Established in 1980 Britain’s most experienced summer holiday operator for children and teenagers aged 3-17 years. With a host of exciting and adventurous activities to choose from.
Outdoor
Outdoor
What is it?
The outdoors covers everything that isn’t contained with a building! You can do many things outdoors, from extreme sport to simple appreciation of the surroundings. The exact conditions of the outdoors vary hugely all over the planet from snow and ice to hot, arid desert to swamps, mountains, rivers and wildernesses, so the activities available will depend on the climate of the specified area.
What does it involve?
The varying nature of the outdoors means that it can involve almost anything! However, outdoor activities will always include some sort of interaction with the environment, whether it’s learning about nature and wildlife or travelling across challenging terrain.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
The increasingly technological society of today means it’s more important than ever to appreciate the outdoors, so spending time there and participating in activities should be an essential aspect of everybody’s lives and should definitely be included in a student’s education.
What equipment do we need?
You will need very different equipment depending on the activity you are participating in. For example, nature trails or hiking use very little equipment, whereas more complex activities such as abseiling will call for specific equipment – make sure to check ahead of time if you need to provide anything!
Who is it suitable for?
There will be an outdoors activity for people of absolutely any age and interest.
Costs?
Access to the outdoors is completely free, but the use of an activity provider will incur some costs; it will depend on the type of activity you do!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Any activity that takes you far away from medical assistance should be carried out with caution and extra safety measures, and younger students should always be supervised carefully when outdoors! Many activities need to be provided by AALS licensed providers.
How do we include?
This will again depend upon the specific activity, so check with the provider to see their specific set up and generally exercise common sense in regards to the activity and the needs of your student group. You must always try to include students unless you can evidence that their participation in any particular activity is dangerous to themselves or others. Often with straightforward reasonable adjustments students with a wide range of issues can take part in activities and this can provide life-enhancing opportunities for them. There are many excellent providers who will be used to including such students in activities so it is often a good idea to contact them to discuss this in advance.
Doing it abroad?
The outdoors varies greatly all over the world as the climate changes, so participating in activities outside will be a great idea wherever you are! Ensure, though, that the safety standards and recovery processes are in place to your satisfaction before you book the activity. You may find it difficult to get your money back from an overseas provider if you turn up and are not happy ot proceed but haven't made clear your requirements in advance.
Main websites:
Check out individual venue websites to see what sort of outdoor activities they have available!
Venues with this Activity
Learn about the remarkable history of the Washington family as our experienced and friendly guides take you on a tour through the history of the Tudor and Georgian house and furnishings. Hear of the events, both fortunate and disastrous, that led George Washington’s ancestor to leave England for a new life abroad.
Old Rectory Farm has been fully restored and operates as a demonstration farm, showing city dwellers traditional methods of farming. animals kept at the farm include Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese.
Sheldon Country Park covers an area of just over 300 acres, comprising open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows and some mature woodland.
Get your wellies on then!
One of the UK's largest urban Nature Reserves at a whopping 247 acres including a wide range of habitats great for exploring and nature spotting: woodlands, grasslands, heath land and wetlands plus way marked Nature and Sculpture Trails if you’re nervous about getting lost… given the size of the place a reasonable concern!
Brockholes Nature Reserve offers a unique outdoor learning opportunity. Once an active quarry site, Brockholes has been transformed into a nature reserve with a variety of habitats including wetlands, woodlands and meadows.
Mere Mountains was set up by Elspeth in 1991, and is owned and run by John and Elspeth Mason, who have been providing recreational outdoor activities and outdoor education courses in the Lakes continiously for nearly 20 years.
Mere Sands Wood is a beautiful wildlife haven comprised of woodlands, lakes and meadows. There is an indoor activity room available for school visits, as well as fully accessible pathways throughout the woodlands and an accessible pond dipping platform making it an ideal location to study mini beasts, pond life and carry out wildlife surveys.
A medieval Elizabethan manor house, with it’s own moat, plus priest holes and walled gardens to explore. There is also a Visitor Centre in the old Malt House. Audiovisual and interactive displays help bring the history to life.
Bedfords Park is a fantastic place to come and explore with your school. We have a plethora of habitats and wildlife to learn from: from meadows to lakes, woodlands to ponds - and not forgetting our resident herd of Red Deer.
EYFS:
Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art
Key Stage 1:
With indoor and outdoor sports facilities to pre-book, crazy golf and pitch n putt to drop in on, and a playground, paddling pool and skatepark to access for free, this place has loads to do for kids of all ages!
Now the UK’s largest collection of parrots with nearly 2,000 birds covering over 100 species, but there’s not just parrots here, you will also see Marmosets, Meerkats, Lemurs, Giant Tortoises, Snakes, Kookaburras and many more.
Centres around a Tropical House in a spectacular jungle-like setting which includes a large water feature containing Red-Eared and other Terrapins. The outside exhibits include capuchin monkeys, meerkats, ring tailed lemur and more plus plenty of bird exhibits.
The official visitors' centre of the Geopark way. Attractions include interactive iPads and wall maps encouraging kids to learn all about the geology, archaeology, history and water of the Malvern Hills. The Cafe stocks a wide range of local food and drink and has free WiFi and parking.
Every year BF Adventure, formerly known as Bishop’s Forum, helps hundreds of disadvantaged and disabled children and adults in Cornwall to believe in themselves and gain the skills and accreditations to succeed at school or to find employment.
Thomley is an indoor and outdoor activity centre for disabled children, their family and friends. Including play fort, zip wire, park, cycle track, bikes, soft play area, play rooms, art room, sensory room, computer room, imagination room and fully accessible toilets.
A great park with things to do for all the family including a skate park and miniature golf! Ride the miniature railway for a great experience!
A friendly farm park with a host of attractions for all ages. Including a petting farm, adventure playground, zip slide, trampolines, an all-weather indoor play barn, restaurant and shop. The park provides a safe environment perfect for little ones.
Features include an adventure playground, picnic sites, BBQ stands and bird watching area. Also the starting point for numerous self-guided walking and family cycling trails, including routes for people with disabilities.
Wood Lane is a man-made nature reserve on restored quarry workings. A visit here offers the unique opportunity to combine wildlife sessions with a tour of the working sand and gravel quarry, active landfill site and the largest material recycling facility in Europe.Toilets, disabled access, classroom, coach parking.
Activity examples:
The Boathouse occupies a beautiful spot overlooking The Mere in Ellesmere. Each spring, herons nest on Moscow Island and our cameras catch all the action. Experts are on hand to answer questions and can provide educational sessions on these amazing birds.
Set in the heart of Normandy this 17th century Chateau is set in four acres of beautiful private grounds.
Features
This beautiful 17th century Normandy Château is located in the idyllic fishing village of Criel-sur-Mer, providing the ideal opportunity for young people to immerse themselves in French culture
Just 90 minutes from Calais and 20 minutes from Dieppe, the Château is surprisingly accessible
The National Centre for Disability Sport in the UK
Stoke Mandeville Stadium is the National Centre for Disability Sport in the United Kingdom.
Plas Pencelli is large outdoor centre located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales.
Exportise teaches a variety of sports to children of all levels using the latest coaching techniques. Our resident coaches and representatives are there to make sure that every child goes home with a sense of achievement, fun memories, a group of new friends and the desire to return. We aim to provide a friendly, personal service throughout your holiday.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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