Keswick, Cumbria, UK – February 2026
We are celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2026. First established in March 1976 to enable more people to access outdoor adventures in the stunning Lake District National Park, we’re planning a busy calendar of events to kickstart our golden anniversary year.
But first, the history behind our popular institution. The Lake District Calvert Trust was first inspired by John Fryer-Spedding, Cumbrian landowner and public servant, who wanted people with disabilities to have equal opportunities to explore outdoor activities as those without disabilities. His mission to offer accessible residential breaks in the Lake District began with a sailing boat, a pony and two members of staff.
Today, our charity employs over 40 staff, is open for 50 weeks of the year, and welcomes residential and day visitors alike. Courses offered at Calvert Lakes include accommodation in fully accessible rooms, all with ensuite facilities, many with specialist equipment such as ceiling hoists, spacious wet rooms and profiling beds. The whole centre, in fact, is completely accessible to those with more complex needs with lift access and ramps throughout, wide entrances and doorways, and plenty of welcoming communal spaces for downtime. Equally welcomed are those with learning, sensory or cognitive disabilities where our friendly, trained and experienced staff have expertise in ensuring all needs are met.
Activities offered on-site include a high ropes course, wheelchair challenge course, zipwire, archery, hydrotherapy swimming pool, and sports hall complete with climbing wall, bouldering, trapeze swing and abseiling. Just a short distance down the road is a specialist boathouse where sailing and canoeing on Bassenthwaite Lake encourage teamwork and build confidence whilst enjoying the stunning surrounding scenery. And, of course, the boathouse also features accessible equipment such as hoists, postural support and adaptable seating that support a range of mobility needs.
Calvert Stables in Keswick is another vital part of the Lake District Calvert Trust, where staff and volunteers offer horse riding, grooming, pony club and carriage driving. An accredited Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and British Horse Society (BHS) stables, the resident ponies have a unique, calming temperament and offer an adaptive horse riding experience for varying levels of ability.
Kicking off our golden anniversary year will be an Open Day held at Calvert Lakes on Saturday 21st March 2026. We invite participants, local residents, guests and visitors to visit our activity centre, just north of Keswick, for a glimpse into the specialist services and facilities provided by our pioneering charity. Here is a unique opportunity to try your hand at some of the activities held on site, talk to the Calvert team, meet the ponies from Calvert Stables, and take a tour of our impressive facilities.
Sean Day, Chief Executive of Lake District Calvert Trust said:
“We’re delighted to be opening our doors and offering the unique chance for our friends, families, guests and supporters to come and experience a little of the magic we offer here at Calvert.
There’ll be lots of activities to try and we can’t wait to welcome members of our wider community to our very special place.”
Further into 2026, a stables open day and a garden party are just some of the other exciting events planned to celebrate this golden year.
For more information about the Lake District Calvert Trust or for ways to support our charity, visit www.calvertlakes.org.uk. Alternatively contact the team on 017687 72250 or enquiries@calvertlakes.org.uk.