LINDLEY EDUCATIONAL TRUST LOCATIONS
Hollowford
Open all year round, set on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Castleton, Derbyshire in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Using outdoor activities we aim to be a centre of excellence for the development of young people, whether they be from schools, youth groups, apprentices or voluntary organisations. With over 50 years’ experience of delivering outdoor education we are here to discuss your requirements and suggest an event to meet your specific needs and outcomes. We put our clients first which means we aim to be as flexible as possible. With a range of both on-site and off-site activities, classrooms and meeting facilities, we are able to meet the requirements of any size and type of group. Everything is custom designed and as a result you will not find any set packages or prices.
“The overall aim of our programmes is to ensure that people, regardless of background, race, sex, religion, ethnic origin, disadvantage or disability, are provided with the tools and the confidence to reach their full potential throughout life.”
Whilst primarily a residential outdoor centre for young people – schools, youth groups, apprentices and graduates, our facilities are suitable for corporate groups, conferences and many other training events.
Located in the heart of the Peak District, here’s just a sample of activities waiting to be discovered at Hollowford. To help you decide on choosing Hollowford, here is our latest information Flyer.
We believe that everyone should be able to access our products and services. We make every effort to ensure that our facilities are fully accessible for disabled users.
Access and accessibility can include a wide range of requirements; from full wheelchair access and further measures to assist the visually impaired, to simply those less capable on their feet or those who find steps difficult. Primarily being a single storey site means the majority of our accommodation is accessible by everyone. We have specialist bathrooms in 3 of our 4 accommodation blocks, just because someone uses a chair doesn’t mean they can’t share a room with their friends.
Our instructional staff are able to offer a wide range of activities to suit users of all abilities. We have specialist equipment for use with people with disabilities, that includes; specialist buoyancy aids for water activities, harnesses for climbing and abseiling and a specialist go-anywhere chair made with race car technology.
We are very proud to be delivering High Quality Outdoor Education and Residential Experiences for young people. Don’t just take our word for it, we have successfully achieved the following accreditations;
Adventure Activities Licensing (AALA)
Adventure Activities Licensing (AALA) ensures that activity providers follow good safety management practices. This allows young people to experience exciting and stimulating activities outdoors without being exposed to avoidable risks.
Activities covered are under the headings; Caving, Climbing, Trekking and Watersports.
Further details can be found on the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority website alternatively you can view a copy of our licence
AHOEC (Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres) – Gold Standard
AHOEC (Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres) – Gold Standard a voluntary assessment scheme whereby centres are assessed against high level criteria in all aspects of the work they undertake.
“It is fantastic news that members of AHOEC are ahead of the game in badging their outdoor education centres. This is good for children as quality assurance is guaranteed, and good for schools who will have to worry less about risk management bureaucracy.” Mick Brooks, General Secretary, National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) To view our certificate Copy of certificate
Further details can be found on the AHOEC website
Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge
Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge provides a National accreditation combining the essential elements of provision – learning and safety.
Further details can be found on the Learning Outside the Classroom website
Adventuremark
Adventuremark is a non-statutory safety scheme devised by the Adventure Activity Industry Advisory Committee (AAIAC). This award covers those activities that do not come under the Adventure Activities Licensing such as ropes course, archery and zip wires. To view our certificate Adventuremark Certificate
Further details can be found on the Adventuremark website
Room sizes vary from 1 to 8 people, although the majority are 4-bedded. All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Hollowford can accommodate up to 140 people in comfortable shared bunk-bedded bedrooms. Room sizes vary from 1 to 8 people, although the majority are 4-bedded.
We have 4 separate accommodation blocks each housing between 30 to 40 guests. All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Our kitchen provides wholesome, home cooked meals and we are confident that you will be pleased with what we offer. We cannot guarantee you won’t put on a few pounds during a stay!
Hollowford can provide a range of meal options to suit your group. We cater for all dietary requirements and you will be asked prior to your visit if there are any particular dietary needs. Our fresh food is all purchased locally and FairTrade products are used wherever possible.
The is NO coach access to the Hollowford Centre due to a narrow lane. Please read our helpful guide.
There is no access to the Hollowford Centre for coaches.
Coaches will need to park in the coach park in Castleton Village.
Please ensure your coach driver has a copy of the Castleton coach park map before you depart
Evening activities may have already been booked as part of your programme. However, you might prefer to run your own. Here are some suggestions:
- Activity box – contains local walk information, simple ice breaker tasks, indoor clue search, indoor bingo.
- Pool table
- Table tennis
- Table football
- Football
- Selection of games e.g Jenga and Connect 4
- DVD Players in group rooms (please bring your own DVD’s)
- Rounders
Please be aware these resources are for everyone to use and enjoy. Please return (where applicable) to the staff lounge when not in use.
Visiting staff are responsible for the welfare and behaviour of their groups at all times.
If you do decide you would like evening activities provided by us please contact us as soon as possible.
All groups are allocated their own space.
All groups are allocated a group room(s) for the duration of their stay when visiting Hollowford. Group rooms are allocated based on the size and needs of the group. Some rooms have TV/DVD player, projector and AV facilities.
There are a number of rooms varying in size that can be set up in a wide variety of ways for meetings, conferences, workshops or training courses. Flip charts and projection facilities are easily arranged.
Rooms can be hired to non-residents and you do not have to have activities with us. However, why not combine your meeting with an informal activity session and stay for lunch as well?
Hollowford – the Movie, a YouTube classic
Due for a revamp, there have been lots of improvements but this still gives a good a idea of what to expect on a visit.
Just outside the village of Castleton, Derbyshire. Roughly half way between Sheffield and Manchester.
Coaches must use the coach park in the village, coaches cannot get up the narrow lane to the centre.
If using the postcode in a Sat-Nav, don’t trust the last few steps, but call us when you’re in the village and we’ll talk you in.
Peace of mind in the evenings
A first aid qualified overnight Duty person will be available from 7pm through to 8am Monday to Friday and 10am Saturday and Sunday. Generally from 11pm through to 7am they will be in their accommodation but you will be given clear instructions as to their location and how to contact them in case of emergency.
The Duty person is responsible for the centre, running the shop/bar should it be required and is on hand to ensure all groups have everything they need.
They are not responsible for supervising groups.
Available on request
Available in the evenings at Hollowford. Our shop and licensed bar stocks a range of souveniers, sweets, chocolates and crisps with flavoured water for younger groups and stronger flavoured water for older groups which are sourced from a number of local breweries!
The role of visiting staff
We appreciate that events are not easy to organise with increased responsibilities for visiting staff and leaders.
During activities responsibility for the safety of groups lies with Lindley staff. Each group should be accompanied by a visiting staff member or responsible adult from your organisation to provide additional support.
Visiting staff or leaders are responsible for the welfare and behaviour of groups at all times whether during activities, around the centre, in the evenings or overnight.
At times you may share the Hollowford Centre with other groups. Please encourage your group to be considerate of others
Check the latest conditions in Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire on with the Hollowford weather station and webcam.
Link to full weather station page (live weather in Castleton) (opens in new tab)
Link to latest webcam image – view of Mam Tor from Hollowford (opens in new tab)
Link to animation of the last hour’s webcam images (opens in new tab)
Keeping You Up To Date
Christmas Market 2024
OUR CHRISTMAS MARKET IS BACK AGAIN! Come and join us on Saturday 7th December 2024 for a wonderful day of [...]
Team Building Part 2
Team Building Part 2 - What is it for? Picking up on my previous post’s reflections on ‘why bother [...]
Team Building – Why Bother?
Teambuilding - why bother? In 2021 YouGov conducted a survey into employee thoughts on teambuilding exercises. The findings were [...]
Summer 2024 Activity Days at the Hollowford Centre
We are pleased to confirm that we will be running activity days for 12 - 15 year olds at the [...]