Environmental Science Trip to North Devon

Skern Lodge is so much more than a residential centre. The whole ethos here is built around experiential learning and adventure.

A great base for geography and environmental science trips around the North Devon coast, the centre also offers an incredible variety of activities, from high ropes and climbing to kayaking and surfing.

But unlike other centres, the team always brings the focus back to the educational impact all this fun is having on the students. And, because it’s been purpose-built to host school and youth groups, the centre is ideally set up to ensure both you and your students have a safe, enjoyable stay.

Location: Skern Lodge is ideally located on a tranquil 22-acre site within the UNESCO Biosphere of Braunton Burrows. Just a short stroll away is the quaint village of Appledore.

Features: The centre boasts incredible activity facilities, from a high ropes course to a heated outdoor swimming pool. There’s also a dining room that seats 110, where fresh, locally-sourced food is served to ensure your group are properly fuelled, as well as a disco room where you can celebrate the end of a successful trip.

There’s free WiFi throughout the centre, as well as several meeting rooms, classrooms and social areas (in fact, each accommodation block benefits from a communal area that can be used for activities, as a classroom, or even simply as a useful meeting point before heading out on your next adventure).

Bedrooms: The four separate accommodation areas all boast drying rooms and central heating throughout. Students will stay in multi-bedded rooms with shared bathrooms, while accompanying staff will be accommodated in en-suite rooms close to their group, making supervision easier.

Ground-floor bedrooms with wet rooms are available on request. And (unlike many residential centres) your beds will be made up for you before you arrive, so you can get stuck straight into the activities.

The Ultimate Adventure Centre is a purpose-built activity centre nestled within the picturesque North Devon countryside, close to Bideford.

Combining purpose-built youth accommodation with an incredible variety of on-site activities (including high ropes, mountain boarding, assault course and archery), this is the perfect setting in which to make lifelong memories with your group.

Location: Set in the scenic North Devon countryside just 1.5 miles from Bideford town and surrounded by outdoor attractions like The Big Sheep theme park, Westward Ho! beach, and the Tarka Trail, the centre combines a safe, friendly stay with easy access to the natural adventure—making it a wonderful, practical base for an unforgettable school residential.

Features: Facilities include modern toilet and shower blocks, a washing‑up area, an onsite café and camp shop, Wi‑Fi zones, 24‑hour reception (perfect for late arrivals), and spacious social areas—great for gatherings and relaxation.

Bedrooms: The centre offers a mix of private and hostel-style rooms with beds pre‑made (linen included) for a hassle‑free arrival. Your group will stay in blocks, with students sleeping in dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, and accompanying staff in twins with en-suite bathroom facilities (within the same block as your group to ease supervision and safeguarding).