Welcome to YMCA Lakeside

Schools

Lakeside YMCA is one of the largest activity centres in Europe. Hidden within 100 acres of private woodland along the south-western shores of Lake Windermere, we’re 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.

Holiday day camps

Day camps are for children aged 5 to 14 years, in three age groups, consisting of a five day week.
The focus will be on outdoor activities to keep your child challenged and entertained.

From kayaking and sailing to fell walking and abseiling, there’s something for everyone.

These courses usually run during Easter break, May half term and summer holidays

Your school booking

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.

Winter Weekends Activity Challenge for Schools

Each year we host the Winter Weekends Activity Challenge for Schools. Year 7,8, 9 and 10 students from schools across the UK compete against each other in a host of outdoor adventures to become Activity Challange champions.

Our £7million building

Our centre of excellence in outdoor learning is a newly revamped £7million building. It’s home to over 250 beds, en-suite dormitory rooms, drying rooms, and two counter served restaurants catering for a range of dietary requirements.