Hostels and bunkhouses are great accommodation for school groups.
With experience in welcoming school groups you can be rest assured that our hostels will provide comfortable and safe accommodation for your group.
Most hostels and bunkhouses on this list provide both self catered and catered accommodation for school trips.
Located in popular outdoor activity and geography field trip areas as well as our major cities independent hostels are a great choice accommodation for school residentials.
Many provide outdoor activities.
Accommodation for School Groups
Comrie Croft is a perfect rural retreat for mountain bikers, hikers, families & backpackers, just over an hour from Edinburgh & Glasgow. The 4* lodge offers cosy, home style rooms which are also available for sole use & weddings. On-site facilities include café, bike shop, lots of mountain bike trails, family-friendly valley routes and a farm shop. A footpath takes you to the vibrant village of Comrie & gives access to stunning glens and mountains.
The Boarshurst Centre is situated on the north western edge of the Peak District yet with easy road and rail links to Manchester (12 miles away).
With 32 beds across 2 dorms and 2 leaders’ rooms the centre provides well appointed self catering accommodation for child, youth, adult and family/friend groups who seek to practice outdoor pursuits. BYO sleeping bags
Set in the stunning North Pennines AONB, England’s last wilderness. This modern conversion of a historic mine building provides warm accommodation with excellent hot showers for lovers of the great outdoors. Isaac’s Tea Trail and the C2C pass right by. There are self catering facilities and meals can be provided for groups. The campsite has tiered pitches and views across the Nent valley. Electric hook-ups, secure cycle storage and plenty of parking.
Located between the coast of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District National Park, FSC Castle Head is an impressive Georgian house which sits in 20 hectares of private grounds.
A fantastic base for exploring the Lake District, the centre sleeps up to 157 across 33 rooms.
All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families & larger groups.
The enchanting garden and woodlands at Earby Hostel in rural Lancashire are popular with Forest School groups. What's more owner Mat is Forest school trained and can lead your group.
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In the heart of the Ogwen Valley and surrounded by the Welsh 3000s, this hostel is the perfect base for walkers, climbers and cyclists with the best routes straight from the door. Snowdon is a 30 minute drive away. For adventure seekers Zip World is within walking distance and the Anglesey beaches are a short drive. Newly refurbished, Snowdonia Mountain Hostel has comfy beds with linen & a superb kitchen diner. Sorry no stag or hen parties.
FSC Start Bay is a field studies centre overlooking the South Devon coast. It offers 4* accommodation to groups of 20-40. Facilities include a well equipped self catering kitchen and a large dining room and adjoining sitting room with interactive whiteboard, both of which can easily seat a group of 40. Enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline from the BBQ area, fire pit and low ropes course. Perfect for schools, clubs and gatherings of friends and families. The centre gives a wonderful sense of remoteness, yet has the village of Slapton nearby with its shop and pubs.
A mile from Castleton in the Peak District, Pindale Farm offers a range of accommodation: B&B in the farmhouse. The Barn has 6 self-catering/self-contained rooms, 2x10-person & 4x8-person. The Engine House is a self contained self catering unit sleeping up to 8 people. Plus a campsite. Perfect for many outdoor activities. Instruction is available.
Llandudno Hostel is a Victorian 4* boutique, award-winning hostel where individuals, families & groups (including schools) are welcome all year. Set in the heart of the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, it’s your perfect base for shopping & exploring many local attractions, including blue flag beaches, dry slope skiing, Zip World, Surf Snowdonia, bronze age copper mine, traditional pier, museums & fishing trips.
Perched at 290m (950ft) in the foothills of Snowdonia with direct access to the Carneddau mountains, Bron-y-Gader Bunkhouse offers comfortable & great value accommodation for up to 37.
Although remote and isolated it is just 8 miles to Conwy and 2 miles to the nearest pub. The many attractions and high adrenaline activities in Snowdonia are just a short drive away.
Falmouth Lodge Backpackers is perfectly located for Groups and Schools wanting to either explore Cornwall, enjoy our coastline and beaches, or check out the University here.
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Mount Cook knows that learning beyond the classroom walls and into the great outdoors transfers into a wealth of life skills, and changes in attitudes and behaviors.
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Award winning Cohort Hostel can promise your school an inspirational trip to St Ives. From accommodation-only through to full board options and as much help as you need with your itinerary planning.
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Adventurous education in the Lake District. We love helping groups, from Year 1 to the U3A, explore this beautiful part of the Lake District National Park, and our spacious 88-bed Georgian house, overlooking Derwent Water, is an ideal base at any time of the year.
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Stableside, a quiet & welcoming 4* hostel situated right on the historic Knavesmire, is the perfect location for enjoying a break in the beautiful city of York. Guests can take advantage of the varied room options catering for the single traveller and larger groups. Free parking, free WiFi and a fabulous Yorkshire welcome. Meals can be provided for groups. On the NCN Route 65 for easy access to the city centre.
With beds for 53 people, full catering and so much history, geology and outdoor activities on our doorstep Wooler Youth Hostel is ideal for ALL stages of Education.
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Penrhiw is an organic farm with views over the Teifi Valley. The stunning Ceredigion Coast and the Cambrian Mountains are an easy drive away and the busy small town of Llandysul (1.5 miles) has all essential supplies. The farm's location is ideal for exploring, studying or simply admiring the Welsh countryside. Local activities include fishing, swimming, climbing, abseiling, canoeing, farm walks and cycling.
3 Peaks Bunkbarn is a delightful hostel located on The Pennine Way at Horton in Ribblesdale.
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School groups of all ages love this comfortable 45 bed hostel. Perfectly situated on the Great Glen Way, within an easy walk of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Full or half board or self catering.
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Ocean Backpackers provides ideal accommodation for school groups just by the picturesque harbour in Ilfracombe, Devon. It sleeps 54 in small dorms and private teachers' rooms.
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Maughold Venture Centre Bunkhouse overlooks farmland with views out to sea. The popular beach of Port e Vullen is just 10 min's walk away. Enjoy self-catering accommodation, with en suite, centrally heated rooms. Tasty meals are available from the neighbouring Venture Centre, where you can also book kayaking, abseiling, air rifle shooting, archery, gorge walking, dinghy sailing & team events. With its own stop, Lewaigue Halt, on the Manx Electric Railway you have easy access to Douglas, Ramsey, mountains & tranquil glens.
Kendal Hostel, a Georgian townhouse, is your perfect base for exploring the Lake District. It is on LEJOG and the Dales Way and is only a stone’s throw from Kendal town centre.
Facilities include: secure bike storage, drying room, self-catering facilities, large comfy lounge area complete with log burner, pool table and free WiFi. Individuals, small parties and groups of up to 40 are welcome with exclusive use.
Situated on the magical island of Cumbrae, just off the western shore of mainland Scotland, FSC Millport is just 1.5 hours from Glasgow. Recently refurbished to a high standard it sleeps 39 across 64 rooms. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families & larger groups. Self-catering is only possible for sole use bookings.
The Bristol Wing will be closed to independent travelers and tourists until March or July 2022.
This iconic police headquarters, recently transformed into a chic accommodation for city breaks is now providing accommodation and counselling for people at risk during the Corona virus.
Check back here for details.
L6th students from Dauntsey’s School in Wiltshire stopped off in Swansea for a Geography field trip.
The fantastic group of 41 students and 4 teachers stayed with us at Cwtsh Hostel for two nights and made it their base while exploring Swansea and the surrounding areas. With glowing feedback we look forward to returning trips for many years to come! In addition to the Swansea city centre, their geography trip included visits to Porthcawl, Port Talbot, the Mumbles, Oxwich Bay, the Brecon Beacons, Llangynidr and Ebbw Vale to study a mixture of human and physical geography topics.
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Caban Cysgu, run by the community of Gerlan, offers purpose-built accommodation at the foot of the Carneddau. Perfect for walking in Snowdonia, it’s a great base for the ‘Fifteen 3000ft Peaks’ long-distance challenge & The Slate Trail. Just 5 mins from Zip World; the longest and fastest zip line in Europe. There are also plenty of mountain bike trails on the doorstep while road cyclists have the Sustrans route ‘Lôn Las Ogwen’ just a mile away. For climbers, Idwal is close by, while Afon Ogwen is popular with canoeists.
It has everything a perfect school residential needs. A secluded location with lots of outdoor space, 9 dorms sleeping 72 plus 3 teachers' rooms, a huge hall that seats 100 and lots of small break out rooms. On top of this a whole range of outdoor activities can be organised on site. Finally all this is just 5 mins off the M5, just 30 mins south west of Birmingham.
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Astor York is set in a beautiful Grade II listed building just minutes’ walk to the historic centre!
With a huge cosy lounge & dining areas, free WiFi throughout the building and every room en suite, Astor York is the perfect base for exploring the incredible historic centre of York. There is also a bar on the property if you fancy a drink with friends, or to meet fellow travellers, and a kitchen where you can cook your own food if you are on a budget!
Stay in a straw bale bunkhouse on an organic community run farm in Shropshire. Experience many aspects of the National Curriculum first hand.
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Gulabin Lodge nestles in Glenshee at the foot of Beinn Gulabin and is just 3 miles from Glenshee ski slopes. The 4* lodge boasts under floor heating, great views and comfy beds. Ideal for school residentials, gatherings of families and outdoor groups. We can recommend activity providers if required. Meals can be arranged for groups; contact us for details. 12/14 bed house is also available.
Snowdonia’s glaciated valleys, cascading rivers & wooded hillsides provide a rugged backdrop for this historic Georgian country house.
The estate includes woodland, a bodiversity garden, football pitch, campfire, streams and ponds. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families and larger groups.
Outdoor activities can be provided & Zip World Fforest is nearby.
Ackers Residential Centre (ARC) is a purpose built accommodation centre set in 70 acres of semi rural land just 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham. Perfect for The Sea Life Centre, Cadbury World, Thinktank, The Bull Ring shopping centre, National Motorcycle Museum & the NEC. With 9 sleeping rooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining area and a rec room with TV, DVD, games and comfy seating. Ackers Adventure provide instructor led outdoor activities on site which can be incorporated into your stay.
The Tudor Barn offers unique group accommodation on an environmentally friendly working farm in rural Suffolk. Sleeping 23 (singles/doubles/4 posters & truckles) in 4 private rooms + the huge space of the Tudor Barn where you can also feast & relax. The perfect base for group celebrations, reunions or activity breaks. Bikes and Tudor costumes are included. Larger parties can also stay at the Old Brooder Bunkhouse on the same site (also in this guide).
Comfortable accommodation and a whole range of activities for school groups of all sizes in the Peak District.
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Ashbourne Gateway Centre, in the pretty market town of Ashbourne, provides groups of up to 27 with a perfect base for exploring the landscape & attractions of the Peak District. It is popular with schools, uniformed & youth groups, gatherings of friends/families and groups of walkers/cyclists. The Tissington trail off-road cycle/walking route starts opposite. Carsington Water,The Roaches & Alton Towers make great days out and are all close by.
Welcome to Dunfield House in Herefordshire. A charitable foundation providing catered accommodation for school and youth groups in an secluded setting on the Welsh /English border of Herefordshire.
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Shining Cliff hostel provides a magical setting for your school residential...a place where you can explore and learn together in a stunning off-road woodland hostel.
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Glenbeg Bunkhouse & Bothy are part of the award winning Craggan Outdoors activity centre, situated just outside Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. The well equipped bunkhouse sleeps 27 in 3 bedrooms, while the cosy bothy sleeps 6 in one bunkroom. Outdoor activities are available if required. Aviemore, River Spey, Speyside Way & Dava Way are all close by
In the village of Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Wharfeside house provides self-catering accommodation for sole use groups of 15-30 people. Facilities include a well equipped, fully fitted kitchen with Aga cooker and fridge freezer, shower facilities with separate male and female toilets, a large communal space, drying area and large indoor bike/equipment store. There is onsite parking for up to 4 vehicles.
In the Ennerdale Valley, one of the most beautiful, least spoilt and quietest in the Lake District, Low GIllerthwaite Field Centre sits at the foot of Pillar and Red Pike. Well equipped for groups it is the perfect base for fell walking, rock climbing, bird & wildlife watching, mountain biking, orienteering & canoeing. The centre generates its own hydro-electricity. Vehicle access is by forest track and a BT payphone is on site as most mobiles do not work here.
An amazing location on the edge of Derwentwater in the lake District with extensive grounds, Hawse End Centre offers qualified instructors and well-organised adventures in whole range of outdoor activities.
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Mid Wales Bunkhouse is perfect for school groups and especially D of E groups.
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Close to the pretty fishing port of Gorey in St. Martins. Camping and a range of B&B rooms from twin en suites to private dormitories with shared showers. The perfect mix for individuals or groups. Large communal WiFi lounge with TV & DVDs and a games room. Additional costs include: self catering kitchen, sauna, laundry and packed lunches. Adventure activities can be arranged.
Glasgow city centre budget accommodation in mix of en suite private rooms, dorms and VIP suites for groups of 1-20. All rooms are en-suite with mobile cable charging stations. Free superfast WiFi. Perfect for shopping, sports events, gigs & exhibitions. Ideal for individuals & groups. Enjoy ‘All You Can Eat’ buffet breakfasts (£5pp), meal deals and drink promos in the bar.
Just 5 mins from Central Station.
All sorts of school groups find a great welcome at Kirkby Stephen Hostel
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FSC Dale Fort is a Field Studies Council centre on the Pembrokeshire Coast, within walking distance of beaches & the Wales Coastal Path.
Built in 1856 it now accommodates individuals, families & extended family groups. There are 3 accommodation blocks with single, twin, family & dormitory rooms (many en suite).
Outside there are several games areas.
Set in a remote and isolated spot high on Dartmoor's wilderness Bachelors Hall offers a chance to experience the freedom of the moor and the vastness of the landscape. Formerly run by the YHA, it was completely refurbished in 2019.
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The Rhyd Ddu Bunkhouse provides group accommodation at the foot of Snowdon and the Nantlle Ridge. Sleeping 30 in 6 bedrooms, it has a fully equipped kitchen and a large communal dining room with a big screen - great for movie nights! Glorious views, central heating, fast WiFi, parking, secure bike storage, drying room and a large garden. Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow case and towel. A pub, café, and steam train station are all within 2 minutes’ walk
The Joiner's Shop Bunkhouse welcomes school groups on trips. Hot showers, fully equip kitchen, communal dorm with curtains and board dividers and 18 bunks, communal living space and a garden.
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Not all classrooms have walls. Robin Hood's Bay's cobbled streets, rock pools and coastal environment provide a natural outdoor classroom and curriculum to explore, discover and unwind. Run by ex school teachers who will share their love of learning, rock pooling, fossil hunting, star gazing and cliff walking. Ideal for residential trips and also day visits for school educational trips.
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With all of the Peak District National Park within easy access, the centre is an ideal location for activities and tourism and it welcomes a wide range of groups. 31 or 52 bed configurations can be booked.
The spacious centre includes; a large lounge with library, TV and wood burning stove, well equipped kitchens & dining areas. An extensive network of paths give access to the countryside. Adventure activities available, great for team building & courses.
A beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Ludlow, providing en suite accommodation within walking distance of restaurants, shops and pubs. Close to the Shropshire Hills and Mortimer Forest with their miles of stunning landscapes to explore. Fresh towels, bedlinen, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, parking and WiFi included. Residents also have access to a lounge, dining area, kitchen, and courtyard garden. Breakfasts available.
This family-run, family friendly licensed hostel is ideal for schools (classroom available), groups and families for sole use in 10 bedrooms. Very central, close to the beach, town centre, Sealife sanctuary, cliff walks and buses serving the Norfolk Coast. Perfect for walking, cycling, birding and fun on the beach. Food available for groups or self-cater.Enjoy sea views from the garden patio.
With 4 miles of stunning beach just 20 metres from the front door, Borth Youth Hostel is perfect for a beach holiday. This Edwardian house has 11 bedrooms and is a great base for visits to the Centre for Alternative Technology, Aberystwyth or the beautiful Dyfi Biosphere. Snowdonia National Park is just a short drive away making Borth perfect for mountain biking, golfing & surfing. The Ceredigion Coast Path passes the door. With two classrooms Borth YH is ideal for school trips. There’s free WiFi, a games & TV room, bike storage & drying room. Breakfast, packed lunch & licensed bar.
Surrounded by open farmland & a short walk from the Jurassic Coast, MYTIME’s R&R Retreat Accommodation Centre offers the perfect base for enjoying the spectacular Isle of Purbeck. With a World Heritage Site & the South West Coastal Path on its doorstep, it is perfect for ourdoor enthusiasts. Just minutes from the idyllic village of Worth Matravers and the popular Square and Compass Pub, there’s truly something for everyone.
Surrounded by magnificent scenery, the Hoy Centre is ideally situated for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. It's also an ideal venue for outdoor education, weddings, workshops, clubs or family gatherings. Offering high quality, 4* accommodation, the centre has a well equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge & a large dining hall. All rooms are en suite with twin beds and one set of bunks. Hoy is an RSPB reserve comprising 3,500ha of upland heath and cliffs with a large variety of wildlife including arctic hares.
On top of Wenlock Edge AONB in the heart of Shropshire, Stokes Barn has two bunkhouses with comfortable, centrally heated, dormitory accommodation. Perfect for corporate groups, walkers, field study, schools, stag/hen parties or reunions with friends/family. Ironbridge World Heritage Site is 6 miles away. Much Wenlock is within walking distance with shops, pubs & sports facilities.
If you're looking for a well equipped base for a school group, you've found it! West End Outdoor Centre, on the moors above Blubberhouses near the Yorkshire Dales National Park, specialises in large groups keen on outdoor pursuits.
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White Peris Lodge is part of Blue Peris Mountain Centre in the heart of Snowdonia. The Lodge sleeps 13 across 4 rooms. Well equipped, there’s a self catering kitchen, tables & comfy chairs, central heating, lovely hot showers, bike storage, drying rooms, picnic tables & parking. While the Lodge is perfect for families & small groups, the main Centre sleeps 60 & is ideal for large groups & schools. Outdoor activities available.
Open to all visiting schools and youth groups, the fund enables many children from disadvantaged backgrounds to benefit from financial support and thus enjoy a residential visit here – providing the perfect opportunity for a holiday, soak up the history and to experience the beautiful countryside and stunning Northumberland coastline.
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The Courthill Centre in rural Oxfordshire provides low cost fully catered accommodation for school groups, with sole use of the facilities, large attic dorm rooms and private bedrooms for teachers.
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Nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay, Naturesbase is 9 acres of flower rich meadows and woodland, 10 minutes drive from the Welsh coast. Accommodation is in a beautiful large lodge sleeping up to 36 and a shepherds hut. Ideal for families, friends, retreats and activity groups wanting to enjoy the open countryside and the joy of nature.
The 147-bed, platinum eco-award-winning, Stackpole Outdoor Learning Centre in Pembrokeshire offers a wide range of activities to encourage the development of courage, teamwork, and character in kids and adults alike.
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Due to its location in the town centre, Alnwick Youth Hostel is absolutely ideal for visits in and around one of the most historically important towns in the north of England.
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You can now email us at bookings@oldschoolbunkhouse.co.uk or you can use WhatsApp - 07909223819 or Messenger on facebook. It is so easy to get in touch to book your next break away.
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Perched at the top NW corner of Wales, Anglesey Outdoors is a great location for all school and university trips be it for outdoor activities, field trips or team building. Easily accessible.
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This large Victorian property has been specially adapted to provide self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 33. The eight dormitories vary in size from one to ten beds, complete with duvets and linen. The Centre is centrally heated and has a common room, games room, large kitchen, drying room and hot showers. Located in Betws-y-Coed, Woodlands Centre is an ideal base for outdoor activities in Snowdonia.
Formerly known as Cwm Pennant Hostel, Brynkir Coach House offers welcoming & relaxed accommodation for groups of 6-66.
Set within stunning grounds in the Snowdonia National Park with fantastic views of the Cwm Pennant valley & Moel Hebog. Home-made ready meals & packed lunches are available.
In the heart of the North Pennine, Allenheads lodge makes an excellent venue for outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for a school residential, gearing up for the coast 2 coast or just relaxing in the countryside.
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We are the biggest Hostel in Oban with a wide range of private rooms, not only dorm beds.
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Bath YMCA offers great value accommodation. Centrally located, all the sights of this World Heritage city are easily reached on foot. With 210 beds, Bath YMCA specialises in making guests feel comfortable. Fully air conditioned lounge with TV, laundry, lockers, football table and WiFi. Couples, families, groups and backpackers all welcome.
Plan a rural barn escape for up to 10. Hire your own rural barn, surrounded by fields in the heart of the Peak District.
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A unique and memorable venue for group stays. Situated in the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside with amazing views across the Great River Ouse, it’s easily accessible from the M1 but a world apart. The converted 12th century church can sleep 30 in bunkrooms, with modern facilities, self-catering kitchen and two breakout rooms. Campsite and youth group discounts available.
Just 15 minutes from the North Devon Coastline, this 40 bed bunkhouse and AALA regisitered adventure centre offers activities such as climbing and coasteering. On site there's a climbing and bouldering wall. Full catering available if required.
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Low Mill Outdoor Centre, a not-for-profit charity, lies on the edge of the pretty village of Askrigg in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales. With good access to many walks, cycle routes, rivers, climbs and caves it is the perfect base for all types of groups; schools, clubs and friend & family get-togethers.
Denton House is a purpose built hostel in the lake District offering bunkhouse accommodation. Warm and well equipped for self-catering, the centre was designed for groups with parking for 40 cars. There is equipment storage and access to the River Greta across the road.
Darsham Country Centre is in the old railway station. Affiliated with the Woodcraft Folk, the Centre provides affordable self catering accommodation for groups of up to 24. It is perfectly situated for exploring the beauty of the Suffolk countryside & visiting the area’s many tourist attractions. Suffolk’s Heritage Coast & the market town of Saxmundham are only 5-6 miles away. Overflow camping for up to 15.
Cumulus Outdoor Residential Centre is situated in the small seaside town of Swanage on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The purpose built centre sits in 6 acres of private grounds and has 4 separate accommodation units sleeping 16,32,38 or 43 which can be hired individually or together. The centre is popular with groups of friends/families, schools, youth groups, DofE & corporate groups. A whole range of outdoor activities are available for your group if required. Dogs welcome with prior arrangement.
FSC Juniper Hall is a superb country house dating back from the 17th century situated in an unspoilt area of the chalk North Downs at the edge of Box Hill, Surrey. Many amazing rivers, woodlands & chalk grassland can be found on the doorstep. Easily accessible from London and the M25, yet peaceful and secluded. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families & larger groups.
Hagg Farm Outdoor Centre in the Peak District offers on and off-site adventure activities led by experienced and highly qualified instructors.
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Outdoor Alternative provides comfortable year-round group accommodation for 12 to 45 in 2 adjacent buildings and is ideally placed for field studies and school trips
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FSC Slapton Ley is located on the South Devon coast next to Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve that includes the 4km long Slapton Sands beach.
All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families and larger groups.
The South West Coast Path and NCN 28 are close by.
Accommodation for up to 61 children, with it's own private woodland and wide range of outdoor activities and learning experiences right on the doorstep.
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Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre, operated by The Woodcraft Folk, is situated in glorious isolation high above Ladybower Reservoir. The Centre provides exclusive accommodation with stunning views across the Upper Derwent Valley. The converted hill farm provides accommodation in two units; the Cottage sleeps 6 and the Bunk Barn 38. Catering & outdoor activities available with notice.
Allendale Bunkhouse sits on the market square in Allendale, near Hexham in Northumberland. Sleeping 37 in small dorms and private rooms it is perfect for school groups.
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The John Hunt Base is situated in the High Peak on the site of Hagg Farm. The base offers comfortable, family friendly accommodation ideal for sightseeing, hill walking, trail running and biking as well as quieter pursuits such as photography. There is a picnic area, wildlife garden with fire pit and a playing field with climbing boulder. Activities can be arranged including climbing, stream scrambling, caving & on-site high ropes.
FSC Preston Montford is situated in the heart of Shropshire on the banks of the River Severn. Set in a 12-hectare estate it has orienteering courses, a small 5-a-side football area and a sensory garden. It is easily accessible from the motorway network, yet private and secluded. The centre has 131 beds across 3 blocks. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families and larger groups. Self-catering is possible for sole use.
Situated in the village of Claxby in the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this low cost hostel has a well equipped kitchen and good sized communal area. Within easy reach of Lincoln, Gainsborough, Scunthorpe and Grimsby. The perfect location for: walking, cycling, field studies, outdoor pursuits, educational activities and conservation projects. Popular with family groups, schools, scouts, guides, walkers, cycling groups and other organisations.
Carrs Farm Bunkhouse is a converted 17th century barn with stunning views over Weardale. It provides comfortable bunk bed accommodation for groups of up to 21 people in three rooms. There is a fully equipped self catering kitchen, games/lounge area and outdoor seating with BBQ.
Situated on a working farm at the heart of the North Pennines. Guided walks and outdoor activities are available for groups and schools.
FSC Malham Tarn, offers quality accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Sleeping up to 105 across 29 bedrooms and 3 buildings, all types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families and larger groups. Due to Covid-19, rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates. Outside you will find a courtyard, veranda and picnic benches, a lawn and walled garden.
In the centre of the village of Newbrough, this community run bunkhouse sleeps 22 across 3 dorms. Facilities include
2 shower/WC rooms, 2 sink areas & a small equipped kitchen. A large communal area is available to groups by arrangement. With footpaths leading directly to Hadrian’s Wall, approx 3 miles away, it is popular with walkers. While for cyclists the Sandstone Way & Hadrian’s Cycleway pass right by.
With our own residential base, minibus transport and fantastic instructors, Humphrey Head is ready to create a magical adventure the way a residential experience should be. Operated by Mere Mountains, with 25 years of Outdoor Education experience, the programmes are run entirely in the surrounding natural environment.
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Situation in Hathersage in the heart of the Peak District, St Michael's Centre offers excellent activities and curriculum opportunities for visiting primary and special school groups.
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Birsay Hostel in the northwest corner of the Orkney mainland offers comfortable accommodation for groups of 10 to 26 in 5 bedrooms. An ideal venue for outdoor education trips, clubs or family gatherings. It has a well equipped kitchen, dining area, drying room, disabled access and all bed linen is provided. There is a campsite in the extensive grounds. Close to spectacular coast, RSPB reserves, early settlements and UNESCO heritage sites.
FSC Flatford Mill sits in Constable Country, amidst the quintessentially English countryside of Suffolk’s Dedham Vale on the banks of the River Stour. Stay in one of the historical buildings; either Willy Lotts’ House, made famous by John Constable’s ‘Haywain’ painting, Valley Farm, a medieval great hall built in the 1450’s or the Mill itself that was owned by the Constable family in the 1700’s. Everyone is welcome including singles, couples, groups and families.
Ninebanks is a great base for groups who appreciate sole use. You get the building to yourselves, a dedicated meals service designed around your programme and choices, good quality accommodation and a good space for work and play.
If studying, on the doorstep are Hadrian’s Wall with its host of Roman attractions, and outstanding geology. Or it’s a great venue for team building and revision breaks.
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With rooms from 2-bed to 6-bed, we can accommodate up to 38 guests. Perfect for a school class, a team-building break, a subject specific visit or a Duke of Edinburgh expedition start & end location.
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The Woodlands Centre is a Grade 2 listed Regency building overlooking the River Wye and with wonderful views of the Black Mountains. Woodlands can accommodate up to 58 students plus staff. Bedrooms are located on single sex floors with rooms accommodating 4, 6 or 8 students. A further 24 students can be accommodated in the Woodlands Bunkhouse. We use the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park and surrounding areas to deliver our real adventure based courses.. Camping is also available in the grounds. Get in touch for a quote for your group.
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Within the old primary school at Lowick Green, nestled between Coniston water (4 miles) and Ulverston, the bunkhouse has a lounge with wood-burning stove, large kitchen/dining room, great views of the mountains and an outdoor area with campfire. River Deep Mountain High Activity Centre provides a wide variety of outdoor activities. Some group and family packages include activities in the price.
Perfect for schools, education groups, family celebrations and groups of all kinds, Corris hostel is a haven from the stresses of the outside world with its caring staff & cosy wood fires. Enjoy the gardens with BBQ & campfire areas. Situated in Snowdonia National Park close to Cadair Idris, the Centre for Alternative Technology and just 3 miles from the new Dyfi Bike Park, a mecca for trail bikers. A real paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. CAMRA pub close by.
By The Way Hostel & Campsite is in Loch Lomond National Park. There’s excellent walking, climbing & white water rafting in the area. The accommodation includes camping, various huts: hobbit houses, posh pods, glamping & trekker huts, camping cabins & a purpose built 4* hostel with twin, double & dormitory rooms & great self-catering facilities. For more comfort still there are 2 chalets; one 3-bed, the other 2-bed.
Ingleton YHA Greta Tower has all you need for your school group. Accommodation for 64, plenty of parking, full catered package available, large communal areas, drying room and bike shed. The hostel overlooks the outdoor swimming pool and park. There is also a nearby climbing wall. Perfect for geology and geography field trips.
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Groups of all ages and sizes (up to 100) will be welcomed to Gaveston Hall near Horsham in West Sussex. Situated in its own impressive grounds in an idyllic rural location, it is just an hour from London and 40 mins from Brighton and the east Coast. Quite the perfect location for an action school residential.
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For a fun filled, seaside break Scarborough is unbeatable: two safe, sandy beaches, penny arcades, pirate ship, three surf schools and the Alpamare Waterpark. Once a 17th century water mill on a quiet riverside just outside the town, Scarborough Youth Hostel is also a perfect base for exploring the coast and country of the North York Moors and Wolds with miles of paths, tracks and quiet lanes for walkers and cyclists.
Accommodation for School Groups
Whether you are looking for somewhere to stay in one of our major cities or for accommodation with outdoor activities and instruction, Independent Hostels provide perfect accommodation for school groups. The hostels and bunkhouses listed on this page welcome school groups of all shapes and sizes many specialising in providing accommodation for school trips. So if you are looking for outdoor activities in Wales, or accommodation for school residentials in a UK city, looking on this page is a great choice.
You can contact suitable hostels using the contact forms on the hostel pages or by doing a group accommodation request.
Accommodation for Schools in British Cities
For school trips to cities we have a number of hostels in most major cities, including London, which welcome school groups. These are all centrally located within easy walking distance of museums, theatres, shops and many other attractions
Our hostels and bunkhouses are experienced in providing accommodation for school residentials and they can help you with such matters as health and safety, safeguarding and booking appropriate outdoor activity instruction.
LOTC accreditation
Some of the accommodation has LOTC accreditation and are experts for providing “Learning Outside the Classroom”. An example of these are Glenbeg Bunkhouse near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands, Hagg Farm Outdoor Education Centre, John Hunt Base, Thornbridge Outdoors, all in or very near to The Peak District National Park. Humphrey Head Group Hostel overlooking Morcambe Bay on the southern edge of the Lake District.
Many of the hostels and bunkhouses that provide accommodation for school groups have classrooms on site so you can consolidate field trip learning. Many also have all the technology required to run a lesson but please talk to your chosen hostel about this to ensure you know what is available.
Most of our hostel and bunkhouse accommodation has self catering kitchens so you can even bring your own cook or allow older children to cater for you if you wish. Many also provide catered options including packed lunches, hearty breakfasts and evening meals. Once again please check with the individuals hostels to be sure that they meet your requirements.
Accommodation for Schools in the National Parks.
If you are looking for outdoor activities for your school group in North Wales, The Peak District, The Lakes or the Highlands of Scotland then you will find a good choice of hostels providing activities. Independent hostels and bunkhouses are also often chosen for geography or geology field trips as they can be found in locations that offer your school group easy access to interesting geology, geography and cities to cover all of the curriculum. We also have accommodation for school groups in less well know parts of the country such as North Lincolnshire and rural Herefordshire as well as coastal locations and even one on Brownsea Island in Dorset!
