Immersive outdoor experiences that prioritise fun, safety, learning and development
Established in 2017, Portland Outdoor Centre is the latest offering from Activate Outdoors Ltd. Building from the solid foundations of the New Forest Outdoor Centre, and Brenscombe Outdoor Centre we have been delivering valuable, fun, and engaging outdoor educational experiences since 1996.
We’re proud of the high quality residentials we offer, and we value every individual’s experience. We aim to build positive, long-lasting relationships resulting in the majority of schools returning annually for another dose of sunshine by the sea! With the ability to accommodate up x75 people it’s the perfect place to bring a whole year group! We also offer both stand alone and a series of progressive day experinces.
Elevated by limestone cliffs, and surrounded by sea we have the perfect adventurous playground on our doorstep.
Our school outdoor programmes include adventurous elements to get the best out of your trip away, whilst also providing a suitable level of challenge for your students. Our Centre is based in an ideal location with views of Portland Harbour and the surrounding Jurassic Coast. The famous SSSI site of Chesil beach is a 10 minute walk from our front door and the whole island is accessible by walking along the famous South West Coast Path.
We pride ourselves in providing safe and engaging outdoor experiences tailored to the needs of each group
Our Ethos
We actively create time to enjoy, understand and respect the environments we explore, rather than rush from activity to activity
Our instructors are flexible in their approach, ensuring we provide engaging experiences to meet the needs of your group. Our exciting range of activities and excellent facilities in a stunning environment combine with our staff team to ensure Portland provides:
- Unique packages tailored to your requirements
- Team work and social skills development throughout the programme
- A moderate capacity so that we deal with people, not numbers
- The highest levels of instruction, tutoring and safety
- An exceptional service to our guests by listening to their requirements
- A safe learning environment in a centre full of character
- We are Licensed by AALA and all staff are DBS checked
Portland Location
The gem of the Jurassic Coast
Our coastal location means we’re never short of a sea view! Our rocky Isle is a joy to explore with fascinating curiosities around every corner. Secluded coves, vast beaches, old quarries turned nature reserves and even WW2 relics it’s a remarkably diverse place. We use the whole Isle, Coasteering at Portland Bill on the most southern tip to delivering watersports in Portland Harbour to the North. The famous SW Coast path links all our venues and it’s a pleasure to transit from one location to the next.
Click the arrows to browse our activity locations
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. We are fully insured to run all of our activities and have £10 million public liability cover.
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Activities will still go ahead however we will carefully select the venue and pick the safest and most appropriate activity for the conditions on the day.
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All activity staff are experienced, undergo thorough training are first aid qualified. Where appropriate they have national governing body award qualifications for the activities which they deliver. All staff at Portland are DBS checked. We have a strong team of permanent staff, who are supported by experienced seasonal staff, and long standing freelancers many of whom return for multiple years.
