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Pier Zip. 7. SkyWire zip wire. 8. Zip World Titan. 9. Adrenalin Quarry. 10. Go Ape Zip Trekking Adventure. 11. 1 ... and
Crammed with more content than cabin baggage on a budget airline, the YHA Summer Guide is here and it’s chock full of top tips and the season’s best bits. From re-enactments to regattas, adrenaline rides to real ale festivals and splash landings to silly sports, this is your essential guide to the eccentric events and memorable moments of the months ahead.

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Lambeth Country Show

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Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival

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Upfest

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Blenheim Palace Summer Jousting Tournament

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Whitstable Oyster Festival

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England’s Medieval Festival

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National Parks Week

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Well Dressing

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Caerphilly Big Cheese

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Football in the River

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Sheringham Carnival

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Bristol Craft Beer Festival

A summer to remember

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Faversham Hop Festival

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Pier Zip

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Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival

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SkyWire zip wire

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York Beer and Cider Festival

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Zip World Titan

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Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival 2016

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Adrenalin Quarry

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YHA Day

Go Ape Zip Trekking Adventure

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YHA Rowen

Dogs welcome

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YHA Ambleside

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The Chap Olympiad 2016

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YHA Tintagel

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World Alternative Games

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YHA Pwll Deri

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Bognor Birdman

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YHA Whitby

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Beer Regatta

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Brockwell Park

Bedminster, Bristol

Whitstable

Country and city collide in this unique celebration of rural tradition with an urban twist. Sounds weird, but it’s a winning combination. And it’s FREE! Country fairs, horticultural shows, sheep dog trials, bird of prey displays, fruit and veg competitions – but all with a distinctly south London vibe. Enjoy great food, a fantastic atmosphere and a main stage line up of reggae, folk, disco, ska and soul.

Paint the town red without splashing the cash at Europe’s largest, free, street art and graffiti festival. Over 250 artists return to paint 28 venues throughout Bedminster and Southville. Watch as 30,000 square feet of surfaces are spectacularly sprayed, accompanied by a soundtrack of live music. Plus, with an affordable art store, Upfest is a great place to pick up a beautiful bargain to adorn your own walls.

Spanning two weekends, there’s ample opportunity to sample the delights of trendy Whitstable’s annual homage to the oyster trade. But make no mistake, this is no mere fishing festival – it’s a cultivation of local culture. It’s a pearl of a party, with live music performances, stand-up comedy, the Fisherman’s Feast, Harbour Food Fair, a vivid street parade and fantastic closing fireworks display.

Your nearby YHA London St Pauls / London Central

Your nearby YHA YHA Bristol

Your nearby YHA YHA Canterbury

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National Parks

Caerphilly Castle

Sheringham

The UK’s natural adventure playgrounds are awesome year round but in summer they’re truly spectacular! National Parks Week is an annual celebration of Britain’s breathing spaces and this year the theme is ‘adventure’. So if you need an excuse to go and have one, this is it!

One of Europe’s most impressive castles plays host to street performers, living history encampments, strolling minstrels, troubadours, folk dancers, fire eaters, food stalls and a funfair. Medieval meets modern at this entertainment extravaganza. It’s a feast for the senses and, as it is free, it’s superb for families.

There’s always something going on in Sheringham it would seem! The carnival week proper is actually 30th July to 7th August yet there are plenty of warm up events in the weeks preceding, including the Raft Race on 24th July. The start of carnival week sees hundreds of gleaming Harley Davidson’s rolling into town, and then it’s a packed programme of parades, pram racing, pet shows, parachutes and partying. Carnival ends with the Norfolk Three Peak Challenge on 13th August.

Your nearby YHA YHA Cardiff

Your nearby YHA YHA Sheringham

Ramble with a Ranger, go exploring with experts, take a walk with wildlife or give a new activity a go. As we go to press, some parks are still firming up plans but check out the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and South Downs for details of what’s in store.

Your nearby YHA Too many to mention

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OK! We admit it; the fact that we’re too old for YHA Summer Camps makes us green with envy. Oh, to be a kid again! In celebration of the awesome activities about to start, we’ve sought out some giggle-inducing thrill rides for the whole family. Here’s a run-down of the season’s zippiest high wire adventures.

YHA Summer Camps are just around the corner for some lucky, plucky youngsters. They’re set to have the time of their lives! Whether it’s quad-biking up hills or mountain-boarding down dales, climbing rocky outcrops or zip-lining through tree tops, aiming at archery targets or achieving personal bests, there’s so much in store in the glorious great outdoors.

Bournemouth

Eden Project

Whizz down the world’s first pier to shore zip line from the end of Bournemouth pier. Launching from the zip tower you’ll soar over the sea, riding high above the waves and down to the shore. It’s a dual line too, so two can fly in tandem!

Arms to wing position, you’re in for a bird’s eye view of the Biomes. On England’s longest and fastest zip wire you’ll cover 660 metres and reach lightning speeds of up to 60mph.

Your nearby YHA YHA New Forest

Your nearby YHA YHA Eden Project

Not booked yet? Crikey, your brood’s missing out. Book now to give them an adventure holiday that’s guaranteed (honestly, we can prove it) to broaden their horizons!

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Blaenau Ffestiniog

Liskeard

Grizedale Forest

Speeding down Europe’s first four-person zip line together, you and your mates will cover 8,000 metres over three exhilarating wires. Dare to open your eyes for stunning views over Blaenau Ffestiniog and the valley ahead.

Regarded as one of the very best things to do in Cornwall, the Adrenalin Quarry offers an exhilarating day out. Hook up to the UK’s maddest tandem zip wire to zoom down twin lines from 50 metres up and splash land in the flooded former quarry. Other awesome apparatus includes the terrifying Giant Swing and ‘The Blob’ - a giant inflatable launch pad that looks like something used in movie stunts.

Zip after zip after zip! Seven in total and covering a distance of 3km. The zip trek begins with a 20-minute hike through dramatic scenery. Next you’re driven up winding mountain passes to the top of the forest. And once you’ve completed the training zip, you’re on your own. Ready? Deep breath! Jump! See you at the bottom.

Your nearby YHA YHA Eden Project

Your nearby YHA YHA Hawkshead

Your nearby YHA YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass

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Keen on adventure? Stay that way! Book into YHA Hawkshead’s festival-style tipis, camping pods or large cabin to enjoy an overnight that’s out of the ordinary.

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Well this is exciting! Canine companions are now welcome at YHA Camping and Cabins sites. Yep, it’s true; if you’re staying in a tent, a tipi, a bell tent, a pod, a cabin or a hut, your dog is most welcome! It’s free to bring your pooch if you’re pitching your own tent. And for those opting for one of our gorgeous glamping options, all you’ll pay is an additional £5 per dog per night. There are almost 60 dog-friendly destinations to choose from. Whether it’s the foothills of Snowdonia, the rolling hills of the South Downs, the paradise of Cornwall’s coast path or the majestic fells of the Lake District, England & Wales were made for walkies! You never need leave your furry friend behind again. Fido out more

What a summer of sport! Euro 2016 down, Rio to go. As a warm up to the Olympic Games, we’ve sought out some awesome live sporting action to tempt you away from the tele and into the great outdoors. And this is no ordinary fixture list; oh no, these eccentric events are in a league of their own.

Bedford Square, Bloomsbury, London

Llanwrtyd Wells

Bognor Regis

Trouser creases flawlessly pressed, cravats exquisitely knotted, rakish charm perfected… they’re under starter’s orders, and they’re orrrrf! Welcome to the Chap Olympiad, a day for dandies and sublime silliness. Expect cucumber sandwich discus, umbrella jousting on bicycles, a dry martini race and the great steeplechase. Get your tickets now; wouldn’t do to miss out old chum.

Weird, whacky, wonderful, the World Alternative Games are Wales’ answer to the Olympics. August sees a packed programme that includes worm charming, gravy wrestling, hay bale tossing, bouncy castle wrapping, husband dragging and, most famous of them all, the World Bog Snorkelling Championship. A real ale and cider bar, food stalls and live music make these great spectator sports too.

Sadly the Worthing competition is no more. Long live the Bognor Birdman. Since 1978 engineers and eccentrics have flocked to this south coast seaside resort to hurl themselves off the pier in all manner of human powered flight machines. Who’ll go the distance this year?

Your nearby YHA Any London YHA

Your nearby YHA YHA Llanddeusant / Brecon Beacons

Your nearby YHA YHA Littlehampton

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Beer

Kettlewell

Blenheim Palace

A traditional shanty singalong ushers in a sea themed, weeklong schedule of family-friendly events. From dinghy racing to barrel rolling, sea rescue to al fresco disco and scavenger hunts to fishing competitions, Beer Regatta is brilliant for both young and old.

Nestled in the Wharfe valley and surrounded by glorious countryside, this North Yorkshire village is as beautiful as it is charming. Book a stay at the village Post Office for mid-August and look forward to the delightful Scarecrow Festival. It’s brilliant fun for all the family. Follow the themed trail around these imaginatively realised straw creations to solve the riddles and reveal a mystery word. There are prizes to be won every day.

Galloping their way to glory, the Knights of Arkley and their trusty steeds bring the heat of medieval battle to Blenheim’s South Lawn this summer. In addition to the twice-daily jousting tournaments, you’ll hear the crash of mace on metal as armour-clad gallants fight it out on foot. There’s plenty to see and do with have-a-go archery, puppet shows and entertainment from jesters and jugglers.

Your nearby YHA YHA Kettlewell

Your nearby YHA YHA Oxford

Pitch your tent at the campsite in YHA Beer’s gorgeous grounds and claim your little square of heaven in north Devon.

Your nearby YHA YHA Beer

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Eyam Carnival & Wakes Week, ( & various villages throughout Derbyshire )

Herstmonceux Castle

Journey to 15th-century Herstmonceux Castle this August bank holiday to experience the sights and sounds of the Middle Ages at the UK’s largest medieval festival. Watch hundreds of knights, archers and men-at-arms in battle, stroll around the living history encampments, have a go at archery, cheer on your favourites in the jousting tournaments, and toast the day’s victors with mead and real ale in the taverns. Opt for an indoor stay at YHA Eastbourne or choose a bell tent in the grounds of YHA South Downs to prolong the magic of your medieval experience.

Your nearby YHA YHA Eastbourne / South Downs

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Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire

Between May and September, towns and villages all over Derbyshire decorate their wells and water springs with pictures made of flower petals. The tradition of well dressing is thought to date back to the Celts and is often accompanied by processions, parades and street parties. Eyam’s Carnival and Wakes Week is a real highlight of the season with bucket loads of fun and games, a fell race, grand auction, family rounders and clay pigeon shooting.

Welcome to the fold YHA Cotswolds! Chic and boutique, the new hostel at The Barrel Store in the New Brewery Arts Centre is pretty darn gorgeous. Take a look!

Your nearby YHA YHA Eyam

Your nearby YHA YHA Cotswolds

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And if you need an excuse to book your first stay, here’s a bit of fun. Spot of soggy soccer anyone? For over 100 years there’s been an annual six-a-side game of football in the River Windrush. Goalposts are set up in the water and teams of Bourton Rovers players attempt to score as many goals as they can, whilst getting hundreds of spectators as wet as possible. The village fete begins at 11am and the footie kicks off at 4pm.

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September is cider and craft ale season, judging by these scrumptious summer festivals

Motion’s Skate Park, Bristol

Faversham

Penhallow, Cornwall

Bristol Beer Week begins on August bank holiday Saturday. It’s in its fourth year but this year it’s got a grand finale: the first ever Bristol Craft Beer Festival. The aim is to showcase the best of Bristol Craft alongside the best brews from the wider industry. At £35 a ticket, it might seem a bit steep but when that buys you unlimited small pours of up to 250 hoppy concoctions, it’s not bad at all. Plus there’ll be live music from big name acts and plenty of fab food on offer.

It’s not a beer festival, a Morris dancing festival, a folk festival, a fair or a food festival; it’s all five! The Faversham Hop Festival began as a celebration of the hop harvest back in the days when thousands of Londoners went to Kent for a working holiday. Today it’s a much bigger affair and even has its own fringe! Don’t miss this free-to-attend funfest.

Enjoy a slice of the good life on Healey’s Cider Farm, just a few miles from Perranporth. This celebration of cider and music boasts a huge range of tipples and a great line up of musicians; expect to have your taste buds tickled and your toes set tapping. Other festival highlights include hot tubs, feast evenings and cider walks.

Your nearby YHA YHA Bristol

Your nearby YHA YHA Canterbury

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Oh and while you’re at it, continue the folk festival vibe with a stay in YHA Canterbury’s own version of Hobbiton, the wooden cabin village.

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Your nearby YHA YHA Perranporth

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York Racecourse

The Depot, Cardiff

The North’s largest outdoor festival promises over 450 reals ales, more than 100 ciders and perries, and an international beer bar. There’s almost too much to choose from! Once you’ve sipped, sampled and selected, take a seat in Yorkshire’s largest beer garden to sup in the sunshine. Pace yourself and partake in the impressive street food offering. Plus, there’ll be plenty of live music and entertainment to enjoy.

Welsh brewing has experienced a significant growth spurt in recent years, with a mushrooming of independents producing full-bodied flavours from locally-sourced ingredients. Come and choose from over 140 Welsh beers, plus a select few from London. And if cider’s your thing, there’ll be 60 palate-pleasers from Wales and the south east. As for eats, a variety of artisan street food stalls will cater for all tastes.

Hear ye, hear ye! YHA Day returns on 3rd and 4th September to bring mirth and merriment to a marvellous YHA location near you. What’s in store? What isn’t! In an effort to say thanks to our supporters and raise money for our charity, Breaks for Kids, we’ll be hosting garden parties and pop-up charity shops at YHA venues up and down England & Wales!

Your nearby YHA YHA York

Your nearby YHA YHA Cardiff Central

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Last year 4,000 people joined the party and we raised a super £6,000. This year we want to reach more people and raise more money. So come and check out the FREE FUN at a YHA Day event near you! Oh and if you have a friend who’s yet to discover YHA, bring them along. We hope to see you there!

Removed from the rest of civilisation, this converted stone farmhouse occupies a lofty perch at the top of a hill in North Wales. It’s the highest building as far as the eye can see and grants yawning views over the Conwy Valley. What a place to relax! Plus, with Snowdonia and Anglesey within easy reach, it’s a great place to base an activity break or family holiday.

Situated right on the shores of Windermere, this stunning Lakeland destination offers unspoilt views over the water and towards the Langdale Pikes beyond. Stay here for doorstep access to wonderful walks and thrilling watersports. Alternatively, take it easy with a pleasure cruise from the pier or simply settle on the terrace, relax with a glass of wine and wait for the stunning sunset.

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With only the cliff edge between it and the Atlantic Ocean, newly refurbished YHA Tintagel gives guests front row seats to truly astonishing views. This South West Coast Path runs right past the hostel so take an evening stroll along this rugged stretch of coastline to watch the sun descend behind Arthur’s legendary castle and sink below the horizon. Gorgeous!

Located right next door to Whitby Abbey, our Grade I-listed mansion on the headland enjoys remarkable views of the ruins and down to the harbour below. And when better to visit than summer time! Descend the 99 steps to browse quirky shops, scoff fish and chips, play the amusements, and enjoy the long sandy beach beyond.

Panoramic sea views await at this beautifully-renovated, remote cliff top cottage. The dining room’s floor-to-ceiling picture windows frame sensational scenery and nightly sunsets that have to be seen to be believed. Outside, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path passes just 500m from the door, giving guests access to some of the best walking in the UK.

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