YHA Lands End

Is there anywhere better named in the UK than ‘Lands End’? This dramatic coastal plinth, where cliffs meet turbulent ocean, is the country's most southwesterly point – quite literally our land’s end. ‘New York 3147’, reads the mileage on the white signpost, pointing out to sea. ‘John O’Groats 874’, reads the other – the likely destination for many cyclists who appear throughout the day and set off on great adventures to pedal the length of the country.

YHA Lands End is actually a few miles north of Lands End proper, but it's still a truly superb spot for an overnight stay, and much quieter too, In addition to the hostel they also have a camping and glamping site, located on an apron of grass outside the main building that is flat, well sheltered and intimate  and boasts sea views that reveal the most breathtaking of Atlantic sunsets. You can bring your own tent, or there are a couple of very cosy bell tents, equipped with solar lighting, bean bags bedside tables and a coffee table, rugs and soft flooring, a double futon bed and single futons. There's plenty for room for 4–5  people in each, plus they have a series of camping pods too, each with space for up to 4 people on a double futon and twin single beds. As with the bell tents, mattresses, futons and all bedding are provided and each pod has heat and light, a small decking area, and velux windows in the roof that are perfect for a spot of star-gazing. Dogs are welcome in the pods too. Glampers have access to all the hostel facilities, including a kitchen and evening bar and, while campfires aren’t permitted, there’s plenty of space for an evening BBQ.

If you're less keen on the outdoor life, the hostel itself has 34 beds spread across 9 rooms – everything from single and double rooms to rooms with six bunks – and is also a very comfortable way to take advantage of this fantastic location. The hostel is set in a Cornish Mining Heritage Site – the Cot Valley – which is now a famous area for spotting rare migratory birds. It’s a five-minute stroll through the valley to the South West Coast Path, with relics from the sites industrial past to be found along the way. Indeed, many campers arrive and leave the hostel on foot, following the entire length of the footpath and staying here along the way. It’s easy to see why. The Penwith Peninsular has something to see over every rise and fall in its nobly coastal landscape. YHA Lands End is just one small part of the treasure trove.