Learning Venues

Calvert Kielder

“We know what we want - people to really love life, to delight in new experiences and to gain reward from being challenged.”

Situated in a 40-acre woodland site within touching distance of Kielder Water, Calvert Kielder has over 25 years of providing excellent, tailor-mad outdoor multi-activity days or residential breaks. We welcome guests of all abilities.

Enjoy the exhilaration and excitement of a wide range of activities which will help you conquer your fears, have some fun or simply relax the in beautiful surroundings. You'll be amazed at what you CAN do; from water-sports such as canoeing and kayaking, to climbing, abseiling, bushcraft and team building activities.

Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre

Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre is perfect for those looking for an amazing outdoor experience, especially if you want to make the most of being on the water.

Owned and run by The Scout Association, Hawkhirst is set in 70 acres of coniferous forest on the shoreline of Kielder Water. The Centre offers not only a range of exciting water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking and sailing, but also many land-based activities perfect for any type of group. These include a brand new climbing tower, Jacob’s ladder, and a thrilling zip wire through the trees.  In addition, on offer is a full programme of environmental education and bushcraft-related activities.

The Centre’s specialist instructors are skilled at working with group leaders, teachers and organisers to plan the perfect visit. With options including self or full programme, where staff will work with you as little or as much as you need, you can be assured that your visit will suit perfectly your group’s requirements, objectives and skill levels.

Kielder Castle

KielderCastle, the former eighteenth century hunting lodge of the Duke of Northumberland turned visitor centre, provides the base for learning visits to the wider forest. Working in partnership with Forestry Commission England, two learning providers offer a full range of curriculum-linked activities for schools and other groups.

Northern Education for Sustainability (NEST) is a not-for-profit social enterprise working with schools and other groups to raise awareness of the environment, environmental issues and to promote ‘positive personal action’. Full Earth Education programmes are on offer, as well as Forest Schools, Bushcraft Schools, minibeasts, pond dipping and forest ecology. All schools are accommodated, with primary age children a particular focus.

For secondary and further education groups, Albion Outdoors offers a wide package of ecology, biology and geography field studies sessions, taking advantage of Kielder’s wide variety of habitats. Both day visits and residential courses available. 

Kielder Observatory

Literally an out-of-this-world experience! The observatory sits high above the NorthTyneValley and takes advantage of some of the darkest skies in the country. A beautiful site in the daytime and even more spectacular at night, a visit to the observatory is a must for any group undertaking astronomy studies or those wanting to expand their horizons to galactic levels.