Barhaugh Hall

Robinwood North Pennines Activity Centre - Alston, Cumbria

Our North Pennines Activity Centre, Barhaugh Hall, stands in 9 acres of grounds and is set amongst the rolling hills of the North Pennines. The centre is just north of Alston, in an area designated of 'outstanding natural beauty', and around 20 miles from junction 40 of the M6.

We have developed many adventure activity venues in the activity centre grounds. Groups walk through the surrounding hills with their group leaders for the expedition walk and a stream walk, but everything else takes place on site.

We have created a shallow sheltered lake next to the activity centre, which provides the ideal environment for children to do raft building and canoeing. It is designed so that children are always close to the bank, but is also big enough to run challenging activity sessions, developing new skills and having plenty of fun.

Within the activity centre buildings we have an indoor climbing wall, an artificial caving area and (of course!) a piranha pool. The piranha pool is a themed problem solving area involving different 'crystal maze' type challenges.

In wooded areas of the grounds we have two zip wires, a trapeze (also known as a leap of faith), an obstacle course and a night line. The archery range is clearly sectioned off for safety reasons, with a large wooden shelter for the shooting and waiting area. Also within the grounds we offer problem solving and orienteering sessions.

Accommodation is in Barhaugh Hall, a magnificent building full of character, which is believed to date back to the late 18th century. Children stay in dormitories with between 4 beds and 14 beds, whilst teachers bedrooms have en-suite facilities. There is also a large and comfortable teachers' lounge area, including a licensed bar, in which you can relax after each busy day !

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