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Enjoy a great value break at a hostel
The YHA is open to all, catering for families, hikers, people with disabilities as well as the young
The British Youth Hostel Association was founded in 1930 and based on an idea that started in Germany in the early 20th century.
Today, the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) boasts over 200 facilities across England and Wales and approximately 300,000 members.
There are some common myths about the YHA. Firstly, it is not true that only young people visit youth hostels. The YHA is open to all and caters for families, hikers, people with disabilities and anyone else who wishes to stay in comfortable surroundings at affordable prices.
Accommodation provided by the YHA is now as diverse as the people it serves. While there are still traditional bunkhouse hostels, other accommodation features camping in a Tipi (Teepee) to guest houses with private rooms and en suite facilities.
It is also untrue that you must be a member of the YHA in order to stay in a youth hostel. This used to be the case but youth hostels now welcome non-members for a supplement of around 3 per per night.
And not all youth hostels are located in remote and wild locations. While many hostels are situated in national parks and other rural areas, they can also be found in cities and seaside resorts.
For example, take a trip to London and stay in a hostel convenient for all the major attractions. There are several to choose from, including one located opposite St Pancras International station and another at St Paul's, a short walk from either Blackfriars or City Thameslink stations.
On the coast, Brighton also offers a scattering of hostels in the picturesque South Downs area.
To the east of the resort, visit a hostel in the pretty village of Telscombe and another situated in a 16th century flint house at Alfriston. To the west, the Truleigh Hill Hostel is situated in the South Downs National Park, just north of the coastal towns of Shoreham and Worthing.
At Littlehampton, the hostel forms part of the new Fisherman's Wharf complex and is just yards from the Blue-Flag beach.
For an even better value break, return off-peak 'daysave' train tickets can be purchased from Bedford Tourist Information Centre, allowing passengers to travel from Bedford to either London or Brighton.
Tickets cost 12.50 per day or 25 per person for two days. Groups of three or four travelling together can purchase tickets at 30 per day or 60 for two days.
For information about joining the YHA, visit Bedford Tourist Information or the YHA website at www.yha.org.uk.
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Weather for Bedford
Sunday 27 May 2012
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