Idyllically located on the western shore of Coniston Water, the Raymond Priestley Centre provides residential learning and outdoor activities to University of Birmingham students and staff.Â
The University of Birmingham is one of only three UK universities with its own dedicated outdoor education centre.
We provide bespoke residential courses and activities, primarily for undergraduate and postgraduate students.Â
We also welcome University of Birmingham staff members and alumni to the centre this could be to build a staff team, to share the memories with family or to have a new adventure.
The Raymond Priestly Centre is a proud member of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres and the Institute of Outdoor Learning.
We’re also a Royal Yachting Association recognised teaching centre, and Sailability Centre.
What you can experience
Academic Programmes
Our academic programmes are tailored to students, weaving key learning objectives into adventurous activities. These will support both you as a cohort of students, and as individuals.Â
Our team will work with academic course leaders, to ensure the programme is designed to meet course requirements, offering unique experiences in an inspiring learning environment.Â
Outdoor Recreation
The centre delivers high quality outdoor education, through adventurous programmes and experiences in an inspiring environment, to undergraduate, masters and post-graduates students.
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Our courses can be intensive 24 hour experiences, six day residential programmes, and expeditions and journeys that offer the opportunity to explore the Lake District and other amazing locations in the UK.
Staff Team Building
All our programmes include elements of team building as a strong core theme, but we can deliver tailored courses to meet the needs of your team, focusing on your own objectives.
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We have delivered programmes to senior management teams from Campus Service, the Estates Team and the Registrar’s Leadership Group supporting them in exploring how they could work even more effectively together.
Take a look here at some activities that we can provide and what you can expect.
What to expect
If you’re visiting us here at the centre, you can find some key information below about what you can experience and what you need to bring.
What to bring
You may be unsure on the types of clothing and equipment that you may need when visiting us at the centre.
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Take a look at our kit list that provides you with some of our key suggestions for your trip.Â
Where you'll be staying
Take a sneak peak around the centre, including an insight to where you’ll be eating, the key places to experience some downtime, and most importantly, where you’ll be sleeping!
Meet the team
Our expert team at the Raymond Priestley Centre are experts in their field. From house staff to instructors our team are all about making your visit a success. Our instructors are qualified and experienced in the activities we provide, often to senior levels.
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Take a look here to find out more about our staff team and those who will be on hand during your stay.Â
Summer Camps
Each year we host a series of summer camps open to staff, alumni, and their families where you can take part in a wide range of activities which includes learning to to sail, abseil, rock climb or paddleboard.
 Please note, bookings are on a first-come first-serve basis!
Our Ethos
Our aim is to provide a high quality outdoor education, following a principle of challenge by choice; we will encourage you to stretch your abilities and try new things, where your decision will always be respected.
Outstanding Learning Opportunities
Our highly qualified and experienced staff team help provide a range of opportunities. They offer the chance to learn new skills and reflect on how experiences can be transferred back to academic courses, and into future working environments.
A Positive Learning Environment
Courses are tailored to meet the needs of each group of students, ensuring that the best activity choices are made day by day to provide positive experiences with an appropriate level of challenge and adventure
Unique Experiences
Our location in the Lake District enables us to provide learning experiences to students in new and unfamiliar environments, offering a different perspective and memorable times shared in their teams.
Testimonials
Sir Raymond Priestley
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham (1938-52)
Antarctic Explorer and Geologist
A Rich History
For over 70 years, the Raymond Priestley Centre has facilitated student learning at the University of Birmingham and is part of the high-achieving UoB Sport & Fitness department.
The Centre is named after one of the members of the Shackleton and Scott trips to the Antarctic, Sir Raymond Priestley.
As Vice-Chancellor of the university (1938-1952), he supported the Physical Education department strongly and oversaw its development into the permanent centre that exists today.
Our Location
Located in the Lake District, which is a protected national park, a place of outstanding beauty and a UNESCO world heritage site. The centre is situated on the shore of Coniston Water, within sight of the famous ‘Old Man of Coniston’ mountain.
Address
Raymond Priestley Centre,
The University of Birmimgham,
Torver,
Coniston,
Cumbria,
LA21 8AX
Contact Us
Jonathan Barton – Administrator: [email protected]
Deb Cook – Head of Centre: [email protected]
