Due to a change of plans, we now have unexpected availability over Christmas this year! So if you’d like to take the hassle out of Christmas and have plenty of room for all of the family, Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge is ideal for you.
Latest News
Posted by our members and promoted on social media, you can keep in touch with these messages by interacting with our facebook.
Celebrate the New Year in 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.
Stanley’s Rest is officially open!
Our stylish 9 bedroom Lodge, Stanley’s Rest is now open at Roaches Bunkhouse in the magnificent Peak District National Park!
Ideal for smaller group holidays or family holidays!
The Long Barn – Ideal for School Residentials
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.
10% discount for youth groups in South Wales
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.
A Welcoming Stop for Walkers on the West Highland Way
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.
Satellite Trains, Shooting Stars & The Northern Lights!
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.
Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival – Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September
Sea shanty groups from across the UK gathering in Brancaster Staithe for a weekend of live music, singing songs for the sea. – www.deepdalemusic.co.uk
Aim high, achieve more with a school residential at 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.
Astor York – The Ideal Base for School Residentials
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.
Ardentinny Centre – All-Inclusive School Residentials in Loch Lomond National Park
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.
Great-Value School Stays in the Heart of the Yorkshire Dales
Owned by the Scouts, Station House is set on the Wensleydale Heritage Railway in the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Traditionally used by Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers, it’s now available to small school groups seeking a great-value, self-catering residential. The house sleeps up to 20 in bunk beds, with additional space for camping. There’s plenty to see and do nearby, with information on local activities available to help you plan your stay.
Lockerbrook Outdoor Centre: A Unique and Personal School Residential Experience
Lockerbrook Outdoor Centre, run by the Woodcraft Folk, offers a personalised residential experience for school groups in a peaceful, remote setting above Ladybower Reservoir. The centre sleeps up to 44 across a main bunk barn and additional twin rooms. Schools can choose fully supported stays with catering and instructor-led activities or opt for self-led and self-catered options. Pre-visits and video tours are available.
Outdoor Adventure School Residential Trips in Dorset
Located just 10 minutes’ walk from the beach, Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre offers stunning views over Swanage Bay and easy access to the Jurassic Coast. The centre welcomes primary and secondary school groups for fun, educational residential trips. With dormitory and bungalow accommodation for up to 139 people, plus seven acres of private grounds, it’s the perfect base for adventure. The centre works with you to create bespoke outdoor activity programmes or field studies trips, tailored to your group’s needs. Expect a mix of exciting off-site adventures, great food, and comfortable facilities — all delivered to a high standard.
Why Choose Hurtwood Hideout for your school residential?
In a prime location in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hurtwood Hideout offers schools a residential experience just 20 miles from central London—yet a world away in a safe, traffic-free woodland setting. Surrounded by miles of trails, forests, and natural beauty, it’s the perfect base for exploration and adventure.
School Residential Stays at Goblin Combe
Goblin Combe Centre is the perfect setting to enhance your curriculum through outdoor learning. With private woodland and 8 acres of open field, it is ideal for nature-based sessions for Key Stages 1–2 to fieldwork for Biology and Environmental Science. Ideal for school residentials, Goblin Combe provides a safe, inspiring environment where students can learn, grow, and connect with nature — away from the screen.
Corris Hostel – Supporting School Visits for Over 30 Years
With decades of experience, Corris Hostel offers flexible support for school visits. We provide a risk assessment and can assist with your planning, offering local advice and activity contacts. The hostel has a self-catering kitchen, fully equipped for groups bringing their own cooks, and Tesco/Asda deliveries are available. Pupils can enjoy the hillside forest garden for play and exploration.
Flexible school residentials in an historic WWII Land Army hostel
Run by a qualified teacher, Wooler Hostel offers support with activity planning, subject assistance, and risk assessments. Set in a historic WWII Women’s Land Army building, it features informative displays—ideal for curriculum-linked learning. An on-site allotment provides hands-on group activities, and ecology tuition is available. The hostel offers flexible sleeping arrangements and catering options, from self-catering to fully catered. Discounts available for schools.
A nip in the air around Downham Camping Barn
You can tell when the year is on the turn but we don’t look back at Downham Camping Barn because it has been a full on summer and the turning hedgerows and trees around the barn bring Autumnal cheer. It also makes us happy to have a stone tent rather than clingy, damp canvas to return to after a lovely day out walking and cycling, we are still hoping to welcome the first horseriders at some point.
Comfortably accommodating parties of 12, with sole use of this wonderful stone tent nestled in the shadow of Pendle Hill. Unimpeded views across the National Landscape Area with a daily changing vista of weather and the seasons. A weekend to remember, in an unforgettable landscape.
Great Value School Residentials
Bron-y-Gader, established by the Blackburn and District OPC Trust, supports young people exploring the outdoors. Run entirely by volunteers, it offers a 25% discount to schools, DofE groups, cadets, and youth organisations. Located 950ft up in the Snowdonia foothills, the bunkhouse provides comfortable, self-catering accommodation. Local activity providers are listed on their website. Inspection visits available with plenty of notice.
