Escape to the Essex countryside and enjoy a memorable stay at Gorsefield Rural Studies and Outdoor Activity Centre. Set within 7.5 acres of gardens, orchards, vegetable-growing areas and natural outdoor space in Stansted, Gorsefield provides a peaceful and welcoming setting for family gatherings, reunions, group celebrations, retreats, residential courses and community getaways.
Gorsefield is particularly well suited to larger groups who want to spend time together under one roof. The house offers a range of bedrooms, comfortable shared spaces, a spacious dining room and plenty of outdoor space for children and adults to enjoy. Many of the bedrooms contain bunk beds, reflecting the property’s main use as a residential centre for groups, while the communal areas provide places to eat, talk, play games, read and relax together.
Fully catered accommodation - All stays at Gorsefield are fully catered by our experienced on-site catering team. There is no self-catering option.
Freshly prepared meals are served to your group in our dining room, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy their stay without having to shop, cook or wash up. Menus can be discussed and agreed in advance, and we aim to provide generous, nutritious and enjoyable food suitable for the nature of your visit.
Whenever possible, our chefs use seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in Gorsefield’s own productive gardens and orchards. This reflects our commitment to fresh food, sustainability and making the most of what is grown on site.
We can cater for vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements, as well as food allergies and religious or cultural dietary needs, provided that full details are supplied before the visit.
Please note that the property is not available for self-catering bookings, and guests cannot book the accommodation without catering. Access to the commercial kitchen for guests to prepare their own meals is not included. All bookings must therefore include an agreed catering package.
Space to spend time together - Gorsefield offers the opportunity for groups to stay, eat and socialise together in one dedicated setting. Rather than being spread across separate hotel rooms and public spaces, guests can enjoy the shared experience of staying together in a large residential property.
The main house includes:
• A range of bedrooms suitable for group accommodation
• Comfortable communal sitting areas
• A large dining room where meals are served together
• Indoor spaces for group activities, meetings, games and relaxation
• Extensive gardens and grounds
• Orchards and productive vegetable-growing areas
• Outdoor space for children to play and explore
• On-site staff support during your stay
The accommodation is comfortable, practical and designed primarily for groups. Gorsefield is a residential and outdoor activity centre rather than a luxury hotel, giving it a relaxed, informal and distinctive character.
Our grounds - One of the greatest features of Gorsefield is its extensive outdoor environment. The centre sits within approximately 7.5 acres, giving guests space to step away from everyday routines and spend time in a greener, quieter setting.
The grounds include lawns, mature trees, gardens, orchards, vegetable beds and wildlife areas. Depending on the season, guests may see fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers being grown across the site. The grounds are cared for with an emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity and creating opportunities for children and adults to connect with nature.
The outdoor areas are particularly valuable for groups with children, who have space to play, explore and enjoy being outdoors. Adults can also make the most of the peaceful surroundings, whether spending time together, walking around the site or simply sitting outside and relaxing.
Accessibility - The ground floor of the main house is wheelchair accessible and includes a downstairs bedroom with a height-adjustable single bed. There is also a fully accessible downstairs toilet and shower room.
We understand that accessibility needs vary, so guests are encouraged to contact us before booking to discuss the requirements of every member of their group. We will provide clear information about the accommodation and help you decide whether the facilities are suitable.
A stay with a positive purpose - Gorsefield is owned by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and operates on a not-for-profit basis. For generations, the centre has provided residential visits, outdoor learning and memorable experiences for children and young people, including many from disadvantaged communities in east London.
Income generated through private and group bookings supports the continued operation and improvement of the centre. By choosing to stay at Gorsefield, guests are not only enjoying a distinctive countryside venue; they are also helping us maintain the property, care for its grounds and provide enriching experiences for children and young people.
Who Gorsefield may suit - Gorsefield may be suitable for:
• Extended-family gatherings
• Groups of families holidaying together
• Reunions and milestone celebrations
• Community, voluntary and charitable organisations
• Faith groups
• Educational and training groups
• Creative, wellbeing or professional retreats
• Clubs and societies
• Groups seeking a peaceful countryside residential setting
As Gorsefield is designed for group accommodation, we ask the lead guest to take responsibility for the group and to help ensure that the house, grounds and surrounding environment are treated with care and respect.
Planning your stay - Every group is different, so we will discuss your proposed visit, group size, bedroom requirements, catering needs and any accessibility considerations before confirming the booking. We can provide further information about the bedroom arrangements and facilities to help you plan your stay.
If you are looking for a relaxed countryside setting where your whole group can stay, dine and spend time together, Gorsefield offers something genuinely different.
Important booking information: Gorsefield is a fully catered venue. We do not offer accommodation-only or self-catering stays. All bookings must include catering provided by our on-site team.
Activities available for an additional cost include: Archery, Cycling, Campfire & Bushcraft activities, Team Building, Orienteering alongside other workshops and activities.
