Bideford Devon EX39 5AP
Residential Trip Residentials South West
Skern Adventure Abbotsham offers a purpose-built outdoor learning environment in North Devon, designed to deliver high-quality residential experiences for schools and groups. With a wide range of activities available on-site, groups spend less time travelling and more time taking part in meaningful, engaging experiences.From high ropes and assault courses to team challenges and coasteering nearby, our programmes combine adventure with personal development, helping students build confidence, resilience and teamwork through real experience.
Our modern, comfortable accommodation and excellent facilities ensure a safe and supportive stay, while our experienced team works closely with you to design a programme tailored to your group's aims and objectives.
Whether you're planning a school residential, youth group visit or team-building experience, Skern Adventure Abbotsham delivers a well-organised, enjoyable and impactful trip from start to finish.
Teacher Checklist
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What activities are available during educational visits in 2026?
Skern Adventure Abbotsham offers a wide range of on-site outdoor activities, designed to challenge, engage and inspire students in a purpose-built environment. With most activities based on-site, groups maximise their time taking part in meaningful experiences with minimal travel.
Students can take on high ropes, climbing and our land and water-based assault course, building confidence and resilience through physical challenge. Team activities such as buggy build, raft building and problem-solving tasks encourage collaboration, communication and creativity.
A variety of additional experiences including archery, bushcraft, circus skills and mountain boarding provide opportunities for pupils to try something new, while water-based activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding develop balance, coordination and teamwork.
All activities are delivered by experienced instructors in a safe and supportive environment, with programmes tailored to suit your group's needs, abilities and learning objectives.
Students can take on high ropes, climbing and our land and water-based assault course, building confidence and resilience through physical challenge. Team activities such as buggy build, raft building and problem-solving tasks encourage collaboration, communication and creativity.
A variety of additional experiences including archery, bushcraft, circus skills and mountain boarding provide opportunities for pupils to try something new, while water-based activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding develop balance, coordination and teamwork.
All activities are delivered by experienced instructors in a safe and supportive environment, with programmes tailored to suit your group's needs, abilities and learning objectives.
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Physical Education School Trip
Climbing Orienteering Archery Kayaking High Ropes Coasteering Circus Skills
Our physical education sessions at Skern Adventure Abbotsham bring energy, challenge and excitement to outdoor learning. Designed to get students fully engaged, our activities encourage effort, participation and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment.
One of our most popular and fast-paced experiences is the Assault Course - an all-weather, action-packed challenge featuring water slides, balance obstacles and team challenges inspired by Total Wipeout. Students test their agility, coordination and determination as they take on a series of fun and demanding obstacles.
These sessions promote fitness, resilience and confidence, giving pupils the opportunity to push themselves, support one another and enjoy physical activity in a completely different way.
Bushcraft School Trip
With over 12 acres of countryside and woodland, Skern Adventure Abbotsham provides the perfect environment for immersive bushcraft experiences. Students learn essential outdoor skills such as shelter building, fire lighting, water filtration and basic survival techniques through hands-on, practical activities.
Led by experienced instructors, sessions are designed to build confidence, resilience and teamwork, encouraging pupils to work together, solve problems and connect with the natural environment - all while having fun.
Watersports School Trip
SUP Stand Up Paddleboarding Raft Building Kayaking
Skern Adventure Abbotsham offers a wide range of watersports experiences for all abilities, from first-time participants to those developing more advanced skills. Sessions take place on our on-site lake, as well as at local coastal locations including the Taw and Torridge Estuary and Westward Ho! beach.
Students can take part in activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and raft building on the lake, before progressing to more dynamic environments. At Westward Ho!, pupils experience surfing and bodyboarding, while the estuary provides ideal conditions for paddlesports and water-based exploration.
Led by experienced instructors, every session is delivered in a safe and supportive environment, helping students build confidence, develop skills and enjoy exciting, memorable experiences on the water.
Accommodation Only School Trip
Skern Adventure Abbotsham offers flexible accommodation-only stays, with capacity for over 500 guests across a range of comfortable, purpose-built buildings. Ideal for short stays or stopovers, our centre provides a convenient and well-equipped base for schools and groups.
Available during the Spring and Autumn months, accommodation-only bookings can be tailored to suit your needs. We also offer a range of catering options, allowing you to keep everything in one place and making your stay as simple and hassle-free as possible.
Our spacious dining hall is capable of serving up to 150 students per sitting, providing a seamless and efficient dining experience. Whether your group requires breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a combination of meals, we are happy to work with you to create a catering plan that fits your schedule and dietary needs.
From comfortable accommodation to convenient dining options, we strive to make your stay stress-free and enjoyable. Let us handle the details so you can make the most of your time with us.
Outdoor Learning
What size groups do we cater for?
Skern Adventure Abbotsham can accommodate a wide range of group sizes, with capacity for up to 500 guests. Our flexible accommodation includes bunk rooms sleeping between 6 and 14 per room, as well as camping options with access to full washroom facilities.
With two large dining halls and extensive on-site space, we are well equipped to host everything from smaller groups to full year groups, ensuring a comfortable and well-organised residential experience for all.
With two large dining halls and extensive on-site space, we are well equipped to host everything from smaller groups to full year groups, ensuring a comfortable and well-organised residential experience for all.
On-site classroom facilities?
Yes. Skern Adventure Abbotsham offers a range of indoor teaching spaces, equipped with projectors and screens, ideal for lessons, briefings and group sessions.
We also have several covered outdoor areas, providing flexible spaces for activities and learning that benefit from being outside while still offering shelter.
We also have several covered outdoor areas, providing flexible spaces for activities and learning that benefit from being outside while still offering shelter.
Is there first aid on site?
Yes. All Skern Adventure Abbotsham staff are fully first aid trained, with regular refresher training to ensure their skills remain up to date. The safety and wellbeing of all participants is our priority, and our team is experienced in delivering activities in a safe, well-managed environment.
Access for visitors with disabilities
Yes. Skern Adventure Abbotsham is committed to providing inclusive and accessible experiences for all groups. Our buildings, accommodation and washroom facilities are designed to be accessible and meet DDA requirements.
We encourage you to contact us in advance to discuss your group's specific needs, and our team will work with you to tailor a programme that ensures all participants can take part in a safe, supportive and enjoyable way.
We encourage you to contact us in advance to discuss your group's specific needs, and our team will work with you to tailor a programme that ensures all participants can take part in a safe, supportive and enjoyable way.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
At Skern Adventure Abbotsham, we are committed to providing inclusive residential experiences where every young person feels supported and able to take part. We work with both specialist SEN schools and mainstream groups, adapting our programmes to meet a wide range of additional needs.
Our purpose-built centre offers accessible facilities, including wheelchair-friendly areas, and we work closely with schools in advance to understand individual requirements. This allows us to make appropriate adjustments to activities, accommodation and delivery to ensure all pupils can participate comfortably and safely.
Our experienced team delivers sessions in a structured, supportive way, using clear communication and flexible approaches to encourage engagement, confidence and independence. Activities can be adapted to suit different abilities, ensuring every pupil can experience challenge and success at their own pace.
We can support a range of needs including autistic spectrum conditions, emotional and behavioural needs, general learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, sensory impairments, physical and mobility needs, and social development.
Throughout the visit, we create a safe and encouraging environment where pupils can build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy a meaningful residential experience alongside their peers.
Who are Skern Adventure?
Skern Adventure Abbotsham is a purpose-built outdoor learning centre in North Devon, delivering high-quality residential and day experiences for schools and groups. Set just 10 minutes from the coast, our centre combines a safe, secure environment with a wide range of adventurous activities designed to develop confidence, teamwork and resilience through real experience.
With 50 years of heritage in delivering outdoor learning, Skern Adventure brings a depth of experience you can trust. Our leadership team includes experienced teachers and instructors, giving us a clear understanding of the needs of both staff and students when planning and delivering residential visits.
We offer flexible accommodation and tailored programmes to suit every group, from primary schools through to secondary and beyond. Our aim is to make the entire process as smooth as possible - from your initial enquiry through to your stay on site, with support available for pre-visits and school presentations if required.
At Skern Adventure Abbotsham, we combine great facilities, experienced people and a supportive approach to deliver safe, enjoyable and impactful outdoor learning experiences.
Teacher Checklist
Get Risk Assessments LOtC Quality Badge AALA Licence British Activity Providers Association Adventure Mark £5m PL Insurance
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