Hollowford Centre
Adventure. Challenge. Growth.
Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the Hollowford Centre is Lindley Educational Trust’s residential outdoor learning centre. Combining comfortable accommodation, excellent facilities and direct access to an inspiring natural environment, Hollowford is a place where people can learn, explore and grow. Through high-quality outdoor learning and authentic adventure, we create experiences that build confidence, resilience, teamwork and self-belief.
A Residential Centre Designed for Learning
Hollowford can accommodate up to 140 guests, providing a welcoming and well-equipped base for schools, youth groups, universities, apprentices, businesses and other organisations. Facilities include:
Whether you stay for one night or a full week, Hollowford provides the space to learn, build relationships and share memorable experiences.
Food & Catering
Our catering team provides freshly prepared, nutritious meals to keep everyone fuelled for their adventures. We cater for a wide range of dietary, medical, cultural and religious requirements, working with group leaders before each visit to understand individual needs. Breakfast, lunch and evening meals are available, alongside packed lunches for days spent exploring further afield.
Safety and Quality
The safety and wellbeing of everyone who visits Hollowford is fundamental to everything we do. Activities are delivered by experienced, appropriately qualified staff and supported by robust safeguarding, health and safety and risk management systems. Our recognised licences and accreditations include:
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA)
Independent assurance for activities including caving, climbing, trekking and watersports.
AHOEC Gold Standard
Recognising excellence in outdoor education centre management and delivery.
Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge
Recognising high-quality learning experiences supported by effective risk management.
Adventuremark
Providing assurance for adventurous activities outside the scope of AALA licensing.
Accessible & Inclusive
We believe outdoor learning and adventure should be accessible to everyone.
Our team works with group leaders to understand individual needs and make programmes as inclusive as possible. This can include accessible accommodation, adapted activities, additional support, SEND planning and flexible programme design.
We also consider cultural and religious requirements so that every participant can feel welcome, valued and able to take part.
More Than an Adventure
A stay at Hollowford is about what young people take home with them. Challenge, adventure and shared experiences can help participants develop:
Confidence and Self-Belief
Resilience and Independence
Teamwork and Communication
Deeper Connection with the Outdoors
Higher Aspirations
Stronger Relationships
Improved Wellbeing
These outcomes are central to Lindley’s purpose: enabling children and young people to become the best version of themselves and positively influence others and their communities.
Back Tor Self-Catering
Your Own Base in the Peak District
For groups wanting greater independence, Back Tor provides comfortable self-catering accommodation for up to 36 guests.
Six spacious bunk-bedded bedrooms each have their own en-suite bathroom, with two accessible ground-floor rooms providing additional flexibility for guests with mobility needs.
Everything Your Group Needs
The fully equipped kitchen makes catering for larger groups straightforward, with a large oven and gas hobs, fridge and freezer, dishwasher, cooking equipment, crockery and utensils.
A spacious lounge and dining area provides the heart of the building, with flexible seating, games tables and a large interactive Smart Screen.
Whether you’re running your own programme or using Back Tor as a base to explore the Peak District, you have the freedom to create a residential experience that works for your group.
Camping at Hollowford
Experience the Peak District Under Canvas
Wake up to views towards Mam Tor, and experience the adventure of living outdoors together.
Our dedicated group camping field combines an authentic camping experience with the reassurance and facilities of an established outdoor learning centre.
Designed for schools, youth groups and organisations, the camping village provides a memorable and affordable way to experience Hollowford and the surrounding National Park.
Camp in Comfort
Our group camping facilities include:
Groups can combine camping with Hollowford’s programme of outdoor and adventurous activities or use the site as a base for their own Peak District adventures.
Camping gives young people opportunities to develop independence, solve problems, work together and connect with the natural environment.
Plan Your Stay
Whether you’re looking for a fully catered residential, independent self-catering accommodation or a camping adventure, our team can help you create the right experience for your group. From the first conversation to the final day of your visit, we’ll work with you to understand your needs, desired outcomes and participants.