Outward Bound Summer Adventures — Ullswater

Summer Adventures at Ullswater run at graded levels. Basecamp is a 5-day first experience with 4 nights based at the centre. Ridge is a 7-day adventure adding overnight expedition experience. Courses run in age streams (10–12, 13–15, 16–17), so young people are grouped with peers of a similar age. Days start with instructor-led sessions and build towards journeys in the Lake District fells and Ullswater itself.

Course fees cover instruction, accommodation at the centre, meals and all adventure activities and equipment. UK prices start from £634 for a 5-day Basecamp, £865 for a 7-day Ridge and £1,693 for a 14-day Summit; international participants pay a higher rate. Courses start at 2pm on arrival day and finish at 1pm on departure day. Funding support of up to 60–75% is available for eligible families.

Participants stay in shared rooms at the Outward Bound centre, with expedition nights spent out in the hills under canvas or in simple shelters depending on the course level. The centre is staffed and supervised around the clock.

All meals are provided at the centre during the course, with packed lunches and expedition rations on journey days.

Activities are led by qualified Outward Bound instructors and typically include canoeing and lake journeys, fell walking, climbing and expedition nights. Each course builds towards a journey or expedition appropriate to the level and age group.

The centre provides residential accommodation, drying rooms, communal dining and direct access to the Lake District fells and Ullswater itself. All technical and safety equipment is supplied.

Outward Bound courses are designed to build confidence, resilience and independence through real adventure. Young people arrive as strangers and leave having lived, cooked and journeyed together, supported by instructors from one of the UK’s longest-established outdoor learning charities. The 2027 season is also on sale for families planning ahead.