Calvert Kielder is a registered charity for a reason. We believe that everybody should have access to the benefits of time spent in the great outdoors. And we mean everyone.
In the UK there are millions of people with disabilities. 56% report finding outdoor spaces difficult to access, while acknowledging it would significantly benefit their wellbeing. We’re here to show there’s another way.
Every year, we welcome around 7,000 children and adults with disabilities, together with their families, friends and carers, to our unique centre in the heart of Northumberland’s Kielder Water & Forest Park.
It’s a special place. Accessibly designed self-catered lodges, B&B rooms and dedicated respite care breaks sit side by side. We take access seriously and design everything with it in mind from the outset. No add-ons. No occasional ramps. A completely different approach.
Deeply rooting ourselves in accessibility makes us inclusive of people with a wide range of access needs. People who are sadly still excluded from many life-enhancing experiences here in the UK.
As the UK’s only Care Quality Commission registered holiday and outdoor activity centre providing accessible adventure alongside 24-hour adult respite care, we offer something truly unique.
To make that impact as broad a range of people as we can, we’re a registered charity and fundraising work is vital.
Every day at Calvert Kielder people discover confidence they never knew they had, achieve things they never thought possible and create memories that last a lifetime.
But providing specialist accessible accommodation, adaptive equipment, trained instructors and personalised support costs significantly more than more mainstream locations.
While guests contribute towards the cost of their stay, those fees cover only around 80% of what it costs to deliver our services.
Could help us replace worn wheels on our all-terrain forest buggies, ensuring guests with limited mobility can continue to explore the beauty of Kielder Forest alongside their family and friends.
Could help replace buoyancy aids so disabled children or adults can safely enjoy the freedom, confidence and excitement of getting out on the water.
Could provide one subsidised bed night for a disabled guest, helping make an accessible adventure affordable and opening the door to confidence, independence and unforgettable experiences.
Could help provide specialist waterproof clothing, ensuring disabled guests can enjoy the freedom and adventure of the outdoors whatever the Kielder weather.
Could help a family or group enjoy a fully accessible residential break, creating precious time together, lasting memories and a chance to recharge.
Could help purchase a specialist tilting shower chair, enabling disabled guests to enjoy greater comfort, dignity and independence after a day of adventure.
Could help fund transformational projects that ensure Calvert Kielder remains accessible for generations to come — from accessible forest lodges to adapted boats and vehicles. Get in touch to talk about tax-efficient ways to give.
“Every person deserves to find a place where they can shine. For Thomas, that place is Calvert Kielder.” Tony, Dad to Thomas
For countless people with disabilities, like Thomas, Calvert Kielder is a rare place to experience the benefits of time in nature, growing in self-confidence and building friendships.
Read more impact stories in our annual impact report:
Impact Report 2025 (PDF, 1.8MB)
Our weekly lottery, run through our partners at All Weathers Lottery, gives you the chance to win up to £25,000 every week for just £1. And every ticket helps make sure that children and adults with disabilities can keep doing things here that they can’t do anywhere else.
Throughout the year, we run fundraising appeals, events and challenges that help make sure children and adults with disabilities can keep doing things at Calvert Kielder that they can’t do anywhere else.
Every partnership helps children and adults with disabilities experience outdoor adventure in a place that was designed, from the start, for them.
A gift to Calvert Kielder in your Will is one of the most meaningful ways to leave a lasting impact. It costs nothing today. And could mean that future generations of children and adults with disabilities get to experience what happens when a place is genuinely, completely, built for them.
Call us: 01434 250232
Email us: enquiries@calvert-kielder.com