Cambridgeshire Outdoors
Where learning comes alive
Educating through Adventure, Nature and Challenge
At our centres, in your school grounds, or out in the wider region, we support transformational outdoor experiences for children, young people and adults that inspire curiosity, build confidence and encourage connection with the natural world.
Why outdoor learning matters
Builds confidence, resilience and independence
Giving learners real challenges in real environments, where they can try, fail safely, and try again.
Makes curriculum learning real, meaningful and memorable
By turning abstract concepts into hands-on experiences that stick.
Develops teamwork and communication
As groups solve problems together, make shared decisions and learn to trust and support one another.
Enables young people to connect with nature
Deepening their understanding of the world around them and their responsibility to care for it.
Supports mental health and wellbeing
Through time in nature, physical activity and space away from everyday pressures and technology.
Helps educators deliver deeper, richer learning experiences
That sparks curiosity, creativity and long-term engagement with learning.
Our Cambridgeshire Centres
Together, our two flagship centres offer inclusive, progressive and high-quality outdoor learning for all ages.
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Burwell House
A welcoming 18th century residential centre set in beautiful gardens. Curriculum focused outdoor experiences, ideal for creative exploration and environmental learning.
• 60+ residential beds
• Full catering offer
• Great fit for younger groups + first-time residentials
• Inclusive and accessible activities
• Focus on developing confidence, connection + curiosity
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Grafham Water Centre
A purpose-built, fully equipped adventure centre on the shores of Grafham Water, offering over 20 exhilarating land and water activities.
• 160+ indoor beds, with summer bell tent village for 80+
• Full catering offer
• Inclusive and accessible activities
• Great fit for upper KS2, secondary + post 16 groups
• Focus on teamwork, building confidence, resilience + leadership skills
What we offer
Schools + education
From Early Years to Post 16, give your pupils the chance to learn and grow beyond the classroom with progressive, fully accessible and inclusive residentials and day visits that deliver measurable outcomes for every learner.
Courses
Develop skills and qualifications through NGB awards, technical training and adult courses that combine high-quality instruction with plenty of hands-on practice in real outdoor environments.
Groups
Families, uniformed groups and youth organisations can enjoy tailored visits and self-programmed events, using our centres as a safe, welcoming base for shared adventure.
People development
Corporate teams and professional groups can use our centres for team days and leadership pathways that strengthen relationships, improve communication and build practical, transferable skills.
Why it matters
Time at our centres offers people of all ages the chance to step out of everyday routines, share new experiences and return with greater confidence in what they can achieve independently and together.
Outreach + Training
Learning doesn’t have to wait for a residential or day visit – our team bring outdoor education directly to your school, setting or community and deliver accredited training courses for young people, adults and professionals.
What we offer
We’ll help you bring outdoor learning to your home site or a location of your choice with sessions that build pupils’ skills through nature based experiences tailored to your space and curriculum.
Activities can include
• Forest School inspired sessions and level 2 and 3 courses
• Heritage education to bring local history and places to life
• Curriculum-linked outdoor learning across subjects and key stages
• Tailored support for SEND and Alternative Provision
• Bushcraft, environmental science and nature study
• Cycle training for children and adults
• Team-building and transition support for new classes and year groups
• Specialist Forest school, Paediatric and RYA first aid courses
Why it matters
With the ability to use local outdoor spaces for everyday teaching, outdoor learning becomes a regular, embedded part of your curriculum and more children and young people can take part.
Outdoor Education Advice Service
Led by Stephen Brown, this service provides practical advice, support and training to schools and youth organisations on all aspects of outdoor learning and educational visits.
As part of the School Improvement Service within Cambridgeshire County Council Education, this is open to all maintained schools, academies and settings across the county and further afield.
Support includes
Training courses for staff and senior leaders
Build confidence with our training for Educational Visit Coordinators in line with national standards set by the Association of Adviser Outdoor Learning and Educational Visits, along with Visit Leader Training and the Managing an Offsite Visit Emergency course.
Outdoor learning courses
Develop your skills to lead outdoor education safely and successfully, from DofE expeditions to activities just outside the classroom door. This includes specialist Outdoor First Aid courses, and an introduction to the Outdoor Learning Cards for high-quality outdoor learning on your school site.
Planning visits
Get help to plan, prepare and organise visits in line with OEAP National Guidance, including clear processes for recording, risk management and timely approval so adjustments can be made as needed. Visits are sample monitored on the ground, helping to keep standards high and support good practice.
Why it matters
With expert support, schools confidently plan visits across the UK, into Europe and further afield for a wide range of purposes and activities using a variety of transport methods. Well planned visits expand learning far beyond the classroom, giving every young person access to memorable, high quality experiences in a safe, well governed way.
Ready to bring learning to life?
At Cambridgeshire Outdoors we help people thrive through healthy, nature-rich outdoor learning experiences and unforgettable adventures.
Whether you’re planning a residential, seeking training, or looking for expert guidance, we’re here to support your journey.
Burwell House
Call us: 01223 729000
Email us: Burwell.house@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Visit us: www.burwellhouse.com
Follow our adventures: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram
Grafham Water Centre
Call us: 01480 379500
Email us: Grafham.water@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Visit us: www.grafham-water.centre.co.uk
Follow our adventures: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram
