Residential Trip Residentials West Midlands Gloucestershire
With remarkably well-preserved features, YHA St Briavels Castle is a rich piece of history in an inspiring location. Transport yourself back in time to the medieval world of King John and the Magna Carta within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy different activities like breadmaking, candle-dipping, archery and a medieval-themed banquet with our educational packages for your group. Relax in the hostel's cosy spaces, which are equipped with free Wi-Fi, and explore the beautiful castle grounds. We offer group catering, which includes a hearty breakfast, packed lunches and a wholesome evening meal.
Positioned with great access to the Forest of Dean, local attractions like Puzzlewood or Clearwell Caves, or for exploration of the nearby cycle trails, forest walks, riverside strolls or canoeing on the River Wye.
Current special offers for school groups
£40 full-board deal
Valid at selected hostels during September and October 2026, we're offering a fantastic £40 per person, per night (including VAT) full-board deal.
That's around a 30% saving on our standard prices. A class of 30 can enjoy a residential for £1,200 per night at 29 hostels across England and Wales.
What's included?
- All meals, including our much-loved YHA breakfast.
- Accommodation.
- Leaders come free!*
*When you book a full-board package, you'll also get a free leader place for every 10 paying guests aged under 26.
valid until: October 2026
What activities are available during educational visits in 2026 & 2027?
Alex Rider packages - We've joined forces with Walker Books and author Anthony Horowitz to create unique action-filled Alex Rider adventure packages. This pioneering programme has two adrenaline-fuelled missions, with each pupil creating their very own spy name and immerse themselves in the Alex Rider world. Both packages build lifelong skills centred around team building and outdoor pursuits.
Discovery package - Our discovery packages allows teachers to offer a flexible programme of fun and challenging activities. These could include: archaeological dig, egg rockets, environmental art, fencing, habitat building and navigation.
History package - Packed with opportunities to gain hands-on learning experiences in authentic historical settings, pupils can travel back in time with our popular Roman, Saxon, Vikings and Medieval package elements. Fitting perfectly with the KS2 National Curriculum, our history packages bring major historic eras to life through exciting activities.
Multi-activity package - Full of challenges for the brain and body our multi-activity packages are designed to engage participants through practical PE-based activity. This package offers a mixture of adventurous and on-site activities that make the most of the great outdoors and the hostel locality.
Adventure bolt-on - There are a near-endless number of opportunities to explore, discover new things and try unusual activities. This package offers a range of adventurous activities on a half-day or full-day basis so you can make your residential trip suit you. Activities include: abseiling, canoeing, high ropes, kayaking and quad biking.
YHA bolt-on - These activities are perfect for teachers to add on as an 'extra' particularly for self-led groups. The benefit of having hostel grounds is that we can offer space to lead activities without you needing to travel anywhere. Activities include: team challenges, shelter building, archery, guided walks and fire lighting.
Discovery package - Our discovery packages allows teachers to offer a flexible programme of fun and challenging activities. These could include: archaeological dig, egg rockets, environmental art, fencing, habitat building and navigation.
History package - Packed with opportunities to gain hands-on learning experiences in authentic historical settings, pupils can travel back in time with our popular Roman, Saxon, Vikings and Medieval package elements. Fitting perfectly with the KS2 National Curriculum, our history packages bring major historic eras to life through exciting activities.
Multi-activity package - Full of challenges for the brain and body our multi-activity packages are designed to engage participants through practical PE-based activity. This package offers a mixture of adventurous and on-site activities that make the most of the great outdoors and the hostel locality.
Adventure bolt-on - There are a near-endless number of opportunities to explore, discover new things and try unusual activities. This package offers a range of adventurous activities on a half-day or full-day basis so you can make your residential trip suit you. Activities include: abseiling, canoeing, high ropes, kayaking and quad biking.
YHA bolt-on - These activities are perfect for teachers to add on as an 'extra' particularly for self-led groups. The benefit of having hostel grounds is that we can offer space to lead activities without you needing to travel anywhere. Activities include: team challenges, shelter building, archery, guided walks and fire lighting.
What size groups do we cater for?
YHA St Briavels Castle has 62 beds, so we can cater for both large and small groups.
On-site classroom facilities?
Yes We do have the ability to provide a classroom-like environment. You can tell us your group size and any specific requirements in the form below.
Is there first aid on site?
Yes, and we are also committed to ensuring we meet stringent health and safety standards - please contact us if you need any further details
Groups with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
At YHA St Briavels Castle we strive to cater for everybody. Unfortunately none of our bedrooms or bathrooms are accessible to modern standards.
Teacher Checklist
Get Risk Assessments
Inspection Visits Free Places for Teachers Bursaries or Funded Places Available
Resource Packs
LOtC Quality Badge
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Anything else?
YHA St Briavels Castle has been awarded the Quality Badge by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
Who are YHA?
We are YHA.
We transform young lives forever through travel and real adventure.
Because where you go changes who you become.
We believe every child should have the same chance to discover, explore and grow. That's why we're committed to providing bursary support for schools and colleges that are struggling to meet the costs of a residential. Please make an enquiry and we'll get in touch.
Every enquiry gives you a chance to win trips and workshops for your school - We are giving away a free trip for every week of the Autumn term!
St Briavels Gloucestershire GL15 6SB
