Covid-19
Woodrow High House is currently closed. We are following the Government guidance on the control of the Covid-19 virus. We hope to re-open the Centre in Spring 2021 and very much look forward to welcoming you back! We're offering flexible payment options including delayed deposit deadlines, as well as full refunds, should we need to cancel your trip due reasons relating to Covid-19.
With our expertise, passion and knowledge, we provide a safe environment for children and young people to grow, explore and learn. As part of the charity London Youth, Woodrow High House is an outdoor learning centre on a mission to support and challenge young people to become the best they can be.
We offer residential stays (of varying lengths), day visits, camping experiences, revision breaks, NCS trips and even accredited youth leadership courses.
We don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach, which is why our team of enthusiastic and experienced staff will work closely with you to create a bespoke programme to meet the needs of your group. We have over 20 activities you can choose from!
Whether you're looking for the full outdoor-adventure experience, or if you would like to run your own programme including sports, dance, drama or classroom-based workshops, our dynamic facilities allow you the option of completely planning your own stay. Your group can also make use of our other on-site facilities including our sports hall (with stage), 3G Astroturf pitch and swimming pool, all included in the price of your stay.
A fully-sessioned outdoor adventure residential includes up to four activities per day and one evening activity. We provide a private lounge for your school and three meals per day, freshly prepared onsite, to keep you fuelled and happy. We cater for all dietary requirements and our chefs are happy to discuss any specific requirements of your group before your stay.
The accommodation, in typical dormitory style, offers bedrooms varying in size allowing children to share with their friends. Teachers stay in single or twin rooms interspersed amongst the children's rooms. Rooms are spread over three floors and split into four areas, with each group having their own space. We provide all bed linen so there is no need to bring your own.
In the evening your group are able to access our games room complete with table tennis, football table, music and gift shop. From our shop you can buy a range a confectionery items as well as souvenirs. Alternatively, we can make up "goody bags" for your group to take home with them, including branded Woodrow items!
Our prices are seasonal and vary depending on your length of stay, we do however always offer teacher places free of charge.
Why book London Youth - Woodrow for Residential School Trips and Educational Visits?
We work with over 7,000 young people every year, therefore we understand what makes a brilliant residential.
We use learning and evaluation tools to establish the value of the work we do with the young people that visit us, supporting and challenging them to become the best they can be. Regularly receiving positive feedback on the memorable experiences we have helped to create.
“The staff and instructors go above and beyond the call of duty in caring for their visitors – I always leave impressed” St. Stephen’s CE Primary School
“Woodrow has a ‘family’ feel to it, especially meal times. The environment allows the children to be independent. They get to know their group leaders and take inspiration and enthusiasm from them” St Mary’s Primary School
Which Curriculum Subjects do you cater for?
Wildlife
We offer three instructor-led sessions relating to this subject - Woodland Walk, Offsite Expedition and Mini-beast Hunt.
Woodland Walk covers: Explore the surrounding area with our team. We follow a route through local woodland spotting interesting flora and fauna along the way. Our Instructors encourage observation skills and prompt participants to consider our impact on the natural environment.
Offsite Expedition covers: A chance to explore deeper into the beautiful Chilterns countryside and woodland. Test navigation skills whilst improving knowledge of the local natural environment and try to find our own Woodrow geocaches. The walk is approximately 10km (6miles) over 4.5hrs (including a packed lunch provided by Woodrow).
Mini-beast Hunt covers: Explore the habitats and eco-systems for minibeasts on-site. Instructor facilitates scientific observation and learning as well as the importance of respect and sharing roles.
Bushcraft
We offer three instructor-led sessions relating to this subject - Bushcraft, Extended Bushcraft, and Shelterbuild.
Bushcraft covers: An introduction to basic survival techniques including traditional fire lighting, plant recognition and basic cooking. Instructors frame the task ahead, define the goal, and encourage reflection on the importance of perseverance. If your team make a fire, you might even get some popcorn!
Extended Buschraft covers: This extended introduction to survival techniques means that additionally to our standard session you will have time to try some additional activities, which may include bow drill friction fire lighting, preparing and cooking bread over your fires or even having a go at string making. This is a great opportunity to spend time doing practical and fun tasks requiring teamwork and perseverance.
Sheter Build covers: Groups construct a natural bushcraft style shelter focusing on creative thinking and types of construction. This session teaches the importance of reasoning within problem solving and promotes effective teamwork.
Sports Centre
Curriculum topics available: Football, Netball, Badminton, Volleyball.
We have a sports hall (23m x 11m) with markings for: netball, basketball, badminton and volleyball. We also have a floodlit 5-a-side 3G Astroturf pitch, as well as a swimming pool and mountain bike skills circuit track.
What activities are available during group visits?
We have a wide range of exciting activities including: high ropes; archery; low-ropes; nightline; pioneering; orienteering; challenge course; team exercise; raft-building; swimming; bushcraft; shelter building; mini beast hunt; scavenger hunt; woodland walk; rocket build; drop-it pop-it; wacky races; sports games; wide games; parachute games; ghost story; quiz; campfire; manor mysteries; and disco.
We also run Level 1 OCN accredited youth leadership residentials. The course takes place over three days and includes learning about the theory of leadership, different leadership styles and effective styles of communication. We combine this with a number of our outdoor activities where the young people get to put learning into practice. The training is delivered using interactive and engaging methods, including group work and practical activities that will support the young people to develop their understanding of leadership. This all feeds into a workbook that young people complete individually, with support from Woodrow staff, over the course of the training.
What size groups do you cater for?
We cater for a variety of group sizes, with 113 beds spread across 23 bedrooms, and extra space for campers! The house is divided into “zones”, with each group having their own private accommodation areas. Alternatively you may wish to book for exclusive house use.
For the majority of our session delivery, we operate on a ratio of one instructor to fifteen young people.
Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?
We have three classroom facilities available. Each can be set be set up with tables, chairs, a projector and screen to suit the needs of your group. We can also provide your group with flip-chart stands if required.
Is there first aid on site?
All of our instructors are first aid qualified. Our Duty Managers are on call twenty-four hours a day for peace of mind. We also have a Duty Instructor who stays in the house overnight in case of emergencies. The centre also has an AED.
Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?
We have a number of rooms with wider doors to ensure they are wheelchair accessible. These rooms come equipped with an en-suite/in-room shower with shower seating. These rooms also have an en-suite, shared toileting area with emergency pull cords and rails for assistance. We can also provide our visitors with an in-shower chair and manual hoist if required. Guests will need to bring their own slings. We have an outdoor all-terrain buggy which can be used for getting around the site to various activities.
Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
We encourage and include all members of the group and are flexible in our programme design ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate. As a charity we work with children of all ages, backgrounds and learning abilities.
Reviews from Schools visiting London Youth - Woodrow!
Teacher Checklist 
 | Risk Assessments | ||
| Inspection Visits | ||
| Free Places for Teachers | ||
| LOtC Quality Badge | ||
| Institute of Outdoor Learning | ||
| Adventure Mark | ||
| NCS Centre |
