The YMCA National Centre Lakeside is the largest outdoor centre in Europe, set in an area of outstanding beauty in the heart of the English Lake District. We have over 450 acres of private woodland estate bordered by a mile and a half of shoreline onto Lake Windermere; it is considered one of the finest located outdoor centres in the world.

It is difficult to describe how breathtaking our location really is, we could show you lots of images of our site and we hope we have! The best way to experience what we have to offer is for you to contact us and come for coffee. We can walk around some of the 450 acre site, meet some groups and trainers and discuss how you would like your lakeside experience to be.

The centre has over 50 year's of experience of pioneering and delivering quality training and development programmes to different School, Youth and Adult groups, providing a unique, safe and challenging location.

The centre is a not for profit organisation and educational charity that inspires people to fulfil their potential through challenging outdoor and classroom based experiences.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to develop children, young people and adults through outdoor experiential learning. We offer individuals the chance to become more aware of themselves and their impact upon others. We challenge behaviour and allow people to experiment with a range of new skills in a psychologically safe setting. We encourage honesty, respect and support on all our programmes

What We Believe In

We believe in developing long-term relationships. We believe in the potential of all human beings and that behavioural change can be made through experiential learning. We believe in exciting and challenging adventures and journeys

Schools

Our courses are designed to stimulate, educate and motivate. The challenges faced will equip students with new skills and attitudes to help them make the most of opportunities as they move forward in their education. We believe spending time at Lakeside adds a valuable dimension to learning and self awareness. Our programmes develop emotional intelligence and social skills through experiential projects.

We design exciting programmes for primary, secondary, private and independent schools and colleges. All our programmes are linked into your curriculum requirements.

Youth

We offer exciting residential and non-residential, multi activity courses for youth groups. We are very inclusive and we accept all youth groups from different backgrounds, races, religions and sexual orientations. It is our policy to not turn anyone away. We believe that is what we are here for, to work with anyone who wants to learn, develop and grow.

Day Camps at Lakeside began over 30 years ago and are enormously popular and enjoyed each year by thousands of young people from the towns and villages of South Lakeland, Furness, North Lancashire and Cumbria. If you are aged between 8-15 and want to have a fantastic adventure in your next schools holidays then please call us to find out more.

Professional Development

Lakeside Professional Development is here to assist you along the road to sustained personal and organisational change, recognising the crucial role of learning, training and development as part of that process.

We design solutions based on the specific outcomes desired by each group. This involves selecting from a unique range of approaches and methodologies that are focused on transformational learning and results for individuals, teams and organisations.

Families

We offer short break accommodation available starting at £30 per person per night including a farmhouse or continental breakfast.

The centre has a variety of accommodation to suit all groups and individuals, with over 250 beds available all year with a further 176 tented beds available between Easter & September in 3 tented villages. From dormitory style units, self-catering timber lodges, single & twin en-suite rooms to tented villages, chalets.

In addition there is a large site for 'no frills' camping, caravans and motor homes at Low Stott’s Park on adjacent land to South Camp plus the 16 bed self catering ‘Bell Cottage’ above the village of Glenridding on Ullswater.

Outdoor Skills

Become qualified at the largest outdoor centre in Europe

Whether you want to paddle on the peaceful waters of Lake Windermere or climb the exposed rocky crags of the Lakes, YMCA Lakeside has it all. With over 30 years of experience, our staff are highly qualified and aims to build your skills and confidence in outdoor sports join us on an invigorating and breathtaking adventure.