DofE approved residential centres and expeditions

Choose your residential activity centre

Every year, thousands of young people in the UK take part in the DofE Award programme. The DofE state that in the year 2023 to 2024, more than 330,000 young people took part in the award scheme, with plans to get a total of 1.6 million people involved by 2026.

The Bronze and Silver awards are made up of four parts, arguably the main section being the expedition - a hike, cycle, canoe, wheelchair or horse ride, with an overnight camp for Bronze, extended to two nights for Silver.

The DofE Gold award according to the DofE website must include, "a shared activity or specific course with people you don't know, in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment".

Many young people choose to complete the residential section of their Gold Award at a UK outdoor activity centre. Approved Activity Providers (AAPs) provide a specific section of the DofE Award, such as the residential section that is required for the Gold Award. 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, and it certainly doesn't hurt their future CVs.

Tick off the residential section of your students' Gold DofE Award now. Have a look at the DofE residential centres below, or use the short form if you would like us to help you find a provider who can assist your group with their Bronze or Silver expedition, or a residential location for your Duke of Edinburgh Gold award!

Need help finding a placement for your DofE residential?

Preferred Date: Centres usually have dates blocked out for DofE during the Summer
Group Size: Individual student or group?

Popular school trip November 2025 !

Bike, Hike & Paddle Ltd

location icon School Trip East Midlands, West Midlands, London & South East, East of England, South West, North East, North West, Yorkshire, Wales, Scotland
apple icon Subjects: Geography, Physical Geography, History, Romans, Team Building


Bike Hike and Paddle was founded with a simple but powerful goal: to get people outdoors and push the boundaries of what they think is possible. We empower participants to complete their Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions.

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Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
map pin South West

An Approved Activity Provider for the DofE delivering closed Bronze, Silver and Gold walking expeditions for schools and youth groups. Plus Gold Residentials running in all school holidays, packed with many outdoor activities, fully catered, local transfers & outdoor or indoor accommodation.
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Peak - Chasewater Activity Centre
Peak - Chasewater Activity Centre
map pin West Midlands

Chasewater Activity Centre is located near Cannock. We offer various watersports from canoeing to raft-building, and land based activities for school groups, including residentials.
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Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
map pin South West

An Approved Activity Provider for the DofE delivering closed Bronze, Silver and Gold walking expeditions for schools and youth groups. Plus Gold Residentials running in all school holidays, packed with many outdoor activities, fully catered, local transfers & outdoor or indoor accommodation.
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Grafham Water Centre Day Visits
Grafham Water Centre Day Visits
map pin East of England

With over 50 years of outdoor education expertise, Grafham Water Centre offers exciting, inclusive adventures for schools and groups. From water sports to high ropes—discover a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience. Click to learn more!
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Calvert Devon
Calvert Devon
map pin South West

We are pleased to offer residential courses tailored for participants aged 16-24 years who are completing their Gold Award. Our courses offer an excellent opportunity to engage in exciting activities, develop new skills, and form meaningful connections with fellow participants.
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Field Studies Council - London South East
Field Studies Council - London South East
map pin London & South East

Our programme of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residentials offer a packed five day experience at one of our UK locations, exploring and learning about the outdoor environment. As an Approved Activity Provider for DofE, our opportunities meet all the requirements for DofE
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Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage
Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage
map pin South West

An Approved Activity Provider for the DofE delivering closed Bronze, Silver and Gold walking expeditions for schools and youth groups. Plus Gold Residentials running in all school holidays, packed with many outdoor activities, fully catered, local transfers & outdoor or indoor accommodation.
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Bike, Hike & Paddle Ltd
Bike, Hike & Paddle Ltd
map pin East Midlands, West Midlands, London & South East, East of England, South West, North East, North West, Yorkshire, Wales, Scotland

Approved Activity Provider offering Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions across the UK. Combining hiking, cycling and paddling, they deliver fully supported practice and qualifying journeys, with training, equipment, logistics, and 24/7 safety cover. Flexible programmes fo
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Grafham Water Centre Residentials
Grafham Water Centre Residentials
map pin East of England

We have a fantastic offering on our D of E Gold residential which runs for a week this August, 18th to 22nd August. Offering accommodation, food and a good range of NGB qualifications to choose from whether this be land or water based, and most importantly making new friends along the way!
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Mendip Activity Centre
Mendip Activity Centre
map pin South West

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!
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Peak - Underbank Activity Centre
Peak - Underbank Activity Centre
map pin Yorkshire

Underbank Activity Centre is located on the shores of Underbank Reservoir just off of the Stocksbridge bypass. We offer various watersports from canoeing to raft-building, and land based activities for school groups, including residentials.
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Bentley Copse Activity Centre
Bentley Copse Activity Centre
map pin London & South East

In the heart of the Surrey Hills, Bentley Copse is an ideal location for Bronze or Silver training or expeditions for small and large groups alike.
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Conway Centres Anglesey
Conway Centres Anglesey
map pin Wales

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.
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Benmore Outdoor Centre
Benmore Outdoor Centre
map pin Scotland

19th Century listed manor house set in Benmore Botanic garden grounds, sleeps 120 young people. Located in Loch Lomond National Park in Argyll, our adventure education residentials provide inspirational outdoor learning experiences for schools
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Preston Montford Field Centre
Preston Montford Field Centre
map pin West Midlands

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.
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Sayers Croft
Sayers Croft
map pin London & South East

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
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Skern Lodge Residential Visits
Skern Lodge Residential Visits
map pin South West

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.
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London for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
London for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
map pin London & South East

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.
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Conway Centres Tattenhall
Conway Centres Tattenhall
map pin North West

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.
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Juniper Hall Field Centre
Juniper Hall Field Centre
map pin London & South East

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.
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Ypres World War 1 History Day for Primary and Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
Ypres World War 1 History Day for Primary and Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
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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
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Millport Field Centre
Millport Field Centre
map pin Scotland

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.
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Crowden Outdoor Education Centre
Crowden Outdoor Education Centre
map pin East Midlands

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.
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Plas Gwynant Outdoor Education Centre
Plas Gwynant Outdoor Education Centre
map pin Wales

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.
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Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre
map pin 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!
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YHA St Briavels Castle
YHA St Briavels Castle
map pin West Midlands

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.
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Discover the Jurassic Coast for Primary and Middle Schools - Curriculum Travel
Discover the Jurassic Coast for Primary and Middle Schools - Curriculum Travel
map pin South West

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.
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YHA Stratford-upon-Avon
YHA Stratford-upon-Avon
map pin West Midlands

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.
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Stone Age School Trip
Stone Age School Trip
map pin East Midlands

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
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Peak - Trafford Watersports Centre
Peak - Trafford Watersports Centre
map pin North West

Trafford Watersports Centre, located at Sale Water Park, just a short drive from J6 of the M60. We offer various school group team building watersports activities from canoeing to sailing, along with many land based activities to make a full day
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Duke of Edinburgh Overseas

While most people take their Duke of Edinburgh expedition or residential here in the UK, there are plenty of options if you want to complete your DofE award overseas.


Explore AFRICA: Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar and beyond

location icon Africa, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania

Explore AFRICA: Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar and beyond

Find a whole range of exciting TRU adventures across Africa, as you learn about its colourful cultures, ancient traditions and warm, vibrant people. Choose from: Cape Verde | Ghana | Kenya | Madagascar | Tanzania | Uganda | South Africa
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Glimpse of Shangri La The Best of Nepal

location icon Asia, Nepal

Glimpse of Shangri La The Best of Nepal

Rondo Travel specializes in tailored group journeys, providing educational and recreational tours for diverse age groups. Prioritizing safety, learning, and enjoyable experiences sets us apart. Glimpse of Shangri La: The Best of Nepal
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Krakow-Brno-Prague

location icon Europe, Czech Republic, Poland, United Kingdom

Krakow-Brno-Prague

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Central Europe on our Krakow-Brno-Prague Jewish History Tour. Explore centuries-old synagogues, poignant memorials, & vibrant Jewish quarters. A profound experience awaits-discover, learn, & rememb
> read

Normandy-Battlefield and History

location icon Europe, France, Normandy

Normandy-Battlefield and History

Battlefield & History Tours specialises in exactly that. View the landing beaches from the view point at Point du Hoc and see how difficult it would have been to knock out the guns…… the whole area is full of interactive and immersive visits….
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Medics, Vets & Padres-Ypres & The Somme Battlefields

location icon Europe, Belgium, France, Germany

Medics, Vets & Padres-Ypres & The Somme Battlefields

Embark on an immersive journey through Ypres & The Somme Battlefields, focusing on the vital roles of medics, vets, & padres during WWI. Explore historic sites, preserved trenches, & memorials while uncovering the profound stories of those who served
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Iconic Iceland

location icon Europe, Iceland

Iconic Iceland

Iceland is rapidly emerging as the preferred destination for school trips emphasizing geography or geology. Rondo Travel specializes in designing compelling, dynamic, and intellectually stimulating educational tours that create a lasting impact.
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Costa Rica, Colombia and Mexico 

location icon Central America, South America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico

Costa Rica, Colombia and Mexico 

Discover the vibrant cultures of Costa Rica, Colombia, and Mexico with Tru. Explore stunning landscapes, practice Spanish, and connect deeply with local communities. Perfect for students ready to explore beyond the classroom.
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Chinese Cultural Tours-Beijing

location icon Asia, China

Chinese Cultural Tours-Beijing

Discover China's culture with Rondo Travels—explore the Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors, turning dreams into reality.
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Discover Asia- Bali, Thailand, India and more

location icon Asia, China, India, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam

Discover Asia- Bali, Thailand, India and more

Let students immerse themselves in the vibrant, exciting cultures of Asia as they learn - with TRU. Whether budding teachers, doctors, conservationists - or simply explorers at heart, we aim to ignite the spark of curiosity in each and every child!
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Women on the Western Front-Ypres & The Somme

location icon Europe, Belgium, France, Germany

Women on the Western Front-Ypres & The Somme

Discover the untold stories of pioneering women on the Western Front with our immersive tours to Ypres and The Somme. Aligned with curriculum standards, this unique experience brings history to life, highlighting the brave women who shaped WWI.
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Fiji volunteer Expeditions

location icon Asia, Fiji, India

Fiji volunteer Expeditions

On our CORAL COAST FIJI CULTURAL WEEK, students will have an incredible experience, as they are embraced into the warm, safe community of the Fijian people, and learn about their culture, in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
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Public Health in Ghana

location icon Africa, Ghana

Public Health in Ghana

Help your students develop their medical knowledge and gain practical experience while shadowing doctors and participating in community outreach work.
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Vietnam Battlefield and History Tour

location icon Asia, Vietnam

Vietnam Battlefield and History Tour

Discover Vietnam's profound history with our Battlefield & History Tour. Explore iconic war sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels & War Remnants Museum, immerse in culture, & gain deep insights into the Vietnam War's legacy. Perfect for history enthusiasts!
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Copenhagen for Schools

location icon Europe, Denmark

Copenhagen for Schools

Discover Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, with Rondo Travel's expertly crafted tours blending art, history, and sustainability. Uncover the Viking legacy in this enchanting city.
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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.



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