the Llangollen Rock Pools and the beautiful Horseshoe Falls. While swimming near Llangollen Bridge isn’t recommended, the Horseshoe Falls—just upstream near the weir—are absolutely glorious! After your refreshing dip, head back to the hostel and unwind in the cosy lounge by the log fire. We’ve got private rooms and great shared spaces, including a self-catering kitchen, book exchange, free WiFi, loads of games, laundry facilities, a drying room, and secure storage for bikes and canoes.
Three Superb Wild Swimming Spots Near the Remote Dolgoch Hostel
Wolf’s Leap – The most renowned of the three, this deep pool lies about 4 miles from Dolgoch along the Abergwesyn road. It features a striking narrow rock channel that leads to a picturesque waterfall — perfect for adventurous swimmers. Wash Pool – Located 8 miles away on the road to Llanwrtyd, this is a spacious, open pool with a waterfall at one end, offering a refreshing and scenic swim. Nant y Ffrwd – Around 4 miles towards Tregaron, near the iconic red phone box, this hidden gem offers a tranquil pool fed by a charming waterfall, ideal for a quiet dip.
Come camping where you can leave your tent at home and enjoy the silence.
Downham Camping Barn, set in the brooding shadow of Pendle in the Trough of Bowland Area of Outstanding Beauty, welcomes first timers and old timers to breath deep and immerse yourself in nature. Take a break from the digi age and get back to basics while the sun shines in this unlikely extended South Pennine summer.
Convenient bike and passenger transport directly from the Hebridean Way.
If you are walking or cycling The Hebridean Way and are looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation between Scaladale and Stornoway, come and enjoy the highly rated facilities at Ravenspoint which include our self-service coffee and cake with a view, shop with post office, museum and archive. There are good public transport links to help you connect to the long-distance route. A bus (W9) runs daily to Ravenspoint (and the rest of Pairc) from South Lochs Turn (in Balallan on the Heb Way route) leaving at 14.40 and 18.25. These buses can take bikes and it’s only a 7-minute journey. 3 buses leave Ravenspoint each morning between 7am and 10am to rejoin the main Hebridean Way route.
Affordable Fun for a Family of Four
So you cant agree on what to do this summer, is it hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paddle boarding or just an ice cream as you watch the donkies on the beach? A family of four can often have fifty different preferences and that used to make choosing a holiday a big challenge but not at Bunkorama Barmouth where all the options are on your doorstep. Outdoor activities such as walking and rock climbing are all around and Barmouth with its fun bucket and spade atmosphere is easily accessible. We can point you towards places to eat out, friends who will take you paddle boarding or even mountain biking or even the best choice for a narrow gauge steam railway.
Stay, Swim, and Explore from Elterwater Hostel
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Elterwater Hostel is the perfect base for anyone keen to explore the area’s stunning wild swimming spots. Just two minutes from our door, the crystal-clear waters of Great Langdale Beck offer a refreshing dip after a day on the fells. For those wanting to venture further, Stickle Tarn and Blea Tarn provide dramatic mountain backdrops for an unforgettable swim, while the gentle shores of Grasmere and Rydal Water promise scenic, more leisurely bathing.
The Yomp Mountain Challenge weekend 2026!!
Don’t leave it too late, book your beds now for your next challenge of 2026 at Kirkby Stephen Hostel!
Wild Swimming at Seahouses
Seahouses Beach is an EU designated bathing beaches (one of 5 in Northumberland) and home to the Seahouses Wild Swimmers group. Located in Seahouses with an easy walk to St Aidan’s beach. The Hides provide affordable accommodation perfect for groups, families or independent travellers. Each Hide is an en-suite room sleeping 4 in beds & bunks. The rooms open onto a communal courtyard with access to the well equipped self-catering kitchen, equipment storage & drying room.
Whether you’d like to take a dip or a swim, we have two fabulous wild swimming spots for you!
All my wild swimming opportunities have been in Wales! There are many wild swimming gems hidden in pool rivers, lakes; enchanting places bringing you that sense of enjoyment and contentment as you glide through the water immersed in the sounds & views of nature.
Wild Swimming in South West Wales.
The closest site for wild swimming to Gilfach Wen Barn is a pool on the river Cothi which has the advantage of being easy to combine with a visit to the village pub. For the more adventurous, the walk to Llyn y Fan Fach, (Lake of the small Beacon hill) is often described as one of the most magical and breathtaking sights in all of Wales and enables you to swim at the site of one of the great folktales of Wales.
