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Kingswood West Runton


Adventures to remember, a taste of independance, making memories.

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.

Kingswood West Runton residential activity centre has sweeping cliff top views, beautiful sandy beaches and pine-fringed grounds surround the centre, located in a region boasting wildlife sanctuaries, famous fossils and the biggest skies in the country.

Perfectly positioned within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on a stretch of coastline designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Situated in 30 acres of grounds and packed with recreational facilities.

Facilities
•Indoors: Large indoor swimming pool, perfect for building confidence on the water and enjoying evening pool parties, plus an all-weather activity centre
•Outdoors: Adrenaline-packed climbing and high rope activities, motorsports tracks, archery ranges, caving and new bushcraft zones
•Other facilities: Diner, shop, cinema, social hub

Accommodation
West Runton has standard dormitory style accommodation. Rooms range from 6-16 bed dormitories. Accommodation is spread across 5 separate buildings to suit all needs, from log cabins to purpose built dormitory blocks. All accommodation buildings have gender-separated bathroom and shower facilities and party leader rooms close by. Sheets, duvets and pillows are provided for all guests.

Party leader facilities
The majority of party leader bedrooms are en-suite and all are either twin or single bedded rooms, complete with furnishings, tea and coffee making facilities.

There is a central teachers’ lounge no more than a couple of minutes from all accommodation blocks with tea and coffee, computer access and TV.



Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.2
166 reviews


Excellent
 
45%

Very Good
 
39%

Average
 
13%

Poor
 
2%

Awful
 
2%

(November 2024 - Primary School)




(November 2024 - Primary School)




It is an activity centre ... (October 2024 - Primary School)




(October 2024 - Primary School)




(October 2024 - Primary School)




(September 2024 - Primary School)




(July 2024 - Primary School)




Yr 6 end of year trio (July 2024 - Primary School)




(July 2024)




If booking, environmental studies activities tell the group leaders how much science you want included so you get what you want (July 2024 - Primary School)




(July 2024)




(July 2024 - Secondary School)




(June 2024 - Primary School)




(June 2024 - Primary School)




(June 2024 - Primary School & Secondary School)




(June 2024 - Primary School)




(May 2024 - Primary School)




no locks on bedroom windows which was needed for a SEMH school (May 2024)




(May 2024 - Primary School)




(May 2024 - Secondary School)




(March 2024 - Primary School)




(March 2024 - Primary School)




As always instructors brilliant! We love our visits to West Runton in February! (February 2024)




(January 2024 - Primary School)




(January 2024 - Primary School)




(November 2023 - Primary School)




(October 2023 - Primary School)




(October 2023 - Primary School)




(October 2023 - Primary School)




(October 2023 - Primary School & Secondary School)




(October 2023 - Secondary School)




(September 2023 - Primary School)




(September 2023 - Primary School)




We had a great week at Kingswood West Runton, taking part in outdoor and adventurous activities as well as developing team work and resilience. (September 2023 - Primary School)




(September 2023 - Primary School)




not as well organised as in previous years. We had booked til 5 and they only had staff til half 3 so had to sort our own last activity. Not what we had paid for. (July 2023 - Secondary School)




Superb venue, good instructors and varied activities. (July 2023 - Primary School)




More for team building and PSHE (July 2023 - Primary School)




Personal Development (July 2023 - Primary School)




(July 2023 - Primary School)




Great fun activities and opportunity for the children to challenge themselves. Good opportunity to develop resilience. Excellent group activity leaders. (June 2023 - Primary School)




We had a super week at Kingswood West Runton - the range of activities was excellent and all the staff were friendly, helpful and supportive. (June 2023 - Primary School)




(June 2023 - Primary School)




(May 2023 - Primary School)




(May 2023 - Primary School)




(April 2023 - Primary School)




Trip didnt take place, Kingwood canceled 1 week before arrival (March 2023 - Primary School)




(March 2023 - Primary School)




Outdoor activities ~ challenge, problem solving, agility, independence & teamwork! (February 2023 - Primary School)




(February 2023 - Primary School)




(November 2022 - Secondary School)




(November 2022 - Primary School)




(October 2022 - Primary School)




(September 2022 - Primary School)




(September 2022 - Primary School)




(September 2022 - Primary School)




(September 2022 - Primary School)




(July 2022 - Primary School)




(July 2022 - Primary School)




(July 2022 - Primary School)




The staff at the venue were outstanding and conscientious, however the facilities themselves were of very poor standard - rooms were shabby and there were plumbing issues with the pipes which kept children and adults awake. The equipment for some of the activities didn't work and was in need of repair and replenishment. (June 2022 - Primary School)




(June 2022 - Primary School)




(June 2022 - Primary School & Secondary School)




We had a very successful visit despite the site experiencing staff shortages on the run up to our stay. Staff were all attentive and ready to help at a moments notice. (June 2022 - Primary School)




(May 2022 - Primary School)




(May 2022 - Primary School)




Team building & Adventure (May 2022 - Primary School)




We have been attending Kingswood for over 12 years. We have always been impressed with everything. Highly recommend. (May 2022 - Primary School)




(May 2022)




(May 2022 - Primary School)




Great opportunity for us to take 2 year groups away, particularly after the lockdown. Staffing at the Kingswood centre remains variable but the children had a great time. (April 2022)




Trip enjoyed by year group. (March 2022 - Primary School)




Good range of activities, enjoyed by the children (March 2022 - Primary School)




Good range of activities, enjoyed by the children (March 2022 - Primary School)




(November 2021 - Primary School)




Good (September 2021 - Primary School)




(August 2021 - Primary School)




Enjoyable 3 days, felt very 'covid' safe and well organised. One issue around meal times was quickly sorted for us. (August 2021 - Primary School)




(July 2021)




The staff at the visit made the trip safe and enjoyable. The children learnt to work as a team throughout the week. (July 2021 - Primary School)




(July 2021 - Primary School)




Great instructors, location near beach, a wide range of activities all within metres of the rooms, good food and a programme designed to wear the children out with 12 hours each day of fun! (June 2021 - Primary School)




(July 2020 - Primary School)




Another successful residential at Kingswood. This was our 14th year at West Runton. Efficient pre-visit organisation. Catering team met our diverse dietary requirements. (April 2020 - Primary School)




Despite the outbreak and upheaval caused by COVID-19, Kingswood, Church Langley School and our party kept in constant contact regarding what's best for the children. It was great week and the children were incredible. (March 2020 - Primary School)




(March 2020 - Primary School)




(March 2020 - Primary School)




g tkm krg io i ioq4 ji43 (February 2020 - Primary School)




(February 2020 - Primary School)




(January 2020 - Primary School)




(December 2019 - Primary School)




(November 2019 - Primary School)




Excellent activities. Staff responsive to requests and make adjustments swiftly. (November 2019 - Primary School)




(November 2019 - Primary School)




Instructors were superb, very supportive, encouraging and patient. Some of the facilities require updating and/or improving, e.g. leaking roof in archery hall, flooring in fencing hall, children's bathroom facilities, anti-slip slopes in laser tag activity. Some of the course leader and evening activities served to "hype up" the children rather than encourage focus and calm them down after a busy day, e.g. campfire had a lot of unnecessary, repetitive oscillating periods of hype and calm when a story time session and a few quiet songs would have been fine. (November 2019 - Primary School)




(November 2019 - Primary School)




The majority of the children appeared to have a good time. As adults who have attended this site for many years, it is clear to see that the venue has deteriorated in terms of its general appearance, its cleanliness and, most importantly, its activities that are provided - there are less than there have ever been with two sessions (totaling 2 hours and 20 minutes a day) called 'leader/director activities/reflection' which are not fit for purpose. They resulted in our children spending a lot of time in their dorms. The sessions that do continue have been made longer (1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes). However, often, the sessions would not last that long, again resulting in more time spent in dorms. Regarding food, the new layout of the diner has resulted in congestion where the bin is. As there has been on previous visits, there was a need for a long queue outside whilst waiting to go into the diner (often over 20 minutes after our allocated time slot). We had one pupil who had very specific allergies. On one occasion the two chefs working that day (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) had conflicting messages as to what our pupil would be allowed to eat when planning her menu for dinner! Added to this, on the last day our lunch was chaotic with frantic handing out of sandwiches/crisps (which were unusual flavours for children - ham and mustard)/biscuits and fruit. We were uncomfortable handing our such foods without checking ingredients. In the end we didn't hand out the biscuits as the ingredients were typed so small it was hard to make an informed decision as to who would be allowed to eat them. As noticed in the past, the lighting at the site is poor. As soon as daylight ends, walking round the site becomes a hazard due to the inadequate lighting. Lastly, as noted on previous visits, the level of engagement from the instructors is certainly not what it once was. The level of enthusiasm is poor and for engaging children who are waiting for their turn, there was no spontaneous games/songs as there had been in the past. (November 2019 - Primary School)




The centre is very safe and secure and they overwhelmingly met our requirements. (October 2019 - Primary School)




(October 2019 - Primary School)




Great fun, friendly, supportive atmosphere and very engaging for the children. (October 2019)




Staff made the experience fun and exciting. They were always encouraging the children to try new experiences, building upon their self-confidence and ability to work within a team. (October 2019 - Primary School)




Whilst the majority of activities and the leaders were professional and safe, I have concerns about some staff members. I will not use this centre again. (October 2019 - Primary School)




(September 2019 - Primary School)




This was a reasonably well run venue. It's a little run down in places and very noisy. The staff were ok but I didn't feel that their supervision skills were as good as they should be, and one child on our trip suffered a minor injury as the Kingswood staff supervising them in that part of the hall was not giving them his full attention. Food was reasonable. Toilets were a disgrace. Activities were reasonably imaginative. Thorpe Woodlands is better run although not as many facilities. (September 2019 - Secondary School)




(September 2019 - Primary School)




(July 2019 - Primary School)




This was an amazing trip which really challenged our children and improved their independence. It helped them to develop leadership skills, perseverance and become excellent team players. (July 2019 - Primary School)




Basic accommodation, good activities and secure area. Would have been nice to have a staff room within the accommodation block so pupils had a place to come and staff to sit in at night whilst pupils went to sleep (July 2019 - Secondary School)




Instructor a bit dry (July 2019 - Primary School)




Change of timetable has made the experience slightly less than last year. (June 2019 - Primary School)




(June 2019 - Primary School)




They have changed some things about how they organise the schedule by introducing Group Games before lunch and dinner. These group games are often planned at the last moment and tend to be things the children can do or have done in school. It is is a shame as the activities that used to be there instead were more beneficial and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our children. Other than that the staff were supportive and the children had a fantastic time. (June 2019 - Primary School)




Children can achieve so much both as a team member and individually. (June 2019 - Primary School)




(June 2019 - Primary School)




(May 2019 - Primary School)




(May 2019 - Primary School)




Fab location, next to the beach where we had a brilliant half day (good weather helped). All the activities were enjoyable and well run. However, there were major problems with the catering department leading to exceptionally long waits for food (45 minutes on one occasion), a lack of food or choice, food being served cold and dietary needs not being met. Until we could be assured that these issues have been addressed, we wouldn't return. (May 2019 - Primary School)




All of the staff were very efficient and willing to help whenever possible. The facilities were good enough for their purpose. (May 2019 - Primary School)




Excellent trip. Venue is well equipped and staff well trained, friendly and polite. All activities were well organised and staff / pupils felt 100% safe. (May 2019 - Primary School)




Our home away from home. (May 2019 - Primary School)




(May 2019 - Primary School)




(April 2019 - Primary School)




(April 2019 - Primary School)




Great staff. Good facilities. (April 2019 - Primary School)




fAB RESIDENTIAL - STAFF EXCELLENT AND FACILITIES WERE GREAT. (April 2019 - Primary School)




Many good activities, but we did have concerns about the quality of the leaders and the overall maintenance of the site. (March 2019 - Primary School)




(March 2019 - Primary School)




The staff at West Runton are always so welcoming and good with our children! Our Group Leader for the weekend was excellent and despite some very high winds on Saturday and very cold wet rain on Sunday we had a fabulous weekend! (February 2019 - Primary School)




Amazing in all areas as always (February 2019 - Primary School)




(November 2018 - Primary School)




(November 2018 - Primary School & Secondary School)




(November 2018 - Primary School)




The site seems to be in a transition - high staff turnover meant that not all activities were as well run as in previous years. (November 2018 - Primary School)




Poorly organised, rock pooling when high tide is impossible, unsafe staff when walking along cliffs, orienteering in the dark with no torches, activities cancelled due to double booking but being told it is broken and then another group use it. (November 2018 - Primary School)




The week met all of it's objectives, but the accommodation standards could have been higher. (November 2018 - Primary School)




(October 2018 - Primary School)




Another good trip. Issues to watch for next year: night walk, make pupils more aware of uneven ground, especially if it is wet. One of the 1st aid kits wasn't stocked properly, this was passed on to the centre manager. (October 2018 - Primary School)




Disorganised and chaotic (September 2018 - Primary School)




Site has had minimal improvements over last couple of years. Swimming pool has broken down and we were told it may be decommissioned to keep funding available for wider improvements at the centre. New management team recently installed who we rate from previous Kingswood visits - so hopeful for improvements for next year. (September 2018 - Primary School)




The majority of the instructors were excellent with the children. Our group leader was superb and very professional. The activities engaged the children and they found them fun. Would have been better to have started on 'lower' activities and progressed to the 'higher' ones towards the end of the trip. Accommodation could be better - showers not working/draining. (August 2018 - Primary School)




(July 2018 - Primary School)




(July 2018 - Primary School)




(June 2018 - Primary School)




(June 2018 - Primary School)




(June 2018 - Primary School)




We loved the wide range of activities and highly skilled instructors. However, the evening activities were disappointing with up to 5 or 6 schools all crammed into the same small space (bonfire particularly). It was poorly organised and executed having a negative effect on the children's enjoyment. (June 2018 - Primary School)




Great sized site and perfect activity for the age group. Friendly, helpful staff and a good range of food for a residential. (June 2018 - Primary School)




The activities and group leaders are first rate. The leaders work with all abilities to build self worth and help children to succeed in the activities. The site itself is in need of an update, especially the main thoroughfare as it is uneven and can be a hazard to those with sight impairment. I believe this will happen soon. Any maintenance queries are quickly addressed too. Management are helpful and respond to request and queries in order to maximise the success of the visit. (June 2018 - Primary School)




Very well organised and run by all staff. Accommodation was good and we had everything we need. (May 2018 - Primary School)




Fantastic facilities, enthusiastic instructors and very good communication between management and our school. (May 2018 - Primary School)




(May 2018 - Primary School)




Excellent accommodation, range of educational activities and customer services. (April 2018 - Primary School)




Very secure site. Staff very approachable and acted on ant concerns. (April 2018 - Primary School)




An excellent centre, fully equipped for every thing we needed. The centre are very experienced and always put together good programmes for us. The staff are trained well and the equipment is always kept safe and up to date. (April 2018 - Primary School)




We had a number of children with specific needs. While during the initial stage staff promised to meet our needs, when it came to it they didn't. It was not until a few days before we left that our needs were met. This was very stressful. The activities and teaching staff at the centre were very professional. (April 2018 - Primary School)




(March 2018 - Primary School)




(March 2018 - Primary School)




Amazing as ever. Kingswood adapt to all our specific requirements; the benefits of being a loyal customer! (March 2018 - Primary School)




(March 2018 - Primary School)




So much improved from my first visit 8 - 9 years ago. Accommodation is clean and the rooms were warm. Instructors were encouraging, calm and patient. Food was amazing and plentiful. Booking and other admin was easy and dealt with efficiently. (March 2018 - Primary School)




I have always taken a group to Kingswood West Runton during February ~ 12 years! It is a cold month but we seem to be lucky on the rain front most of the time. It is very cold and it has snowed but we get the pick of activities, total attention from centre staff and always first in for meals ~ no other schools on our weekend again this year! (March 2018 - Primary School)




(February 2018 - Primary School)




(February 2018 - Primary School)




Excellent place for Yr 4 pupils. Will be returning in June 2018. (January 2018 - Primary School)




(January 2018 - Primary School)




(November 2017 - Primary School)




Contact

Kingswood West Runton
Cromer Road
West Runton
Norfolk
NR27 9NF
LOtC

Pricing

Please contact us for a bespoke quote.

Opening Times

Our centres are open From January to November, 7 days per week.

Adventures to remember, a taste of independance, making memories.

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.

Kingswood West Runton residential activity centre has sweeping cliff top views, beautiful sandy beaches and pine-fringed grounds surround the centre, located in a region boasting wildlife sanctuaries, famous fossils and the biggest skies in the country.

Perfectly positioned within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on a stretch of coastline designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Situated in 30 acres of grounds and packed with recreational facilities.

Facilities
•Indoors: Large indoor swimming pool, perfect for building confidence on the water and enjoying evening pool parties, plus an all-weather activity centre
•Outdoors: Adrenaline-packed climbing and high rope activities, motorsports tracks, archery ranges, caving and new bushcraft zones
•Other facilities: Diner, shop, cinema, social hub

Accommodation
West Runton has standard dormitory style accommodation. Rooms range from 6-16 bed dormitories. Accommodation is spread across 5 separate buildings to suit all needs, from log cabins to purpose built dormitory blocks. All accommodation buildings have gender-separated bathroom and shower facilities and party leader rooms close by. Sheets, duvets and pillows are provided for all guests.

Party leader facilities
The majority of party leader bedrooms are en-suite and all are either twin or single bedded rooms, complete with furnishings, tea and coffee making facilities.

There is a central teachers’ lounge no more than a couple of minutes from all accommodation blocks with tea and coffee, computer access and TV.


Pricing

Please contact us for a bespoke quote.

Opening Times

Our centres are open From January to November, 7 days per week.

Contact

Kingswood West Runton
Cromer Road
West Runton
Norfolk
NR27 9NF
LOtC

Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.2
166 reviews


Excellent
 
45%

Very Good
 
39%

Average
 
13%

Poor
 
2%

Awful
 
2%

November 2024 - Primary School




November 2024 - Primary School




October 2024 - Primary School
It is an activity centre ...



October 2024 - Primary School




October 2024 - Primary School




September 2024 - Primary School




July 2024 - Primary School




July 2024 - Primary School
Yr 6 end of year trio



July 2024




July 2024 - Primary School
If booking, environmental studies activities tell the group leaders how much science you want included so you get what you want



July 2024




July 2024 - Secondary School




June 2024 - Primary School




June 2024 - Primary School




June 2024 - Primary School & Secondary School




June 2024 - Primary School




May 2024 - Primary School




May 2024
no locks on bedroom windows which was needed for a SEMH school



May 2024 - Primary School




May 2024 - Secondary School




March 2024 - Primary School




March 2024 - Primary School




February 2024
As always instructors brilliant! We love our visits to West Runton in February!



January 2024 - Primary School




January 2024 - Primary School




November 2023 - Primary School




October 2023 - Primary School




October 2023 - Primary School




October 2023 - Primary School




October 2023 - Primary School & Secondary School




October 2023 - Secondary School




September 2023 - Primary School




September 2023 - Primary School




September 2023 - Primary School
We had a great week at Kingswood West Runton, taking part in outdoor and adventurous activities as well as developing team work and resilience.



September 2023 - Primary School




July 2023 - Secondary School
not as well organised as in previous years. We had booked til 5 and they only had staff til half 3 so had to sort our own last activity. Not what we had paid for.



July 2023 - Primary School
Superb venue, good instructors and varied activities.



July 2023 - Primary School
More for team building and PSHE



July 2023 - Primary School
Personal Development



July 2023 - Primary School




June 2023 - Primary School
Great fun activities and opportunity for the children to challenge themselves. Good opportunity to develop resilience. Excellent group activity leaders.



June 2023 - Primary School
We had a super week at Kingswood West Runton - the range of activities was excellent and all the staff were friendly, helpful and supportive.



June 2023 - Primary School




May 2023 - Primary School




May 2023 - Primary School




April 2023 - Primary School




March 2023 - Primary School
Trip didnt take place, Kingwood canceled 1 week before arrival



March 2023 - Primary School




February 2023 - Primary School
Outdoor activities ~ challenge, problem solving, agility, independence & teamwork!



February 2023 - Primary School




November 2022 - Secondary School




November 2022 - Primary School




October 2022 - Primary School




September 2022 - Primary School




September 2022 - Primary School




September 2022 - Primary School




September 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School




June 2022 - Primary School
The staff at the venue were outstanding and conscientious, however the facilities themselves were of very poor standard - rooms were shabby and there were plumbing issues with the pipes which kept children and adults awake. The equipment for some of the activities didn't work and was in need of repair and replenishment.



June 2022 - Primary School




June 2022 - Primary School & Secondary School




June 2022 - Primary School
We had a very successful visit despite the site experiencing staff shortages on the run up to our stay. Staff were all attentive and ready to help at a moments notice.



May 2022 - Primary School




May 2022 - Primary School




May 2022 - Primary School
Team building & Adventure



May 2022 - Primary School
We have been attending Kingswood for over 12 years. We have always been impressed with everything. Highly recommend.



May 2022




May 2022 - Primary School




April 2022
Great opportunity for us to take 2 year groups away, particularly after the lockdown. Staffing at the Kingswood centre remains variable but the children had a great time.



March 2022 - Primary School
Trip enjoyed by year group.



March 2022 - Primary School
Good range of activities, enjoyed by the children



March 2022 - Primary School
Good range of activities, enjoyed by the children



November 2021 - Primary School




September 2021 - Primary School
Good



August 2021 - Primary School




August 2021 - Primary School
Enjoyable 3 days, felt very 'covid' safe and well organised. One issue around meal times was quickly sorted for us.



July 2021




July 2021 - Primary School
The staff at the visit made the trip safe and enjoyable. The children learnt to work as a team throughout the week.



July 2021 - Primary School




June 2021 - Primary School
Great instructors, location near beach, a wide range of activities all within metres of the rooms, good food and a programme designed to wear the children out with 12 hours each day of fun!



July 2020 - Primary School




April 2020 - Primary School
Another successful residential at Kingswood. This was our 14th year at West Runton. Efficient pre-visit organisation. Catering team met our diverse dietary requirements.



March 2020 - Primary School
Despite the outbreak and upheaval caused by COVID-19, Kingswood, Church Langley School and our party kept in constant contact regarding what's best for the children. It was great week and the children were incredible.



March 2020 - Primary School




March 2020 - Primary School




February 2020 - Primary School
g tkm krg io i ioq4 ji43



February 2020 - Primary School




January 2020 - Primary School




December 2019 - Primary School




November 2019 - Primary School




November 2019 - Primary School
Excellent activities. Staff responsive to requests and make adjustments swiftly.



November 2019 - Primary School




November 2019 - Primary School
Instructors were superb, very supportive, encouraging and patient. Some of the facilities require updating and/or improving, e.g. leaking roof in archery hall, flooring in fencing hall, children's bathroom facilities, anti-slip slopes in laser tag activity. Some of the course leader and evening activities served to "hype up" the children rather than encourage focus and calm them down after a busy day, e.g. campfire had a lot of unnecessary, repetitive oscillating periods of hype and calm when a story time session and a few quiet songs would have been fine.



November 2019 - Primary School




November 2019 - Primary School
The majority of the children appeared to have a good time. As adults who have attended this site for many years, it is clear to see that the venue has deteriorated in terms of its general appearance, its cleanliness and, most importantly, its activities that are provided - there are less than there have ever been with two sessions (totaling 2 hours and 20 minutes a day) called 'leader/director activities/reflection' which are not fit for purpose. They resulted in our children spending a lot of time in their dorms. The sessions that do continue have been made longer (1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes). However, often, the sessions would not last that long, again resulting in more time spent in dorms. Regarding food, the new layout of the diner has resulted in congestion where the bin is. As there has been on previous visits, there was a need for a long queue outside whilst waiting to go into the diner (often over 20 minutes after our allocated time slot). We had one pupil who had very specific allergies. On one occasion the two chefs working that day (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) had conflicting messages as to what our pupil would be allowed to eat when planning her menu for dinner! Added to this, on the last day our lunch was chaotic with frantic handing out of sandwiches/crisps (which were unusual flavours for children - ham and mustard)/biscuits and fruit. We were uncomfortable handing our such foods without checking ingredients. In the end we didn't hand out the biscuits as the ingredients were typed so small it was hard to make an informed decision as to who would be allowed to eat them. As noticed in the past, the lighting at the site is poor. As soon as daylight ends, walking round the site becomes a hazard due to the inadequate lighting. Lastly, as noted on previous visits, the level of engagement from the instructors is certainly not what it once was. The level of enthusiasm is poor and for engaging children who are waiting for their turn, there was no spontaneous games/songs as there had been in the past.



October 2019 - Primary School
The centre is very safe and secure and they overwhelmingly met our requirements.



October 2019 - Primary School




October 2019
Great fun, friendly, supportive atmosphere and very engaging for the children.



October 2019 - Primary School
Staff made the experience fun and exciting. They were always encouraging the children to try new experiences, building upon their self-confidence and ability to work within a team.



October 2019 - Primary School
Whilst the majority of activities and the leaders were professional and safe, I have concerns about some staff members. I will not use this centre again.



September 2019 - Primary School




September 2019 - Secondary School
This was a reasonably well run venue. It's a little run down in places and very noisy. The staff were ok but I didn't feel that their supervision skills were as good as they should be, and one child on our trip suffered a minor injury as the Kingswood staff supervising them in that part of the hall was not giving them his full attention. Food was reasonable. Toilets were a disgrace. Activities were reasonably imaginative. Thorpe Woodlands is better run although not as many facilities.



September 2019 - Primary School




July 2019 - Primary School




July 2019 - Primary School
This was an amazing trip which really challenged our children and improved their independence. It helped them to develop leadership skills, perseverance and become excellent team players.



July 2019 - Secondary School
Basic accommodation, good activities and secure area. Would have been nice to have a staff room within the accommodation block so pupils had a place to come and staff to sit in at night whilst pupils went to sleep



July 2019 - Primary School
Instructor a bit dry



June 2019 - Primary School
Change of timetable has made the experience slightly less than last year.



June 2019 - Primary School




June 2019 - Primary School
They have changed some things about how they organise the schedule by introducing Group Games before lunch and dinner. These group games are often planned at the last moment and tend to be things the children can do or have done in school. It is is a shame as the activities that used to be there instead were more beneficial and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our children. Other than that the staff were supportive and the children had a fantastic time.



June 2019 - Primary School
Children can achieve so much both as a team member and individually.



June 2019 - Primary School




May 2019 - Primary School




May 2019 - Primary School




May 2019 - Primary School
Fab location, next to the beach where we had a brilliant half day (good weather helped). All the activities were enjoyable and well run. However, there were major problems with the catering department leading to exceptionally long waits for food (45 minutes on one occasion), a lack of food or choice, food being served cold and dietary needs not being met. Until we could be assured that these issues have been addressed, we wouldn't return.



May 2019 - Primary School
All of the staff were very efficient and willing to help whenever possible. The facilities were good enough for their purpose.



May 2019 - Primary School
Excellent trip. Venue is well equipped and staff well trained, friendly and polite. All activities were well organised and staff / pupils felt 100% safe.



May 2019 - Primary School
Our home away from home.



May 2019 - Primary School




April 2019 - Primary School




April 2019 - Primary School




April 2019 - Primary School
Great staff. Good facilities.



April 2019 - Primary School
fAB RESIDENTIAL - STAFF EXCELLENT AND FACILITIES WERE GREAT.



March 2019 - Primary School
Many good activities, but we did have concerns about the quality of the leaders and the overall maintenance of the site.



March 2019 - Primary School




February 2019 - Primary School
The staff at West Runton are always so welcoming and good with our children! Our Group Leader for the weekend was excellent and despite some very high winds on Saturday and very cold wet rain on Sunday we had a fabulous weekend!



February 2019 - Primary School
Amazing in all areas as always



November 2018 - Primary School




November 2018 - Primary School & Secondary School




November 2018 - Primary School




November 2018 - Primary School
The site seems to be in a transition - high staff turnover meant that not all activities were as well run as in previous years.



November 2018 - Primary School
Poorly organised, rock pooling when high tide is impossible, unsafe staff when walking along cliffs, orienteering in the dark with no torches, activities cancelled due to double booking but being told it is broken and then another group use it.



November 2018 - Primary School
The week met all of it's objectives, but the accommodation standards could have been higher.



October 2018 - Primary School




October 2018 - Primary School
Another good trip. Issues to watch for next year: night walk, make pupils more aware of uneven ground, especially if it is wet. One of the 1st aid kits wasn't stocked properly, this was passed on to the centre manager.



September 2018 - Primary School
Disorganised and chaotic



September 2018 - Primary School
Site has had minimal improvements over last couple of years. Swimming pool has broken down and we were told it may be decommissioned to keep funding available for wider improvements at the centre. New management team recently installed who we rate from previous Kingswood visits - so hopeful for improvements for next year.



August 2018 - Primary School
The majority of the instructors were excellent with the children. Our group leader was superb and very professional. The activities engaged the children and they found them fun. Would have been better to have started on 'lower' activities and progressed to the 'higher' ones towards the end of the trip. Accommodation could be better - showers not working/draining.



July 2018 - Primary School




July 2018 - Primary School




June 2018 - Primary School




June 2018 - Primary School




June 2018 - Primary School




June 2018 - Primary School
We loved the wide range of activities and highly skilled instructors. However, the evening activities were disappointing with up to 5 or 6 schools all crammed into the same small space (bonfire particularly). It was poorly organised and executed having a negative effect on the children's enjoyment.



June 2018 - Primary School
Great sized site and perfect activity for the age group. Friendly, helpful staff and a good range of food for a residential.



June 2018 - Primary School
The activities and group leaders are first rate. The leaders work with all abilities to build self worth and help children to succeed in the activities. The site itself is in need of an update, especially the main thoroughfare as it is uneven and can be a hazard to those with sight impairment. I believe this will happen soon. Any maintenance queries are quickly addressed too. Management are helpful and respond to request and queries in order to maximise the success of the visit.



May 2018 - Primary School
Very well organised and run by all staff. Accommodation was good and we had everything we need.



May 2018 - Primary School
Fantastic facilities, enthusiastic instructors and very good communication between management and our school.



May 2018 - Primary School




April 2018 - Primary School
Excellent accommodation, range of educational activities and customer services.



April 2018 - Primary School
Very secure site. Staff very approachable and acted on ant concerns.



April 2018 - Primary School
An excellent centre, fully equipped for every thing we needed. The centre are very experienced and always put together good programmes for us. The staff are trained well and the equipment is always kept safe and up to date.



April 2018 - Primary School
We had a number of children with specific needs. While during the initial stage staff promised to meet our needs, when it came to it they didn't. It was not until a few days before we left that our needs were met. This was very stressful. The activities and teaching staff at the centre were very professional.



March 2018 - Primary School




March 2018 - Primary School




March 2018 - Primary School
Amazing as ever. Kingswood adapt to all our specific requirements; the benefits of being a loyal customer!



March 2018 - Primary School




March 2018 - Primary School
So much improved from my first visit 8 - 9 years ago. Accommodation is clean and the rooms were warm. Instructors were encouraging, calm and patient. Food was amazing and plentiful. Booking and other admin was easy and dealt with efficiently.



March 2018 - Primary School
I have always taken a group to Kingswood West Runton during February ~ 12 years! It is a cold month but we seem to be lucky on the rain front most of the time. It is very cold and it has snowed but we get the pick of activities, total attention from centre staff and always first in for meals ~ no other schools on our weekend again this year!



February 2018 - Primary School




February 2018 - Primary School




January 2018 - Primary School
Excellent place for Yr 4 pupils. Will be returning in June 2018.



January 2018 - Primary School




November 2017 - Primary School