Case Study: Supplying Yurts to Runway’s End Outdoor Centre

Canal Yurt

Commercial yurts supporting outdoor education and adventure

This case study showcases the installation of two traditional Mongolian yurts supplied by Yurt Specialists to Runway’s End Outdoor Centre, an established outdoor activity venue set beside the scenic Basingstoke Canal in Hampshire.

Runway’s End provides nature-based activities for families, groups and educational organisations, with a strong focus on outdoor learning, adventure and connection to the natural environment. The addition of yurts has enabled the centre to introduce flexible, weather-resilient spaces that align perfectly with its ethos.

Runway's End Outdoor Centre
Runways End Outdoor Centre | canal yurt

The brief

The client was looking for a structure that would:

  • Sit comfortably within a sensitive woodland and canal-side setting
  • Be quick to install with minimal ground disturbance
  • Offer a warm, welcoming interior for group use and overnight accommodation
  • Be robust enough for repeated, year-round use
  • Yurts were chosen as a solution that balances practicality, durability and natural beauty.

    Runway's End Outdoor Centre | canal yurt
    Runways End Outdoor Centre | canal yurt

    The yurt solution

    We supplied and installed two full-size traditional Mongolian yurts, designed to integrate seamlessly into the landscape while providing a highly functional internal space.

    Key benefits of the yurts for this site include:

  • Low visual impact, blending naturally with trees, water and open land
  • Versatile internal use, suitable for group activities, education sessions or accommodation
  • Excellent thermal performance, making them usable across multiple seasons
  • Fast installation, allowing the site to expand its facilities without lengthy construction works
  • Positioned close to the canal, the yurts create calm, sheltered spaces where visitors can relax after a day of outdoor activities such as canoeing, archery and bushcraft.

    The outcome

    The yurts have added clear value to Runway’s End Outdoor Centre by expanding its usable space while remaining true to its outdoor and environmental principles.

    This project demonstrates how yurts are ideally suited to:

  • Outdoor activity centres
  • Forest schools and education providers
  • Eco-tourism and glamping businesses
  • Retreat and wellbeing sites
  • Rather than permanent buildings, yurts provide flexible, sustainable structures that can evolve with a site’s needs — making them a strong commercial investment.

    Why this case study matters

    For organisations considering yurts, this installation shows what is possible in a real-world UK setting. It highlights how yurts can be used not just as accommodation, but as multi-purpose spaces that enhance visitor experience and generate long-term value.

    If you are exploring yurts for your land, school or business, this case study offers a clear, practical example of how they can work.

    👉 Find out more about our yurts or request pricing:
    https://yurtspecialists.com

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    Yurt Specialists