Outdoor Learning Experiences

Connecting Students with the Natural World



Where can UK school teachers find a variety of outdoor learning opportunities?

Outdoor learning in the UK offers teachers and students the opportunity to connect with the natural environment and find out more about a wide range of curriculum topics.  On the following page we highlight a huge choice of local visits - from working farms and forest school sessions to exploring local nature study centres.  The activities we feature give your students genuine hands on learning tailored to your year group and key stage. 

Outdoor learning will enhance your curriculum topics with practical lessons in environmental geography, biodiversity, ecology and sustainability.  The workshops are led by expert instructors who will help your children to develop skills such as observation, data collection, and ecological understanding, all while enjoying the benefits of fresh air and physical activity.

Designed to get students inspired and engaged in a topic, outdoor learning gives UK schools access to a wide range of activities in forests, farms, nature reserves, beaches, wetland reserves, urban green spaces, eco-centres and wildlife sanctuaries.  These lessons can help you promote environmental stewardship and scientific inquiry while creating memorable days out in the natural world.

Autumn Term Giveaway !
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Adventures to be won every week! Get a Outdoor learning day for your school at Grafham Water Centre by making an enquiry below or visit the Win School Trips page

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Popular school trip October 2026 !

Bewilderwood Norfolk

location icon East of England
apple iconArt, English, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Outdoor Learning


Think of the biggest wonky wooden play structures high up in the trees! Explore giant slippery slides, extra-long zip wires, muddled mazes, arts and crafts, plus lots, lots more!

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three children learning to use a compass during duke of edinburgh training ukvenue/bike,_hike__paddle_2720ohm.webp
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

Confidence Through Outdoor Adventure - Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions and Gold Residentials At Bike, Hike & Paddle Ltd, we believe life's most transformative moments are found on winding...
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school children in green canadian canoes ukvenue/explore,_challenge_and_grow_2857wpv.webp
Explore, Challenge and Grow
map pin Wales

There are many aspects of Outdoor Learning that we can offer, ranging from water-based activities on our lake, to land based activities - Rock Climbing, Orienteering, Mine Exploration. All our packages include necessary safety gear, fully qualified facilitators, optional catering and accommodation.
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High ropes activity at Sealyham Activity Centre ukvenue/sealyham_active_learning_centre_410erb.webp
Sealyham Active Learning Centre
map pin Wales

An outdoor residential at an Active Learning Centre is more than an adventure, it's a powerful blend of challenge, discovery, and personal growth. Students return with new skills, fresh confidence, and unforgettable memories.
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Edgmond Hall Centre for Outdoor Learning ukvenue/ks1__ks2_belonging_residentials_403xmx.webp
Sole-Occupancy Residentials
map pin West Midlands

Outdoor learning at Edgmond Hall is designed in partnership with you to support the wider goals of primary education. Pupils learn through first-hand experiences in natural environments, developing...
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group of children gorge walking
Lagganlia Outdoor Learning Centre
map pin Scotland

Located in Cairngorm National Park, Lagganlia is set Glen Feshie amongst forest, mountains, loch and rives. We deliver outstanding outdoor education activities and inspirational outdoor learning experiences to schools.
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two children on swings at bewilderwood in norfolk
Bewilderwood Norfolk
map pin East of England

Think of the biggest wonky wooden play structures high up in the trees! Explore giant slippery slides, extra-long zip wires, muddled mazes, arts and crafts, plus lots, lots more!
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Image for a residential school trip at Blencathra Field Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Cumbria KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Blencathra Field Centre
map pin North West

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.
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benmore outdoor centre grounds
Benmore Outdoor Centre
map pin Scotland

Benmore's core adventure outdoor learning residentials are designed around the school curriculum. We build on the four CfE capacities, integrate Learning for Sustainability and challenge participants...
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basket of vegetables
Green Shoots and Healthy Living
map pin in-school workshop

As a class we discover how far food travels, how its grown, the benefits of fresh food and the responsibility we all share to reduce our food miles. This workshop is completed by growing micro greens & being shown how to make a recycled watering can.
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biology field work plant guide and quadrat
NatureLab in school Biology Fieldwork
map pin in-school workshop

Bring ecology to life in your school grounds! Your students will investigate the relationship between environmental factors and plant / invertebrate species using a variety of sampling techniques, meeting practical requirements for all major exam boards.
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eden project in cornwall
Eden Project & Cornwall for Primary and Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
map pin South West

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.
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jurassic coast beach during a school visit
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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child with a magnifying glass looking at flowers
Wildlife School Day Visits
map pin Wales

Bring your school on a WILD adventure with the Wild Science team. Situated at Parc Cwm Darran, Caerphilly and Parc Penllergare, Swansea - we will explore, learn and discover more about wildlife and science.
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school group at walesby forest
Day Visits to Walesby Forest
map pin East Midlands

Walesby Forest gives schools unforgettable outdoor learning with adventure activities, teamwork and residential trips that build confidence, resilience, and friendships in every pupil.
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Field Studies Council - London field sites
Field Studies Council - London field sites
map pin London & South East

Field Studies Council uses sites across London including parks and urban spaces to deliver exciting fieldwork and outdoor learning day trips. We work in partnership with The Royal Parks and the London Borough of Lewisham at some of these locations.
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bug hotel
Living things and Habitat Heroes
map pin in-school workshop

Green Up Your Act supports outdoor learning through practical, engaging activities that explore habitats, biodiversity, wildlife, sustainability and human impact. Pupils investigate real-world...
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apple press food demonstration at leighton hall
Leighton Hall Outdoor Education
map pin North West

Leighton has 9 inspirational visits for KS 1 & 2 children Indoor: House and Homes, Upstairs Downstairs Outdoor: Survival Skills, Food for Thought, Seasonal Art, Wildlife Habitats, Living Like Cavemen, An Orchard's Tale Seasonal: Victorian Christmas
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Image for a residential school trip at Amsersham Field Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Buckinghamshire KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Field Studies Council Amersham
map pin London & South East

Set in South Buckinghamshire, within the Chiltern Hills, visit Amersham Field Centre for fun and engaging primary or secondary one day outdoor field trips for geography or science.
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KS1 child with a magnifying glass on a bug hunt
Day Visits
map pin London & South East

All of our programmes incorporated our internationally important open spaces as part of the learning, whether that's how we developed our venues with nature in mind, the wildlife that call the park home or how to boost your wellbeing in nature.
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secondary students with biology work sheets at the royal parks
Learning in the Royal Parks
map pin London & South East

Connect with nature and learn about the park environment, wildlife and heritage with hands-on practical activities in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. We offer a wide range of safe, secure and fun outdoor London learning experiences.
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Outdoor Week of Learning by The Ernest Cook Trust

What if your next memorable lesson took place outdoors? Discover how the Ernest Cook Trust’s Outdoor Week of Learning helps pupils explore nature, bring the curriculum to life and build confidence and...

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How Outdoor Learning Boosts Teamwork and Confidence

Outdoor activities encourage students to work together. Problem-solving tasks, team games, and group challenges require communication, collaboration, and leadership.

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