School Residential Trips

Multi-day adventures in the Cairngorms that are structured, safe and genuinely memorable. Based near Grantown-on-Spey, we plan your programme around your year group, outcomes and travel times — so the whole trip feels easy to run.

Download the Schools brochure Plan your residential

A group of pupils enjoying songs around the campfire on a school residential trip with Cairngorms Activities

A Cairngorms residential that runs smoothly from start to finish

Our residentials are designed for schools who want a clear plan, strong supervision, and a team who understands how school trips work. You’ll be based close to Grantown-on-Spey, with a programme built around your group’s age, confidence and learning goals.

A typical residential programme can include a balanced mix of land-based and adventurous activities such as archery, team challenge, raft building, bushcraft, canoeing on the River Spey and gorge walking, alongside structured evening activities like campfires, games and group challenges. We’ll recommend what works best for your year group and timetable.

Residentials typically run from 1–4 nights. We’ll advise on the most suitable format based on your travel time and what you want pupils to gain — whether that’s confidence, teamwork, outdoor learning or simply time together as a group.

Download the Schools brochure Request dates & pricing

What’s included?

Our residential programmes are built to remove planning friction for teachers. Your trip can include:

Accommodation for your group (with separate staff rooms)
A structured timetable of day activities led by experienced instructors
Evening activities (campfire, team games and challenges)
Catering options and clear meal-time planning
Pre-visit planning support, including kit lists and key logistics
Digital waivers for parents/guardians and collection of essential medical information in advance

If you’re not sure what’s realistic for your year group or travel day, tell us your outline — we’ll recommend a programme that works.

For every 10 students booked, you’ll get a teacher place free

Download the brochure for example timetables and planning guidance — then send us your dates, numbers and year group(s).

Download the Schools brochure Plan your residential

Example residential structures

These are examples — not fixed packages. We’ll adapt your schedule around travel times, age, ability and the outcomes you want. Most schools rotate between land-based sessions and bigger “highlight” activities across the week.

Pupils taking part in team challenge activities on a residential

1 night

Best for: first residentials, shorter budgets, transition trips
Typical flow: arrival + activity, evening programme, full activity day, depart

A compact format that still feels like a “proper residential”. We keep the timetable simple, with clear activity blocks and a strong evening session.

Pupils working together during raft building on a school residential

2 nights

Best for: balanced programme + variety
Typical flow: arrival + activity, full day of activities, activity + depart. inc evening sessions

Enough time to build confidence and progression. Great for mixing teamwork sessions, outdoor skills and a bigger “highlight” activity.

Campfire evenings during a multi-night residential

4 nights

Best for: end-of-year residentials and deeper outcomes
Typical flow: steady pace, progression, optional variety days

Longer stays allow a calmer rhythm, more variety, and stronger group development. We’ll plan a week that feels full — without exhausting pupils or staff.

Tell us your dates and year group — we’ll recommend a residential structure

Accommodation options

Our accommodation is set up specifically for group stays — with practical layouts, space for staff, and the facilities schools need. We’ll advise the best setup based on your numbers and group needs.

Bunkhouse

Sleeps: up to 25
Includes: dining / communal space and core facilities

A solid base for most school groups, with practical spaces for settling in, meal times and briefings.

Bothy

Sleeps: up to 6
Location: adjacent to the bunkhouse

Useful for boosting capacity or creating additional separation for staff / specific group needs.

Bell tents

Seasonal option: additional capacity in summer
Best for: larger groups who need extra space

A great overflow option when numbers are high. We’ll confirm suitability based on time of year and group profile.

See accommodation details in the brochure Ask about capacity and layouts

How planning works

Clear steps, quick answers, and a programme that fits your school.

1) Download the brochure

Use it to sense-check formats, example timetables and what a residential with us can look like.

2) Send your outline

Share your dates, year group(s), estimated numbers and travel times. If you have outcomes (teamwork, confidence, outdoor learning), tell us.

3) We build your programme

We’ll recommend a structure that works and confirm what’s on site vs off site, plus a clear kit list and logistics.

4) Paperwork made simple

We’ll provide digital waivers for parents/guardians and ask for a simple medical information list in advance.

5) Run the trip confidently

On arrival we’ll brief staff and pupils, then deliver the programme with clear timings and steady pacing.

Need reassurance?

All activities are approved by AALA and Learning Outside the Classroom.

Download the Schools brochure Start a residential enquiry

Accommodation overview

School groups stay in our dedicated residential accommodation near Grantown-on-Spey, set up specifically for supervised group stays.

Pupils sleep in 2 bunkhouse-style rooms, with a separate room for teachers. Toilet and shower facilities are located within the accommodation area and are easy to manage for school groups. Communal indoor spaces are used for briefings, meals and quiet evening downtime.

The outdoor space around the bunkhouse is fenced and can be used by groups for supervised outdoor play and informal activities during free time. This allows pupils to relax and spend time together in a safe, contained environment.

Most evening activity sessions take place at our main activity centre, which is approximately a 5-minute drive or a 30-minute walk from the accommodation. We plan transport and timings in advance so evenings run smoothly and to a clear schedule.

If your group has accessibility needs or specific supervision considerations, please let us know early so we can plan appropriately.

School residential FAQs

Clear answers to the questions teachers ask most often.

What trip lengths do you offer?

Most schools book between 1 and 5 nights. We’ll recommend the best length based on travel time and what you want pupils to gain.

What ages are residentials suitable for?

We work with a wide range of school ages. Tell us your year group(s) and we’ll recommend activities and pacing that suit your pupils.

What’s included in the programme?

Residentials typically include a structured timetable of day activities plus evening sessions (campfire, games, team challenges). We’ll confirm your plan and timings during booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We plan with weather in mind and many activities run well in typical Scottish conditions. If something isn’t suitable, we’ll adapt the plan and keep your group safe and engaged.

Do you provide consent forms or waivers?

Yes. We provide digital waivers for parents/guardians and we’ll ask for a simple list of medical information before arrival.

How are pupils supervised?

All sessions are led by experienced instructors. Teachers must be present at all times. We agree supervision responsibilities and structure during planning.

Do teachers need to take part in activities?

For off-site activities such as canoeing or gorge walking, teachers do need to actively take part. For land-based sessions, teachers can often supervise while observing nearby.

What do pupils need to bring?

We’ll send a kit list once confirmed. As a guide: outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear and spare layers for changeable weather.

Can you support SEN or additional needs?

Yes — many groups include mixed needs. Tell us what you’re working with and we’ll recommend activities, pacing and practical adjustments.

How do we get started?

Download the Schools brochure, then send us your dates, year group(s) and estimated numbers. We’ll build a residential plan that works.

Ready to start planning your school residential?

Download the Schools brochure for example residential programmes, then tell us your dates, year group and estimated numbers. We’ll recommend a structure that works for your school.

Download the Schools brochure Request dates & pricing

"Fantastic school trip!"

45 x P7 pupils had a fantastic time at Cairngorms Activities, experiencing archery and problem-solving activities. Instructors were great and clearly explained tasks and encouraged all to participate and reach their potential. A super place to visit to develop outdoor education within schools. Will be in touch about repeating this next year!

"Mini Highland Games!"

I went to Cairngorms Activities last month with my french classmates while we were on a school trip in Scotland. We had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the Mini Highland Games! Great ambience, friendly and dynamic staff, funny trials. Again, thank you to the team for their kindness. Would definitely come back next time I go to Scotland!