MENTION youth hostelling to most people and it will conjure up images of long-suffering schoolchildren sleeping in windy dormitories full of uncomfortable beds. How wrong that image is in the 21st century. The Youth Hostel Association, which is this year marking its 75th anniversary, boasts accommodation ranging from castles to purpose-built hostels and is the largest budget accommodation provider in the UK.

And what's more hostels are open every day of the year with many boasting family rooms. Further, when the YHA says budget it really does means budget. A family of four can enjoy two nights in a hostel for as little as £62. Even the most expensive room for four comes in at just £75 a night which makes weekends away an absolute bargain.

And if you have a large family gathering planned why not rent out the whole hostel or alternatively take a tent. Some hostels allow families to camp in the hostel grounds.

The charge is half the adult overnight price and campers are entitled to use the hostel's facilities. YHA chief executive Roger Clarke has presided over a change in the YHA rules which now means non-members can take full advantage of the 225 hostels around the country. He toldescape.... "YHA is the largest budget accommodation provider in the UK, but we were concerned that the membership requirements sometimes becomes a barrier to people who may otherwise want to stay with us.

"We have so many fantastic locations and fascinating buildings, ranging from a medieval castle to purpose-built 21st century Youth Hostels, and we felt it was high time the policy was changed to allow more people access and enjoy what we have to offer."

YHA chairman Chris Boulton added: "We believe that once people experience the friendly atmosphere of a hostel and understand the common interest we all have in the countryside and our heritage they will want to join the YHA. The change, though, will help us to introduce more people to our service and values."

Besides operating a network of excellent accommodation, the YHA is a registered charity which helps provide activity and educational breaks for thousands of disadvantaged young people every year.

l For information on any of the YHA hostels in England and Wales visit www.yha.org.uk or call 0870 770 8868.

l There are five different price bands for YHA accommodation, ranging from £31 a night for a room with four beds to £75 a night for the same. An adult can stay for as little as £8.50 a night - or even £5 if staying in one of the YHA's camping barns.

Hostels in Wales include Capel-y-Ffin, Llanthony, near Abergavenny.

A former hill farm and now an excellent base for walkers and cyclists, eight miles from Hay on Wye, it is in stunning countryside.

Danywenallt, Talybont-on-Usk, near Brecon is a converted Welsh farmhouse nestling below the Talybont reservoir and surrounded by wooded slopes, waterfalls and trails. It's a perfect destination for groups and families. It offers cycle and luggage storage.

At Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, there is a former village school close to several waterways and paths in a quiet corner of the National Park.

And Bryn Gwynant, right, near Snowdon, is grat for walkers, offering meals, a campsite, and stunning views.