For over thirty years, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) has been a hub of excitement and adrenaline in the heart of the city.
But beyond the archery targets, canoe paddles, and zip lines, something deeper is taking place—something quieter but just as powerful…
Picture credit: LOPC
LOPC is becoming a vital sanctuary for mental wellbeing, proving that adventure and healing are not mutually exclusive.
Nestled on 15 acres of green space along the River Soar in the heart of Leicester, LOPC provides far more than just outdoor activities—it offers a space to reset, reconnect, and rebuild resilience.
Nature is a proven antidote to modern-day stress. Being outside—surrounded by trees, water, and fresh air—has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels and improving heart rate and blood pressure.
“ Everyone should spend at least ten minutes outside a day, and if you think you don’t have time, that probably means you need an hour. ”
Those are the word of Hayley Smitham-Hopewell, a manager at LOPC.
Hayley is currently training as a Wilderness Psychotherapist, a form of therapy that uses the outdoors as a tool for healing. Her approach is grounded in research showing that time in nature improves mood, boosts vitamin D, reduces anxiety and depression, and supports better sleep and focus.
Picture: LOPC
LOPC offers over 37 different activities, each of which can support mental health in unique ways. From axe throwing to aerial trekking, from bushcraft to bell boating, the activities at LOPC foster:
• Confidence – through learning new skills
• Resilience – by tackling physical and mental challenges
• Teamwork and communication – in group-based tasks like crate stacking or canoeing
• Mindfulness and presence – by focusing on the moment and connecting with the environment
“What we do here is very different from everyday life – it takes people outside of their comfort zones,” Hayley notes. “It shows you that it’s not worth quitting—you can keep going.”
Picture: LOPC
Mental health is often tied to connection and inclusion—and that’s something LOPC takes seriously. Its calendar is filled with activities for diverse groups, such as special schools and home education groups, a menopause group and a Queer Outdoor Club. It also provides fully accessible activities for wheelchair users and people with disabilities.
Inclusivity is embedded in everything the centre does. Whether it’s adapting equipment for accessibility or creating safe spaces for underrepresented communities, the goal is clear: everyone is welcome to explore, challenge themselves, and feel a sense of belonging.
The benefits of outdoor activity for mental health are supported by a strong body of research:
- Improved mood and reduced risk of depression from sunlight and increased vitamin D
- Lower anxiety levels through physical movement and exposure to green spaces
- Better sleep quality due to natural light and physical exertion
- Increased creativity and focus after time spent in natural environments • Enhanced immune system from contact with natural organisms in plants and soil
And importantly: connection. Whether it’s laughing during a group activity or sharing a peaceful paddle on the river, LOPC helps people connect—with nature, with others, and with themselves.
Picture: LOPC
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Despite its size and range of activities, LOPC is still a hidden gem for many Leicester residents.
“You wouldn’t even know we’ve got 15 acres here,” Hayley says.
“There’s more land than meets the eye and more opportunity than people realise.“
With a passionate and dedicated team, LOPC is more than just an outdoor activity centre—it’s a sanctuary for mental and emotional wellbeing, disguised as an adventure playground.
Whether you’re a company leader looking to strengthen your team, a teacher planning a school visit, a parent seeking meaningful family time, or an individual simply needing
a mental reset, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre offers something invaluable: a space to feel free, alive, and well.
“The five ways to wellbeing—connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and give—are all naturally woven into what we do here,” Hayley adds. “And we see the difference it makes, every single day.”
Find out more about the centre at: www.lopc.co.uk
