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

Located on the edge of the North York Moors and close to Yorkshire’s Heritage Coast we are ideally situated to provide a wide range of courses in stunning natural surroundings. Within 20 minutes of the Centre you could be mountain biking on the moors, scrambling up a beck or exploring the seashore.

Combat play activities for older children. Paintball site minimum age is 12 years old. Laser Tag site is 8.

AJ Activities also known as Herefordshire Paintball offers paint balling for the over 12s, and Laser Tag, the bruise-less, mess-less version for over 8s.

These activities are played across varied terrain and incorporating a wide selection of game scenarios.

Based in South Tyneside, North East England, we specialise in designing outdoor activities to suit your personal needs. We guarantee that your experience will be fun, enjoyable, challenging, exciting but ever important - memorable!

Gateway Outdoors is a Shrewsbury based business that specialises in providing high quality outdoor instruction based entirely on the requirements of the client group. We aim to use as much of the local resources as possible at the most cost effective price for groups or individuals, to experience something new and enjoyable.

Something for Everyone. NEW Tree Top Junior at Alice Holt.

Our Tree Top Junior will remain open during the weekends in December and January - don’t forget a pair of gloves!

The three Somerset Wildlife Trust reserves that make up the Cheddar Complex (Velvet Bottom, Black Rock and Long Wood) offer a chance to explore the Mendip Hills. The remote landscape is fractured with traditional stone walls and offers panoramic view across the Levels and Moors. The area is famous for its caves and the spectacular Cheddar Gorge, which runs close to the reserves.

The house is surrounded by a moat which is a big success with any kid to start! Plus follow the nature trail and spot wildlife from the bird-hide, have fun in the natural play area and discover new areas of the estate on their 3 orienteering courses!

Andy has over twenty years of experience as a teacher and coach of physical and outdoor education and can offer a wealth of helpful hints and tips to beginners and the elite. He also brings to the company a great enthusiasm for the outdoors and for working with people who want to enjoy the outdoors.

Extensive forest paths lead walkers through vast areas of mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodland. Path side vegetation management has provided the favoured habitats for butterflies and other flora and fauna. Follow the yellow waymarked path on an hour and a half walk around the forest to discover the variety.

Open year round with activities to suit all weather, our activities are delivered by fully trained staff to instruct and lead you and your group through exciting challenges, with all the necessary equipment provided for your safety.

Fairplay House Outdoor Education Centre is one of the longest running outdoor education centres in the UK with nearly 50 years of experience in inspiring and offering outdoor learning to young people and adults. 

Winner of Suffolk Tourism Awards – Best Tourism Experience 2011

NWT Ranworth Broad is a fantastic place to bring your children, suiting smaller groups especially well. Situated only 20 minutes outside Norwich, Ranworth contains a wide range of habitats and a fantastic variety of wildlife, all to be seen from 750m of boardwalk. Find our floating visitor centre, nestled in reeds, with amazing views out across the open water at the end.

Explore NWT Holme Dunes (5 miles from Hunstanton) with your group. There are a range of coastal habitats including sand dunes, freshwater pools, grazing marsh and saltmarsh and much of the site consists of natural habitats maintained largely by coastal processes.

Endeavour is a small national charity working at grass roots level with some of England's most disadvantaged and disaffected young people. Ours is a hard working, passionate and effective organisation providing social development programmes for those youngsters getting few or no opportunities to fulfill their true potential.

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.

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.

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.

Only 30 miles from central London, and easily accessible by road, the National Shooting Centre at Bisley has been the home of shooting since 1890 and has promoted and encouraged marksmanship for over 100 years. As part of this home the NCSC offers world class clay shooting facilities for all shooting disciplines and hosts international competitions.

Wild, open Goatfell, at 874m (2,866ft), is the highest peak on Arran. Walkers and mountaineers who venture into this dramatic and challenging upland landscape are rewarded with spectacular views of the island and, on a clear day, across to Ben Lomond, Jura and the coast of Ireland.

Sherwood Forest offers an array of activities to complete your family break. Visit the Nature Centre for a wealth of information about the wildlife on our Village or laze around on a pedalo overlooking the lake and the beautiful forest. There are a great selection of shops to explore and all the family favourite restaurants for all your dining needs.

A long distance path giving a circular tour around the county. Along the way are pretty rural churches, castle ruins and other historic features to discover and explore.

Silver Award in the ‘Beautiful South’ Small Visitor Attraction of the Year. A stone’s throw from Southampton.

Tucked away in 440 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows close to the River Itchen. Go Ape Southampton, Itchen Valley Country Park is perfect for a family days out in Hampshire, and friends looking for awesome activities in Southampton, Portsmouth or Eastleigh.

Over 40 different activities from Tree Trekking to Tarzan swings.

Schools, Groups and Corporate Bookings

One of our highest adventures, close to a 2 million year old natural limestone cave.

Our Buxton Tree Top Adventure is set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park and within walking distance of the historic Spa town itself. One of the best days out in Derbyshire, you’ll enjoy high ropes, a zip wire and much much more.

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