Our Meadow Camping is set within open meadow space, providing an ideal location for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award groups, Scout groups, Cadets and youth organisations. It’s a popular choice for expedition practice, qualifying expeditions and youth group residentials.

Ideal for

  • Duke of Edinburgh’s Award groups
  • Youth organisations and clubs
  • Expedition training and assessment groups
  • Groups wanting a self‑managed camping experience

Not suitable for

  • Individual families or couples
  • Groups looking for pre‑pitched or serviced accommodation
  • Groups looking for a commercial camping experience
Meadow camping area

Designed with DofE groups in mind

Meadow Camping works particularly well for DofE groups because it supports the key requirements of expedition training and assessment.

  • Space to pitch tents in group layouts
  • Suitable areas for campcraft and cooking
  • Flexibility for practice and qualifying expeditions
  • Clear boundaries within a managed site
  • Access to facilities while maintaining independence

Please Note: All groups must be accompanied by an adult supervisor at all times. Supervising adults of Duke of Edinburgh groups are free of charge (1 adult per ~6 participants) and we have plenty of space so they can camp separately to their group.

Access to and use of the wider centre facilities is not included and Meadow Camping groups are expected to be offsite for most of the day exploring the area. If you are looking to use other facilities at the centre please contact us prior to booking to discuss.

Duke of Edinburgh groups typically arrive on site after 3pm and depart by 10am.

What you’ll need to bring

Meadow Camping is a bring‑your‑own‑equipment option.
Groups are responsible for:

  • Tents and sleeping equipment
  • Cooking and washing up equipment and food
  • Camp management and supervision

This makes it ideal for groups who want young people to develop independence, responsibility and practical outdoor skills.

What to expect

  • Open meadow space shared with other groups at busy times
  • Access to toilet and shower cubicles
  • Access to outside pot washing sinks
  • Parking (no vehicles allowed on the camping areas)
  • A practical environment focussed on outdoor learning
  • A supportive atmosphere rather than a holiday campsite feel

If you’re looking for a more comfortable, ready‑made option for a group stay, our Bell Tent Village may be a better fit.

Practical information

  • Group bookings only
  • Advance booking required
  • Suitable for a range of group sizes
  • Available across much of the year, subject to demand

If you’re planning a DofE visit and aren’t sure whether Meadow Camping is suitable for your programme, we’re happy to advise.

Availability

We plan to have the facilities available from April – October inclusive to support up to 80 campers at any one time.

Small groups may share a field whereas larger groups may be able to book sole use of their own area.

Please note that no dogs are allowed on site (except for trained, registered assistance dogs – please let us know at the time of booking if you need to bring an assistance dog).

Please contact us for availability and to book.

Prices

  • £10 (inc VAT) per person per night
  • 1 free adult per ~6 participants

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Thornbridge Outdoors - adventure learning centre
Thornbridge Outdoors - adventure learning centre7 days ago
Well done to the Mountain Training Lowland Leader trainees this weekend. They made the most of the good weather, beautiful trails and plentiful wildlife to be a big step closer to being ready for assessment.
Thornbridge Outdoors - adventure learning centre
Thornbridge Outdoors - adventure learning centre3 weeks ago
This volunteers' week we thank all those who kindly give their time to help support the centre and what we do - including:

The trustees of the Friends of Thornbridge Outdoors who fundraise and give grants to enhance what we offer and reduce barrier to participation. Watch this space and keep 3 October free for their new fundraising challenge walk/run.

The teams from Rab who have kindly used their volunteering days to improve the grounds for our guests.

All of the Peak District Volunteers who help to keep the wonderful wider Peak District fantastic for all visitors and residents.