Ringsfield Hall Residential Suffolk
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Ringsfield Hall, Ringsfield, Beccles, , NR34 8JR
MONTHS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Accommodation & Residential | Outdoor Residential Centres
What we offer on a school trip
Ringsfield Hall is a warm, welcoming Victorian House in 14.5 acres of varied spaces and habitats which provide opportunities for exploration, discovery & learning and include woodland, meadow, pasture, gardens and ponds, with a volley ball court, playing field, campfire circle and BBQ. We also have pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, peacocks, and guinea pigs.
It is the perfect place as a centre for team-building, with a range of environmental programmes, forest school and bushcraft activities, using the space and hospitality to connect children and young people to themselves, one another and the world around them. We tailor make programmes to suit the group and their needs and requirements and the curriculum elements requested.
The centre is also a base to explore the surrounding countryside, the Broads and East coast, or to find outdoor activities and water sports in the area.
Holder of a Green Flag Eco-Centre Award as an environmentally aware centre.
We are 2 hours from the M25 junctions with A12 and M11. Cambridge 1.5 hrs, Norwich 30-40 minute, on the Norfolk/Suffolk border near the River Waveney and 3 miles from the Market town of Beccles-the gateway to the Broads, and five miles from Bungay.
The famous east coast town of Southwold with nearby Walberswick and Dunwich Heath's Minsmere Bird Sanctuary is 10 miles away, with Gt. Yarmouth and Lowestoft about 25 mins drive. Historic Norwich is 20 miles away and there are other historic castles, Roman ruins & old churches in the region.
What makes us a great choice for education?
Whether schools visit for a day's programme or a residential, children and staff can expect:
- a very warm welcome
- nurturing, empathic staff
- generous hospitality and great food in a homely environment
- freedom to explore 14.5 acres of woods and grounds
- chance to feed our animals (chickens, pig, sheep, guinea pigs, goat etc)
- wild areas, drama, costumes, stories, and survival skills
- the use of our Art Barn, Games Room, Chapel, campfires, and emerging Music Studio
- child led and child centred activities that re-connect children and young people with the world around them.
Guests also consistently tell us that they love our hospitality and the house itself: an historic Victorian house has a quirky, retro, country feel.
The space we create for learning is certainly physical: the grounds, resources, hospitality, food and home-like place to stay etc. But we also offer an emotional and psychological space: a way of being with children that is respectful, child led, and looks to educate the whole child.
We believe that any educational visit, whether at Ringsfield Hall or elsewhere, should combine these elements of physical and emotional wellbeing. We like to create a space to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other, with nature, and with ourselves; to encourage creativity, questions and character building.
That is our core aim and mission, and we will continue to offer year-round learning experiences that not only remain relevant to an ever changing curriculum, but also do a deeper work of developing children and young people for a sustainable future.
What is typically included on our school trips?
Playing field
Volley ball court
Art barn
Games room
Strawbale classroom
Risk Assessment Details
We have general and specific risk assessments for all activities, and for all aspects of the Hall and grounds, many of which are available on our website. We are signed up to Peninsula Safety Management system and have regular fires safety checks and drills. However, schools are very welcome to visit to assess the site and discuss programmes.
Pricing Information
Please contact bookings@ringsfield-hall.co.uk or ring 01502 713020 for further information.
E.G. Our peak season 5-12 yr price is £41 per night fully catered, plus activity costs.
First Aid Information
There are first aid facilities on site, and most staff are trained first aiders, but we would recommend that schools ensure their staff / representatives are also first aid trained.
Available Facilities
As mentioned above, there are 14.5 acres of woods and grounds to explore, including 2 campfire areas and multiple woods areas for den building or bushcraft; an Art and Nature Barn with resident teaching artist; a Games room with table tennis and table football; a Music Studio; a tree house and small obstacle course; football and volleyball pitches; loads of books; and lots of fresh country air.
We offer varying levels of catering, but most schools opt for fully catered provision. All meals are freshly cooked and locally sourced where possible.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
One room is specifically wheelchair accessible, with a dedicated toilet / shower room. Please contact us to discuss the suitability of the accommodation for children with disabilities.
Testimonials
‘Staff were very enthusiastic and nurtured the children’
- Norfolk Primary School
‘Thought it was a brilliant programme’
‘Children were able to be children running free with friends without technology’
- Suffolk Primary School
‘The educational programme was fabulous, adults leading were personal, engaging, patient, very knowledgeable and were led by children...they gave the right sort of encouragement to develop independence’
- Cambridgshire School
Room Sizes and Facilities
The house has 14 bedrooms of various sizes: five twin rooms, two double, one ground floor single, and 4 dormitories sleeping 10, 10 ,8 & 5. Sleeps up to 55.
There are 5 showers, 6 WCs, 8 rooms have hand basins.
There are two pleasant sitting rooms, one with real fire effect gas heater, well stocked book shelves and views over woodland.
Seats 50-55 in stunning conservatory.
Digital projector on request.
Wi-Fi available.
We normally cater for schools but there is a well equipped catering kitchen, commercial cooker, fridge and freezer, microwave, all pots, pans and crockery for large groups.
