Chellington Centre, St Nicholas Church, Felmersham Road, Carlton, Bedford MK43 7NA

Call Debbie Holloway on 01234 720726 or 07983 075174

  • the chellington centre Bedfordshire
  • Groups of teenagers around a campfire
  • Green tents with modern wooden building in the background
  • Teenagers doing Field Study in a river
  • Happy youth group by the campfire
  • Interior of converted church set up for a celebration

A unique place to stay in rural Bedfordshire

The Chellington Centre is a 12th Century church which has been transformed into an award-winning, eco-friendly residential and day retreat Centre. It is run by a charity focused on enabling youth and school groups by offering a sole-use stay in an inspiring rural landscape.

Discounted rates are offered to youth & school groups and bursaries may be available for groups who may need support and qualify.

The Chellington Centre, when diary permits, is also available for community groups, family gatherings and business groups to hire, but priority will always be given to school and youth groups.

The Centre sleeps 30 across 7 bedrooms. An extra 6 guests can be accommodated in the Winnie Lounge. Bed linen can be booked in advance at £8 per person and consists of a pillow, pillow slip, duvet, duvet cover, and a fitted sheet. Towels at £5. Alternatively, groups are welcome to bring their own bed linen or sleeping bag.

The main hall is a large versatile space that can provide seating for 80 theatre-style or dining for 72. It also works perfectly as a play, yoga or workshop area. on a limestone floor (under-heated). There are 14 large tables available and, as a default, 36 chairs.

Outside there's the new camping zone (opened in 2022) with an ultra-modern shower/toilet block, this means we can accommodate up to 72 in total, with 36 guests camping in tents - youth groups only (extra charges apply).

Outdoor facilities also include a flat playing field, a BBQ, campfire and gardens. Table tennis and table football is included. Please note the indoor accommodation and the camping are both self-contained but only available for one group to book exclusively.
Award winning, eco-friendly, residential youth centre - an inspirational space popular with school and youth groups. Sleeps 36 in 8 bunkrooms (+36 camping for youth groups). Modern facilities, self-catering kitchen & breakout rooms. Amazing views of stunning Bedfordshire countryside. Easy access from M1/A1. Disabled access. Youth discounts.
The Chellington Centre is a 12th Century church which has been transformed into an award-winning, eco-friendly residential and day retreat Centre. It is run by a charity focused on enabling youth and school groups by offering a sole-use stay in an inspiring rural landscape.

Discounted rates are offered to youth & school groups and bursaries may be available for groups who may need support and qualify.

The Chellington Centre, when diary permits, is also available for community groups, family gatherings and business groups to hire, but priority will always be given to school and youth groups.

The Centre sleeps 30 across 7 bedrooms. An extra 6 guests can be accommodated in the Winnie Lounge. Bed linen can be booked in advance at £8 per person and consists of a pillow, pillow slip, duvet, duvet cover, and a fitted sheet. Towels at £5. Alternatively, groups are welcome to bring their own bed linen or sleeping bag.

The main hall is a large versatile space that can provide seating for 80 theatre-style or dining for 72. It also works perfectly as a play, yoga or workshop area. on a limestone floor (under-heated). There are 14 large tables available and, as a default, 36 chairs.

Outside there's the new camping zone (opened in 2022) with an ultra-modern shower/toilet block, this means we can accommodate up to 72 in total, with 36 guests camping in tents - youth groups only (extra charges apply).

Outdoor facilities also include a flat playing field, a BBQ, campfire and gardens. Table tennis and table football is included. Please note the indoor accommodation and the camping are both self-contained but only available for one group to book exclusively.

This accommodation is featured on our map of South of England and South East England and here is its own website.

Availability

Available    Unavailable

Details

  • Beds & Rooms:

    72: 36 in bunkrooms (2x5, 5x4, 1x6) + 36 youth campers
  • Open:

    All year. Arrive 5pm, exit 12pm.
  • Price per night:

    From £13.75pp (full occupancy). W/end 2 night min. School/youth groups: week night £495-£645, w/end night £550-685. Other groups: week night £660-750, w/end night £785-1,025.
  • Booking:

    Preliminary bookings can be made on the chellington.org website. The reservation will be verified & then a deposit payment is required within 5 working days to secure the booking (£200 for any booking less than £1,000, 20% of the total booking value for school/youth bookings, 30% for all other bookings). Weddings & special events also require a security deposit.
  • Directions:

    From South, avoid Bedford, by taking A428 to Turvey and then turning to Carlton. At crossroads in the centre of Carlton go straight on towards Felmersham- the 'Felmersham Road' out of the village and at the top of the hill the entrance road to the Centre is on the left (less than ½ mile outside Carlton). There is a long tarmac driveway (5 MPH) and free car/coach park at end of driveway for up to 30 cars. If using Sat Nav use post code MK43 7NA but best to try to avoid Bedford and come via A421 and A426 via Turvey and Carlton. Sat Nav will stop about 100 metres from entrance at “Chellington Village” sign.
  • Public Transport :

    Trains At Bedford. Buses to Carlton from Bedford bus station. On foot from Carlton village: If you come out of the post office, turn left and cross the road, walk for 150m around bend and either take the wooden gate through a small field with old village pond, or walk a further 10m on and then turn right to a path that leads up the hill. The centre is the church to the left after the hill approx 100m.
  • Walks :

    Long Distance Walkers AssociationLong Distance Walks
This accommodation is featured on the following pages
Discounts for Youth Groups Eco Hostels Close to a Pub Camping Hostels with firepits and campfires School Groups Accessible to disabled people Duke of Edinburgh's Award Alternative Weddings Evening Meals Large Hostels

This accommodation is available at the following peak times

Available Easter 2025 Available May Day Bank Holiday 2025 Available Spring Bank Holiday or Half Term 2025 Available August Bank Holiday 2025 Available October Half Term 2025 Available for Christmas 2025 Available New Year 2025 / 2026 Available February Half Term 2026

Facilities

aMixed dormitories
bSingle sex dormitories
cPrivate rooms
&Family rooms
rAccessibility features
fSleeping bags required
gFully heated
mMeals available (with notice)
oMeals available locally
kSelf catering facilities
jShowers
[WiFi
wGroups Only
9Best Price Guarantee

r Accessibility Info

When the 12th Century church was converted into an award-winning, eco-friendly residential and day retreat centre, great emphasis was placed on making it as accessible as possible. ..Click for photos and more

Map

Map showing the location of Chellington Centre

News & Offers from Chellington Centre

Discounted rate for Youth Groups

April 11th 2025

The Chellington Centre is a 12th Century church which has been transformed into an award-winning, eco-friendly residential and day retreat Centre. It is run by a charity focused on enabling youth and school groups by offering a sole-use stay in an inspiring rural landscape. Not only does the Chellington Centre charge 25% less to youth groups, it also has a busary fund available to organisations that look to deliver life-changing experiences at Chellington for disadvantaged young people.

More derails of the Chellington Bursary Fund are available HERE.

Happy youth group by the campfire
Latest News

This is why school groups are obessed with this 12th century church

January 19th 2023

The Chellington Centre is a converted 12th century church located in the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside with amazing views of the Great River Ouse.

What’s not to love about this unique venue, the picturesque setting and the closeness to many large towns, cities and motorways.

Situated in rural Bedfrodshire and in a converted 12th century church, there is residential accommodation for 30 plus another 30 can be accommodated in tents in the Centre’s campsite.

Ensure the next time your Youth Group goes away they do it in style with a visit to the Chellington Centre

News Latest News

Latest Blog about Chellington Centre

Mudfest, a caching adventure

February 3rd 2021

Read about Kevin’s journey around his local area. Treasure hunters staying at the Chellington Centre could go and see if they’re up to the challenge. 19km of walks through the North Buckinghamshire countryside. A wonderful way to spend the day outside.

Read More
Stile on the way to caches
Latest Blog
the chellington centre Bedfordshire

Contact Chellington Centre

Contact Chellington Centre - Call Debbie Holloway on 01234 720726 or 07983 075174

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01234 720726 or 07983 075174 Visit Website   Send Message