School residentials offers a whole host of benefits to students. The opportunity to get outside of the classroom and the school environment gives students the chance to develop their interpersonal skills and build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, through their shared experiences.
This can translate to a better learning environment back in the classroom, with students more supportive of each other and more engaged with their teacher.
You may expect us to say that, given we're a travel operator that provides a range of residential trips for schools, but the research backs it up – a 2019 study by the Learning Away Consortium found that:
- Residential trips boost self-efficacy, independence, and confidence, with positive effects continuing back in the classroom.
- When linked to curriculum topics, they support academic progression and attainment.
- Experiences help develop social skills, maturity, and proactive learning behaviours.
Okay, so it's clear that residential experiences are great for students. The next question, then, is where to go?
Fortunately, there are plenty of locations right here in the UK. We've listed eight of our favourites below!
Ideas For A School Residential
1. Lake District
A school residential in the Lake District is a really exciting prospect for any group. Not only is the scenery here absolutely breathtaking, but there are endless opportunities for your students to try something new.
Your students can have a go at water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking and sailing. They can try adventure sports such as ghyll scrambling and tackling a high ropes course. They can even have a go at archery!
The Lake District also offers some great teambuilding activities, such as raft building.
Check out the sample itinerary!
2. Cornwall
Another spectacular setting for a residential is Cornwall. This beautiful corner of southwest England, of course, offers the opportunity for students to enjoy the sea, which in itself is a fantastic boost for their wellbeing.
Plus, Cornwall's mild climate means that a trip is possible at any time of the year. In fact, there are many great benefits to arranging a residential in the winter (namely, availability, cost and fewer crowds).
Whatever time you choose to visit Cornwall, though, you’ll have plenty of options for enriching activities to enjoy. For example, you could check out the many incredible art galleries and museums around St. Ives. You could marvel at the spectacular St. Michael’s Mount and the dramatic Lizard Point. Or you can head to the Eden Project, where your students will learn more about the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.
Check out the sample itinerary!
3. Holme Pierrepont
If you’re really interested in arranging a residential that will push your students out of their comfort zones, then Holme Pierrepont is hard to beat!
Located just outside of Nottingham, Holme Pierrepont is home to the National Water Sports Centre. The facilities here are fantastic and you’ll actually be able to stay on-site, right in the heart of the action.
Here, your students will try a whole range of water sports, including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. They’ll improve their resilience by taking on the Water Wipeout and Sky Trail courses. And they can even take part in a team-building exercise to build a raft!
4. West Midlands
The West Midlands has plenty to keep school groups busy for an action-packed week.
You can visit Warwick Castle, one of the UK’s finest surviving medieval fortresses, built in 1068 by England’s new Norman king, William the Conqueror. Within the castle grounds, medieval history is vividly brought to life. You can see a falconer demonstrate his skills and the magnificent birds he works with. You can have a go at archery and see one of the world’s largest working trebuchets in action. And you can even venture down to the castle’s dungeons – if you dare!
For something totally different, you can then head over to Swadlinecote Snowsports Centre to have a go at skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or snow-tubing!
And you can even head over to Conkers in the National Forest for exciting team-building activities, including an assault course challenge, shelter building, a barefoot walk challenge, high-ropes and even pedal go-karting.
5. Lee Valley
Keen to arrange a residential packed full of adrenaline-filled water sports? Then why not head to Lee Valley, just outside of London? This is the venue that hosted the canoe slalom events at the London 2012 Olympics and the facilities are world-class.
Your students will have the opportunity to try kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and rafting. They can also have a go at the Water Wipeout course and develop their teambuilding skills by building a working raft!
And there are even more activities available at the nearby Herts Young Mariners Base. Here, your students can have a go at climbing, caving, archery and fencing!
7. Peak District
Trips to the Peak District offer students the opportunity to explore one of the most scenic regions of the UK.
They can explore the magnificent gardens at the iconic Chatsworth House, catch a cable car for spectacular views across the Peak District from the Heights of Abraham and explore the charming Matlock Bath, a popular Peak tourist town since the 17th century.
And, of course, when you visit the Peak District, you can't miss the opportunity to explore the lovely town of Bakewell (and eat plenty of the famous local pudding!).
8. Yorkshire
Spectacular, diverse Yorkshire is another great destination for a school residential.
Your students can explore the county’s history at York Castle Museum and the York Dungeon, where 2,000 years of York’s darkest history is brought to life.
You can visit the beautiful Yorkshire coastline, including the charming seaside towns of Scarborough, Whitby or Filey. And you can see the marine life that lives off the county’s coast at The Deep in Hull, which is one of the UK’s largest aquariums.
A real highlight will be a visit to York’s Chocolate Story. Here, your students will learn about how York’s Quaker families pioneered the chocolate trade in the UK and helped to make the city one of the main centres of chocolate production in the UK. Your students will learn how to taste chocolate and can even make their own sweet treats!
Feeling inspired?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.