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Update on East Coast Residential Outdoor Learning

Following North Yorkshire Council’s decision to approve proposals to close East Barnby Outdoor Centre, residential outdoor learning on the east coast continues to be delivered from Birch Hall near Scarborough.

Since moving to Birch Hall, schools have continued to enjoy the high-quality outdoor learning experiences the service is known for, delivered by the same experienced and dedicated team. Set within extensive grounds and ideally located for access to the spectacular Yorkshire coast, North York Moors and surrounding countryside, Birch Hall provides an excellent base for adventurous, environmental and personal development programmes. We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Scout Association, whose shared commitment to outdoor adventure, personal growth and developing young people makes Birch Hall an excellent fit for our residential provision. The partnership enables us to continue offering high-quality residential experiences on the east coast while benefiting from a welcoming and well-equipped centre that supports a wide range of learning opportunities.

Feedback from schools has been extremely positive, with young people continuing to benefit from memorable experiences that build confidence, resilience, independence, teamwork and wellbeing in a supportive outdoor environment.

Alongside Birch Hall, Bewerley Park remains fully open, offering residential and day visit opportunities from its refurbished facilities in the Nidderdale National Landscape.

Across both locations, North Yorkshire Outdoor Learning Service remains committed to delivering inspiring experiences that help children and young people develop essential life skills, connect with the natural environment and reach their full potential through outdoor learning.

Amazing residential offers for schools

Hello from the North Yorkshire Outdoor Learning Service! We’ve been helping to get young people active, outdoors and in touch with nature for more than 80 years and offer a fantastic mix of land and water based outdoor learning programmes from primary school age to post 16.

Our team get a real kick from seeing groups leave us with a newfound confidence, team building skills, strong friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Prices for every budget

We want all young people to grow up with a love of the outdoors and a passion for adventure. Lots of adults tell us that they still remember their residential, and everything they gained from it. We don’t want anyone to miss out on that, but we know that the cost of living is still a concern for lots of families.

That’s why we’ve dropped all our prices for trips taking place from April 2025, with a three day residential now starting from just £139 per person or £259 per person for five days depending on the time of year you’re visiting us and how many young people you’re bringing.

We also have a number of exciting new offers, including:

Book for 60 young people or more and get a discounted rate. This is a great option for smaller schools to come together as a larger group.
Some schools prefer to join us on a weekend, so we’re also offering great value rates for a Friday to Sunday programme, with prices starting from £158 per person.

Choose your adventure

Our programmes are individually tailored and we can work with you to plan a bespoke residential that meets your needs.

Activities could include:

Canoeing
Caving
High ropes
Orienteering
Raft building
River scrambling
Rock climbing
Sailing
Paddle boarding
Windsurfing

Once you arrive at one of our outdoor education centres, everything is included.

All activities including transport to and from locations.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Just bring a packed lunch for the first day.
All specialist equipment, helmets and harnesses.
Waterproofs and wetsuits. Ideally students should bring their own wellies, but we have plenty on hand to lend.
Pillows, sheets, duvets, and blankets.
Use of the games room, common room, lounges and classroom facilities.
For every 12 students booked, one visiting teacher stays free of charge plus one more extra for the whole group.
Experienced, outdoor teachers and tutors. Each group of 12 students is led by a fully qualified and experienced outdoor tutor.

Two incredible locations

You can choose either Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre in Pateley Bridge surrounded by the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Birch Hall (formerly East Barnby Centre) – set between the North York Moors and the stunning coastline – ideal for land and water adventures.

Travel times

Bewerley Park is 30 minutes from Harrogate, just over an hour from Bradford, Leeds and York and under two hours from Manchester.

Birch Hall is 1 hour 40 minutes from Middlesbrough, 1 hour 15 minutes from York and 30 minutes from Scarborough.

A highly qualified, experienced and passionate team

Our highly qualified, professional and experienced teachers and tutors are passionate about delivering action-packed programmes and bringing out the very best of real outdoor adventure.

But don’t just take it from us! We love what we do, and we love hearing from schools how much they enjoyed their time with us.

“Each time our visit is faultless. Children can be allowed freedoms which we would not normally give them, and this encourages them to thrive and develop new independence.”

“The pastoral care offered by your team is second to none. Nothing is too much trouble.”

“One of the main things that is so special is the instructors. Their knowledge brings a depth to the experience which simply isn’t found at many outdoor activity centres. Children are safe and well cared for at every turn.”

“Thank you for the flexibility and support throughout the booking process. It’s so helpful to have a real life person to talk things through with and help to get things organised.”