Crowden Outdoor Educational Centre is an activity retreat in the heart of the Peak District which offers children and young people the opportunity to experience the great outdoors under the professional guidance of experienced and enthusiastic instructors.
Pupils will have the chance to partake in a variety of different activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, communication, resilience, leadership and coordination - but most importantly, have fun in a relaxed, friendly environment!
When it's time to relax, Crowden OEC provides comfortable and modern accommodation, with hot showers, warm beds and plenty of space to unwind with friends after a long day of adventure.
Our programmes can be designed to challenge and push people outside their comfort zone, or tailored to meet group needs. Regardless of an individual’s ability, they will be able to achieve their goals with friends cheering them on.
Why book Crowden Outdoor Education Centre for Residential School Trips and Educational Visits?
Situated in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, Crowden has 40 beds spread across 14 bedrooms, drying room, TV room, lounge with a games room and dining room with the option of full board, half board or self-catering.
We can provide full or part week residential outdoor activity programmes or a daily activity programme.
We can also link into accredited outcomes such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Prince's Trust or other relevant courses.
What activities are available during group visits?
• rock climbing
• cave exploration
• kayaking
• open water canoeing
• raft building
• stream scrambling
• zip wire
• archery
• team-building exercises
What size groups do you cater for?
Crowden OEC can accommodate up to 40 people on a residential basis and up to 70 people for day activities.
Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?
Schools can use the dining room with white board for desk work or the two break out rooms on the first floor.
Is there first aid on site?
All our instructors hold appropriate first aid qualifications. Visiting school staff have responsibility for the supervision of pupils overnight and should make appropriate arrangements for first aid outside of activities.
Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?
The Centre building is fully accessible, a lift is provided for access to the first floor and accessible bathrooms are available on all floors. Please contact us to discuss particular needs as due to our remote location there is limited access to activities for guests who require mobility support.
Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
We have worked with a number of SEN pupils and providers, please contact us to discuss your pupils specific needs. We can provide you with a number of options available to us, so you ca decide if our provision is right for them. Our team has a wide range of experience, enabling us to support a range of needs. we understand that due to the nature of the activities and the environment in which we work it is not right for everyone.
Anything else?
Groups have sole use of the facilities, which enables great flexibility within your programme. We provide the best possible programme, designed to meet your needs and visit aims.
The centre is purpose built, providing comfortable residential accommodation. The location also provides many study options, due to being located next to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I); Special Protection Areas (S.P.A) and Brockholes Wood Nature Reserve, in the Peak District Derbyshire.
The benefits of choosing Crowden for your trip include:
- Value for money
- Safe environment
- Full activity programmes combining learning and fun
- Activities led by qualified and experienced outdoor education practitioners
- Transport available (subject to distance)
- Idyllic countryside setting
- Comfortable, modern accommodation and facilities
- The Centre is easily accessible from the main road
Reviews from Schools visiting Crowden Outdoor Education Centre!
Teacher Checklist 
 | Risk Assessments | ||
| Inspection Visits | ||
| Free Places for Teachers | ||
| Resource Packs | ||
| LOtC Quality Badge | ||
| AALA Licence | ||
| Institute of Outdoor Learning | ||
| Adventure Mark | ||
| Duke of Edinburgh Award |
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