About us
The evolution of Calvert Lakes
A little bit about us
The Lake District Calvert Trust welcomes day visitors to swim in the pool or ride at the stables, as well as residential guests who stay with us on adventure breaks in the Lakes. As a truly unique centre, our facilities are specialised to cater for varying complex needs, ensuring that all abilities can enjoy their time with us. And while our dedicated activity centre is designed for people with disabilities, you don’t have to have a disability to visit us.
Families and groups where one or more person has a disability are invited to Calvert Lakes alongside their friends, family members, peers and carers. We don’t leave anyone behind!
Opening up the great outdoors in a safe and supportive environment is our chief aim. We enable those with disabilities to experience new sensations, try exciting activities and build confidence with new experiences. We’ll challenge you to think differently, to focus on ability rather than inability, and alter your perception of what is possible.
Our guests tell us that visiting here precipitates tangible change in people’s lives that continues long after their stay. We call this the Calvert Effect and it’s why we come to work every day.
Take a look at our impact report.
Our history
The Lake District National Park was designated as such to allow everyone access to the natural beauty of the landscapes here. Founded in 1976, the Lake District Calvert Trust was inspired by John Fryer-Spedding whose vision included people with disabilities having the same access to our spectacular national park.
From our inception in the seventies through to today, our aims remain the same. We want everyone to be able to enjoy adventurous activities in the great outdoors. Our dedicated activity centre and incredible team have grown over the years, helping more people than ever challenge their disability, building confidence and breaking down barriers.
1976
The Lake District Calvert Trust is officially registered as a charity to provide accessible outdoor adventures for people with disabilities and opened its doors for the first time.
1978
Little Crosthwaite Adventure Centre opens near Keswick, later renamed Calvert Lakes, offering activities such as dinghy sailing and horse riding.
1984
Inspired by Calvert Lakes’ growth, Calvert Kielder opens in Northumberland.
1996
Calvert Devon (nee Calvert Exmoor) launches, extending the Trust’s reach in the Southwest.
1997
Calvert Stables is established at Old Windebrowe, integrating horse riding and equestrian therapy into the centre’s offerings.
2011
A state-of-the-art Water Centre opens at Calvert Lakes, featuring a fully accessible hydrotherapy pool with a movable floor and interactive sensory area.
2020 - 2024
Calvert Reconnections opens nearby as the UK’s first residential acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation centre, delivering neurorehabilitation through outdoor-focused therapy. It closed in 2024 after inconsistent referrals and changes to government funding and provision for ABI rehab.
2025
A successful year of fundraising enables refurbishment of accommodation areas at Little Crosthwaite where the centre now offers 26 accessible bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and wet rooms, sleeping up to 60 guests.
2026
The Lake District Calvert Trust celebrates its golden anniversary with a brand-new website and lots of wonderful events planned to ensure the continued success of this very special place.
2026
New Reflexions leases the Tithe Barn at Old Windebrowe and opens a specialist boarding and day school for children with profound disabilities
Our stories
We are inspired by the astounding people who stay with us. Hear their stories
Find out more
Take a closer look at who we are and what we offer
Activities at Calvert Lakes
Take a look at all the activities we provide at calvert Lakes and see which you’d love to try.
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