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.
For larger groups, exclusive hire of the entire site accommodates up to 70 people (146?). All the accommodation is booked for the exclusive use of your group.
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.
For larger groups, exclusive hire of the entire site accommodates up to 70 people (146?). All the accommodation is booked for the exclusive use of your group.
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.
For larger groups, exclusive hire of the entire site accommodates up to 70 people (146?). All the accommodation is booked for the exclusive use of your group.
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.
For larger groups, exclusive hire of the entire site accommodates up to 70 people (146?). All the accommodation is booked for the exclusive use of your group.
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 :
Dales Way Trans Euro Trail
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News & Offers from Ghyll Head Activity Centre
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 ghyllhead@gll.org or call 01539 443751.
Relax, Recharge & Save with Code INDEHOSTEL26 at these Woodland Pods in The Lakes
January 23rd 2026
Enjoy a relaxing breakaway in a cosy, heated pod nestled in our peaceful woodland setting at Ghyll Head, on Lake Windermere. With Bowness-on-Windermere just three miles away, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy bustling bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as endless opportunities for fresh air and outdoor fun. Just a stone’s throw from Lake Windermere and surrounded by fantastic walking and mountain-biking routes right from the doorstep, the Pods start from just £65 per night, per pod. Use INDEHOSTEL26 at checkout to enjoy 10% off your stay.
Use INDEHOSTEL26 at checkout to enjoy 10% off your stay. BOOK HERE .
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