Minstead Study Centre Hampshire

Residentials with Heart

Minstead Study Centre Hampshire is a Magical, high quality, nature-based enrichment education experience  in the New Forest, connecting children with their environment & sustainable living through residential school trips & educational day visits.

At Minstead Study Centre, we tailor every visit to meet the specific needs of your group, ensuring strong links to curriculum topics and key stage outcomes. Our experienced education team works in partnership with school staff to co-design programmes that are engaging, inclusive, and impactful.

Key Stage 1 & 2

Curriculum Links: Science, Geography, PSHE, Art, and English.

Activities Include:

· Habitat exploration and biodiversity mapping.

· Energy and waste audits linked to climate action.

· Nature-inspired art and storytelling.

· Emotional wellbeing and teamwork through outdoor play.

Support Provided: Pre-visit planning, tailored timetables, and resource preparation.

Residential Visits

· Exclusive use of the centre for up to 37 children and 4 staff.

· Safe, secure, and immersive learning environment.

· Ideal for deep learning, team building, and wellbeing.

Day Visits

· Flexible, curriculum-linked outdoor learning experiences.

· Ideal for nature connection, climate education, and practical fieldwork.

Teacher CPD

· Optional CPD sessions during visits or as standalone INSET.

· Topics include whole-school sustainability planning, curriculum integration, and outdoor learning confidence-building.

Strategic Alignment

All programmes support the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, including:

· Climate Action Plans.

· National Education Nature Park.

· Climate Leaders Award

Why Minstead?

We believe that learning is most powerful when it connects children to nature. At Minstead Study Centre, our purpose is to inspire lifelong curiosity, confidence, and wellbeing through immersive experiences in the natural world.

How We Do It

We create inclusive, hands-on programmes rooted in sustainability and experiential learning. Our team works in partnership with schools to tailor each visit, ensuring it supports curriculum goals while nurturing emotional wellbeing, environmental awareness, and personal growth.

What We Offer

· Residential and day visits for all key stages, with exclusive use of the centre for residentials.

· Curriculum-linked activities in science, geography, art, and wellbeing.

· Climate education and fieldwork aligned with national strategies.

· Teacher CPD and support for whole-school sustainability planning.

· A safe, inspiring setting where nature is not just a backdrop, it is the teacher.

Minstead is more than a destination, it’s a catalyst for meaningful learning, connection, and change.

At Minstead Study Centre, we tailor every visit to meet the specific needs of your group, ensuring strong links to curriculum topics and key stage outcomes. Our experienced education team works in partnership with school staff to co-design programmes that are engaging, inclusive, and impactful.

Key Stage 1 & 2

Curriculum Links: Science, Geography, PSHE, Art, and English.

Activities Include:

· Habitat exploration and biodiversity mapping.

· Energy and waste audits linked to climate action.

· Nature-inspired art and storytelling.

· Emotional wellbeing and teamwork through outdoor play.

Support Provided: Pre-visit planning, tailored timetables, and resource preparation.

Residential Visits

· Exclusive use of the centre for up to 37 children and 4 staff.

· Safe, secure, and immersive learning environment.

· Ideal for deep learning, team building, and wellbeing.

Day Visits

· Flexible, curriculum-linked outdoor learning experiences.

· Ideal for nature connection, climate education, and practical fieldwork.

Teacher CPD

· Optional CPD sessions during visits or as standalone INSET.

· Topics include whole-school sustainability planning, curriculum integration, and outdoor learning confidence-building.

Strategic Alignment

All programmes support the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, including:

· Climate Action Plans.

· National Education Nature Park.

· Climate Leaders Award

Early Years & Primary School Children

Residential up to 36 children

Day visits up to 60 children

Everything you need will be provided, our dedicate teaching team will share their lesson plans with teachers to ensure they are meeting curriculum and development needs. Our two tutors have over 40 years experience of teaching in schools and outdoor education settings.

Groups are welcome to take their own pictures and to tag us on social media to share their amazing experiences!

Yes we have a summary risk assessment.

We have 2 dedicated tutors, who will plan visits with the teachers to ensure meet their pupils learning & development needs, as well as incorporate school and Minstead values. Our administrator will look after your booking experience.

Day visits £11 per child or a minimum of £250

Residentials – depend on number of nights staying. For a 2 night residential the cost varies according to the time of year – from £135 to £184 per child (for bringing 27 children).

Outdoor clothing suitable for the season and weather.

All staff are first aid trained.

Dormitory

Dining Room

Bean Bag – leisure room

Boot rooms

Toilets

Showers

Classroom

Kitchen

Pocket Money, we do have a gift shop but they don’t need to bring money if they don’t want to use it.

We have an off road wheelchair on site.

Site has an accessible toilet in the classroom and a disable en-suite too in the dormitory.

All year round.

9-5pm

“So well organized and run. Expert teachers and a warm caring staff, including grounds and catering staff.”

All Saints Sept 2025

“I’ve done lots of residentials but in my opinion Minstead is the best setting for pupils first residential.”

St Augustine’s July 2025

Minstead Study Centre exists to inspire lifelong curiosity, confidence, and wellbeing through immersive experiences in nature.

We believe that learning is most powerful when it connects people to the natural world. Rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and experiential education, Minstead offers a unique and beautiful setting where children and communities grow through hands-on exploration, reflection, and connection.

Our vision is to be a place where:

· Every visitor feels a sense of belonging and wonder.

· Nature is not just a backdrop, but a teacher.

· Learning leads to lasting memories and meaningful change.

Minstead is more than a centre – it’s a catalyst for personal growth, environmental stewardship, and community connection.

“We believe that learning is most powerful when it connects people to nature.”

This belief is at the heart of everything Minstead Study Centre does. It means:

1. Learning becomes deeper and more meaningful

When children learn in nature, they don’t just absorb facts they experience concepts. Whether it’s science, art, or wellbeing, nature provides a living classroom that engages all senses and encourages curiosity.

2. It nurtures the whole child

Nature-connected learning supports:

· Emotional wellbeing: reducing stress and anxiety.

· Physical health: encouraging movement and outdoor activity.

· Social development: fostering teamwork, empathy, and communication.

3. It builds lifelong values

Children who connect with nature are more likely to:

· Care about the environment.

· Make sustainable choices.

· Feel a sense of responsibility and stewardship.

4. It addresses inequality

Not all children have equal access to natural spaces. By bringing nature into learning, we help close the gap, giving every child, regardless of background, the chance to thrive.

5. It prepares children for the future

In a world facing climate and mental health challenges, nature-based education equips young people with:

· Resilience

· Environmental awareness

· Problem-solving skills