Higham Hall is one of only a handful of independent residential colleges in the north of England providing a range of open learning experiences for adults.
Once people discover Higham they tend to return again and again, often for many years, such is the joy of simply spending intelligent time with like-minded people in such charismatic surroundings.
A view to inspire the creative soul
Higham’s main activity is now as an independent Educational Trust attracting around 3,000 adults each year on over 250 courses of lengths from half a day to up to a week. People come from Cumbria, the North of England, Scotland and further afield. No qualifications needed, just a desire to enjoy learning, and the warmest Cumbrian hospitality.
Each summer we welcome open air Shakespeare
Higham Hall was originally built in 1828 by railway pioneer Thomas Hoskins, who could have sight of the railway which used to run along the route now followed by the A66. It saw service as a Youth Hostel and a Girl’s Boarding School, before becoming an Eduction Centre in 1975 for Cumbria. In 2008 Higham Hall was sold to the Trust to be run independently as a centre of learning for adults of all ages.
Being a Trust means Higham is run on ethical principles always true to its mission. Our success depends very much on people who understand what we are, who believe in what we do, and who support us by spreading the word. Students of all ages (up to and beyond 90!) tend to return over many years for regular doses of inspiration and their ‘fix’ of our unique environment. We also benefit from support from businesses and organisations who use us as a Venue.
MEALS & REFRESHMENTS – CUMBRIAN STYLE
All courses include food and refreshments as appropriate.
Usual times:
08:00 Breakfast (residents only)
10:30 Break
12:30 Lunch
15:45 Break
18:30 Dinner
Our three talented chefs Sue, Jan, Adam and, occasionally Graham cater for special diets - please inform us when booking.
Where possible we source locally and ethically. We value the relationships we have with our suppliers and are constantly looking at how we do things. Very little gets wasted as we donate suitable excess food to local farms and compost for our own garden. This is part of our Higham::GREEN policy.
REASONABLY-PRICED BAR
Guests can enjoy wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks at lunch, dinner and during the evening. We pride ourselves on the quality of what we stock and find most tastes are catered for.
The bar has some board games and an electric piano is available for a sing-song. We host local musicians and performers occasionally.
DISABILITY SUPPORT
- Hearing Loops: Main lecture room. A portable loop is also available.
- Vibrating fire alarms: Available on request.
- Stair lifts: For the independently mobile
All the ground floor and gardens are generally accessible to wheelchair users.
Ground floor bedrooms available in the Bungalow.
Accompanying Carers can claim a discount through The Friends of Higham and will only be charged for meals if sharing a room.
BRING A COMPANION
Non-participating companions can stay at our standard bed and breakfast rate plus VAT.
ASSISTED PLACES
Those on low income, certain benefits or aged 18 to 25 can apply to save the educational part of the fee (c25%) and pay only for meals and accommodation.
In addition, one-off Bursaries towards meals and accommodation can be sought from The Friends of Higham. Form on request to be returned with deposit.
HIGHAM AS A VENUE FOR GROUPS UP TO 90* (200 if we use a marquee)
See our Venue Page