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That time of yeeare thou maist in me behold, when yellow leaves, or none, or few doe hange Upon those boughes whichshake against the could… Shakespeare : Sonnet 73,

       Downham Camping Barn

Celebrate the crisp and changing colours of Autumn with a stay at the DOWNHAM CAMPING BARN. This stone tent is a great weekend get-away for experienced or first time adventurers in to the landscape – and all without the need for canvas.

See Pendle in all it’s end of year glory from the doorway of this charming stone barn set in the heart of the National Landscape area. Known mainly for the infamous Lancashire witch trials, the area has far more to offer with a thriving market town in Clitheroe, traditional pubs, miles of routes for walking, cycling and riding and a Castle.

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Downham camping barn with vehicle parking

Brand new lodge accommodation in the heart of Exmoor

       Calvert Devon Lodges

Stay at Calvert Devon’s brand-new bunk-bed style lodges beside Wistlandpound Reservoir, surrounded by Exmoor’s forests and open skies. Ideal for schools, families and groups looking for adventure without limits, with the option to add outdoor activities, meals, or pool hire. Dog-friendly and open year-round.

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View over Wistlandpound Reservoir showing feilds and hills and Calvert Lodges in the foreground

Countdown to Christmas!

       Ingleton Greta Tower

Why not make this Christmas or New Year extra special by celebrating with family and friends in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales? 🎄✨
Ingleton Hostel is available to hire and can sleep up to 64 guests – plenty of room for everyone to come together and make memories!

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Christmas and New Year at Elterwater Hostel

       Elterwater Hostel

Elterwater Hostel is a fantastic place to gather the family for Christmas in the heart of the Lake District. With 38 beds across 11 rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen with multi-ovens, you can bring everybody together to cook up Christmas Dinner. Plenty of beautiful walks and cycling routes from the door will give you ample opportunity to work off that extra mince pie too!

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Which Guest Trait would you be?

       Wild Valley Bunkhouse

At Wild Valley Huts we have the pleasure of being the base for our guests’ adventures or moments of relaxation. Here are some of our recent guest experiences this August. Which do you think you would you be?

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Affordable Family Christmas getaway on the Devon Coast

       Ocean Backpackers

Ocean Backpackers is big enough to accommodate your extended family & friends offering up to 35 beds in a mixture of family rooms and dorms some with ensuite facilities. With excellent Self-catering facilities and a really comfortable communal living space with games, books and a TV and somewhere to dry wet clothes, you can really make yourself at home.

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Is your school visiting the Eden Project or Lost Gardens of Heligan?

       Boswinger Hostel (YHA Partner)

Bring your school class to mid Cornwall and stay at YHA Boswinger. Take part in the amazing workshops offered by the Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan. Learn about biodiversity, native plants, wildlife and much more. We are a short drive from both. After a busy day, return to the hostel to a hot meal and time to enjoy nearby Hemmick Beach on a summer evening. Or relax with board games and books in our comfortable, flexible common rooms.  LOTC accredited. 

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child from a school visiting the lost gardens of heligan walking across a rope bridge surrounded by foliage

Celebrate the New Year in Saddleworth!

       Boarshurst Centre Saddleworth

Saddleworth is a fantastic place to gather your freinds to see the New Year in – great walks, fresh air and a community atmosphere – what isn’t there to like! Our centre provides beds for 32 people with a fully equipped kitchen, dining/recreation hall and parking for 10 cars—just 12 miles from Manchester and accessible by train.  Located within a small hamlet in Saddleworth, with easy access to a range of hikes and friendly country pubs.

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The Long Barn – Ideal for School Residentials

       The Long Barn

The Long Barn in West Wales is perfect for schools with two dormitories for pupils and four private rooms for teachers, ensuring comfort and supervision are easy. In partnership with Llandysul Paddlers, schools can enjoy exciting activities such as climbing on the local crag and paddling on the River Teifi, all without leaving the farm. Set on Penrhiw, an organic farm overlooking the beautiful Teifi Valley, the location combines adventure with a sense of nature and sustainability. The Ceredigion Coast and Cambrian Mountains are just a short drive away, making it the perfect base for outdoor learning and exploration.

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child enjoying canoeing with the llandysul paddle on a school residential at The Long Barn

10% discount for youth groups in South Wales

       The Star Bunkhouse

This bunkhouse is owned and run by Emma and Peter Harrison, both qualified Mountain Leaders. Youth groups receive a 10% discount, and Armed Forces and Blue Light members receive 5%. Ideally located for exploring Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, the bunkhouse features a lounge and dining area, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, drying room, and off-road parking.

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star bunkhouse external photo on a clear crips day showing the mountains behind

A Welcoming Stop for Walkers on the West Highland Way

       Ben Lomond Bunkhouse

Right on the WHW trail in Rowardennan, at the foot of Ben Lomond, this bunkhouse is the perfect place to recharge. You’ll find comfy beds in a bunkroom with linen and towels, a well-equipped kitchen, a lounge with a wood-burning stove, plus laundry and drying facilities. A simple DIY breakfast is included (toast, butter, eggs, porridge, tea and coffee), and there’s an honesty shop for basics. As Rowardennan is remote there are no grocery shops, and in winter the eating out options are closed — so if you’re visiting between November and March, email benlomond@nts.org.uk to ask if it is posible to get some supplies in for you.

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exteriror view of Ben Lomond Bunkhouse

Satellite Trains, Shooting Stars & The Northern Lights!

       Wild Valley Bunkhouse

At Wild Valley Huts we have very little light pollution and when we have clear visibility, gazing at the stars is spectacular. Our location isn’t recognised as an official ‘Dark Skies’ area in the UK however, many guests have positively commented on the darkness & silence they experience while here.

On the cloudless nights, when the sky is a picture of beauty, Graeme & I will take a moment to see what’s up there. Graeme has more patience than me while we’re waiting for our eyes to adjust before identifying the planets & constellations.

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northern lights over the wild valley bunkhouse

Aim high, achieve more with a school residential at Boundless Outdoors.

       Malvern Centre Boundless Outdoors

Boundless Outdoors work very closely with schools and offer a wide range of school residentials with action packed activities, team building days and STEM activities. Their the Malvern Centre nestles in the picturesque Malvern Hills. It sleeps up to 114 in three areas, has a large commercial kitchen, dining room and plenty of classrooms & break out spaces. Outdoor activities are available.

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children running along the Malvern hills national landscape

Astor York – The Ideal Base for School Residentials

       Astor York Hostel

Astor Hostel York offers welcoming and affordable group accommodation in a stunning Grade II listed Victorian building, just a 10-minute walk from York’s historic city centre. York is packed with educational and cultural attractions, making it a top choice for school residentials. From museums and Roman ruins to ghost walks and Viking history, there’s something for every curriculum.

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Astor Hostel York

Ardentinny Centre – All-Inclusive School Residentials in Loch Lomond National Park

       Ardentinny Outdoor Centre

Ardentinny Centre is a purpose-built residential facility located in the coastal village of Ardentinny on the shores of Loch Long, – just 1.5 hours from Glasgow. Accommodating up to 80 people (ages 8+), we offer full-board stays for school groups focusing on scottish curriculum and outdoor learning. Surrounded by beaches, hills, forests, and lochs, it’s a truly inspiring setting to explore and learn. We provide a full package for schools, including catering, instructor support, activity planning, risk assessments, pre-course information packs, and consent forms to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. Teachers benefit from ensuite rooms and a dedicated staff area, while students can look forward to a fun and structured programme—ending with a lively disco night.

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school group canoeing at ardentinny outdoor centre