Tailored programmes for youth organisations
From from youth groups and organisations to uniformed groups and sports clubs, our activities help young people build resilience, teamwork and leadership skills.
Why choose Ghyll Head?
Set in the stunning Lake District landscape, we aim to offer life-changing outdoor adventure experiences for young people and adults from across the demographic spectrum, regardless of race, religious beliefs or sexuality. We truly believe in the benefits of an authentic outdoor adventure experience for all. With all this mind, our main aim is to help people connect with our landscape and immerse themselves in this world-renowned natural environment. We're a popular destination for many youth groups from Manchester and the surrounding area and are always looking at ways to work with the community.
Our outdoor activity courses are designed to inspire confidence, build friendships, and promote wellbeing. From canoeing on the lake to scrambling up a ghyll, every activity is a chance to connect with nature and each other as well as:
- Boost Health and Wellbeing: Time outdoors has proven benefits for mental and physical health – reducing stress, improving mood, and encouraging active lifestyles.
- Strengthen Social Bonds: Shared challenges and team-based activities help young people build trust, communication skills, and lasting friendships.
- Unplug and Reconnect: Away from screens and city noise, participants can enjoy the peace of nature and the joy of real-world adventure.
- Inclusive and Supportive: Our experienced instructors tailor activities to suit all abilities, ensuring every young person feels safe, supported, and empowered.
Whether it’s a day trip or a residential stay, Ghyll Head is more than just an outdoor centre – it’s a place where young people find their confidence and discover what they’re really capable of.
Why you'd like it here
We’re based right on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the stunning Lake District National Park. Every activity we run is tailored to your group, so you get the most out of your time with us. Here’s a taste of what you could do:
- Ghyll Scrambling in the Langdale Valley
- Mountain walks through glacial valleys and on to a summit
- Lake sessions all year round from our own boathouse on England’s largest lake eg canoeing, kayaking Paddleboarding
- Caving in Yorkshire (yep, we go underground too!)
- On-site challenges like climbing, zip wire, ropes course, team games, and orienteering
- Night-time adventures in the woods with night line, tipi and campfire
Find out more about activities that we offer as part of a course programme and discover how we can help build confidence and motivate groups in an outdoor setting.
Where you'd stay
Your home away from home:
We’ve got comfy, exclusive accommodation options to suit every group:
- The Main House (sleeps up to 48)
- An accessible bungalow (up to 24)
- Our unique POD Village with 9 glamping pods, 40 beds, and an outdoor classroom
You can go self-catered or let us cook up tasty, home-style meals—whatever works best for you. And yes, we’ve got all dietary needs covered.
Your stay with us
We offer a range of courses that can be tailored to your group over the weekend or during the week. Here are some example itineraries:
Activity weekend itinerary
- Friday: Arrive 4pm, evening instructor-led activity such as tipi campfire or nightline
- Saturday: Breakfast, morning activity, packed lunch, afternoon activity, evening meal (self-led activities available for the evening)
- Sunday: Breakfast followed by another full day of activities and departure at 4pm
Mid-week activity courses itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive 12.30 with packed lunch, afternoon activity, evening meal, evening activity
- Day 2: Breakfast, morning activity, packed lunch, afternoon activity, evening meal (self-led activities available for the evening)
- Day 3: Breakfast, morning activity, depart 12.30 with packed lunch
If you're looking for funding to help support a trip to Ghyll Head, we would be more than happy to work with you on your funding bids.
All inclusive activity course
Based in our Lake View Bungalow, we tailor courses to meet your needs. Contact us with your aims and we can discuss ideas with you.
Example activities: Canoeing, ghyll scrambling, summit walk, climbing & zip wire/ropes course, evening tipi and camp fire, night line, orienteering.
Capacity: Activity groups of 12 per instructor (up to two free staff places)
Two day activity course self-catered
A self-catering option ideal for groups who wish to develop their life-skills in an inspirational location. Create a home-from-home environment in our bungalow with a well-equipped kitchen and good-sized dining/living space. There is also an additional multi-purpose room providing flexible space for games or quiet time.
Capacity: Groups of 12 per instructor (up to two free staff places)
Example activities: Canoeing, ghyll scrambling, summit walk, climbing & zip wire/ropes course, evening tipi and camp fire, night line, orienteering.
Young leaders course
Give your group time to develop and embed lifelong skills that will prepare young people for their future. Alongside key skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and other leadership qualities, our courses take advantage of the outdoor environment and build confidence outside the classroom.
Work party weekend
Stay in our Bungalow or POD Village. Name the date that you want to undertake nature-related work in our grounds, and we will give you a special price for a fully catered or self-catered weekend.
POD village experience
Situated in a quiet private woodland very close to local footpaths, the PODS have plenty of space to explore and run exciting forest-based activities.
Each POD has comfy single beds with mattresses and under-bed heating. LED lighting, plug sockets, and charging points, plus lockable doors. Please note: bedding is not provided.
