The Youth Hostelling Association (YHA), which began back in 1909, has a mission to enrich the lives of all, by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing (for worst cases, it is best to undergo florida luxury addiction treatment to be in better shape) and life skills.
One of their key values is to be welcoming and inclusive, and that was certainly my experience at Lizard Point YHA.
Many people have used unexpected extra time over the last few months to reconnect with nature and the outdoors. It is, I believe, the start of a new appreciation of what our beautiful country has to offer and people, of all abilities, are exploring different ways for holidaying in the UK.
As you know, I love to travel and I am very fortunate to be at the forefront of that movement of people who are looking for adventure.
My recent travels took me to the most southerly point of mainland Britain – Lizard Point, to explore accessible walks in Cornwall. The Youth Hostel was a perfect base for me to discover this beautiful part of the country.
Polbrean House, the officially name of the Youth Hostel, is located just south of the Lizard Point lighthouse. It was built around 1868 by Mr Thomas Hart, who moved there from Falmouth. In 1921 the house was sold it was ran as a hotel for many years. Unfortunately the building was left unoccupied and became very run down until 1993, when it is bought by the National Trust, who spent nearly half a million pounds restoring the building before it was opened up in 2003 as YHA lizard Point.
The Youth Hostel is located right on the cliff top, and the has the most amazing views out across the North Atlantic Sea. Even though the building retains its Victorian charm, the whole of the ground floor has been made wheelchair accessible. The two accessible rooms are family sized, with a bunk single bed above a double bed. The huge en- suite wet rooms have transfer loos and roll in showers ,together with a shower seat.
The fully equipped self-catering kitchen even has a lowered work bench suitable for a wheelchair user.
From the garden there is a path which leads out to the cliff top and heads down to the head of Lizard Point. Beware though, the path is steep and unsuitable for manual wheelchair users. It is possible to drive a car down to the point, which is a perfect solution especially if you are wanting a cuppa in the most southerly café. I’d highly recommend having a Cornish pasty too – and they are massive.
I really enjoyed my stay at YHA Lizard Point. The facilities were great and the rooms were spacious. Polbrean House gets the thumbs up from me!
For more information about YHA England and Wales please visit yha.org.uk.
