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GOWANBANK
Your home away from home in East Ayrshire
Visit Gowanbank
Visit GowanbankSU Scotland’s Outdoor Activity Centre and Christian Conference Venue
Gowanbank’s vision is to work with children and young people across Scotland, providing meaningful experiences in the outdoors at our outdoor activity centre in Darvel, East Ayrshire. We provide a safe space for your young people to discover, explore, respond and flourish.
Why choose Gowanbank Outdoor Activity Centre?
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation for up to 50
- Accessible ground floor bedroom
- Well-equipped meeting spaces
- Fully catered and self-catered options
- Range of onsite and offsite outdoor activities
- Qualified, experienced instructors with a heart for supporting young people
- Easy to get to, just off the A71
- Competitive pricing
We offer school residential trips, youth weekends away, activity days, conferences and church retreats. Our small, friendly team will work with you to help plan your trip and provide a programme tailored to your group and needs. Make an enquiry online today and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible to discuss options with you.
Make Gowanbank your new home away from home!
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Residentials
Looking to complete your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential? Join us on one of our upcoming residentials. Level up your leadership skills through a range of outdoor activities: Rock Climbing, Archery, Canoeing and more.
Our next residential weeks run:
- 9th - 13th October 2026
- 28th June - 2nd July 2027
- 23rd - 27th August 2027
Book your place online:
Multi-Activity Week: 9th - 13th October 2026
Cooking Week: 9th - 13th October 2026 *FULLY BOOKED*
Multi-Activity Week: 28th June - 2nd July 2027
Watersports Week: 28th June - 2nd July 2027
Multi-Activity Week: 23rd - 27th August 2027
Watersports Week: 23rd - 27th August 2027
"We can’t praise the staff enough. Amazing, patient instructors and outstanding kitchen staff that catered to our every need - and then some!"
Barmulloch Primary School, 2025
School Residentials and Activity Days
We provide school residential and day experiences for P4 - S6 pupils. Enjoy exclusive use of the centre on a school residential or take a day out of the classroom for an activity day. We will work with you to tailor a programme to your groups needs and your objectives for the visit.
"It was one of the best weekends we've ever had. Location and views were beautiful, we had the freedom to do our retreat knowing that staff were on call if we needed them. We felt very free."
Broken Chains, Ayr, 2026
Conferences and Training Events
Gowanbank offers a welcoming and fully-equipped space for conferences and training events. With comfortable accommodation in en-suite rooms, and plenty of meeting and breakout space, we provide the ideal environment for fostering creativity, collaboration, and meaningful discussions.
"Activity staff were much liked by all the young people. They were calm and supportive when the participants were nervous and were exactly what the group needed. Very knowledgeable and fun to be around. Kitchen and housekeeping staff were very friendly and accommodating and all young people felt comfortable and well looked-after."
Glasgow Life Youthwork Group, 2026
Youth Events
Whether you come away for a day, a weekend, or an extended programme, we can guarantee your young people will benefit from spending time outside of their normal environment, taking on new challenges, learning to rely on one another and learning skills that will last them a lifetime.
