Our centres

Our two residential adventure centres on the North Devon coast offer different settings, different challenges and the same commitment to positive life change through adventure. Whether you’re right on the edge of the Atlantic or set slightly inland with space to explore and push further, each Skern location is here to help people grow in confidence, capability and self-belief.

Accredited by

Two Centres. One Shared Purpose.

Everything we do is shaped by fifty years of experience delivering life-changing residential adventure programmes. Across both locations, you’ll find:

● Qualified, committed instructors who genuinely care
● Safe, supportive environments that encourage growth
● Challenging, memorable experiences rooted in nature
● Programmes designed to create lasting impact beyond the stay

This is adventure in its truest sense – tangible, immersive and unforgettable.

Group of people wearing helmets and wetsuits walking in a line along a narrow rocky coastal path.
Wooden outdoor adventure course with obstacles and two large inflatable balls in a pool, set in a countryside landscape under a blue sky.

Food Accommodation & Facilities

Across both Skern Adventure locations, food, accommodation and facilities are designed to support active residential stays and positive learning experiences.

Groups can expect nourishing meals, comfortable accommodation and practical, well-maintained facilities that help people feel settled, supported and ready to take on each day’s challenges.

While each location offers a different environment and style of adventure, the standard of care remains the same – thoughtful, professional and focused on wellbeing.

Outdoor high ropes assault course with wooden poles, climbing nets, and platforms set on a grassy field under a clear blue sky.Group of people in helmets by a lakeside with colourful kayaks and wooden docks in a rural outdoor setting.
Group of people in wetsuits carrying surfboards walking along a wet sandy beach under a clear sky.
Group of people wearing helmets and outdoor gear climbing and standing on rocky outcrops by the sea.

Appledore

Set above the rugged North Devon coastline, Appledore is our original home, formerly known as Skern Lodge. From surfing waves and kayaking on the River Torridge to coastal exploration along the beautiful Hartland coast, it’s a place where children and young people build confidence, learn new skills and experience adventure together through a wide range of exciting on-site activities.

Best known for:
● Surfing, river kayaking and rafting
● Coastal exploration along the beautiful Hartland coast
● A strong sense of heritage and community

Ideal for:
Schools, groups and families looking for outdoor adventure experiences on the coast.

Abbotsham

Located a short drive from the North Devon coast, Abbotsham is set further inland than our Appledore centre. Formerly known as Ultimate Adventure, Abbotsham is now part of Skern Adventure – bringing together scale, impact and our shared commitment to care, learning and positive change.

Best known for:
● Large-scale high ropes and assault course challenges
● Purpose-built facilities designed for bigger groups
● A mix of exciting land and water-based activities

Ideal for:
Schools, groups and families looking for space, scale and challenge – with the coast still close enough to enjoy watersports.

Person in a blue helmet and red vest jumping mid-air between two large red, white, and grey inflated balls over water.
Group of children outdoors building a raft using logs, barrels, ropes, wearing wetsuits, helmets and life jackets.

Two locations, one Skern Adventure experience

While each location has its own character, both are unmistakably Skern Adventure. Our programmes are designed with the same care, delivered by the same dedicated teams, and built around the same belief: adventure creates positive change. Wherever you choose to stay, you can expect learning that lasts long after the bags are unpacked and the photos are shared.

Get in touch
Group of people wearing wetsuits and life jackets walking on a path surrounded by green hills and bushes.

Activities at Skern

"New friendship groups have been formed, social skills honed and the children feel healthier and fitter - a super week."

Primary Teacher

"As well as being a welcome break from school they have enjoyed each others company, faced challenges and learnt new skills."

Primary Teacher

"The instructors & all staff at Skern Lodge were brilliant - thank you."

Primary School, Berkshire

"The care and attention given to us was brilliant. I have not taken school children to a better residential experience."

Primary School, Berkshire

"A huge thank you to your amazing team for their passion, knowledge and enthusiasm, for captivating & inspiring our students."

Primary School, Somerset

"An experience we are sure the group will cherish throughout their childhood, thank you. You have our utmost respect and admiration."

Primary School, Somerset
Are you open to the public?

Yes, Skern Adventure is open to the public. A range of activities can be booked directly online via our activities page, while others can be arranged by contacting the team. Sessions are instructor-led and available for a variety of ages and abilities.

Looking for the next adventure?

Get in touch with our friendly team.

Group of 25 adults posing outdoors on grass under trees, wearing casual clothes including green polo shirts and shorts.