Raymond Priestley Centre
The University of Birmingham's award winning outdoor education centre
Based on the shores of Coniston Water in the Lake District.
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.
Our ethos
Outstanding learning opportunities to learn new skills that can be transferred to learning and work environments.
A positive learning environment where courses are tailored to meet the needs of each group.
Our location in the Lake District enables us to provide learning experiences in new and unfamiliar environments.
Bespoke outdoor education
Learn more about what we offerThe 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.
We also welcome University of Birmingham staff members and alumni to the centre, whether 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
Our academic programmes are tailored to students, weaving key learning objectives into adventurous activities.
The centre delivers high quality outdoor education, through adventurous programmes and experiences in an inspiring environment.
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.
Build experiences that last a lifetime
Take a look here at some activities that we can provide and what you can expect.
Plan your visit
What our visitors say
The journey is unforgettable. All the teachers are kind and friendly. Making connections with school fellows in such interesting activities is the best thing.
More than 70 years of outdoor education
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.
Contact us
Our location
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 Birmingham,
Torver,
Coniston,
Cumbria,
LA21 8AX
Contact details
Contact details
Phone: 01539 441364
Email:
Jonathan Barton – Administrator: j.barton@bham.ac.uk
Deb Cook – Head of Centre: d.cook.1@bham.ac.uk
