DofE Expeditions
Choose your residential activity centre
Every year, over a 100,000 young people in the UK take part in the DofE Award programme. Many of these young people choose to complete the residential section of their Award at a UK outdoor activity centre. Approved Activity Providers (AAPs) provide a specific section of the DofE Award, such as the residential section. Many of the UK residential centres listed on this page are AAPs and offer a range of options to you. The residential centres are a mix of specialist, outdoor education and outdoor activity, centres. They are well set-up for receiving school-aged DofE participants.
Many students say that doing the DofE Award is one of the best experiences of their lives. Teachers recognise that the DofE Award broadens students' horizons and develops their life skills and friendships. The DofE Award is a fun and rewarding journey. Students become more independent and grow in confidence.
Tick off the residential section of your students' Gold DofE Award now...

Avon Tyrrell



Avon Tyrrell, UK Youth Outdoor Activity Centre is located in the stunning New Forest National Park and offers an extensive range of site activities, all linked to the National Curriculum as well as various accommodation options for organised groups.
Avon Tyrrell

All UK Regions
Bushcraft with the Field Studies Council
Experience amazing outdoor locations at Field Studies Council’s network of UK Centres. Our courses are all focused on students being immersed in the natural world. They also make use of the beautiful surroundings including using bushcraft skills.

South West
Slapton Ley Field Centre
Slapton Ley Field Centre is located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to field sites in Dartmoor National Park and urban centres in Plymouth and Torbay. Visit for residential geography and biology trips at all ages


West Midlands
Cosford Exhibition-Cold War
The Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 marked the beginning of the Cold War. The Cold War was given its name after World War II because of the relationship that developed primarily between the USSR and USA. It dominated international affairs


London & South East
World War II Bletchley Park & Enigma
Battlefield & History Tours specialises in exactly that. Bletchley Park and the surrounding areas are filled with history and bring studies to life. The National Radio Centre, Woburn Abbey and The National Museum of Computing to name but a few

London & South East
Field Studies Council - London South East
Five fantastic locations in the South East offering fieldwork for all ages to bring the curriculum to life. The choice of day and residential centres include a huge range of excellent urban and rural field sites from Box Hill to Bushy Park.

North West
Blencathra FIeld Centre
Blencathra occupies a dramatic setting at 300m up the south facing slope of Blencathra with an unparalleled panorama across the Lake District National Park. Visit for residential geography and biology trips at all ages.

London & South East
Bentley Copse Activity Centre
Bentley Copse offers activity days and residentials set within 30 acres of ancient woodland in the heart of the Surrey Hills.

Wales
Rhyd-y-creuau Field Centre
Rhyd-y-creuau field centre is set in the beautiful, rugged landscape of the Snowdonia National Park, making it an inspiring and fun location for your school geography, biology or primary school trip.

East Midlands
Stone Age School Trip
Back in time, learn about Stone Age man, Try lighting a fire if you think you can, Building your own shelter..in LOPC wood, Fire-pit charcoal, draw caveman good. Test your skill with an Archers sight. Go home with knowledge from our StoneAge s


North West
Liverpool for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
Curriculum Travel offers age-appropriate tours for primary and middle school students in Liverpool, featuring a journey from the Long and Winding Road to Penny Lane in a Magical Mystery Tour.

London & South East
Sayers Croft
Sayers Croft is nestled at the foot of the Surrey Hills and provides outdoor experiences for 27,000 visitors p.a. of all ages and abilities. We offer bespoke residential and day visits for schools, community groups and DofE Award participants

South West
Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
We run exciting and fun filled Adventure Activity Days on the Jurassic Coast for schools and youth groups. These outdoor activities are designed to improve self esteem, confidence and support learning outside the classroom.

All UK Regions
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Residential fieldwork created specifically for International Baccalaureate Diploma students in geography, biology and ESS. Field Studies Council has a network of UK Centres to choose from, many with easy transport links for UK and major airports.

South West
Mendip Activity Centre
School Activity Trips and Residential School Camps with Mendip Activity Centre, an outdoor activity provider setting the gold standard in adventure. With availability for 30 to 300 students, it's time for adventure!

Scotland
Millport Field Centre
Field Studies Council Millport has purpose-built accommodation and teaching spaces which provide an excellent base for a range of courses. Just 10 minutes by ferry from the mainland. Great base for fun outdoor activities, biology and geography trips.

London & South East
Adur Outdoor Activity Centre
The Adur Centre is ideal for your school residential trip. We offer amazing activities including climbing, paddle sports, mountain biking and many more. The trip will be tailored to meet your needs and our residential trips are outstanding value!

West Midlands
In School Workshops
Bushcraft, Orienteering, Disc golf all on your school premises. You provide the space we provide the rest.


London & South East
Isle of Wight for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
At Curriculum Travel, we focus on younger learners, offering age-suitable tours, including trips to the Isle of Wight. This destination provides an almost foreign experience without leaving the country, ideal for primary and middle school students.

North West
Conway Centres Burwardsley
Located in the picturesque village of Burwardsley our centre offers opportunities unique to it's location. The surrounding countryside provides further possibilities for historical and environmental studies.


London & South East
London for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
Curriculum Travel provides customized educational tours in London, catering to primary and middle school students. These tours enhance learning through varied experiences, specifically designed to achieve distinct educational goals.


Wales
Plas Gwynant Outdoor Education Centre
Plas Gwynant is an amazing setting in its own parkland at the foot of Mount Snowdon in North Wales, and offers high qualilty outdoor learning amongst the mountains, rivers and lakes of the Snowdonia National Park. Sole occupancy is available.

Wales
Conway Centres Anglesey
With direct access to the Menai Strait the venue offers both challenging Outdoor Activities & Creative/Performing Arts opportunities. Set in 169 acres there are an extensive range of on-site activities that last 3hrs so are as productive as possible.

North West
Conway Centres Tattenhall
Located in the beautiful village of Tattenhall just 7 miles from Chester the centre offers a peaceful haven and a base for wide range of Outdoor Activities and the Arts. It's proximity to many schools makes it ideal for day courses too.


South West
Discover the Jurassic Coast for Primary and Middle Schools - Curriculum Travel
The Jurassic Coast spans between East Devon and Purbeck with amazing places to visit including Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Weymouth, Portland, Lyme Regis, Chesil Beach, Charmouth and Sidmouth.


West Midlands
British History at Ironbridge & Wroxeter in the heart of Shropshire-Curricul
Shropshire stands as a prime destination for those delving into British history and industrial evolution, offering a diverse array of educational experiences across Ironbridge Museum's sites and the ancient Wroxeter Roman City.

London & South East
Avon Tyrrell
Avon Tyrrell, UK Youth Outdoor Activity Centre is located in the stunning New Forest National Park and offers an extensive range of site activities, all linked to the National Curriculum as well as various accommodation options for organised groups.


East Midlands
YHA Ilam Hall
With sprawling grounds and lots of outdoor space to explore this grand Gothic manor offers a magical place for a school residential. Surrounded by the rolling scenery of Dovedale we’re ideally located to visit the many Peak District Attractions.


South West
Portland Outdoor Centre
A stunning coastal playground, comfortable accommodation and great food. All the ingredients for a great trip! The Isle of Portland, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site makes us perfect for adventurous and educational residential trips.

East Midlands
Walesby Forest
Walesby Forest is a fun and exciting residential activity centre with over 40 indoor and outdoor adventure activities including water sports, with a wide range of accommodation options, set in 250 acres of woodland in Robin Hood country.

Yorkshire
Cote Ghyll Mill YHA
Affordable accommodation for school & youth group residential trips. Located in the beautiful North York Moors National Park. Nestled in it’s own private woodland with a wide range of outdoor adventures and learning experiences right on the doorste

West Midlands
Preston Montford Field Centre
Preston Montford has easy access to a wide range of sites from the South Shropshire Hills AONB, to Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, Ludlow, Birmingham and Snowdonia. Visit for fun outdoor activities, geography and biology trips at all ages.

South West
Encompass Training
In the heart of rural Devon, Encompass Training is based at the historic grade 1 listed Great Potheridge House. We focus on providing a wide range quality outdoor education activities with sole occupancy and experience staffing.

London & South East
Lymley Wood Day Visit
Activity and outdoor education venue in an ancient woodland and meadow. Screen Free adventure playground, low and high ropes, forest school. Specialist in child led learning, resilience building, team work, well being and for those with SEND.

London & South East
Lymley Wood Residential
Overnight camps for Year 5 upwards. Experience real camping under canvas in a natural off grid environment. Adventure activities in a private, beautiful ancient woodland including zip wire, obstacle course and bouldering wall. Exclusive use of site.

Wales
Adventure Beyond
Unleash the power of adventure education that inspires health, well-being, and a love for the environment. Spark student curiosity with exciting trips that challenge minds, build teamwork, and explore the wonders of nature. Make memories for life.

London & South East
UKSA
With 35+ years of experience, UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) offers young people a fun and safe outdoor environment in which to learn important life skills. Packages in sailing, watersports, and teambuilding include accommodation, food, kit, and tuition.

Wales
Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Taking full advantage of our location, we deliver a range of real, challenging activities, such as mountain walking, canoeing expeditions and gorge scrambling. These day long activities really promote self-learning. Great for field studies too!

Wales
Dale Fort FIeld Centre
Dale Fort is set in a spectacular location high on the cliffs within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, giving superb views over the sea. It has access to a wide range of sites for biology, geography and adventure activities at all ages.

Yorkshire
YHA Whitby
Situated immediately beside the historic ruins of Whitby Abbey, YHA Whitby is a magnificent Grade I listed mansion with views over the harbour and the North York Moors.

East Midlands
Crowden Outdoor Education Centre
In the heart of the Peak District, Crowden Outdoor Educational Centre has been working with schools and youth groups since 1979. Creating bespoke outdoor learning opportunities and utilising the natural environment for a real adventure.

East of England
Flatford Mill field centre
Visit Flatford Mill field centre for fun residential geography and biology trips at all ages. The centre was our first field study centre set up during the 1940’s, set amidst quintessentially English countryside of the Dedham Vale in Suffolk.

Yorkshire
YHA York
Only a 15-minute riverside walk from a city packed with history and culture, YHA York offers the ideal base for school trips.


Ypres World War 1 History Day for Primary and Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
Located merely a short distance from Calais, Ypres presents an exceptional opportunity for educational institutions to enrich their curriculum by immersing in its profound historical significance. Description Description Description Description Descr

Morzine & Avoriaz, French Alps
School Ski Trips to French Alps, Morzine
BeVenturesome run epic school ski trip to the ski areas of Morzine-Les Gets & Avoriaz. If you want a classic French ski trip in world renowned locations then look no further. We also bring 100's of pupils to Morzine in the summer.

Scotland
Edinburgh for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
Curriculum Travel specialises in the younger age groups so all of our tours are age appropriate. One of our favourite tours as almost all of it can be done on foot. You must try the Storytelling experience with story tellers bringing books to life.

South West
Skern Lodge Residential Visits
Skern Lodge is one of the leading providers of outdoor learning and development in the UK. Offering a wide range of adventurous outdoor activities and geography fieldwork opportunities from its Centre on the North Devon coast.


West Midlands
YHA Stratford-upon-Avon
There’s more to Stratford-upon-Avon than Shakespeare – theatre, history and culture buffs of every language love this world-famous location. YHA Stratford-upon-Avon offers a superb base for groups and school trips in the West Midlands.

London & South East
Juniper Hall Field Centre
Located in Surrey, Juniper Hall field centre is easy to reach but surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Box Hill. Visit for fun filled residential outdoor activity, geography and biology trips for all ages.

London & South East
YHA London Lee Valley
Set on the edge of 10,000 acres of Lee Valley Country Park, you might be surprised to find out that that YHA London Lee Valley is only 20-minutes away from central London.

North West
Castle Head FIeld Centre
With easy access to both the coastline of Morecambe Bay, the glaciated uplands of the southern Lake District and the lakes of Windermere and Coniston, FSC Castle Head is ideally situated for a wide range of field studies and adventurous activities.

South West
Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
Our exciting range of land and water based outdoor adventure activities take place at some of Dorset’s most iconic coastal locations and offer the unique opportunity to explore the stunning Jurassic Coastline whilst trying something new.

South West
Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage
Tailored adventure residentials on the Dorset coast at our residential centre in Swanage, can include activities such as Coasteering, Climbing, Mackerel Fishing, Field Studies, and Bushcraft, delivered by our highly qualified instructors.


All UK Regions
Eden Project & Cornwall for Primary and Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
Cornwall enhances educational curriculums with visits to Tintagel Castle, exploring King Arthur's legend, engaging in Seal Sanctuary activities, and participating in workshops at the remarkable Eden Project.

South West
Nettlecombe Court Field Centre
Field Studies Council Nettlecombe Court has excellent access to the Somerset coast as well as Exmoor National Park and The Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit for fun outdoor activities, geography and biology trips at all ages.

East Midlands
Day Visits to Walesby Forest
Walesby Forest is a fun and exciting activity centre set in 250 acres of woodland in Robin Hood country with over 40 indoor and outdoor adventure activities including water sports, climbing, team building and archery offering bespoke day trips.


East of England
London & Ipswich-Secret War to Cold War
Battlefield & History Tours specialises in exactly that. London and Ipswich are filled with history and visits that bring studies to life. A time of spies, propaganda, espionage, mistrust and bluff.


North West
YHA Chester Trafford Hall
YHA Chester Trafford Hall is a glorious Georgian house with 14 acres of grounds complete with nature walks and landscaped gardens to explore.

South West
Cumulus Outdoors Activity Camps at your School
If you are looking for an alternative to your usual school residential because of Covid-19 concerns or any other reason, why not consider a school trip experience on your own school grounds, right on your doorstep!?


All UK Regions
Roman Trips for Primary and Middle Schools - Curriculum Travel
Curriculum Travel specialises in primary & middle school tours and day trips. Romans are a big part of the curriculum and what better way to experience it than a visit to Hadrian's Wall, Housesteads Roman Fort and Vindolanda.


West Midlands
YHA St Briavels Castle
Over 800 years old, YHA St Briavels Castle has got a real wow factor, with bags of character and a magical charm perfect for a school residential.


East Midlands
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is a Charitable Organisation, providing outdoor adventurous activities for all. Our activities are designed to stimulate, educate and motivate all participants at affordable prices throughout the year.

South West
Linkenholt Countryside Adventure - Campsite Centre
Discover Linkenholt Countryside Adventure Centre. Perfect for camping groups. Base camp offers parking, spacious camping areas, hall for meetings/dining (50 people), modern facilities, and a range of self led or instructor led activities.
About the Duke of Edinburgh Award
The DofE Award encourages social interaction and teamwork. The Award helps students to stand out from the crowd when they are applying for university or for jobs. Completing a DofE Award is a major challenge but at the same time a fun adventure - the Award develops team-working and leadership skills.
Millions of young people in the UK have already taken part in the DofE programme. There are 3 Award levels to the DofE programme – Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Gold DofE Award has 5 sections: volunteering, physical activity, learning a skill, expedition and residential.
Gold DofE
If your students are going for a Gold DofE Award then they must complete a residential trip. For 5 days and 4 nights your students will take part in activities along with other young people that they have never met before. A DofE residential trip will boost your students' confidence and independence as it leaves a lasting positive impression upon them. Time and time again we hear from teachers that their students' favourite part of the residential is meeting new people and making new friends. It is clear that many students benefit from the Gold DofE Award's residential section. Often the students' residential trip is a valuable life experience.
The residential section of the Gold DofE Award is a great way for your students to get some working holiday experience, for them to test the waters of taking a volunteering gap year before university or employment.