Canoeing on the river at YMCA Fairthorne Manor

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.

We cater to many different groups and accessibility types – see below.

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

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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
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Ben’s House

Heald House

  • Sleeps 72 people
  • 4 Leaders’ rooms (ensuite & shared)
  • Wi-Fi throughout
  • On-site toilets
  • On-site showers
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Heald House

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
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Camping at Fairthorne

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.

Vegetarian Vegan Halal Kosher Gluten-free Dairy-free Nut-free Allergies

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

Up to 100
Projector/DVD/Wi-Fi Seated rows Tables & chairs
Bluebell Room is a spacious venue that can accommodate up to 100 guests. It includes a projector with DVD player and Wi-Fi. Layouts can be set up as seated rows or with tables and chairs.

Daffodil Room

Up to 250 Kitchen/Servery
Projector/DVD/Wi-Fi Seated rows Tables & chairs
One of Fairthorne Manor’s largest spaces, Daffodil Room holds up to 250 guests and offers access to both the kitchen and servery. It’s ideal for large briefings, celebrations and community events. Projector/DVD/Wi-Fi included. Setups: seated rows or tables & chairs.

Sports Hall

Up to 650 +2 rooms / 30
Activities / games Discos & events Showers available
Perfect for indoor games, Nerf, discos and wet-weather plans. The Sports Hall accommodates up to 650 guests. Two upstairs rooms (combined capacity ~30) are available to hire for briefings or small group work. If you’re not staying in our accommodation, the sports hall provides a communal shower block.

Main Marquee

Up to 100 Garden outlook
Seated rows Tables & chairs
Our Main Marquee seats up to 100 with lovely views across the green and the manor — ideal for an inside-outside feel during the summer months. Layouts can be set as rows or with tables and chairs.

We also have site activities

Optional instructor-led sessions on water, ropes and on-the-ground to complement your stay.

Water Activities

Rope Activities

On the Ground Activities

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.

Maynard Girls School, Devon
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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!

Springhill Catholic Primary School, Southampton
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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.

Harefield Primary School, Southampton
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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.

Acorn Jubilee SEN School, Waterlooville
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Approx. travel times

  • 2 hours from London
  • 30 minutes from Portsmouth
  • 1.5 hours from Reading
  • 2 hours from Bristol

Transport & address

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