Jonathan Banks on 07969 349714 and Jill Pearson

Beverley is full of lots of boutique shops, stunning pubs, bars and cafes. It rates as one of the top ten places to live in the UK and if you've never been here before, you'll probably leave agreeing.

One member described Beverley as "A miniature version of York" and when you see the massive gothic Cathedral Minster opposite the Friary (one of the largest parish churches in the UK) as well as the huge St Mary's church at the other end this small town you'll quickly realise why. Our visit will coincide with the Minster's Christmas Tree Festival, with around a hundred trees decorated by local businesses - look out for the Spice tree!

Not only can you enjoy the charm of Beverley town centre, but you are only a short drive from the impressive Yorkshire coastline, Hull’s world famous aquarium (The Deep) and the expansive beautiful rolling countryside. There will be a guided walk around the town on the Saturday.

In Beverley there is a Gallery with the largest collection of works by Fred & Mary Elwell which often hosts visiting exhibitions and special events, whilst the town has the usual assortment of charming Tea shops, Cafes, Restaurants Shops and Pubs you would expect to find in a East Yorkshire Medieval market town.

The 600 year old restored Dominican friary has maintained many historical features including all its original oak frame and is set in a large walled garden giving you a truly peaceful break. Complete with a large self-catering kitchen and a beautiful lounge and impressive exposed beam ceiling with stone fireplace. The Friary also boasts 2 common rooms which could lend itself to a traditional Spice after party or a few organised games later in the evenings. There's even a mini museum explaining the history of the building complete with glass covered floor and an ancient well.

The Friary in Beverley provides accommodation for up to 32 of us and there is a variety of bedrooms sleeping between 2-10 guests, some of which are en-suite and the accommodation offers outstanding charm. Room layout is 1 x 2 bed, 1 x 4 bed, 1 x 5 bed, 2 x 6 bed, 1 x 10 bed. We can't guarantee which room you will have but we will make an effort of keeping local Spice members together and room dorm share requests where possible. Bring some ear plugs if you're a light sleeper as despite all this, hard though it may be to believe when you see the standard of accommodation, it's still a hostel (and hence the price).

A great weekend. Ideal venue for short break, loads to see and do in Beverley, thank you for organising a great weekend, lovely start to Christmas.

Even though the weather was cold on our weekend, there was no shortage of things to do in and around Beverley town centre, right on the doorstep of the Friary.

This was the perfect weekend in the lead up to Christmas. A lovely setting within easy walking distance of all the lovely things which Beverley has to offer. Lovely hosts who helped to make everyone feel relaxed and for the group to gel together. All in all a great weekend with lovely Christmas music and a fantastic and varied buffet On the Saturday night. Patricia, East Midlands member.

I would recommend this event as it's a nice relaxed weekend where you can join in as much or as little as you like. The hostel is situated right in the middle of Beverley and everything you need is in walking distance. The guided walk was a great introduction and gave us some good ideas for exploring by ourselves. Oh, and if you like cosy pubs, there is plenty of choice in Beverley!

Another great weekend away and an introduction to Beverley.

Beverley is easy to get to by road and is signed from the M62. There is a limited amount of parking outside the hostel so please share transport where possible. Additional paid car parking is available in nearby car parks and free on street parking is around half a mile away.

Beverley has a train station very near the accommodation so it is easy to get to by rail too.