Select your group type
Learning Outcomes
A Typical Day at PGL
Activities
All Aboard
All aboard is all about building trust and strengthening peer relationships – at the top of a 6 metre pole! Teams of up to four pupils scale the pole to reach the small platform at the top. Balancing on the platform becomes more difficult as more team members arrive to share the space. The challenge is to cooperate and support each other. The task is complete when all four team members successfully stand together at the top of the pole. Weight limit: 150kg
Aqua Park
Our inflatable obstacle assault course, situated atop our very own on-centre lake will be sure to challenge your group as they attempt to make their way across without getting wet...who are we kidding, it's all about getting soaked! Available May to October, exclusive to Newby Wiske Hall
Bodyboarding
Bodyboarding is a great way to introduce your pupils to surfing as it requires many of the same skills, but does not demand that the beginner manoeuvres a large surfboard. A body board is small and light and easier to handle; your pupils will learn how to catch, ride and enjoy the waves in the surfing environment. The perfect introduction to a very popular sport!
Bridge Abseil
New and exclusive to Ford Castle! The ultimate abseil experience! An exhilarating and unique Bridge Abseiling activity from the top of the bridge into the stunning valley below. This is sure to be an experience to remember for everyone! Watch pupils' courage, self-belief and confidence build as they walk backwards off the top, gradually working back towards ground level, suspended only on a rope. Some young people deal with heights more easily than others, but the support and encouragement of the rest of the group is important for each individual’s success and will help strengthen peer relationships.
Burn Walk
Groups explore a nearby burn, waterfall and a dam and learn about the impact of erosion, water filtration and the flora and fauna of the burn environment. On their way along the burn, groups participate in a number of activities designed to encourage communication, teamwork and leadership. The session ends with a review of what has been learnt and what the group will take back home with them from the experience. *Exclusive to PGL Dalguise*
Dragon Boating
Manoeuvring and racing a dragon boat demands good coordination and communication of a large team - as many as 24 pupils learn to paddle rhythmically and effectively together in a race across the water. Ultimate success depends on tactics, technique and brute effort - but in the end there are no losers– just a lot of fun, laughter and mutual support along the way.
Forest Walk
Our staff lead a walk into the forest around the centre to discover the natural environment through activities, set tasks and games that will help your pupils get the most from their experience.
High Ropes Course
The high ropes activity is designed to help your pupils improve levels of trust and co-operation amongst themselves. Essentially it’s an individual challenge course involving balance, passing obstacles and holding your nerve, because the whole event takes place 12 metres (40 feet) above the ground. The encouragement that comes from the rest of the group can make all the difference to their success – so the challenge is ideal for promoting teamwork and the value of mutual support. Weight limit: 150kg
Hike
Your pupils can discover the natural beauty of the local surroundings around their PGL centre on a hike led by our staff. We’ll organise activities and set tasks to help your pupils get the most from the experience.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way for your pupils to explore our lakes and rivers and it remains one of our most popular activities. Our instructors will help your pupils get started, teach them the basics and then help them to push the boundaries of what they can achieve. There are games and individual challenges to improve teamwork, communication and confidence on the water.
Keelboat Sailing
Learning the basics of sailing a larger dinghy is a rewarding experience, taking your pupils out of their normal environment and introducing a new set of skills. They’ll learn how (and when and why) to raise and lower the sails, and the importance of the keel that gives the boat its name. Our instructors are RYA qualified and will ensure your pupils get some hands-on experience; steering the boat and getting to grips with all the basic techniques required.
River Raft Challenge
What’s more adventurous than building a raft and testing it on the river? Well that’s what happens on our River Raft Challenge. It’s a great activity that promotes teamwork in your group as they work together to design a successful raft to compete with others. *Exclusive to Ford Castle
Street Surfing
It doesn’t take long for your pupils to master the art of Street Surfing and experience a great sense of achievement, which is a wonderful confidence booster. Although the equipment and technique are entirely different, street surfing does resemble skateboarding a little. The technique is said to be a combination of snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing and it’s increasingly used in training for snowboarders and surfers.
Treeclimb
Our qualified instructors help students to recognise and control the risks and then teach the basic skills and techniques needed for them to complete their climb into the treetops! Weight limit: 150kg
Highland Games
Don your kilts to enjoy a selection of traditional Scottish games such as caber tossing and haggis throwing! Your team will create their very own Clan name before taking part in a series of thrilling challenges, before ultimately crowning the best Clan
Laser Tag
The wide-open landscapes at our adventure centres offer the ultimate backdrop to a team laser tag battle. Working in teams, your group will head off equipped with their own laser tagger and vest. They'll develop team tactics, communication skills, and a steady hand as they duel to come out the triumphant team!
GROW! Programme Available at
Isle of Wight – Little Canada
Nestled between 56 acres of woodlands and the inlet waters of Wootton Creek, this unique centre on the Isle of Wight is bursting with challenging activities on land and water, and is instantly recognisable by its charming log cabins on the riverbank.
Explore Little CanadaLancashire – Winmarleigh Hall
Winmarleigh Hall is a 19th Century country house set in 50 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland with a large, purpose-built lake. Close to the historic city of Lancaster and the Forest of Bowland, this centre is crammed with activites and things to do.
Explore Winmarleigh HallLincolnshire – Caythorpe Court
This jewel of the East Midlands has over 45 acres of glorious Lincolnshire countryside to explore, bursting with thrilling activites designed to challenge, inspire and bond.
Explore Caythorpe CourtNorth Yorkshire – Newby Wiske Hall
Newby by name, Newby by nature! Previously a police training centre, this historic 17th century country house opened its doors as a PGL activity centre in 2023 after a huge transformation. The centre is surrounded by beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, known for its rolling hills, lush green landscapes and scenic beauty.
Explore Newby Wiske HallNorthumberland – Ford Castle
A breathtaking castle in the rolling Northumberland countryside where old meets new... historical fortifications bursting with modern facilities and exclusive activities!
Explore Ford CastlePerthshire – Dalguise
Dalguise activity centre is set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Nestled in a beautiful wooded valley, just five miles north of Dunkeld.
Explore DalguiseShropshire – Boreatton Park
With 250 acres of countryside, woodland and multiple lakes, our biggest centre is one of our most popular destinations for the adventure of a lifetime.
Explore Boreatton ParkSouth Devon – Barton Hall
At the heart of the English Riviera with views over Torquay and blue flag beaches, it's easy to see why this beautiful centre in Devon is so popular with schools and groups.
Explore Barton HallSuffolk – Bawdsey Manor
This impressive mansion house is located on the Deben Estuary and has panoramic views across the Suffolk Heritage Coast. The centre has over 140 acres of beautiful grounds, packed with a huge range of adventure activities to inspire and motivate your group.
Explore Bawdsey ManorSurrey – Marchants Hill
With over 45 acres of beautiful grounds, Marchants Hill is a vibrant and bustling centre nestled in the ‘Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, within walking distance of the Devil’s Punchbowl. This centre offers the best of both worlds – green spaces and fantastic transport links!
Explore Marchants HillSussex – Windmill Hill
Welcome to Windmill Hill, an impressive Grade II listed mansion house on the beautiful Sussex Downs… where big adventures, new discoveries and unforgettable experiences can be found around every corner!
Explore Windmill HillWiltshire – Liddington
As one of PGL’s largest centres, Liddington is bursting with outdoor activities and sports facilities. Buzzing with activity and packed with challenges to conquer with your group. Situated on the ancient Ridgeway track bordering the North Wessex Downs, yet conveniently located just minutes from the M4
Explore LiddingtonWhy book with PGL?
#1 in outdoor educational trips
Industry experts in care & safety
Options for all budgets
All activities & instruction included
Age-relevant Programmes
Dedicated PGL ‘Groupie’ to support you
Testimonials
Testimonials
GROW! programme FAQs
What types of activities are included?
The GROW! programme includes a wide range of character-building activities such as Abseiling, Kayaking, Problem Solving and much more. Each activity is chosen for its ability to encourage personal growth and strengthen key social and emotional skills.
What are the benefits of the GROW! programme for students?
Our character development programme offers many benefits for secondary school students. Through a variety of team building activities, they learn to support each other, overcome challenges, and step outside their comfort zones—all essential skills for future success.
Is the GROW! programme suitable for all secondary students?
Yes! The GROW! programme is designed to accommodate students of all abilities. Our experienced instructors tailor activities to ensure everyone can participate, learn, and grow at their own pace while being fully supported.
What evening activities can students participate in?
We offer a variety of fun and engaging evening activities to complement the day’s adventures. From campfires and quizzes to movie nights and PGL tournaments, these provide additional opportunities for students to bond, relax, and continue developing important skills like communication and collaboration in a more casual setting.
What’s the accommodation like?
Depending on your secondary school residential trip location, students will mostly be staying in dormitory-style rooms situated in our main buildings, chalets and more, with tent villages also being available at some locations.
Our dormitory rooms can hold large groups, some of which feature en suites and some with shared facilities. For teachers, we have single and en suite rooms and tents which can sleep one or two teachers.
What meals are provided during the GROW! programme?
During the GROW! programme, students are provided with three nutritious and balanced meals each day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences, ensuring all students have healthy options to fuel their activities.
Simply let us know of any specific needs, and we’ll take care of the rest!
You can take a look at our tasty meals to come on our sample menu.