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Grafham Water Centre


Description

Grafham Water Centre has over 50 years’ experience in outdoor activities and education. We offer Primary and Secondary School visits ranging from day visits to five-day residentials (or longer if preferred!). Our staff deliver a range of land and water based outdoor activities, developing confidence and team building skills.

The site and centre offer:

- School trips and residentials
- Themed curriculum visits for KS1 and 2
- National Outdoor Learning Award (NOLA)
- Holiday and weekend activity clubs
- DofE Gold Award Residential Courses
- Facilities for RYA squad training
- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
- A mixture of 24 land and water based activities
- England’s third largest reservoir
- 280-acre nature reserve
- Catering for residential visits
- Indoor and outdoor accommodation
- Qualified experienced staff team


School trips and residentials
Every year we host over 15,000 children for their trip away from home. We have experienced and qualified instructors, 24 activities to choose from, indoor and camping options and an amazing site surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Courses
We offer a range of different courses here at Grafham Water Centre, both water based and land based.

Environmental and outdoor learning
Our outdoor learning packages provide a wider educational experience whilst still enjoying the great outdoors. We currently offer a Rocks, Soils and Fossils theme and a Habitat Adventure themed visit. The visits have been designed using the National Curriculum across Key Stages 1 and 2 to create an educational experience for your learners.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)
Our DofE Gold Award Residential Course has been designed to provide a sense of fulfilment and the opportunity to broaden your interests and experiences through participation in a range of adventurous activities.

National Outdoor Learning Award (NOLA)
NOLA is an award scheme which celebrates and captures participation in an outdoor learning environment. Participants work towards learning outcomes based around Safety, Respect, Learning, Yourself and Others and the Environment.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
RYLA is an intensive leadership experience organised by Rotary clubs; young people are sponsored to participate and are supported in the development of leadership skills while having fun and making connections.

Holiday and activity clubs
We run two clubs for children outside of school hours. Both cater to children aged 8 to 16 and allow them to try new activities, make new friends and have fun! Visit our website to find out more about what we offer and book your visit.


Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.7
116 reviews


Excellent
 
78%

Very Good
 
18%

Average
 
4%

Poor
 
0%

Awful
 
0%

Outdoor Education and Adventurous Activity (October 2024 - Primary School)




(October 2024 - Primary School)




(September 2024)




(September 2024 - Primary School)




Grafham Water Centre is superb. The teaching and instruction is excellent and the staff there are clearly very happy employees. (August 2024 - Primary School)




(July 2024 - Primary School)




Excellent as always (July 2024 - Secondary School)




Clear links to curriculum (July 2024)




DofE campsite - The pub in the village is an excellent feature for students to find as a finish point before walking to the centre for camping (June 2024 - Secondary School)




(June 2024)




(June 2024 - Secondary School)




(June 2024 - Primary School)




(June 2024 - Primary School)




(May 2024 - Primary School)




(May 2024 - Primary School)




Thoroughly recommended for outdoor education (May 2024 - Primary School)




(May 2024 - Primary School)




(May 2024 - Primary School)




(May 2024 - Primary School)




Friendly staff who were very helpful to accommodate our students. They made their sessions specific to the requirements of the OCR course so all students could demonstrate the necessary skills and qualities. (April 2024 - Secondary School)




(March 2024 - Secondary School)




(March 2024 - Secondary School)




(March 2024 - Secondary School)




(March 2024 - Primary School & Secondary School)




(March 2024 - Primary School)




(February 2024 - Primary School)




(February 2024 - Secondary School)




(February 2024 - Secondary School)




(October 2023)




Teamwork and learning how to support each other (October 2023 - Primary School)




Very good for team building activities. (September 2023 - Primary School)




We were very well looked after and particularly appreciated having our own leader as a point of contact throughout our stay. Children really enjoyed the chance to tale part in water-based activities. Food was suitable to high energy days, accommadation basic but clean. (September 2023 - Primary School)




(July 2023 - Primary School)




(July 2023 - Secondary School)




Really well-organised and friendly staff. (June 2023 - Primary School)




Year 6 Residentials to build problem solving, resilience skills (June 2023 - Primary School)




(June 2023 - Primary School & Secondary School)




(June 2023 - Primary School)




(May 2023 - Primary School)




(May 2023 - Secondary School)




(May 2023 - Primary School)




(May 2023 - Primary School)




(May 2023 - Primary School)




(May 2023 - Primary School)




(April 2023 - Secondary School)




(March 2023 - Primary School)




(March 2023 - Primary School)




(March 2023 - Secondary School)




(March 2023 - Primary School)




Team building (January 2023 - Primary School)




Outdoor Learning (November 2022 - Primary School)




(November 2022)




(October 2022 - Secondary School)




(October 2022)




(September 2022 - Primary School)




(July 2022 - Primary School)




Excellent variety of activities. The children particularly enjoyed the water activities! (July 2022 - Primary School)




(June 2022 - Primary School)




(June 2022 - Primary School)




(June 2022 - Primary School)




Team building (May 2022 - Secondary School)




(May 2022 - Primary School)




We had a good time, although i would say the activities could have been organised, so that children were actively taking part for a longer time. (March 2022 - Primary School)




The staff were waiting for us off the bus and enthusiastic and excited to get the children involved in the activities. They were flexible with timings and activities to ensure the children maximised their time on activities. (March 2022 - Primary School)




The activities were great on the whole. The accommodation block was basic and too hot at night. The staff were knowledgeable but lacked enthusiasm at times. (February 2022 - Primary School)




Well organised Excellent range of activities. (October 2021 - Secondary School)




This is a fantastic centre to visit if you wish your class to participate in water sports. Safety is a t the forefront of all the activities and the staff have many years' experience and are very knowledgeable. From start to finish there is nothing everything is organised. (October 2021 - Primary School)




(October 2021 - Primary School)




Excellent organisation. The centre were able to adapt timings without fuss so that students did not miss out on any activity after we arrived slightly late. Staff friendly and engaging. Excellent equipment and high level of instruction. Staff and students had a great time! (August 2021 - Secondary School)




There were a few issues related to food - catering staff on the first night were agency staff and not enough fish finger meals were provided, meaning some children and all staff had to eat the left over vegetarian option. Feedback given to GWC directly. (July 2021 - Primary School)




(June 2021 - Primary School)




(May 2021 - Secondary School)




A variety of activities to enable children to of all abilities to try something new and achieve. (April 2021 - Primary School)




An excellent trip as always - thank you! (October 2020 - Primary School)




(September 2020 - Secondary School)




(September 2020 - Secondary School)




Staff are very keen to help and support the program and offer a valued educational experience. (February 2020 - Secondary School)




Children and staff all enjoyed their time at Grafham. Most children enjoyed the meals provided. Accommodation was clean. (February 2020 - Primary School)




Very Good (January 2020 - Secondary School)




Very good (January 2020 - Secondary School)




(January 2020 - Secondary School)




(November 2019 - Primary School)




(October 2019 - Primary School)




(October 2019 - Secondary School)




(October 2019 - Secondary School)




(October 2019 - Secondary School)




we have built up an outstanding relationship with instructors over several years (September 2019 - Secondary School)




Very well run and really organised (July 2019 - Primary School)




(July 2019)




(June 2019 - Primary School)




Instructors were brilliant with the children and very clear. Rooms were clean and functional. Food was ok, but portions for adults were a bit small and those with dietary needs (gluten free/dairy free) could have been catered for a bit more carefully - providing gluten free biscuits rather than just offering raisins when other children were getting biscuits would have been a nice touch and making a batch of scrambled eggs/mashed potato without milk or butter would have been appreciated. (June 2019 - Primary School)




great session great staff (June 2019 - Secondary School)




(June 2019 - Secondary School)




Excellent staff, meals and activities. The centre is getting a little dated now and would benefit from a little refurbishment. However this did not detract from the enjoyment of the trip. (June 2019 - Primary School)




Excellent staff who taught the kids exceptionally well. This allowed the students to flourish in an environment other than a classroom. (June 2019 - Secondary School)




(May 2019 - Secondary School)




Great facility. Nice clean showers with loads of plugs to charge phones and vending machines to buy a drink if needed. (April 2019 - Secondary School)




Great facility. Nice clean showers with loads of plugs to charge phones and vending machines to buy a drink if needed. (April 2019 - Secondary School)




(April 2019 - Primary School)




(April 2019 - Primary School)




We had a brilliant time, the staff were incredible and the trip wouldn't have been the same without Roger as he was so good with all the YP (February 2019 - Secondary School)




(November 2018 - Primary School)




(November 2018 - Secondary School)




The instructors have adapted each session well to the needs of the students and the weather conditions (October 2018 - Secondary School)




For this event the staff were fantastic and all students enjoyed themselves. (October 2018 - Secondary School)




(October 2018 - Secondary School)




(October 2018 - Secondary School)




(October 2018 - Secondary School)




(October 2018 - Secondary School)




Staff are all super friendly and well organised, nothing is too much. food is amazing. Contingency activities due to weather conditions were also well planned and the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. (September 2018 - Primary School)




Professional staff who listen to your opinions and make changes when needed to ensure everyone is happy, staff and children alike. (June 2018 - Primary School)




Staff we great with low ability students. (April 2018 - Secondary School)




(March 2018 - Primary School)




(March 2018 - Secondary School)




(February 2018 - Secondary School)




The instructors have taken the time to build a relationship with our students and recognise their unique needs (February 2018 - Secondary School)




Description

Grafham Water Centre has over 50 years’ experience in outdoor activities and education. We offer Primary and Secondary School visits ranging from day visits to five-day residentials (or longer if preferred!). Our staff deliver a range of land and water based outdoor activities, developing confidence and team building skills.

The site and centre offer:

- School trips and residentials
- Themed curriculum visits for KS1 and 2
- National Outdoor Learning Award (NOLA)
- Holiday and weekend activity clubs
- DofE Gold Award Residential Courses
- Facilities for RYA squad training
- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
- A mixture of 24 land and water based activities
- England’s third largest reservoir
- 280-acre nature reserve
- Catering for residential visits
- Indoor and outdoor accommodation
- Qualified experienced staff team


School trips and residentials
Every year we host over 15,000 children for their trip away from home. We have experienced and qualified instructors, 24 activities to choose from, indoor and camping options and an amazing site surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Courses
We offer a range of different courses here at Grafham Water Centre, both water based and land based.

Environmental and outdoor learning
Our outdoor learning packages provide a wider educational experience whilst still enjoying the great outdoors. We currently offer a Rocks, Soils and Fossils theme and a Habitat Adventure themed visit. The visits have been designed using the National Curriculum across Key Stages 1 and 2 to create an educational experience for your learners.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)
Our DofE Gold Award Residential Course has been designed to provide a sense of fulfilment and the opportunity to broaden your interests and experiences through participation in a range of adventurous activities.

National Outdoor Learning Award (NOLA)
NOLA is an award scheme which celebrates and captures participation in an outdoor learning environment. Participants work towards learning outcomes based around Safety, Respect, Learning, Yourself and Others and the Environment.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
RYLA is an intensive leadership experience organised by Rotary clubs; young people are sponsored to participate and are supported in the development of leadership skills while having fun and making connections.

Holiday and activity clubs
We run two clubs for children outside of school hours. Both cater to children aged 8 to 16 and allow them to try new activities, make new friends and have fun! Visit our website to find out more about what we offer and book your visit.

Contact

Grafham Water Centre
Perry
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE28 0BX
LOtC

Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.7
116 reviews


Excellent
 
78%

Very Good
 
18%

Average
 
4%

Poor
 
0%

Awful
 
0%

October 2024 - Primary School
Outdoor Education and Adventurous Activity



October 2024 - Primary School




September 2024




September 2024 - Primary School




August 2024 - Primary School
Grafham Water Centre is superb. The teaching and instruction is excellent and the staff there are clearly very happy employees.



July 2024 - Primary School




July 2024 - Secondary School
Excellent as always



July 2024
Clear links to curriculum



June 2024 - Secondary School
DofE campsite - The pub in the village is an excellent feature for students to find as a finish point before walking to the centre for camping



June 2024




June 2024 - Secondary School




June 2024 - Primary School




June 2024 - Primary School




May 2024 - Primary School




May 2024 - Primary School




May 2024 - Primary School
Thoroughly recommended for outdoor education



May 2024 - Primary School




May 2024 - Primary School




May 2024 - Primary School




April 2024 - Secondary School
Friendly staff who were very helpful to accommodate our students. They made their sessions specific to the requirements of the OCR course so all students could demonstrate the necessary skills and qualities.



March 2024 - Secondary School




March 2024 - Secondary School




March 2024 - Secondary School




March 2024 - Primary School & Secondary School




March 2024 - Primary School




February 2024 - Primary School




February 2024 - Secondary School




February 2024 - Secondary School




October 2023




October 2023 - Primary School
Teamwork and learning how to support each other



September 2023 - Primary School
Very good for team building activities.



September 2023 - Primary School
We were very well looked after and particularly appreciated having our own leader as a point of contact throughout our stay. Children really enjoyed the chance to tale part in water-based activities. Food was suitable to high energy days, accommadation basic but clean.



July 2023 - Primary School




July 2023 - Secondary School




June 2023 - Primary School
Really well-organised and friendly staff.



June 2023 - Primary School
Year 6 Residentials to build problem solving, resilience skills



June 2023 - Primary School & Secondary School




June 2023 - Primary School




May 2023 - Primary School




May 2023 - Secondary School




May 2023 - Primary School




May 2023 - Primary School




May 2023 - Primary School




May 2023 - Primary School




April 2023 - Secondary School




March 2023 - Primary School




March 2023 - Primary School




March 2023 - Secondary School




March 2023 - Primary School




January 2023 - Primary School
Team building



November 2022 - Primary School
Outdoor Learning



November 2022




October 2022 - Secondary School




October 2022




September 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School
Excellent variety of activities. The children particularly enjoyed the water activities!



June 2022 - Primary School




June 2022 - Primary School




June 2022 - Primary School




May 2022 - Secondary School
Team building



May 2022 - Primary School




March 2022 - Primary School
We had a good time, although i would say the activities could have been organised, so that children were actively taking part for a longer time.



March 2022 - Primary School
The staff were waiting for us off the bus and enthusiastic and excited to get the children involved in the activities. They were flexible with timings and activities to ensure the children maximised their time on activities.



February 2022 - Primary School
The activities were great on the whole. The accommodation block was basic and too hot at night. The staff were knowledgeable but lacked enthusiasm at times.



October 2021 - Secondary School
Well organised Excellent range of activities.



October 2021 - Primary School
This is a fantastic centre to visit if you wish your class to participate in water sports. Safety is a t the forefront of all the activities and the staff have many years' experience and are very knowledgeable. From start to finish there is nothing everything is organised.



October 2021 - Primary School




August 2021 - Secondary School
Excellent organisation. The centre were able to adapt timings without fuss so that students did not miss out on any activity after we arrived slightly late. Staff friendly and engaging. Excellent equipment and high level of instruction. Staff and students had a great time!



July 2021 - Primary School
There were a few issues related to food - catering staff on the first night were agency staff and not enough fish finger meals were provided, meaning some children and all staff had to eat the left over vegetarian option. Feedback given to GWC directly.



June 2021 - Primary School




May 2021 - Secondary School




April 2021 - Primary School
A variety of activities to enable children to of all abilities to try something new and achieve.



October 2020 - Primary School
An excellent trip as always - thank you!



September 2020 - Secondary School




September 2020 - Secondary School




February 2020 - Secondary School
Staff are very keen to help and support the program and offer a valued educational experience.



February 2020 - Primary School
Children and staff all enjoyed their time at Grafham. Most children enjoyed the meals provided. Accommodation was clean.



January 2020 - Secondary School
Very Good



January 2020 - Secondary School
Very good



January 2020 - Secondary School




November 2019 - Primary School




October 2019 - Primary School




October 2019 - Secondary School




October 2019 - Secondary School




October 2019 - Secondary School




September 2019 - Secondary School
we have built up an outstanding relationship with instructors over several years



July 2019 - Primary School
Very well run and really organised



July 2019




June 2019 - Primary School




June 2019 - Primary School
Instructors were brilliant with the children and very clear. Rooms were clean and functional. Food was ok, but portions for adults were a bit small and those with dietary needs (gluten free/dairy free) could have been catered for a bit more carefully - providing gluten free biscuits rather than just offering raisins when other children were getting biscuits would have been a nice touch and making a batch of scrambled eggs/mashed potato without milk or butter would have been appreciated.



June 2019 - Secondary School
great session great staff



June 2019 - Secondary School




June 2019 - Primary School
Excellent staff, meals and activities. The centre is getting a little dated now and would benefit from a little refurbishment. However this did not detract from the enjoyment of the trip.



June 2019 - Secondary School
Excellent staff who taught the kids exceptionally well. This allowed the students to flourish in an environment other than a classroom.



May 2019 - Secondary School




April 2019 - Secondary School
Great facility. Nice clean showers with loads of plugs to charge phones and vending machines to buy a drink if needed.



April 2019 - Secondary School
Great facility. Nice clean showers with loads of plugs to charge phones and vending machines to buy a drink if needed.



April 2019 - Primary School




April 2019 - Primary School




February 2019 - Secondary School
We had a brilliant time, the staff were incredible and the trip wouldn't have been the same without Roger as he was so good with all the YP



November 2018 - Primary School




November 2018 - Secondary School




October 2018 - Secondary School
The instructors have adapted each session well to the needs of the students and the weather conditions



October 2018 - Secondary School
For this event the staff were fantastic and all students enjoyed themselves.



October 2018 - Secondary School




October 2018 - Secondary School




October 2018 - Secondary School




October 2018 - Secondary School




September 2018 - Primary School
Staff are all super friendly and well organised, nothing is too much. food is amazing. Contingency activities due to weather conditions were also well planned and the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves.



June 2018 - Primary School
Professional staff who listen to your opinions and make changes when needed to ensure everyone is happy, staff and children alike.



April 2018 - Secondary School
Staff we great with low ability students.



March 2018 - Primary School




March 2018 - Secondary School




February 2018 - Secondary School




February 2018 - Secondary School
The instructors have taken the time to build a relationship with our students and recognise their unique needs