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 Centres or Outdoor Education Centres ?
Outdoor Education Centres
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amidst stunning landscape overlooking Thruscross Reservoir on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this self-catering centre offers excellent facilities in bunkrooms plus an en suite leader’s room. Well equipped kitchen, dining, lounge & shower/toilet areas.
Ideal for team building, youth groups & family parties. 12 miles from Harrogate & Skipton. No stag or hen groups.
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.
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.
Surrounded by open farmland & a short walk from the Jurassic Coast, MYTIME’s R&R Retreat Accommodation Centre offers the perfect base for enjoying the spectacular Isle of Purbeck. With a World Heritage Site & the South West Coastal Path on its doorstep, it is perfect for ourdoor enthusiasts. Just minutes from the idyllic village of Worth Matravers and the popular Square and Compass Pub, there’s truly something for everyone.
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 as a tradition youth hostel, 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.
In the Ennerdale Valley, one of the most beautiful, least spoilt and quietest in the Lake District, Low GIllerthwaite Field Centre sits at the foot of Pillar and Red Pike. Well equipped for groups it is the perfect base for fell walking, rock climbing, bird & wildlife watching, mountain biking, orienteering & canoeing. The centre generates its own hydro-electricity. Vehicle access is by forest track and a BT payphone is on site as most mobiles do not work here.
Situated in the heart of the North Pennines, Allenheads Lodge is an excellent group 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.
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.
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.
FSC Flatford Mill sits in Constable Country, amidst the quintessentially English countryside of Suffolk’s Dedham Vale on the banks of the River Stour. Stay in one of the historical buildings; either Willy Lotts’ House, made famous by John Constable’s ‘Haywain’ painting, Valley Farm, a medieval great hall built in the 1450’s or the Mill itself that was owned by the Constable family in the 1700’s. Everyone is welcome including singles, couples, groups and families.
FSC Preston Montford is situated in the heart of Shropshire on the banks of the River Severn. Set in a 12-hectare estate it has orienteering courses, a small 5-a-side football area and a sensory garden. It is easily accessible from the motorway network, yet private and secluded. The centre has 131 beds across 3 blocks. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families and larger groups. Self-catering is possible for sole use.
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.
The 117-bed, Stackpole Centre is the perfect venue for large families/groups, schools, special interest breaks and outdoor activities.
Close to wild woodlands and stunning beaches. It comprises four large group houses, 2 of which are dog friendly. Book by the house or book the whole centre for your sole use.
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 hostel.
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.
A former boarding school nestling in beautiful countryside, Gaveston Hall accommodates groups of all sizes. The 100 beds are spread across dorms, private single/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.
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.
The Well Road Centre sits in its own grounds in the charming town of Moffat. It is ideal for all types of groups, conferences, residential workshops, sports, social events and outdoor activity clubs. The Centre has two spacious meeting rooms, a large bright self-catering kitchen, dining room fully equipped for 65, games hall for indoor activities and table tennis room. Bring your own sleeping bags or linens for single duvets. Ample parking & storage.
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.
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.
Maughold Venture Centre Bunkhouse overlooks farmland with views out to sea. The popular beach of Port e Vullen is just 10 min's walk away. Enjoy self-catering accommodation, with en suite, centrally heated rooms. Tasty meals are available from the neighbouring Venture Centre, where you can also book kayaking, abseiling, air rifle shooting, archery, gorge walking, dinghy sailing & team events. With its own stop, Lewaigue Halt, on the Manx Electric Railway you have easy access to Douglas, Ramsey, mountains & tranquil glens.
FSC Dale Fort is a Field Studies Council centre 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.
Snowdonia’s glaciated valleys, cascading rivers & wooded hillsides provide a rugged backdrop for this historic Georgian country house.
The estate includes woodland, a bodiversity garden, football pitch, campfire, streams and ponds. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families and larger groups.
Outdoor activities can be provided & Zip World Fforest is nearby.
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 or large families.
Outdoor activities can be arranged.
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 including 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.
Located between the coast of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District National Park, FSC Castle Head is an impressive Georgian house which sits in 20 hectares of private grounds.
A fantastic base for exploring the Lake District, the centre sleeps up to 157 across 33 rooms.
All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families & larger groups.
Only a few steps from the historic Ridgeway National Trail, Court Hill Centre enjoys breathtaking views over the Vale of the White Horse. Reclaimed barns surround a pretty courtyard garden. Providing accommodation for schools, families, groups and individuals, the centre offers evening meals, breakfasts and picnic lunches. There is a beautiful high-roofed dining room which retains the atmosphere of the old barn. A meeting/class-room, camping and self-catering kitchen are also available.
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.
Glenbeg Bunkhouse & Bothy are part of the award winning Craggan Outdoors activity centre, situated just outside Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. The well equipped bunkhouse sleeps 27 in 3 bedrooms, while the cosy bothy sleeps 6 in one bunkroom. There's an 'overflow' summer house sleeping 4 plus camping in the grounds. Outdoor activities are available if required. Aviemore, River Spey, Speyside Way & Dava Way are all close by.
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 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 Yorkshire’s 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.
Situated on the magical island of Cumbrae, just off the western shore of mainland Scotland, FSC Millport is just 1.5 hours from Glasgow. Recently refurbished to a high standard it sleeps 39 across 64 rooms. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families & larger groups. Self-catering is only possible for sole use bookings.
Denton House is a purpose built hostel 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.
FSC Slapton Ley is located on the South Devon coast next to Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve that includes the 4km long Slapton Sands beach.
All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, families and larger groups.
The South West Coast Path and NCN 28 are close by.
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 larger 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.
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.
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, faith groups & corporate events. Facilities include a commercial kitchen, a hall (seating 100), TV lounge & games room.
A family run 4* bunkhouse tucked away in Rhoscolyn, an AONB on the Anglesey Coast. Just 5 mins' walk to the sandy beach at Borthwen & a stone's throw from the Anglesey Coastal Path. Perfect for friends & families, outdoor groups, schools and universities. Your ideal base for kayaking, climbing, sailing, walking, bird watching or beach holidays. Careful energy use is encouraged, with composting & recycling. Nearby Holyhead has ferry links to Ireland.
FSC Juniper Hall is a superb country house dating back from the 17th century situated in an unspoilt area of the chalk North Downs at the edge of Box Hill, Surrey. Many amazing rivers, woodlands & chalk grassland can be found on the doorstep. Easily accessible from London and the M25, yet peaceful and secluded. All types of bookings are welcome including singles, couples, groups of adults, families & larger groups.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mount Cook, a fantastic purpose built centrre, offers groups of 8 - 180 the perfect base for an exciting weekend or holiday in the Peak District. A whole range of outside activities can be organised on- or off site for a min of 8 people. Popular with schools, clubs, corporate team building, weddings and gatherings of friends and families. B&B, full or half board. Self catering with sole use bookings.
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.
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
White Peris Lodge is part of Blue Peris Mountain Centre in 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.
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.
