On a PGL secondary school residential trip, we take learning to the great outdoors, using adventure and activities to help students grow, achieve, and make discoveries for an experience they’ll never forget.
You’re in safe hands with PGL
No risk is an acceptable level of risk, which is why we go beyond to ensure every young person is always in safe hands.
Everything we do is built on five protective pillars:
Safe People
All our staff are rigorously selected for their capabilities, DBS checked. fully trained and continually assessed to ensure they meet the highest safety standards possible.
Safe Places
Our sites and buildings are managed to reduce all possible risk before any child arrives. including segmented accommodation, secure perimeters and stringent equipment standards.
Safe Spaces
Every child is different so to make our environments as encompassing as possible every colleague is SEND trained. we offer language inclusivity and offer over-and above access for all We also operate a zero-tolerance policy on illegal practices.
Safeguarding
Trained to act as ‘first-responders’ to safeguarding red flags, PGL colleagues are versed in spotting risks (across mental health. self-harm sexual and physical wellbeing) and acting quickly to escalate any concerns or stop harmful behaviour.
Safe Travels
Every travel partner with whom we work is vetted to ensure they have strict safety management systems in place. specifically focused on travelling with young people. We also aim to ensure travel provision is adaptable to the needs of every single child.
Safe People
All our staff are rigorously selected for their capabilities, DBS checked. fully trained and continually assessed to ensure they meet the highest safety standards possible.
Safe Places
Our sites and buildings are managed to reduce all possible risk before any child arrives. including segmented accommodation, secure perimeters and stringent equipment standards.
Safe Spaces
Every child is different so to make our environments as encompassing as possible every colleague is SEND trained. we offer language inclusivity and offer over-and above access for all We also operate a zero-tolerance policy on illegal practices.
Safeguarding Trained to act as ‘first-responders’ to safeguarding red flags, PGL colleagues are versed in spotting risks (across mental health. self-harm sexual and physical wellbeing) and acting quickly to escalate any concerns or stop harmful behaviour.
Safe Travels
Every travel partner with whom we work is vetted to ensure they have strict safety management systems in place. specifically focused on travelling with young people. We also aim to ensure travel provision is adaptable to the needs of every single child.
Our Locations
Hover over or tap on the map markers below to find out more about each centre.
Filter the centres using the dropdowns or via the buttons below.
Ardèche – Domaine de Segries
Set your sights on an adventure of a lifetime at our activity centre in the Ardèche Gorge, Southern France.
Explore Domaine de SegriesBrecon Beacons – Tregoyd House
Based at the foot of the atmospheric Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons, Tregoyd House is a stunning mansion dating back to the early 1900s. Tregoyd is the perfect place for an incredible outdoor adventure surrounded by breath-taking scenery.
Explore Tregoyd HouseIsle 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 CastleParis – Château de Grande Romaine
This pretty French château is perfectly placed to explore the delights of Paris and Northern France. Nestled in scenic countryside and woodland, this centre boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool and fantastic facilities.
Find Out MorePerthshire – 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 LiddingtonR.E.A.C.H. FRAMEWORK
Break out of the classroom and harness the power of outdoor learning with R.E.A.C.H.
We’ve identified what really matters to secondary schools and pupils, and created our new R.E.A.C.H framework to spark incredible breakthroughs through adventure.
Programmes
Help your students achieve more and create lasting memories of a secondary school residential trip that made a difference. We have many different ways to inspire your students, from subject-specific study courses to educational tours abroad.
All our programmes are curriculum-linked and we’ll give you all the support you need to help make learning an adventure for your students.
Ardèche Adventure
Enjoy the river trip of a lifetime with your group and experience this beautiful part of France from your canoe as you paddle through the crystal clear waters.
Find Out MoreBiology A-Level
There are plenty of opportunities to study marine, coastal and fluvial environments within easy reach of our residential field studies centre.
Find Out MoreFootball Coaching
Inspiring training sessions run by professional, FA qualified coaches on the pitch. All the thrilling PGL activities off the pitch.
Find Out MoreFrench Package
Spark insipration through and unforgettable experience of France, its language and its culture.
Find Out MoreFrench Tailor-made
Build your perfect itinerary of French excursions with the help of our team for truly personal French experience.
Find Out MoreGeography A-Level
Develop the investigative skills required for success with the help of our trained field studies specialists. (Exclusive to Osmington Bay)
Find Out MoreGeography GCSE
Create a deeper understanding of geography with hands-on outdoor learning delivered by our experienced teams. (Exclusive to Osmington Bay)
Find Out MoreGeography KS3
Get to grips with fieldwork with a choice of modular courses, specifically designed to meet the requirements of the curriculum. (Exclusive to Osmington Bay)
Find Out MoreMaths KS3
Your students will apply mathematical theory in the context of activity sessions to learn more about how their world works.
Find Out MoreParis Christmas Markets
Enjoy the excitement of the traditional Parisian markets at Christmas.
Find Out MoreSelf-Taught Field Studies
Focus on learning at some great fieldwork locations. You teach - we help with the rest.
Find Out MoreSki & Snowboarding
Test their skills on the slopes and enjoy the full support of your very own PGL Ski Rep. We operate in resorts around Europe and beyond to deliver the very best in school ski.
Find Out MoreActivities
PGL is the home of adventure! Our varied programmes offer over 40 exhilarating activities spanning land, water and sky, your students are in for an unforgettable journey of excitement and discovery.
Safety always comes first – all our activities are fully insured, and our team of trained instructors prioritise your students’ wellbeing throughout every adventure.
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
Ardéche Descent
Canoeing through the spectacular Ardèche Gorge is an experience never to be forgotten. In addition to the majestic scenery there are new skills to learn to navigate through the twists, bends and occasional rapids of the river – all under the watchful eye of our experienced river team.
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*
Canyoning
This exhilarating expedition takes you walking, scrambling, swimming and hiking through ravines, rivers and plunge pools, on a journey of a lifetime.
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.
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
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.
Quick Jump
Attached to a harness, step into the air and enjoy the adrenaline rush of free falling until a giant fan sweeps you into flying mode, bringing you gently to land! *Exclusive to Newby Wiske Hall
River Bivouac
The river ‘bivvy’ is an amazing chance for your pupils to get close to nature and experience a night sleeping outdoors. Having reached the end of their first day’s canoeing down the Ardèche, they build a basic overnight camp on the beach by the river. During the evening, they’ll enjoy an evening meal at camp and after some evening entertainment, it’s finally time to bed down under the stars and re-charge for another thrilling day ahead.
River Canoe Voyage
Explore the beautiful River Till by canoe, led by our qualified paddle sport instructors. *Exclusive to Ford Castle
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.
Surfing
Available at our main centre for surfing, Beam House, it’s a superb location close to the North Devon coast. Your group can learn all the basics with us - how to walk out into the sea through the waves with their boards, how to catch a wave. And having caught their wave, it’s all about acquiring the skill to stand up and surf back to the shore!
Traverse elements
An activity to test skills any cat would find easy! For your pupils, though, there are some thrilling challenges involved to test balance, skill and courage. After a climb to the top of a telegraph pole, individuals will need determination to tackle the series of beams and wires that lie ahead. For those watching, they’ll offer support and encouragement from the ground as they grow stronger as a team and learn to appreciate each other’s efforts.
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
Treetop Adventure
A treetop adventure in a forest next to the Ardèche river, delivered by one of our trusted suppliers. There are seven high ropes courses, starting with low level, easier routes suitable for the younger or more nervous visitor and progressing through to the more challenging blue level . There is also a giant zip wire and Tarzan jump available for the very brave!
Crêpe Making
A relaxing evening of board games and music while guests take it in turn to create their very own pancake. Mix and cook your own pancakes and choose from a selection of tasty toppings available to build your own topping tower!
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 gun and vest. They'll develop team tactics, communication skills, and a steady hand as they duel to come out the triumphant team!
FAQ
Where are your secondary school trip locations based?
Our secondary school trip centres can be found across the UK. Our locations include:
- Barton Hall, South Devon
- Bawdsey Manor, Suffolk
- Beam House, North Devon
- Boreatton Park, Shropshire
- Caythorpe Court, Lincolnshire
- Dalguise, Perthshire
- Ford Castle, Northumberland
- Liddington, Wiltshire
- Little Canada, Isle of Wight
- Marchants Hill, Surrey
- Newby Wiske Hall, North Yorkshire
- Osmington Bay, Dorset
- Tregoyd House, Brecon Beacons
- Windmill Hill, East Sussex
- Winmarleigh Hall, Lancashire
Overseas:
What’s included in a PGL overnight secondary school trip?
On your secondary school trip, everything is included. Your accommodation, activities, equipment, food and drink are all covered in the price you pay. You’ll find no hidden costs with us!
Do you tailor trips to the curriculum?
Yes! We have a range of courses that are tailored to your secondary school curriculum, just get in touch with our helpful team and we’ll get planning your epic educational adventure with PGL!
What’s the food like?
We have a fantastic selection of food for you and your students at our centres! For breakfast, we serve up a range of cereals, pastries, fruit and yoghurt, as well as some delicious hot food. Then at lunch, out come our freshly prepared sandwiches, alongside a salad bar and your pick of fruit. At the end of a long and action-packed day, you can expect a variety of classics for dinner including fish & chips and bangers & mash.
If any of your students have any dietary requirements, whether for religious, cultural or medical reasons, just let us know in advance!
What happens in the evenings?
After an energetic day conquering our fabulously fun adventure activities, the fun continues into the evening! After dinner, your secondary school students can get involved with some chill activities like campfires, quizzes, games and more. Sometimes, there might even be a disco! So your students can boogie the night away with their friends.
Then it’s time to settle down and hop into bed. Your students will have another action-packed day of multi-activities so it’s important they all get a good night’s sleep.
What’s the accommodation like?
Our accommodation varies across locations. Your students will mostly be staying in dormitory-style rooms located in our main buildings, chalets and more, with tent villages also being available at some locations.
Students will share rooms that sleep large groups, some with en suites and others with shared facilities. Teachers have single or twin en suite rooms, with tents also available for up to two teachers to share.
What facilities does the centre have?
We have plenty of great facilities available to use across our centres! Some are on-site, and some are just a short walk away. Here are the facilities that you can expect to see at some of our locations:
- Playing fields/Floodlit sports pitch/Netball courts/Sports dome
- Classrooms/Lecture theatres
- Sports Halls
- Shops
- Teachers’ lounges/bars
- Beaches
- Lakes
- Indoor activity zones
- Outdoor heated swimming pools
- Historic rooms
- Common room
- Drying rooms
- Gym
- IT Facilities
Find your secondary school trip location to see the exact facilities available on your school trip.