Ghyll Head
Ghyll Head offers a welcoming, inclusive, and safe home-from-home environment, providing exclusive access to accommodation for visiting groups. Located in the heart of the stunning Lake District, the centre specialises in bespoke, student-centred programmes that are cross-curricular and fully tailored to each group’s needs. Courses are designed to take full advantage of the natural surroundings, delivering authentic, exciting, and educational outdoor experiences year-round.
The centre’s team of highly experienced instructors are all qualified to the highest level, many with strong educational backgrounds, ensuring activities are not only safe and engaging but also aligned with learning outcomes. With all staff trained in First Aid, safety and care are prioritised throughout every visit.
Open all year, Ghyll Head provides one of the most memorable outdoor learning experiences a young person can have—combining the beauty of the Lake District with outstanding facilities and expert-led adventures.
Here are just some of the amazing activities your group can enjoy:
• Ghyll Scrambling
• Mountain Summit Walk
• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Stand Up Paddleboarding
• Sailing
• Climbing
• Caving (4-night courses only)
• Zip Wire
• Orienteering
• Lakeland Fell Walk
• Teambuilding games
• Ropes course
• Woodland Teepee and camp fires
The Lake District National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ghyll Head's Activity Courses are designed to make the most of this unique landscape and its culture.
The centre offers groups a truly authentic outdoor activity experience. The centre's location gives easy access to renowned areas such as the Langdales, Coniston, and the Coppermines Valley. Visiting groups will be immersed in the natural beauty and heritage of the region.
- Address: Ghyll Head OEC, Ghyll Head, Bowness-On-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3LN
- Nearest town: Bowness On Windermere
Day 1
Arrive 12.30 with packed lunch, afternoon activity, evening meal & evening activity with instructor
Day 2
Breakfast, morning activity, pack lunch, afternoon activity, evening meal (self-lead activities for the evening)
Day 3
Breakfast, morning activity, depart 12.30 with pack lunch
The centre has a choice of accommodation options for you, all with exceptional Lake District views.
The House, Bungalow and Lodge are all set within 17 acres of private grounds with lawns, tipi, fire pits and ancient woodland. There is a Boathouse on the shore of Lake Windermere.
There is also a POD Village nestled in the private woodland above with a separate entrance and its own classroom.
All accommodation options are on an exclusive use basis.
All bedding is included.
Grounds – plenty of space for lawn games, exploring, woodland activities and campfire fun all within our private grounds.
Maximum group size for all-inclusive activity courses = 72
House (Exclusive use)
Recently renovated large Victorian House is bursting with lakeside character and has views of Windermere and the Lake District mountains beyond. We have 17 acres of private grounds and a Boathouse on the lakeshore.
The House is ideal for larger groups of 40 - 48 or can be combined with the Bungalow and/or Lodge for groups of up to 72 (or up to 84 in summer).
• 12 dormitory style bedrooms (four en-suite)
• Character living room and dining space
• Separate teacher’s staff room
• Ground floor accessible bedroom
• Indoor games area
• Kit store and drying room
• Garden, lawn and private woodland with tipi and fire pit
Accessible Bungalow (Exclusive use)
Our accessible bungalow has sensational views over Windermere and the Lake District Fells beyond. Total capacity 29 in 7 dormitory style bedrooms with 3 shower rooms and an additional toilet, drying room and lobby.
Large open plan living/dining room with kitchen. Separate games room. Level flooring throughout. Outside: garden, lawn and private woodland with tipi and fire pit.
Our purpose-built bungalow offers modern facilities and is ideal for smaller groups and groups with additional needs. Situated only a few minutes' stroll from the main house. Can be combined with The Lodge for extra bed space.
Accessible features of our Bungalow include the following:
• Level access to and from the Bungalow from our private adjacent car park.
• Level flooring throughout.
• 2 manual hoists available + 2 spacious wet rooms/bathrooms with 1 portable shower table.
• 1 single room available with a profiling bed + 2 other rooms with space for wheelchair users.
• Games Room/Meeting Room with ramped access at front and rear of building.
• Access path around the lovely grounds enabling guests to reach our camp fire and Tipi.
The Lodge (Exclusive use)
An additional 6 student beds, small staff bedroom for 2 and one shower room to share – used to supplement either the bungalow or house accommodation (NB it has no additional living space).
POD Village (Exclusive use for up to 40)
9 individual woodland PODs plus a separate indoor classroom/gathering space with tables & seating.
A short walk to its own private heated facility block including toilets & showers on 2 separate sides, small kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle and sink. Induction hob is also available on request. Outdoor cooking and BBQ area, and woodland fire pit. In addition, there is a heated group room (or classroom) for exclusive use on-site
• 40 beds in total (5 x 5 berth, 1 x 3 berth, 1 x 2 berth)
• Situated in quiet private woodland very close to local footpaths
• Classroom
• Plenty of space to explore and run exciting forest-based activities
• Exclusive use of the whole site is available when booked in advance
• Each POD has comfy single beds with mattresses (No bedding) under bed heating. LED lighting, plug sockets & charging points, Lockable doors
• Heated shower/toilet block - 2 sides with separate entrances
• Outdoor seating/picnic area
• Small kitchen
• Fire Pit and orienteering course
• Access to the ropes course and “Dead Shed”
The centre caters for all dietary requirements when booked in advance. The cooks freshly prepare your meals from a choice of menus. Our standard offer includes:
• Cold buffet breakfast – optional extra hot sausage or bacon rolls
• Packed lunches – choice of sandwich fillings and home-made cakes
• 2-course evening meals
• Help yourself refreshments available throughout the day
All dietary requirements are catered for.
Arrival Date