Helping Young People to Learn Without Walls

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“Play is the highest form of research” Albert Einstein



As has been well established, a school trip involving outdoor adventure and learning activities builds character and helps to embed values such as fairness and respect. Working together as a team nurtures our young people and encourages them to become active and sociable young adults, the more we can inspire and encourage all young people to lead a more active lifestyle the better. A school trip encourages team building and communication, giving your students more confidence and motivation both in and outside the classroom. Outdoor adventure and learning activities provide students with the opportunity to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and wellbeing.
Cumulus Outdoors has welcomed over 100 schools in 2022 at both our residential centre and tented villages plus activity days and we look forward to welcoming more in 2023.

Take your pick, Residential Centre or Tented Village on the stunning Dorset Coast
The Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre is situated in the beautiful seaside town of Swanage, just 10 minutes’ walk from the beach, pier and town centre. Our enviable location affords visitors far-reaching views of Swanage Bay and easy access to beauty spots along the world-renowned Jurassic Coast. We can accommodate up to 139 students and teaching staff across our dormitory and bungalow accommodation, set in seven acres of private grounds with various activities available on-site.
Our tented villages are located in unbeatable sites along the shores of Poole Harbour, deep in the Dorset countryside. We are lucky to be able to provide wide open spaces for students to embrace the outdoors and experience some quality time with their peers. The tented villages are close to Corfe Castle but hidden away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, each campsite has a fully fitted kitchen, shower and toilet facilities. Students stay in top-of-the-range airbeam yurt tents with built-in ground sheets and sleeping mats.



“Having fun is the best way to learn” Albert Einstein



Fun and Adventure
All our outdoor activities take place within the stunning landscapes found in South Dorset in the Isle of Purbeck. The area is the eastern gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - walk along the South West Coast Path and view the magnificent Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Surrounded on three sides by sea water, coastal Purbeck boasts some of the best sea views and spectacular scenery along the whole of the south coast. Due to the outstanding geology and palaeontology, the Dorset (and East Devon) coastline has been listed as a Natural World Heritage Site and Jurassic Coastline.

Fun adventure experiences create memories that last a lifetime, these can include:
Bushcraft: Students work through workshops scenarios which cover a range of bushcraft skills. Tailored to meet the age and abilities of the group, these workshops are designed to enhance their skills.
Kayaking: The students learn how to control their kayaks, developing confidence in the water through learning basic paddle strokes and water safety techniques.
Mackerel Fishing: Students will be taken along the coast to the best fishing spots with a friendly skipper who will show them the ropes and explain the fishing technique.
Rock Climbing & Abseiling: The students will learn how to fit a climbing harness, tie basic climbing knots and enjoy sea cliff climbing.
Coasteering: An action-packed adventure along the world famous Jurassic Coastline, coasteering takes students on an exploration of caves, rock pools and cliffs. The activity includes swimming, scrambling and jumping from cliff ledges.
Waterpark: Dorset Waterpark is a huge Woodland Waterpark spread over two lakes overlooking Corfe Castle. Each lake features different challenges for you to tackle.
Plus SUPs, raft racing, tag archery, air rifle shooting and more.


“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Benjamin Franklin


Field Studies, creating opportunities for first-hand experiences.
Cumulus Outdoors run field studies trips for primary and secondary aged children on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. The Jurassic Coast is the perfect location to put classroom leaning into practice, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Curriculum topics available include:
Biology, Art, Victorian History, Local History, Saxons and Saxon Settlements, World War II, Prehistory, Medieval, Physical Education, Watersports, Bushcraft, Geology, Physical Geography, Human Geography. Environmental Geography, Field Studies, Physics, PHSE
To further support your teaching and learning experience we have a classroom allocated to each school staying at the residential centre, the classrooms have white boards, projectors and wifi for learning sessions.


If you are interested in hearing a bit more about how Cumulus Outdoors can help you with planning your next school visit then why not get in touch here.

Preferred Date:







Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
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.
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Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
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.
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Cumulus Outdoors Activity Camps at your School
Cumulus Outdoors Activity Camps at your School
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!?
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special offer
Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage
Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage
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.
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New Accommodation at Cumulus Outdoors
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Cumulus Outdoors discuss their new hard top accommodation for 2020 and their exciting residential programmes.

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Tailored Adventure programmes on the Dorset coast
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Choice of hard top or camp with 24/7 pastoral care, unbeatable locations with every part of your stay carefully planned for you.

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Residential programme plans for 2022 and beyond
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Read how Cumulus Outdoors met the challenge of 2021 and their residential programme plans for 2022 and beyond.

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New and improved facilities for 2023 at Cumulus Outdoors
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We are improving the facilities at Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre and Tented Villages. Here is a sneak peak at our plans for 2023.

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You’re in good hands with Cumulus Outdoors
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Preparation and planning is key to providing the high quality of activities and experiences across both our Residential Centre in Swanage an

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