Outdoor residentials involve young people spending time away from home, with their peers, and undertaking adventures in new environments. These residential support personal and social development and improve health and wellbeing. The outdoor centres on this page offer accommodation and learning where lifelong engagement with the outdoors is encouraged with all its positive mental and physical health outcomes.
Outdoor Education Centres
Gulabin Lodge nestles in Glenshee at the foot of Beinn Gulabin and is the nearest accommodation to the Glenshee ski slopes. The 4* lodge offers excellent accommodation for groups and families. Ideal for school residentials, gatherings of families and outdoor groups. Lots of activities are available includeing bike hire and ski school with equipment hire. Meals & transport to and from airports /stations available for groups. 12/14 bed house is also available.
FSC Dale Fort is a Field Studies Council centre on a cliff top on the Pembrokeshire Coast, within walking distance of beaches & the Wales Coastal Path.
Built in 1856 it now accommodates individuals, families & extended family groups. There are 3 accommodation blocks with single, twin, family & dormitory rooms (many en suite), Outside there are several games areas.
Ackers Residential Centre (ARC) is a purpose built accommodation centre set in 70 acres of semi rural land just 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham. Perfect for The Sea Life Centre, Cadbury World, Thinktank, The Bull Ring shopping centre, National Motorcycle Museum & the NEC. With 9 sleeping rooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining area and a rec room with TV, DVD, games and comfy seating. Ackers Adventure provide instructor led outdoor activities on site which can be incorporated into your stay.
Comrie Croft is a perfect rural retreat for mountain bikers, hikers, families & backpackers, just over an hour from Edinburgh & Glasgow. The 4* lodge offers cosy, home style rooms which are also available for sole use & weddings. On-site facilities include café, bike shop, lots of mountain bike trails, family-friendly valley routes and a farm shop. A footpath takes you to the vibrant village of Comrie & gives access to stunning glens and mountains.
Situated just a short walk to a stunning beach, this 5* Eco Lodge offers catered accommodation & a range of outdoor activities to individuals, families & groups of all sizes. Popular with schools, clubs & hen/stag groups it boasts great communal areas including a bar, outside picnic area, fire pit & games field. Just 1 mile from the Wales Coast Path & right on the Sustrans Celtic Trail.
Within the old primary school at Lowick Green, nestled between Coniston water(4 miles) and Ulverston, the bunkhouse has a lounge with wood-burning stove, large kitchen/dining room, great views of the mountains and an outdoor area with campfire. River Deep Mountain High Activity Centre provides a wide variety of outdoor activities. Some group and family packages include activities in the price.
Situated in the heart of the North Pennines, Allenheads Lodge is an excellent venue for outdoor activities or relaxing in the peaceful countryside.
An ideal accommodation stop on the C2C cycle route it’s just 47 miles from the North Sea coast. Comfortable and well equipped, the lodge has 24 beds in four rooms, central heating, individual toilet and showers and a large kitchen/dining room. The lodge also boasts hot showers, drying facilities, bed linen and secure bike storage.
Nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay, Naturesbase is 9 acres of flower rich meadows and woodland, 10 minutes drive from the Welsh coast. Accommodation is in a beautiful large lodge sleeping up to 36 and a shepherds hut. Ideal for families, friends, retreats and activity groups wanting to enjoy the open countryside and the joy of nature.
Perfect for an adventurous or relaxing break. The Rock and Rapid Adventure Centre offers activities such as climbing (climbing wall on site for lessons or use by experienced climbers) coasteering, raft building and canoeing. The bunkhouse can be rented out for sole use, or an activity package can be put together for your group. This can vary from a few activities to a full programme, including food.Just 20 mins from the North Devon coastline. Hen and stags welcome as are family and school groups.
FSC Malham Tarn, offers quality accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Sleeping up to 105 across 29 bedrooms and 3 buildings, all types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families and extended family groups. Due to Covid-19, rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates. Outside you will find a courtyard, veranda and picnic benches, a lawn and walled garden.
Cliffe House is set in 14 acres of woodland in rural West Yorkshire, just 7 miles from the Peak District. A centre for outdoor learning and conferences, ideal for schools and businesses, it is also available as a whole house booking to groups of families and friends. There are 10 bed rooms sleeping up to 72 people and three bright communal areas with seating for 40 people in each.
The Rhyd Ddu Bunkhouse provides group accommodation at the foot of Snowdon and the Nantlle Ridge. Sleeping 30 in 6 bedrooms, it has a fully equipped kitchen and a large communal dining room with a big screen - great for movie nights! Glorious views, central heating, fast WiFi, parking, secure bike storage, drying room and a large garden. Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow case and towel. A pub, café, and steam train station are all within 2 minutes’ walk
Derwentwater Independent Hostel is a stunning Georgian mansion, standing in its own spacious grounds between the Falls & the Lake, with stunning mountain views. Just 2 miles from Keswick, close to the Coast to Coast route and the delights of Borrowdale, it makes a great base for individuals, families, and groups of all types. Book a bed, a room, a camping pod or take over the whole hostel.
FSC Rhyd-y-creuau is a field studies centre set in Snowdonia National Park. The 2.2 hectare estate includes a football pitch, woodland, biodiversity garden, campfire area, teambuilding challenges, stream and ponds. The centre accommodates groups of between 30 and 100 and is ideal for schools, clubs and large gathering of friends and family. Both full board and self catering options are possible. Outdoor activities can be provided and Zip World Fforest is nearby.
In rural Herefordshire, close to the Welsh border, Dunfield House provides accommodation for groups of up to 95 with sole use of the house, stables, parkland & swimming pool. From November to March the house & stables can also be hired individually.
The house provides fully catered accommodation & the stables have a self-catering kitchen. A great choice for school, youth, music or church groups, training courses & family get-togethers.
Hawse End Centre in the Lake District sits at the head of the magnificent Borrowdale Valley on the shores of Derwentwater. Guests enjoy easy access to Keswick and the mountains beyond via launch or lakeside walk.
The house is a large, comfortable, country mansion ideal for large groups, while the Cottage is more suited to smaller groups, families and individuals. Outdoor activities can be arranged if required.
With all of the Peak District National Park within easy access, the centre is an ideal location for activities and tourism and it welcomes a wide range of groups. 31 or 52 bed configurations can be booked.
The spacious centre includes; a large lounge with library, TV and wood burning stove, well equipped kitchens & dining areas. An extensive network of paths give access to the countryside. Adventure activities available, great for team building & courses.
Anglesey Outdoors is an ideal base for groups, individuals or families. It is just a mile from Porthdafarch Beach & the coastal path and only 2km from Sustrans Cycle Route 8. It has four self contained areas each with their own self-catering & bathroom facilities. These can be hired individually or together. Full catering an option and there’s an on-site bar/bistro. Glamping options also available.
Set in a beautiful secluded valley in Dartmoor National Park, Bachelors Hall offers groups of all kind the chance to experience the freedom of the moor and the vastness of the landscape. Formerly run by the YHA, it was completely refurbished in 2019. Sleeping 60 across 6 rooms and 2 pods it is centrally heated with a commercial kitchen and large separate dining room/classroom. Outdoor activities can be organised if required.
Thornbridge Outdoors offers excellent flexible group accommodation. With its superb location in the heart of the Peak District you have access to wonderful countryside, quaint villages, stately homes, and the traffic free Monsal Trail, popular with walkers and cyclists.
FSC Flatford Mill is an historic Field Studies Council centre in Suffolk. It sleeps 79 in three internationally important buildings. There’s Willy Lotts’ House, (built in the 1500’s and made famous by John Constable’s ‘Haywain’ painting), Valley Farm (a medieval great hall built in the 1450’s) and the Mill itself that was owned and renovated by the Constable family in the 1700’s. Everyone is welcome including singles, couples, groups, families and extended family groups.
Carrs Farm Bunkhouse is a converted 17th century barn with stunning views over Weardale. It provides comfortable bunk bed accommodation for groups of up to 21 people, in three rooms.
There is a fully equipped self catering kitchen, games/lounge area and outdoor seating with BBQ. Situated on a working farm at the heart of the North Pennines. Guided walks and outdoor activities are available for groups and schools.
FSC Start Bay is a field studies centre overlooking the South Devon coast. It offers 4* accommodation to groups of 20-40. Facilities include a well equipped self catering kitchen and a large dining room and adjoining sitting room with interactive whiteboard, both of which can easily seat a group of 40. Enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline from the BBQ area, fire pit and low ropes course. Perfect for schools, clubs and gatherings of friends and families. The centre gives a wonderful sense of remoteness, yet has the village of Slapton nearby with its shop and pubs.
Bell Heath Centre, set amidst 20 acres of secluded woodlands, offers the perfect rural escape with excellent transport links to Birmingham. The centre sleeps up to 84 and outdoor adventures can be organised on site. This spacious centre is perfect for large family gatherings, reunions, weddings, stag/hen parties, schools & corporate events. Facilities include a commercial kitchen, a hall (seating 100), TV lounge & games room.
White Peris Lodge is part of Blue Peris Mountain Centre at the heart of Snowdonia. The Lodge sleeps 13 across 4 rooms. Well equipped, there’s a self catering kitchen, tables & comfy chairs, central heating, lovely hot showers, bike storage, drying rooms, picnic tables & parking. While the Lodge is perfect for families & small groups, the main Centre sleeps 60 & is ideal for large groups & schools. Outdoor activities available.
The Woodlands Centre is a Grade 2 listed Regency building overlooking the River Wye and with wonderful views of the Black Mountains. Woodlands can accommodate up to 58 students plus staff. Bedrooms are located on single sex floors with rooms accommodating 4, 6 or 8 students. A further 24 students can be accommodated in the Woodlands Bunkhouse. We use the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park and surrounding areas to deliver our real adventure based courses.. Camping is also available in the grounds. Get in touch for a quote for your group.
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The John Hunt Base is situated in the High Peak on the site of Hagg Farm. The base offers comfortable, family friendly accommodation ideal for sightseeing, hill walking, trail running and biking as well as quieter pursuits such as photography. There is a picnic area, wildlife garden with fire pit and a playing field with climbing boulder. Activities can be arranged including climbing, stream scrambling, caving & on-site high ropes.
Close to the pretty fishing port of Gorey in St. Martins. Camping and a range of B&B rooms from twin en suites to private dormitories with shared showers. The perfect mix for individuals or groups. Large communal WiFi lounge with TV & DVDs and a games room. Additional costs include: self catering kitchen, sauna, laundry and packed lunches. Adventure activities can be arranged.
Howgills Barn is a beautifully renovated self-catering barn in Cumbria. Breathtaking views, lots to do on the doorstep & set in a private location. A five minute walk into Sedbergh to nearby pubs, cafés and restaurants. Hot tub and bedding (including towels) provided free of charge. Dogs are welcome.
The Old School House welcomes schools, groups, walkers and families to the picturesque village of Robins Hood’s Bay. Home to one of the best beaches on Yorkshires East Coast. At the end of Wainright's coast to coast walk and on The Cleveland Way. Ideal for groups of families and friends to book exclusively and also available to individual families looking for an affordable holiday by the sea.
Ardenbeg Bunkhouse togehter with Craggan Outdoors, in Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire offer popular & successful outdoor activity-based residential visits for schools.
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Situated in a beautiful secluded valley in the NY Moors National Park, this refurbished mill with en suite rooms, is perfect for those wishing to explore the Yorkshire moors, dales & coast. You can book the whole Mill, a room or a bed. Great for educational groups, families, outdoor clubs and gatherings of friends. Group activities and catering available. Next to Cod Beck reservoir, Cleveland Way, Coast to Coast & Lyke Wake Walk.
St Michael’s Centre, located in the village of Hathersage, provides high quality family friendly group accommodation, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Peak District National Park. There are comfortable dormitory style bunk beds and a lovely central hall which provides a fantastic communal kitchen, dining and lounge area for enjoyable shared living. Attached cottage also available, separately or for larger groups.
The 117-bed, Stackpole Centre is the perfect venue for large families/groups, special interest breaks and outdoor activities.
It comprises four large group houses, 2 of which are dog friendly.
Close to wild woodlands and stunning beaches.
Cumulus Outdoor Residential Centre is situated in the small seaside town of Swanage on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The purpose built centre sits in 6 acres of private grounds and has 4 separate accommodation units sleeping 16,32,38 or 43 which can be hired individually or together. The centre is popular with groups of friends/families, schools, youth groups, DofE & corporate groups. A whole range of outdoor activities are available for your group if required. Dogs welcome with prior arrangement.
Castle Head Field Studies Council centre is set in a country mansion with 20 hectares of private grounds on the southern edge of the Lake District National Park near to Windmere. Sleeping up to 157 across 33 rooms all types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families and extended family groups. Due to Covid-19, rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates.
FSC Preston Montford is a Field Studies Council in a beautiful Georgian mansion 6 miles west of Shrewsbury. Easily accessible from the motorway network, yet private & secluded the centre has 131 beds across 3 blocks. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families and extended family groups. Due to Covid-19, rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates. Self-catering is possible for sole use.
Enjoy our loch-side location overlooking the Caledonian Canal, with Ben Nevis & Fort William 4 miles away. Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast with advice & guiding available for walking/climbing, river, loch and sea kayaking, open canoeing & dinghy sailing. Outdoor equipment hire available. After a busy day in the fresh air return to a welcome drying room & laundry, hot showers and a comfy private bunkroom ideal for families & groups.
Situated in the Peak District’s Woodlands Valley, Hagg Farm offers comfortable accommodation for up to 44 people with an additional 18 beds in the John Hunt Base next door (also in this Guide). Part of Nottinghamshire C.C’s Environmental & Outdoor Education Service, Hagg Farm is available for private hire by groups, families, clubs & charitable organisations. It can be booked on a self-catering or catered basis.
The Arete Outdoor Centre, in Snowdonia National Park, offers excellent access to the stunning coastline, mountains & lakes of North Wales and Anglesey. With comfortable, affordable, bunkhouse accommodation and large kitchens this is a great base for groups of friends or family. The team can advise on how best to spend your stay and a range of exciting outdoor activities are available through the centre's well qualified staff.
A former boarding school nestling in beautiful countryside, Gaveston Hall accommodates groups of all sizes. The 100 beds are spread across dorms, private singe/twin rooms & chalets.
Set in magnificent grounds with a football field, tennis court, woodland walks and fishing lakes. Outdoor activities can also be provided on-site. Inside there are table tennis & pool tables and an indoor swimming pool (summer only). Room for coach parking.
FSC Nettlecombe Court is a Field Studies Council centre in the Exmoor National Park. A magnificent Tudor and Georgian country mansion it is set in extensive grounds and sleeps up to 120 in spacious dorms, twin and single rooms (many en suite). Due to Covid 19 rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates. Self-catering is only possible if you book the whole centre.
FSC Juniper Hall is a magnificent country house sleeping up to 130 across 30 rooms. Easily accessible from London & the M25, yet peaceful & secluded. The grounds give direct access to footpaths to Box Hill & the Surry Hills AONB. Singles, couples, groups of adults, families & extended family groups Due to Covid-19, rooms are currently offered on a B&B basis at very reasonable rates.
FSC Millport is on the tiny Isle of Cumbrae off the west coast of Scotland. It is remarkably accessible, just 1.5 hours from Glasgow. Recently refurbished to a high standard it sleeps 139 across 64 rooms. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families and extended family groups. Self-catering is only possible if you book the whole centre.
High House in Seathwaite, at the head of the beautiful valley of Borrowdale, offers comfortable bunkhouse/hostel accommodation. Popular with walking/ climbing clubs and educational groups, early booking is advised. Two dorms are available each with toilet, washbasin and shower. There is a third dorm reserved for K Fellfarers members and club members may use this room during your stay. If you wish to have exclusive use, including this Members Room, there’s a £25 supplement per night.
Perched on an outcrop overlooking Morecambe Bay on the edge of The Lake District, Humphrey Head Group Hostel & Outdoor Centre provides accommodaiton for groups of 20-66. It is perfect for family celebrations, reunions, stag/hen parties, schools & clubs.
Remote & private, surrounded by stunning scenery & nature, with outdoor activities on site there is something for everyone.Catering & camping available.
Denton House is a purpose built hostel and outdoor centre in the Lake District offering bunkhouse accommodation.
Warm and well equipped for self-catering, the centre was designed for groups with parking for 40 cars.
There is equipment storage and access to the River Greta across the road.
Beautifully situated 300m up on the south facing slopes of Blencathra just 1 mile out of the Lakeland village of Threlkeld, Lonscale is a new hostel offering group accommodation at the FSC Blencathra Centre. Groups of 14-26 can have sole use of this award winning eco-friendly accommodation in the heart of the Lake District.
There are also 4 self catering cottages and a 110 bed educational centre on this site.
Fordhall Organic Farm, near Market Drayton, is England’s first community owned farm. The Straw Bale Bunkhouse is ideal for schools, retreats & groups.
This unique property has exceptional environmental credentials & is designed to encourage people to get immersed in nature & enjoy the wonderful landscape. Educational sessions, linked to elements of the National Curriculum, can be arranged or you can host your own retreat or event.
This large Victorian property has been specially adapted to provide self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 33. The eight dormitories vary in size from one to ten beds, complete with duvets and linen. The Centre is centrally heated and has a common room, games room, large kitchen, drying room and hot showers. Located in Betws-y-Coed, Woodlands Centre is an ideal base for outdoor activities in Snowdonia.
FSC Slapton Ley is a Field Studies Council centre set in the South Devon ANOB and close to Dartmoor National Park. Sleeping 142 in 4 blocks of 75, 33, 17 & 17 beds. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families & extended family groups. Outside there are beautiful landscaped grounds with seating areas, shelters, a kitchen garden and a wildlife area. Slapton Sands, the South West Coast Path and NCN 28 are all close by.
