In winter, the YHA hires out whole hostels for exclusive use by large groups of family and friends – and they are in some of the loveliest parts of the UK
Tim Dowling’s tips for a successful multigenerational holiday

The big dining room has picture windows with gorgeous views of the River Caerfanell in its winding valley under the bulk of Twyn Du (Black Down). The sitting room has a wood-burning stove that’s throwing out lots of heat and as our group of 19, spread around several comfy sofas, start on pre-dinner drinks, the noise level rises to a convivial hum.

We are on a self-catering break in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) national park, but this is not one of those large holiday lets you find on specialist websites that cost thousands. A two-night winter break here can cost as little as £21 a head, because we are taking advantage of the Youth Hostels Association’s policy of hiring out entire hostels during low-demand months.