Winter DofE Gold Residential
The weather shouldn’t stop you from embarking on a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential adventure during colder months. Enjoy a fun-filled 5 days at Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre and make the most of our Winter themed activities!
DofE Residential Week in Winter
Autumn and Winter are a great time of the year to explore the Jurassic Coast during your DofE Gold Residentials. While the weather isn’t too warm and the days are getting shorter, it means that the locations of our activities are actually less busy and you can appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
Our Winter Residential Week take place in the February half term. You can expect plenty of exciting activities on the Jurassic Cost and social activities in the evening.
Activities
Over the course of the winter residential trip, we will deliver a fun-filled itinerary of outdoor adventure activities (activities subject to change depending on weather conditions). We offer more than 13 exciting adventure activities from our residential centre in Swanage, allowing you to explore the Jurassic Coast in unique ways.
Activities for DofE Winter Gold Residentials include tag archery, high ropes and beach safety plus many more
Programme Changes
Please note the activity programme may be subject to change due to operational issues and/or weather and sea state conditions.
ESSENTIALS
-
Dates 2026
16th-20th Feb 2026 -
Times
Monday 12 midday - 3pm Friday -
Ages
16 - 24 -
Prices 2026
£386.00
Activity Programme
Day
Activities
Monday
Midday Arrival
AM: Team Games & Ice Breakers
Evening: Seasonal Social Activities
Tuesday
AM: Bovington Tank Museum
PM: Bushcraft
Evening: Pub Quiz
Wednesday
AM: Tag Archery
PM: Beach Safety & Body Boarding
Evening; After Dark Corfe Castle
Thursday
AM: Swanage Visit & Orienteer
PM: Tunnelling
Evening: Silent Disco
Friday
Please note the activity programme may change due to weather conditions.
AM: Target Sports & High Ropes
PM: De-brief & depart
Accommodation
You will staying in our comfortable 4 bedded ensuite dormitory accommodation at our residential centre in Swanage. Our Residential Centre comes with loads of indoor and outdoor space to socialise, as well as many exciting activities such as tunnelling, aeroball, axe throwing and a low and high rope course!
Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre is only 10 minutes away from the seafront of the charming seaside town of Swanage, Dorset. Our location gives our visitors the chance to enjoy a mix of breathtaking views and convenience.
Food
All food, and accommodation, is included in the residential price, and the DofE Gold Residential Week in Spring is fully catered and you will enjoy delicious meals freshly cooked by our chefs according to your dietary requirements. Please note the residential centre is a nut free site, 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.
- 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, do not book a return train journey before 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!
DofE Gold Residentials FAQs
How can I check availability?
The availability for each DofE week offered is displayed on the table on the DofE Gold Residential page. Availability is also shown on the booking platform when you click through to book. You can also contact us on 01929 422480.
Do I have to take part in all activities to complete the residential?
According to the DofE participant criteria, everyone is required to take part in all activities to their best of their abilities. But remember, you are not judged on your ability but your approach to the whole week.
How long does it take for reports to be issued?
We endeavour to submit the sign-off reports directly to the EDofE website within 3 weeks of the successful completion of the course.
Can I bring my own activity equipment?
We supply all specific kit and equipment which has been subject to our safety checks. It is not necessary for you to bring any activity equipment with you. However, if you have a specific requirement, please contact us to discuss.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, you can pay in instalments. We hope to enable as many young people as possible to take part. Please contact us for further details.
What time does the course start and finish?
The week starts at 12 noon on the first day and finish at 3pm on the last day.
Is there free time?
There is some free time where you have the chance to walk into Swanage town. This is organised with set times to return. We ask that you are responsible during this time. (A walk into the town centre only applies to courses at our Residential Centre).
Can I come with a friend?
The DofE allows you to attend a residential where the majority of participants are unknown to you. Cumulus allows groups of up to 4 friends to book the same gold residential so that everyone meets all of the requirements of the residential section.
Get in touch
Get in touch with us to find out more about Winter DofE Gold Residentials