New Accommodation at Cumulus Outdoors

We are talking to Sam Thompson, Managing Director of Cumulus Outdoors all about their new hard top accommodation for 2020 and their exciting residential programmes.

Hi Sam, the new accommodation looks really good and in a great location, what type of facilities are available for teachers and students?

Yes, our residential centre is in a superb location on the outskirts of Swanage in Dorset with wonderful views over the bay, we can accommodate up to 100 students across three dormitories, which are set in six acres of grounds. The centre is just 15 minutes' walk from Swanage town centre and close to the beach, pier and other local amenities and the Centre Manager lives on-site. In addition to the dedicated sleeping area for teachers including kitchenette and TV, Wi-Fi is available site wide and each school group also has a common room (or classroom) at its disposal. We provide a selection of adventure and recreation activities within the grounds including a forest school, competitive tag archery, adventurous urban orienteering, a chilled movie night in with hot chocolates and marshmallows round a cosy fire and disco! The top and lower fields provide ample space for outdoor sports and are the perfect setting for a range of team building activities. The centre is the perfect addition to compliment all our other adventure activities.

Is the centre ready for residential visits in 2020?

Absolutely! We've worked really hard this winter to get the centre up and running ready for all school and youth groups, we still have some early and late season availability in May and September this season if anyone's still looking!

How far away from the Jurassic coast is the new accommodation, is it easy for students to get there?

We couldn't be better placed, we're just a short walk from beautiful Swanage bay and no more than 5-10 minutes by minibus to other Jurassic coastline gems including Old Harry Rocks, Studland beach and Dancing Ledge. Our public transport network is well established and alongside our fleet of minibuses, we can get everyone, everywhere!

Are there any new activity programmes you are offering at the new location?

Yes! In addition to our established adventure activities, we're introducing Target Sports, which will include archery and air rifle shooting in our new purpose-built range. Other activities include team challenges, on-site orienteering and bushcraft as well as Frisbee Golf

As well as the residential centre you also have some amazing tented villages too, what type of facilities are available for those?

We offer a range of sites with a range of facilities, available to specification. Our tented villages are on private, secluded sites with toilet and rustic kitchen facilities. Those who prefer a few extra home comforts can make use of our hot showers and full kitchen camp units too. From tree trunk hammocks to our communal Nordic tipis, featuring a fire pit where all students can gather for central briefings, activities, meal times and story-telling in the evenings, we can tailor a camp to suit.

Are the programmes that you offer to schools available regardless of which accommodation they stay in?

Yes, all of our activities are available regardless of the type of accommodation you choose. In my opinion, there's no better feeling than a night by the campfire at our rustic Bushcraft site, sleeping in a Hennessey hammock, followed by a fresh morning coasteering session. It's a great way to experience all the outdoors has to offer (and get your blood and endorphins pumping at the same time!).

What type of activities are available when schools visit you?

Well, how much time have you got?! We are so lucky to be situated on the stunning Jurassic coast in Dorset and therefore able to offer so many activities in some wonderful locations. These can include kayaking, coasteering, raft building, tag archery, rock climbing, abseiling, team games, mountain biking, beach safety, SUP, axe throwing, mackerel fishing and more! You can discover more on our website.

What type of evening activities do you offer?

Our residential price includes an evening activity which can include visiting our partnered swimming pool (5 minute walk away), sports and games bags, quiz night, disco night, talent show, movie night, night hike, egg drop, treasure hunts, circus skills and more.