How can hostels help me have a cheap UK holiday?

Although many hostels lack the services and comfort a normal hotel might offer, many holidaymakers are choosing to stay in them to save extra cash on their holidays.

"When money is tight or your adventurous streak gets the better of you, staying in a youth hostel could be a great way of enjoying a break." claimed one travel expert.

The Youth Hostel Association has around 200 locations dotted across England and Wales and offers its rooms for a range of purposes.

Often they are tied to activity centres, which can offer experiences such as rafting and camping, as well as other outdoor activities aimed at kids and adults a like.

Many businesses use these hostels and activity centres from team building trips, with the aim of strengthening the bond between co-workers to increase office productivity and happiness levels.

Anyone is eligible to stay, although big group bookings for schools or youth clubs are offered too if you're looking to send a larger group of people away for the week.

Many are found in rural locations, such as Ambleside in the Lake District, Bakewell in the Peak District and Sherwood Forest in the Midlands - these sites each offer their own activities that are only available in the countryside like rock climbing, absailing and rafting.

YHA hostels in cities such as London and Manchester can mean more urban locations can be explored by travellers - often the locations are close to art galleries and museums like the Tate Modern, giving customers easy access to their desired location.

People who plan to use these facilities multiple times may consider taking out a membership with the Youth Hostel Association, as being a member can bring about financial discounts and other exclusive benefits depending on where you stay.

The organisation has branches across the globe too, meaning that those looking to travel further afield will find a host of hostels available to help them save extra cash.