BPA CONNECT Alfresco 2026

We are delighted to announce our 2026 BPA Connect Alfresco event for children and young people with EPP/XLP and other skin porphyrias, and their families. It will take place on 16-18 October 2026 at Willersley Castle, Matlock, DE4 5JY. Willersley Castle video

During the weekend, participants will be encouraged to get involved in outdoor activities in a safe way. The residential will provide opportunities to take part in adventurous activities, taking advantage of evenings, shade and prevailing weather conditions to maximise adventure whilst minimising risk.

Empowering our young community to TAKE CONTROL, to learn skills and strategies to UNDERSTAND their limits, and to CONNECT with others, has been shown to raise their confidence in building relationships and in expressing what they need to be safe and get the best out of social situations. This can positively impact their ability to manage their condition in the future. The activity weekend will also provide the opportunity to experience the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors in nature.

About the venue and activities
Willersley Castle is a historic 18th-century castle set within 65 acres of beautiful Peak District countryside, and boasts facilities for a wide range of outdoor activities within a sun-safe, tree-covered environment. These include kayaking, high ropes, climbing, fencing, archery, axe throwing, bush crafts, team games, scavenger hunts, campfires, and obstacle courses. The events the participants take part in over the weekend will be adjusted according to weather and each participant's EPP needs.

Accommodation
The children and young people will stay in dormitories on-site and will largely be grouped according to age and gender. Parents and carers will not be able to stay on-site overnight, please see below for a list of hotels in the local area*.

Pricing
We are asking for a deposit of £50 for each child attending to confirm the booking. However, please don’t let cost be a barrier as fee waivers are available for you and your family if needed. We’re committed to ensuring that our events are fully accessible to all within the porphyria community, and we have a budget to help to cover costs for anyone in need. Please get in touch at helpline@porphyria.org.uk if needed.

How to book
If you would definitely like to attend the weekend, please select the 'Confirm Booking' ticket option, after which you will be directed to fill in an information form and pay the £50 deposit per attendee.

If you are interested in attending but would like more information before confirming your booking, please select the 'Expression of Interest' ticket option, with no fee to pay. Fill in the information form and someone from the BPA team will be in touch shortly to discuss any needs or questions you may have.

***We would like expressions of interest by 31 MARCH 2026 where possible. The final deadline for sign-ups is 30 JUNE 2026.***

Activities for parents and carers
There will be activities and sessions available for parents and carers during the day while children are taking part in the group activities. Options for parent/carer activities could include: an indoor or outdoor teambuilding activity, Q&A sessions with the BPA and porphyria specialists, or parental support sessions. If you have any suggestions for other types of activities you would like to take part in, please get in touch at helpline@porphyria.org.uk.

The area is also beautiful with lots of things to do, places to walk and cafes to visit. For example, the Matlock Bath Illuminations, a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent, will be taking place at the same time as the residential. For more information on local sights and activities, go to visitpeakdistrict.com.

*Budget friendly hotels

• High Tor Hotel (Matlock Bath) — small, budget-friendly hotel right in Matlock Bath; good value and a short walk into the village and riverside attractions. Often shows rooms from roughly £60–£90 depending on dates.
• Derwent View (holiday apartments, Matlock Bath) — self-catering apartments in the heart of Matlock Bath. Great if you want cheaper nightly rates by sharing/cooking your own meals; excellent for flexibility and often cheaper than a hotel for groups.
• Bank House B&B (Matlock / Matlock Bath area) — a straightforward B&B with good reviews and a central Matlock Bath location (riverside, easy walk to cafes/attractions). A solid budget option for short stays.
• Premier Inn Matlock (chain budget hotel) — a reliable, budget chain hotel on the edge of Matlock (short drive to Matlock Bath / Willersley Castle area). Good if you prefer guaranteed standards and predictable prices.