Hello and welcome to YHA’s guide to summerAfter the wettest winter on record, it feels like everyone is ready for the blue skies that come with summer. Of course, with an English summer there’s no guarantee of great weather. But even the latent threat of a rain shower can’t dampen the exciting possibilities that it holds. The endless school holidays stretching before every child, a weekend away in the city, or a few days on the beach, by the lakes or up the mountains.

Of course, YHA holidays, getaways and breaks can be enjoyed at anytime of the year, but there’s something about summer that brings out the weird and the wonderful in the English. Bed races along cobbled streets, Elvis impersonator competitions, thousands of hot air balloons filling the dawn sky. Expect all this and more besides.

And with 160 locations across England and Wales, in cities, the countryside and by the sea you’ll never be far from the action.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and make the most of it.

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3 June – The magic of Midsummer and unmade beds

4 Nettle Fest – A sting in the tale

Knaresborough Bed Race – worth getting out of bed for

5 The first British L’Eroica – The start of something beautiful

The Tour on tour – Le Tour York

6 A movable feast – The art of picnicking

7 July – Rainy days and Pirate kings

8 Pirates and Smugglers and Red Coats oh my – Pirates & Smugglers’ Weekend

One for the money. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

Those magnificent men – The Birdman Competition

9 Messing about on the river – The Henley Royal Regatta

YHAs perfectly placed for making the most of the water

10 A garden party –The Eden Sessions

A safe Harbour – the Harbour Festival

Young at art – 2014 Breeze Arts Festival

11 Getting a taste for England and Wales

12 August – Lazy hazy days and starry, starry nights

13 Picture perfect parks – National Parks Week

Location, location, location – YHA’s new hostel and reopenings

14 Balloons at dawn and dusk – Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Take to the skies – Eastbourne’s International Airshow

Capture the castle – England’s Medieval Festival

Raise a glass in celebration – The Hop festival 25th Anniversary

15 Schools out for YHA Summer Camps

16 September – Tall ships, low riders and open doors

17 All aboard – Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival

Food glorious food – The Abergavenny Food Festival

On your marks, get set, belly – World Bellyboard Championship

18 60 YHAs are throwing their doors open to you

19 The beat goes on – Liverpool International Music Festival

20 City, country or coast. Take a page out of our book

21 Get the most out of Summer map

Dear Wanderer,The 21st June is the summer solstice – which means there’s more daylight on Midsummer’s day than on any other day of the year.

Ironic really that it’s also the month that rhubarb officially comes into season. The first crops of the year are usually harvested by candlelight in forcing sheds where all other light is excluded. It’s a strange sight and sound as you can hear the rhubarb creaking as it grows. Fancy seeing and hearing it for yourself? Be sure to visit the rhubarb triangle of Wakefield, Leeds and Morley when you stay at YHA Carnegie Village.

There’s the Trooping the Colour on 14th June, a military celebration of the Queen’s official birthday. So if you’re after a perfect excuse for a weekend in London, we have seven YHAs to choose from including London Central, Holland Park, St Pauls, Oxford Street, St Pancras, Thameside, and Lee Valley.

There’s plenty of interesting events you can enjoy this June including all-you-can-eat nettle contests, a bed race through cobbled streets and the UK’s very first vintage cycling festival, complete with a special offer on a YHA stay.

JuneThe magic of Midsummer

and unmade beds

Love

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Nettle Fest – A sting in the tale

The stinging nettle. Not the first thing that comes to mind for an eating competition. Especially because, as the name suggests, the leaves sting. Not to mention the fact that eating them causes the tongue to swell and blacken. (Delicious.)

Nevertheless Nettle Fest has been running for 20 years at the Bottle Inn, Bridport. There’s live music, a festival atmosphere and, of course, the unmissable main event itself.

For over an hour, competitors work their way through the 2-foot lengths of nettle stalks. The winner is the contestant who has eaten the leaves from the greatest number of stalks.

You probably shouldn’t try this at home.

visit the website

Knaresborough Bed Race – worth getting out of bed for

In 1966, all in the name of raising money for charity, the Great Knaresborough Bed Race began.

Now, every year, 90 teams of seven (six runners and one in the bed) push and roll their way around Knaresborough’s almost perpendicular climbs and cobbled streets, ending with a swim through the icy waters of the River Nidd. All in fancy dress. (Of course.)

The teams gather at Knaresborough Castle on the morning of bed race day to be judged for the fiercely contested ‘Best Dressed Team’ accolade. Then the teams, marching bands, troubadours and dance groups parade through the medieval streets of Knaresborough to Conyngham Hall. It’s there the decorations are stripped and the teams prepare for the race itself.

visit the website

14th June

Free

Knaresborough

Your nearby YHA

YHA York YHA Leeds Carnegie Village

7th June

Free

Bridport

Your nearby YHA

YHA Beer YHA Litton Cheney

JUNE

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How to stay even cheaper Get 10% off with this special code LBCYCL-001 at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall, YHA Edale, YHA Hathersage, YHA Eyam, YHA Ilam Hall or YHA Ravenstor when you book online at http://www.yha.org.uk – Offer is exclusive to this event, booking until 19th June 2014 for stays between 19th June and 22nd June 2014.

The first British L’Eroica – The start of something beautiful

The first ever L’Eroica Britannia will take place in Bakewell, Peak District National Park on 20-22 June. It’s a free three-day family festival celebrating all things vintage, foodie and cycling.

It really will be about the very best of British. With three jam-packed days of live music, fascinating vintage sales, bike jumble sale and a delicious array of street food trucks and drinking experiences.

The pinnacle of the festival is on Sunday 22 June, with a three-route bike tour in the spectacular Peak District with nearly 2000 riders taking on the challenge on pre-1987 vintage bikes and vintage apparel.

visit the website

20th – 22nd June

£70.00 to take part FREE to watch

Bakewell

Your nearby YHA

YHA Castleton Losehill Hall YHA Edale YHA Bretton YHA Eyam

5th – 7th July

Free

York

Your nearby YHA

Whole network

The Tour on tour – Le Tour UK

The Tour de France is coming to the UK from the 5th – 7th July. The Grand Départ leaves from Leeds going to Harrogate, and stages two and three run from York to Sheffield and then Cambridge to London.

Luckily for you, there’s never a YHA far from the action – and in some cases, there’s a YHA on the route itself. So head on over and vive Le Tour.

visit the website

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The picnic. We all know that the location is just as important as the food. After all, a squashed bag of crisps and warm glass of squash on the side of a dual carriageway just doesn’t quite cut the mustard. So pick a riverbank or mountaintop, beach or park and then take your time drinking in the atmosphere and the view as well as the robust banquet you’ve packed.

You don’t need a wicker hamper and vintage Morris Minor – a rucksack will do perfectly well. But don’t forget the rug (it doesn’t have to be chequered, but will ideally have a waterproof back). Apart from food the other things are plates, cutlery (including a bottle opener and sharp knife), and wet wipes.

The secret is to bring sturdy items. Things that won’t be squashed, bruised or crumbled. Why not start with:

• Doorstep sandwiches

• Apples

• Cornish Pasties

• Selection of local cheeses and pickles

• Scotch eggs

• Pork pies and sausage rolls

• Scones and Cornish Clotted Cream

Of course there are certain ingredients that you can only get in certain areas. And there’s nothing better than enjoying a freshly baked / brewed or picked local delicacy. See page 12 for details of what to enjoy and where.

Finally, remember to leave the view as you found it. “It is very distressing to see the countryside disfigured sometimes by paper bags and empty bottles.” Hilda Leyel, The Perfect Picnic, 1936.

Some things never change.

YHAs top picks for picnic spots

A movable feast. The art of picnicking.

1. Picnic Spot: Symonds Yat

Why: The Welsh / English border of the Wye Valley has it all – lush river banks, deeply wooded hillsides and even a 12th century Castle (Goodrich).

5. Picnic Spot: Kenwood

Why: Long sloping lawns stretch down to from the elegant 18th century Kenwood house. The best of both worlds a country estate with a central London location.

Your nearby YHA Your nearby YHA

YHA Wye Valley YHA St Pancras

2. Picnic Spot: Brownsea Island

Why: A wild and beautiful nature reserve. The cliff-top walk has perfect picnic spots for all the family to enjoy.

6. Picnic Spot: Worm’s Head, Rhossili Bay

Why: A dramatic headland of golden sand that is only accessible by a causeway at low tide

Your nearby YHA Your nearby YHA

YHA Swanage YHA Rhossili Bunkhouse

3. Picnic Spot: Cheshunt, Hertfordshire

Why: A great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, without the need to travel too far.

7. Picnic Spot: The Long Mynd

Why: Dotted with history. Expect Bronze Age barrows and Iron Age hill forts.

Your nearby YHA Your nearby YHA

YHA London Lee Valley YHA All Stretton Bunkhouse

4. Picnic Spot: Padley Gorge

Why: Mossy banks, babbling brooks, ancient woodland. A delightfully unspoilt area.

8. Picnic Spot: Wastwater, Cumbria

Why: Off the beaten track so rarely busy, perfect for a tranquil lakeside picnic

Your nearby YHA Your nearby YHA

YHA Eyam YHA Wastw ater

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Dear Wanderer,

‘St Swithin’s day if thou dost rain For forty days it will remain St Swithin’s day if thou be fair For forty days ‘twill rain nae mair.’On average July is the warmest month but it’s also the month of St Swithin’s Day. Legend has it that if it rains on St Swithin’s Day (15th July) then it will rain for 40 more. But the good news is that reverse also holds true.

But is it true? Well, in 2008 it didn’t just rain on St Swithin’s Day, it poured. And that ended up being one of the wettest summers on record.

But fingers crossed the weather holds for the incredible array of events that are coming up in July including an Elvis impersonator contest, the Birdman Competition and Pirates vs. Red Coats.

Better grab your umbrella just in case. Love

JulyRainy days and

pirate kings

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12th – 13th July

£45.00 for a family, 2 adults & 3 children

Littlehampton

Your nearby YHA

YHA Littlehampton

One for the money. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

The world’s best tribute acts will be taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens’ Empress Ballroom, competing to be crowned the King. With exceptional guests talks such as Elvis’ bodyguard and tour manager, a spectacular musical showcase, specialist stalls and merchandise and exclusive 50’s themed after-show parties, it promises to be the ultimate rock and roll event.

visit the website

JULY

4th – 6th July

Day tickets from £55

Blackpool

Your nearby YHA

YHA Liverpool YHA Slaidburn YHA Chipping Camping Barn

Those magnificent men – The Birdman Competition

Each summer, since 1971, a very special contest has been taking place. The International Birdman event, a competition for human powered flying machines.

Now held in the picturesque seaside town of Worthing, entrants take it in turns taking off from a special ramp constructed on Worthing Pier. The human powered flying machines are a sight to behold, from simple wings to complex machines. A substantial prize of £10,000 is offered for the furthest flight should a birdman achieve over a 100-metre distance.

A true flight of fancy.

visit the website

12th – 13th July

Free

Worthing

Your nearby YHA

YHA Truleigh Hill YHA Littlehampton YHA Telscombe

Pirates and Smugglers and Red Coats oh my – Pirates & Smugglers’ Weekend

Visit Arundel Castle and journey back into the 18th Century where a notorious band of smugglers, pirates and a highwayman have joined forces and camped out. But never fear, a brave regiment of soldiers has been drafted in to attempt to vanquish the notorious band of vagabonds.

visit the website

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YHAs perfectly placed for making the most of the water

From quiet coastal retreats to the bright lights of the UK’s top seaside cities, our seaside hostels promise fresh air, a friendly atmosphere and miles of coastline to explore. Here are just six of our favourites.

Messing about on the river 2nd – 6th July

Free

Henley-on-Thames

Your nearby YHA

YHA Streatley

The Henley Royal Regatta

Founded in 1839 the world famous Henley Royal Regatta is one of the highlights of the summer sporting calendar and the social season. People come from all over the world to attend the event and witness the 200 amazing races, some of which even feature Olympic standard crews.

visit the website

YHA Lizard PointThis former Victorian hotel is one of the southernmost buildings in England. Its special peninsula location means there are fabulous sea views, beachcombing, walking and unique wildflowers.

YHA Ambleside Situated right on the shores of Lake Windermere and within walking distance of the charming village of Ambleside, YHA Ambleside gives you easy access to prime watersports in the Lake District.

YHAAngleseySituated on the west coast of Anglesey in 14 acres of outstanding natural beauty, at this YHA you can take your pick of coasteering, climbing, sea kayaking, diving and wind surfing.

YHA Westward Ho!Set in an elevated position overlooking a sandy beach and Northam Burrows, YHA Westward Ho! is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the award winning blue flag beach and even closer to the village and its local amenities.

YHA Isle of Wight Cowes UKSACowes is a world-renowned sailing and watersports base, home of the world’s most famous international regatta and synonymous with sporting excellence. Our hostel is located right on the waterfront with its own fantastic fleet and facilities.

YHA Treyarnon Set between Padstow and Porthcothan, this former 1930s summer residence is virtually on the beach, and in the perfect location for sandy and superb sunsets in summer and wild storms and log fires in winter.

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River Thames

A safe harbour – The Harbour Festival

One of the UK’s largest public events, the Harbour Festival showcases Bristol’s rich musical and performance roots all set in one it’s of most historic sites – the picturesque harbour.

Expect a whole world of music and a vibrant, diverse and inspirational platform of dance from leading national and local artists. There’s also heart stopping acrobatics, comedy, trickery, and occasional mayhem from the Cirque Bijou’s circus.

visit the website

A garden party – The Eden Sessions

Don’t miss out on the chance to get camping tickets to see Pixies or Elbow at the mind-blowing Eden Project. The biomes’ natural amphitheatre creates amazing acoustics for these world-class bands to perform in as well as a beautiful backdrop. Your ticket includes entry on the day of the Session and also the day after, so you can come back to explore our gardens.

visit the website

Young at art – 2014 Breeze Arts Festival

Celebrating the creativity of young people across the city, the Breeze Arts Festival will be packed full of artistic and inspiring activities and showcases especially for 11 to 19 year olds.

The festival kicks off with live music and dance at an open-air stage on Briggate, and continues for the entire week with film screenings, theatre performances and dance shows as well as imaginative workshops.

visit the website

18th – 20th July

Free

Bristol

Your nearby YHA

YHA Bristol YHA Bath YHA Cheddar

9th July – 15th July

Concert + camping tickets Pixies – Adults £73pppn, U18s £50pppn Elbow – Adults £78pppn, U18s £55pppn

Eden Project

Your nearby YHA

YHA Eden Project YHA Boswinger

19th – 27th July

Free

Leeds

Your nearby YHA

YHA Leeds Carnegie Village YHA Leeds Kirkstall Brewery YHA Leeds Opal

Festival fun for all the family

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Maybe you didn’t realise but not all Cornish pasties are created equal. In fact, only some Cornish pasties can actually call themselves a Cornish pasty at all. And it’s not just pasties either. There are a whole range of foods and drinks now that have their provenance protected.

It all started in 1993, with a piece of EU legislation. It gave producers and growers the chance to protect, preserve and showcase their traditional methods and local recipes. So now you can be sure your Cornish pasty will be Cornish and your Welsh lamb will be Welsh.

Getting a taste

for England

and Wales

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AugustLazy hazy days and starry,

starry nights

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Dear Wanderer,The 12 – 13th August is the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. (So called because meteors appear to fall from a point in the constellation Perseus.) On a dark night you could see 50 or more meteors every hour. And we have the perfect places where you can enjoy it in all its glory

For starters there’s YHA Danywenallt, Brecon Beacons. It’s one of only five International Dark Reserves in the world. Then there’s Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park which have Dark Sky Status. We have no less than six YHA locations there including YHA Kielder, YHA Byrness, YHA Bellingham Bunkhouse, YHA Once Brewed, YHA Mounthooley Bunkhouse and last but by no means least, YHA Wooler and Shepherds Huts.

YHA Wooler is set on the outskirts of Northumberland National Park and has four Shepherds’ Huts that sleep up to two people. As the name suggests, Shepherds traditionally slept in wheeled huts that were pulled into the hills by horses. These days, we find, our Shepherds’ Huts are ideally placed for stargazing or catching a meteor shower in all its glory.

Love

Picture perfect parks – National Parks Week

From 28 July to 3 August the annual celebration of our wildly beautiful national parks will be taking place. With windswept coasts, rugged mountains, and ancient forests, we’ll be showcasing not only the diverse array landscapes but also people and activities to be found within the boundaries of the 15 National Parks.

visit the website

YHA BrightonOpens Autumn 2014

When visiting this most vibrant of cities, you’ll need accommodation to match. Brand new YHA Brighton is a gorgeous Grade-3 listed building just a stone’s throw from the attractions of Brighton Pier and shopping haven ‘The Lanes’. Offering luxury hotel features for budget accommodation prices, it’s the perfect place for a seaside city break.

visit the website

YHA Snowdon Pen-y-PassRe-opening June 2014

Set in the breathtaking heart of Snowdonia National Park, YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass is the perfect start (or finish) for an adventure. This £1.3m renovation has doubled the space available and will offer a fantastic base for those who dream of conquering Wales’ highest mountain.

visit the website

YHA CambridgeRe-opened April 2014

YHA Cambridge is the perfect haven after a day exploring this world-famous university town. Go for a punt, wander the ancient streets, explore the many colleges and round it all off with a well-earned refreshment at our new café bar, Scholars.

visit the website

AUGUST

28th July – 3rd August

Free

UK-wide

Your nearby YHA

Whole network

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Location, location, location

YHA Brighton

Balloons at dawn and dusk – Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Bristol at dawn on 7 – 10th August will be a sight to behold. Hot air balloons of every colour and hue will take to the skies racing the sunrise as part of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

The evening ascents are just as beautiful, and only the beginning of a night filled with fireworks and local music.

visit the website

Take to the skies – Eastbourne’s International Airshow

After being voted the UK’s best free airshow for two years in a row, Airbourne, Eastbourne’s International Airshow, has a lot to live up this year. And it promises to be bigger, better and even more exhilarating than ever. Expect four days filled with fast jets, vintage aircraft from WWII, daring parachute jumps and four jaw dropping displays from the Red Arrows.

visit the website

Raise a glass in celebration – The Hop Festival 25th Anniversary

This year marks 25 years of the Hop Festival. Festival goers will be bringing the 800 years of the Hop industry to life, with activities and exhibitions all over Faversham, as well as celebrating with an eclectic selection of Morris dancers, a family fun area and live music on our three stages and at pubs all around town.

visit the website

AUGUST

Capture the castle – England’s Medieval Festival

England’s Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux Castle will be bringing history to life. The moated 15th century Castle provides an incredible backdrop for an imaginative selection of uniquely authentic activities. From strolling minstrels and puppeteers to Living History Encampments filled with craftsmen and traders demonstrating skills of a bygone age.

visit the website

7th – 10th August

Free

Bristol

Your nearby YHA

YHA Bristol YHA Bath YHA Cheddar YHA St. Briavels

23rd – 25th August

From £16 a day

Bexhill

Your nearby YHA

YHA Blackboys YHA Eastbourne YHA Alfriston

14th – 17th August

Free

Eastbourne

Your nearby YHA

YHA Eastbourne YHA Alfriston YHA South Downs YHA Telscombe

30th – 31st August

Free

Faversham

Your nearby YHA

YHA Canterbury YHA Medway

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School’s out for YHA Summer CampsYHA Summer Camps are all about creating unforgettable summers. They give young people the chance to try out awesome activities, have adventures and make new friends.

More than 60,000 young people have the chance learn new, challenging and fun skills at our camps so far.

We have five running this year throughout July and August and all across England and Wales.

visit the website

1. Go eXtreme Age Range: 12 to 16

A fast and furious week of adrenaline fuelled activities including quad biking, paintballing and a visit to Alton Towers. If you want a week of rest and relaxation this is not the camp for you!

YHA Coalbrookdale

2. Future LeaderAge Range: 17 to 19

This unique camp is designed to give you all of the thrills and spills of a YHA Summer Camp with the chance to develop those all-important skills for the budding leader in you.

YHA Edale

3. Action AdventureAge Range: 10 to 16

Packed with adrenalin, an Action Adventure camp is a great way to try loads of YHA Summer Camp activities in one go.

YHA Edale YHA St Briavels

4. Watersports PlusAge Range: 10 to 16

Whether in a kayak or on a raft you’ve built yourself, you’ll soon discover how much fun you can have on the water.

YHA Lee Valley

5. Performing ArtsAge Range: 10 to 17

Forget the X factor – if you were born to perform or just fancy giving it a go – the electric atmosphere at this camp is definitely for you.

YHA Ravenstor

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Dear Wanderer,Surf’s up, and so are the sails this September with the first Tall Ships Regatta London setting sail in Greenwich and the 12th annual Bellyboarding championship taking place in Cornwall.

September also sees almost 60 YHAs across England and Wales opening their doors to everyone. So if you’ve ever wondered what the camping pods at YHA South Downs are like, wanted to take in the breathtaking coastal view at YHA Whitby or explore the Victorian mansion that is YHA Bryn Gwynant, here’s your chance. There are more details on page 19.

Love

SeptemberTall ships, low riders

and open doors.

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All aboard – Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival

On 5-9th September, for the first time in over quarter of a century the Royal Borough of Greenwich will be hosting the Tall Ships Regatta London. Up to 50 Tall Ships from around the world will be moored in East London, cruising the Thames up to London Bridge daily.

There will be five days of festivities along the River Thames, with something for everyone to enjoy including spectacular firework displays.

visit the website

On your marks, get set, bellyboard – World Bellyboard Championship

The 12th annual World Bellyboard Championship on 7th September will showcase the very best in prone wooden construction surf craft, vintage swimwear, mastery (and disastery) of wave riding prowess.

The raw unspoilt beauty of the Cornish coastline has attracted ply riders since the early days of the sport. Which makes this the perfect place for the enthusiasts, the curious as well as the brave, and wave riders of all ages and abilities.

visit the website

Food glorious food – The Abergavenny Food Festival

Winner of the ‘Best Event 2013’ in the National Tourism Awards (Visit Wales), Abergavenny Food Festival celebrates the craft in food making from the contemporary in the kitchen to the traditional on the farm.

There’ll be hundreds of exhibitors, cookery demonstrations, a children’s Food Academy and talks featuring some of the brightest and the best of the culinary world.

visit the website

SEPTEMBER

5th – 9th September

Free

Greenwich

Your nearby YHA

YHA London Central YHA London Earl’s Court YHA London Holland Park YHA London Oxford Street YHA London St Pancras YHA London St Paul’s YHA London Thameside YHA London Lee Valley

20th – 21st September

From £6.50

Abergavenny

Your nearby YHA

YHA Llangattock Mountain Bunkhouse YHA Llandeusant YHA Llywn-y-Celn YHA Danywenallt

7th September

Free

Newquay

Your nearby YHA

YHA Perranporth YHA Portreath YHA Treyarnon

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60 YHAs are throwing their doors open to you

On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September 2014, over 60 YHAs across England and Wales will be opening their doors. Which one have you always wanted to visit and what will you see when you do?

Maybe you’ll be supporting local musicians at a Battle of the Bands gig, enjoying a slice (or two) of homemade cake, or discovering a secret, stunning view. The possibilities are endless.

To find out more about what’s happening in your area, simply click on the link below.

Find out what’s happening at your local YHA.YHA Coniston Coppermines

YHA Canterbury

YHA Penzance

YHA Hellvelyn

YHA Wastwater

YHA St Pauls

YHA Hawskhead

YHA Perranporth

YHA Langdale

YHA Keswick

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Your nearby YHA

YHA Liverpool

THE BEAT GOES ON LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

“LIMFestival is focused on three things; celebrating greatness, discovering the new and inspiring the next. We want people todiscover the DNA of a global music city and be surprised andinspired by the collection and scope of artists, spaces, eventsand collaborations in place.” – Yaw Owusu, Music Curator

There is so much to choose from at the Liverpool International Music Festival, we’ve had to just pick a handful of favourites:

SING AND DANCE IN LITTLE LIVERPOOL!

11:00, Tue 17th September 2013 at Museum of Liverpool

Free

Little Liverpool is an interactive gallery for children under 7 years old which is open every day of the week. In these special music sessions everyone joins in, with an exciting range of musical instruments designed for very young children.

visit the website

SPOTLIGHT ON THE BEATLES

11:00 Sat / 15:00 Thurs. Thu 19th September 2013 at Museum of Liverpool (Wonderous Place)

Free

A focus on The Beatles collection in the museum followed by the opportunity for a Q&A with the curator of the museum’s Liverpool Sound exhibition, Paul Gallagher.

visit the website

LIPA LIVE AT BEM BRASIL – VIKTOR NORDBERG (JAZZ TRIO)

From 8pm, Thu 19th September 2013 at Bem Brasil, 47-49 Hanover Street, L1 3DN

£10 deposit per person inclusive with meal

Experience the true taste of Brazil with live music support acts from LIPA. Bookings in advance with £10 per person deposit (terms & conditions apply) quoting LIPA Live at Bem Brasil.

visit the website

PUCCINI, TOSCA (THE ART OF BRYN TERFEL)

19:30, Fri 20th September 2013 at Liverpool Philharmonic

£30.00 – £65.00

Bryn Terfel returns to Liverpool Philharmonic as one of this year’s Artists in Residence following his sold-out recital in 2009 and concert performances with Vasily Petrenko and the Orchestra in 2008.

visit the website

LIMF and Freeze present Innervisions

18:00 – 04:00, Sat 21st September 2013 at Haus Warehouse, Greenl and Street, Liverpool

£19.00 (Students £15.00)

Liverpool International Music Festival and Freeze brings one of the world’s coolest record labels Innervisions to Liverpool. The event will be at the very cool Haus Warehouse. The event will start at 6pm till 4am with Dixon, Ame, Jemmy and very special guest Guy Gerber. Tickets also available from Skiddle and 3B online and instore www.clubfreeze.co.uk.

visit the website

THE VIKING SKIFFLE GROUP

14:00, Sun 22nd September 2013 at Museum of Liverpool

Free

With more than a nod to Liverpool’s musical heritage, the Vikings return by popular demand to round off the Museum’s festival programme!

visit the website

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Shakespeare’s Theatre CITY YHA London St Pauls

“St. Paul’s YHA is always my first choice for accommodation when visiting London”

John Goodall

Just minutes from the West End and the city centre of London by tube or bus, yet providing a quiet retreat after a hectic day exploring. Perfect accommodation for taking in a Shakespeare play at the very theatre associated with him – The Globe.

A walk through Brontë country COUNTRY YHA Hathersage

“The staff were really friendly and helpful, plus cooked a mean breakfast and dinner (which was also very good value for money). The surrounding area is magnificent and it is a real plus being in the village. We will definitely be returning :-)”

Alison Dawes

A bustling Derbyshire village popular with everyone from fans of outdoor activity breaks to literature and history buffs. Walk the Charlotte Brontë Literature trail, taking in North Lees Manor featured in Jane Eyre and visit the oversized grave of Robin Hood’s sidekick, Little John.

One for Harry Potter fans COAST YHA Alnwick

Superb hostel! Friendly, clean, comfortable beds, excellent breakfast and great location. Cheap towel hire available. Best hostel with have stayed in.

Kathleen Wright

Centrally located in the town’s former Court House, YHA Alnwick makes a great base for exploring Northumberland’s enchanting coastline and mighty medieval castles. And the kids will love the place – it was used as the location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

City, country or coast. Take a page out of our book.Make the most out of your summer and explore the best cities, coastlines and countryside England and Wales have to offer.

This “green and pleasant land” has served as a muse for contemporary and historical writers, poets and artists of note for centuries, and so to inspire you this summer, here are three very different YHAs, in very different locations.

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YHA London St Pauls

Grinton Lodge

Bivouac

Berwick

Alnwick

Durham

WhitbyBoggle Hole

Scarborough

Mankinholes

Haworth

Earby

Leeds Opal

Malham

WindemereAmbleside

LangdaleGrasmerePatterdaleHelvellynBorrowdaleKeswick

KettlewellIngleton

Hawes

Langdon BeckHolwick

KildaleRichmond Brompton on Swale Farndale

Sinnington

Dalby Forest

Edmundbyers

Osmotherley

Once Brewed

Wooler

Kielder

Anglesey

Borth

Poppit Sands

Pwll Deri

Llanddeusant

Llwyn-y-Celyn

Danywenallt Llangattock

St David’s

Marloes Sands

Manorbier

Portland

Littlehampton

Jersey-DurrellWildlife Hostel

Cold Blow

Telscombe

Litton Cheney

Cholderton

Salisbury

Stow-on-the-Wold

Holland Park

Earl’s Court

Rhossili

Tintagel

BoscastleHarbour

Dartmoor

Elmscott

Treyarnon Bay

Perranporth

Lizard

Land’s End

Portreath

Mullacott

Lydford

Tyncornel

Gower

Broad Haven

LlanberisSnowdon Ranger

Bryn Gwynant

Carlisle

Alston

CaldbeckCockermouth

Hawse EndButtermereEnnerdale

Black SailHonister Hause

WastwaterEskdale

Coniston Holly HowConiston Coppermines

HawksheadArnside

High Gillerthwaite

Skiddaw

Ninebanks

Mounthooley

Bellingham

Byrness

Blackton Grange

Helmsley

Low Row

NorthEast

Yorkshire

NorthWest

York

Leeds Carnegie VillageLeeds Kirkstall Brewery

Beverley Friary

Sherwood Forest

Thurlby

Wilderhope Manor

Leominster

Wye Valley

St Briavels Castle

Slimbridge

Beer

Exford

Westwood Ho!

Coverack

Boswinger

Runnage

Golant

Great Hound Tor

OkehamptonOkehampton Bracken Tor

Penzance

Pinkery Minehead

Northcombe

Swanage

New ForestEastbourne

Alfriston

South DownsTruleighHill

Blackboys

Totland Brighstone

Isle of Wight Cowes UKSA

Lulworth

Conwy

Kings

Newport

Swansea

Dolgoch

Port Eyon

RowenIdwal Cottage

Betws-y-Coed

SnowdonPen-y-Pass

ClunMill

SheringhamHunstanton

Wells-next-the-Sea

Woody’s Top

National Forest

Stratford-upon-Avon

Kington

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EastMidlands

Wales Heart ofEngland

SouthWest

East ofEngland

SouthEast

The Island of Jersey

London

Slaidburn

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ChippingDownham

Trawden

AbneyHathersage

Castleton Losehill Hall

YoulgreaveHartington HallAlstonefield

Ilam HallSychpwll

Alstonefield

BrettonEyamTaddingtonBirchover

TrawdenSheen

EdaleRavenstor

Nab End

Edale

Butterton BButterton A

Dimmingsdale

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AllStretton

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Cambridge

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Street

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Holmbury

Oxford

Tanners Hatch

MargateSt Pauls

Lee Valley

Oxford St

LondonCentral

St Pancras

Canterbury

Hindhead

Streatley

Jordans

Puttenham

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1 Nettle Fest – A sting in the tale

2 Knaresborough Bed Race – worth getting out of bed for

3 The inside track on cycling

4 Pirates and Smugglers and Red Coats oh my – Pirates & Smugglers’ Weekend

5 One for the money. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

6 Those magnificent men – The Birdman Competition

7 Messing about on the river – The Henley Royal Regatta

8 Eden Sessions

9 A safe Harbour – the Harbour Festival

10 Young at art – 2014 Breeze Arts Festival

11 Balloons at dawn and dusk – Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

12 Take to the skies – Eastbourne’s International Airshow

13 Capture the castle – England’s Medieval Festival

14 Raise a glass in celebration– The Hop festival 25th Anniversary

15 All aboard – Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival

16 Food glorious food – The Abergavenny Food Festival

17 On your marks, get set, belly – World Bellyboard Championship

18 The beat goes on – Liverpool International Music Festival

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