Activity Centres in Scotland

Residential and day activities for schools

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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.

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Popular school trip September 2025 !

Edinburgh

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apple icon Subjects: City Break, History, Local History


There are plenty of exciting things to do on a visit to Edinburgh. With stunning architecture, endless winding streets and an awe-inspiring castle perched on a dormant volcano, there’s nowhere else quite like it.

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Edinburgh




Bike, Hike & Paddle Ltd
Bike, Hike & Paddle Ltd

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.

Benmore Outdoor Centre
Benmore Outdoor Centre

Argyllshire

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

Bushcraft with the Field Studies Council
Bushcraft with the Field Studies Council

Experience amazing outdoor locations at Field Studies Council’s network of UK Centres. Our courses are all focused on students being immersed in the natural world. They also make use of the beautiful surroundings including using bushcraft skills.

Edinburgh City Tour with Equity
Edinburgh City Tour with Equity

Midlothian

Edinburgh is a city of beautiful contrasts. The ancient castle perched atop its volcanic crag, the mishmash of medieval tenements towering over the Royal Mile, and the New Town's neoclassical grandeur are all out to impress and charm.


Rock UK - Whithaugh Park
Rock UK - Whithaugh Park

Roxburghshire

A multi activity centre set in 110 acres of unspoilt Scottish Borders countryside. We can offer incredible residential trips in our Scandinavian style lodges, with over 20 adventure activities, bursary places available and 98 years experience.

International Baccalaureate Diploma
International Baccalaureate Diploma

Residential fieldwork created specifically for International Baccalaureate Diploma students in geography, biology and ESS. Field Studies Council has a network of UK Centres to choose from, many with easy transport links for UK and major airports.

Lochranza Centre CIC
Lochranza Centre CIC

Ayrshire

Located on the beautiful Isle of Arran, the Lochranza Centre CIC is an Outdoor Education & Activities Centre specialising in Geography, Geology, & Environmental Science field studies. We've delivered fun, safe, & adventurous school trips for 40 years

Scotland School Trips
Scotland School Trips

Scotland

Explore the highlands Scotland and learn about the country's rich culture and history. This trip is perfect for school groups and mixes educational excursions with fun activities.


Lagganlia Outdoor Learning Centre
Lagganlia Outdoor Learning Centre

Inverness-shire

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.

Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Ayrshire

There are plenty of exciting things to do on a visit to Edinburgh. With stunning architecture, endless winding streets and an awe-inspiring castle perched on a dormant volcano, there’s nowhere else quite like it.

Edinburgh for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
Edinburgh for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel

Midlothian

Curriculum Travel specialises in the younger age groups so all of our tours are age appropriate. One of our favourite tours as almost all of it can be done on foot. You must try the Storytelling experience with story tellers bringing books to life.

Lockerbie Manor
Lockerbie Manor

Dumfriesshire

Lockerbie Manor offer outdoor residential school trips during term time, and all inclusive family activity holidays during the summer holidays. Activities take place in the extensive Manor house grounds or at


Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Midlothian

Take your students on a school trip to Edinburgh, streets that inspired the wizarding world, enchanting castles and rich history, a hub for creativity and culture and an incredibly unique cityscape pairing traditional elements with a modern twist.

Millport Field Centre
Millport Field Centre

Ayrshire

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.

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!

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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