About Us

What We Do

Govilon Activity Centre is a non-profit Outdoor Education Centre and Accommodation Venue in South Wales. We have been operating proudly since 1971.

Based on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Centre offers exciting outdoor activities in natural settings, along with homely accommodation in a charming Victorian building.

The Govilon Story

Govilon Activity Centre is proudly owned and maintained by Kettering Old Grammar School Foundation (KOGSF).

In 1970, KOGSF took a lease on the old village school in Govilon, on behalf of Kettering Grammar School. Following some work to convert the facilities, ‘Govilon Field Centre’ was officially opened in May 1971. This project was the result of a collaboration between John Steane, Headmaster of the Grammar School and Colonel Robert Jeffery, Clerk and Surveyor to KOGSF. The site was chosen because it was located at the convergence of three very distinct economic and geographical areas: the upland landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the heavily industrialised valleys of South Wales and the rich agricultural land of the Welsh Marches. 

Until the mid 1980’s the Centre was operated purely as an accommodation base, from which visiting school staff ran their own field study programmes. These programmes focused mainly on history, geography, biology and archaeology - along with walks and visits to sites of special interest.

In the late eighties, KOGSF appointed a permanent Head of Centre in an effort to increase the number of visitors. To expand possible course content, more adventurous activities began to be offered and in 1990, KOGSF finally managed to purchase the freehold to the property from the Church of Wales. Much needed renovation work was carried out and Govilon was reopened as an Outdoor Education Centre.

More recently, between 2011 and 2016, KOGSF continues to invest in the building and has now funded major renovations to the kitchen, two sets of toilet/shower facilities and improvements to the lounge and bedrooms.