How many people can be accommodated?

The Centre can comfortably accommodate up to 40 pupils in bunk-beds and 4 adults in private single bedrooms, spread over 2 floors. All rooms have wash basins. Staff have a separate bathroom and WC’s. In summer months camping facilities are also available.

Are boys and girls in separate accommodation?

We usually split boys and girls between the 2 floors, each with their own separate shower rooms and WC’s. All rooms have washbasins. Teachers’ bedrooms are located adjacent to bunk rooms on each floor.

How do we get there?

We can organise your coach travel to and from London using a local firm, Ham’s Coaches. Cost is approx. £700 for the return journey. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to make your own arrangements, or explore other options which may be more economical for smaller groups (fewer than 24).

The coach will arrive early and be ready to pick the group up from school between 8-9am. If possible, please arrange to meet so you can leave before the usual school traffic arrives. The driver will assist in loading the coach. The journey to Kench Hill is approx. 2 hours, without a toilet stop.

For visitors using public transport, there are local buses from rail stations at Headcorn (#12/12RL) or Ashford International (#400/297) to Tenterden 1.5 miles away. Please contact us for details of the timetable. We may be able to organise a pick-up from Tenterden.

Taxis are also available from Headcorn station, £25 single journey - we advise pre-booking in advance. Tel MTC 01622 890003

Can non-school groups use the Centre?

Yes, although we give priority to Hackney schools. We particularly encourage other Hackney community groups and offer a discounted rate for residents and employees. Please contact us for availability at weekends and in holiday periods.

Do you have disabled access?

We now have ground floor sleeping accommodation within the main house to cater for up to 3 residents with limited mobility. Many activities and day trips are suitable for wheelchair users, but please contact us so we can organise the best programme to suit your requirements.

Do teachers have separate bedrooms?

Yes, staff are accommodated in comfortable single bedrooms with wash basins and their own bathroom on the 1st floor. There is also a separate staff room with TV, fridge etc on the ground floor.

Will we be sharing with other groups?

No, you will have exclusive use of the Centre during your visit, except on rare occasions when we may have meetings or training events during the day.

Can you cater for different dietary needs?

Yes, provided we have information sent to us in advance. We strive to provide a healthy balanced diet, using locally sourced or home grown supplies, but because of the small group sizes and budgetary constraints we cannot provide a choice of menu each day. Many of our meals are vegetarian. We do not use pork on our menu, but are currently unable to provide halal meat.

Can we visit the Centre before our trip?

Yes, we strongly recommend that group leaders who have not been to the Centre recently should arrange a preliminary visit to familiarise themselves and to discuss the most appropriate programme for your group.

Can we do adventurous outdoor activities eg abseiling, kayaking?

No, we do not offer these facilities on site. However, we can organise trips to local centres eg for sailing, climbing walls, archery etc for an additional cost.

Is the Centre secure?

Yes. We are in a quiet rural area, not over looked by any neighbours and away from roads. The Centre is locked at night to prevent access into the building.