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YHA Ilam Hall


Description

Whether you’re walking in Dovedale Valley or visiting top Peak District attractions, this huge Gothic manor is a spellbinding place to stay. Boasting sprawling grounds and plenty of outdoor space YHA Ilam Hall makes a fabulous base for schools and groups. There’s everything to keep you comfortable, with over half of our rooms ensuite, two lounges, a spacious dining room, a classroom, a fantastic games room, free W-Fi, and friendly social areas. The hostel accommodation can be split into 3 sections so each group can have their own key card entry, private corridor area on request.

We can provide a range of activities for school groups as part of our new Discovery package, which includes evening activities. Alternatively for groups planning on leading their own residential experience our activities can be added on to your stay as either a half or full day bolt on. We are also able to offer Geography focused activities, delivered by Education Rangers from the Peak District National Park, as a half or full day bolt on options. So, whether you want to challenge your students with orienteering, focus on team building activities, measure endurance on a hike up Thorpe Cloud, hunt for mini-beasts, learn more about the wonders of the Peak District or simply grab an ice cream and visit the famous Dovedale stepping stones, there’s a ton to do at YHA Ilam Hall.

For social and non-education groups, YHA Ilam Hall offers an enchanting location with stunning views, classic walks and easy access to cycling routes such as the Tissington or Manifold Trail. Our meeting room makes a great conference facility while our multi-purpose games room and lounge can be opened up to one large formal space, perfect for a range of events. Group catering is available for all groups and we also have a licensed bar and a range of hot drinks and snack, for an easy way to relax and unwind after a long day.


Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.6
53 reviews


Excellent
 
72%

Very Good
 
25%

Average
 
0%

Poor
 
4%

Awful
 
0%

(November 2024 - Primary School)




(September 2024 - Primary School)




(September 2024 - Primary School)




An excellent venue for a Year 5 or 6 class. Lots of relevant activities for them to get engaged with. (July 2024)




Beautiful grounds, accommodation basic. Some questionable allocation of dorms, splitting our school group. (July 2024 - Primary School)




Simple pleasures, which are provided largely by the beautiful grounds and setting. (July 2024 - Primary School)




(June 2024 - Primary School)




(June 2024 - Secondary School)




(May 2024 - Primary School)




Excellent accommodation. All staff were helpful and assisted where needed. (February 2024 - Secondary School)




(November 2023 - Primary School)




(September 2023)




(July 2023 - Primary School)




A great trip. Well organised (July 2023 - Primary School)




Wonderful venue, perfect entry level residential centre that has a nature and wildlife focus. Super friendly staff. (May 2023 - Primary School)




(May 2023)




Good venue (May 2023 - Secondary School)




A fabulous residential location (February 2023)




(December 2022 - Primary School)




(October 2022 - Secondary School)




(October 2022 - Secondary School)




(October 2022 - Primary School)




(September 2022 - Primary School)




(September 2022 - Primary School)




(July 2022 - Primary School)




(May 2022 - Primary School)




Unfortunately it seemed that Ilam Hall was experiencing some staffing issues and there wasn't anyone to welcome us when we arrived. We were then left waiting around for quite some time for an activity to begin. This was not what was previously experienced and it was disappointing. (May 2022 - Primary School)




Lovely setting but let down by lack of coverage for mobile phones - there should be a signal or, alternatively, a separate room for school trip leads to make phone calls about students in privacy rather than in the main reception. (December 2021 - Secondary School)




(November 2021 - Primary School)




Polite staff who let you look at the venue on a pre visit. Main issue is booking as you don't contact the venue you contact a central booking hub. They don't allow use of the classroom if the hall has a residential in, even if the residential aren't using the room. So you need to book well in advance to see if the room is available for when you want to go. (October 2021 - Primary School)




Great venue - fantastic facilities, supportive and great staff. (October 2021 - Secondary School)




Great venue - fantastic facilities, supportive and great staff. (October 2021 - Secondary School)




An excellent venue for our trip - very supportive, great facilities and great staff. (October 2021 - Secondary School)




Food service was poor. (September 2021 - Secondary School)




Food service was poor (September 2021 - Secondary School)




Outstanding venue, ideal for our needs. (February 2020 - Secondary School)




Outstanding as a venue - ideal for our needs and purposes. (February 2020 - Secondary School)




(February 2020 - Primary School)




Fantastic venue. We love taking our groups here. (January 2020 - Secondary School)




Excellent over-night stop (October 2019 - Secondary School)




Very clean facilities in a beautiful location (October 2019 - Secondary School)




(October 2019 - Primary School)




(July 2019 - Secondary School)




(June 2019 - Primary School)




(May 2019 - Primary School)




Great hostel - always understanding and helpful with our school. (April 2019 - Secondary School)




(February 2019 - Secondary School)




(November 2018 - Primary School)




(October 2018 - Secondary School)




A few teething issues this year with information we had sent prior to arrival (eg roomings, dietary requirements), however, this was sorted quickly. Issues with mystery smells in bedrooms of both staff and students and a ladybird swarm in one bedroom. (October 2018 - Secondary School)




The children all had a wonderful two days full of rich and varied musical and outdoor learning activities and opportunities. (September 2018 - Primary School)




Excellent facilities and on-hand staff (May 2018 - Primary School)




(May 2018 - Primary School)




Description

Whether you’re walking in Dovedale Valley or visiting top Peak District attractions, this huge Gothic manor is a spellbinding place to stay. Boasting sprawling grounds and plenty of outdoor space YHA Ilam Hall makes a fabulous base for schools and groups. There’s everything to keep you comfortable, with over half of our rooms ensuite, two lounges, a spacious dining room, a classroom, a fantastic games room, free W-Fi, and friendly social areas. The hostel accommodation can be split into 3 sections so each group can have their own key card entry, private corridor area on request.

We can provide a range of activities for school groups as part of our new Discovery package, which includes evening activities. Alternatively for groups planning on leading their own residential experience our activities can be added on to your stay as either a half or full day bolt on. We are also able to offer Geography focused activities, delivered by Education Rangers from the Peak District National Park, as a half or full day bolt on options. So, whether you want to challenge your students with orienteering, focus on team building activities, measure endurance on a hike up Thorpe Cloud, hunt for mini-beasts, learn more about the wonders of the Peak District or simply grab an ice cream and visit the famous Dovedale stepping stones, there’s a ton to do at YHA Ilam Hall.

For social and non-education groups, YHA Ilam Hall offers an enchanting location with stunning views, classic walks and easy access to cycling routes such as the Tissington or Manifold Trail. Our meeting room makes a great conference facility while our multi-purpose games room and lounge can be opened up to one large formal space, perfect for a range of events. Group catering is available for all groups and we also have a licensed bar and a range of hot drinks and snack, for an easy way to relax and unwind after a long day.

Opening Times

Reception times: 07.00 - 23.00

Check in: 17.00 - 22.00
Check out: Before 10.00

Contact

YHA Ilam Hall
Ilam
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 2AZ
LOtC

Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.6
53 reviews


Excellent
 
72%

Very Good
 
25%

Average
 
0%

Poor
 
4%

Awful
 
0%

November 2024 - Primary School




September 2024 - Primary School




September 2024 - Primary School




July 2024
An excellent venue for a Year 5 or 6 class. Lots of relevant activities for them to get engaged with.



July 2024 - Primary School
Beautiful grounds, accommodation basic. Some questionable allocation of dorms, splitting our school group.



July 2024 - Primary School
Simple pleasures, which are provided largely by the beautiful grounds and setting.



June 2024 - Primary School




June 2024 - Secondary School




May 2024 - Primary School




February 2024 - Secondary School
Excellent accommodation. All staff were helpful and assisted where needed.



November 2023 - Primary School




September 2023




July 2023 - Primary School




July 2023 - Primary School
A great trip. Well organised



May 2023 - Primary School
Wonderful venue, perfect entry level residential centre that has a nature and wildlife focus. Super friendly staff.



May 2023




May 2023 - Secondary School
Good venue



February 2023
A fabulous residential location



December 2022 - Primary School




October 2022 - Secondary School




October 2022 - Secondary School




October 2022 - Primary School




September 2022 - Primary School




September 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School




May 2022 - Primary School




May 2022 - Primary School
Unfortunately it seemed that Ilam Hall was experiencing some staffing issues and there wasn't anyone to welcome us when we arrived. We were then left waiting around for quite some time for an activity to begin. This was not what was previously experienced and it was disappointing.



December 2021 - Secondary School
Lovely setting but let down by lack of coverage for mobile phones - there should be a signal or, alternatively, a separate room for school trip leads to make phone calls about students in privacy rather than in the main reception.



November 2021 - Primary School




October 2021 - Primary School
Polite staff who let you look at the venue on a pre visit. Main issue is booking as you don't contact the venue you contact a central booking hub. They don't allow use of the classroom if the hall has a residential in, even if the residential aren't using the room. So you need to book well in advance to see if the room is available for when you want to go.



October 2021 - Secondary School
Great venue - fantastic facilities, supportive and great staff.



October 2021 - Secondary School
Great venue - fantastic facilities, supportive and great staff.



October 2021 - Secondary School
An excellent venue for our trip - very supportive, great facilities and great staff.



September 2021 - Secondary School
Food service was poor.



September 2021 - Secondary School
Food service was poor



February 2020 - Secondary School
Outstanding venue, ideal for our needs.



February 2020 - Secondary School
Outstanding as a venue - ideal for our needs and purposes.



February 2020 - Primary School




January 2020 - Secondary School
Fantastic venue. We love taking our groups here.



October 2019 - Secondary School
Excellent over-night stop



October 2019 - Secondary School
Very clean facilities in a beautiful location



October 2019 - Primary School




July 2019 - Secondary School




June 2019 - Primary School




May 2019 - Primary School




April 2019 - Secondary School
Great hostel - always understanding and helpful with our school.



February 2019 - Secondary School




November 2018 - Primary School




October 2018 - Secondary School




October 2018 - Secondary School
A few teething issues this year with information we had sent prior to arrival (eg roomings, dietary requirements), however, this was sorted quickly. Issues with mystery smells in bedrooms of both staff and students and a ladybird swarm in one bedroom.



September 2018 - Primary School
The children all had a wonderful two days full of rich and varied musical and outdoor learning activities and opportunities.



May 2018 - Primary School
Excellent facilities and on-hand staff



May 2018 - Primary School