Duddon Valley Retreat is located  by Ulpha bridge, 50 yards from the river Duddon, as it flows along the valley to the Duddon Estuary. Coming from the south it is on the right just before crossing the bridge; from the north it is straight ahead after crossing the bridge.

The rugged Dunnerdale fell  rise behind the Old School building, excellent for an adventurous ramble.  At Ulpha, the hill pass across Birker Fell goes across to Eskdale, and Wasdale beyond, with glorious views of the Scafell range.

The river Duddon runs down the valley for 11 miles, through glorious lakeland scenery and the village of Seathwaite. Its source is beyond Cockley Beck, the junction of Hard Knott pass leading to Eskdale, and Wrynose pass leading to Langdale.

The valley is on the southwest edge of the Lake District and is relatively quiet, with fewer tourists than other parts of the lakes.