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Welcome

Ghyll Head Outdoor Education and Activity Centre is Manchester City Council's Outdoor Education Centre, managed by GLL and based in the heart of the Lake District National Park. It's a truly fantastic location and environment to experience the great outdoors. Our high quality outdoor learning opportunities are ideal for children to develop and build their learning through an adventurous and challenging environment. Courses and activities can be planned in advance to ensure that they meet your school’s learning objectives and giving you the opportunity to enrich your curriculum. Every course is tailored to the needs and interests of your group. We build the programme around you.

We're proud to be AALA licenced here at Ghyll Head. The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) ensures that activity providers follow good safety management practices, allowing young people experience exciting and stimulating activities outdoors safely.

Our inspirational outdoor courses can deliver one of the most memorable experiences of a young person’s life, they also boost the curriculum, key stage learning, and pupil development. Our friendly team of experienced qualified professionals ensure that everyone has a safe and fun, action-packed adventure, whether you book for a full week, a weekend or a day session.

The centre underwent a huge £1.5 million refurbishment project during 2021 which both new and old visitors love! In 2022 we also opened our brand new Pod Village - The Hive - which is available to schools and groups as part of residentials stays, but also available for individuals to book privately.  In September 2022 we were delighted to open our brand new low ropes course in our woodland grounds.

Educational Visits - Schools & Academies

Join us for a residential or day visit and we will use your learning objectives to plan a programme suited to your needs; giving you the opportunity to enrich your curriculum and link outdoor experiences to key stage learning and pupil development. Courses are fully accessible offering an exciting and valuable learning experience for all students.

You'll also be safe in the knowledge that we are AALA licenced here at Ghyll Head.
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SEN / Adaptive

Ghyll Head is accessible and inclusive and strives to offer fantastic experiences to all abilities. The Centre is affiliated to Adventure For All and is reviewed on Euan's Guide. It is an approved Centre for Manchester SEND families. Our staff team are highly experienced and our accessible facilities enable students to participate fully. 
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Youth & Community Groups

We have worked with youth organisations for over 50 years and have a fantastic facility to support your youth centre or group in our 16 bed bungalow that overlooks the lake and mountains in the distance.  Our range of activities are second to none, on the water, underground, on the ground or up high.... you name it, we've got it!

There are options to self -cater or have the full catered experience. We can offer activities that challenge and boost self -confidence and build relationships. 
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Corporate

Team building really does challenge thinking and bring people together, building trust and improving team outcomes and performance. We work with adult groups using creative and challenging activities to support group development. 

Working together you will learn new skills, challenge behaviours, build friendships and explore alternative approaches. Informal and more formal classroom spaces are available, allowing you to make the most of your time with us between fun activities on land or lake. 
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Friends & Family Visits

Our brand new PODs are now available during specific dates throughout the year to enjoy a break away. Taken self catered, they sleep up to 5 plus two are pet friendly so all of the family can enjoy a visit!

Our family courses which run during school holiday periods allow you to stay in our fabulous and recently reconditioned Main House, or in our Bungalow and Bunkhouse facilities. 

Alternatively all of our facilities can be booked for sole occupancy by a group of friends of families and is a great way of celebrating a special occasion or just having a well deserved get together. 
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Specialist Adult Courses

Ghyll Head is a provider of National Governing Body Awards. Mountain Training Summer Mountain Leader, Mountain Training Hill and Mountain skills, RYA sailing and powerboat courses, BC Local Cave Leader Level 1 and 2. 

Our highly skilled team are motivated to support you through your journey to develop your own skills whether your motivation is to lead others or gain personal experience, confidence and competence. 

Caving

We can deliver training or experiences in horizontal or vertical systems. You can learn the skills of SRT and rigging and explore pot holes and down waterfalls with our experienced team.

Adventure Racing

We can deliver training in the elements and skills needed to complete and succeed in this growing sport. Planning, equipment, tactics, paddlesport, navigation and race training are all covered.

Watersports

We offer a wide range of water sport courses including introduction to stand up paddle boarding. Wingsurfing and Wingfoiling tuition and coaching. Learn to sail courses and even white-water kayaking or canoeing on our Lakeland rivers. 

Cycling

The Centre is a great venue for getting out on two wheels. Whether you are a lycra clad roadie or prefer to don the baggies and get out into the mountains  we have enthusiastic and experienced staff willing to guide you around some of their favourite routes. Bike hire can be arranged.