Outdoor residentials involve young people spending time away from home, with their peers, and undertaking adventures in new environments. These residential support personal and social development and improve health and wellbeing. The outdoor centres on this page offer accommodation and learning where lifelong engagement with the outdoors is encouraged with all its positive mental and physical health outcomes.
Outdoor Education Centres
Enjoy the loch-side location overlooking the Caledonian Canal, with Ben Nevis & Fort William just 4 miles away. Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast with advice & guiding available for walking/climbing, river, loch and sea kayaking, open canoeing & dinghy sailing. Outdoor equipment hire available.After a day in the fresh air return to a hot shower and a comfy private bunkroom ideal for families, groups & clubs.
Adventure Hostel offers flexible, wallet-friendly accommodation on the North Devon coast near to Bideford. Individuals, couples, families & groups of all sizes (up to a max of 224) are all welcome. There's a shop & a cafe on site & full catering packages for whole site bookings. N.B. there are no self catering facilities. The South West Coast Path & The Tarka Trail pass close by.
The Woodlands Centre is a Grade 2 listed Regency building overlooking the River Wye and with wonderful views of the Black Mountains. Woodlands can accommodate up to 58 students plus staff. Bedrooms are located on single sex floors with rooms accommodating 4, 6 or 8 students. A further 24 students can be accommodated in the Woodlands Bunkhouse. We use the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park and surrounding areas to deliver our real adventure based courses.. Camping is also available in the grounds. Get in touch for a quote for your group.
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Large bunkhouse in the Brecon Beacons National Park provides great value, comfortable & flexible accommodation for groups.The spacious and well equipped bunkhouse sleeps groups of up to 42. In addition, there's a self contained apartment that sleeps 2, and a campsite.
Ideal for groups of 30 -70 students, this large outdoor ed centre in the unspoilt Duddon Valley provides a wide range of instructor-led outdoor activities. Canoeing, Climbing, Ghyll scrambling, abseiling, bushcraft, crate stacking, stand up paddle-boarding, archery and more. Holder of the Adventure Activities Licence, the centre provides risk assessments and support for teachers and group leaders.
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A former boarding school nestling in beautiful countryside, Gaveston Hall accommodates groups of all sizes. The 85 beds are spread across dorms, private single/twin rooms & chalets.Set in magnificent grounds with a football field, tennis court, woodland walks and fishing lake. Inside there are table tennis & pool tables and an indoor swimming pool. Room for coach parking.
In the untouched Ennerdale Valley of the Lake District, Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre beckons. At the base of Pillar and Red Pike, this eco-friendly centre offers spacious communal areas, a classroom, and a sprawling meadow for relaxation or activities. Ideally located for self-led adventures, with connections to outdoor providers, you are sure of a memorable stay for all ages, especially schools and universities.
Anglesey Outdoors is an ideal base for groups, individuals or families. Just a mile from Porthdafarch Beach & the coastal path & only 2km from Sustrans Cycle Route 8. It has 4 self-contained areas each with their own self-catering & bathroom facilities. These can be hired individually or together. Optional full catering. There’s an on-site bar/bistro & a drying room. Glamping also available.
Hagg Farm Outdoor Education Centre in the Peak District offers on and off-site adventure activities led by experienced and highly qualified instructors. There is comfortable, well equipped accommodation for 44 in dorms and leaders' rooms at the Centre, plus an extra 18 beds at the smaller John Hunt Base next door. On-site activities include climbing, zip wire, orienteering, bushcraft and various team challenges. Other activities such as caving, rock climbing, stream scrambling, abseiling and canoeing can also be provided. Programmes aim to enrich the curriculum and help learners reach their potential through positive engagement with the education process, increasing confidence, group awareness, healthy activity and fun.
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Situated in a beautiful secluded valley in the NY Moors National Park, this refurbished mill with en suite rooms, is perfect for those wishing to explore the Yorkshire moors, dales & coast. You can book the whole Mill, a room or a bed. Great for educational groups, families, outdoor clubs and gatherings of friends. Group activities and catering available. Next to Cod Beck reservoir, Cleveland Way, Coast to Coast & Lyke Wake Walk.
Situated on the Gower Peninsular, St Madoc Centre offer superb facilities for groups of between 40 and 81. Set in 76 acres of fields, woodland, headland and coastline, with tennis & volleyball courts, playing fields and a campfire area, it is ideally suited to schools, youth & church groups, corporate events, weddings and friends & family get-togethers. Optional outdoor activities and catered packages available for school groups.
White Peris Lodge is part of Blue Peris Mountain Centre in the heart of Snowdonia. The Lodge sleeps 13 across 4 rooms. Well equipped, there’s a self catering kitchen, central heating, hot showers, bike storage, drying rooms, picnic tables & parking.While the Lodge is perfect for families & small groups, the main Centre sleeps 60 & is ideal for large groups & schools. Outdoor activities available.
Within the old primary school at Lowick Green, nestled between Coniston Water (4 miles) and Ulverston, the bunkhouse has a lounge with wood-burning stove, large kitchen/dining room opening onto a patio with great views of the mountains and an outdoor area with campfire.All groups staying in the bunkhouse need to be doing an organised activity.
Cowes Base Camp is located at UKSA, a charitable organisation and leading watersports centre. It offers catered holidays by the sea with optional activities for families and groups of all sizes. Choose from private 4, 6 or 8-person rooms. The Base Camp is directly on the waterfront. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, canteen and full-sized sports hall.
The Caldecotte Xperience on the south eastern edge of Milton Keynes offers an unrivalled choice of glamping or residential accommodation for groups of 18 to 239. Situated just 10 mins’ drive from the M1, it is easily accessible from all parts of the country. Catered or self-catering packages are available and a whole range of outdoor activities can be booked if required
Glenbeg Bunkhouse & Bothy are part of the award-winning Cairngorms Activities Centre, situated just outside Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. The well-equipped bunkhouse sleeps 25 in 3 bedrooms, while the cosy bothy sleeps 6 in one bunkroom.Outdoor activities are available. Aviemore, Speyside Way, Dava Way & the River Spey are all close by.
Amidst stunning landscape overlooking Thruscross Reservoir on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this self-catering centre offers excellent facilities in bunkrooms plus an en suite leader’s room. Well equipped kitchen, dining, lounge & shower/toilet areas.Ideal for team building, youth groups & family parties. 12 miles from Harrogate & Skipton. No stag or hen groups.
Hawse End Centre in the Lake District sits at the head of the magnificent Borrowdale Valley on the shores of Derwentwater. Guests enjoy easy access to Keswick and the mountains beyond via launch or lakeside walk.The house is a large, comfortable, country mansion ideal for large groups, while the cottage is more suited to smaller groups or large families.Outdoor activities can be arranged.
Set in a beautiful secluded valley in Dartmoor National Park, Bachelors Hall offers groups of all kind the chance to experience the freedom of the moor and the vastness of the landscape.Formerly run as a tradition youth hostel, it was completely refurbished in 2019. Sleeping 60 across 6 rooms and 2 pods it is centrally heated with a commercial kitchen and large separate dining room/classroom. Outdoor activities can be organised if required.
Low Mill Outdoor Centre, a not-for-profit charity, lies on the edge of the pretty village of Askrigg in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales.With good access to many walks, cycle routes, rivers, climbs and caves it is the perfect base for all types of groups; schools, clubs and friend & family get-togethers.
Bell Heath Centre, set amidst 20 acres of secluded woodlands, offers the perfect rural escape with excellent transport links to Birmingham. The centre sleeps up to 92 and outdoor adventures can be organised on site. This spacious centre is perfect for large family gatherings, reunions, weddings, stag/hen parties, schools, faith groups & corporate events. Facilities include a commercial kitchen, a hall (seating 100),lounge & games room.
The combination of location, accommodation, and activities makes the Rhyd Ddu Outdoor Centre an appealing choice for groups of up to 30 looking to explore the Welsh countryside. The centre provides a variety of activities including walking, climbing and mountain biking.
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The Old School House welcomes schools, groups, walkers & families to Robins Hood’s Bay, home to one of the most unique beaches on Yorkshire’s east coast. At the end of the Coast to Coast walk, on The Cleveland Way and just 1 mile from NCN1, Robin Hood’s Bay is an historic fishing village with cobbled streets, rockpools, pubs & cafes. The perfect place to explore & unwind.
Only a few steps from the historic Ridgeway National Trail, Court Hill Centre enjoys breathtaking views over the Vale of the White Horse. Reclaimed barns surround a pretty courtyard garden.
Providing accommodation for schools, families, groups and individuals, the centre offers evening meals, breakfasts and picnic lunches. There is a beautiful high-roofed dining room which retains the atmosphere of the old barn. A meeting/class-room, camping and self-catering kitchen are also available.
Ackers Adventure Outdoor Centre is just the ticket for groups and families to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether it be releasing your inner Robin Hood with some archery or getting back to nature with bushcraft. If those aren't for you, other outdoor entertainments are available. There's no reason not to dust off your adventuring hat and book yourself an outing. The residential centre (ARC) is purpose-built accommodation with 9 sleeping rooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining area and a rec room with comfy seating. Set in 70 acres just 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham. It has 9 sleeping rooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining area and a rec room with TV, DVD, games and comfy seating. Ackers Adventure provide instructor led outdoor activities on site which can be incorporated into your stay.
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Located in Rhoscolyn, a great base for adventure, education & exploring. Escape the busy world, enjoy the outdoors with low environmental impact.
A family run 4* bunkhouse in Rhoscolyn, AONB on Anglesey Coast. 5 mins’ walk to beach at Borthwen, close to Anglesey Coastal Path. Perfect for family groups, clubs, schools, universities. Ideal for kayaking, climbing, sailing, walking, bird watching, beaches.
As Sheffield City Council’s outdoor education centre Thornbridge Outdoors provides high-quality outdoor and environmental education experiences to young people. Visits can be for 1, 2, 3 or 4 nights as well as single days. At any one time Thornbridge Outdoors can accommodate 38 people in the Lodge, 38 in the Farm House, 10 in Woodlands, 4 in 2 The Woodlands and up to 45 in teepees and 40 camping, and schools can book a combination of these depending on their requirements. Thornbridge Outdoors is located in the heart of the beautiful Peak District countryside, but just 45 minutes from Sheffield, an hour and 15 minutes from Nottingham and Manchester. A programme of activities can be tailored to meet each school's aims and outcomes and activities take place both onsite and offsite in the Peak District. CPD is offered for staff to be able to lead some activities in addition to the instructed activities. Please get in touch to discuss how Thornbridge Outdoors can work for you.
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Large group accommodation centre on the shore of Loch Long in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.Ever popular with schools, clubs, friends & family get-togethers,& activity retreats.Ardentinny sleeps 80 in 4 & 6 bed dorms, many of which are ensuite.Outdoor activities & catering can be provided if required. Sole use groups can self-cater and sort their own activities. The choice is yours.
Close to the pretty fishing port of Gorey in St. Martins. With a range of B&B rooms from twin en suites to private dormitories. The perfect mix for individuals or groups. Large communal WiFi lounge with TV & DVDs and a games room. Packed lunches & adventure activities can be pre-ordered.
Run by Boundless Events, the Malvern Centre nestles in the picturesque Malvern Hills ANOB.It sleeps up to 114; The South Block sleeps 55, The North Block sleeps 43 and the self contained Chalet sleeps 16. Book by the unit or book the whole site. There is a large commercial kitchen, a dining room with seating for 60 and plenty of classrooms & break out spaces. Outdoor activities are available.
Surrounded by open farmland & a short walk from the Jurassic Coast, MYTIME’s R&R Retreat Accommodation Centre offers the perfect base for enjoying the spectacular Isle of Purbeck. With a World Heritage Site & the South West Coast Path on its doorstep, it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Just minutes from the idyllic village of Worth Matravers and the popular Square and Compass Pub, there’s truly something for everyone.
The Stackpole Centre is the perfect venue for large families/groups, schools, & outdoor activities. Close to wild woodlands & stunning beaches. It comprises four large group houses, 2 of which are dog friendly & 3 holiday cottages. Book by the house or book the whole centre for your sole use.
St Michael’s Centre, located in the village of Hathersage, provides high quality family friendly group accommodation, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Peak District National Park.
There are comfortable dormitory style bunk beds and a lovely central hall which provides a fantastic communal kitchen, dining and lounge area for enjoyable shared living. Attached cottage also available separately or for larger groups.
With all of the Peak District National Park within easy access, the centre is an ideal location for activities and tourism and it welcomes a wide range of groups. 31 or 52 bed configurations can be booked.The spacious centre includes; a large lounge with library, TV and wood burning stove, well equipped kitchens & dining areas. An extensive network of paths give access to the countryside. Adventure activities available, great for team building & courses.
Maughold Venture Centre Bunkhouse overlooks farmland with views out to sea. The popular beach of Port e Vullen is just 10 min’s walk away. Enjoy self-catering accommodation, with en suite, centrally heated rooms. Tasty meals are available from the neighbouring Venture Centre, where you can also book kayaking, abseiling, air rifle shooting, archery, gorge walking, dinghy sailing & team events. With its own stop, Lewaigue Halt, on the Manx Electric Railway you have easy access to Douglas, Ramsey, mountains & tranquil glens.
Carrs Farm Bunkhouse is a converted 17th century barn with stunning views over Weardale. It provides comfortable bunk bed accommodation for groups of up to 21 people in three rooms. There is a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, games/lounge area and outdoor seating with BBQ.Situated on a working farm at the heart of the North Pennines. Guided walks and outdoor activities are available for groups and schools.
Standing in 15 acres of gardens & parkland Dunfield House is a beautiful activity centre set in an ideal rural location, that allows your group to meet together as a community.Dunfield offers excellent facilities for education, music, faith and family groups to meet together and run their own programmes. We offer a fully catered service for 12-27 in our stable accommodation and 25-74 in our House accommodation or up to 120 when booked for sole use and camping. Alternatively, you can book the Stables accommodation as self-catering
The John Hunt Base is situated in the High Peak on the site of Hagg Farm (also in this guide). The base offers comfortable, family friendly accommodation for groups of up to 18. It is ideal for sightseeing, hill walking, trail running and biking as well as quieter pursuits such as photography. There is a picnic area, wildlife garden with fire pit and a playing field with climbing boulder. Activities can be arranged including climbing, stream scrambling, caving & on-site high ropes.
Reopened Summer 2024 after extensive refurbishment, the Sir Arthur Grant Outdoor Centre provides modern & comfortable accommodation for schools, clubs & other groups (max group size 34) including family & friends get-togethers. Situated in extensive grounds & woodland in rural Aberdeenshire, outdoor activities and catering can be provided if required.3 twin rooms. One has two single beds in it and the other two have a single bed and a chair bed.
Visit Mount Cook Outdoor Education Centre on the edge of the Peak District, near Matlock, offers activities alongside school, group and family accommodation and full board catering. From archery, to bush craft, to constructing land carts, there's something to keep young minds entertained all day! Mount Cook Outdoor Ed Centre provides rock climbing and low ropes on a real limestone rock face. Learn knot tying and belaying with an experienced instructor.
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Cumulus Outdoor Residential Centre is situated in the small seaside town of Swanage on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The purpose built centre sits in 6 acres of private grounds and has 4 separate accommodation units sleeping 16,32,32 or 47 which can be hired individually or together. The centre is popular with groups of friends/families, schools, youth groups, DofE & corporate groups. A whole range of outdoor activities are available for your group if required. Dogs welcome with prior arrangement.
Perfect for an adventurous or relaxing break. The Rock and Rapid Adventure Centre offers activities such as climbing (climbing wall on-site for lessons or use by experienced climbers) coasteering, raft building and canoeing. The bunkhouse can be rented out for sole use, or an activity package can be put together for your group. This can vary from a few activities to a full programme, including food. Just 20 mins from the North Devon coastline. Hen and stags welcome as are family and school groups.
This large Victorian property has been specially adapted to provide self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 33. The 8 dormitories vary in size from 1 to 10 beds, complete with duvets & linen. The Centre is centrally heated & has a common room, large kitchen, drying room, hot showers and outdoor seating. Located in Betws-y-Coed, the Woodlands Centre is an ideal base for outdoor activities in Snowdonia.
Outdoor education centres are a great way to expand a child’s horizons. For many a stay at one is the first time they’ve spent a night away from home or their parents. It can be a massive challenge, but one that will make them stronger. The range of activities on offer at OECs is vast, most will offer adventurous activities like climbing or archery. They can also offer more learning-based experiences where the students will explore and learn about the natural world.
Sustainability Centres, or Environmental Outdoor Centres Often in spectacular buildings and always in stunning environments. Environmental Outdoor Centres provide catered accommodation (self-catering is often possible with sole use) and a variety of outdoor environmental educational activities. Great for creating a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it.
Monkton Wyld Court, speaciling in environmental edication since the 1960’s Adventurous Outdoor Education Centres Many outdoor education centres specialize in providing activities that most people don’t normally get the chance to do. Things like rock climbing, abseiling, archery, canoeing and many more. What is on offer depends on the centre, they will have information about what they do on their websites or if you get in contact with them. Again, they will be happy to tailor programs to you so you can achieve the objectives of your visit.
Many of these exciting events will take people outside of their comfort zones. Something that can be hugely beneficial. Some may even confront fears (heights is a common one) and being able to overcome these obstacles can give a huge confidence boost. It may even help when back in the classroom.
Archery taking place at Mount Cook
