Group Accommodation for Schools, Scouts, Sports Teams & More
Affordable, flexible group accommodation near Southampton & Portsmouth – less than 2 hours from London. Accessible accommodation with activities on a 95-acre riverside site.
- DBS-checked staff
- Risk-assessed activities
- On-site catering
- Accessible options
Welcome to YMCA Fairthorne Manor!
YMCA Fairthorne Manor is a much-loved group accommodation venue set in 95 acres of woodland and meadows on the River Hamble. We welcome school trips, scouts and guides, sports teams, faith retreats, universities, youth groups and more.
Combine comfortable accommodation with freshly prepared catering and activity programmes that build teamwork, resilience and confidence; all delivered by experienced, DBS-checked staff in a safe, supportive setting.
Who we cater for
Flexible group accommodation in Hampshire, near Southampton, Portsmouth & Winchester
Primary & Secondary Schools
Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers
Rainbows, Brownies, Guides & Rangers
Cadet Groups (Army, Sea & Air Cadets)
Youth Groups & Clubs
Sports Teams & Tours
University & Student Societies
Music & Performing Arts Groups
Church Camps & Faith Retreats
Outdoor Education & DofE
International Youth Travel
Charity & Volunteer Camps
Family & Multi-Family Groups
Special Interest (Art, Yoga, Photography)
Corporate & Team Away Days
Facilities, Accommodation & Catering
Choose from comfortable lodges and flexible camping “villages”, all close to activity areas, dining and social spaces. Our catering team keeps everyone fuelled with three freshly prepared meals a day.
Ben’s House
- Sleeps 72 people
- 3 Wheelchair accessible rooms
- 6 Leaders’ rooms (ensuite)
- Wi-Fi throughout
- On-site toilets
- On-site showers
Heald House
- Sleeps 72 people
- 4 Leaders’ rooms (ensuite & shared)
- Wi-Fi throughout
- On-site toilets
- On-site showers
Camping
- Sleeps up to 250 people
- Each tent ‘village’ has a communal marquee with lighting, chairs & a fridge
- Wi-Fi available in communal rooms
- Nearby toilets
- Nearby showers
Catering & Dining
We serve freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for groups of all ages staying on site, from schools and youth groups to universities, charities, faith groups, sports teams, families and corporate away days. Menus are balanced, hearty and great value for group stays in Hampshire (near Southampton & Portsmouth).
We cater for all dietary requirements and allergies; vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and medically required diets. Share details with our bookings team in advance and we’ll plan a safe, clearly-labelled service with you.
Rooms & Venues for your stay
Staying with a large group? Alongside your accommodation, you can book flexible indoor spaces for briefings, activities and evening programmes. Tap a card to see details.
Bluebell Room
Daffodil Room
Sports Hall
Main Marquee
We also have site activities
Optional instructor-led sessions on water, ropes and on-the-ground to complement your stay.
Whatschoolsare sayingaboutour residentialtrips
Thanks to everyone at Fairthorne. We had a great stay. The accommodation was perfect for our purpose and we appreciated how clean and tidy everything was. We also appreciated the food that was provided and the courteous welcome. Please pass our thanks on to the team.
Thank you! Springhill have had a brilliant week. Children had a great time, lots preferred camping! Thank you again for another super week. Special thanks to Henry and Sean who really looked after us, staff as well as children!
We have had an incredible time. A colleague who’d not been here before asked if it’s always this good - YES! The staff are all amazing and take care to learn the different children and their needs. The programme offers a great variety of activities and allows children of all abilities the opportunity to succeed and discover new skills.
Funded by the Baily Thomas Fund, Fairthorne Manor gave our Jubilee School pupils their first nights away in a safe, welcoming setting. Staff went above and beyond, easing anxieties and tailoring activities. We saw big gains in confidence, independence and behaviour; students didn’t want to leave.
Approx. travel times
- 2 hours from London
- 30 minutes from Portsmouth
- 1.5 hours from Reading
- 2 hours from Bristol
Transport & address
- Nearest train station: Botley
- Easy access from the M3 & M27
- Fairthorne Manor, YMCA, Southampton SO30 2GH