Unforgettable Residentials at The Hive School Trip
IG10 4AJ
Residential Trip Residentials London & South East
LOCATIONOn the edge of East London and stone's throw away from M25 and M11 The Hive in the heart of Epping Forest feels like a world away from the confines of the school classroom, lending an air of excitement and adventure to an authentic outdoors and back-to-nature experience. Throughout the seasons Epping Forest, 2,400 hectares of ancient woodland, with two thirds of it designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is always worth a visit!
EXPERTISE
The Hive has a track record in operating residential camps in Epping Forest for schools across London and surrounding boroughs for over 50 years. Our dedicated team of staff are on-hand to ensure that your visit to The Hive is memorable for all the right reasons. The tutors have a wealth of experience leading outdoor education activities that are fun and stimulating.
QUALITY
The Hive reopened in June 2021 after a multi million investment programme so if you are looking for high quality accommodation then The Hive is your ideal location for your school trip. Our homecooked meals are all produced on-site using the freshest ingredients direct from local/organic sources. We offer a seasonal based nutritious vegetarian menu and special dietary requirements can always be catered for.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
*Imposing Victorian main building that houses four fully equipped large classrooms;
* A range of animals suitable for handling
* Outdoor classroom set in accessible terraced gardens and picnic areas
* Four ponds with dipping stations and one with wheelchair access;
* Two sets of ten wooden camping pods with underfloor heating (two pods are fully accessible) surrounding firepits either in our woodland or our meadow;
* The Lodge, with a large multi purpose space for both dining and learning, showers and toilet facilities;
* Eco camps option, no need to book a coach with luggage transfer from Chingford Station. Your experience starts the moment you leave the station as we greet you and take you straight away off into a forest discovery!
* Plenty of space to run around during free time.
* Bushcraft and team building activities
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Institute of Outdoor Learning
We can visit your school in: London & South East
What activities are available during educational visits in 2026?
All the programmes are designed to give children and young people the opportunity to develop essential life skills such as team-work, communication, problem-solving and leadership; building self-confidence and resilience.
Here are a selection of our most popular activities. Contact us for further details or with a particular topic/theme.
Early Years and KS1
Our fun, informative and memorable real-world education sessions allow our younger visitors to develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.
Here's a taste of some of our activities:
* Forest Sensory Trail
*We're Going a Bear Hunt
*Forest Map Adventure
*Pond Dipping
*Animal handling
S2, KS3, KS4 and post 16
Our flexible and adaptable environmental educational programmes equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need to make decisions about the impact they have on the environment through-out their lives. Working together in a stimulating environment helps
develop self-awareness, communication, teamwork and social skills.
Here's a taste of some of our activities:
*Investigating Eco Systems;
*Stream Study;
*GSCE Science Woodland Transect;
Adventurous activities:
*Orienteering
*Bushcraft
*Shelter Building
*Team Challenges
Here are a selection of our most popular activities. Contact us for further details or with a particular topic/theme.
Early Years and KS1
Our fun, informative and memorable real-world education sessions allow our younger visitors to develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.
Here's a taste of some of our activities:
* Forest Sensory Trail
*We're Going a Bear Hunt
*Forest Map Adventure
*Pond Dipping
*Animal handling
S2, KS3, KS4 and post 16
Our flexible and adaptable environmental educational programmes equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need to make decisions about the impact they have on the environment through-out their lives. Working together in a stimulating environment helps
develop self-awareness, communication, teamwork and social skills.
Here's a taste of some of our activities:
*Investigating Eco Systems;
*Stream Study;
*GSCE Science Woodland Transect;
Adventurous activities:
*Orienteering
*Bushcraft
*Shelter Building
*Team Challenges
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Wildlife School Trip
We keep and care for a wide range of animals suitable for handling these include reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, birds and a variety of invertebrates. We provide them with enclosures that mimic their natural environment as much as possible and include necessary stimulation. Visit our special scientific sites of interest, check our ponds, bug hotels, bird and bat boxes and become Habitat Hunters for animals of all shapes and sizes.
Environmental Geography School Trip
Materials and recycling Plastic pollution Sustainable living Global warming Renewable Energy Climate change Conservation
We tailor all our sessions to suit the needs of your group. Tell us more about the aspects of the curriculum you wish to cover and let us come up with fun yet educational activities for you.
Fieldstudies School Trip
Suntrap is located in the heart of Epping Forest which hosts a rich variety of habitats including woodland, grassland, heath, rivers, bogs and ponds, providing us with a wealth of flora, fauna and wildlife to study on the site itself and surrounding area.
Biology School Trip
Plants Animals including humans Everyday materials Living things and habitats Evolution and inheritance Digestive System Ecology and environment Life Cycles Minibeasts Habitats Circulatory system Microbiology Underwater Animals and Habitats Life Sciences Forest School Photosynthesis (KS3/4) Relationships in an ecosystem (KS3/4) Evolution inheritance and variation (KS3/4)
The outdoors provides the perfect environment for young people to experience and observe the natural world around them, noticing seasonal phenomena, patterns and grouping things such as plants, types of animals and habitats. We encourage them to explore, be curious and ask questions. For example, they can look for mini beasts under a log, record what they find and discuss the types of creatures present and the properties of that habitat. Through all ages and abilities we provide stimulating practical experiences that uses scientific enquiry, enabling students to make informed behavioural changes to help reduce their carbon footprint.
Physical Geography School Trip
Water cycles Rivers Map and atlas Environment Fieldwork
Students learn about how human activity has impacted on the environment and habitats, both locally and internationally and the important role of both plants and soils in mitigating the effects of global warming.
Bushcraft School Trip
Bush craft sessions aim to improve communications skills, resilience and environmental awareness. The activities can include how to safely make and light a fire using natural materials, water purification, cooking, camouflage and concealment as well as building a shelter. Each session is different and focused specifically on your age group and learning outcomes.
Art School Trip
Drawing Design Painting Craft
Creative sessions aim not only to help develop young people’s creative thinking, expression and practical abilities, but also help bring other areas of the curriculum the life. For example, making pictures and patterns using materials available around them and investigating their differing properties. Using brushes to paint mud onto a tree, examining the bark, structure of the roots and sparking discussions about what we use trees for and why they are so important to our environment
Physical Education School Trip
Orienteering
The Hive's outdoor activities help to promote an active lifestyle for the future and demonstrate the importance of physical well-being. Engaging in the kinds of fun-filled, competitive challenges that The Hive provides build character and confidence as well as embed values like fairness and respect.
Human Geography School Trip
Natural resources Settlement and land use
What better way to develop knowledge, build understanding and inspire curiosity about diverse places, natural environments and physical processes than first hand - outside of the classroom – on a site of Special Scientific Interest. Observations can be made about features in the environment, describing places, making maps, conducting field studies and recognising why people may seek to manage them in a sustainable way.
PSHE School Trip
Teamwork and resilience
Our bespoke programmes are designed to build confidence and encourage teamwork using the stunning Epping Forest as a catalyst for positive outcomes.
English School Trip
Composition
We’re going on a Bear Hunt - Go on an exciting outdoor adventure through the forest following the bear’s footprints; splish splashing in the stream and squelching in the mud. Find the bear and make your own cave using natural materials. Early learning goal links: Communication and language
The Gruffalo - Help the little brown mouse find his way through the forest, meeting a snake, fox and owl on your journey. You might even meet the Gruffalo! Curriculum links: English Y1 Reading comprehension
Maths School Trip
Measurement Geometry Statistics Ratio and proportion Graphs and data
Map co-ordinates trail - Learn how to read a map and use coordinates to undertake a map reading challenge with a partner in The Hive grounds. Curriculum links: Year 4 Geometry
Design Technology School Trip
Materials
Shelter Building - Work in groups to plan and build a shelter in the forest using natural materials. Challenge to make the shelter warm, stable and waterproof. Curriculum links: Design and Technology (Make; Evaluate; Technical knowledge);
Prehistory School Trip
Stone Age Iron Age Bronze Age
Stone age to the Iron Age
Surviving the Stone Age - Enter the Stone Age in the forest; finding wild food, collecting clay to make a thumb pot, do some cave painting using natural pigments and build your own shelter. Curriculum links: History changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age.
Sustainability School Trip
Eco education is critical in helping young people understand the impacts of climate change, encourage a change in attitudes and behaviour needed to address the causes of climate change, and develop competencies and leadership skills that are vital for a sustainable future.
Our activities across the curriculum address the important understanding of sustainability and we aim to support visitors to be future climate leaders.
Forest School School Trip
The Hive is in the heart of Epping Forest, and we are able to offer Forest School sessions on our beautiful 7 acre site or we can come out to local schools and run sessions in your grounds led by our Qualified Forest School Leaders. Our Day visits and Residentials incorporate the known Forest School benefits of hands-on experiences in a natural, woodland environment.
Team Building
What size groups do we cater for?
Residential facilities include 4-person eco pods that cater for up to 64 students and 8 staff. Please contact us directly for specific information regarding the most up to date regulations
On-site classroom facilities?
We have:
*Four large, fully equipped heated classrooms;
*Full class sets of equipment including microscopes and compasses;
* 4 ponds (one fully accessible for wheelchair users) with pond dipping stations;
* Outdoor classroom overlooking accessible terraced garden and picnic area;
* Wellies and waterproofs for all ages;
* The Lodge - seating for 80 and is ideal to view screenings and presentations;
*Pond dipping stations;
* Around the site we have a number of break-out spaces that can be converted to classroom formats for the more in-depth teaching requirements.
*Four large, fully equipped heated classrooms;
*Full class sets of equipment including microscopes and compasses;
* 4 ponds (one fully accessible for wheelchair users) with pond dipping stations;
* Outdoor classroom overlooking accessible terraced garden and picnic area;
* Wellies and waterproofs for all ages;
* The Lodge - seating for 80 and is ideal to view screenings and presentations;
*Pond dipping stations;
* Around the site we have a number of break-out spaces that can be converted to classroom formats for the more in-depth teaching requirements.
Is there first aid on site?
All The Hive staff are trained in first aid.
Access for visitors with disabilities
Our facilities are accessible and we have an all-terrain wheelchair to use in the forest. We have changing place facilities and disabled car parking.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Yes we do - we pride ourselves on our inclusive approach to teaching and we are especially proud of our on-going work with several local SEN schools.
Anything else?
To address the climate change agenda The Hive has made a long-term commitment to the environment.
Our private 7-acre site includes sustainable features and examples of best practice design which are incorporated into our learning sessions including:
• a ground source heat pump;
• solar panels for both hot water and electricity generation;
• water harvesting;
• food waste composting;
• electric charging points and minibus;
• a meat-free menu for catered bookings.
To promote biodiversity our native planting supports many different habitats.
Cut your carbon emissions. Use public transport as far as Chingford Station. Your group will be met at the station for a discovery walk through the forest while your luggage is transferred to site by an electric vehicle
Come and visit us here in Epping Forest or we can come to you for school-based training we provide learning outside the classroom at its very best and most memorable!
Our private 7-acre site includes sustainable features and examples of best practice design which are incorporated into our learning sessions including:
• a ground source heat pump;
• solar panels for both hot water and electricity generation;
• water harvesting;
• food waste composting;
• electric charging points and minibus;
• a meat-free menu for catered bookings.
To promote biodiversity our native planting supports many different habitats.
Cut your carbon emissions. Use public transport as far as Chingford Station. Your group will be met at the station for a discovery walk through the forest while your luggage is transferred to site by an electric vehicle
Come and visit us here in Epping Forest or we can come to you for school-based training we provide learning outside the classroom at its very best and most memorable!
Who are The Hive?
Hi from The Hive!
The Hive is an environmental educational centre in operation for over fifty years. Set in 7 acres of private woodland and meadow in the heart of Epping Forest based on the edge of East London with easy transport links. The surrounding diverse woodland provides the ideal location for all year-round residential school trips or day visits.
At The Hive we understand booking your class for a residential trip can be daunting, but we promise a stay with us will be truly something to look forward to. After all our aim is to encourage as many people as possible to learn about their environment through hands-on experiences that remains with them throughout their lives in an inspirational and safe environment. Our bespoke programmes are designed to build confidence and encourage teamwork using the stunning Epping Forest as a catalyst for positive outcomes.
Our unique all-inclusive residential packages combine accommodation in our heated wooden 4-person eco-pods, dining and washrooms in our state-of the art Lodge, food, drink, curriculum-led tuition with a variety of activities to suit all ages and abilities. Our bespoke programmes can be tailored to suit the curriculum, specific topics and themes or just for fun.
All activities are
• Linked to the EY Framework, National Curriculum or exam board specifications for GCSE, BTec and A’ level as appropriate;
• Provide visitors with knowledge and skills to empower them to take action and make informed choices to use the world’s resources wisely and to make a positive contribution to improve their local area;
• Support classroom-based learning by developing understanding through practical real-world experiences;
• Are led by experienced environmental education professionals;
• Are fully risk assessed
Wellies and waterproofs for all ages!
Our Reviews from Schools..
★★★★★
"Thank you so much for hosting us over the past couple of days. The children had a truly wonderful time and benefited so much from your tuition as well as the spectacular facilities. The team and I are really grateful for everything you did to make everything run as smoothly as possible and for the children to have a memorable experience. Thank you."
Haberdashers School for Girls, Elstree, Hertfordshire
★★★★★
"Thank you very much for all of your hard work. It was an excellent experience and the girls got a lot out of it"
★★★★★
"You do everything so well; engaging the children and giving them the courage to have a go and just enjoy!
"
★★★★★
"Fantastic - took me back to my childhood visits. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed it! If only the goodness could be experienced every day in my own home!"
★★★★★
"The tutor was clear, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Activities were fun, engaging, interesting and the children learnt such a lot."
★★★★★
"You do everything so well; engaging the children and giving them the courage to have a go and just enjoy - worth every penny!
"
★★★★★
"Excellent personal service and children well looked after. Very knowledgeable. Will book for other year groups."
★★★★★
"Congratulations to the staff at the London Borough of Waltham Forest on fifty years of inspiring children with a love of nature and a respect for the natural world."
★★★★★
"‘Fantastic trip on Wednesday, our sixth formers worked with multiple intelligences, developed their teamwork and had a brilliant time.’ "
Harris Academy, Tottenham
★★★★★
"‘Just wanted to say thanks for the lovely day’s study… the young people that attended really benefitted. Thanks also for the great collaborative working in delivering the activities particularly getting the pitch and tone just right.’ "
Northgate School, Edgware
★★★★★
"‘Excellent presentation, excellent activities, great explanations for our A Level Biology students.’ "
Sacred Heart Sixth Form, Hammersmith
★★★★★
"‘Everything was perfect. Brilliantly led by tutor, clear instructions, children safe and loved every minute.’
"
St Marys Primary School, Walthamstow
★★★★★
"Staff were brilliant, always helpful and gave deeper insight to enhance children’s imagination. Very clear and easy to understand, and their work ethic ensured the experience for both children and teachers was amazing.’ "
Hillyfield Primary Academy, Walthamstow
★★★★★
"Every activity engaging, leaders knowledgeable and kind, clear and well organised.’ "
Wren Primary Academy, Finchley
★★★★★
"‘…open, collaborative, all teaching and delivery is of a high standard, staff are well trained and experienced. It’s a great outdoor learning environment, providing a tangible learning experience, enjoyed by all – pupils and teachers. It’s unique, a valuable resource. It’s part of the fabric of our school’. "
Headteacher from anonymous consultation
★★★★★
"‘It’s greatest asset, being in the forest and the learning and experience that provides. The staff are always excellent, as well as the activities they provide.’ "
Headteacher from anonymous consultation
★★★★★
"‘It delivers really positive outcomes for our pupils, both experiences, social development and learning outcomes. It’s a special place and we’ll keep returning’. Headteacher from anonymous consultation"
Headteacher from anonymous consultation
★★★★★
"‘It delivers really positive outcomes for our pupils, both experiences, social development and learning outcomes. It’s a special place and we’ll keep returning’. "
Headteacher from anonymous consultationTeacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge Institute of Outdoor Learning
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