Outward Bound utilises the power of learning and adventure to unleash a students true potential; with a large range of thrilling activities, the pupils will be constantly engaged and excited, making Outward Bound the perfect destination for school trips. Max Group size of 120 (10 groups) Fully Catered options.
North West
The Outward Bound Trust Ullswater Centre, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JL
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPs
SEN
Listed under: Abseiling| Accommodation & Residential| Adventure Activity Centre| Bushcraft| Camping and Glamping| Climbing,High Ropes & Zipwires| Coasteering| Crafts| Curriculum Subject / Activity Type| Day Trip Destinations| Enrichment Learning| Gorge Walking & Canyoning| Kayaking & Canoeing| Lake District Tours| Orienteering| Outdoor Education| Outdoor Residential Centres| Paddleboarding SUP/Windsurf| PE (Physical Education/Sport)| Personal Development-Mentoring| Residential School Trips| Safety Awareness| Sailing| Special Educational Needs (SEN)| Team Building| Walking and Hiking| Water Sports|
What we offer on a school trip
Ullswater delivers immersive outdoor residential experiences designed to build:
- Confidence
- Resilience
- Leadership
- Independence
- Communication
- Team cohesion
Set on the shores of one of the Lake Districts most picturesque lakes, pupils
experience mountain, lake and wilderness terrain that stretches them physically and
mentally, in a safe, structured way.
Programmes typically include:
- Lake-based water activities
- Mountain days in the surrounding fells
- Expeditions and overnight camps
- Navigation training
- Team development challenges
- Structured reflection sessions to embed learning
Every programme is designed around clear developmental outcomes, helping schools evidence improvements in character, behaviour and student engagement, designed to work alongside your curriculum.
Outdoor residential centre Lake District
Water sports centre Lake District
Accommodation Lake District
Residential Cumbria
Residential Centre Cumbria
What makes us a great choice for educational groups
World-class outdoor learning environment in the Lake District, one of the UK’s most inspiring natural landscapes.
• Residentials designed to link adventure with real student outcomes:
improvements in teamwork, self-belief and engagement are regularly
reported.
• Experienced instructors deliver safe, purposeful outdoor challenges not replicable in school grounds.
• A holistic programme combining physical activity, emotional growth and social development.
On site activities
• Lake activities: rowing, canoeing, kayaking.
• Hill walking & expeditions across the Lake District fells.
• Cliff jump and gorge walking experiences at natural sites unique to
Ullswater.
• Social and free-time spaces: games area with pool/table football, scenic lawns.
• Indoor common areas and Wi-Fi-enabled social rooms.
Accreditation and Awards
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom is the managing and overall awarding body for the LOtC Quality Badge, which recognises providers offering good quality LOtC and managing risk effectively. All The Trust’s centres which accommodate school parties have been awarded this standard of recognition.
The Trust is registered and holds current licences for all its centres with The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). Adventure activities licensing ensures that activity providers follow good safety management practices.
Room types, sizes
- Student accommodation in shared dormitories (typically 4–8 beds per room)
- Mix of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities
- Separate accommodation for group leaders (often twin rooms)
- Bedding provided
- Heating throughout
- Secure storage areas
Group Sizes
Ullswater accommodates 120 young people. Minimum group size 12. Multiple school groups can attend simultaneously.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
Schools may photograph/record their groups for educational and promotional use; any wider use of Outward Bound UK branding or content must respect copyright policies of the Trust. (Exact permission details to be confirmed with the Marketing team.)
Risk Assessment
The Trust is fully committed to the provision of quality service in a manner that meets with the requirements and satisfaction of our supporters, clients and young people. Because of this, we maintain a Quality Management System in accordance with the international standard BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems. For more information, please read our Quality Policy Statement.
The Trust is a member of the Outward Bound International network and its safety systems and is scrutinised and approved internationally.
Risk assessments are produced and can be shared prior to arrival at the centre
Please see detail at www.outwardbound.org.uk/safety
Pricing
Our prices are tailored so we recommend getting in touch so we can discuss your package. Additionally, over 80% of our education participants receive charitable funding.
As a charity, it’s our mission to make our courses available to as many young people as possible. We can’t let money stand in the way.
Our charitable funding can only be used towards an Outward Bound course. Young beneficiaries need to be in the education system in the UK and meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Free school meals
- Low-income family
- English as a second language
- Ethnic minority backgrounds
- Special educational needs
- Poor educational attainment
First Aid
All instructors are qualified in outdoor first aid, and there are protocols for injury care and emergency response.
Available Facilities
- Dining hall with freshly prepared meals catering for dietary needs.
- Common indoor spaces for socialising.
- Outdoor lawns and recreation areas.
- On-site shop with snacks/souvenirs.
- Wi-Fi in meeting/social areas (room Wi-Fi varies).
- Lake frontage
Catering options
- Full catering included – breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks (served onsite).
- Dietary requirements catered for with advance notice.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
We work with schools to support the inclusion of young people with additional needs. Please contact us to discuss directly how we can best accommodate your young people.
Opening Times
The Centre operates year-round, with programme dates scheduled throughout the academic year and school holidays. Specific times vary by group and course; check directly with bookings.
Testimonials
“The children have demonstrated resilience and challenged themselves with new experiences, bringing themselves out of their comfort zone. The centre has built up their self esteem and given them a newfound confidence. The children have been given the opportunities to take safe risks and develop their relationships with one another”
Year 6 Teacher, Skipton Parish CofE Primary School
Location information
Ullswater Centre sits on the west shore of Ullswater in the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A landscape of woodlands and fells ideal for outdoor learning and expeditions.
Nearby places include Penrith, Pooley Bridge, Glenridding and Keswick. There are also local trails, and historic landscapes, making it an excellent base for wider fieldwork.
Booking Details
The Outward Bound Trust, Ullswater Centre
Address: The Outward Bound Trust, Ullswater Centre, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0JL.
Enquiry form – https://www.outwardbound.org.uk/come-to-outward-bound/school-residentials/#enquire
Further information
- Equipment and specialist outdoor clothing are provided as part of the course.
- Full pre-visit guidance available via the Outward Bound Help Centre covering travel, kit, expectations and more.





