Welcome to YMCA Lakeside - YMCA National Centre, Lakeside

Schools & Youth Groups

Our school trips offer a fun, unforgettable outdoor learning experience for young people. Our residentials take place on the quieter and wilder side of England’s longest lake. We’re surrounded by 100 acres of private woodland. Stay on land or hop on the water. The choice of activities is endless, with over 50 to choose from. We build confidence, skills and brighter futures.

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Your Base

Your group will be based in our swish Stoller centre, with a hotel like reception area and 280 beds in 54 ensuite bedrooms. There are en-suite shared rooms, drying rooms, and a counter served restaurant.

Once here, everything you need is on site, including around 50 land and water-based activities. It keeps travel time and miles to a minimum.

The children achieved so much and their self-confidence grew through the power of teamwork and resilience. We cannot wait to return next year so more pupils can experience the magic of Lakeside.

Louisa Martin, Deputy Headteacher, Trinity St Peter’s Primary School, Formby

Lakeside was the perfect place to take our 90 Year 12 students. Over the two days they became much more confident, developed new friendship groups and became genuinely more caring for each other. I do not think anywhere more suitable can possibly exist.

Alan Corner, Head of Sixth Form, Bede Academy, Blyth, Northumberland

This was our fifth year at Lakeside and every year the students have a fantastic time and want to return when in Year 13! It is superb value for money and I would recommend the YMCA without hesitation.

Sharon Minta, Bridgewater School, Manchester

I had a fantastic experience at the YMCA National Centre at Lake Windemere, mainly because of the jam-packed activity schedule. My friends and I were never bored. Each activity was exciting and different and every one of our instructors was really fun.

Anna Guest (Year 9), Heckmondwike Grammar School

We have had an amazing time as we do every year. The staff are super friendly and very supportive as we go around the challenges. The pupils have loved it and eager to come again. The food is beautiful and the portion sizes are plentiful. We come every year and it never disappoints.

Yewlands

Lakeside is a fantastic, well planned venue with outstanding school group facilities. The activities were suitable for all age groups and challenging. The views were stunning. The staff well experienced and supportive of the students. They were able to communicate with the students well and supported them in the fun activities. The students loved the challenge aspect! Would definitely recommend!

Susie Duerden, Westholme Senior School

Life-changing activities that allowed pupils to develop growth mindset, resilience, determination, whilst remaining educational. The programme allowed all children develop each day and overcome activities they thought were impossible.

Michael Abiola, Calverton Primary School

This is the second time that I have led a visit the the YMCA. The children have had an absolutely amazing time, they have been appropriately challenged and given multiple opportunities to push themselves out of their comfort zone. As for teachers, we have loved that we have been able to get involved too, it has aided us to build, foster and enhance the relationship with our children but also with between the adult teachers. So an absolute massive thanks to everyone at the YMCA and we shall see you again!

Alice Eastwood, Lathallan