About

At YMCA Lakeside, we empower young people to build resilience, confidence, and independence through the transformative experience of outdoor learning. Here, in the heart of a World Heritage Site, young people can explore their potential, connect with others, and grow in a natural, supportive environment. Your group will have access to one of the most stunning natural playgrounds in the UK.

With half a mile of shoreline along Lake Windermere, 100 acres of private woodland, and nearby crags and fells, this outdoor classroom is the perfect environment for learning and growth. Supported by expert staff, your group will thrive; gaining new skills, confidence, and a connection to nature.

As a leading centre of excellence in outdoor learning and one of Europe’s largest outdoor centres, YMCA Lakeside provides an unparalleled experience for groups of all kinds.

Since the 1920s, over a million young people have left Lakeside more resilient, confident, and better prepared for life’s challenges. Here, small barriers become opportunities for inspiring, empowering, and unforgettable learning.

The Stoller Campus at YMCA Lakeside, Newby Bridge

Our story goes back nearly a century to the Lake District, where, in the 1920s, young men from Liverpool and Manchester began cycling to Windermere for weekend camps. They discovered Stott Park, a beautiful retreat where a local farmer permitted them to camp. Soon after, the YMCA acquired this land, establishing ‘South Camp’. Over time, the site expanded with improved facilities, leading to the creation of ‘North Camp’ in the 1950s. As activities grew to include camping, rowing, rock climbing, and more, YMCA Lakeside became a vital space for youth development. It was here that the YMCA Venture Scheme—later inspiring the Duke of Edinburgh Award—was born.

Today, YMCA Lakeside operates from South Camp, renamed ‘Stoller Campus’. It is a £7million state of the art building that opened in 2020. It features en-suite shared rooms, drying rooms and a counter served restaurant. Here children and young adults can choose from over 50 water and land-based activities.

At YMCA Lakeside we have long known that the natural world offers children and young adults countless benefits, fostering their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Outdoor play encourages physical activity and, unlike structured indoor environments, nature provides open spaces that invite children to explore, climb, run, and engage in unstructured, imaginative play. This freedom promotes creativity and problem-solving skills. It is also an anti-dote to today’s tech-driven world, where screen time is often high, and opportunities for outdoor play may be limited. Nature immersion provides a calming environment that helps children and young adults relax.

We also see here how our location nurtures student’s connection to the environment, fostering empathy and a sense of responsibility for the planet. The natural world is not only a playground but a powerful teacher, cultivating resilient, curious, and balanced children and young adults.

Activities

Our adventures range from kayaking to fell walking, and archery to caving, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. They are mixed with games, exploring the countryside, simply taking in the nature around us and stories around the campfire. Our emphasis is on developing skills to deal with life, from building resilience to taking on challenges and communicating well. We’re an activity provider plus.

Facilities

Stoller Campus is a £7million state of the art building that opened in 2020. It has over 250 beds. It features en-suite shared rooms, drying rooms and a counter served restaurant catering for the full range of dietary requirements. Facilities highlights include:

Communal Wi-Fi
Power sockets
Ensuite bedrooms
Bedding provided (with kids learning the art of making their own beds!)
Visiting leaders’ room with communal fridge, microwave and tea and coffee making facilities
6 group rooms
Basketball court and field located directly outside the building
Shop

Counter served restaurant

With panoramic views of Lake Windermere, the dining room is the heart of the building. Enjoy home cooked, freshly prepared meals daily, with a choice of hot or cold breakfast, and two hot choices for lunch and dinner, with dessert for lunch and dinner! With advanced notice, our catering team will meet all dietary requirements.

Who we work with

We work with schools, colleges, youth groups and parents and carers booking day camps, whether they are local families, or staying in The Lake District. Children of eight years/KS2 or older will get the most from our activities but will happily tailor our offer for younger children. Many of our activities can be adapted for groups with special needs and disabilities. Speak to a member of our team to find out more.

Safety

Safety is to Lakeside – from food allergen compliance to outdoor safety. Parents and teachers naturally want their children to have adventures and experience what the world has to offer, but are equally concerned that their children don’t come to harm. Careful risk management allows us to provide thrilling adventures without undue risk. We’re fully accredited by The Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (AALA), Adventure Mark (AAIAC) British Activity Provider Association (BAPA) and Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) ensuring the highest possible level of expertise and leadership in risk management and safety at all times.

Our instructor team all hold relevant outdoor certification gained through long experience and rigorous assessment by National Governing Bodies. Key staff have further qualifications making them technical experts in their specialist field. We leave nothing to chance. We put all our instructors through our own induction and training programme to ensure they really are the best they can be. Added to that, all of our instructors are first aid trained and DBS checked. Our catering team are fully trained to ensure that everyone can enjoy their meals with the confidence that all food allergen advice and legal requirements are taken care of. If you have any particular concerns, please get in touch.