Outdoor Pursuits
An A to Z of our activities

At our residential activity centres in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern France, we provide school groups with an introduction to outdoor pursuits, with each session lasting one and a half hours, beginning with an interactive safety talk and a detailed guide through the equipment. Some activities are double sessions such as Hill Walking and Canoeing. The skill of our instructors is to adapt the activity to the level and experience of each group of school children. For more information about each individual course, click on the links below.

Please Note
The Action Studybreak programme is not available at Lockerbie Manor or Norfolk Lakes.

Abseiling

Abseiling is where children experience a controlled descent using a rope. This exhilarating activity takes place on one of our outstanding purpose built abseiling towers. Abseiling provides children with an excellent sense of achievement and develops inner confidence.

Abseiling is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

abseiling

Aeroball

A fun and very high energy blend of trampolining, basketball and volleyball. Communication and teamwork are essential as children work together to attack and defend.

Aeroball is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

aeroball
Available at Willersley Castle and Norfolk Lakes (and Culmington Manor from Autumn 2022) only.

Archery

Manor Adventure have outdoor archery ranges, with junior and adult bows. The archery sessions are supervised by our GNAS qualified instructors. Children learn skills quickly and develop a sense of achievement once they are taught the safety measures required. Archery is a great hand eye coordination activity.

Archery is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

archery

Axe Throwing

Exclusive to our Willersley Castle centre, Axe Throwing involves hurling specialist axes designed for students at a target. This terrific activity is not only great fun, it helps children develop better hand eye coordination.

Axe Throwing is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

axe throwing
Available at Willersley Castle and Norfolk Lakes only.

Bivouac Building

Pupils will acquire some great bushcraft skills by learning how to build a bivouac shelter using natural materials. Working together, this is a great team work activity for your class. This activity is usually done as part of the survival session.

Bivouac Building is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

bivouac building

Blind Trail

On our Blind Trail, children learn the importance of human senses as they experience being blindfolded. They are asked to complete a range of tasks including an obstacle course and team games. Blind Trail is an ideal activity for team building, developing their communication and listening skills.

Blind Trail is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

blind trail

Bike Skills

Riding a bike is a technical skill that really benefits children, allowing them to develop balance and confidence. The health benefits are also impressive, with bike riding being one of the best forms of all round exercise you can undertake. At Manor Adventure, children are taught about safety and will learn to perform various games and challenges to develop control.

Bike Skills is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

bike skills
Available at Culmington Manor only.

Camp Craft

This outdoor activity provides an introduction to basic camping skills, tent assembly, cooking on camping stoves, and enjoying being outdoors. Celebrities like Bear Grylls have made being self sufficient in the outdoors popular again. The skills we teach will stay with the children for many years to come.

Camp Craft is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

camp craft

Campfire

At our Willersley Castle, Norfolk Lakes and Lockerbie Manor centres. Campfire (Evening session only) singing songs and playing games/telling riddles. (Marshmallows can be toasted if provided by the school. These are NOT provided by Manor Adventure). Safety rules around the fire include no running around and no throwing items onto fire.

Campfire is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

campfire
Available at Willersley Castle, Norfolk Lakes and Lockerbie Manor only.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Under the guidance of our qualified British Canoe Union instructors, pupils will learn the skills and techniques as a team in the Open canoes or individually in Kayaks. Children are explained the risks associated in a water environment and shown how to manage them.

Canoeing & Kayaking is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

canoeing

Caving

At our Culmington Manor and Norfolk Lakes centres, our artificial caving system is incredibly impressive, comprising of over 240 square meters of tunnels with a small cavern with stalagmites and stalagtites. A realistic, safe introduction to caving. After a lesson on safety equipment, children get kitted up and explore this exciting environment.

Caving is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

caving
Only available at Culmington Manor and Norfolk Lakes.

Climbing

Our purpose built climbing walls are one of the most popular outdoor pursuits we offer. The sense of achievement when children reach the top is written all over their faces. Our qualified instructors teach children how to recognise and control risks prior to learning basic skills and techniques.

Climbing is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

climbing

Compass Work

On this activity, children learn to navigate using a map and compass. Basic, intermediate or advanced skills can be covered. The session can include a hill walk during which your students can put what they have learned into practice.

Compass Work is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

compass work

Crate Stacking

This outdoor pursuit encourages groups of children to work together as a team in order to build up a stack of crates. Our purpose built towers provide the ideal setting for this exciting aerial challenge. A challenging activity which requires skill, nerve and excellent balance. Only available on the Outdoor Challenge course but can be taken as an optional extra.

Crate Stacking is included on the following course:
Outdoor Challenge

crate stacking

Cycling

Experience Mountain Biking on our off road skills track and learn, practice and test your ability to your maximum. Follow a dedicated trail through the forests and hills in the local area. Or learn the skills needed to ride our on-site track covering various terrains, suitable for a range of abilities. Activity varies per centre!

Cycling is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

cycling
For Secondary Schools only (not suitable for beginners). Not available at Norfolk Lakes.

Educational Visits

We offer a varied and interesting range of local educational visits on our Action Studybreak course at Culmington Manor, Shropshire, and Abernant Lake Hotel, Powys. Examples include the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Acton Scott working farm, the National Show Caves of Wales, and The Big Pit. Entrance fees are included.

Educational Visits is available on the following course:
Action Studybreak

educational visits
Available at Culmington Manor and Abernant only.

Evening Walk

Our activity centres in England, Wales and Scotland are surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for our vast range of outdoor pursuits, including our popular evening walks. Your pupils are taken on a local walk with various routes around the each centre.

Evening Walk is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

evening walk

Expedition Experience

Groups are given training (packing rucksacks, navigation skills, etc) at the residential centre before leaving for their expedition. They will follow a prearranged route, finishing that evening at our camp site, where they will pitch their tent for an overnight stay and cook their own meal. An ideal activity for groups starting their Duke of Edinburgh award expedition training.

Expedition Experience is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge

educational experience
Available at Abernant only.

Fencing

Learn the basic rules and skills such as stance, lunge, parry and repost - all needed to take part in a duel with foils. Sessions supervised by our own British Fencing Association qualified instructors. Our qualified instructors teach children how to recognise and control risks prior to learning basic skills and techniques.

Fencing is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

fencing

Film & Video Studies

This is a great team work exercise for your pupils. Each group get the chance to make and star in a short film and then watch the end result.

Film & Video Studies is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

film studies

Giant Stand Up Paddleboarding

Why paddle alone when you can have loads of fun with up to 6 friends on one giant paddleboard! This is an amazing and fun fuelled experience that everyone can take part in, with the help of our expert instructors to teach, train and steer.

Giant Stand Up Paddleboarding is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Bargain Specials

sup
Available at Norfolk Lakes only.

Grass Sledging

Exclusive to our Willersley Castle centre. Who needs snow when you can grass sledge the slopes of Willersley Castle.

Grass Sledging is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

grass sledging
Available at Willersley Castle only.

High All Aboard

Up to four participants climb together to reach a small platform at the top of an exposed 20ft single pole. Balance and coordination are key skills required to conquer this tricky outdoor pursuit. To succeed, you will need to demonstrate great teamwork, between the individuals climbing the pole, as well as the rest of the group who help by holding the ropes down on the ground. This activity is a great way to get members of the group to see the advantages of helping each other.

High All Aboard is included on the following course:
Outdoor Challenge

high ropes
Available at Culmington Manor and Lockerbie Manor only.

High Elements Challenge

A challenging Vertical Obstacle Course spanning 8 meters in height. Participants climb side by side to reach the top.

High Elements Challenge is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak

high elements challenge
Available at Willersley Castle only.

High Ropes

Each centre has a different style High Ropes Course. A challenging and exhilarating activity regardless of age. On this activity, children learn safety first, then how to conquer different sections of the High Ropes course. This activity will build pupils' confidence and allow them to work as individuals and as teams.

High Ropes is included on the following course:
Outdoor Challenge

high ropes

Hill Walk

A low level walk in the undulating hills surrounding our residential activity centres. Levels and tasks can be adapted to the level and experience of the pupils. Pupils get to enjoy the fresh air and the wonderful countryside around our English, Welsh and Scottish activity centres.

Hill Walk is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

hill walking
Known as Lake Walk at Norfolk Lakes.

Indoor Bouldering

A form of climbing on a low level wall, above crash mats, without the use of ropes or harnesses.

indoor bouldering is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

indoor bouldering
Available at Culmington Manor only.

Initiative Exercises

Manor Adventure have a large selection of problem solving activities such as shark infested custard, the spider's web and many more. The initiative exercises form part of all our courses, ideal for team building and communication and listening skills. These carefully developed exercises will help pupils work together as teams and allow them to show leadership skills, through problem solving exercises.

Initiative Exercises is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

initiative

Jacob's Ladder

A difficult but achievable physical challenge requiring skill, good balance and strength to climb up wooden rungs which become further apart the higher you climb. This outdoor pursuit requires excellent team work and problem solving, from the people climbing and the people holding the ropes below, as you all work together to climb to the top of the ladder.

Jacob's Ladder is included on the following course:
Outdoor Challenge

jacobs ladder
Not available at Norfolk Lakes.

Lake Challenge

Climb up and use the zip wire to get your group across to the island in the lake. Then return to the mainland using your initiative and the help of your team mates on the other side of the water.

Lake Challenge is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

lake challenge
Available at Abernant only.

Low Ropes

A series of cabled and roped events such as Postman, Bosun's and Vine walks lead to the Wild Woozy. These will test the stamina, coordination and agility of all who try. Children love the low ropes courses we have developed at Manor Adventure.

Low Ropes is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

low ropes

Manor Olympics

Fun and games for teams organised on site by our professional activity instructors. The Manor Olympics is an excellent ice breaker which can involve the whole school, and is an ideal introduction to the course your pupils are going to enjoy over the coming days.

Manor Olympics is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

olympics

Nature Reserve Studies

The varied environment around the four lakes at the Centre provide an ideal habitat for both migratory and resident birds as well as otters, bats and water vole. Birds include Bittern, Kingfisher, Osprey, Swans, Barn Owl, Geese, Peregrine Falcon, Bearded Tit, ducks, Treecreeper, Marsh Warbler. Pupils are provided with Worksheets and binoculars to assist with the study of the varied ecology around the lakes.

Nature Reserve Studies is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Bargain Specials

nature studies
Only available at Norfolk Lakes.

Nature Walk / Trail

Your pupils are taken on a nature walk around the activity centre estate, studying the local flora and fauna on prearranged trails.

Nature Walk / Trail is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

nature trail

Obstacle Course

Manor Adventure has created a range of very different obstacle courses offering a variety of different personal and team challenges. One of the loudest and most talked about activities we offer, with children shouting encouragement to their team mates, as they negotiate rope swings, net climbs, balance beams, tunnels and a whole lot more!

Obstacle Course is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

obstacle course

Orienteering

Children are taught in small teams by our British Orienteering Federation qualified instructors to map read, enabling them to locate clues around the centre's grounds. The orienteering course includes a range of physical and intellectual challenges designed to encourage cooperation and develop problem solving.

Orienteering is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

orienteering
Not available at Norfolk Lakes.

Quiz

Pupils work together in small groups, participating in different question rounds such as Music, Film and Sport. This fun activity tests their knowledge from all areas. The quiz gives an overall outlook of the abilities of the children's progression, with points being scored throughout.

Quiz is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

quiz

Raft Building

A superb teamwork and communication activity encouraging pupils to work together to build and paddle a raft. In a double session children will first work as a team to design the raft, and build a model of it using equipment provided. Then build and paddle the raft they designed using barrels, spars and ropes.

Raft Building is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

raft building
At Culmington Manor and Lockerbie Manor, only available on Outdoor Challenge. Not available at Willersley Castle

Rifle Shooting

Target sport using .177 small bore rifles in the safety of our rifle range. Sessions are supervised by our own NSRA qualified instructors. Children are initially shown how to assess and manage risk followed by learning the technical skills of this exciting Olympic sport.

Rifle Shooting is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

rifles

River-tubing

Jump into your custom 'built for the river' tube, and take float down the Arkwright Mill section of the beautiful Peak District River Derwent.

River-tubing is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak

rivertubing
Only available at Willersley Castle

Scavenger Hunt

An activity challenge in small groups to collect information about Manor Adventure and other fun items. Pupils are challenged to work together, to think about their surroundings, and to interact with the outdoors.

Scavenger Hunt is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

scavenger hunt
Not available on Outdoor Challenge at Abernant. Not available at Norfolk Lakes.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

This activity is perhaps best described as a cross between canoeing and surfing. Participants use a surf style board and a long paddle.

Stand Up Paddleboarding is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

sup
Not available at Culmington Manor or Willersley Castle.

Survival Skills

A practical introduction to surviving in the wild, groups will be taught the 5 basic elements: shelter, warmth, drink, food and rescue. Pupils learn how to build make-shift shelters, set and light fires for warmth, cooking food outdoors, finding their way if they get lost, first aid, and more.

Survival Skills is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

survival skills

Swimming / Water Polo

Make use of our heated outdoor swimming pool (only available at Culmington Manor from May to September). Sessions are supervised by our own qualified Lifeguard instructors. Water polo and snorkelling can also be included as an activity. Children are explained the risks associated in a water environment and shown how to manage them.

Swimming/Water Polo is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak

swimming
Available at Culmington Manor only.

Team Games

Team games are a great way to boost both personal confidence and also foster team spirit and working together within a group. Teachers occasionally like an alternative to outdoor pursuits such as rounders, football, volleyball and touch rugby.

Team Games is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

team games

Via Ferrata

Exclusive to our Willersley Castle centre, can you conquer the Via Ferrata - the 'iron path'? This exciting adventure involves a combination of rock climbing and high ropes activity.

Via Ferrata is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak

via ferrata
Available at Willersley Castle only.

Volleyball

Volleyball is a fun team game, similar to tennis, but with a larger ball, and no racquets. Six players per team work together to keep the ball off the ground and over the net into the other team's half.

Volleyball is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

volleyball

Wide Games

Games like cops and robbers, sardines and catch the flag are played within the grounds of each residential activity centre. Pupils work together to plan tactics and learn the skills and techniques required for each game.

Wide Games is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

wide games
Not available on Outdoor Challenge at Abernant.

Zip Wire

Pupils climb to a platform using a rope ladder before descending via a 70 metre zip wire. This activity promotes courage and determination in a supportive group environment. This fun and exciting activity encourages pupils to challenge themselves and gives them a real sense of achievement.

Zip Wire is available on the following courses:
Superbreak Adventure
Outdoor Challenge
Action Studybreak
Bargain Specials

zip wire