Blencathra Field Centre is situated 300m up, on the south facing slopes of Blencathra in the Lake District National Park. It sits just one mile outside the Lakeland village of Threlkeld, with panoramic views of the Lake District fells. This impressive setting has a true sense of space, giving the site a unique quality, which many visitors enjoy year after year.

Blencathra is a residential environmental education centre in the heart of the Lake District that runs mainly off renewable energy. The centre’s award-winning eco-friendly accommodation uses electricity which is generated by the Centre’s own hydro scheme and its heating which is powered by
Cumbrian-sourced biomass. 

Facilities

  • Bar: We have a licensed bar stocked with local ales and spirits, wines, soft drinks and snacks. This is not available to self-catering groups unless special arrangements are made prior to the visit
  • Capacity: Blencathra has 133 beds across three accommodation blocks. There is a variety of room sizes from single rooms to dormitories with up to six beds.
  • Car Parking: The Centre is in an elevated position on the side of Blencathra with ample parking for 30 cars and two coaches. There is adequate space for cars and coaches to turn around and park. Not suitable for double deckers
  • Catering: Self-catering is also considered upon specific request.
  • Children's Facilities: We have games and activities on-site for children aged 8+; however, younger children are welcome.
  • Disabled Access: The location has disabled access.
  • Disabled Facilities: There are two ground floor bedrooms in the main house offering en-suite wet-rooms and toilet facilities.
  • Games Room: There is table football and table tennis.
  • Hot and Cold Drinks: We have hot and cold drinks making facilities accessible around the centre.
  • Kitchen: Fully catered services for most dietary needs are available, as well as packed lunch making services. Self catering may be available to groups hiring the whole centre.
  • Library: There is a library with table and chairs seating 10 people.
  • Linen: All bedding is provided. Please strip your beds on departure.
  • Lounge: There is a luxurious adult lounge overlooking the Northern Lake District Fells.
  • Outdoor Clothing: Blencathra has waterproof jackets, waterproof trousers, wellingtons, walking boots, a limited number of rucksacks, hats and gloves available.
  • Outdoor Facilities: Extensive range of on-site and off-site activities.
  • Shop: There is no shop, but toiletries are available from reception as well as a selection of Field Studies Council publications. There is a vending machine selling crisps and snacks.
  • Wi-Fi: Free guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the centre.
  • Workrooms: There are six meeting/workrooms with interactive whiteboards and Wi-Fi access. Multi-media projection facilities are also available for use.

Accommodation

We want your stay to be as comfortable as possible. Our residential centres offer a range of room sizes and layouts from single and twin up to larger dormitories. Note: not all centres have single/twin rooms. All rooms are subject to availability. Some rooms are en suite and others have shower and toilet facilities close by. Please contact us if you want to discuss your room requirements.

Each centre also has places to relax during any free time such as a lounge, games room and outdoor space.

Food

For one day visits you are usually asked to bring a packed lunch unless it is specified otherwise.

Residential visits include freshly prepared seasonal meals, with a hot breakfast, packed lunch and choice of evening meal. Food is sourced locally wherever possible and we can cater for most dietary requirements. All of our residential centres have been awarded the Soil Association’s Food for Life Served Here Bronze Award which recognises organisations which go the extra mile to make sure visitors are receiving healthy, nutritious and sustainable meals.

To get a better idea on what food we offer at our centres, please see our sample meals

Local area

Keswick is five miles away and Penrith is 13 miles away. The nearest Leisure Complex and Swimming Pool is in Penrith. Threlkeld has two pubs, The Salutation and The Horse and Farrier offering accommodation and food. There is a coffee shop in Threlkeld

Virtual tour Video tour of the area

Travel to Blencathra

As part of our environmental commitment we encourage all visitors to travel by coach, train or public transport.

By road – From Junction 40 on the M6 follow A66 to Keswick. After about 12 miles turn right following signpost for Threlkeld. Go through the village and turn right onto Blease Road. The centre is located one mile up the hill. Alternatively, head toward Keswick along the A591. As you drive down into the town turn right and follow signposts for A66 to Penrith and M6. Follow the A66 for about two miles. Turn left and follow signpost for Threlkeld. Go through the village and turn left onto Blease Road. The centre is located one mile up the hill.

By train – The nearest train station is Penrith train station, approximately 13 miles from Threlkeld. Taxis are available from the station.

By bus – Stagecoach operates the X4 and X5 Bus from Penrith train station to Workington which runs every hour and stops in Threlkeld or Keswick. Drop off at Threlkeld – one mile walk up hill to the centre. Drop off at Keswick – taxi from Keswick to the centre. The centre is located one mile from the village of Threlkeld up Blease Road.

Accreditations

Courses and Experiences at Blencathra

Centre contact form

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