News & Blogs
What's on at
Kingswood
Uniform Takeover Weekends 2025
Exclusive centre takeovers for uniformed groups are coming to a Kingswood near you this May and September!
Music Adventure Camp at Overstrand Hall
A week of music, fun and new friends! Open to all young musicians aged 13-17.
Children & Young People Now Awards
We were delighted to be part of a judging panel that champions and awards organisations who deliver the most proactive and resilient provision in the youth sector.
2024 Moments in Stats and Snaps
What a year it's been for fun and learning at Kingswood. Here are some of our favourite moments and fun facts from 2024...
ScareFest 2024 – Our Best Bits!
Not for the fainthearted! Thrill seekers were delighted when their transport arrived at Kingswood’s ScareFest 2024
What Netball Teaches You
Netball teaches not only tactics and techniques, there are significant mental and physical health benefits associated with taking part.
Netball Weekends at Grosvenor Hall
Make your training trip into an adventure! Get ready for outdoor activities, team bonding and top tips on your game from Future Ball Stars.
We've Partnered with Future Ball Stars
Netball weekends, tournaments and more will be kicking off in the new year at Kingswood Grosvenor Hall. We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Future Ball Stars that brings the very best in netball experiences and experiential adventure to schools and groups.
Why Multi Academy Trusts Choose Kingswood
Each year, we welcome a large number of children from Multi Academy Trusts to our adventure centres nationwide. Here's why Kingswood is preferred experiential learning and outdoor adventure provider for these trusts.
The Ultimate Guide To Planning A School Trip
Organising school trips to other places is a fun but often challenging task. The entire process starts a few months in advance with lots of planning.
What Should my Child Pack for a Residential Trip?
The essential guide to what you should pack for your child's residential adventure.
Challenge by Choice
Do you really need to push yourself to the extremes to realise the personal growth benefits of a Kingswood residential?
Q&A with Great Oak Multi Academy Trust
Hear what a Year 6 group got up to on their visit to Kingswood.
Coming soon to IoW: Island Explorer!
We've teamed up with the biggest local attractions to bring you a week-long adventure full of rides, tides and roars!
Phone Free Residentials?
Although the Government aren’t currently considering full phone bans in schools for under 16s, there has been a lot of speculation. Would taking phones away help children concentrate more or would it create feelings of worry and frustration?
Adventure weekends with Holt RFC Rugby Festival
We've got your team covered with all-inclusive accommodation and adventure activities.
Purposeful Outdoor Learning Empowers Children to Deal with School Transitions
Stepping up into secondary education is a significant life change for all children. Some find new challenges easier than others, but for many, particularly the vulnerable, the transitional stress can be difficult to navigate. How can outdoor learning help?
Top ten ways outdoor adventure improves well-being
Youth Mental Health Day brings with it an opportunity to really think about how young people could improve their mental health. Discover the top ten ways outdoor adventure improves well-being.
Top 5 Academic Benefits of Autumn and Winter Residentials
Whether it's for an end-of-year reward or to prepare students ahead of their transition into secondary school, residentials have a benefit. But what benefits can you see in the classroom if you visit Kingswood earlier in the academic year.
School Transitions Made Easier
Setting the right tone for what children can expect from their first year at secondary school can help prepare them for some of the biggest changes in their lives so far. Outdoor adventure residentials in the autumn term are an opportunity to fast-track the settling-in process with unmatched opportunities to bond with peers and teachers, and grow in resilience and confidence.
Back to School – Tips for the Kids
After a long summer holiday, going back to school can seem quite scary or unpleasant. Here are some tips for pupils of all ages to get them back into the swing of things for September… Lots of people enjoy seeing their friends again or getting back into class, but others can find it quite a daunting feeling - especially if you're going to a new school. Here are some handy tips on how you can get prepared.
Tips for Your Child's First Residential
Handy tips for parents, to ease any pre-trip nerves.
A Summer of Outdoor Play
School is out for the summer! But what does that mean for lots of children around the country? Long hours indoors watching TV or playing with digital devices?
A Girl Guides Trip to Kingswood Staffordshire
It was an absolute delight to welcome Girl Guides from across the West Midlands and further afield, who took part in an activity day at Kingswood’s Staffordshire centre.
Uniform Group Experiences with Big Personal Gains
Adventure experiences for uniform groups enhance teamwork, improve resilience, and provide opportunities for skill development. Find out more benefits here.
What skills can a corporate activity day strengthen in your team?
A corporate activity day can strengthen a range of skills in your team, let's discuss which.
Ultimate Adventure and HAF are coming to the IoW
Including fully-funded places for HAF-eligible children.
What are the Benefits of an Activity Day for Faith Groups?
Activity days for faith groups encourage community bonding, spiritual growth, and holistic well-being through shared experiences. Read more about the benefits here.
Celebrating environmental art this Children’s Art Week
By combining art with raw materials found in nature, young people are inspired to take better care of their environment.
Exam results aren't the only thing that define a person
Exam season is over for young people around the country. With sighs of relief almost audible, we want to reassure young people that exam results aren’t the only thing that define a person.
Raising Active Kids - Cultivating a Positive Attitude Towards Exercise
We're exploring the positive ways in which physical activity can support a child's development.
We're a finalist in the School Travel Awards 2024
We are over the moon to be shortlisted! Now, can you count on your vote to get us to gold?
Unlocking Potential: Exploring Inspiring Learning's Collaboration with The Talent Foundry
Exploring Inspiring Learning's Collaboration with The Talent Foundry through the Grosvenor Hall Trial Programme.
YEF's Report Recommends Sport and Outdoor Adventure for Vulnerable Young People
Compelling findings from the Youth Endowment Fund’s (YEF) latest report highlight how sport and physical activity can reduce and prevent violence in schools. Along with the National Citizen Service (NCS), championing away from home experiences can help vulnerable young people.
What to wear for a corporate activity day
If you have a corporate activity day coming up, you might be wondering what to wear. We've listed everything you need to know about what to wear on different types of activity days.
What to expect from a corporate activity day
We look at ways you can prepare for your next corporate activity day and what to expect.
How to organise a corporate away day
We discuss how you can plan the perfect corporate away day for your team.
New menu launching this Spring
See what's on the new health-eating menu from Spring 2024.
Teens takeover Dearne Valley!
We welcome a 300-strong faith group to our Doncaster centre for a week of adventure and skill-building.
Choose Outdoor Adventure this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Embracing this year's MHAW theme of 'movement', we look at how outdoor adventure can engage children in being active with the added benefit of being immersed in nature.
Key takeaways from the Education and Enrichment Report 2024
The report shines a light on the life-changing benefits of enrichment activities and non-formal learning outside the classroom.
NCS: Everything you need to know
Here's Calvin from our NCS partner Loud Speaker to tell you what they're all about.
Inspiring Learning Announces New Partnership with British Fencing
Outdoor education group becomes Official Resilience Partner of British Fencing.
What are the benefits of a corporate away day?
Planning an away day for your team isn't just a way for everyone to let their hair down away from the office, it has many benefits that can create a happier work environment.
Self-Care Essentials: How to help kids maintain cleanliness on residential trips
Essential self-care tips that parents can employ to help their kids stay clean and healthy during residential trips.
Should I Send My Child on the Year 6 Residential Trip?
We look at the aspects that uncertain parents should consider.
Happy Campers at ICC 2023 Spain
Highlights from John's trip to Spain, speaking at the International Camping Congress 2023.
Welcome to the Kent Scouts Cuboree 2023!
Here's what happened when the Kent Scouts took over Grosvenor Hall for a whole weekend.
Who Supervises Children on a Residential Trip?
Our experienced and qualified staff members are committed to providing exceptional care and guidance.
What To Do About a Residential Trip if My Child Gets Homesick
There are many ways to tackle homesickness before, during and after a trip.
What Safety Measures are in Place During a Residential Trip?
How we ensure a safe, supportive environment where young people can flourish.
Are School Residential Trips Compulsory?
We address this common question and weigh up the benefits and practicalities.
What is the Purpose of a Residential?
The many lasting benefits of a residential trip for young people
Programme Spotlight: Adventure
Learn more about our best-selling, Level 3 Skills Builder accredited activity programme 'Adventure', plus a special offer!
The benefits of a Field Studies trip to Kingswood
Get up and out into nature with a Kingswood educational adventure!
Active Revision: How to Combat the Pressures of Exam Time
How to Combat the Pressures of Exam Time
Our top 40 Kingswood facts
In celebration of an incredible 40 years delivering life changing adventures for young people, we’ve pulled together 40 interesting facts about Kingswood that you might not know.
Team Leader Q&A: Chantelle Storey
From a Kingswood residential student to a Kingswood Team Leader! A Q&A with Chantelle Storey
Celebrating 40 years of Kingswood
As we celebrate our 40th year, find out how Kingswood first started all those decades ago.
Making school trips more affordable
Many children will miss out on school trips due to tightening budgets. Here are some ideas to help make residential adventures more affordable.
Our top 10 confidence building activities
Adventure learning nurtures self-esteem and confidence through a whole host of activities.
The Big Schools' Birdwatch
We are constantly inspired by nature at Kingswood, and we are looking forward to joining in the Big Schools' Birdwatch.
Enabling adventures - the Kingswood Hardship Fund
We believe that outdoor adventure is for everyone - and that every young person should have the chance to experience a transformative residential trip. That's why we've launched the Kingswood Hardship Fund, to provide financial support for individual young people who face barriers to accessing this experience.
Climbing Mount Everest the hard way
What are the benefits of having an adventurous mind? A Q&A with Dr John Allan, Head of Learning and Impact.
Resilience and the influence of outdoor learning
By our Head of Learning and Impact, Dr John Allan.
Inspiring books that teach about the outdoors
Exploring the outdoors is an important part of education. Our recommended reading list brings the outdoors to life through engaging and challenging stories.
Enhance your residential with the Kingswood Confidence Tracker
The Kingswood Confidence Tracker is a new, free, tool that will enhance your residential trip.
The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Team Building Trip
Corporate away days are days when employees are taken off the job to take part in team-building activities in hotels or activity centres.
Improving children’s post-pandemic social skills and wellbeing
How can we support children in a post-covid world and how do residentials allow us to do that?
Mini Rugby Tours are coming to Kingswood in 2023!
We're partnering with Mini Rugby Tours (MRT) to offer an exhilarating sporting event that mixes our adrenaline-filled adventure and first-class rugby experiences!
Your group residential
A group residential that takes adventure to the next level. What makes our residentials so special?
Book With Confidence At Kingswood
Book with Confidence has changed - visit our new insurance page here.
Have A Staycation… At Home!
We know this isn’t the Easter break you were planning, and in the spirit of keeping calm and carrying on, and making staying in that bit more fun, here are some ways you can have a staycation… at home.
Stay Informed | Covid-19
Following Government advice at the end of last year that overnight visits may be able to resume from Easter, we are looking forward to welcoming our customers back to Kingswood.
Geography Field Trips Made Easy At Kingswood
Inspire and immerse your students in some of the best human and physical geography field studies locations in the UK. Our Geography field work programme has been designed by former Geography teacher, Jonny Thelwell. Find out more about our programmes with top tips from Jonny on how to run a successful field trip.
Character Building, Learning Outdoors And The Importance Of Residentials
You’ve heard it from us and probably from a few others, that learning outside the classroom is extremely valuable in child development.
Top 10 activities for team building
Working better as a team is one of ten learning outcomes your group can achieve at Kingswood. Here's a list of our top 10 most popular activities for team building, loved by schools and groups alike.
The Benefits Of Outdoor Learning By Head Of Activities
Some of our biggest learning experiences come to us when we break away from the confinement of classroom walls. Here, Steve Anderson, head of activities at Kingswood, explains the benefits that children experience when they get outside and learn through adventure.
How Secondary School Teachers Can Support The Transition Into Year 7
As the idea of a new school year is exciting and promising for the new learnings ahead, for those transitioning from primary into secondary school, September may fill them with a mixture of excitement, nerves and dread. We interviewed Chloe McCart, a secondary school teacher in Brighton, to gain her insight into how this transition can be made smooth and supportive for new students
How The Outdoors Can Help With Revision
Exams are soon approaching and the pressure of achieving high grades can have a big impact on a young person’s mental health. Our charity partner YoungMinds have produced a fantastic ‘exam self-care’ guide that we really champion.
Adventurous Activities For May Half Term
It’s time for a very welcome week off. Are you looking for something a little bit more interesting to do with your family over the break? We have some exciting ideas to immerse yourselves in a unique adventure.
New programme structure
We've updated our programme structures to get the best for you
Planning the perfect outdoor party for your child?
At Kingswood, we think outdoor adventure parities are the most fun! Follow our handy guide to find out how to make your child's birthday the best ever.
Discover Dearne Valley, our most popular centre for venue hire
Planning your next work function? Perhaps you’re organising a corporate training getaway, an annual conference or simply looking for a unique, new meeting venue.
What is the Apprenticeship Levy and what can it be used for?
In April 2017, the government introduced changes to the way businesses fund apprenticeship training to improve the quality and quantity of apprenticeships, opening up more employment opportunities to young people. As an award-winning apprenticeship provider, Kingswood is passionate about apprenticeships and making the most of your funding, so we’ve compiled a guide to the most commonly asked questions about the Apprenticeship Levy.
Get Creative This Bonfire Weekend
Before the weekend lights up with fireworks displays this November 5th, have a go at our creative bonfire treats to take part in with your class or group. You can create some fun decorations, or some edible treats? Take a look at our fun activities below… We'd love to see your creations - so share your pictures on Facebook and Twitter
Franken-Tastic Halloween Crafts To Create With Your Group
With Halloween just around the corner, we’ve curated our favourite spook themed crafts along with fun things to do with your group this October half term.
Meet Henry, our new Staffordshire Centre Manager
Find out how Henry made the move from Kingswood Camp Coach to Centre Manager
Corporate team building with a twist
Get outdoors, get active and add some adrenaline to your corporate team building.
Wellbeing and motivation days for teachers
We are proud to be a supporter of YoungMinds, the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the mental half of children and young people. This is why £1 for every person booked on a teacher wellbeing day with Kingswood will go towards the great work YoungMinds do.
We've Won Best Residential Experience For The Second Year Running!
We are absolutely thrilled to have won the School Travel Awards’ ‘Best Residential Experience’ award for the second year running at a ceremony held at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington yesterday
Flashback Kingswood Colomendy: The early years
Join us on a trip back down memory lane to discover the heritage of our popular adventure centre, Kingswood Colomendy.
Scarefest 2024 Halloween Residentals
These special 3-day Halloween residentials are not for the fainthearted!
