Swallows & Amazons
The Swallows & Amazons Multi-Activity Weekend is SO much fun, I just have to keep running it! If Nancy Blackett, Captain Flint, Wildcat Island and Kanchenjunga mean something to you, then this is the activity break for you! And even if you haven’t read Arthur Ransome’s books about the Swallows & Amazons, you are still certain to enjoy this multi-activity weekend.
Suitable for everyone from the young to the young-at-heart, this is a fun chance to explore SWALLOWS & AMAZONS country…
Sample Programme
Friday evening: arrive any time from 5.30pm and settle in, explore and make new friends. Hot buffet and quiz from 7.00pm. Children can make pennants to fly from their boats later in the weekend - either the blue & white pennant of the Swallows or Amazon’s Jolly Rodger.
Saturday: guided walks in Swallows & Amazons country during the day - perhaps Kanchenjunga itself for the very adventurous.
Saturday evening: a specially chartered evening cruise on Coniston Water - one of the lakes which Arthur Ransome based his stories on. We discover some of the places associated with the Swallows & Amazons stories, and children can learn new knot-tying skills. We sail to Wild Cat Island, find the Secret Harbour and look forward to landing there ourselves tomorrow.
Sunday: Canoe to Wild Cat Island in Canadian canoes (2 people per canoe). All instruction and safety equipment provided. Land on Wild Cat Island and eat our lunch where the Swallows camped. Weather-permitting, we will rig up a sail to return by wind power. Return to YHA for a mid - late afternoon departure.
Dates and prices
YHA Coniston Coppermines, SW Lake District
Booking status: bookings closed for August 2007 - contact us for future Swallows & Amazons dates
What's included:
- 2 nights accommodation in shared or family rooms.
- All meals if full board option chosen (packed lunches provided to allow maximum time exploring).
- Full activity programme including: introductory activities, guided walk in Swallows & Amazons country with qualified walk leaders, specially chartered evening cruise to locations connected to the Swallows & Amazons stories, and canoe trip & picnic on Wild Cat Island.
- All canoeing safety equipment and instruction provided.
- 20% Discount voucher for Swallows & Amazons books bought at Fred Holdsworth's bookstore in Ambleside
What's not included:
- Transport to and from YHA Coniston Coppermines.
- Meals if self catering option chosen.
- Alcohol - but the hostel is licensed.
- Cancellation insurance - it is recommended that you take out holiday insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to most questions can be found on our FAQ page along side press reviews of our weekend breaks.
Should you have more questions, don't hesitate to email Ann at or call 07875 276607
