We’re Calvert Kielder. Based in Northumberland’s Kielder Water & Forest Park, we’re a national leader in accessible and inclusive holidays, outdoor activities and retreats.
Escape. Adventure. Wellbeing. Self-discovery. We believe that everybody should have access to the benefits of time spent in the great outdoors. And we mean everyone.
That’s why we welcome guests of all ages. Why we cater to different budgets. And, crucially, why we’re a non-profit organisation with accessibility at our core. The outdoors has something for all of us. And we’re here to help make that possible.
For us accessibility is not an add-on. It’s not an extra room. Or an occasional ramp. We take a completely different approach.
Here everything is purposefully designed with inclusion in mind from the start. It’s been subtly and tastefully built into our accommodation, facilities and outdoor activities. This means it’s there for those who need it but doesn’t stand out to those who don’t. That’s because we believe that an inclusive approach means everyone benefits.
So, whether you’re booking a peaceful woodland break with us, a thrill-seeking activity package or a work away day, you can rest assured. This is Calvert Kielder. A place where the power of nature is available to all.
Our range of traditional and executive self-catered lodges, simple B&B-style rooms or dedicated respite care breaks are ready and waiting for you.
You’ll want to stay the night to enjoy stargazing into England’s official darkest skies.
Our adventurous outdoor activities and dedicated conference/retreat spaces are perfect for a fun-filled flying visit, whether work or play.
Either way, outdoor activities range from water sports and high ropes courses to climbing and target sports. With one of the widest variety of adaptive outdoor activity equipment in the UK, we have all the resources and know-how to ensure they’re available to all.
Calvert Kielder was born out of the Calvert Trust. Opening its first centre in 1978 on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick, the trust’s founder John-Fryer Spedding had a vision to enable people with disabilities to benefit from outdoor activities in the countryside.
By 1980, it became clear that there were a much greater number of people who wanted to visit than it was possible to cater for at Keswick, and so a second location was sought. Kielder was quickly deemed the perfect place, on the shores of Europe’s largest man-made lake, and our doors opened in 1984.
With many repeat guests returning year after year and with the generous support of many loyal supporters of our charity over the last 40 years, we now welcome around 7,000 visitors every year between our accessible self-catering lodges, B&B style catered rooms, and specialist respite care breaks.
Today, while the centres are independently registered charities, both share the same passion for making the outdoors accessible to all.
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