Calvert Kielder

About

Calvert Kielder has been providing amazing and memorable holidays, days and experiences for people of all abilities for 40 years creating a deep understanding of the relationship between fun challenges, learning and living – for anyone and everyone. Disabled guests, their friends and families experience the same emotions and experiences as any other guest inside the safe, inclusive and uniquely challenging and supportive facility.  A choice of accessible accommodation is available from en-suite main centre bedrooms to affordable and luxury self-catering chalets to suit everyone travelling alone, as a couple or in families and groups, and for those who like quirky, Sky Den is the ever-popular treehouse created by George Clark for his Ch4 Amazing Spaces TV programme. Fresh home-cooked meals prepared by in house chefs who cater for dietary requirements are served in the dining room, and a takeaway service is available.  Bar service is provided in the comfortable lounge and there is access to computers for guest use in the snug area.

A range of land and water-based activities include climbing, canoeing, cruising, sailing, high ropes, archery, laser clay shooting, axe throwing, giant king swing, traditional zip wire and the Kielder ZipCoaster, which mimics the ups, downs, twists and turns of a rollercoaster and the free-flying sensation of a zip wire to give riders the ultimate experience.  Guided and supported by a team of fully qualified instructors, guests can challenge themselves to try things they never thought possible and for those who like to take life at a more leisurely pace, there are golf buggy rides through the forest, nature trails, hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, indoor games and TV lounge. From adventure and squeals of delight to tranquillity and relaxing sighs, Calvert Kielder will deliver your holiday your way.

The surrounding environment

The beautiful and uplifting Kielder Water & Forest Park is home to Europe's largest working forest, northern Europe’s largest man-made lake and Europe’s largest area of protected night sky, The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park.  Here, on a clear night, you can see millions of stars, the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy (2.5 million light years away) with the naked eye. Every night, there is something different to see, from meteor showers to the Northern lights.  For a closer look at deep space and brilliant commentary, a visit to Kielder Observatory is a must for the keen astronomer.

This incredible, man-made landscape is constantly being cared for and improved by volunteers and the organisations in Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust. Since its creation during the 20th century, it has matured and developed and careful management is helping species that were once absent to return, including osprey and water voles. Thousands of fascinating plants and animals continue to live and thrive alongside the people who live, work and play here.

The sheer variety of habitats in Kielder Water & Forest Park, from woodland to marshy grasslands and bogs, create homes for a whole host of wildlife and is impressive and unique in the UK. Explorers can expect to encounter badgers, roe deer, otters, red squirrels, shrews, seven species of bat, many woodland birds and especially in spring, birds of prey including goshawks and ospreys. Each year Forestry England plant 3.5 million new trees in Kielder Forest flanking the 27 mile shoreline of Kielder Water’s 200 billion litres of water.

Places to visit

There are a host of local facilities and activities designed to make the most of your precious leisure time including the multi-user Lakeside Way, Kielder mountain bike trails, forest walks, fishing (permit required), local golf course and historical sites including Hadrian’s Wall, in Northumberland, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders.

Autism Friendly

At Calvert Kielder, guests on the autism spectrum, their friends and families experience the same emotions and experiences as any other guest inside the safe, inclusive and uniquely challenging and supportive facility.  A choice of accessible accommodation is available from en-suite main centre bedrooms to affordable and luxury self-catering chalets to suit everyone. The Sky Den is the ever-popular treehouse created by George Clark for his Ch4 Amazing Spaces TV programme. Guided and supported by a team of fully qualified instructors, guests can challenge themselves to try outdoor activities they never thought possible such as climbing, sailing and zip wires, and for those who like to take life at a more leisurely pace, there are golf buggy rides through the forest, nature trails, hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, indoor games and TV lounge. From adventure and squeals of delight to tranquillity and relaxing sighs, Calvert Kielder will deliver your holiday your way.