Portland Outdoor School Residential Field Studies Centre Dorset

Portland Outdoor Centre is ideally situated on the Isle of Portland which is part of the stunning Jurassic Coast. Being a pebble throw away from Chesil Beach with access to land and sea we provide the perfect set up for both adventurous and educational residentials.

We offer bespoke adventurous outdoor programs & fully catered residential accommodation for up to x70 people. Additionally, we offer fully catered accommodation for field studies visits too.

Our adventurous activities capitalize on our location.

Coasteering – Exploration of the shoreline by swimming, jumping, scrambling & climbing. Using both the West and East-side of Portland Bill we get access to some of the finest seas caves and exhilarating jumps Dorset has to offer! Not one to miss! A guaranteed way to get your group smiling, laughing and sharing challenges together. Plenty of opportunity for seal sand other sea-life spotting!

Rock Climbing – Our coastal location truly makes the climbing on Portland unique. Climbing, abseiling and weaseling next to the sea truly makes this feel like and adventurous experience. World renowned for its stone, Portland is known as one of the best places to climb in the SW.

Big Canoeing – Journey with up to x14 people across Portland harbour. Paddling in unison this shared activity will allow a whole group to explore our local area by sea at the same time.

Kayaking / Watersports – A wet activity! Paddling in Portland Marina this provides us the opportunity to play games, learn a skill, and get wet! Our area of operation gets us up close to some amazing WW2 structures and Portland Castle too.

Raft Building – A wet activity! Testing teamwork and innovation, your groups will design, build, and ultimately test out the ‘sea worthiness’ of their rafts within Portland Marina. Once afloat, challenges will be set and hilarity ensues.

Foreshore Beach-craft – Walking from our doorstep we have access to Chesil beach and other more secluded spots perfect for practicing Beach-craft. Fire lighting, cooking, foraging/ beach combing and learning about our coastal marine environment are all included aspects of this session. It’s the ideal opportunity to learn more about our landscape, what it can offer and how to look after it.

Portland Outdoor School Residential Field Studies Centre Dorset
Water sports centre south West
Coasteering South West

Our phenomenal waterfront location provides immediate access to the Jurassic coast for both adventurous and educational trips.

-We believe in the value of adventure, and we offer real activities in real environments.

-We understand the importance and impact that outdoor activities can have on individuals and groups. We endeavour to offer the right level of challenge to stimulate both enjoyment and personal growth.

-We promote walking to and from the activities where possible; it is possible to have a five-day programme without setting foot in a vehicle!

-We offer exceptional 24-hour customer care; during normal working hours there are staff in the office to help with any enquiries and out of hours there is a duty instructor on site to deal with any problems.

AALS License

All staff are Enhanced DBS checked and hold First Aid Qualifications plus all are fully qualified and current in their disciplines.

-Projector & Screening area

-Classroom and communal areas equipped with whiteboards.

-D-Day Centre visit (WW2 interactive museum is opposite our building and we can arrange private, out of hours visits)

-Walking access to Chesil Beach, Portland Castle, Portland Harbour, and the Portland Sculpture Park.

-Walking access to sports fields.

-Instructed evening sessions and activities.

Our renovated Victorian hotel can accommodate up to x70 people.

Documenting your trip is encouraged and there are no restrictions.

Portland Outdoor Centre will always ask for consent if wishing to photograph or film any part of your visit.

All risk assessments are reviewed in preparation for the start of the residential season and at any time during the season if an event necessitates it.

All risk assessments and relevant policies are made available to school staff during the booking process along with kit lists, consent forms and dietary requirement forms.

As each programme is bespoke, and our business is of a seasonal nature our pricing structure changes though the year.

We would wish to work directly with you to facilitate your trip and we can offer discounts for larger groups.

As a minimum we offer one free staff place to every 15 students.

Please contact us with your preferred dates and what you would like to be included in your programme. We can then send you a proposal including pricing information in return.

All our staff hold a minimum of a 16hr First Aid qualification.

• Dorset Adventure Café – real barista coffee available for all staff
• Drying rooms for group use
• Staff kitchenette outside of catering hours
• Classroom facilities
• Dining areas
• Free wifi in every room
• 24-hour duty person
• Communal lounge area
• Multi-purpose areas

No, being a renovated Victorian hotel, our building currently does not have wheelchair access or fully accessible toilets.

Due to the nature of our business, we are open weekends and bank holidays. Our office hours are typically 09:00-17:00 Mon-Fri

Portland Outdoor Centre is closed over the Christmas period and New Year.

Located in the heart of Castletown at the southern end of Chesil Beach on the Isle of Portland, Portland Outdoor Centre is ideally situated for both adventurous and educational residential visits.

Our building has a waterfront position overlooking Portland Harbour and the Purbeck hills.

Being situated on the Jurassic Coast (A World Heritage Site) Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, West Bay, Portland Bill and other areas of geological interest are only ever a short journey away.

• Our accommodation is split over the first and second floors.
• The rooms are ensuite, and have bunk style accommodation for sleeping 4-6 persons.
• Within the building we have a classroom and communal areas on both the ground and first floors.
• Additionally, we host and manage ‘The Dorset Adventure Café’ who provide all our catering needs.

For enquiries please email; info@portlandoutdoor.co.uk

Alternatively, you can contact us by phoning 01305 822255

Booking Process

Programme and cost discussed, agreed and then booking confirmed by email

• Deposit invoice of 25% to be paid on booking
• 6 weeks prior to visit:
  Final numbers confirmed and balance invoice to be paid
  Health and dietary information request forms and group kit list sent
• 4 weeks prior to visit:
  Health and dietary information returned to Portland & bedding plan sent