Chellington Centre
Chellington Centre, St Nicholas Church, Felmersham Road, Carlton, Bedford MK43 7NA
Call Debbie Holloway on 01234 720726
A unique place to stay in rural Bedfordshire
Discounted rates are available for youth & school groups, with additional bursary funding offered to help groups that may need financial assistance.
When availability permits, the Centre is also available to hire for community groups, family celebrations and business retreats. However, priority will always be given to school and youth groups.
The Centre sleeps up to 30 guests across 7 bedrooms with space for an additional 6 guests in the Winnie Hall Room. Groups are encouraged to bring their own bed linen or sleeping bags, although bed linen sets (including a pillow, pillow slip, duvet, duvet cover, and a fitted sheet) can be booked in advance at £8 per person. Towels are available for £5 each.
The Main Hall is a spacious and versatile area, suitable for a wide range of activities. It can accommodate up to 80 people in theatre-style seating or 72 for dining, and is equally well suited to games workshops or yoga sessions.
Outside, the camping zone includes a modern shower and toilet block and provides space for a further 36 camping, increasing the total on-site capacity to 72. Camping is available exclusively to school and youth groups and is subject to an additional charge).
Outdoor facilities include a four-acre activity field, a level games field, a barbeque area, a campfire circle and a sensory garden. Table tennis and table football are also included. Please note that while the indoor accommodation and camping facilities are self-contained, the Centre is only available to one group at a time, ensuring complete privacy and exclusive use of the site.
Discounted rates are available for youth & school groups, with additional bursary funding offered to help groups that may need financial assistance.
When availability permits, the Centre is also available to hire for community groups, family celebrations and business retreats. However, priority will always be given to school and youth groups.
The Centre sleeps up to 30 guests across 7 bedrooms with space for an additional 6 guests in the Winnie Hall Room. Groups are encouraged to bring their own bed linen or sleeping bags, although bed linen sets (including a pillow, pillow slip, duvet, duvet cover, and a fitted sheet) can be booked in advance at £8 per person. Towels are available for £5 each.
The Main Hall is a spacious and versatile area, suitable for a wide range of activities. It can accommodate up to 80 people in theatre-style seating or 72 for dining, and is equally well suited to games workshops or yoga sessions.
Outside, the camping zone includes a modern shower and toilet block and provides space for a further 36 camping, increasing the total on-site capacity to 72. Camping is available exclusively to school and youth groups and is subject to an additional charge).
Outdoor facilities include a four-acre activity field, a level games field, a barbeque area, a campfire circle and a sensory garden. Table tennis and table football are also included. Please note that while the indoor accommodation and camping facilities are self-contained, the Centre is only available to one group at a time, ensuring complete privacy and exclusive use of the site.
This accommodation is featured on our map of South of England and South East England and here is its own website.
Availability
Details
Beds & Rooms:
72: 36 in bunkrooms (2x5, 5x4, 1x6) + 36 youth campersOpen:
All year. Arrive 5pm, exit 12pm.Price per night:
From £17pp (full occupancy). W/end 2 night min. School/youth groups: week night £540-£695, w/end night £630-735. Other groups: week night £730-820, w/end night £825-1,075.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). Non-youth group bookings including weddings & special events also require a security deposit.Directions:
To avoid travelling through Bedford, follow the A421 and A428 to Turvey, then continue towards Carlton. At the crossroads in the centre of Carlton, continue straight ahead towards Felmersham. Follow Felmersham Road out of the village and, less than half a mile beyond Carlton, you will see the entrance to The Chellington Centre on the left at the top of the hill. Look out for the church spire! A long tarmac driveway (5 mph speed limit) leads to a free car and coach park with space for up to 30 vehicles. If using Sat Nav, enter postcode MK43 7NA. However, we recommend following the route via the A421, A428, Turvey and Carlton, rather than travelling through Bedford. Please note that some Sat Nav systems stop approximately 100 metres before the entrance at the "Chellington Village" sign, so continue a little further along the road to reach the Centre.Public Transport :
By train: Regular services run to Bedford Station. By bus: Take a bus from Bedford Bus Station to Carlton. On foot from Carlton Village: 1/2 mile heading up Felmersham Road.Walks :
Long Distance Walks
Long Distance WalksIdeal for Scouts Large Hostels Hostels with firepits and campfires Discounts for Youth Groups School Residentials Eco Hostels Close to a Pub Charitable Accessible to disabled people Duke of Edinburgh's Award Alternative Weddings Evening Meals Camping
This accommodation is available at the following peak times
Available May Day Bank Holiday 2027 Available Spring Bank Holiday or Half Term 2026 Available August Bank Holiday 2027Facilities
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
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.
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
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
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