Testimonials from our guests
Here are actual comments written by guests after being at Bassenfell for a holiday or course.
Mountain Leader course comments
Multi activity holiday for young adults - Camp+ comments
SMASH - Senior Multi Activity Super Holiday comments
River kayak and canoe holiday comments
Mountain Leader courses
ML Training
“Different styles of instructors complement each other”
“The facilities and quality of instruction were excellent”
“I feel the course has really grounded me to build up over the next months. Thankyou”
“Lots of different terrain, well thought out routes. Excellent micro/night navigation sites”
“Excellent tuition of different skills. Excellent food.”
“I have improved my personal performance highly”
ML Refresher
“Big improvement in personal performance but also more aware of weaknesses. Constantly encouraging but not passing over issues.”
“Excellent value for money”
“The course was very well thought out in terms of my learning needs. The quality of instruction was excellent”
“common sense tips – particularly navigation”
“First aid scenarios whilst on the fells are a very good idea. It gives the mock incident a more “real” feel than you get in a classroom situation.”
“ongoing challenge throughout the whole weekend. I never felt that I was able to “bimble” at any time, which was great.”
“Excellent variety of terrain”
“Very welcoming, friendly and comfortable. Really liked the thoughts for the day each morning”
“great food – never hungry”
“I felt that we were put at ease from the moment the week started. Constant feedback and comments throughout the week were really encouraging. I feel that I have come away from this week, having learnt loads about myself and working with others. Good style of assessment.”
“He used assessment as an opportunity to further train us whilst not compromising his duty to come to an expert opinion of our abilities.”
“An excellent course, well paced and very participative.” I previously did a REC2 course 3 years ago and the content of this course was much better. I feel much more prepared and confident to practice my first aid in the real world” Amanda Allen
“Great course, very well presented. Thanks!” Bob Burnell
“The most appropriate / best first aid course I have done for outdoor activities” Chris Parks
“Fantastic trainer, made it fun, thank you” Gillian Hewitt
“I found this course really useful and enjoyable and I do now feel confident in approaching first aid situations! Thank you very much for such an informative two days!”
“An awesome course. Thank you!” Helen Blackburn
“This is the first first aid course I have been on where the subject matter was brought to life” Jon Price
Camp+ Young adults multi activity holiday
“Good range of outdoor activities. Liked how we got to ‘rate’ our activities, not just sign up”
“Good leadership, great standard of instruction”
“Brilliant week – Thanks to all!”
“Really enjoyed being able to have more choice in what activities we do”
“Very warm and friendly welcome”
“Bedrooms clean, good standard, ideal for the kids (size, ensuite)”
“Lovely homemade food. Puddings were fab”
“although all children not of Christian belief the message was well communicated and interesting”
“overall resources have been great and well organised”
“Excellent variety of activities”
SMASH - Senior Multi Activity Super Holiday - SMASH
“Really pleased to have had opportunity of activities thought to have passed us by”
“Excellent instruction and guidance, good naturedly!”
“No previous skills needed. No pressure, very relaxed. Lots of fun”
“Gave the opportunity to try completely new activities and to do something you wouldn’t be able to do on your own. Andy’s expertise gave complete confidence and he made each activity fun while giving a sense of achievement.”
“Amazing sense of achievement”
“Excellent value for money”
“Activities are optional and geared to the ability of the group”
“Great fun; do as much or as little as one wants; good variety with encouraging and patient instructors; one is never too old to try something new.”
“You’ll only know how good it is if you try it for yourself”
“Excellent week”
“Nice balance and varied courses used”
“Excellent for a beginner – good players were able to advise”
“The right balance of fun and competitions”
“Bettered my expectations”
“Variety of fell, parkland, links and valley courses was brilliant and demanding”
“Really nice friendly and relaxed atmosphere at the centre”
“Good range of places to visit, and lots of ideas and inspiration for other places to go for future trips”
“I felt I really learnt from the week and have more confidence about setting out on the sea – as well as being more aware of potential dangers and how to plan for them.”
“Good balance between practical and theory”
“Excellent input, you both really made the holiday. The care you took to make sure we got the most out of the holiday was brilliant”
“It was great, many thanks to Andy and Mike and everyone at the Manor. When can we go on a camping expedition!?”
“Wonderful week! Thanks”
“Excellent coaching”
“Instructors very good – always encouraging”
Course organisation: “excellent at being flexible, always kept that relaxed atmosphere, so important”
“I learnt more in 20 minutes with Stu than I had in previous year”
“Sensible level of risk awareness/management. I felt safe throughout. Everything was clear”
“Delicious and plentiful meals”
“Excellent – all the coaches were friendly and encouraging. They helped me to develop my confidence and learn new skills beyond what I thought I was capable of.”
“It’s difficult to think what could be improved – all round phenomenal value and wonderful week”
“This week far exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Even though the weather was cold, gray and gloomy, the atmosphere within Bassenfell was cheerful, cozy and warm. You all went the extra mile to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable, and the personal touch was very much appreciated. I especially enjoyed the informal and relaxed environment, and felt as though I was a guest in the magnificent home of good friends. Walking around in my slippers, having the ability to make my own drinks and snacks, and chatting with the staff all made me feel right at home.
You have a fantastic facility with incredibly stunning views. I can only imagine the bliss of sitting in the conservatory or patio on a warm summer day and gazing out over the lake. You are conveniently situated between Cockermouth with a supermarket, and Keswick with it's lovely shops and cafes. The individual rooms are clean and attractive with good storage and the public rooms are very well presented and a great place to chill out .
Its just been such good fun. It's been ages since I've laughed as hard as I did at the ceiladh. And there were plenty of options to keep the kids happy. Good wholesome activities and simple pleasures made every day a happy one. I'm already mentally planning my next trip back to Bassenfell!”
“All activities were really well organised. Huge variety of activities. Leaders and their families are very personable + engaged + fun.”
“Thankyou for making it such an enjoyable and easy week”
