Lakeside YMCA Windermere

A place where young people can connect with nature and live and learn in the moment right in the heart of an iconic World Heritage Site.

Our centre of excellence in outdoor learning is a newly revamped £7million building on the south west shore of Windermere in the Lake District.

Outdoor residential centres Lake District
Water sports Lake District
Residential school trips North West

For more than 60 years we’ve been welcoming over a million young people through our doors.

They fall in love with our location. It’s where magical islands and wildlife inspired writers and painters, and the Lake’s great length drew speed-boat acers and record makers.

Here’s why schools love residentials at this magical place:

“The children achieved so much and their self-confidence grew through the power of teamwork and resilience. We cannot wait to return next year so more pupils can experience the magic of Lakeside.”

Louisa Martin, Deputy Headteacher, Trinity St Peter’s Primary School, Formby

“Lakeside was the perfect place to take our 90 Year 12 students. Over the two days they became much more confident, developed new friendship groups and became genuinely more caring for each other. I do not think anywhere more suitable can possibly exist.”

Alan Corner, Head of Sixth Form, Bede Academy, Blyth, Northumberland

“This was our fifth year at Lakeside and every year the students have a fantastic time and want to return when in Year 13! It is superb value for money and I would recommend the YMCA without hesitation.”

Sharon Minta, Bridgewater School, Manchester

“I had a fantastic experience at the YMCA National Centre at Lake Windemere, mainly because of the jam-packed activity schedule. My friends and I were never bored. Each activity was exciting and different and every one of our instructors was really fun.”

Anna Guest (Year 9), Heckmondwike Grammar School

• LOtC: R2QB102574 (currently in the process of being renewed)
• AALA License: L85361
• Adventure mark (AAIAC) : AAA101341 (currently in the process of being renewed)
• Member of British Activity Providers Association (BAPA)

We offer nearly 50 land and water-based activities that make the most of the natural resources on our doorstep.

Our young people enjoy kayaking, sailing, canoeing, archery, rock climbing and abseiling, raft building, ziplines, obstacle courses and a king swing.

Our group sizes range from 20 young people, right up to 280.

Groups can take photographs and videos of their own party during their stay at Lakeside.

From food allergen compliance to outdoor safety, risk assessment is part of the YMCA Lakeside’s DNA. They’re fully accredited by The Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (AALA), Adventure Mark (AAIAC) British Activity Provider Association (BAPA) and Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC), ensuring the highest possible level of expertise and leadership in risk management and safety at all times. All centre staff are also DBS checked. Risk assessments are available on request when booking.

Every year, schools and youth organisations from across the UK and beyond choose YMCA Lakeside for its stunning location, expert staff, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Now from just £182.20 per person, you can experience everything schools love about YMCA Lakeside—activities, accommodation, meals, and memories, all included.

For a tailored quote to suit your needs, call: 01539 539 000 or email lakesideenq@fyldecoastymca.org.

A designated first aid room is located on the ground floor in the main building.

All instructors are first aid qualified and they go through refresher training at the beginning of the season.

First aid trained staff are available 24/7.

Our new Stoller Campus, opened in 2020 after a £7million revamp, and has over 280 beds in 54 en-suite bedrooms.

It features en-suite dormitory rooms, drying rooms, and two counter served restaurants catering for a range of dietary requirements.

Our main building and some activities on our site can be accessed via a wheelchair. We have a limited number of rooms with accessible toilets and lift to the dining area. Some of our staff have experience working with diverse needs however we do not have SEN qualified staff.

We also work with schools catering for young people with extra needs, adapting activities to suit those needs.

Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. We also open at weekends when residentials are taking place.

We work with schools, colleges, youth and corporate groups from all over Europe.

We think children of eight years/KS2 or older will get the most from our activities but will happily tailor our offer for younger children.

You’ll find YMCA Lakeside in 400 acres of private woodland along the south west shore of Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in the Lake District, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Lake District attracts millions of visitors a year. There are endless opportunities to extend your visit to us to take in more of the beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage. We’re in a good central Lakes position.

We’re home to a huge building with eight wings.

Each wing consists of rooms which sleep up to six and each room is en-suite. There’s also a designated drying room for each wing.

School and youth groups are allocated either a wing or multiple wings depending on their size. The wings allocated will be exclusive to the group, so no other group can enter this area.

Each school also has a group room which they use for presentations, briefings and social events and evenings. Movie nights are always a favourite.

Here’s why schools love residentials at this magical place:

“The children achieved so much and their self-confidence grew through the power of teamwork and resilience. We cannot wait to return next year so more pupils can experience the magic of Lakeside.”

Louisa Martin, Deputy Headteacher, Trinity St Peter’s Primary School, Formby

“Lakeside was the perfect place to take our 90 Year 12 students. Over the two days they became much more confident, developed new friendship groups and became genuinely more caring for each other. I do not think anywhere more suitable can possibly exist.”

Alan Corner, Head of Sixth Form, Bede Academy, Blyth, Northumberland

“This was our fifth year at Lakeside and every year the students have a fantastic time and want to return when in Year 13! It is superb value for money and I would recommend the YMCA without hesitation.”

Sharon Minta, Bridgewater School, Manchester

“I had a fantastic experience at the YMCA National Centre at Lake Windemere, mainly because of the jam-packed activity schedule. My friends and I were never bored. Each activity was exciting and different and every one of our instructors was really fun.”

Anna Guest (Year 9), Heckmondwike Grammar School

Call: 01539 539000 or email: lakesideenq@fyldecoastymca.org to talk through a programme to suit your group.