7 reasons autumn and winter residentials are best!

Posted: 15/03/2024

Summer months are many schools’ pick when booking a residential trip, but we’re here to let you in on a little secret…

The fact is that when it comes to fun and challenging experiences that build confidence and resilience, you simply can’t beat autumn and winter!

Here are seven magnificent reasons why autumn and winter is the best time for an exciting outdoor adventure…

1. Expect the unexpected!

One of the major benefits of a residential stay at an outdoor activity centre is the challenge it presents – and in autumn and winter months the unpredictability of the weather only adds to the test of character.

Experiencing all types of conditions helps build confidence and resilience in your students as well as encouraging a “get stuck in” attitude. With the elements against them, stronger bonds can be forged.

Yes, the winter weather can make things tricky or harder work… but that’s sort of the point. With the right kit, guidance and attitude, winter activities are so much fun.

And, let’s face it, when it comes to pursuits like ghyll scrambling, paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing, you’re only going to get wet anyway!

2. Build bonds

Residentials are a great chance for students to form friendships with their peers. School trips at the start of the school year also help form strong bonds between teachers and students.

Teachers can get to know their students’ strengths and weaknesses, helping them to get the most out of them in the classroom for the rest of the school year – and the earlier you learn those invaluable insights, the better.

3. Early lessons

As well as gaining new skills and becoming more educated about the great outdoors, students can learn a lot about themselves during a residential.

In many cases they discover they are more capable and resilient than they previously thought, improving their confidence.

Many young people come out of their shells during their stay, and afterwards are more willing to push themselves and participate in class.

Booking your residential relatively early on in the school year, during the autumn or winter months, will develop a passion for learning that can continue through the terms.

4. Encourage activity all year round

Whether it’s competing at sport, playing with friends or just going for a family walk, being outdoors is beneficial for young people’s physical and mental health.

With childhood obesity and mental health issues in young people increasing, it’s never been more important to encourage the upcoming generation to be more active.

It doesn’t help that, here in the UK, our short-lived summers can be something of a damp squib. Knowing that’s the case, it’s no use waiting until it’s warm and sunny to get out and get active.

An autumn or winter residential gives young people the opportunity to discover how much fun they can have being outdoors - no matter the weather.

5. Evening activities

Shorter days and darker evenings have their advantages when it comes to planning an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Torchlit walks add another element of fun and adventure, while there’s more time to sit around the campfire enjoying hot chocolate and smores – the perfect opportunity to chat, forge bonds and make memories.

6. Stunning scenery

Obviously we’re biased, but we’re sure you’ll agree the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places there is.

The magnificence of the Cumbrian countryside gets dialled up a notch in the colder months as the bright greens and yellows give way to the warm, golden tones of the autumn leaves.

Then there are the unmissable winter sunsets and, as we head into the depths of the season, you may just find the fields and hilltops blanketed in gorgeous white snow. It really is a sight to behold!

7. Value for money

Here’s the real clincher...Because everybody’s crazy about summer, booking in the autumn or winter will save you money!

That makes autumn and winter residentials especially ideal for schools with smaller budgets.

But even those who can afford a summer stay will find booking outside our peak period offers the best value experience.

So if you’re planning your next trip, why not mix things up and pick a different time of year?

You may just find it opens up a whole new world of adventure!

Ready for adventure? Contact us to find out more about our school residentials and start planning your next trip with the help of our experts today.

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