Sometimes a private experience is the best way to get the most out of a Lake District adventure: exclusively you and your friends (or family, or colleagues). You can choose exactly what you do and how you do it, there's a dedicated instructor all to yourself, and you can go at your own pace, whether that's slow and steady or at turbo speed.
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Who a Private Adventure Works Well For
Stag & Hen Groups
Group Vibe - Flexible Experience
Bring your own personal group energy to your adventure without awkward strangers trying to worm their way in. For stag and hen groups, this day or weekend is a special kind of adventure where friends and close family gather together to celebrate one person. That's a lot of pressure, and you don't want the vibe thrown off because the group is diluted by people you don't know.
If you're organising a stag or hen party, then you'll want to make it exactly right. A private adventure gives you the opportunity to mix-and-match adventure activities, add some competition into the mix, and spend the whole day together having a laugh. Read an example itinerary.
Families
Relaxed Atmosphere - Dedicated Instructor Attention
A private Lake District adventure can be a Godsend for parents because they know the pace will be right for their kids. There's no pressure to keep up with a larger group, and kids can feel comfortable going at a pace that makes it fun for them.
Here at Keswick Adventures, we see lots of kids who are a bit nervous about sliding down a river chute or falling off their kayaks. While we're full of encouragement and care for them at all times, a private group means they can have that bit more attention so they can feel extra special and cared for. It helps you, the parents, relax and enjoy yourself too, because you've less to worry about. Read an example itinerary.
Corporate Teams
Custom Agenda - Professional Delivery
Whether your corporate group is raring to go or a little reluctant, an exclusive adventure day is a top notch way of building team cohesion and developing leadership. We'll build your corporate away day from scratch, picking the best activities for your goals and mixing outdoor adventures with indoor activities.
Whether you want to get your team problem solving, communicating better, or breaking the ice, a private team building day out in the Lake District is bound to do the trick. Read an example itinerary.
Couples and Small Groups
Example Private Adventure Itineraries
Stag or Hen Adventure Day
Morning: Canyoning
Lunch in Keswick
Afternoon: Axe throwing and archery
Everyone's all together and raring to go for a full day of adventuring. You all arrive at our Keswick HQ where you can grab a morning coffee to wake you up. Then you'll be given your kit and can get changed in our indoor changing rooms. Now's the time to pop on any fancy dress on top of your wetsuits!
We'll then pile onto the minibus and head into the beautiful Newlands Valley to start a canyoning adventure. It's a short walk to the top of the canyon: don't forget to admire the amazing mountain views and then cool off as we plunge into the river. There'll be waterfalls to jump off, cliffs to abseil down, and gorges to zip wire over. We'll throw in some surprises for the groom-to-be too.
Then it's back to Keswick for lunch. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, but make sure you opt for something hearty to fuel up after an active morning.
In the afternoon, we'll set up for axe throwing and archery. If it's cold or wet, we'll be indoors at HQ, but if the weather's good, we might set up in the grounds of your accommodation to make the most of the sunshine. Split into teams or challenge each other individually to add some competition to the day.
Scores tallied, and the winner crowned, it's time to wind down. We might enjoy some beers or Prosecco before wrapping up, and you can head into Keswick to explore the pubs and bars of the town, or head back to your accommodation for a chilled evening.
Family Adventure Day
Morning: Ghyll scrambling
Lunch in Keswick
Afternoon: Paddle boarding on Derwentwater
Start your day at our HQ in Keswick. It's an easy walk from the centre of town, and there's a spacious car park just down the hill if you're driving in from further afield. At our HQ, you can enjoy a tea, coffee, or juice at our bar before kitting up. We only use the best quality kit so everyone will be warm and protected, plus we've got indoor changing facilities so you don't need to worry about dressing kids in the middle of a public car park.
Hop into the bus and we'll be off for a short drive to the Newlands Valley. We'll stop near the river and take a short walk up to our starting point (it's a gentle incline - suitable for even little legs). Have a good splash in the first pool to get used to the water temperature, and then the adventure really starts. We'll wade through the water, splash into pools, and slide down the smooth rock. There's no rush, so everyone can take their time they need: sometimes kids (and adults, too) need an extra moment before they take the plunge!
At the bottom of the ghyll, everyone will be full of smiles as we hop back into the bus and head back to HQ to dry off and get changed. Wander into Keswick to grab some lunch: there are plenty of sit-in and take-out options available.
Once you've had your fill - and we know you'll be ravenous - meet us back at HQ to get back into your kit again (newly washed and dried, no need to squeeze back into wet kit). Then it's back onto the bus as we drive down to Derwentwater. At the lake, your dedicated instructor will give you some tips and pointers, and then we'll launch onto the water and practice keeping our balance before touring the lake. We'll adapt the afternoon to your family's needs so that nobody feels rushed or gets left behind.
To wrap it all off we might enjoy a jump from a bridge and a few games on the water before heading back to HQ and drying off.
Corporate Team Day
Lunch in Keswick
Afternoon: Raft building and archery
Couple's Adventure
Optional picnic stop
Sunset paddle
Start your morning with a cup of tea or coffee at the bar at our HQ while we get your kit together and measure you up for wetsuits. We'll introduce you to your packraft and show you how to inflate it and pack it away into a handy rucksack. Then we'll hop into one of our mini buses and take you to the start point.
We might start along the River Derwent, paddling through the stunning valley of Borrowdale with high mountains rising above us on both sides. Once we've reached a good point, we'll disembark from the boats, pack up, and head on foot up Great Gable fell to overlook the Wadale Valley. This is a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and, if you're looking to ask a special question, we'll make ourselves temporarily scarce and leave you to your privacy.
Once lunch is eaten, we'll be ready for the downward hike into the quiet valley of Wasdale where we'll unpack our packrafts again and start the paddle along Wastwater, next to its famous screes. If we time it just right, a famous West Cumbrian sunset will be glowing ahead of us as the sun dips beneath the horizon.
Once we've disembarked at the far end of the lake, tired but happy, our minibus will be waiting to pick us up and take us back to Keswick. Feel free to take a nap on the journey home!
The Keswick Adventures Difference
With over 10 years of running thousands of adventure experiences, we know a thing or two about what makes an adventure memorable. Our private adventure experiences don't just come with exclusivity, they come with all this too:
Warm premium kit
- Two-piece Seland wetsuits
- Neoprene accessories
- Canyoning boots
Indoor changing facilities
- Unlike many outdoor activity providers, your adventure starts in comfort at our Keswick HQ with proper indoor changing facilities—not in a cold car park.
Transport included
- Minibus transfers
- Easy logistics
- Less hassle
- Better group experience
Experienced instructors
- Highly experienced team
- Friendly approach
- Safety-focused
- Great with nervous first-timers
FAQs
What's the minimum group size for private sessions?
We can offer private sessions with as little as 2 people, to much larger groups.
Are private sessions suitable for beginners?
Yes, our private adventures are completely tailored to your group. You don't need any experience and we'll adapt everything we do to suit your needs.
What if the weather is bad?
Lots of our outdoor activities, particularly canyoning and ghyll scrambling, are at their best in the rain, because the ghyll is full. But if the weather is bad enough to make outdoor activities unsafe, we've got a great range of indoor adventures to experience instead. You won't be left wanting.
What should we wear?
Wear comfortable clothes and lace-up shoes. If you're doing a water-based activity, bring a swimming costume and shoes that you're happy to get wet.
Is transport included?
Yes, transport is available for all activities from our HQ in Keswick.
Can we combine multiple activities?
Of course! One of the benefits of a private experience is that you can mix-and-match activities. Browse our available adventures.
Do you provide all kit?
Can children join private adventures
Yes. The age-range of our activities vary, but we have options available for children as young as 7-years-old.
Exclusive Adventure Experiences in the Lake District
Whether you're planning a stag weekend, family adventure, corporate away day or simply want a premium Lake District experience without the crowds, Keswick Adventures can build a private day that's completely tailored to your group.