Portland Outdoor School Residential and 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 stone’s 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 140 people. Additionally, we also offer fully catered accommodation for field studies visits and private group accommodation.

Our adventurous activities capitalize on our location

We provide both 3-day and 5-day residential programs, customized to meet the specific needs, aims, and objectives of your group. During your stay at Portland Outdoor Centre, participants find themselves engaged in a range of activities including:

Coasteering – Exploration of the shoreline by swimming, jumping, scrambling & climbing. A guaranteed way to get your group smiling, laughing and sharing challenges together. Plenty of opportunity for seal spotting and learning more about our UK coastlines up close and personal!

Rock Climbing and Abseiling – Our coastal location truly makes the climbing on Portland unique. Climbing, abseiling and weaseling next to the sea truly makes this feel like an adventurous experience.

Big Canoeing – Journey across Portland Harbor in our Big Canoe! Paddling in unison, this shared activity will allow a whole group to explore our local area by sea, looking out for local sea life, soaring birds and maybe a dolphin or two!

Kayaking – Paddle out into Portland Marina and get up close to real WW2 structures while being overlooked by the cannons at Portland castle. Play games, learn a skill and get wet!

Mega Stand Up Paddleboarding –You’ve heard of a paddleboard, but bigger! Teams paddle out on our Mega Stand-Up Paddleboard, into Portland Harbor to play games, share challenges and ultimately jump in!

Raft Building –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.

Coastal Bushcraft – You’ve crashed onto a desert island! What do you do? Fire lighting, cooking, foraging / beach combing and learning about our coastal marine environment are all included aspects of this session.

Team Building/Initiative Challenges – Our Team Building/Initiative Challenges are designed to bring groups together through adventure, problem solving and shared achievement.

Each session is structured to foster a connection with nature, grow confidence, enhance emotional and social awareness, and promote resilience, all within a supportive and safe environment facilitated by our expert team of instructors.

We’re proud of the high quality residentials we offer, and we value every individual’s experience. We aim to build positive, long-lasting relationships resulting in the majority of schools returning annually for another dose of sunshine by the sea! We also offer both stand alone and a series of progressive day experiences.

Portland Outdoor School Residential Field Studies Centre Dorset / Water sports centre south West / Coasteering South West / field studies South West / SUP South West

Portland Outdoor Centre is idyllically located on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, situated along the renowned Jurassic Coast. A stone’s throw from Chesil Beach and access to both land and sea uniquely positions Portland Outdoor Centre as the gateway to world-famous geology, distinctive geographical features, and historical world heritage sites.

The Isle of Portland offers a diverse array of landscapes, including dramatic coastlines, impressive limestone cliffs, secluded coves with fossil-rich beaches, and striking blue waters making Portland an exceptional destination for your school trip.

At Portland Outdoor Centre, we deliver high-quality adventurous programs tailored to connect participants with real environments. Our bespoke offerings, led by our expert team of instructors, are designed not only to provide authentic experiences in real-world settings but also to support national curriculum objectives across Geography, History, Science, and Physical Education.

We hold the following: AALA License, Adventure Mark, WISE Scheme, Duke of Edinburgh Provider, and a Member of the National Coasteering Charter

-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.

On-Site Activities (Instructed)

• On site climbing and abseiling wall
• Projectile range

We also offer a much wider range of activities off-site as listed above such as, Climbing, Coasteering, Coastal Bushcraft, Big Canoeing, Mega Paddleboard, Kayaking, Raft Building and More!

On-Site Facilities

• Traditional Dorset Skittles Alley
• Multi-use spaces
• Classroom Facilities
• Projector and screening area
• Conference areas
• On-suite accommodation
• Kitchenette
• Dining Areas
• Communal lounge areas
• Coffee Point
• Free WIFI
• On-Site Catering

We can comfortably cater for 140 across our 2 neighbouring buildings.

Documenting your trip is encouraged here at Portland Outdoor Centre 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,

We can offer discounts and special offers 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. Our staff members carry a personal First aid on all instructed sessions.

A 24-hour duty person is on-site to assist in medical emergencies

• Multi-use spaces
• Classroom Facilities
• Projector and screening area
• Conference areas
• Kitchenette, Dining Areas
• Communal lounge areas
• Coffee Point, Free WIFI
• Communal Toilets and Showers
• On-suite accommodation
• 24-hour Duty Person

Our programs offer fully catered breakfast, lunch and dinner for School residentials, Field Studies and Private bookings. Hot breakfast and dinner are as standard with a Packed Lunch provided for days out adventuring.

Unfortunately, being a renovated Victorian hotel, our building currently does not have wheelchair access or fully accessible toilets.

However, for any queries surrounding our residential program and SEN suitability please reach out to us for more information.

We are open weekends and bank holidays with our office hours being typically 09:00-17:00 Mon-Fri

Our accommodation includes a combination of ensuite Dorms, and Dorms with nearby toilet and shower facilities. Our Dorms fit between 4 – 6 people comfortably.

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

Alternatively, you can contact us by phoning 01305 822255

Booking Process Explained

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

“Returning for our fourth year has been fantastic. It is great to see how the program is continuing to improve and meet the needs of different children.” – Warren Road Primary

“This has been one of the most memorable experiences of my teaching career. The students have had such an amazing time, and it is great to see them push themselves and having so much fun.” – Blacon High School

“We have been really impressed with our first visit to Portland Outdoor Centre. The children have loved the range of activities we’ve experienced and the setting is fabulous. The experiences have been physically and mentally challenging, but the children have all felt safe and supported by the amazing staff, thank you” – Rushall CE Primary

“Had an amazing week completing my gold DofE residential here in Portland! The staff were phenomenal – enthusiastic, cheerful and always eager to help! Highly recommend as you’re bound to leave having made some core memories and great friends” – Neve Thompson

https://portlandoutdoor.co.uk/schools-youth

You’ll find Portland Outdoor Centre right in the heart of Castletown, Portland, with amazing waterfront views overlooking Portland Harbor—the very spot where American troops once set off for D-Day. Not only historical but Portland Outdoor Centre is also situated on the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, putting you close to spectacular places like Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, West Bay, Portland Bill, and Chesil Beach. Perfect for adventurous activities, beautiful landscapes and education.