Duke of Edinburgh's Award Gold Residentials

Our Gold Residentials for 2026 are now open for booking!

• Fully catered, fully insured and licensed by the DofE as an AAP (Approved Activity Provider).
• Take time to read about each residential type by clicking the links below and then decide which you would like to attend.
• Free transfers from Swanage Bus Station on the Monday and to Wareham Rail Station on the Friday are included.
• Payment by instalment is available, please contact us to discuss options before booking online.
• Funding assistance advice can be seen here.
• If you have any individual requirements or extra needs to enable you to take part in these residentials, then please contact us so that we can look at how we can make them fully accessible for you.

Come and join us to step out of your comfort zone, acquire lifelong skills and try new activities and experiences. Leave with a new-found sense of confidence and wellbeing with memories to treasure!

DofE Gold Summer Residentials

Activities

Over the course of the residential trip, you’ll have the chance to try over 15 exciting outdoor adventure activities and explore the location in unique ways.

The activities can include High and Low Ropes, Tunnelling, Dorset Water Park and mud run, tag archery, rifle shooting, coasteering, climbing, raft building, paddleboarding and giant SUPs and kayaking. Plus a range of evening activities focussing on socialising, team building and leadership skills.

(Note, the programme of activities may be subject to change due to weather, sea or operational conditions)

Accommodation

You’ll either stay in our comfortable 4 bedded ensuite dormitory accommodation at our residential centre in Swanage with 6 acres of grounds for games and socialising or at our exclusive and stunning campsite in canvas aero-yurt tents, on the shore of Poole Harbour. Nordic tipis with fire pits, private showers and toilets, a camp kitchen with a chef and ample space for outdoor games and activities.

Food

All accommodation and food is included in the residential price, the weeks are fully catered and you will enjoy delicious meals freshly cooked by our chefs according to your dietary requirements. Please note both the residential centre and the tented villages are nut free sites, so please do not bring any snacks with you which contain nuts, thank you.

DofE Gold Winter, Spring & Autumn Residentials

Activities

Over 13 activities in 5 days! Ranging from air rifles, axe throwing, climbing, tag archery, tunnelling, SUPs and Jumbo SUPS,  high ropes and raft racing.and more. Plus seasonally themed evening activities for team building, socialising and leadership.

(Note, the programme of activities may be subject to change due to weather, sea or operational conditions)

Accommodation

At our Residential Centre in Swanage, participants will stay in our dormitory accommodation with indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, dining room and classroom. The centre is situated 10 minutes’ walk from the town centre and beach.

Food

All accommodation and food is included in the residential price, the weeks are fully catered and you will enjoy delicious meals freshly cooked by our chefs according to your dietary requirements. Please note both the residential centre and the tented villages are nut free sites, so please do not bring any snacks with you which contain nuts, thank you.

Preparation & Essential Information

• Download the kit list and preparation checklist (below) for useful information. These will provide all the info you need to prepare for the week and will ensure you have great time!
• Assessor Details: Gemma Edwards, Senior Instructor, E: admin@cumulusoutdoors.com, T: 01929422480
• Remember to complete your aims, objectives and dates on the residential section of your Gold Award account before you arrive, so that we can submit your sign-off report smoothly.

Travel Details for Arrival:

• Public Transport. The nearest railway station is Wareham. Arrive here in time to catch the number 40 bus to Swanage @ 1114hrs. This will get you to Swanage by 1155hrs and we will collect you from Swanage bus station around midday. In the Summer there are alternative bus services from Wareham Station if the number 40 is full, the number 30/35 bus and the X54 which leave from the same stop. Please let us know if you are on the later bus.
• Parents can drop you off directly at The Residential Centre CORC between 1130 and 1200.
• If you are driving, you can leave your car in the Residential Centre car park.

Travel Details for Departure:

• The week will finish at 1500hrs on the Friday after your debrief. We can drop you at Wareham Railway Station for your return journey, the earliest train to book is the 1529hrs London train.
• Or you can be collected from the Residential Centre from 1500hrs.

Please let us know your travel details for both the Monday and the Friday as soon as you have finalised them, thank you. They are essential for our planning of participant pick up and drop-offs.

Oh, and don’t forget a packed lunch for your first day!