FAQs

Over 35 years of transformative trips, encouraging both adults and young people to build confidence and resilience

Are meals included in a residential trip at Kingswood?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is catered for, and snacks are available to buy from the on-site shops.

Are meals included in international residential trips?

Yes, we provide nutritious and filling breakfast, lunch and dinner for every member of your group, and can accommodate dietary requirements and allergies on a pre-agreed basis.

Are meals included in residential trips?

A nutritious breakfast, lunch and dinner are all provided each day for your whole group. We’re happy to accommodate religious dietary requirements and allergies, plus some of our centres have additional kitchen spaces for groups that require separate cooking or prefer to self-cater. Just make sure you let us know in good time, before the trip.

Are meals included?

We can offer everything from buffets to working lunches, and even a bar service if required.

Are there meals provided during the stay at Grosvenor Hall?

Yes. We offer three balanced meals a day to suit the children's needs. Our on-site dining facilities provide delicious and nutritious meals catering to dietary requirements.

Are there meals provided during the stay at Kingswood?

At Kingswood Dearne Valley, we offer three nutritious and balanced meals a day to suit the children's’ needs. We have on-site dining facilities that can also cater to dietary requirements. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible if there are any dietary requirements we need to be aware of.

Are there opportunities for kids to develop higher education skills at your centre?

Yes, we offer Skills4Life programs and opportunities for older campers. These experiences help children build valuable skills and confidence.

Are there snacks available for youth groups during the day?

Snacks are available from the on-site shops, there are water taps around to refill bottles, and some locations are also home to a juice trolley for on-the-go refreshment between sessions.

Are you able to cater for specific dietary needs for those with allergies/intolerances?

We can cater for most dietary requirements. Please contact the centre as soon as possible to make them aware of any allergies which they can discuss with you to ensure the correct provisions are in place for your visit

Can I add more guests to my booking?

Changes can be made to the number of guests up until room allocations and activity groups are set eight weeks prior to the trip. Changes after this point will depend on accommodation and activity availability on centre and it may not be possible to accommodate additional guests.

Can I book a Kingswood location for just one day?

Of course! We know that often a team building day is all you need - we can accommodate this and help you with catering too.

Can I choose specific accommodation?

Mention at the time of booking which accommodation you’d prefer your youth group to stay in, and we’ll be able to let you know if this will be possible – we make no guarantees though, particularly during busy periods.

Can I preview the centre prior to my visit?

We are always happy to accommodate a preview of our centres. Please contact the centre you’re visiting to arrange a suitable date and time with the customer service department. Call our team on 0800 655 6564.

We are holders of the LOtC quality badge. This means you can be assured that we have met with required standards around safety, activity provision and learning outcomes. The Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel endorses the LOtC Quality Badge and the majority of Local Authority Outdoor Education Advisers have indicated that they accept the award in place of some or all of their checks. You can view which Local Authority Outdoor Education Advisers support the LOtC Quality Badge by visiting the OEAP website here.

Can I request specific accommodation for our uniform group?

If you’d like a specific accommodation block for your uniform group to stay in, express your preference at the point of booking. Please note that your first choice may not always be possible, particularly during busy seasons.

Can I see a full list of available activities?

A full list of activities can be found here and can be filtered by centre and activity type.

Can my uniform group work towards badges on their trip?

Yes. Just let us know what your group is working towards, and we can tailor activities to ensure those badges get earned.

Can the adults join in the activities too?

There should be at least one adult for each group of 15 children. At the end of the activity session, e.g. Zipwire, if all children have had their go, the adults are free to have a turn.

Can we arrive outside set arrival times?

If you want to get even more out of your stay you can opt for one of our early arrival options and add an extra activity.

  • Standard Arrival
    Arrive at 14:30 to meet your group leader. Room allocations from 15:00 followed by ice breakers. First activity scheduled at 16:05.
  • Early arrival with 1 extra activity (lunch not included)
    Arrive at 12:30 (bring own packed lunch) and meet group leader. Room allocations from 14:00 followed by ice breakers. First activity scheduled at 14:30.
  • Early with 1 extra activity (lunch included)
    Arrive at 12:30, hot lunch included and meet group leader. Room allocations from 14:00 followed by ice breakers. First activity schedules at 14:30.
  • Self-Led Early Arrival
    Arrive after 12:30, self-led time until standard arrival time 14:30 to meet group leader. Room allocations from 15:00 followed by ice breakers. First activity scheduled at 16:05.

Can we change our programme?

If you've chosen our Adventure programme, then it's a pre-built programme including a broad range of activities supporting our core learning outcomes of confidence, resilience and life skills. Adventure programmes can't be customised.

If you've booked Adventure Plus, your programme will be designed around the learning outcomes and objectives you gave us at the time of booking. If you want to make changes, our programmer would be happy to discuss your needs. We welcome activity requests and although first choices may not always be available we will offer suitable alternatives.

Can we have smaller or larger groups?

The maximum number of participants is 15 per activity group. Our risk assessments are written to this number. In special circumstances, such as groups with complex SEN needs, we may be able to operate smaller groups, these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Can we request a specific accommodation building?

We are happy to take requests for specific accommodation blocks but we cannot offer any guarantees (unless specifically confirmed at time of booking), especially in peak periods. Your group may be sharing an accommodation block with other groups but we will endeavour to keep groups on separate floors and corridors.

Can we request a specific accommodation building?

We are happy to take requests for specific accommodation blocks but we cannot offer any guarantees (unless specifically confirmed at time of booking), especially in peak periods. Your group may be sharing an accommodation block with other groups but we will endeavour to keep groups on separate floors and corridors.

Can we request special menus?

We can ensure that the food available during your faith group’s stay is appropriate; simply talk to us before your trip, and we’ll devise a suitable menu.

Can we request specific accommodation for our corporate group?

If your booking is residential and you’d like a specific accommodation block, please let us know at the point of booking. It’s important to understand that this may not always be possible, particularly during busy periods.

Can we request specific accommodation for our faith group?

Please discuss with us at the point of booking if there is specific accommodation that you would like to request. Please note that this may not always be possible, particularly during busy periods.

Can we request specific accommodation?

You’re more than welcome to request the accommodation you would like, and we’ll do our best to prioritise it for you. However, we cannot 100% guarantee this, especially during busy seasons.

Can you cater to different dietary requirements?

Of course. Just let us know about dietary requirements and allergies we need to be aware of before your trip.

Can you provide designated areas for worship?

It’s our pleasure to accommodate the needs of every faith group who stay with us; talk to our team about the rooms and times you require spaces for worship, and we’ll make sure it happens for you.

Do I need copies of risk assessments or are you an LEA approved provider?

Many Education Authorities operate an approved supplier system, and you should check whether Kingswood is already on this list. We have visits from schools from right across the country, and it is likely that the Kingswood centre you are visiting is already known to your Outdoor Education Advisor.

All risk assessments can be found here on our policies page.

In addition, all Kingswood centres carry the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. This is accepted as assurance that the safety management system is adequate by many Outdoor Education Advisors, and you should check with them before forwarding copies of Kingswood's risk assessments. You can check which Education Advisors accept the Quality Badge at oeap.info.

Do adults have single rooms?

Our teacher rooms are a mix of single and twin rooms, located close to the student dormitories. If you have specific requirements for single rooms, we will try to accommodate where possible.

Do we get lunch on departure day?

Yes. All guests get a packed lunch on departure and a hot option can be provided at an extra cost.

Do you cater to specific dietary needs during the childrens’ stay?

Yes, we can cater to most dietary needs at Kingswood West Runton. If someone in your group has any special requirements, please contact us as soon as possible ahead of your visit, so we can make suitable arrangements.

Do you have a lost and found system in place?

Yes, we have a lost and found area where we collect and store items left behind by campers. Parents can ask about lost items and we'll do our best to reunite campers with their belongings. To avoid losing items, we recommend writing names on the labels of children's clothing.

Do you include food in residential trips?

We do; breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided, with dietary requirements and allergies accommodated if you let us know prior to the trip.

Do you offer snacks and refreshments throughout the day?

Some centres have juice trolleys outside the diner between sessions and there are outside taps to fill water bottles up from. Snacks can also be purchased from the on-site shop.

Does my faith group have to be a minimum size?

We can accommodate groups of all sizes, but there may be group-size requirements for certain activities. We can discuss this with you on a case-by-case basis.

How do I add an extra to my trip?

To add an extra simply get in contact with one of our Experience Experts who can talk about what's available at your centre and how to get more from your trip.

How do you incorporate English language learning into your programmes?

As part of our English in Action programme, engaging lessons are delivered by UK Language Courses (UKLC) using a combination of proven methodologies. Every student will receive a certificate of English Language course attendance and a final progress report. In addition, we incorporate vocabulary and confidence-boosting elements into all our adventure activities and cultural excursions.

How much money do children need to bring?

All activities and meals are included in the cost of thetrip. However, guests may wish to purchase snacks and souvenirs from the shop.We would recommend bringing spending money of £10. Card machines are also available at Dearne Valley.

How much money do children need to bring?

All activities and meals are included in the cost of thetrip. However, the children may wish to purchase snacks and souvenirs from theshop. We would recommend bringing spending money of £10. Card machines are also available at Kingswood West Runton.

How much money do they need to bring?

All activities and meals are included in the cost of the trip, however guests may wish to purchase snacks and souvenirs from the shop. We would recommend bringing spending money of £10. Card machines are available at Colomendy, Dearne Valley, Grosvenor Hall, Isle of Wight, Overstrand Hall and West Runton.

How much money do they need to bring?

All activities and meals are included in the cost of thetrip, however guests may wish to purchase snacks and souvenirs from the shop.We would recommend bringing spending money of £10. Card machines are available at Colomendy.

How much money do they need to bring?

All activities and meals are included in the cost of thetrip. However, guests may wish to purchase snacks and souvenirs from the shop.We would recommend bringing spending money of £10. Card machines are also available at Grosvenor Hall.

How much money do they need to bring?

All activities and meals are included in the cost of thetrip. However, guests may wish to purchase snacks and souvenirs from the shop at Kingswood North Devon. We would recommend bringing spending money of £10.

How much money do they need to bring?

All activities and meals are included in the cost of the trip at Kingswood Peak Venture, however guests may wish to purchase snacks and souvenirs from the shop. We would recommend bringing spending money of £10.

I still need risk assessments for the activities. Can you provide these?

You can access all our current risk assessments here on our Policies Page. Each risk assessment is separated depending on which centre you are visiting.

All of our risk assessments are reviewed on an annual basis as a minimum but may be subject to additional review and updates following incidents, external inspections, feedback from user groups or changes to operational practices.

Is food provided during the stay?

Yes, we provide nutritious meals throughout the residential,including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We can also accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice.

Is there a minimum group size required to make a reservation?

While there is no strict minimum group size, some activities may have participant requirements. We can help organise activities for individuals or small groups as well.

Is there care available during the night for my child?

Teachers and party leaders are located near the children’s dormitories,so they are never far away if care is needed throughout the night. At our North Devon location, we also have a night duty team that is on call.

What activities are available at Kingswood?

There are so many, we couldn’t possibly list them all here! Each centre offers roughly 50 activities, though these differ depending on centre size and geographical location. Take a look at all the activities your group could get involved in.

What activities are available to youth groups?

Kingswood are proud to offer a range of exhilarating experiences for young people - explore the full list, filtering by your chosen Kingswood location.

What activities are on offer at Kingswood Peak Venture?

At Kingswood in the Peak District, we offer a range of indoor and outdoor activities including exhilarating water sports. We also offer other facilities such as social hubs and indoor classrooms to make your stay truly memorable.

What activities could my team get involved with?

If you’re looking to develop teamwork, how about a raft-building challenge or canoeing? Our priority is to provide an experience your whole team will enjoy and benefit from, so please let us know your preferences when booking.

What age group is the centre designed for?

We offer programmes to groups of all ages, from primary school to higher education and team-building trips. We offer age-appropriate activities and accommodations to ensure every child has a memorable experience.

What age range does Kingswood at West Runton in Norfolk cater to?

We offer programmes to groups of all ages, from primary school to higher education and team-building trips. We tailor our activities and accommodations to suit the unique needs and interests of each age group,ensuring that every guest creates lasting memories during their stay.

What are the best Kingswood locations for conferences and exhibitions?

We’d suggest Dearne Valley, the centre in South Yorkshire, or Grosvenor Hall in Kent; both these venues are aesthetically impressive and comfortable for big groups, which is ideal for large-scale events.

What do I do if a child gets homesick?

We have found the best way to help children cope with being away from home is to keep them busy throughout the day. We also create a warm and supportive environment, so they quickly feel at home. You can also help prepare your child at home before they join us on the residential trip. Here are some tips on if your child gets homesick.

What food is on the menu during our visit to the North Devon centre?

You can find our North Devon centre sample menu here. Closer to your visit, specific menus can be made available to you on request from the centre.

What food is on the menu during our visit to the North Devon centre?

You can find our North Devon centre sample menu online to view what types of foods will be available. Closer to your visit, specific menus can be made available to you on requestfrom the centre.

What food is on the menu during our visit?

You can see a sample menu here. Closer to your visit, specific menus can be made available to you on request from the centre.

What happens if it rains?

If the weather lets us down, we have contingency plans to ensure your uniform group still has fun!

What happens if the weather is bad?

We’re more than prepared if it rains – our contingency plans ensure we can still have fun safely, even if the weather isn’t ideal.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Don’t worry, we have contingency plans to ensure that corporate groups can still have fun safely if the weather lets us down.

What happens in case of inclement weather during outdoor activities?

Safety is paramount at Kingswood. That’s why we have contingency plans in place for adverse weather conditions. Activities may be adjusted, rescheduled, or substituted to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the children.

What international youth group programmes are available?

Kingswood offers Adventure, Adventure Plus, Explore, English in Action and Skills4Life programmes, so that your international youth group get the most from their residential trip.

What is the best time to visit Kingswood Colomendy?

We operate year-round, and the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, while autumn and winter can provide a unique experience with seasonal activities.

What is the best time to visit Kingswood Peak Venture?

We are open year-round, and the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Each season offers unique outdoor experiences, so it's all about what you're looking for.

What items should I include in my child's bag for their stay at Kingswood in North Devon?

For a comfortable and enjoyable stay, we suggest packing suitable outdoor clothing, proper footwear, personal toiletries, and any necessary personal items. Detailed packing guidance can be found on our website in our comprehensive packing guide.

What safety measures are in place at Kingswood Colomendy?

At Kingswood Colomendy, safety is paramount. Our expert instructors are extensively trained to cater to each child's abilities, and our centres undergo independent inspections by the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA), alongside internal safety audits. During residential trips,most activities involve groups of no more than 15 children, and our strict supervision policy ensures they are always accompanied by knowledgeable Kingswood instructors. For a comprehensive understanding of our safety measures,please visit our dedicated safety information page, as we prioritise your peace of mind and your child's safety above all else.

What safety measures are in place at Kingswood West Runton?

Kingswood places the utmost importance on safety. We areindependently inspected by BAPA, maintain stringent staff vetting and training,and provide close supervision during all activities. Most activities have small group sizes, with no more than 15 children per instructor. Each child's safety and comfort are our top priorities. Learn more about our safety measures on our website.

What safety measures are in place at Kingswood at Dearne Valley?

Safety is our utmost priority at Kingswood. All our instructors are rigorously trained to recognise each individual child’s own capabilities and will teach them at their level and pace. Each centre is also independently inspected by the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA)and we conduct internal health and safety audits. During the residential trip,most activities ensure children are placed into groups of no more than 15, andour strict supervision policy ensures children are always accompanied by Kingswood instructors. You can find out more about the safety measures at Kingswood with our handy guide.

What safety measures are in place at Kingswood in North Devon?

All Kingswood centres are independently inspected by the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA) and our staff vetted, inducted,and trained to the highest levels. All activities are also supervised by instructors who can recognise everyone’s own capabilities and pace. For most activities, we also ensure children are placed into groups of no more than 15 children to one instructor. We hold safety to the highest standards so that your child remains safe, happy, and comfortable during their stay. You can read more about the safety measures that we have in place online.

What safety measures are in place for outdoor activities?

Safety is our top priority at Kingswood Grosvenor Hall. Our experienced staff members are trained to ensure that all outdoor activities during the residential trip in Kent are conducted with the utmost safety in mind. We provide the necessary safety equipment and guidance to anyone who participates.

What should I pack in my child's bag for their stay at Kingswood in West Runton?

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, were commend including appropriate outdoor clothing, suitable footwear, personal toiletries, and any essential personal items. You can find detailed packing instructions in our comprehensive packing guide on our website.

What should children include in their bags for their stay at Colomendy?

We suggest packing comfortable outdoor clothing, including suitable footwear, waterproof attire, and clothes that can handle a bit of dirt. Additionally, don't forget to bring toiletries and any personal necessities. For a comprehensive packing list, please refer to our website's packing guide.

What should children pack for my visit to Kingswood Peak Venture?

We recommend packing comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, and any personal items you may need. Check our website for a detailed packing list based on your chosen activities.

What should children pack in their bag for their stay at Dearne Valley?

We recommend packing comfortable clothing that is suitable for taking part in outdoor activities. This includes appropriate footwear, waterproofs and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. They should also bring toiletries and any other personal items they may need. Be sure to check our packing guide on our website for more details.

What should children pack in their bag for their stay at Grosvenor Hall?

We recommend packing comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, appropriate footwear, toiletries, and any personal items you may need. Be sure to check our packing guide on our website for more details.

What should children pack?

We provide a full packing list to ensure everyone has what they need for a fun week.

What time are our meals?

Your group will have three meals a day and meal slots will be shown on your activity programme which will be issued within four weeks of your visit. For specific meal times you will need to contact the centre closer to your arrival date, although they will be subject to change until your arrival on centre.

What times are meals during the school residential trip?

During your school residential trip, your group will enjoy three meals a day. These meal schedules will be detailed in your activity program, which you will receive four weeks prior to your arrival. If you require specific meal times before your arrival, feel free to contact us closer to the time and we'll be happy to provide you with the information you need.

What times are meals during the school residential trip?

Yourgroup will have three meals a day, these meal slots will be shown on your activity programme, which you will receive four weeks before you attend. If you wish to know specific mealtimes, please contact us closer to your arrival date for more information.

What types of activities are available at West Runton?

We offer a diverse range of activities, including climbing,high ropes, archery, and even caving! There’s something for everyone at Kingswood West Runton.

What types of activities are available for kids at your centre?

We offer a huge range of activities at Kingswood in Kent. From hiking, archery, and rock climbing to arts and crafts and more, we aim to offer a diverse experience that caters to many interests.

What types of meals do you offer?

We offer a range of balanced and nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can expect to see items like shepherd’s lamb pasties, hunters chicken, Quorn escalope and much more. You can find our sample menu here or get in touch with us closer to the time of your arrival for the specific menu.

What youth group programmes are available?

From sports to languages and even environmental field studies, discover all the adventures that Kingswood has to offer.

When do youth groups need to arrive?

We offer several different arrival times, so that you can choose one that suits your travel arrangements. Standard arrival is at 2pm, early arrival is at 12.30pm (an extra activity starts at 2.30pm, and you can choose whether lunch is provided or not), and a self-led early arrival can also be scheduled for 12.30pm.

When will we receive our programme and room allocations?

We aim to send out your room plan and activity programme four weeks prior to your trip. To ensure we meet this deadline, we ask you to provide gender splits eight weeks prior to the trip. Details of the information required will be in your twelve week email and can be provided to us via your centre contact.

Where is Kingswood Colomendy?

Located in Denbighshire, North Wales, our Colomendy centre is nestled within a region designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Situated amidst enchanting woodlands, it offers breathtaking vistas of Moel Famau.

Who supervises the faith groups on their residential trip?

Faith groups will be supervised by qualified instructors, in addition to their usual group leaders. For your peace of mind, we would like to reassure all parents and guardians that there is a responsible adult present at all times.

Who supervises the international youth groups on their residential trip?

Children will be supervised by qualified instructors, in addition to their recognised teachers and supervisors. Rest assured that there will be a responsible adult with them at all times.

Who supervises the youth groups on a residential trip?

Children are usually placed in groups of no more than 15, and are always accompanied by qualified instructors, as well as their usual teachers or supervisors. A responsible adult will be present at all times.

Who will supervise the uniform groups?

A responsible adult will always be present with each group, including a qualified instructor where appropriate.

Why are there no watersports on my programme?

Watersports is available only as an upgrade at Colomendy, Dearne Valley, Isle of Wight, Peak Venture and Grosvenor Hall and is not included as standard in the Adventure Choice programme. Find out more about Adventure Choice and upgrades here.

Why book a residential trip for your corporate group?

Our activities for corporate groups have been designed to foster a sense of team spirit, so that everyone can get together, share ideas and learn something new.

Why book a residential trip for your corporate group?

Our activities for corporate groups have been designed to foster a sense of team spirit, so that everyone can get together, share ideas and learn something new.

Why book a residential trip for your faith group?

Our residential experiences for faith groups have been designed to foster a sense of community, so that children and young adults can have a good time, learn new skills, and get to know their peers better.

Why book a residential trip for your international youth group?

Our residential trips for international youth groups have been designed so that children and young adults can have fun, learn new skills, bond with their peers, experience English culture and develop their English language abilities.

Why book a residential trip for your uniform group?

Team building, life skills and fun underpin any uniform group, which marry up perfectly with the ambition of our residential activity trips.

Why book residential activities for youth groups?

Our residential activities have been designed so that children and young adults can have fun, learn new skills, bond with their peers, and further their social development.