Ghyll Head Activity Centre
Ghyll Head Activity Centre offers unforgettable experiences with a range of accommodation for families and groups of all sizes.
Ghyll Head Activity Centre, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3LN
Call Reception (Paula Davies) on 015394 43751
Accommodation for families and groups of all sizes overlooking Lake Windermere
Ghyll Head Activity Centre is Manchester City Council's Outdoor Education Centre, set in a breathtaking location overlooking windermere, right in the heart of the Lake District. For many years, this stunning setting has provided unforgettable experiences for Manchester’s young people—and now you can enjoy the benefits too.
It offer a range of accommodation options to suit familys and groups of all sizes:
• Woodland Pods: Sleep up to 5 people in comfortable single beds (bring your own bedding). With under-bed heating, electricity, parking, and a picnic bench, the pods are perfect year-round. They can be booked individually and 2 are dog-friendly.
• Victorian Lakeland Manor House: Ideal for groups of 40–58, this house offers self-catering kitchens or home-cooked meals prepared by our experienced staff.
• Fully Accessible Bungalow: Perfect for groups of 12–29 (capped at 24 when booked with activities), with self-catering facilities or fully catered.
• The Lodge (Only available when combined with a Bungalow or House booking): Provides 14 extra bunk beds and stunning views across Lake Windermere. It can be hired alongside the House or Bungalow, and does not have any communal areas.
All the accommodation is booked for the exclusive use of your group. Exclusive hire of the entire site is available for large groups.
The centre can also offer a full programme of outdoor adventure activities tailored to your group. During certain school holiday dates, individual familys can join our family courses, which include activities, accommodation, and meals.
The House and Bungalow are ideal for schools, youth, sport and community groups. They are also ideal for self lead holidays by groups of families, walking, cycling and other groups—perfect for weekends and school holidays.
Water activities can be booked in advance. There are breathtaking walking and mountain-biking routes on your doorstep, and a location that truly showcases the beauty of the Lake District. This makes Ghyll Head Activity Centre the perfect place to explore, relax, and create lifelong memories.
It offer a range of accommodation options to suit familys and groups of all sizes:
• Woodland Pods: Sleep up to 5 people in comfortable single beds (bring your own bedding). With under-bed heating, electricity, parking, and a picnic bench, the pods are perfect year-round. They can be booked individually and 2 are dog-friendly.
• Victorian Lakeland Manor House: Ideal for groups of 40–58, this house offers self-catering kitchens or home-cooked meals prepared by our experienced staff.
• Fully Accessible Bungalow: Perfect for groups of 12–29 (capped at 24 when booked with activities), with self-catering facilities or fully catered.
• The Lodge (Only available when combined with a Bungalow or House booking): Provides 14 extra bunk beds and stunning views across Lake Windermere. It can be hired alongside the House or Bungalow, and does not have any communal areas.
All the accommodation is booked for the exclusive use of your group. Exclusive hire of the entire site is available for large groups.
The centre can also offer a full programme of outdoor adventure activities tailored to your group. During certain school holiday dates, individual familys can join our family courses, which include activities, accommodation, and meals.
The House and Bungalow are ideal for schools, youth, sport and community groups. They are also ideal for self lead holidays by groups of families, walking, cycling and other groups—perfect for weekends and school holidays.
Water activities can be booked in advance. There are breathtaking walking and mountain-biking routes on your doorstep, and a location that truly showcases the beauty of the Lake District. This makes Ghyll Head Activity Centre the perfect place to explore, relax, and create lifelong memories.
Ghyll Head Activity Centre offers unforgettable experiences with a range of accommodation for families and groups of all sizes, from woodland pods to a Victorian manor and an accessible bungalow. Enjoy a self-led holiday or take part in tailored outdoor activities and water sports. Excellent walking and cycling routes start from the doorstep. Ideal for family-friendly courses, school residentials, and weekend escapes in the Lake District.
Ghyll Head Activity Centre is Manchester City Council's Outdoor Education Centre, set in a breathtaking location overlooking windermere, right in the heart of the Lake District. For many years, this stunning setting has provided unforgettable experiences for Manchester’s young people—and now you can enjoy the benefits too.
It offer a range of accommodation options to suit familys and groups of all sizes:
• Woodland Pods: Sleep up to 5 people in comfortable single beds (bring your own bedding). With under-bed heating, electricity, parking, and a picnic bench, the pods are perfect year-round. They can be booked individually and 2 are dog-friendly.
• Victorian Lakeland Manor House: Ideal for groups of 40–58, this house offers self-catering kitchens or home-cooked meals prepared by our experienced staff.
• Fully Accessible Bungalow: Perfect for groups of 12–29 (capped at 24 when booked with activities), with self-catering facilities or fully catered.
• The Lodge (Only available when combined with a Bungalow or House booking): Provides 14 extra bunk beds and stunning views across Lake Windermere. It can be hired alongside the House or Bungalow, and does not have any communal areas.
All the accommodation is booked for the exclusive use of your group. Exclusive hire of the entire site is available for large groups.
The centre can also offer a full programme of outdoor adventure activities tailored to your group. During certain school holiday dates, individual familys can join our family courses, which include activities, accommodation, and meals.
The House and Bungalow are ideal for schools, youth, sport and community groups. They are also ideal for self lead holidays by groups of families, walking, cycling and other groups—perfect for weekends and school holidays.
Water activities can be booked in advance. There are breathtaking walking and mountain-biking routes on your doorstep, and a location that truly showcases the beauty of the Lake District. This makes Ghyll Head Activity Centre the perfect place to explore, relax, and create lifelong memories.
It offer a range of accommodation options to suit familys and groups of all sizes:
• Woodland Pods: Sleep up to 5 people in comfortable single beds (bring your own bedding). With under-bed heating, electricity, parking, and a picnic bench, the pods are perfect year-round. They can be booked individually and 2 are dog-friendly.
• Victorian Lakeland Manor House: Ideal for groups of 40–58, this house offers self-catering kitchens or home-cooked meals prepared by our experienced staff.
• Fully Accessible Bungalow: Perfect for groups of 12–29 (capped at 24 when booked with activities), with self-catering facilities or fully catered.
• The Lodge (Only available when combined with a Bungalow or House booking): Provides 14 extra bunk beds and stunning views across Lake Windermere. It can be hired alongside the House or Bungalow, and does not have any communal areas.
All the accommodation is booked for the exclusive use of your group. Exclusive hire of the entire site is available for large groups.
The centre can also offer a full programme of outdoor adventure activities tailored to your group. During certain school holiday dates, individual familys can join our family courses, which include activities, accommodation, and meals.
The House and Bungalow are ideal for schools, youth, sport and community groups. They are also ideal for self lead holidays by groups of families, walking, cycling and other groups—perfect for weekends and school holidays.
Water activities can be booked in advance. There are breathtaking walking and mountain-biking routes on your doorstep, and a location that truly showcases the beauty of the Lake District. This makes Ghyll Head Activity Centre the perfect place to explore, relax, and create lifelong memories.
This accommodation is featured on our map of the Lake District and here is its own website.
Details
Beds & Rooms:
97: House 58: 5x4,6x6 Bungalow 29:1x1,1x2,1x4,2x5,2x6 Lodge 14:2x7 Plus 9x5 Pods.Open:
All YearPrice per night:
Pods for individuals from £65. Groups (min 12 people) from £26pp (£58pp fully catered) plus VAT.Booking:
Please enquire for group bookings or book online for Pods quoting INDEHOSTEL26 for a discount.Walks :
Long Distance Walks Dales Way Trans Euro Trail
Long Distance WalksWild Swimming Family Friendly Dog Friendly Mountains Large Hostels Discounts for Youth Groups School Residentials Individuals welcome Outdoor Education Centes Charitable Accessible to disabled people Hostels with Camping Pods or Glamping Accommodation for Cyclists Evening Meals New to the Independent Hostels Network
This accommodation is available at the following peak times
Available Easter 2026Facilities
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News & Offers from Ghyll Head Activity Centre
Easter in the Lakes
March 9th 2026
Ghyll Head Outdoor Centre rooms available for the Easter Week End at special low rates. Perfect location for hill walkers and cyclists wanting to explore the South Lakes area. If you are looking for an overnight stay or week-end away, we have lots of very comfortable rooms available in our Main House. 3 miles from Bowness-On-Windermere with stunning grounds to explore and footpaths & bridleways on the doorstep. A few minutes drive or ride away from the Windermere Ferry and the west shore trails. To book, email [email protected] or call 015394 43751
Youth Groups based in Manchester pay our lowest rates whatever the season
January 30th 2026
Ghyll Head Outdoor Education and Activity Centre is Manchester City Council’s outdoor education centre, set in the heart of the Lake District National Park. We offer safe, adventurous, and inspiring outdoor courses for young people, with every programme tailored to the needs of your group. To book a bespoke Ghyll Head experience, please email [email protected] or call 01539 443751.
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