Crowden Outdoor Education Centre School Trips

Home / Residential Activities / Derbyshire

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.

Crowden Outdoor Education Centre photograph

school trip at Crowden Outdoor Education Centre

Crowden Outdoor Education Centre school groups

Why are Crowden Outdoor Education Centre great for 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. Our real classroom is the great outdoors.

Is there first aid on site?

All the outdoor instructors hold appropriate first aid qualifications. Visiting school staff usually have responsibility for the supervision of pupils overnight and should make appropriate plans for first aid.

Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?

The Centre building is fully accessible. Please contact us to discuss particular needs.

Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

please contact us to discuss the specific needs and we can provide you with the options available. our team has a range of experience enabling us to support many groups. however due to the nature of the activities and the environment in which we work we cannot guarantee it is right for everyone.

Anything else?

Groups usually have sole use of the facilities which enables great flexibility with the programme, enabling us to provide the best possible programme designed to meet your needs and desired outcomes.

The centre is purpose built providing comfortable residential accommodation. The location also provides many study options, due to being located next to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I); Special Protection Area (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

Teacher Checklist

		Risk Assessments
		Inspection Visits
		Free Places for Teachers
		Resource Packs
		AALA Licence
		Institute of Outdoor Learning
		Duke of Edinburgh Award

UK Location

Need more inspiration?

We are bursting with ideas on places that deliver first class teaching both outside the classroom and as in-school workshops. Here are a few similar suggestions, or head to our tailor-made trip form and let us know how we can help you!