The Calshot Experience

Courses for Schools & Colleges 

Calshot Activities Centre is one of the largest Outdoor Adventure Centres in Britain. It has a reputation for excellence and professionalism, and operates to the highest safety standards. Calshot offers year round residential and non residential courses in an unrivalled number of educational activities. Situated in a unique position on the shores of the Solent adjacent to the New Forest, its magnificent setting gives immediate access to the country's most popular Watersports area and offers a variety of learning environments for all levels of ability on land and water.

Calshot holds a license to operate from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and is recognised by the Royal Yachting Association, The British Canoe Union and other sporting bodies.

Our staff are trained and qualified to the highest levels and we have over forty years experience of teaching adults and young people.
Please select one of the blue navigation buttons on the left for further details of our wide range of curriculum and adventure based courses. We aim to provide education, challenge and adventure in a safe learning environment.

The Calshot Experience

The Calshot Experience is a unique mix of physical and academic activities, which, when combined with the friendly, professional approach of our staff, provides some of the best outdoor and environmental education in Britain today. The instructors at Calshot are able to challenge and enthuse students whatever their physical or academic abilities. The residential experience plays an important role in the development of interpersonal skills, as well as having a positive effect upon self-confidence, self-esteem and both academic and social success. The Calshot Experience aims to ensure that students will leave with a better understanding of themselves and others, along with personal experiences which they will value and remember long after they have left.

Planning your visit

In selecting activities for your course, our programme planners take several factors into account. It is essential that the programme for a group reflects the aims and objectives of you as a party leader. Age group, time of year, special needs of individuals and the group as a whole, all affect the mix of activities which may be selected. We can guide you in selecting suitable activities that also meet your educational requirements. Students participating in courses with a watersports content should be able to swim 50 metres in light clothing. Weak or non-swimmers can also be accommodated, please discuss details when planning your course.

We are always pleased to welcome teachers to inspect the Centre as part of the booking enquiry. If you are unable to visit, we can easily plan over the telephone or by email. Alternatively, a member of our staff can visit your school to discuss your requirements and proposals, meet your senior staff and attend a parents’ evening. A copy of the agreed programme is sent to you for approval.

Your programme becomes the direct responsibility of an appointed Course Director, who meets the group on arrival and ensures the smooth running of all aspects of your stay. Groups are split according to strict ratios and each smaller group is allocated an instructor who leads them through each activity. Instructors work with slightly larger groups for the structured evening programme.