Howtown Outward Bound Centre

A Hidden Gem for Big Adventures

Our Howtown Centre sits in a sheltered bay on the shores of Ullswater, in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

Reaching Howtown means slowing down. The road narrows, the noise fades, and Ullswater comes into view. With the lake on one side and steep fells on the other, it feels like you’ve left the world behind - and arrived somewhere that’s all yours.

This centre is used exclusively by school and education groups.

The landscape

A view of a lake between steep hills with a cloudy sky above, featuring a mix of green fields and scattered houses in a rural landscape.

Aerial view of a calm, expansive lake with mountains and rolling green hills on either side under a partly cloudy blue sky.

What you'll do

You’ll climb, hike and paddle - but that’s only the beginning. The wild location opens the door to all kinds of adventure.

Wade, splash, and climb your way through a wild mountain stream. It’s wet, rocky, and a proper challenge - but you’ll do it as a team.

People in waterproof gear enjoying a waterfall hike in a rocky, green landscape with sparse trees and grey rocks against a cloudy sky.

Steady, silent and made for teamwork - rowing lets you explore the lake under your own steam. You’ll learn to steer, paddle and problem-solve as you go.

Young person in a grey hoodie and red life jacket smiling while holding an oar on a boat with other rowers in red life jackets. Overcast sky and water in background.

After a long hike, there’s nothing better than climbing aboard a heritage Ullswater Steamer and gliding back to base.

Four people sitting on a boat deck by the water, with mountains in the background, engaging in conversation and enjoying the scenic view.

Where you’ll stay

With space for up to 72 young people, this centre offers a calm and focused setting to rest, recharge and get ready for what’s next.

Dorm rooms sleep four to six people, with sturdy bunks and plenty of room to unpack. All bedding is provided, and plug sockets are available if you're bringing your phone charger or hairdryer. Group Leaders stay separately in single or twin rooms (some en-suite) and have a dedicated staff lounge.

Three girls sitting on the floor of a bedroom, chatting, with a bunk bed and window with red curtains in the background. A blurred teddy bear is in the foreground.

The dining room looks out over the fells, a great spot to refuel after a day outdoors. Meals are freshly prepared on site, with plenty of choice. Just grab a tray and pick what you'd like to eat! Got a dietary requirement? No problem - simply let us know in advance, and our catering team will look after the rest.

Empty dining area with wooden tables and chairs, a serving counter, and a windowed door, illuminated by natural light.

Between activities, there’s plenty of space to unwind - play a game, watch a film, chat with friends or just take in the view. Wi-Fi is available in some areas if you fancy a bit of social scrolling. There’s also a small shop open one evening a week, stocked with snacks, drinks and a few souvenirs to take home.

Two young people outdoors under a canopy, one holding a plate with food, the other looking down, with trees and foliage in the background.

What adventure looks like here

From lakeshore to gorge, here's a snapshot of life at Howtown Centre!

Group of people wearing helmets and life jackets sitting and standing on a rocky cliff above water, preparing to leap into the water,

Group of young people with large backpacks walking on a wooden bridge towards a brown hut with a blue "HOWTOWN" sign, surrounded by green trees.

Three people wearing helmets and waterproof jackets stand on rocks in a shallow stream surrounded by greenery and trees.

Four young people are crossing a shallow river with rocky banks, surrounded by a grassy hillside under cloudy skies.

Two children in red waterproof gear and blue helmets sit and smile, giving thumbs-up in a lush, green outdoor setting with ferns and rocks.

Person arranging sticks and twigs on a moss-covered surface outdoors, with camping gear in the background, in bright sunlight.

Two young boys with backpacks step out of a parked vehicle, with a woman in the background, in a wooded outdoor setting during daytime.

Group of people examining and pointing at a map, indicating planning or navigation, with visible backpacks and outdoor clothing.

Getting to Howtown

Getting to Howtown takes you off the main roads and along the edge of Ullswater - a journey that feels like part of the experience. It’s tucked away, but still easy to reach by car, coach or minibus.

If you're travelling by train, Penrith train station is nearby and well-connected. We’ll send full travel details once your booking is confirmed. And if you’re unsure about anything, just get in touch.

Directions to Howtown Centre

Travelling from the M6 North and South

Turn left onto the B5320 (Pooley Bridge) and go over the bridge and through the village until you get to a mini roundabout. At the roundabout turn right and at the next crossroads turn right and follow the road for approximately 3 miles. We are situated on the left-hand side.

From the East

Take junction 40 off the M6 and follow the signs for the A66 and Keswick. After approximately 1 mile you will reach a roundabout. At this roundabout take the turn off for the A592 and continue on this road until you reach the junction with the B5320. Turn left onto the B5320 (Pooley Bridge), go over the bridge and through the village until you get to a mini roundabout.

At the roundabout turn right and at the next crossroads turn right and follow the road for approximately 3 miles. We are situated on the left-hand sideFollow the A66 westbound until you reach the M6 [junction 40]. Go over the M6 motorway following signs for the A66 and Keswick.

After approximately 1 mile you will reach a roundabout. At this roundabout take the turn-off for the A592 and continue on this road until you reach the junction with the B5320. Turn left onto the B5320 [Pooley Bridge], go over the bridge and through the village until you get to a mini roundabout. At the roundabout turn right and at the next cross roads turn right and follow the road for approximately 3 miles. We are situated on the left-hand side.

Trying to decide which Outward Bound Centre to go to?

It's a tough choice, we know! From coastal adventures in Wales, mountain peaks in the Lake District, and lochs and Munros in the Scottish Highlands, each of our centres offers something a bit different - choose the landscape that speaks to you.

Where Outward Bound began, on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales.