Outside body

The Nell Bank Centre was conceived in 1977 by the then Lord Mayor of Bradford, Paul Hockney, as part of his Appeal, and is situated on the outskirts of Ilkley.

The Centre is now administered by Bradford Early Years and Childcare Service on behalf of the trustees of the Nell Bank Silver Jubilee Trust. Standing in a 17 acre site, with the River Wharfe as its southern boundary and Middleton Woods to the north, the Centre offers great potential as a venue for outdoor and environmental education.

Its close proximity to Bradford makes it an ideal location for day or short residential visits. Visitors with limited mobility will appreciate the ramps and easy access to the buildings, whilst those with a thirst for adventure will be drawn towards the practical problem solving and team building equipment

The venue provides a range of award winning outdoor and educational activities for both children and adults. Programmes of activity are devised in consultation between group leaders and Centre staff - management and personnel training, staff development, conferences, pond dipping, river studies, orienteering, nature trails, creative art, etc. The list is endless.