The Jarman Centre self-catered indoor accommodation, camping and woodland activities East of England

Situated on the outskirts of Newmarket and set in 18.5 acres of protected woodland, where young people can explore the natural environment, the Jarman Centre is perfect for your school’s or organisation’s self-catered residential, camping or day trip.

Jarman Centre East of England
self catered accommodation East of England 
Camping East of England
Jarman Centre woodland activities 

The estate is not open to the general public and once through the gates you could be anywhere. The fees are reasonable, so if your school is willing to self-cater make the Jarman Centre your go-to destination.

The Jarman Centre house is purpose-built for groups of young people with adult leaders.

Groups booked into the house have full run of the 18-acre estate, allowing only for other groups booked on campsites or for visits.  We do accept exclusive-use bookings for large groups but if you’re willing to share the outside space you pay nothing extra.

We do not hold an LOtC Quality Badge, but we can supply a Provider Statement, which is designed to help the Visit Leader confirm that we meet required standards.

We do not provide specifically-tailored curriculm activities for schools. Please refer to our website for self-led activities.

We also work with a local company who can provide activity-day packages at the Jarman Centre, details here: https://jarmancentre.org.uk/facilities/activity-days

The house is equipped for up to 50 people: 31 on the Ground Floor and 19 in the Loft which can be booked as a whole house or separately. There is a fully-accessible wetroom on the ground floor and one of the bedrooms has turning space for a wheelchair.

On the Ground floor of the House there is a large main hall for daytime use, a small breakout room with sink, a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry/utility room, a fully-accessible wetroom, 4 bunk rooms each sleeping 6 with 2 bathrooms, and 2 en-suite leaders’ rooms sleeping 3 and 4 respectively. The Loft has 2 general purpose rooms sleeping 11 and 8 respectively (mattresses are provided). There is a small kitchen, 2 shower rooms with WC and a separate WC.

There are various campsites which can be booked separately or combined into one or more units: Oaks (up to 18), Beeches (up to 36), Sycamores (small groups using lightweight tents), Firs (up to 40, as one or two separate groups), and the Lime Tree Avenue (for hammocking). In total there is space for 200-plus campers. The campsites have water taps. Toilets, basins and showers are provided at the shared wet-weather shelter.

Usually groups in the house and groups camping run separately, but it is also possible (especially during the week) to combine a house and a camp booking – please enquire.

We have a selection of activities and games available for groups to use, details are here:

https://jarmancentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Activities-and-Games-Equipment-Store.pdf

Groups may take photographs and videos, following their school’s/organisation’s requirements regarding permission for their use online or in print. There are no copyright restrictions from the Centre

To offer peace of mind we welcome teachers/leaders who wish to visit the Jarman Centre before booking a trip. We provide risk assessments for the Centre which may be downloaded from our website. They are regularly updated.  Groups are expected to follow their school’s/organisation’s requirements for their own risk assessments; we do not normally ask to see them.

We carry full third-party insurance as a venue, but expect groups to be covered by their own school’s/ organisation’s insurance for personal liability and possessions.

Our booking administrator is Mrs Patricia Acres, please contact her by email: admin@jarmancentre.org.uk

Full details of our facilities, activities, fees and other useful information can be found on our website: https://jarmancentre.org.uk

There is also an availability calendar and an initial enquiry form under the Availability tab.

We charge per head per night for residentials, and per hour for day visits, depending on the group size. The fees are listed on our website: https://jarmancentre.org.uk/downloads/fees

We require a non-refundable deposit to confirm your booking.

The Jarman Centre is a woodland site so closed-toe footwear and long trousers are adviseable. If taking part in archery or woodland skills activities, recommended clothing is listed on the information sheets for these activities on the website.

There are small first aid kits in the kitchens and the wet-weather shelter for emergency use but we expect groups to make their own first aid arrangements. The break-out room can be set up as a dedicated first-aid room if required; there is also a fold-up-bed.

You can find out about staying in the house or on the campsites here – https://jarmancentre.org.uk/facilities

There is other useful information including maps and plans at https://jarmancentre.org.uk/downloads/useful-information

In addition to the campsites there are 2 campfire circles, 2 large barbecues, a picnic area with benches, and trails throughout the woodlands. There is also a small self-service souvenir shop. There is parking for around 35 vehicles with space for 1 coach.

There is free Wi-fi in the house and immediate surrounds.

The ground floor of the house has level access throughout. There is a fully accessible wetroom and one of the leaders’ rooms has turning space for a wheelchair user.

In the grounds, close to the house, there is a sensory garden with traversing wall, storytelling circle and activity boards with wheelchair-friendly paths.

The paths in the most used part of the estate (between the house and the road and as far as to the archery field) are manageable for a wheelchair, and one of the toilets attached to the wet-weather shelter is wheelchair-friendly.

The Jarman Centre is available to hire throughout the year. However we have no staff on site so groups need to be self-sufficient. The Centre is managed by a team of volunteers on behalf of Girlguiding Cambridgeshire East county.

What our education customers say . . .

“I wanted to let you know we had the most fabulous time last week at the Jarman Centre, the children had a fantastic experience.” Angus, King’s College School, Cambridge

“Our team had a great few days at the Centre and I’m sure we will be back again in the future!” Atomic Annie, Mad Science Clubs

“Thank you so much for the reception and care of the accommodation at the Jarman Centre. We enjoyed the beautiful and peaceful place.” Nathalie, Helicon Education, Nijmegen

The Jarman Centre is on the outskirts of Newmarket – about a half-hour’s walk to the centre of town and train station. Find out about local services, activities and places to visit here: https://jarmancentre.org.uk/facilities/local-information

The Jarman Centre is used regularly by local DofE centres for practice expeditions, including special needs DofE. There is also the possibility of team-building activities, and conservation and service projects. Please enquire.

Make a world of your own @jarmancentre.org.uk

The Jarman Centre is on the outskirts of Newmarket – about a half-hour’s walk to the centre of town and train station. Find out about local services, activities and places to visit here: https://jarmancentre.org.uk/facilities/local-information

On the Ground floor of the House there is a large main hall for daytime use, a small breakout room with sink, a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry/utility room, a fully- accessible wetroom, 4 bunk rooms each sleeping 6 with 2 bathrooms, and 2 en-suite leaders’ rooms sleeping 3 and 4 respectively.

The Loft has 2 general purpose rooms sleeping 11 and 8 respectively (mattresses are provided). There is a small kitchen, 2 shower rooms with WC and a separate WC. The campsites have water taps. Toilets, basins and showers are provided at the shared wet-weather shelter.

Full details of our facilities, activities, fees and other useful information can be found on our website: https://jarmancentre.org.uk

There is also an availability calendar and an initial enquiry form under the Availability tab.