East Dene Centre

If you are looking for somewhere that is more like a home from home, with outdoor education programmes that are crafted with care, delivered by quality people, driven by our values of Education, Inspiration and Play; a place rooted in the rich heritage and tradition of learning outside  – Great News! You have just found it.

Allnatt is a company whose passion for teaching children outdoors is undimmed after 90 years. Choose from a fantastic range of options for your school trip – A Key Stage 1 Coastal Discovery week, A Key Stage 2 Outdoor Adventure programme, GCSE and A level Field Studies on the Jurassic Coast, let us come to you, put together your own Seaside Holiday or Camp – we have something for everyone.

Situated just off England's South coast and less than 2 hours from London via Ferry, the UK's Holiday Island and Dinosaur Capital of Great Britain, the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination at any time of year.

Within easy reach of Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor, East Dene is a spectacular historic Grade 2 listed Mansion House with adjoining Coach House overlooking the sea.

The 10 acre site is in Bonchurch. With sea views and woodlands, it is one of the Islands premier outdoor education centres. The site is the former home of the Victorian Poet Algernon Swinburne and retains a central role in the heart of village life. Peaceful even when full, with open spaces for children to play and explore, and with wildlife just outside our windows like badgers, pheasants, owls, woodpeckers and Red Squirrels – it is a very special place.

East Dene is the perfect venue for the younger age group of students, with facilities and programmes particularly suited for Year 4 and up. Programmes take advantage of the local environment for both Coastal and Woodland studies, with the focus firmly on Education, Inspiration & Play. With direct access to Monks Bay and an on-site woodland, students do not have far to go to experience the great outdoors. Bonchurch Village, right on our doorstep, makes for educationally rich local history walks too.

The Island is famous for fossil hunting, great for excursions, with wildlife sanctuaries and theme parks close by. We can suggest attractions to visit. East Dene is close to Ventnor, and the seaside town of Shanklin. The beach is just a short walk away from the centre, perfect for rockpooling and beach studies.

Accommodation

East Dene can accommodate up to 180 students, sleeping in bunk bedded dormitory rooms from 4 to 12 beds.

The site consists of the main building and a separate Coach House that houses accommodation, classroom facilities plus a covered central courtyard.

Children sleep in dormitory-style accommodation, with separate bathroom and shower facilities close by. Sheets, duvets and pillows are provided for all guests and teacher rooms are right alongside children’s rooms for extra peace of mind.

There is an all weather outdoor play area and indoor rooms for older students with TV available.

There is WiFi available throughout the buildings with ‘parental control’ in place