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Outdoor Adventure School Residential Trips in Dorset
Children coasteering with Cumulus Outdoors Dorset

6 Reasons Why you Should Choose a Coastal School Trip in Dorset

October 3rd, 2022

Choosing a location for a school trip can feel like an impossible task. Planning large residential trips is only made more difficult by the wide range of destinations available. Here, we aim to simplify this decision by sharing just some of the reasons we think a coastal school trip in Dorset should be on your radar this year.

Cumulus Outdoors are the leading providers of adventure school residential trips in Dorset. Our tagline ‘Challenge and Achieve’ is at the heart of what we do – we endeavour to provide exciting, adrenaline-fuelled activities for school and youth groups that are underpinned by setting goals and challenging groups to achieve them through teamwork. Our activity programmes are completely bespoke and designed to meet the needs of your group.

Our goal is to create memorable residential school trips that excite and engages the whole group. Here is why our base on the Jurassic Coast allows us to provide first-class experiences time and time again.

school group kayaking
diving in the sea cumulus outdoors

1.   Visiting the coast has many health benefits

The salty sea air found in coastal areas is filled with negative ions. Scientists believe these ions can help increase oxygen to the brain, which results in better concentration and alertness. Negative ions are also thought to increase serotonin levels which can help boost mood and relieve stress!

Furthermore, sand is a natural exfoliant and salt water is great for your skin because it contains minerals like calcium and sodium. Vitamin D from the sun is also great for the immune system. Beach sounds are also widely known to restore healthy sleep patterns!

Two children coasteering at Dancing Ledge

2.   Experience a digital detox in nature

Children are spending more and more time on devices, which can have a negative impact on their development. Constant connection to technology can inhibit real life interactions and prevent young people from getting outside and exploring the world around them.

During our coastal school trips, phones are prohibited for a large portion of the day. This gives students the opportunity to socialise with their peers and improve their social skills. Young people will enjoy spending time in nature and admiring the beauty of the Jurassic Coast. They’ll be too busy participating in a host of outdoor adventure activities to miss their phones and iPads!

Spending time in the fresh sea is good for the body and the mind. Your group will love the freedom that being disconnected from the internet allows!

beach olympics cumulus outdoors swanage

3.   Marvel at impressive Geology

Cumulus Outdoors is situated in Swanage – the most easterly town on the world famous Jurassic Coast. The cliffs date back thousands of years and are the only location on Earth where rocks from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods come together in one place. For this reason, the Jurassic Coast is a very popular place for budding geologists to study the rock formations and fossils. Our field studies trips enable children to put classroom learning into practice and marvel at the impressive formations they’ve learnt about in books.

We’re extremely lucky to have some of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks on our doorstep, including Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks. Studland Sand Dunes, Kimmeridge Marine Reserve and Arne are also just a short drive away.

Jurassic Coastline in Dorset

  • jurassic coast coasteering
  • group working together on studland beach
  • school residential trip water safety session dorset
  • dofe mountain biking group cumulus outdoors
  • school group fishing with cumulus outdoors
  • group orienteering cumulus
  • rib ride with coasteering jurassic coast

4.   Take part in activities in beautiful locations

Our unbeatable setting allows us to set ourselves apart from other residential centres and offer something truly unique. Rather than using purpose-built climbing structures like many providers, our activities take place in exciting natural locations in the local area. This provides ample opportunity to soak up the scenery when taking part in outdoor adventure activities at beauty spots along the Jurassic Coast.

Our climbing and coasteering sessions for instance, take place at Dancing Ledge and Hedbury Quarry – both offer incredible vistas along the ancient coastline and out to sea. We also visit Studland Bay, Swanage Beach and other popular coastal locations across Dorset giving you a glimpse of the surrounding scenery. Best of all, our venues are no more than a 15-minute-drive away. There really is no substitute for a residential school trip on the Jurassic Coast.

Climbing at dancing ledge on the Jurassic Coast

5.   Try a host of water-based activities

Our location amongst the Jurassic Coast means we can offer a range of activities both in the water and on land – something that just isn’t possible in a rural or urban residential trip! You group will love the thrill of coasteering, fishing and riding on power boats. Connect with different landscapes and experience the great outdoors in a way you’ve never tried before!

school group fishing on cumulus outdoors residential trip

 

6.   Sea view accommodation

We are proud to offer an excellent choice of accommodation to suit your groups’ requirements. Choose to stay in our dormitory accommodation, or one of our tented villages if you’d prefer a more authentic experience. Both boast an incredible coastal location and stunning sea views. Our hard top residential centre is situated just 10 minute’s walk from the beach.

Residential dormitories in Dorset

We can sleep 139 in our 3 dormitories, making them perfect for large groups. Alongside our bespoke activity programmes, our dormitories boast full board catering, bed linen, dining and classroom facilities. Our recreation and lounge area feature a smart TV, air hockey, pool table, board games and more. We also have outdoor facilities that includes a play area and two playing fields within our 7-area grounds. Last but not least – we offer en-suite bathrooms in our teachers’ rooms for convenience. Everything your group may need for a fun-filled, unforgettable adventure school trip in Swanage is right here.

Residential camps in Dorset

If your group would prefer to fully embrace the adventure, our tented villages offer a safe way to enjoy the outdoors at Cumulus. Set in a spectacular location and with incredible views, your village area is exclusive to your group. Surrounded by a fence line and lockable gate, you can rest assured that your group is secure. Each fully-equipped tent sleeps between 8 to 10 students depending on age. For teachers, tents feature individual sleeping pods, camp beds, blankets, chair and a brew station and more. Students will love spending time in the large communal Nordic tipi in the centre of the camp, where briefings, meals and story-telling in the evenings are enjoyed.

Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village overlooking Poole Harbour

Coastal school trips in Dorset

A residential trip on the Jurassic Coast offers natural beauty, adventure and community that can’t be achieved in more rural areas. Our exciting activities set in idyllic beauty spots will create memories that your group will cherish long after you wave goodbye to the Cumulus Team.

The Cumulus Team work extremely hard to create memorable experiences for every group that visits. We’re on hand 24/7 to ensure we provide round the clock pastoral care.

If we’ve inspired you to book a residential trip by the sea, please contact us for more information. One of our friendly team will be more than happy to help you plan your school trip on the coast.

Get in touch

Our friendly, professional team can't wait to start planning your bespoke residential trip!

Contact us on 01929 422480

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