Inspiring learning through outdoor education and adventure
Description
A trip to Kingswood is a life changing adventure. For over 35 years, our transformative school trips have encouraged primary and secondary school pupils to build confidence and resilience by taking on fun challenges.
A breath-taking adventure park nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Wales. With an on-site watersports lake, and woodland adventure activities, Colomendy residential activity centre is the perfect environment for young people to explore the great outdoors.
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest in beautiful woodland with views of Moel Famau. Just off the A55, only an hour away from Liverpool.
Colomendy is a 130 acre site, packed full of adventure activities which are integrated into the stunning woodland, including a high ropes course woven amongst the trees, and an exceptionally realistic caving system built into a natural rock seam. There are plenty of opportunities to venture off-centre to Loggerheads Country Park which is just opposite.
Colomendy is ideally suited to older primary and secondary students and offers a range of personal development programmes to help students grow individually and as a team. It's idyllic setting makes this centre ideal for Geography and Bushcraft programmes which can be tailored to your curriculum.
Facilities
Outdoors: Activities integrated into the stunning woodland, including three huge climbing and abseiling towers, high and low rope activities, a 3G swing, a 200 metre giant zipwire, and an exceptionally realistic caving system built into a natural rock seam
Indoors: Spacious sports hall for team games, fencing and recreational activities
Watersports: Purpose built watersports lake for raft building, kayaking and canoeing
Gift shop: Our on-site shops sell snacks and drinks, as well as postcards, souvenirs, games and mementos
Other facilities: Diner, chill out areas, party leader lounges and classroom spaces
Security: the centre site is fully secure with boundary fencing, security gates and CCTV
Accommodation
Kingswood cater for small, medium and large groups and even offer full site hire. There is no minimum group size. Groups can stay in 4-16 bed dorms with accessible accommodation available or Adventure Lodges sleeping 11-19.
Reviews
Overview
4.2
151 reviews
Excellent
46%
Very Good
34%
Average
15%
Poor
4%
Awful
1%
(April 2024 - Primary School)
(April 2024)
(March 2024 - Primary School)
(March 2024 - Secondary School)
(December 2023 - Primary School)
A good visit but a lot of the equipment is broken and hasn't been replaced. Water stations still not in use (essential in hot weather) and the introduction of the "thinking" sessions is just time filling and of no value to the children (October 2023 - Primary School)
(September 2023 - Primary School)
(September 2023 - Secondary School)
Teamwork/ confidence buiding/ problem solving (July 2023 - Primary School)
(July 2023 - Secondary School)
(June 2023 - Primary School)
(June 2023 - Primary School)
Team building and new experiences like caving, climbing and archery (May 2023 - Primary School)
(May 2023 - Primary School)
(May 2023 - Primary School)
(May 2023 - Primary School)
(May 2023 - Primary School)
(April 2023 - Secondary School)
(April 2023)
Accommodation very dated, staff amazing. (March 2023 - Secondary School)
(March 2023 - Primary School)
(March 2023)
(January 2023 - Secondary School)
(November 2022 - Primary School)
(November 2022 - Secondary School)
(July 2022 - Primary School)
Awful food but site a bit dated and in need of TLC (July 2022 - Primary School)
Enjoyed the activities which were varied and physical (June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022 - Primary School)
Team Building, Problem Solving, active experiences. (June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022)
Team building (June 2022 - Secondary School)
Team building (June 2022 - Secondary School)
(June 2022 - Secondary School)
(June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022)
New experiences for children with mental and physical challenges (June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022 - Secondary School)
(May 2022 - Primary School)
(May 2022 - Primary School)
(April 2022 - Primary School)
(April 2022 - Primary School)
Pupils love going to Colomendy, school have visited for many years and always have a fantastic time. (March 2022 - Primary School)
Concerns over food (January 2022 - Secondary School)
As the lead teacher, I was disappointed by the lack of activities. We were promised 'course director and activity' time when we arrived. However, the activities were virtually none existent until we complained that the children were getting cold and bored.
After that, the leaders were much better and actually planned some activities like aero ball and shooting. There were no drinks stations this year also. (November 2021 - Primary School)
(November 2021 - Primary School)
(November 2021 - Primary School)
(October 2021 - Primary School)
(October 2021 - Primary School)
My rating would be one star were it not for the hardworking staff who tried their hardest to make amends for the errors made by the centre manager and organisation.
The centre manager assumed our booking was cancelled despite no confirmation from us meaning we arrived to find we were not expected, the site understaffed and the possibility of our children (who had been so looking forward to the trip) being forced to return to school. Were it not for our insistence that a solution be found and the children not let down, we likely would have had to return.
The staff member who took over our booking, Ossie, did a great job of salvaging our trip and provided our children with a memorable and enjoyable experience (albeit one different to the one they were expecting due to the activities we had initially booked needing to be changed due to the staffing issues). Thankfully the children did not know or realise how close they came to being sent home and this is due to Ossie and his team.
The food options were very limited (no fresh fruit or vegetables on offer until the packed lunch on the final day) with chips accompanying almost every meal. I am unsure if this was due to Covid or because of the centre manager's previous error with our booking but it was disappointing all the same as I have very much enjoyed the food at other Kingswood sites.
Finally, the whole site seemed to be very run down and in disrepair, with weeds and nettles overgrown on main footpaths, paint peeling on cabins and general neglect. Although, we did notice that attempts had been made to re-paint room interiors in some of the lodges. We had staff members on our trip who were surprised at the state of the site as they had been to previous trips to Colomendy where this was not an issue. Just to add also; on a initial risk assessment visit prior to our trip we were informed by the member of staff guiding us around the site that Kingswood were aware of the run-down nature of the site which was claimed to be due to the site being closed to the public during the Covid19 pandemic. This is completely understandable and we had no issues with this explanation but we were also informed and promised that the site would be "sorted" for our visit which sadly was not the case. (June 2021 - Primary School)
Colomendy was a fantastic experience and the children loved learning new skills including how to work successfully as a team and conquering their fears (heights etc) (June 2021 - Primary School)
(May 2020 - Primary School)
(April 2020 - Primary School)
(April 2020 - Primary School)
(March 2020 - Primary School)
accomodation is poorly maintained (February 2020 - Secondary School)
Overall, an excellent trip enjoyed by all the children and staff. Where there were any adjustments to be made to the schedule or eating arrangements, Colomendy staff did all they could to resolve and ensure that we had a great visit. (February 2020 - Primary School)
(February 2020 - Primary School)
Some issues in regards to the food provided and a complaint has been made to the centre. (January 2020 - Primary School)
Children's accommodation is very basic and smells a little. Food is also very basic and a bit bland. The activities are great but we did not take part in the evaluation sessions after the first one as it was a waste of time. (December 2019 - Primary School)
(November 2019 - Primary School)
great experience and staff at the centre were wonderful. They made everything as enjoyable and smooth as possible. (November 2019 - Secondary School)
We felt that our experience was very dis-organised. The food was undercooked, we were not informed of where we needed to be and we had several health and safety issues which were not dealt with appropriately. We will not be visiting again. (October 2019)
(October 2019 - Secondary School)
Staff were extremely helpful. Food was a lot better than the previous year. Unfortunately there are still a lot of cracked paving stones. Not ideal for wheelchair users. We have raised this issue year on year. (October 2019 - Primary School)
(September 2019 - Primary School)
(September 2019 - Primary School)
(July 2019 - Secondary School)
(July 2019 - Primary School)
(July 2019 - Primary School)
(July 2019 - Primary School)
Activities were very good as in previous years, but the quality of the food, the organisation of the provision of food and the organisation of the dining area were very poor. Some of the rooms in our accommodation (Moel Famau) were shabby, smelly and not at all inviting.
The coaches running the activities were enthusiastic and enabled the children to meet the objectives of the visit. The inclusion of the 'feedback' sessions did not work - it just meant fewer activities for the children. (July 2019 - Primary School)
(June 2019 - Primary School)
(June 2019 - Primary School)
The activities did not live up to expectations despite promises from Colomendy. It was obvious that the feedback that I filled in last year had not been read as many of the issues from last year had not been addressed. Our team leader was poor. he failed to turn up for some activities and when he did he didn't join in with the children. the management aide to address any of the problems that we had. (June 2019 - Primary School)
the accomodation and food was very good and activities given were well organised (June 2019 - Primary School)
Children enjoy their residential to Colomendy, it builds their confidence and social skills, they also enjoy their independence. (June 2019 - Primary School)
(June 2019 - Primary School)
(May 2019 - Primary School)
Accommodation and food still very good. At the time we attended Colomendy had decided to introduced time slots for reflection and class based activities (circle time) instead of outdoor activities. We felt pupils missed out on valuable outdoor experiences and pupils who had visited the year before were disappointed. Although I can see the benefits to the change of sessions, I felt as a SEMH school with an attachment and trauma approach(who do circle time, reflection and check in on daily basis) this was not beneficial to our pupils. I have given Colomendy the feedback (May 2019 - Primary School)
(May 2019 - Primary School)
(May 2019 - Primary School)
(May 2019 - Secondary School)
(April 2019 - Primary School)
(April 2019 - Primary School)
First night, building was freezing cold, preventing sleep.
Second night, heating fixed but no hot water for showers.
Food was lukewarm at best.
Too many activity leaders unable to relate to yr7 inner city pupils. (April 2019 - Secondary School)
(March 2019 - Primary School)
very well organised, lovely staff members, children felt safe and we motivated and determined due to the instructors enthusiasm. (March 2019 - Primary School)
(March 2019 - Primary School)
(March 2019 - Primary School)
The ex / old Colomendy site and venue looks completely unchanged from residentials done in the 90s! However, Kingswood have made all rooms ensuite and the range of activities is hugh and impressive. The young leaders are very good. (March 2019 - Secondary School)
(March 2019 - Primary School)
Good range of activities and a lovely location. Staff were very helpful and overall the children enjoyed the activities and food (March 2019 - Primary School)
(January 2019 - Secondary School)
(December 2018 - Primary School)
Kingswood was a good experience, could have been better if student was not taken ill due to a mistake from Kingswood staff. (December 2018 - Secondary School)
Great choice of activities, reasonably priced, good selection of food, good accommodation. Children really enjoyed their time there. Staff were friendly yet firm with the children. Children had a variety of activities which kept them busy all day, with little time to rest and they were exhausted by the end of each day - which meant they slept! (November 2018 - Primary School)
Successful trip. (November 2018 - Primary School)
This was a great trip with all children gaining opportunities to participate in outdoor educational activity they may not usually gain opportunity too. The Center and center staff were ideal for what we wanted to gain. (October 2018 - Primary School)
(October 2018 - Secondary School)
I would have given 5 stars based on activities and the enthusiasm and experience of the leaders. However, the accommodation is dated with curtains falling off rails etc and on this occasion the food was poor with very little choice and no healthy options. (October 2018 - Primary School)
An excellent venue for children to experience new activities and try a range of team building activities, (October 2018 - Primary School)
The centre and accommodation were of a poor a poor quality. We were sharing accommodation with older children from another school who were not supervised. There was a lack of organisation from staff. (October 2018 - Primary School)
Activities were excellent. some minor issues with food and accommodation. (September 2018 - Primary School)
(September 2018 - Secondary School)
(July 2018 - Secondary School)
(July 2018 - Secondary School)
(July 2018 - Primary School)
(July 2018 - Primary School)
(July 2018 - Primary School)
(July 2018 - Secondary School)
The staff were very helpful. The programme was well organised. Everything about the centre felt very safe. (June 2018 - Primary School)
(June 2018 - Primary School)
Excellent provider - very welcoming and supportive (June 2018 - Secondary School)
Great activities but run down accomodation. (June 2018 - Primary School)
Great venue-very helpful staff- food choices a little adventurous for young children- 7.35 am breakfast with no activities planned until 9.30 is too long for younger children or if this is to be the case school should be advised beforehand to plan filler actitivies (June 2018 - Primary School)
The children really enjoyed their time at Colomendy. The instructors were of a high standard and it was obvious that they enjoyed working with the children (May 2018 - Primary School)
The opening hours for the shop and full timetable creates issues for children going to the shop (May 2018 - Primary School)
Great residential. Staff were full of energy and made the children aware of each activity and the intended outcomes. (May 2018 - Primary School)
(May 2018 - Primary School)
(May 2018 - Primary School)
Accessibility for less mobile students was not as good as initially stated by the Kingswood staff.
Food was healthier than previous visits (May 2018 - Secondary School)
Very dated, accommodation not up to a good standard.
Food - not enough choice.
Staff - no motivation. (April 2018 - Primary School)
Very well organised, caring and knowledgable staff. (April 2018 - Primary School)
(April 2018 - Primary School)
(April 2018 - Secondary School)
(April 2018 - Primary School)
It is great but there is a lot of standing around waiting for a go on some activities (April 2018 - Primary School)
(April 2018 - Primary School)
Food was a huge let down for the second year in a row despite a lengthy letter of complaint last year. We were assured that the menu for the week we were there was a issue due to supplies being low and deliveries not being and that it would not be the case if we booked for this time. It was no different.
I have been assured that they are aware of the problem and that a completely new menu will be in place as of the end of April 2018. We are still in discussion as to whether we will use Kingswood again. A real disappointment. (April 2018 - Primary School)
Great facility, really well run. Felt that our children were well cared for. (March 2018 - Primary School)
(March 2018 - Secondary School)
(March 2018 - Primary School)
Kingswood Staff worked tirelessly in difficult snow conditions to ensure the experience for the chidlren was no different to normal. No problem was too small and the tuition for each activity was world class. (March 2018 - Primary School)
(March 2018 - Primary School)
(March 2018 - Primary School)
(March 2018 - Primary School)
(March 2018 - Primary School)
(March 2018 - Secondary School)
Accomodation needs urgently looking at and refurbishment, however activities well led and managed nd engaging for all. (March 2018 - Primary School)
(March 2018 - Secondary School)
Fantastic organisation and well planned trip which enabled all children to meet intended outcomes. (March 2018 - Primary School)
(March 2018 - Primary School)
(February 2018 - Primary School)
Excellent venue and activity programme (February 2018 - Primary School)
Annual visit enjoyed by all work hard play hard (February 2018 - Secondary School)
(January 2018 - Primary School)
(December 2017 - Secondary School)
(December 2017 - Primary School)
