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!
Set within the grounds of Britain’s largest drive-through Safari.
Woburn Safari Park combines the excitement and thrill of the Go Ape Tree Top Adventure with the fun of Britain’s largest drive through Safari and Foot Safari, where you can see over 800 animals in a natural environment.
Enjoy Tree Top Adventure, Tree Top Junior and our Segway Adventure in Nottinghamshire.
Our Tree Top Junior will remain open during the weekends in December and January - don’t forget a pair of gloves!
Welcome to the website for Head For Adventure. We offer a variety of services for clients with a range of needs and abilities. We specialise in providing short breaks (or respite care) for adults and children with brain injury.
An imposing 18th century building set in 180 acres of grounds that were landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. Hall open for events and exhibitions during spring and summer. The parkland is open throughout the year and free to visit.
Himley Hall and Park is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year, with stunning grounds where there is always something to see and enjoy.
A friendly, family run business with a wonderful collection of over 30 birds of prey to see, including owls, hawks, and falcons. A number of experiences available for accompanied children aged 14 and older.
Recent additions that the kids won’t want to miss are a Great Grey Owl and a Steppe Eagle, there is also a Green Winged Macaw called Woody!
Set in part of a 600 acre working farm, which provides a varied selection of animals to see including llamas, goats, peacocks and red deer. Kids will also enjoy the adventure playground and the go kart track!
Educational Visits
Stone tools and remains of animals found in the caves by archaeologists provide evidence for a fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. Great idea for family days out in Nottinghamshire.
Harewood House is a country house in Harewood near Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Designed by architects John Carr and Robert Adam, it was built between 1759 and 1771 for wealthy trader Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood.
Really welcoming to children: indoors they can play with vintage toys and tinkle on the grand piano, plus explore the cellars and attics; outside there are several play areas and an orienteering course, plus bee hives, Iron Age Hill Fort and other structures to find and explore.
Croft Castle boasts over 1,500 acres of surrounding farm, park and woodland to explore.
As soon as you think about the Isle of Wight, the iconic image of the world famous Needles Park chairlift immediately springs to mind, transporting guests from the cliff-top above Alum Bay down to the beach below. So, grab a bird’s eye view of the multi-coloured sand cliffs of Alum Bay and the stunning turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Nant Gwynant is one of the most dramatic and beautiful valleys in Wales. It's northern slopes rise to the summit of our highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and to the south lies the relatively undisturbed hills of Moel y Dyniewyd and the Moelwynion range.
Our nature reserves: a unique resource for outdoor learning. Woodland, flower-rich meadows, hills, wild heathland and wetlands ringing with bird calls: our nature reserves are found throughout Shropshire and, together, total 750 hectares. They protect rare and threatened habitats but can also be a gateway for children to experience the natural world.
Large park with adventure playground, offering geocaching, rich woodland walk audio trail and visitor centre.
This hidden treasure is a walled garden surrounded by woodland, found just outside Balerno, a suburb of Edinburgh.
The garden is a haven for plant lovers thanks to its large variety of colourful and fragrant flowers, plants and trees.
For school visits please phone or email in advance to arrange.
Ben Lawers is Scotland's tenth highest Munro and the central Highlands' highest mountain, stretching 1,214m (3,984ft) above Loch Tay. Ranger-led activities to meet curriculum requirements can be organised by arrangement.
We have a Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve Information Sheet written for teachers, which you can download (PDF format).
Explore Brimham Rocks, and have a great day out at nature's playground.
This amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale.
Officially the highest zipline tour in Australia, the Illawarra Fly Zipline Tour involves flying on a series of cable spans and suspension bridges up to 35 metres above the forest floor!
Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills.
Buttermere in Old English means 'the lake by the dairy pastures'. Large numbers of Vikings settled in Cumbria during the 9th and 10th centuries and many names in the area are of Norse origin.
The valleys descend from the highest and wildest mountains all the way to the beautiful sandy beaches on Cumbria’s peaceful western coast. The landscape provides everything from grandeur and beauty to tranquillity and remoteness.
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. We pay meticulous attention to the details, making sure our pastoral care is second to none, our activities are both exciting and educational, and the whole experience of working with
Alton Castle is a Catholic Education Centre in rural Staffordshire, just up the road from Alton Towers.
The family home of Bess of Hardwick, one of the richest and most remarkable women of Elizabethan England, stands beside Hardwick New Hall which she had built later in the 1590s.
Though the Old Hall is now roofless, visitors can still ascend four floors to view surviving decorative plasterwork, as well as the kitchen and service rooms with our audio tour.
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.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.