Grafham Water Centre Residentials School Trip
Huntingdon PE28 0GW
Residential Trip Residentials East of England
At Grafham Water Centre, we offer more than just outdoor activities—we provide transformative experiences. As a Cambridgeshire County Council-run centre, we specialise in delivering high-quality, adventurous water and land-based activities that inspire confidence, teamwork, and personal growth.Our experienced and enthusiastic instructors work closely with schools and groups to tailor each visit to your specific aims and objectives. Whether it’s building resilience, encouraging collaboration, or simply having fun in the great outdoors, we ensure every child is supported, challenged, and engaged.
Don’t just take our word for it:
“Another successful trip to Grafham Water Centre. The children enjoy working alongside such enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors, who take into account the aims and objectives of our visit, ensuring the children are challenged to push themselves a little bit more, whilst also having fun with their friends and trying out many new activities. The willingness to work alongside school staff and adapt to our needs, both before the trip and during, is very much appreciated.”
— Andrew Hastings, Colville Primary School, January 2024
Whether you're planning a day visit or a residential stay, Grafham Water Centre is the perfect place to create lasting memories and meaningful learning experiences.
Winter Residential Visits
Current School Trip Offer
Winter Residential Visits! Come and enjoy your Winter Residential with us this Autumn term!
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Free Places for Teachers Bursaries or Funded Places Available LOtC Quality Badge AALA Licence Institute of Outdoor Learning ATOL Licence Adventure Mark Duke of Edinburgh Award RYA Centre Paddle UK Centre AHOEC Gold
We can visit your school in: East of England
What activities are available during educational visits in 2026?
Looking for adventure, challenge, and unforgettable experiences? Grafham Water Centre offers an exciting range of outdoor activities for schools, youth groups, and families—all set in the stunning Cambridgeshire countryside!
🚣♀️ Water-Based Adventures – Dive into sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing on the expansive Grafham Water reservoir. Perfect for building confidence, coordination, and water safety skills.
🌲 Land-Based Challenges – From high ropes and climbing to archery and orienteering, our land activities promote teamwork, resilience, and physical development in a fun, supportive environment.
🔥 Bushcraft & Survival Skills – Learn how to build shelters, light fires, and cook outdoors in our immersive bushcraft sessions—ideal for connecting with nature and developing practical life skills.
🚣♀️ Water-Based Adventures – Dive into sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing on the expansive Grafham Water reservoir. Perfect for building confidence, coordination, and water safety skills.
🌲 Land-Based Challenges – From high ropes and climbing to archery and orienteering, our land activities promote teamwork, resilience, and physical development in a fun, supportive environment.
🔥 Bushcraft & Survival Skills – Learn how to build shelters, light fires, and cook outdoors in our immersive bushcraft sessions—ideal for connecting with nature and developing practical life skills.
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Accommodation Only School Trip
Stay in comfort at Grafham Water Centre with purpose-built dormitories and accessible facilities—perfect for schools and groups. In summer, enjoy our cosy bell tent village for a unique outdoor experience under the stars. Ideal for adventure, learning, and making memories!
Physical Education School Trip
Climbing Canoeing Orienteering Archery Sailing Kayaking High Ropes
Grafham Water Centre’s outdoor activities support the development of young people’s Physical Education by building core skills like balance, coordination, strength, and endurance. Through fun, active challenges on land and water, students grow in confidence, teamwork, and physical literacy.
Watersports School Trip
SUP Stand Up Paddleboarding Sailing Kayaking Canoeing Bell Boats Raft Building Windsurfing Power Boating
Make a splash with exciting water sports at Grafham Water Centre! From sailing and windsurfing to paddleboarding and kayaking, our expert-led sessions offer fun, challenge, and adventure for all ages and abilities—set against the stunning backdrop of Grafham Water.
Team Building School Trip
Team building can be great for young children and also for younger adults, especially when starting new terms, getting to know new classmates and making new friends. We offer a wide range of Team Building activities, including our Grafham Challenge obstacle course.
Geology School Trip
Fossils Soils Rocks
Dig into deep time at Grafham Water Centre! Explore 166-million-year-old fossils, investigate rocks and soils, and bring science to life through hands-on discovery. Perfectly aligned with the National Curriculum—learning has never been this adventurous!
Bushcraft School Trip
Unleash your inner adventurer at Grafham Water Centre! Learn to build shelters, light fires, and cook in the wild. Bushcraft teaches survival, science, and self-reliance in nature’s classroom—perfect for schools, groups, and curious explorers of all ages!
What size groups do we cater for?
Grafham Water Centre can accommodate up to 160 guests in our indoor residential facilities, offering comfortable, purpose-built dormitories ideal for schools and youth groups. During the high season, we expand our capacity with a charming bell tent village, welcoming an additional 100 guests for a unique outdoor experience under canvas.
We generally welcome group bookings of 10 students or more, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment for all. Whether you're planning a small school trip or a large residential adventure, we’ve got the space and flexibility to make it unforgettable.
We generally welcome group bookings of 10 students or more, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment for all. Whether you're planning a small school trip or a large residential adventure, we’ve got the space and flexibility to make it unforgettable.
On-site classroom facilities?
All of our lounges can be set up to suit your needs, whether this be for meetings, or classroom style
Is there first aid on site?
Yes, all Grafham Water Centre staff are first aid trained.
Access for visitors with disabilities
Yes Please let us know more about your group and we will get back to you with more details about the suitability of what we offer.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
At Grafham Water Centre, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. That's why we've worked hard to make our site and activities as accessible and inclusive as possible for all visitors.
Accessible Accommodation & Facilities
Ground floor bedrooms, including a fully equipped room with a hoist system from bed to en-suite bathroom
Adjustable bed, bath, and sink for comfort and ease of use
Stair lifts on all staircases in the main building for safe access to the dining room
Accessible toilets in every building, including a hoist and changing bed in the sports hall
Minimal steps across the site to support independent movement
Automatic doors and ramp access to reception
Inclusive Activity Equipment
We offer specialist equipment to ensure everyone can take part in our activities:
Posture aids for use across all activities
All-terrain manual wheelchair for outdoor mobility
Hoist systems for high ropes, climbing, and water-based activities
Archery supports, including string grips and bow-free shooters
Paddle holders for improved grip and control
Stable watercraft such as keelboats and canoes
Weekly on-site sailing disability club during the summer
Trained and Supportive Staff
Our team receives annual training to confidently support young people with a wide range of needs and abilities. We're committed to providing a safe, fun, and empowering experience for everyone.
If you have specific requirements, we are happy to work with you to ensure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Anything else?
There’s always more to discover at Grafham Water Centre! Whether you're here for a day or a week, we go beyond the expected to make your visit unforgettable. From evening campfires and team challenges to wildlife spotting and lakeside strolls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Need a space for a meeting, a classroom with a view, or just a cosy corner to relax? We’ve got you covered. Our flexible facilities and friendly team are here to help you make the most of your time with us—whatever your goals.
Got a special request or a wild idea? Just ask—we love making things happen!
Need a space for a meeting, a classroom with a view, or just a cosy corner to relax? We’ve got you covered. Our flexible facilities and friendly team are here to help you make the most of your time with us—whatever your goals.
Got a special request or a wild idea? Just ask—we love making things happen!
Who are Grafham Water Centre?
Grafham Water Centre (GWC) is a trusted, AALA-licensed residential outdoor activity centre, proudly run by Cambridgeshire County Council. Set against the stunning backdrop of Grafham Water Reservoir, our centre offers fully inclusive, high-quality outdoor learning experiences designed to inspire, challenge, and support young people of all abilities.
We are proud to hold the AHOEC Gold Standard and CLOtC Quality Badge, recognising our commitment to safety, learning, and excellence in outdoor education.
Located in the peaceful village of Perry, near Huntingdon, our secure, private site is open only to booked groups—providing a safe and welcoming environment for school residentials.
With 160 beds in accessible, dormitory-style accommodation, we cater to a wide range of needs. Several rooms and bathrooms are fully equipped for young people with significant physical disabilities, and we also offer quiet spaces for those who may need time away during their stay.
Our activities—ranging from water sports and high ropes to bushcraft and team challenges—are led by experienced instructors who tailor each session to your school’s learning goals. We work closely with staff to ensure every child is supported, engaged, and encouraged to grow.
As part of your stay, we provide 5-star rated catering, offering nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that meet all dietary requirements.
As a Local Authority Service, we proudly reflect the values of Cambridgeshire County Council:
Lives over Services, Collaborative, Creative and Aspirational, and Accountable—ensuring every visit is meaningful, inclusive, and memorable.
Grafham Water Centre periodically bids and is successful with grant bids, offering funded places for day visits and residentials at the Centre. News about places will be shared on our social media as and when bids are successful.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Free Places for Teachers Bursaries or Funded Places Available LOtC Quality Badge AALA Licence Institute of Outdoor Learning ATOL Licence Adventure Mark Duke of Edinburgh Award RYA Centre Paddle UK Centre AHOEC Gold
Tailored School Residential Visits: Shaping Unforgettable Experiences for Every Group
At Grafham Water Centre, we understand that no two schools—or students—are the same. That’s why we specialise in creating bespoke residential visits that are as unique as your group. Whether you're looking to focus on outdoor adventure, curriculum-linked learning, team-building, or personal development, we work closely with you to design a visit that meets your exact needs.
Subscribe
