Our Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) provider award demonstrates that we have robust policies, procedures and risk assessments in place and that we provide quality educational provision with our woodland sessions for children. The award is recognised by the Department for Education and for many teachers, the paperwork in planning a residential is reduced by the hostel having the LOtC quality badge.

The hostel is used by primary and secondary schools for residential visits and this is one testimonial from headteacher Ruth Maddison….’the hostel is un-manned so you are free to lead your own activities. We usually take Y2 for an overnight stay and return there for the day when the children are in Y6 so they can re-live their adventures. We have a programme of shelter building, water walking, woodland activities, walks, cave exploring, silly games and thinking/discussion time. The highlight is always sitting round a campfire in the middle of the night, toasting marshmallows and baking potatoes, singing silly songs and telling daft jokes and stories – and sharing what friendship means to us. It is the most magical place and I would encourage everyone to try it out. This can be just for the day or overnight. The shared history you will have with the children will last a lifetime and their growing and learning back at school will be all that much better!’
Get in touch if you would like to find out more. We also provide bespoke woodland sessions for your school group, as we are Forest School Level 3 Practitioners with a wealth of experience in running engaging and fun sessions in the woodlands.

Join us at Shining Cliff hostel, a unique off-road hostel in the heart of an ancient Derbyshire woodland, for summer holiday adventures with family and friends. You can hire the entire hostel or book your own individual room with shared facilities from Sunday- Thursday in the August holidays (or any time of year!)

Shining Cliff hostel sleeps up to 20 people in 5 bedrooms, with 3 bathrooms, an open plan lounge and dining area, and well-equipped self-catering kitchen.
The hostel can only be accessed on foot, making it a wonderful adventure for family and friends as you porter your belongings by wheelbarrow from the woodland car park, or walk in from the train/bus at Ambergate.
Spend your days exploring this magical woodland, with crags, streams and a lake, or go beyond the woods and explore the Derwent Valley World Heritage site, with wonderful local places such as Matlock Bath and Cromford Mills.
You can book your own room for just £20 per person/night, or you can book the entire hostel for your group use for £250 per night for up to 20 people; small group discounts are available (£185/night for 6 people or fewer, £225 per night for 7-12 people)