Organising a holiday for a group? Why not stay in a National Trust basecamp or bothy?

What are basecamps and bothies?

Basecamps are purpose-built or converted buildings, which provide simple self-catering accommodation for organised groups. They are all within easy reach of beautiful countryside or unspoilt coastlines, historic houses or landscape parks, and provide a functional base for a weekend, week or longer.

As well as basecamps, there are also a few ‘bothies’, which offer very basic accommodation, often in an isolated location.

Who are they suitable for?

Basecamps and bothies are primarily used by groups taking part in practical conservation work for the National Trust. Most also take bookings from self-administered organised groups, including colleges, businesses, youth, families, and special interest groups. A few will accept bookings from individuals.

Many basecamps cater for organised youth groups. Groups should be supervised by appropriately qualified and experienced leaders. Please contact the basecamp to ensure that your group’s needs can be accommodated.

Some basecamps can accommodate physically disabled visitors; please contact individual basecamps to discuss their suitability before booking.

What is provided?

Basecamps vary in size and are suitable for mixed parties. All have adequate cooking facilities, dormitories with bunk-beds, lounge area and modern sanitation. Most have fully-equipped kitchens, showers, electricity and heating. Many also have a separate leaders’ room, payphone, washing machine and adjacent parking. First aid and fire alert facilities are always provided.

Bothies have minimal facilities, although some form of water, light and sanitation is usually provided. Bothies are suitable if you like the idea of being miles from the nearest town, with no electricity or heating, sleeping platforms without mattresses, water from a hand-pump, gas lighting, and cooking on a Primus stove!

What to bring

You may need to bring some or all of the following: food and provisions, sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow and pillowcase, towel and wash-kit, cutlery or crockery. Groups working in outdoor conservation will also need old work clothes, waterproofs, sturdy footwear and gardening gloves. Contact individual basecamps and bothies to find out exactly what is provided as this will vary.

What will it cost?

Basecamps are free or available at reduced rates to voluntary groups undertaking conservation work at National Trust properties. These groups have priority for booking.

Charges for paying groups vary according to the standard of accommodation, the type of group, and the time of year. Most rates are based on full occupancy for seven nights. Some properties, however, may be prepared to offer reduced rates to smaller groups or a minimum nightly charge. For an exact price, please contact individual basecamps and bothies.

To find out more about individual basecamps or bothies, and for contact details, search our basecamps.

Members of the National Trust will get to experience something different when they are away. Join now and enjoy the savings too!