Did you know that Girlguiding, the leading UK charity for girls and young women, operates four rural activity centres across beautiful parts of England for schools to enjoy?
They are: Blackland Farm in West Sussex, Glenbrook in the Peak District, Foxlease in the New Forest and Waddow Hall in Lancashire. There is also one London based activity centre, ICANDO, if your class is looking for a city break.
Each activity centre offers a fantastic range of fun and engaging activities to suit all abilities that promote communication, creative thinking, confidence, trust and positive relationships. Your group could head for heights on the zip wire and high ropes, paddle a river or lake in our canoes, or keep your feet firmly planted on the ground with archery, bushcraft or an escape room. There’s lots to choose from, and each centre has different options on offer. Your pupils will have an amazing adventure they’ll never forget, the benefits of an outdoor learning environment will last long after your day has finished!
The centres welcome visits from all group sizes, ages and abilities and can work with you to make as many of their activities as accessible as possible. Teachers can get in touch and talk to the team about any requirements.
Schools can come for a day of activities, or for those looking for an overnight or longer stay, there’s plenty of choice. Their centres offer a range of accommodation options that include private ensuite bedrooms, self-contained cottages, and a range of self-catering buildings with bunk beds. Smaller rooms are also available for leaders and teachers. For the ultimate rural experience, why not light a campfire, toast marshmallows and set up camp in their basic, or equipped campsites and tented villages?
Girlguiding Activity Centres pride themselves on providing a safe experience for school groups. They want you and your group to have fun, be challenged and take appropriate risks, but their priority is always to keep you safe. As well as being approved DofE providers, they are also accredited by the British Canoe Union, The Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (LOTC), Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme (AALS) and Adventuremark. Risk assessments can also be provided in advance of your visit.
Schools can get a taste for adventure with their great value seasonal offer, available between November and February. From as little as £19.20 per pupil, school groups can spend the day enjoying spectacular surroundings, getting active and stepping up to new challenges. This offer includes three adventurous activities.
This can be upgraded to an overnight stay at Foxlease and Waddow Hall, including four adventurous activities, dinner, breakfast and lunch for just £51.59 per pupil or a two-night stay, including six adventurous activities, two dinners, two breakfasts and two lunches for £89.99 per pupil.
Teachers don’t have to miss out on the fun either! The centres are perfect for team building events, away days and meetings. Enjoy exciting adventures and have space to think outside of the conventional staff room environment. Furthermore, all profits go back to the charity and help girls and young women across the UK to discover their full potential.
To make a booking, teachers and trip organisers can email activitycentres@girlguiding.org.uk.
To find out more information visit www.girlguidingactivitycentres.org.uk
Girlguiding Activity Centres are experts in bringing out the best in young people and have years of experience in delivering affordable school activity days and residential trips. We have four rural activity centres located in West Sussex, Derbyshire, Hampshire and Lancashire and a London based centre.
