Activity Centres in Scotland

Residential and day activities for schools

PlanMySchoolTrip
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Activities & Residentials Scotland

Fun & educational outdoor activities and overnight stays



Planning to visit an outdoor activity centre? Scotland has some of the best centres in the country, with professional instructors and stunning upland, lowland and coastal scenery. Deciding which activity centre to visit is never easy but we can help! The following page is our pick of the best activity centres in Scotland, with full details on what makes them such a good choice for school groups.

Scotland is an exciting place for any child to experience a residential stay at an outdoor activity centre. If you are planning such a visit, but aren't familiar with Scotland and the landscapes we have up here, it is worth knowing that the Highland Boundary Fault running North East to South West separates the rugged highlands from the rural lowlands. Whichever part of Scotland you choose, you will have a full range or activities available, and access to seemingly tailor made terrain for each activity your pupils experience.

Scotland's magnificent natural landscapes promise an exciting adventure experience and are home to dozens of outdoor activity centres. Paddle sports like canoeing and raft building take place on the many tranquil rivers and placid lochs that stretch across the valley floors. For those who like climbing and abseiling, rope courses and zip wires, the sandstone rocks of the Southern Uplands and granite peaks of the Cairngorms are a natural playground. And if water sports are what you have planned, choose one of the centres that hug the spectacular six thousands miles of Scottish coastline.

Discover more UK activity school trip ideas page for the rest of the UK.

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Lockerbie Manor
Lockerbie Manor
map pin Scotland

The lake in front of the Manor house is a superb location for Canoeing and Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Raft Building. All great activities for team building exercises.
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group of children gorge walking
Lagganlia Outdoor Learning Centre
map pin Scotland

Lagganlia benefits from being set amongst a rugged landscape - ideal for skiing, gorge-walking and kayaking. We have on-site activities including archery, high-ropes, dry ski slope and a climbing wall.
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benmore outdoor centre grounds
Benmore Outdoor Centre
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At Benmore we are lucky have both an inland loch and a sea loch right on our doorstep. This is an ideal environment for watersports, and we are able to offer sailing, canoeing, raft-building and kayaking.
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mage for a residential school trip at Millport Field Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Scotland KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Millport Field Centre
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Students will look at a variety of plants and common animals using age appropriate classification keys to identify living things we find in our woodland and in our pond habitats. Discover what...
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Image for a Scottish residential school trip KS2 KS3
Scotland School Trips
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The Scottish Highlands makes for an excellent activity trip, combining outdoor pursuits with breathtaking scenery. Enjoy hiking, orienteering and hill walking which promotes teamwork and appreciation...
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three children learning to use a compass during duke of edinburgh training
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...
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view of edinburgh rock and a marquee
Edinburgh for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
map pin Scotland

Explore the fascinating world of Dinosaurs with our educational school trip to Edinburgh! Our curriculum-focused travel program offers an immersive journey into the prehistoric era. Dive into the...
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edinburgh castle
Edinburgh
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J.K. Rowling wrote the iconic Harry Potter series while residing in Edinburgh, where the city's enchanting atmosphere and historic architecture sparked her imagination. From the mystical charms of...
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Rock UK - Whithaugh Park
Rock UK - Whithaugh Park
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Rock UK is a Christian charity so we can teach Christian values through practical hands-on activities. For groups that choose, we can incorporate Christian themes into some of the activity sessions,...
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Special Offers: Scotland

Want to make your Scotland activity trip even better value? Here are a few of the best deals currently on offer to schools visiting PlanMySchoolTrip!

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+Adventure: Going beyond the expected - Q&A
Residential School Trip Ayrshire

We talk to Matt Healey, Adventure Growth Lead at Field Studies Council about their new +Adventure residential trips.

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The Importance of Teaching Skills in the Outdoors
Residential School Trip Dumfriesshire

As a teacher I reflect on both the good and bad learning experiences I have received to develop an effective learning plan when I teach.

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Supporting fieldwork and outdoor learning for all
Residential School Trip Ayrshire

Top 5 ways The Field Studies Council are supporting teachers, schools, parents and children to benefit from fieldwork and outdoor learning.

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