Testimonials

Helen, St Ambrose Primary School

A very enjoyable 3 days which is made easier by the quality of the leaders and friendliness of the staff. The food is delicious - too much of it if anything! The few days really did help develop the independence of the children.

The leaders were very good at making links to the curriculum and developing the knowledge and vocabulary of out children.

The social and co-operative aspect and improving the listening skills of children. It is an important experience that we can refer back to when looking at mountainous environments in geography.

Dominic, Piper Hill

An outstanding centre with fantastic staff

Sarah, Lancasterian School D of E

Fantastic, inclusive, supportive and great fun if a little tiring but very very worth it

Tom, Melland High School

We used the trip as part o0f a transition into sixth form. For students to develop socially together and easy any worries students may have had. For the existing sixth formers it was to develop leadership and friendships as well as independence.

All of the activities were amazing- canoeing was fantastic brought a sense of fun but also challenge.

A really worth while trip that gives students experiences they will remember for life.

Heidi, St Annes Primary School Fulshaw

It was fantastic from the moment we arrived. So well organised which made it more relaxing for the staff I took with me. I would definitely recommend to other schools.

Andrea, Dixons Broadgreen Academy

Amazing and valued - pupils absolutely loved it

Claire, Ashgate Primary School

A very well established centre with lots of very experienced and incredible staff. It provides an amazing experience and opportunity for children, young people and staff to develop new skills, try new activities and live with new people.

Rachel Cromwell High School

Please book! I will continue to book year on year. Julie & Rob are outstanding! They understand the various needs our students have and ensure everything can meet need.

Laura, Manchester Sensory Support Service

Our instructors were fabulous. They were so thoughtful about the challenges our pupils face and supported them in such a caring, patient, and encouraging manner. It truly made a difference to the experience the children had.

Fantastic opportunity for students who may not have the opportunity to try out different activities and experience being away from their families. It is an opportunity for them to develop their skills in all areas including their independence and confidence.

Julie, Anson Cabin

Our main aims were to increase self- esteem, social and team building skills as well as independence and resilience for the group of yp that came with us.

All aspects of the course helped to meet our aims. Some yp had low self esteem and belief in reaching their own goals which were overcome by reaching the top of Gumers, crossing the lake etc.

We are a youth provision - we have used the experience to reinforce to young people you can achieve anything when you believe in your self and / or work as part of a team.

... fact that the group are now able to have meal choices pre - visit works a lot better for our young people, there is a lot less waste now compared to previous visits where the menu was set before hand.

Kath, 4CT

The young people thoroughly enjoyed the activities. Having the same instructor throughout our time at Ghyll head was good for the group. The group were aware of what they would be doing weeks prior to the residential.... The group really enjoyed the residential... they are already asking when they can go again.

Katy, Signpost Young Carers

It was amazing as always - the accommodation, food, staff and activities cannot be faulted!! It is great value for money. Our instructor was the best instructor we have ever had, patient, calm and kept us busy every second we were with him. The young people got so much out of the activities, and it was great to see they all tried and got involved. Thanks again for another great weekend!!

Emma, Victim Support

This is a truly amazing experience where your whole group will have fun and come together. The staff on site are fantastic, they are dedicated to ensuring that your whole group is included in activities and share their experience and skills.

Julie, Anson Cabin

"Ghyll Head is an amazing centre where dedicated staff and instructors provide children and young people with adventurous outdoor activities and learning experiences they may not otherwise access in an urban environment. The centre offers all the amenities needed for a fun-filled and action-packed stay, while also supporting personal development. Young people have the opportunity to build independence, develop resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of the natural environment in an engaging and memorable way."

"My main aims for bringing a group to the centre were to provide young people with new and challenging experiences outside of their usual environment, helping to build their confidence, independence, and resilience. I also wanted to encourage teamwork and strengthen relationships within the group through shared activities and challenges.

found the practical, hands-on activities to be the most useful in meeting my aims, as they demonstrated how outdoor learning can be used to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork in young people. Observing the instructors’ approaches and how they engaged and motivated the group was particularly valuable, as it gave me ideas I can apply in my own setting.

"I will use the outdoor residential experience to enrich the programmes we offer at the Anson Cabin Project by incorporating elements of outdoor learning, teamwork, and problem-solving activities. I plan to build on the confidence and resilience young people developed during the trip by encouraging them to take on new challenges and responsibilities back in their familiar environment. I will also use the experience to promote discussions around independence, wellbeing, and respect for the environment, helping to reinforce the skills and attitudes they gained while away."

Joanne, Bright Futures Friends

Amazing place amazing atmosphere lots to do. Very accommodating staff, great learning environment with choices which really supported the SEND children I took. Chance in a million to explore the outside world safely. Learn new skills

The whole time we spent getting together having fun no judgement. It was amazing to be at ghyll head

Amelia, Manchester City Council

Excellent . (Our aim was)... to have fun, bond, get to know the young people more and for them to get to know each other more, and to give the young people an experience they will remember fondly.

Nicola, Holy Name Primary School

Over the many years I have been visiting the centre, my experience of Ghyll Head has been overwhelmingly positive, and I would strongly recommend it to other group leaders considering an outdoor residential. It offers a truly unique opportunity for children to step outside the classroom and immerse themselves in an outdoor environment, developing confidence, independence, and teamwork in ways that simply aren’t possible in school. The range of activities is excellent, providing both challenge and enjoyment for all abilities, and the setting itself adds to the sense of adventure. The facilities are well-maintained and thoughtfully organised, making it easy to manage groups effectively. The quality of the food is also very good, with options that cater well to different needs, which is always a key consideration on a residential trip. What stands out most is the high level of support from the staff. Their professionalism, experience, and enthusiasm give you real confidence as a group leader. From the planning stages through to the delivery of activities, you feel supported at every step, which is invaluable when organising a trip for children and staff. This level of care and organisation also makes it much easier to reassure parents that their children are in safe, capable hands. Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ghyll Head and its staff for a residential stay. It is a well-run centre that provides a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Adele, St Andrews Primary School Levenshulme

An amazing, unique experience, enabling children from the inner city to experience the beauty of the Lake District National park, new wildlife all while challenging themselves with new experiences. (Thank you so much for another fantastic visit.)

Jill, St Pauls Primary School, Manchester

Children were given opportunities to work as a team in both competitive and non-competitive settings. This created a real feeling of belonging for both staff and pupils. Children were given responsibilities in the house and for their own executive functioning e.g. what equipment do you think you'll need for this activity?

Cassie, Morecambe Bay Community Primary School

The children had an amazing experience completing activities many had never done before. the activities were appropriately adventurous and the children were supported excellently throughout the whole process. The accommodation was spotless and the good was of a high standard and plentiful.

Kath, Sedbergh Prep School

A friendly and welcoming team offering wonderful outdoor activities in a a prime location

St Bees Village Primary School

Absolutely wonderful experience in beautiful surroundings with exciting activities which really stretch the children and give them a real sense of accomplishment. Cleanliness, comfort and catering are second to none. Fabulous, welcoming staff.

Gareth, St Patricks School Calderdale

A super experience, well worth going, fantastic activities, fantastic staff and many memories made for the children.

Ian, Didsbury Church

We came as a group of families and couples and individuals from our Church. The large house was a perfect venue for us that allowed us to self cater and spread out amongst the rooms.

Outstanding accommodation and great location to explore the South Lakes.

Karmand

We had a really nice stay here. The area is beautiful and super peaceful — perfect to relax and enjoy nature. The pod was very clean and ready when we arrived, which made everything easy from the start. The shared bathrooms and toilets were also very clean and well looked after. One of the best parts was the fire pits — really nice to sit around in the evening and make marshmallows, especially for the kids. The staff were very kind and helpful. Overall, we really enjoyed it and would definitely come back 👍