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North Wessex Downs National Landscape

       Court Hill Centre

The North Wessex Downs is an ancient chalk landscape that straddles Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. An area of wide-open downland and dramatic scarp slopes, topped by the ancient Ridgeway. The northern edge, sweeps to a crest above the White Horse Vale and that is where you will find the Courthill Centre. Just 2 miles south of Wantage, and only a few steps from the historic Ridgeway National Trail and on King Alfred’s cycleway, The Court Hill Centre provides low cost fully catered accommodation for school groups, camping for long-distance walkers and private hostel bedrooms with self-catering for lucky individuals.

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panaramic view of yellow fields and cow parsley on the North Wessex Downs National Landscape viewed from the courthill centre

Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape

       Llangollen Hostel

East of the windswept Horseshoe Pass, over Llantisilio Mountain, lies the glorious Dee Valley with historic Llangollen, a famous market town rich in cultural and Industrial heritage. This is the Dee Valley National Landscape ( Tirwedd Cenedlaethol Dyffryn Dyfrdwy ). Llangollen Hostel, provides great value accommodation for individuals, families and groups at the heart of the National Landscape in the centre of the town of Llangollen. A perfect base for walking, cycling, canoeing & white water rafting. North of Llangollen lies the The Clwydian Range ( Bryniau Clwyd ) is a chain of purple heather-clad summits, topped by a cluster of strikingly situated Iron Age hillforts. Reaching the north coast of Wales with the Prestatyn Hills and south to the Berwyn Mountains, This area of windswept hilltops, heather moorland, and wooded valleys is ideal for walking. Families will love visiting Llangollen, with its steam railway, horse drawn canal boats & Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a World Heritage Site. The town is home to the Fringe music & arts festival, plus the International Eisteddfod.

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View of valley with braken, fields and mist in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape

The Norfolk Coast National Landscape

       Deepdale Rooms and Camping

The Norfolk Coast National Landscape stretches along the entire North Norfolk Coast. It is home to Blakeney Point a renowned spot for seal watching, the Peddars Way, and the Norfolk Coast Path. A landscape of farmland, heathland, wetlands, and woodlands, it is characterised by its historic churches, brick and flint villages, and quay-side towns. Deepdale Rooms in the village of Burnham Deepdale occupies a very special place on the Norfolk Coast National Landscape. Perfect for all seasons, here you can explore the wild beauty of the salt marshes in spring, take long walks along the coast in winter, enjoy the awe-inspiring night sky in summer and watch migrating birds in autumn.

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A view of a steam and salt marsh on the Norfolk Coast National Landscape

Tweed Valley Canoe Trail opening in April 2024

       Cleikum Mill Lodge

The River Tweed is one of Scotland’s great rivers and is now home to the South of Scotland first canoe trail.
Paddlers can follow the advice/maps provided and paddle approx. 30 miles down the River Tweed in stages passing iconic landmarks, places and people with the stories/history that have shaped this area..

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Malvern Hills National Landscape

       Malvern Centre Boundless Outdoors

The Malvern Hills National Landscape is a spine of high hills that run north to south on the west of England. Surrounded by rolling hills and fields to the west and the flat Severn Valley to the east, it offers magnificent, panoramic views for very little effort. Wildflower meadows, orchards, parklands and ancient woodlands are all to be found here. Hill forts, boundary ditches and tumuli are shown on the landscape and there are country house estates, monasteries and castles to explore. Boundless Events Malvern Centre nestles in this landscape. With catered accommodation and a self-catering chalet, it offers great value for accommodation for groups of 10 to 114 people.

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children running along the Malvern hills national landscape

Easter Holidays on Loch Lomond.

       Balmaha Bunkhouse

Fancy a few days out at Loch Lomond? We still have some accommodation available at Balmaha Bunkhouse. Book online or call us to discover options available, including one-night stays. Maximum capacity 12, in private rooms as well as a shared mixed room. Accessible from Glasgow via public transport.

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balmaha bunkhouse and hostel taken over the loch

Why visit Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape

       Yealand Old School

On the west coast of England just below the Lake District, lies an easily accessible yet partly forgotten area of national beauty. Perfect for exploring, here you can find limestone pavements, ancient woodlands, rich wetlands, and a coastline with spectacular sunsets. The place has a genuineness to it. It is a working landscape where farming has retained many traditional practices, Westmorland style. There are natural pastures rich in wildflowers and rare butterflies. The timeless tides of Morecambe Bay, reveal historic channels and salt marsh, visited by rare wading birds and wildfowl. Train stations at Arnside, Silverdale and Carnforth make a visit easily accessible and Yealand Old Schoool, a Quakers’ hostel, will welcome you by providing great value accommodation. Come and walk the well-maintained footpaths, or cycle the quiet lanes and byways. Be kind to yourself and plan a tranquil adventure.

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Editor of independent hostel guide with view of morecombe bay from Carnforth

Easter at Tyncornel in the Mid-Wales countryside

       Tyncornel Hostel

Tyncornel Hostel looks its best in the spring sunshine and there are still Easter dates available. This valley in the Cambrian Mountains is a good place to visit when the leaves are coming out on the hedges, there are lambs in the fields, and primroses in the garden. Book to stay in the hostel (dormitory or private room) or in our self-contained shepherd’s hut. Enjoy the views from our south-facing terrace and have a walk down the beautiful Doethie Valley.

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Crickhowell Walking Festival 2024

       Middle Ninfa Bunkhouse

Middle Ninfa bunkhouse is just 9 miles down the road from Crickhowell where the Walking Festival starts this weekend. 81 guided walks are available between Saturday March 9th and Sunday March 17th [though some are already fully booked]

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Remote Retreat in the Lake District

       The Wild Wool Barn

I just want to let you know that you can have the Lake District to yourself at The Wild Wool Barn Ennerdale. Nestled in the Western Fells with direct access to the Fells and miles of forest walks, cycle rides and a lake shore accessible from the door. Book yourself a break before anybody else finds out about it.

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Spring is in the air and the wildlife is returning ready for the Easter holidays.

       Carrshield Camping Barn

After the wintery months of cold, snow, rain and wind the warmer climes of Spring are now on their way. The wild birds are already returning to seek out their nesting places in which to raise this year’s young. The voles, field mice and even frogs are awaking and returning to the moorland and waterways. The sound of Curlew and Golden Plover mixed with Lapwing and Sky Lark fills the sky above the moors. The valleys with their babbling becks now carry the sound of Wagtails, Dippers and Oyster Catchers.

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Newquay on your South West Coastal Path walk

    

Blue Room Hostel offers a range of en suite accommodation, including double rooms and dorms. Guests can relax in the bar and lounge, with plenty of dining options just a short walk away. The South West Coast Path runs nearby, and Great Western and Tolcarne Beaches are only a two-minute stroll from the hostel. Newquay makes for the perfect stop along your journey—hit the beach, take a surf lesson, and unwind with a refreshing cider. Most importantly, kick back and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

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Sea and cliffs Views from the South West Coast Path

Individual Bookings at the Hostel in the Woods!

       Shining Cliff Hostel

Did you know you can book your own private room at Shining Cliff hostel from Sunday -Thursday?
We are uniquely situated in the heart of an ancient woodland and have no road access, so guests can arrive at Ambergate by train or bus and walk up through the woodland to the hostel, or arrive by car and wheelbarrow or carry your belongings for half a mile along stunning woodland footpaths from the car park to the hostel!

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The Long Barn welcomes you this Easter

       The Long Barn

Located in the Teifi Valley, the Long Barn offers a chance to escape for a weekend with Ceredigion’s beautiful countryside all around. The 18th century converted stone barn exudes a homely feel. A wood-burning stove is available for those last few chilly nights before spring. The games area including a pool table makes for easy entertainment of children (and competitive adults). As the barn happens to be on a farm  Easter is a magical time for us as our ewes and cows give birth, and if that isn’t enough to quench your thirst for Easter activities try something different. Maybe a long walk with family or perhaps a less orthodox trip to the seaside. Whatever your perfect idea of Easter is the Long Barn would love to host you.

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Long Barn sunset

Volunteer wardens urgently needed in Surrey!

       Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse

With only 11 beds, this is a relaxed and friendly place to warden, based in the pretty village of Puttenham. Guest hours are 5pm to 10am so you have the day to yourself. Explore the local area or relax in our wildflower garden. You can stay for short or long periods, and if you are local to Guildford we can be as fleixble as you are. This opportunity would suit anyone who likes nature/the outdoors/ hiking or cycling, and enjoys looking after guests. Customer service is very important to us and we want to make sure everyone who stays at the Barn goes away happy – including our wardens! If you are interested in becoming a warden at Puttenham Barn, please email me at [email protected] – I would be very happy to hear from you. Tish Piwowarek

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picnic table at the Puttenham Camping Barn in the Surrey Hill

Trying to avoid the crowds this Easter?

       All Stretton Bunkhouse

There’s plenty to do and see in Shropshire – the famous Cardingmill Valley is a lovely walk from the bunkhouse – you can either go the easy route or challenge yourself by a ‘straight up and down’ route. Once there, you can have tea and cake in the National Trust cafe, maybe a wild swim in the reservoir or take off up the valley to see the Lightspout Waterfall. Soon the hill sheep will start lambing and it’s lovely to watch the newborns chasing each other around the hills. If you are lucky, you may see some of the herd of wild horses with foals. Spoil yourself and come and join us – we don’t mind sharing!

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Springtime in the Woods!

       Shining Cliff Hostel

Come and join us at Shining Cliff hostel this Spring to immerse yourselves in the joy of new leaves bursting from the branches, Bluebells poking their leaves through the soil, birdsong filling the woodland, it’s absolutely delightful!
We have 5 bedrooms accommodating up to 20 people, 3 bathrooms with showers, an open plan self catering kitchen, lounge and dining area, and 600 acres of ancient woodland surrounding us and a beautiful woodland fire pit area that nestles up against the cliff!

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