Visitor Information

Practicalities

Bookings  are typically available from a single day to a full week, though we welcome longer stays for those who wish to immerse themselves in the tranquility of this remote haven.

The main hall offers a unique retreat for those seeking a peaceful and inspiring setting. Whether you're planning a gathering, a creative retreat, or a quiet escape, this space provides a perfect backdrop, in harmony with its breathtaking natural surroundings.


Equipment  such as chairs, tables, desks, whiteboards, mats, cushions and display boards may also be offered as part of the hire, although those hiring the space will need to bring some of their own equipment for specialised activities. 

If requested, we provide tea-making and refreshment facilities, including a tea urn, kettle, stove, cups, and utensils, ensuring you have everything you need for a cosy break.


For those looking for additional space to relax or gather, the kitchen, sitting area, and breakout spaces may also be available by prior arrangement.


To ensure the safety and well-being of all guests, 

we kindly ask each hirer to provide a full Risk Assessment, along with details of the planned use and expected attendance, ahead of their visit.

Accommodation

The Old School is non residential, although there are plenty of accommodation options nearby.

The Old School is a tranquil setting available for daytime use.

While on-site accommodation isn’t provided, group leaders may be offered a room in special circumstances, subject to prior arrangement.


For those looking to stay nearby, the surrounding area offers a variety of charming B&Bs and homestays, while the pubs in Seathwaite and Broughton-in-Furness provide comfortable rooms for a restful night.


Further afield, there are pub rooms in Eskdale, and in Torver, and hotels in Coniston. There is a good campsite beyond Seathwaite at Turner Hall. 


We can offer advice regarding overnight stays for those attending workshops and courses who may require this.


Contact

Local Amenities

Although situated in a quiet rural area there are several small towns and villages within a few miles.

Ulpha is a peaceful sprawling village with an old church and thriving community centre.


The nearest town is Broughton-in-Furness, four miles away. It’s a lovely small town, with a pleasant central square and a few shops : grocer, butcher, baker and post office. It also has two cafes and two pubs, and an information centre. 


Slightly farther afield is the town of
Millom, at a distance of ten miles, which has two supermarkets and several other shops. 

Ulverston is the largest nearby town  with good facilities, including most types of shops, a couple of supermarkets, a few cafes and several pubs. 16 miles from Ulpha, it’s an interesting town to visit, with a lively atmosphere, and is close to Morecambe Bay. 


Closer to Ulpha, there’s a pub in the small village of Seathwaite, 3 miles away and one in in Broughton Mills, 5 miles away, both serving meals. 

Parking and Travel

Ulpha is easy to reach as it is on the valley road, that links the Duddon estuary with the Eskdale and Langdale Valleys

Parking at the site is limited  to a few vehicles only. We encourage ride-sharing and the use of public transport and taxis, and this is essential for larger groups. 


The nearest railway station is at Foxfield, five miles away, on the Northern Rail West Coast line between Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle.


There are also stations at Millom on this line and at Ulverston and Barrow on the Northern Rail line between Lancaster and Barrow. 

Taxis and minicabs are available from each station, these need to be pre-booked.


There is no public transport in the Duddon Valley – enhancing the sense of solitude and quiet in the valley, although the quiet valley road runs fifty yards from the Old School. 


We can offer advice and assistance with travel planning. 

Contact

Costs

The cost of hire is dependent upon the size of your group, and the purpose and length of your stay.

The charge for hiring the main hall is typically £500 per day, reducing to £300 for additional days up to three days, then £200 per day beyond that. This is for groups of between six and ten. 


An additional charge of £20 per day, per person above ten, is normally made, up to a normal maximum of twenty.


Groups who hire the kitchen are charged an additional charge of 25%, or for the whole centre,  including breakout room, an additional 50%, depending on the precise requirement.

If equipment  is provided, such as chairs, tables, desks, mats etc, an additional flat rate charge of £50 Is typical. 


Discounts will be offered for smaller groups, and especially for local, community and charity groups.


Costs are always agreed individually  according to the specific agreed use, and the above is simply a guideline. 


Contact us for individual pricing.