Planning a visit

Making residential field visits easier

Planning and leading a field visit can be really hard work. There are just so many things to think of: accommodation, transport, access to field sites, work sheets and itineraries, equipment, health and safety, not to mention making the books balance.

The Peak District National Park Authority Education Visits Service (Losehill Hall), and the Youth Hostels Association are working together in a unique partnership designed to make the whole process easier.

Our value for money residential rates apply to any group field visit that is for two or more nights of accommodation with more than two standard days (or equivalent) of tuition.

You can choose to:

Create your own tailor-made programme by selecting a combination of study units/activities that best suit the needs of your group
Take advantage of one of our excellent package offers

Whichever you prefer, all of our residential education programmes include:

• full board - English or continental breakfast, packed lunch, tasty three course evening meal with a daily vegetarian option
• free leader places for every 10 paying participants
• use of classrooms where available, including access to Litton Mill Study Centre
• your choice of study units led by our qualified leaders who have an in-depth understanding of the Peak District National Park
• pre-arranged access to field sites, field work equipment (except for calculators, pens/pencils and paper), student worksheets and teachers' notes
• reduced transport costs where study units can be carried out within walking distance of a Youth Hostel
• a safe and enjoyable visit led by first aid trained leaders who are in contact with Emergency Services
• free overnight pre-visit for up to 2 leaders at your chosen Youth Hostel

Variety of accommodation

You may choose to stay at Losehill Hall in Castleton, the Peak District National Park Centre for Environmental Learning. If you decide to stay at Losehill Hall we are only able to offer a complete week long or weekend package. Week long programmes normally start after the evening meal on Monday evening and end after lunch on Friday. Weekend programmes start on Friday evening and end after lunch on Sunday.

The Youth Hostels Association offers an unrivalled choice of affordable accommodation throughout the Peak District National Park. There are twelve Youth Hostels in the area, each with its own unique setting and characteristics. You may contact us for advice on which hostel best suits your needs.

Day Visits

If you are planning a day visit to the Peak District National Park we can offer most of the study units. For further information please see How to book and our price list.

A standard day visit will usually start at 10.30am and finish at 4.30pm unless otherwise requested. Half day visits are approximately three hours starting at 10.30am or 1.30pm. If you require a half hour lunch break units can begin at 10am.

People with special needs

We strive to make our educational field visit accessible to all. Losehill Hall is fully wheelchair accessible and hearing loops are available in our lecture rooms. If you or a member of your group has any special needs then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Wet weather alternatives

If extreme weather conditions pose a health and safety risk, changes will be made on the morning of your visit and the following options may apply:

• adjust the programme to allow for the weather conditions on the day
• relocate the programme to an alternative site
• switch to an alternative programme at a more sheltered site

We'll come to you!

If your school is within one hour's drive of the Peak District then why not book one of our leaders to visit you for an introductory talk on the Peak District National Park? Please contact the National Park Education Service at Losehill Hall on tel: 01433 620373 for more details.

Want to know more about the Peak District?

You can download any of our factsheets.

More information on planning a visit.

YHA team building activities

Most Youth Hostels offer fun team building activities. If you would like further information then please contact your Hostel Manager for details.  For further information on the YHA go to www.yha.org.uk

Higher Education Programmes

These programmes will be tailored to your individual requirements. Please contact the Education Visits administration staff at Losehill Hall for more information.