Skern Adventure Appledore Outdoor Learning and Development Residential Centre North Devon

Skern Adventure Appledore offers high-quality residential and day experiences that combine comfortable accommodation, great food, and expertly delivered adventure and field-study programmes.

We work with primary, secondary and further education groups, tailoring each visit to your objectives — whether that’s building confidence, developing teamwork, or supporting curriculum-based learning.

Our unique coastal setting in North Devon provides a powerful outdoor classroom, where young people can learn through real experiences, challenge themselves, and discover what they’re capable of.

Skern Adventure Appledore is trusted by schools and youth organisations nationwide for the quality of our programmes, our experienced team, and the impact of our learning experiences.

• Exceptional location: Set in North Devon within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with access to coast, estuary and countryside in one place.
• Proven expertise: Over 50 years’ experience delivering safe, high-quality and impactful outdoor programmes.
• Fully accredited: LOtC, AALA and AdventureMark approved, giving you confidence in everything we deliver.
• Tailored programmes: Each visit is designed around your group’s age, objectives and learning goals.
• Seamless experience: Accommodation, catering, activities and support, all managed by one experienced team.

Schools return to Skern Adventure because we combine adventure with meaningful learning — helping young people build confidence, develop skills and create lasting memories.

Our wide range of on-site and nearby activities includes:

• High ropes course & zip wire
• Climbing tower & low-level climbing wall
• Archery
• Assault course & team challenges
• Heated outdoor swimming pool
• Kayaking, canoeing & raft building
• Surfing & bodyboarding at nearby beaches
• Powerboating & estuary exploration
• Orienteering & problem-solving games
• Coastal & environmental fieldwork opportunities
• Classrooms and study spaces for group work

Evening activities and social programmes complete a fun, full-day experience.

Yes, Skern Adventure holds multiple nationally recognised accreditations:

• LOtC Quality Badge (Learning Outside the Classroom)
• AALA Licence (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority)
• AdventureMark Accreditation
• Approved Paddle UK and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre

These demonstrate our commitment to safety, quality, and learning outcomes.

We can accommodate up to 260 guests across several buildings, making us ideal for both small classes and large year-group visits.

We also cater for day visits, field trips, and mixed-age youth groups.

Groups are welcome to take photos and videos during their stay.

With parental permission, we encourage you to capture your memories and share them on social media tag us:

Facebook: Skern Adventure Appledore 

Instagram: @skernadventureappledore

X: @skernappledore

LinkedIn: Skern Adventure

Standard school safeguarding policies should still be followed.

Comprehensive risk assessments are available for all activities and facilities.
As an AALA-licensed and LOtC-accredited centre, we are regularly inspected and uphold strict safety standards.

All staff are trained in risk management and group supervision.

Teachers and organisers can access downloadable risk assessment documents upon booking.

Primary/Secondary – From £180pp +vat

Field Studies – From £186pp +vat

Youth Groups – From £181pp +vat

Further Education Group – From £181pp +vat

Day Visits – From £25pp +vat

All instructors and activity leaders are qualified first-aiders, and there is always a trained member of staff on duty, day and night.

A first-aid station is located on-site. Visiting groups are welcome to bring their own designated first-aider in line with school policy.

Skern Adventure Appledore offers everything a school group needs for comfort, safety, and fun:

• Spacious dining hall (seating 110)
• Classrooms & meeting spaces
• Heated outdoor pool
• Drying rooms
• Showers & changing areas
• Shop for essentials & souvenirs
• Free Wi-Fi in main areas
• Outdoor games fields & recreation space
• Accessible toilets & wet rooms

We offer full catering with fresh, locally sourced meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily. We happily cater for special diets and allergies.

Packed lunches are available for off-site excursions.

Self-catering is not required — our in-house team takes care of everything.

We are proud to be an inclusive and accessible centre.
Facilities include:

• Wheelchair-accessible ground-floor rooms
• Wet-room bathrooms
• Step-free access to key areas
• Adaptable programmes for SEN and physically disabled students

Please discuss your group’s needs with us — we’ll ensure every participant can take part.

Skern Adventure Appledore is open all year round, including weekends and bank holidays.
Typical activity times:

• Day groups: 9 am – 4.45 pm

Evening sessions available for residential guests

“It is impossible to find any member of staff who doesn’t go above and beyond for both staff and children. We have loved meeting instructors – both old and new – and being greeted like old friends. Helpful, kind, knowledgeable, friendly, relational, interested in the children, encouraging and fun is how we’d describe you all.”

“Another wonderful visit to Skern where both children and staff have made lasting memories. We appreciate all the adaptions and support which have been made to ensure our visit was amazing. A huge thank you to all involved and we will see you again next year!”

“We have visited here many times and will continue to do so. We are always made to feel very welcome and so happy the ethos is the same still after coming for over 2 decades!!”

“Once again, we have had a wonderful visit. The feedback from the children has been incredibly positive and we know that they will remember their residential experience for many years! Thank you so much, Skern really is a special place.”

Located in Appledore, North Devon (EX39 1NG), Skern Adventure Appledore sits within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Nearby points of interest include:

• Westward Ho! Beach – perfect for surfing and coastal studies
• Braunton Burrows – famous sand-dune ecosystem
• Hartland Heritage Coast – stunning coastal geology
• Torridge & Taw Estuary – ideal for water sports and fieldwork

We’re perfectly positioned as a base for field trips, geography and biology studies, and coastal exploration.

Accommodation at Skern Adventure Abbotsham is warm, comfortable, and designed for groups:

• Bunk-style dormitory rooms for students
• En-suite rooms for staff and group leaders
• Central heating and drying rooms in every block
• Accessible ground-floor rooms with wet-room bathrooms
• Showers, toilets, and Wi-Fi throughout

We provide a safe, homely base where everyone can relax after an active day.

Contact our friendly bookings team:
hello@skernadventure.co.uk
01237 475 992
www.skernadventure.co.uk

We’ll help tailor your visit, confirm availability, and provide a detailed quote for your group.

Our sister company Skern Skills offers bespoke programmes, including:

• Team-building and leadership development programmes
• Teacher CPD courses

www.skernskills.co.uk