School Residential Trips
Adventure that builds confidence, skills and lasting learning
At Skern, adventure is how learning comes to life. Through shared challenges and real experiences, children and young people build confidence, develop practical skills, and discover what they’re capable of.
Our residential programmes create the space for this to happen. Living and learning together encourages teamwork, communication and problem solving in a way the classroom can’t replicate. It’s hands-on, fully present, and rooted in the outdoors where learning feels real and stays with them.
The result is lasting impact: stronger relationships, greater self-belief, and skills that support them back at school and beyond.
Our programmes
Every Skern Adventure residential programme combines on-site and off-site activities to deliver high-quality outdoor education. We tailor each programme to your school’s needs, working with you before and during your stay to ensure your learning objectives are met. Your Course Director oversees the experience, making sure every pupil gets the most from their time with us.
Where possible, the same instructor team stays with your group throughout your residential. This consistency helps us understand individual needs, build confidence and tailor activities to provide the right level of challenge.Our instructors create a positive, supportive environment where children and young people can take part, try new things and succeed—developing confidence, teamwork and a stronger sense of self.
Morning sessions run from
9am – 12.30pm
Afternoon sessions run from
1.30pm – 5pm
Evening sessions run from
7pm – 8pm or 9pm
(depending on age)
Guidance for party leaders
We want every group to have a positive, well-organised and memorable experience at Skern Adventure. This guidance is here to support you, helping you understand your role and what to expect so your visit runs smoothly from start to finish.
Activities for schools
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Develop Skills with skern
Sample programmes
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Abseil
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Body Board
Zipwire
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Body Boarding
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Drive
Primary schools
Introducing children to adventure at an early age helps build confidence, resilience and essential teamwork skills. Through real challenges in the outdoors, children learn to communicate, cooperate and support one another.Our programmes also encourage a deeper awareness and appreciation of the natural environment, helping children connect with the world around them.
Learning is built into every experience. Throughout each day, we create time for reflection so pupils can recognise what they’ve achieved and carry that learning forward—alongside the enjoyment and energy that comes with being active, outdoors and fully involved.
Statistics taken from www.learningaway.org.uk
I feel more confident to try things I wouldn't have done before.
I get on better with the other pupils in my class.
My attendance and behaviour at school is now better.
Secondary schools
Our residential programmes support young people at key stages in their development, building confidence, resilience and essential life skills in a challenging and supportive environment. Whether preparing for a new school, exams or future pathways, each experience is designed to help them take the next step with confidence.
Adventure is the vehicle for learning. Through shared challenges, students develop communication, teamwork and independence in a safe environment where they feel supported to try, learn and succeed.
Time for reflection is built into every programme, helping students recognise what they’ve achieved and carry that learning back into the classroom. The result is greater confidence, broader horizons and a stronger motivation to learn.
Statistics taken from www.learningaway.org.uk
Since the residential I feel more strongly motivated to learn.
I feel that my school work is more important to me and my future.
Because of the residential I get on better with my teachers.
Winter Residential Trips
Winter residential trips offer a unique outdoor learning experience with lasting impact for school groups. Taking part earlier in the year helps students build confidence, strengthen relationships and develop key life skills from the outset.
With fewer distractions and a fresh environment, students engage fully in each activity. Through shared challenges, they develop teamwork, communication and resilience in a supportive setting.
Time for reflection is built into every programme, helping students recognise what they’ve achieved and carry that learning back into the classroom—creating strong foundations for the rest of the school year.
School day visits
Skern Adventure day visits give pupils the chance to experience outdoor adventure and learning in a single day—either at our centre or at your school. Flexible options are available, with full or half-day programmes designed to suit your timetable and budget.
Each programme is carefully planned to deliver meaningful outcomes, developing confidence, teamwork and communication through engaging, hands-on activities. We can tailor your visit to support current topics, reinforce classroom learning or focus on key moments such as transition to a new school or college.
Led by our experienced instructors, every session provides a supportive environment where children and young people can take part, challenge themselves and succeed—gaining skills that stay with them beyond the day.
Geography field studies
We’ve been providing tailor made fieldwork courses since 2006. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff can deliver courses for Primary and Secondary, GCSE and A-Level.
Learn more
FAQs
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.
Skern Adventure was established in 1976 and has been delivering outdoor experiences for 50 years. Since moving to our current Appledore site in 1982, we have grown to include a second centre at Abbotsham, expanding the range of activities and experiences we offer.
This depends on the type of booking. For school and group residentials, costs are typically based on the overall programme rather than individual activity choices, although some optional extras—such as visits to local attractions—may incur an additional charge. For direct bookings, certain activities can be selected and booked individually online, with pricing shown per activity. Our team is always happy to help clarify options and costs based on your booking type.
As with all outdoor activities, there is an element of risk, but at Skern Adventure this is carefully managed to ensure it remains at a very acceptable level. We are regularly inspected by a range of external bodies, including the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, Paddle UK, the RYA, the Health & Safety Executive, local education authorities, and our insurers. In addition, we carry out regular risk assessments across all activities and wider site operations, including fire safety, catering, accommodation, and security. This thorough approach ensures a safe and well-managed environment for all visitors
All instructors at Skern Adventure are fully trained and qualified to deliver the activities they lead. They hold up-to-date first aid qualifications, are assessed as competent, and are regularly monitored to ensure high standards of safety and delivery. We follow national governing body guidelines and fully comply with Activity Licensing regulations, ensuring that all activities are led by appropriately qualified staff.
No, participation is always encouraged but never forced. At Skern Adventure, our programmes are designed to offer a mix of activities—some you may find easy, others more challenging—so everyone has the chance to enjoy and achieve something. While no one will be made to take part in an activity they’re uncomfortable with, our instructors will always encourage you to have a go and support you in building confidence. It’s a great opportunity to try new things and discover what you’re capable of.
Yes, we can cater for a wide range of dietary requirements. Our meals are known for both quality and quantity, with vegetarian and vegan options available as standard. We can accommodate specific dietary needs and allergies—please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Yes, there may be other groups on-site during your stay. We carefully manage group bookings to ensure a suitable mix of guests at all times. Accommodation is provided in separate, secure units, giving each group their own dedicated space while still enjoying the wider centre facilities.
Across both Skern Adventure centres, children are never off-site without supervision, and there are always both Skern staff and group leaders resident on-site. Buildings are secured at night, with locked doors and restricted window openings, while still allowing safe exit in case of emergency. Each site is well lit, with gates locked overnight to maintain a secure environment. All staff are carefully vetted as suitable to work with children and hold up-to-date DBS checks. When unaccompanied children visit, a dedicated member of staff is assigned to provide additional support and supervision.
Many activities at Skern Adventure take place on-site. For off-site activities, transport is provided using our own minibuses or a trusted local coach company. Our minibuses are Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV) operated under a licence, regularly inspected, and driven by qualified PCV-licensed drivers.
Activities at Skern Adventure run in most weather conditions. Each day, and again before every session, we assess the weather to ensure it is safe to proceed. In some cases, conditions such as strong winds or cold temperatures may make certain activities unsuitable. When this happens, we provide suitable alternatives so the programme can continue safely. Safety is never compromised.
Our group ratios vary depending on the activity, with most sessions operating at up to 1:10. For younger groups, ratios are typically reduced to around 1:8. Teaching staff are welcome to join activities, and we always work within the recommended ratios set by the relevant governing bodies for each activity.
All specialist equipment is provided and maintained to high standards, with regular safety checks carried out. Please bring suitable clothing for outdoor activities, appropriate for the weather and conditions.
No for overnight stays at both of our centres beds are made up for your arrival with duvets and pillows. You will however need to bring your own towel.
Very little. Almost everything is included and any extras will have been clearly detailed before you book. We do have a small shop on-site that sells toiletries, sweets, drinks, postcards and t-shirts etc. We are happy to accept payment by card over the phone (01237 475992) and provide a voucher to be exchanged in the shop on your child's arrival.
Our locations
Our two Skern Adventure residential centres on the North Devon coast offer different settings, different challenges and the same commitment to high-quality outdoor learning. From coastal waters to expansive land-based environments, each location provides a safe, supportive space where children and young people build confidence, develop skills and experience adventure that creates lasting impact.
Looking for an inspiring trip?
Get in touch with our friendly team.
