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
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.
The L&A Centre works with activity providers to offer activity breaks & team building for school groups. The centre can accommodate groups of all sizes up to 250 in bunkhouses and lodges.
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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
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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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.
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
By The Way Hostel & Campsite lies in the Loch Lomond National Park between Arrochar’s peaks & Glencoe. There’s excellent walking, climbing and white water rafting. 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, with great self-catering facilities. For more comfort still there are 2 chalets; one with three bedrooms, one with two.
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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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.
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 extended family 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.
Denton House is a purpose built hostel and outdoor centre 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.
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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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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Ardenbeg Bunkhouse togehter with Craggan Outdoors, in Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire offer popular & successful outdoor activity-based residential visits for schools.
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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.
Situated near Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales, on the Yorkshire Three Peaks route, The Old School Bunkhouse sleeps up to 28.
It has a comfortable lounge, with TV, DVD & WiFi, a large kitchen diner, 4 bathrooms & a drying room with washing machine. Outside is parking for 12 cars and great views of Ingleborough and Whernside. The pub over the road is ideal for that celebratory drink.
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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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. Group and family packages include activities in the price.
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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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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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.
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.
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.
FSC Millport is on the tiny Isle of Cumbrae off the west coast of Scotland. It is remarkably accessible, just 1.5 hours from Glasgow. Recently refurbished to a high standard it sleeps 139 across 64 rooms. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families and extended family groups. Self-catering is only possible if you book the whole centre.
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.
Darsham Country Centre is in Darsham’s old railway station. Affiliated with the Woodcraft Folk, the Centre provides affordable self catering accommodation for groups of up to 24. Darsham is perfectly situated for exploring the beauty of the Suffolk countryside and visiting the area’s many tourist attractions, with Suffolk’s Heritage Coast and the market town of Saxmundham only 5-6 miles away. Overflow camping for up to 15 is available by arrangement.
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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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.
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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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.
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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We have so much to keep your school interested! Northumberland is yours to explore.
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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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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, an industrial style kitchen for self-catering and two breakout rooms. Youth group discounts available.
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!
FSC Dale Fort is a Field Studies Council centre on a cliff top 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.
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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The physical and human geography of the region; its coastline, geology and industrial heritage make Cornwall a great destination for geography field trips. Stay at award winning hostel Cohort.
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The Old School House welcomes schools, groups, walkers and families to the picturesque village of Robins Hood’s Bay. Home to one of the best beaches on Yorkshires East Coast. At the end of Wainright's coast to coast walk and on The Cleveland Way. Ideal for groups of families and friends to book exclusively and also available to individual families looking for an affordable holiday by the sea.
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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FSC Slapton Ley is a Field Studies Council centre set in the South Devon ANOB and close to Dartmoor National Park. Sleeping 142 in 4 blocks of 75, 33, 17 & 17 beds. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families & extended family groups. Outside there are beautiful landscaped grounds with seating areas, shelters, a kitchen garden and a wildlife area. Slapton Sands, the South West Coast Path and NCN 28 are all close by.
Perfect for group & family celebrations, 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.
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 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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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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Arete Outdoor Centre is the perfect base for your school group. Activities from rock climbing to bushcraft, gorge walking to sea kayaking can all be organised.
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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.
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.
FSC Rhyd-y-creuau is a field studies centre set in Snowdonia National Park. The 2.2 hectare estate includes a football pitch, woodland, biodiversity garden, campfire area, teambuilding challenges, stream and ponds. The centre accommodates groups of between 30 and 100 and is ideal for schools, clubs and large gathering of friends and family. Both full board and self catering options are possible. Outdoor activities can be provided and Zip World Fforest is nearby.
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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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 Snake Pass. The converted hill farm provide accommodation in two units; the Cottage sleeps 6 and the Bunk Barn 38. Catering and outdoor activities can be booked if desired.
FSC Nettlecombe Court is a Field Studies Council centre in the Exmoor National Park. A magnificent Tudor and Georgian country mansion it is set in extensive grounds and sleeps up to 120 in spacious dorms, twin and single rooms (many en suite). Due to Covid 19 rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates. Self-catering is only possible if you book the whole centre.
Mid Wales Bunkhouse is perfect for school groups and especially D of E groups.
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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.
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 9 bedrooms with sea views 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 both mountain biking & surfing. With two classrooms, Borth YHA is ideal for school trips too. There’s free WiFi, a games & TV room, bike storage & drying room. Breakfast, packed lunch & a licensed bar are available.
Howgills Barn in Sedburgh, sleeps groups up to 35 in 6 en suite rooms. Perfect for schools. Full catering, packed lunches, on site activities and curriculum based learning can all be provided if required
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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.
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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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.
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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Cote Ghyll Mill is the perfect place for a school residential.
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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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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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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.
Castle Head Field Studies Council centre is set in a country mansion with 20 hectares of private grounds on the southern edge of the Lake District National Park near to Windmere. Sleeping up to 157 across 33 rooms all types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families and extended family groups. Due to Covid-19, rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates.
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.
Knockaloe Beg Farm on the Isle Of Man is set in an ideal location for small school groups.
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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 Flatford Mill is an historic Field Studies Council centre in Suffolk. It sleeps 79 in three internationally important buildings. There’s Willy Lotts’ House, (built in the 1500’s and made famous by John Constable’s ‘Haywain’ painting), Valley Farm (a medieval great hall built in the 1450’s) and the Mill itself that was owned and renovated by the Constable family in the 1700’s. Everyone is welcome including singles, couples, groups, families and extended family groups.
Gulabin Lodge nestles in Glenshee at the foot of Beinn Gulabin and is the nearest accommodation to the Glenshee ski slopes. The 4* lodge offers excellent accommodation for groups and families. Ideal for school residentials, gatherings of families and outdoor groups. Lots of activities are available includeing bike hire and ski school with equipment hire. Meals & transport to and from airports /stations available for groups. 12/14 bed house is also available.
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.
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.
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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White Peris Lodge is part of Blue Peris Mountain Centre at 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.
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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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.
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.
Offering residential courses Orielton in a varied range of subjects, this 130 bed Georgian mansion is perfect for school groups.
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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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All sorts of school groups find a great welcome at Kirkby Stephen Hostel
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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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Situated just a short walk to a stunning beach, this 5* Eco Lodge offers catered accommodation & a range of outdoor activities to individuals, families & groups of all sizes. Popular with schools, clubs & hen/stag groups it boasts great communal areas including a bar, outside picnic area, fire pit & games field. Just 1 mile from the Wales Coast Path & right on the Sustrans Celtic Trail.
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).
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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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 Preston Montford is a Field Studies Council in a beautiful Georgian mansion 6 miles west of Shrewsbury. Easily accessible from the motorway network, yet private & secluded the centre has 131 beds across 3 blocks. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families and extended family groups. Due to Covid-19, rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates. Self-catering is possible for sole use.
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.
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.
Set in a beautiful secluded valley in Dartmoor National Park, Bachelors Hall offers groups of all kind the 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. Sleeping 60 across 6 rooms and 2 pods it is centrally heated with a commercial kitchen and large separate dining room/classroom. Outdoor activities can be organised if required.
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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Kendal Hostel, a Georgian townhouse, is on LEJOG and the Dales Way, and 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 Wi-Fi. Individuals, small parties and groups of up to 40 are welcome with exclusive use.
Birsay Hostel in the northwest corner of the Orkney mainland offers comfortable accommodation for up 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.
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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This family-run, family friendly licensed hostel is ideal for schools (classroom available) & groups as sole use or for families & individuals in private rooms. 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 served or self-cater in the kitchen. Enjoy sea views from the garden patio.
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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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 Juniper Hall is a magnificent country house sleeping up to 130 across 30 rooms. Easily accessible from London & the M25, yet peaceful & secluded. The grounds give direct access to footpaths to Box Hill & the Surry Hills AONB. Singles, couples, groups of adults, families & extended family groups Due to Covid-19, rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates.
Comfortable accommodation and a whole range of activities for school groups of all sizes in the Peak District.
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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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A beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Ludlow, extended to provide en-suite accommodation with twin rooms, a family room, and a room designed for those with limited mobility. Within walking distance of restaurants, shops and pubs and near to the Shropshire Hills and Mortimer Forest with miles of stunning landscapes to explore. Fresh towels, bedlinen, complimentary toiletries, tea- and coffee-making facilities, parking and WiFi included. Breakfasts available.
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. Ideal for groups wanting a break in beautiful rural surroundings.
Cliffe House in West Yorkshire is perfect for school groups of 30 -72 people. This centre of excellence in outdoor learning set in 14 acres of woodland can provide tailor made learning and events.
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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.
The Bristol Wing will be closed to independent travelers and tourists until March 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.
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 Ardenbeg 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!
