The Sill is the UK’s National Landscape Discovery Centre in Northumberland National Park, and is an innovative partnership between Northumberland National Park and YHA England and Wales.

It features exhibitions, indoor and outdoor learning spaces, a local food café, a world-class Youth Hostel, and a shop specialising in local crafts.

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The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre

The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre is your gateway to Northumberland National Park, featuring an extensive education programme with indoor and outdoor learning spaces, permanent and temporary exhibitions, its Once Brewed café, a world-class Youth Hostel, fully accessible Whin Sill grassland roof and a shop with an array of items made by local producers.

Located along Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Sill brings the landscape of Northumberland, along with its unique and special qualities, to life; its rich history, diverse species of flora and fauna, and great geographical features provide a unique environment for learning outside the classroom, in which can be facilitated through authentic, practical experiences, including the opportunity for individuals to direct their own learning.

The Park’s experienced learning staff and subject specialists can be booked to run sessions in schools, virtually, on sites across the National Park such as Walltown Country Park, and in the excellent teaching facilities within The Sill. Explore the offers for different age groups here, with subjects including science, history, geography, art, and literacy, or contact the team to discuss the possibility of designing something bespoke for your students via learning@nnpa.org.uk.

The Sill is also home to the 86-bed YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall, adjoining the visitor centre making it the perfect place for school trips to stay over. The location offers innovative spaces designed to support outdoor learning, engagement with natural sciences, and exploration of arts and culture. The hostel is fitted with everything you can expect from YHA including comfortable social spaces, free Wi-Fi, cycle store, drying room, self-catering kitchen, 4 bedded en-suite rooms, a scrumptious full meals service, and meeting rooms with modern facilities.

Contact the Educational Visits UK team to help plan your next school trip.