Go Beyond Countryside Retreat 2025

Oliver’s Travels’ partnership with Go Beyond began in 2016, and since then, we’ve donated 1% of our profit for every booking to support their inspiring work. Go Beyond helps children from difficult and disadvantaged backgrounds experience fun week-long holidays at their two UK centres in Derbyshire and Cornwall, offering them time to play, relax, and step away from everyday pressures. Every year, we’re grateful to be invited to visit these retreats, see the impact first-hand, meet the brilliant staff and volunteers, and join in the activities with the children staying there.

In 2022 and 2024, members of the Oliver’s Travels team visited the Derbyshire retreat, while in 2023, a group headed to the seaside centre in Cornwall. Then, in August 2025, we returned to Derbyshire once more for another heartwarming day of fun and games!

Set among the rolling hills of the Peak District, Go Beyond’s Derbyshire centre stretches across a former farm, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. When we arrived, one of the volunteers, Lotte, met us at the station and drove us from Derby to the centre. On the way, she shared that the children staying that week were all young carers, who carry the huge responsibility of looking after a family member. For them, time at Go Beyond isn’t just a getaway; it’s a precious chance to rest, recharge, and simply be children again.

Lotte kindly gave us a tour of the centre, sharing stories of the incredible work Go Beyond has been doing for more than 30 years and answering all our questions along the way. Together with its sister site in Cornwall, the charity aims to support 1,000 children every year. We were especially moved to learn that some of the children who had previously stayed at the centre have since returned as adult volunteers. On arrival, we also met Vanessa, Go Beyond’s Business Development Manager, who came prepared with her trusty digital camera to capture the wonderful action shots showcased throughout this article.

The centre itself is a real sanctuary for the children. The main barn has been transformed into a series of fun activity zones: a dedicated arts and crafts area, an indoor sports hall, two large trampolines, and a games space complete with table football, giant Connect Four, and table tennis. The sleeping quarters were cosy and well-maintained, with four beds in each, tidy bathrooms, and a great selection of classic children’s books and toys. Outside, a campfire-style covered firepit provides a cosy space for the children to end their days by reflecting on their favourite activities and toasting marshmallows.

When we arrived, the children were just returning from a morning spent hiking outdoors; they were ready for a well-earned sit down, and we joined them at the communal tables for a hearty and warming lunch of toad-in-the-hole and mash. During lunch, we had the chance to chat with the children about their time at Go Beyond, their favourite parts of the week so far, what they were most looking forward to, and stories from home and school. There was a sense of excitement and positivity among the children; it was clear how much they were all enjoying their time at the centre.

After lunch, it was time for the games to begin! Go Beyond had organised a sports day, consisting of different games of dodgeball, each with various rules and set-ups. We were sorted into teams, briefed on the rules of this particular version of dodgeball by Jack, who was leading the session, and then let loose on the dodgeball pitch. Jack did a wonderful job of keeping the children engaged, and everyone got really stuck into the games. It was clear that everyone was having a lot of fun – and some competitive streaks were showing!

As the afternoon drew to a close, we couldn’t resist having a go on the trampolines! Sadly, it was then time to say goodbye and make our way back to London. We handed out our Oliver’s Travels goodie bags before leaving – complete with sunglasses and toys – much to the children’s delight. As we raced through the countryside on the train back to London, we reflected on what a wonderful opportunity it had been to spend the day at Go Beyond and the memories we would treasure for years to come.

Go Beyond currently receives referrals from teachers and social workers for children who are in need of a break (you can also refer a child here). Many children in the UK from difficult and disadvantaged backgrounds could benefit from one of these week-long retreats, so we’re proud to be continuing to work with this fantastic charity for many years to come.

If you would like to make a difference too, please follow this link to donate. You can also become a volunteer to help inspire confidence and self-belief in young people during their memorable retreat.