YMCA Winchester House, in Shanklin, is a great base from which to explore the Isle of Wight. With sweeping cliff top views across Hope Bay, open all year with easy access to many island attractions and great transport links, it’s the ideal setting for your group.

For over 10 years, we have been providing thousands of children and young people with a warm welcome, fantastic customer service and a memorable experience they will never forget.  The setting can accommodate over 100 people across three separate wings making us a unique choice for all types of groups; from schools and language groups, to sporting parties and well being retreats.

Accommodation

Three wings in Winchester House can accommodate groups of 6 guests in comfortable single, twin and bunk-bedded rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Separate leaders’ rooms provide privacy, some of which are en-suite. Our two largest wings have comfortable private lounges with other meeting rooms, and a large chapel ideal for performance space, available for hire.

The secure accommodation is located on the first floor of the House, with the ground floor containing a children’s day nursery, function rooms and YMCA offices.

Catering

All food is freshly prepared on site by our dedicated catering team, with the ability to cater for all dietary requirements.  We offer tasty, nutritious meals which are served in our large dining hall.

Full board rates include the first meal as dinner on the arrival day, with the last meal being breakfast on departure day. Further meals, such as lunch on departure day, can be included at an additional cost.

Half board rates include the first meal as dinner on day of arrival and last meal as breakfast on departure day. Lunches are not included on this rate.

On-site Activities

Groups can take part in our self led, on-site activities to supplement their trip, making the most of our grounds and clifftop location. From beach visits and Giant Connect 4, to parachute games and circle skills.

Alternatively, Residential Groups* are entitled to two free evening activities, which can include wide games, disco or movie night.  (*restrictions apply).

Add water sport options with Wight Water Adventure Sports from just £32pp for half a day of activities including paddle boarding and kayaking.

Contact our house team directly on 01983 862441 to discuss your requirements and for information on what’s available. 

Island attractions

Comprising 147 square miles, there is a host of attractions to interest all visitors, from picturesque villages and beautiful rolling countryside, to superb beaches and spectacular views.

From beaches to botanical gardens, Roman remains to dinosaurs, a Royal Palace to a scholar’s inspiration, there is a wide selection of educational and leisure attractions to suit any theme.

For adventure types, there are stunning cycle routes, miles of footpaths and over 100km of beautiful coastline and some great water-based activities.

Travel

There are plenty of ways to reach Winchester House:

• On foot – a 20 minute walk from Shanklin and Sandown with direct steps leading down to the beach.
• Bus – on the main island Southern Vectis bus circuit.
• Train – Lake train station is just a 15 minute walk; the island train line from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin stops at Lake twice every hour. Mainland train tickets can include a Fast Cat from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head and island train travel. For more information visit South West Trains.
• Road – bring your vehicle with Wightlink (Lymington to Yarmouth and Portsmouth to Fishbourne; foot passenger service from Portsmouth to Ryde), Red Funnel (vehicle ferry from Southampton to East Cowes and foot passenger service from Southampton to Cowes) and Hovertravel (foot passenger service from Southsea to Ryde).

YMCA guests receive discounts on car and coach travel on vehicle ferry crossings with Wightlink and Red Funnel. Please ask us for more details.

Prices & Booking

Our affordable prices mean that a stay with us is within reach for all groups. As a community charity, we endeavour to keep our prices affordable and competitive to ensure as many groups can access our services as possible.  Any surpluses generated are reinvested to help deliver our wide variety of services for children, young people and families across the south.

All prices include accommodation, half or full board, and full bed linen.

Adult rates listed in our group prices are for adults accompanying child or youth groups; for adult only groups, please contact us.

Booking your group’s stay is simple and we’ll be available to help you every step of the way. Contact  our friendly sales team on 01489 785228 or info@ymca-fg.org to discuss your requirements and check availability.  To talk to our house team directly, call 01983 862441.