Our activities
Breaking down the perceived barriers and exceeding expectations
At Calvert Lakes, we see the person, not the disability
Taking advantage of the amazing Lake District landscape, we run as many of our activities as we can outdoors where groups can enjoy a variety of instructor led activities. Each activity group has a dedicated instructor with them for the duration of their stay, allowing our staff to get to know every individual and helping you make the most of your stay with us.
The sessions you’ll try on our multi-activity programmes are designed by expert instructors and take all levels of ability into account. We’re proud to offer adaptable equipment that caters to a range of needs, such as accessible transport, different seating options, supportive hoists, slings, cushions and ramps, protective clothing, specially trained staff and adaptive kit.
For ALL abilities
Adaptive equipment
Expert instructors
Activities at Calvert lakes
Outside on site we have a fantastic high ropes course, wheelchair assault course, archery range, bushcraft shelter, wheelchair abseil slab and zipline. We also have easy access to Dodd Wood behind the centre where there are a range of accessible trails through the woods and up Dodd hill. Guests can benefit from the use our all-terrain tramper as required.
In addition to this, on site our sports hall has a mobile climbing wall, trapeze swing and bouldering wall, allowing for a variety of rock and rope activities.
Our hydrotherapy swimming pool is also on site and boasts floor to ceiling windows showing the ever-changing landscape across the lake, as well as special lighting and music to create a fun sensory experiences whilst in the water. There are family changing rooms with changing tables and wet room showering, as well as accessible poolside changing rooms with tracking hoists, changing tables, shower seats and grab rails.
The pool complex also includes a sauna and button-controlled jets, fountains and bubbles offering plenty of entertainment to pool visitors. Above the pool is our sensory room, complete with colourful lighting, soothing sounds, interactive toys and soft furnishings. This can be booked by residential guests and visitors both.
Activities in the local area
A short walk from the centre is our specialist boathouse on Bassenthwaite Lake where we keep our fleet of boats. The jetty has a tracking hoist for wheelchair users, and our boats have various seating options to allow for different support needs. Our buoyancy aids come in all shapes and sizes, and we offer waterproof and insulative clothing to keep people dry and warm whilst on (or in!) the water.
On the outskirts of Keswick is Calvert Stables, a Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and British Horse Society (BHS) registered facility. Our stables are open to residential guests and day visitors providing riding lessons, grooming, mindfulness sessions and trap rides. With specialist equipment such as hoists, adaptive traps and calm ponies, our stables cater to a wide range of needs too.
A short drive away we also visit Watchtree Nature Reserve, an enclosed nature park with wide, flat avenues that are perfect for cycling. Facilities here offer adaptive bikes like hand bikes, trikes, quads, KMX karts, tandem bikes and side-by-side bikes, as well as front loading bikes and trikes for those with limited mobility. The interior of the reserve is wooded and has animal-watching hides and a pond teeming with wildlife.
Our activities ...
Click the activities below to learn more.
Our activities FAQs
Each activity we offer can be adapted to a wide range of needs. From adaptive seating to special harnesses, we use the most innovative equipment and technology to ensure everyone who visits has a meaningful experience here in the beautiful Lake District.
What activities do you offer?
We offer all kinds of awesome activities for residential breaks. On site we have an archery range, bushcraft shelter, climbing wall, hydrotherapy swimming pool, high ropes course, wheelchair challenge course, zipwire and abseiling.
We also offer watersports on Bassenthwaite Lake and Windermere, equine experiences at Calvert Stables and excursions into the wider Lake District. Find out more on our activities page.
Which activities are accessible?
We strive to adapt our activities so people of all abilities can experience adventures. Adaptive equipment, expert instructors and a fully accessible activity centre ensure that even those with complex needs can access and enjoy the great outdoors. Find out more about specific activities on our activities pages.
What age are our activities suited to?
We welcome people of all ages and abilities and would never expect groups or families to leave anyone at home! Some activities that require safety equipment, such as the high ropes or zipwire, may need children to be a certain size to take part, but others, like sailing, canoeing and swimming, are open to all ages and abilities. Contact our friendly activities team for more information.
Our stories
We are inspired by the astounding people who stay with us. Hear their stories
Did you know we also partner with ...
In order to offer even more incredible experiences to our guests we have partnered with two amazing local organisations.
Theatre By The Lake
Our friends at Theatre by the Lake in nearby Keswick offer year-round, award-winning performances. With regular accessible performances plus the option of drama workshops tailored to your group’s requirements, we love working with such an inclusive local organisation.
Lake District Wildlife Park
Just down the road from Calvert Lakes is the Lake District Wildlife Park. Spend a couple of hours or a full day here visiting furry, fluffy, feathered and scaled residents. We regularly take groups in our accessible minibuses to visit the wildlife, watch exciting demonstrations and meet the inhabitants.
Funding for adventure breaks
We’re committed to making our activity breaks accessible to as many people as possible, which is why limited bursary funding is available to help reduce the cost. Because our funding is often restricted, we prioritise those who’d most benefit from financial assistance. While we cannot guarantee support for every enquiry, we encourage anyone facing financial barriers to get in touch. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you explore the options available.
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