About us

Useful information about Derwent Hill

Information about Derwent Hill including how to get here and FAQs for those organising events or taking part in them.

Who we are

Derwent Hill is owned and operated by Sunderland City Council in a fantastic setting in the English Lake District – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was one of the first local authority outdoor education centres in England and has been in operation since 1962.   The centre has grown since then and we now provide a wide range of services, but our core purpose is still the same: to provide high quality residential outdoor education for the children and young people of Sunderland, which includes some of the most deprived areas in the country.

The income we generate from other work is used to keep down the costs of courses for schools and youth groups.  We operate year-round and employ about 30 staff.

The Friends of Derwent Hill aim to support children and young people and to provide access to outdoor education opportunities. They raise money to enhance the resources of Derwent Hill and help increase access to activities, particularly by disadvantaged children and young people. The Friends also foster links between Derwent Hill, schools and the wider community to provide more educational opportunities.

 What we offer

Read about our philosophy

Contact us for further information

Sign up to our Newsletters and E-Bulletins

Useful links