Outdoor Activities for Schools

The great outdoors provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn, grow and have fun. We specialise in outdoor activities for schools, from watersports, camping trips and outdoor team activities. Our experienced instructors prioritise safety while encouraging children to step out of their comfort zones, work together and explore the wonders of nature.

Camps and Outdoor Activity Events for Schools

Canoe Trail runs single events to multi-activity school days covering a wide range of outdoor activities including team challenges, bushcraft, canoeing and kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, high ropes course, indoor climbing, archery, hiking and bushcraft.

School activity days can be tailored to the requirements of 200+ pupils to a small group of 20 students. We can host staff for team-building events, themed events such as celebrations, enrichment or curriculum-based learning e.g. citizen science, geography or development of life skills.

Outdoor Learning Activities

Take your learning outside with these fun and engaging outdoor learning activities!

Watersports

We have a large fleet of canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards and equipment. An exhilarating way for students to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork skills on the water.

High Ropes

The perfect way to challenge students both physically and mentally, while fostering teamwork, communication and leadership skills in a thrilling and safe outdoor environment.

Students walking through a field on a school walking on a navigation and map reading trip

Navigation & Map Reading

Map reading not only improves students' spatial awareness and navigation abilities but also teaches them critical problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Camping

Woodland camping is a way for students to disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in nature while creating lasting memories and deepening their appreciation for the environment.

Our Venues

Activities can be run at school sites, our private woodland on the banks of the River Great Ouse, Bedford Embankment or from our base at Kempston Outdoor Centre, also on the river.

Kempston Outdoor Centre

Kempston Outdoor Centre is a brilliant outdoor centre based on the banks of the River Great Ouse near Bedford. It links to our site on the Embankment and through to our woodland via the river corridor. The centre has male and female changing rooms, an outdoor classroom option, an indoor classroom and wifi around the buildings. We also have a simple kitchen, a wood-fired pizza oven and of course, campfire cooking for snacks and lunch options.

The centre is home to our large fleet of canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards as well as a designated bushcraft area, range area with air guns, axe throwing and archery. The main field area has a high ropes course with leap of faith, all aboard, Jacobs ladder, and the outdoor climbing wall with abseil tower.

Finally the centre has access to our slipway on the river with great nature trails and walking areas to explore the local area showing navigation, foraging and observing nature.

Find out more about Kempston Outdoor Centre

Matchstick Woods

Matchstick Wood is a great location to share outdoor learning with schools for a day trip, overnight camp or school activity day. The woodland has been featured in many national magazines and media including Outdoor Adventure Guide, Red Bull Magazine, National Trust Slow Adventures Book, Lonely Planet, Paddler and Bushcraft and Survival Skills Magazine.

Original a test woodland for Bryant and May Matchstick company the woodland is a perfect blend of wilderness with easy accessibility for students and school trips. The groups can walk or paddle into the woodland and set up base under the watchful eye of Canoe Trail’s professional instructor team.

Our riverside woodland is perfect for canoe and camp activities and was voted Top 52 Things to Do in the World by Lonely Planet and Top 3 UK Destinations for SUP Adventures by Red Bull Magazine. Matchstick Wood is a perfect location for paddling, bushcraft activities such as shelter building, campcraft, wild swimming and watersports. Matchstick wood has composting toilets and campfire clearings with plenty of space for tipi tents and shelters.

Find out more about Matchstick Woods

Frequently Asked Questions - Schools

What are outdoor learning activities?

Outdoor learning activities refer to educational experiences that take place outside the traditional classroom setting, often in natural environments such as parks, forests, or gardens. These activities can include environmental studies, outdoor recreation, team building, and other experiential learning opportunities.

What is the best outdoor activity for kids?

There are many great outdoor activities for kids, but the best one will depend on factors such as age, interests, and physical abilities. Some popular options include hiking, camping, nature walks, canoeing, and team sports. Ultimately, the best outdoor activity for kids is one that is safe, fun, and engaging, and that helps them connect with nature and develop important skills and values.

What are some examples of outdoor recreational activities?

There are many outdoor recreational activities that young people can enjoy. Here are some examples: Hiking and nature walks, camping and backpacking, swimming and water sports, rock climbing and bouldering, wildlife watching and birding and adventure courses.

How can activities outside the classroom benefit students?

Activities outside the classroom provide many benefits to students. They can:

Enhance learning experiences by providing hands-on and interactive opportunities.
Offer exposure to new places, cultures, and experiences that can broaden students' perspectives and understanding of the world.
Foster social skills, teamwork, and communication skills.
Promote physical health and wellness through outdoor activities and exercise.
Encourage personal growth and development, including leadership skills and self-confidence.
Help students discover new interests and talents beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Make learning more engaging and fun, which can lead to better academic performance and higher retention of knowledge.

Outdoor Activities for Schools

Camps and Outdoor Activity Events for Schools

Outdoor Learning Activities

Watersports

High Ropes

Navigation & Map Reading

Camping

Archery

Indoor climbing

Bushcraft

Giant SUP

Our Venues

Kempston Outdoor Centre

Matchstick Woods

Frequently Asked Questions - Schools

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