A course at Derwent Hill is a memorable experience that you will share with other young people from your school or organisation.  There are a number of things that will help you get the most out of your stay.

Where is Derwent Hill?

Derwent Hill is in the village of Portinscale about 1 mile from Keswick, Cumbria.  It is in the Lake District National Park, overlooking Derwentwater.  If you are coming to Derwent Hill with your school, college or youth group, they will give you information about travel.  If you are coming on your own, please see the information for Getting Here.

What do I need to bring?

There is a kit list to help you bring the right things.

What is a day like at Derwent Hill?

Every day at Derwent Hill is action packed & full of different experiences.  This video will give you an idea of what to expect.

After arrival you will spend some time finding about how Derwent Hill works & where everything is, you will settle into your bedroom and have a chance to meet some of the Derwent Hill staff.

Other days start with a great breakfast after which there is some time to get ready for activities.   The first activity starts just after 9:00 am with groups either returning to Derwent Hill for lunch or taking a packed lunch if spending the day away from the centre.

After lunch groups head out for the afternoon returning at 4:30 in time for dinner at 5:30.

In the evening there are some fun activities organised by school staff with help from the Derwent Hill tutors.

Do I need to bring any money?

No, you don’t need any money but there is a small shop at Derwent Hill that sells souvenirs and snacks and groups sometimes stop for an ice cream or other treat, so you might want to bring a small amount of pocket money.

What’s the food like?

The food is great – you get a choice at breakfast, lunch & evening meal & there is plenty of it!

Where will I be sleeping?

You will share a small dormitory with other participants on your course.  Most of the dormitories have between 4 and 8 bunk beds and most have their own toilet and shower – if not, there is one nearby.

Will there be other people at Derwent Hill?

You might be sharing the centre with another school or organisation.  This is a great chance to make new friends.

What activities will we be doing?

Derwent Hill is in the Lake District so you will spend most of your time out and about doing adventurous activities – exactly which activities you do will depend on which course you are doing and the time of year.

How difficult/scary are the activities?

During your course you will have a chance to try lots of different things & our team of professional tutors will make sure that the level of activity is right for you and your group and support you to try new challenges!

What will I learn?

All of our courses have different aims – find out from your staff what type of course they have booked, and find out more about it!

What will the weather be like?

Because Derwent Hill is in the Lake  District the weather can be very changeable.  It can be sunny in the winter and wet in the summer, or the other way round.  Make sure you are prepared for anything and you will have a great time!