Peaceful location in a beautiful valley

A large, spacious Hall offering a variety of  potential uses

The retreat centre is at Ulpha Old School, in the Duddon valley, one of the most picturesque and unspoilt areas of the Lake District.  The building sits below the rugged Dunnerdale fells at Ulpha Bridge, three miles along the valley from Duddon Bridge on the A595.

The surrounding fells and the valley itself, with the river Duddon winding through, provide a splendid backdrop. The vistas are stunning and help to make this a unique and inspiring retreat location.

Duddon Valley Retreat is suitable for a wide range of activities, such as Art/drawing weekends, practical and craft classes, music workshops, educational meetings, and to use as a daytime base whilst exploring the local area.

Ulpha Old School

Originally built as the local primary school, the building has been re-purposed, whilst keeping many of its original features. The L-shaped hall remains, with staff, kitchen and storage areas adapted to new use.

The original stone building dates from the 19th century, with the hall added as classrooms in the 1960s. The school closed in 1999 and has since been given a significant makeover, with a modern heating system and up-to-date fittings and insulation, whilst retaining much of the character of the old school building.

The village of Ulpha sits along the river Duddon and below surrounding fells, consisting of stone-built farmhouses and cottages, many converted to new dwellings.  The winding valley road leads up to the Wrynose and Hard Knott passes across the hills to Langdale and Eskdale.

The Old School can be booked for your event, for just a day, over a weekend, or for a course or retreat over a longer period. It's primarily suitable for small groups , although for a short one-day or weekend event, it can accommodate a larger number.

The main hall provides a large, airy and flexible space that is suitable for a wide variety of uses. 

Its versatility enables it to be arranged in different configurations :

• set out in formally, with chairs, tables or desks, with a focal point for a presentation or lecture
• informally, with cushions or mats for more flexible use
• used as an open space, with the tools and equipment needed for a practical activity
• Equipped with display boards and tables as an exhibition space
• Divided into two or three distinct areas, due to its L-shape

The welcoming space lends itself beautifully to a variety of gatherings, such as a creative art, crafts or other hands-on practical workshop, an educational event or retreat, and as a space for groups to connect and recharge while exploring the local area. Inspiring ideas are shared here, connections are made and memories created.

Due to the quiet nature of this rural community, the use will need to be clearly agreed, well-organised and sensitive to the neighbourhood.