Ready for an action-packed adventure in the great outdoors?
If you’re looking for fun and adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Our team have been busy planning an exciting and inspiring range of experiences to get young people and their families active and in touch with nature over the school holidays. Get ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience like no other!
From our Adventure Club and skills courses to Family Activity Days, there’s something for everyone! Join us at either Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre in Pateley Bridge or East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre near Whitby.
How to book
Simply call 01609 797777 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or you can email outdooreducation@northyorks.gov.uk letting us know the activity, date and location and we’ll get back to you.
Take a look at what we’ve got planned below then get in touch with our friendly team.
What’s on
Family Activity Days
Want to spend quality time together taking on a challenge in the great outdoors? This summer we have three exciting options to choose from. Join us on a canoe journey, climbing day or caving experience and make memories that will last a lifetime at either Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre in Pateley Bridge or East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre near Whitby.
When
Bewerley Park
Wednesday 23 July – canoe journey
Thursday 24 July – climbing day
Tuesday 29 July – caving experience
East Barnby
Wednesday 23 July – canoe journey
Where
Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5JB
East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre, East Barnby, Whitby, YO21 3SA
Who
Suitable for adults with children aged 8 and upwards.
Timings
Start time 9:30am, finish 4pm
How Much
£40 per adult per day, £32 for young people aged 16 and under.
You can get 10% off your Family Activity Day booking using the code ‘Hello10’. Simply quote this code when you get in touch to book.
Canoe jOURNEY Itinerary
We’ll welcome you on arrival and introduce you to your instructor for the day, who will talk through what to expect and get your group kitted out. We’ll then take you to the river for a safety briefing and introduce you to your canoe and paddles. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch! We’ll stop for this whilst out on the river.
You don’t need to have any previous experience, though water sports enthusiasts are also welcome. If you’re less confident we’ll help you get used to the equipment with a gentle introduction in the launching area where the calm conditions are perfect for beginners. Your instructor will support you to build your skills and confidence throughout the day, ready to take on the more challenging sections.
You’ll learn to read the water and control your canoe as a team, enjoying breathtaking scenery and meandering rivers that are home to wildlife including kingfishers, herons, otters, seals and more.
If you’re joining us at Bewerley Park, canoeing in the stunning Yorkshire Dales offers a diverse landscape and rolling green hills. Anyone coming along to East Barnby will encounter imposing viaducts and majestic steam trains along the way. Whichever centre you choose, it will be a day you’ll never forget.
CLIMBING DAY ITINERARY
Your instructor will help your group get kitted out with helmets, harnesses and climbing shoes and let you know what to expect. Once everyone’s ready, we’ll head out to one of our stunning climbing venues such as Brimham Rocks in the Yorkshire Dales to begin your climbing adventure.
No experience? No problem! Whether you’re completely new to climbing or already love being on the rock, our instructors will tailor the day. We’ll start with an introduction to climbing techniques and safety, helping everyone feel confident and supported.
You’ll learn how to move on rock, how to use the rope systems safely, and how to support each other as a team. Our focus is on fun, encouragement and adventure, all in a breathtaking outdoor setting.
The Yorkshire Dales offers the perfect backdrop for climbing, with dramatic crags, sweeping views, and plenty of opportunities for challenge and exploration. Your instructor will choose routes that are appropriate for your group, with options to push yourself if you’re feeling adventurous.
We’ll break so you can enjoy your packed lunch at the crag, giving you time to relax and take in the scenery before heading back for a final climb or a chance to try something new like bouldering or weaselling. Whether it’s your first climb or one of many, this will be a day your family won’t forget.
CAVING EXPERIENCE ITINERARY
After we’ve introduced you to your instructor for the day, who will explain what to expect and help your group get kitted out with all the essential equipment, we’ll head out into the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to begin your underground adventure.
No previous experience is needed — just a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore! If anyone in the group feels unsure, we’ll take things at a gentle pace to help build confidence. Your instructor will guide you every step of the way, offering tips and encouragement as you get to grips with moving safely and comfortably through the cave environment.
You’ll learn about the incredible geology of the Dales, with fascinating rock formations, hidden chambers, and underground streams to discover. Along the way, we’ll share stories of how these caves were formed and the wildlife that sometimes makes its home below the surface.
Our family caving days are designed to be fun, memorable, and accessible. Whether you’re crawling, climbing, or simply marvelling at the wonders around you, it’s an experience that brings everyone together through shared adventure.
We’ll pause during the day for a well-earned packed lunch above ground, with time to take in the stunning scenery before heading back underground for the next part of the journey.
WHAT TO BRING
All specialist kit will be provided for our Family Activity Days, including waterproofs. All you need is a packed lunch and snacks, bottle of water, change of clothes and shoes plus any personal medication. In the summer months please pack a hat and sunscreen too. Once we return to the centre, you’ll enjoy a hot drink and a slice of cake — the perfect end to a brilliant day out.
BOOK NOW
To book a place please contact our friendly team on 01609 797777 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. If lines are busy you can leave a voicemail and we’ll call you back. You can also email outdooreducation@northyorks.gov.uk letting us know the activity you’d like to book, date and location and we’ll get back to you.
Adventure Club
Adventure Club will keep your young people busy and active during the school holidays. Our brilliant mix of land and water programmes can help them to make new friends, challenge themselves and learn a whole range of different skills. All while having lots of fun! Young people leave us with a newfound confidence and memories that will last a lifetime. Suitable for ages 8-13, Adventure Club activities could include climbing, caving, high ropes, river scrambling and water sports such as canoeing and sailing.
When
Bewerley Park
Monday 21 to Friday 25 July
Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August
Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 August
East Barnby
Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July
Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 August
Where
Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5JB
East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre, East Barnby, Whitby, YO21 3SA
Who
Suitable for ages 8-13
Timings
Drop off 8:30am, pick up by 4:15pm
How Much
£50 per young person per day with a 10% discount for siblings or booking more than one day.
Itinerary
Adventure Club activities could include climbing, caving, high ropes, river scrambling and water sports such as canoeing and sailing.
What to Bring?
Young people attending our Adventure Club should bring a packed lunch and snacks, bottle of water, change of clothes and shoes (including swimwear and a towel) plus any personal medication. In the summer months please pack a hat and sunscreen. A plastic bag for wet and muddy items can be handy too as things might get dirty!
Book Now
To book a place please contact our friendly team on 01609 797777 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. If lines are busy you can leave a voicemail and we’ll call you back. You can also email outdooreducation@northyorks.gov.uk letting us know the activity you’d like to book, date and location and we’ll get back to you.
Courses for young people this summer
Paddle Sports Skills
Join us for two days of adventure and learning on the water, designed to boost your confidence and enhance your paddle skills in a range of watercrafts from our Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre in Pateley Bridge. You’ll learn essential paddle skills as well as gaining knowledge about safety, environmental considerations and paddling for personal wellbeing. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, our instructors will ensure that you get the most out of each session. No prior experience is required, though a basic level of fitness is recommended.
When
Our two-day paddle sports skills course is running from Tuesday 29 to Wednesday 30 July.
Where
Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5JB
Who
Suitable for ages 10-14
Timings
Start 9am, finish 4pm
How Much
Two-day course – £110
Itinerary
You’ll start by having the opportunity to try different paddle sports through a multi-craft introduction. Throughout the course you will experience different water conditions between lake and river. Depending on weather and water levels you could progress to paddling on large lakes, white water rapids on rivers and maybe even surfing small waves during the course! Our instructors will tailor the activities to individual preferences and abilities and some programme details will be weather dependant.
What to Bring?
All specialist kit will be provided including canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, personal flotation device, wetsuits, cags and safety gear. If you do have your own equipment, feel free to bring it along and we’ll help make sure it is properly fitted and ready to go.
You will need to bring a packed lunch and snacks, bottle of water, change of clothes and shoes plus any personal medication. In the warmer weather please pack a hat and sunscreen too.
Book Now
To book a place please contact our friendly team on 01609 797777 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. If lines are busy you can leave a voicemail and we’ll call you back. You can also email outdooreducation@northyorks.gov.uk letting us know the activity you’d like to book, date and location and we’ll get back to you.
Climbing and Rock Skills
Want to have a go at experiencing rock climbing for the first time or with limited experience? Join us to learn the essential skills involved in rock climbing from our Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre in Pateley Bridge.
When
Our two-day climbing and rock skills course is running from Thursday 31 July to Thursday 1 August and Monday 11 to Tuesday 12 August.
Where
Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5JB.
The course takes place at various local crags that we will take you to in our mini buses.
Who
Suitable for ages 10-14
Timings
Start 9am, finish 4pm
How Much
Two-day course – £110
Itinerary
We’ll welcome you on arrival and introduce you to your instructor for the day, who will talk through what to expect and get the group kitted out. We’ll then take you to one of the local crags we use for a safety briefing. We’ll teach you how to put on a harness and tying into a rope before moving onto belaying, abseiling and moving on rock. We will also introduce you to some climbing guidebooks, crag ethics and etiquette. You don’t need to have any previous experience, though those who have tried climbing before are also welcome.
What to Bring?
All specialist kit will be provided including harnesses, ropes, belay devices, karabiner and waterproofs. You will need to bring a packed lunch and snacks, bottle of water, change of clothes and shoes plus any personal medication. In the warmer weather please pack a hat and sunscreen too.
Book Now
To book a place please contact our friendly team on 01609 797777 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. If lines are busy you can leave a voicemail and we’ll call you back. You can also email outdooreducation@northyorks.gov.uk letting us know the activity you’d like to book, date and location and we’ll get back to you.
Mountain Biking Skills
Join us for our two-day course, designed to boost your confidence and enhance your mountain biking skills at our Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre in Pateley Bridge. You’ll be coached by our expert staff who will take your riding to the next level at some of the best MTB venues around, as well as gaining knowledge about planning a ride, bike safety checks, basic trailside bike maintenance, group riding techniques, hydration and nutrition.
This course is for anyone who is keen to progress as a mountain biker! A basic level of fitness is recommended. At a minimum, you should already be confident to ride on grass or gravel. You should also be able to stand up on your pedals whilst riding for at least a minute at a time.
When
Our two-day mountain biking skills course is running from Monday 11 to Tuesday 12 August.
Where
Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5JB
Who
Suitable for ages 10-14
Timings
Start 9am, finish 4:30pm
How Much
Two-day course – £110
Itinerary
After an introduction to the team and your fellow riders we’ll allocate bikes and safety equipment. We’ll spend the rest of the morning at the Bewerley MTB skills track enjoying games and challenges with coaching from our expert staff. After lunch you’ll enjoy a local ride in Nidderdale on natural trails, with further advice as needed throughout the afternoon.
For the second day, our instructors will tailor the activities to individual preferences and abilities and some programme details will be weather dependant. The planned itinerary includes:
- Trail centre rides including etiquette and safety
- Natural trail rides
- Trailside maintenance
- Map reading and planning
- Riding tactics and skills
- Hydration and nutrition
- Further coaching, rider and skill development
What to Bring?
You will need to bring a packed lunch, snacks, bottle of water and the following items including clothes for cycling that are appropriate for the weather on the day you’re attending.
- At least four lightweight top layers that can be taken off as needed. Two short sleeve and two long sleeve.
- Cycling shorts if you have them or regular shorts if not.
- Tracksuit bottoms or leggings if the weather is cooler.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (we can provide these if needed).
- Cycling gloves (we can provide these if needed).
- Trainers or shoes with secure closure system (no slip-ons).
- Small backpack for drinks/snacks/spare layers.
- A full change of clean clothes – if it’s very wet or the ride is muddy you may want clean clothes to change into before getting into the car!
- Any personal medication.
- Sunscreen and sun hat.
Bikes and helmets
We have a full set of helmets to suit everyone that you are welcome to use. If you would prefer to bring your own then please do, and our staff will assess its suitability for use.
We also have plenty of bikes you can borrow. If you do have your own bike, you are welcome to bring it. We would however advise that you make sure it is in good working order before the course.
Book Now
To book a place please contact our friendly team on 01609 797777 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. If lines are busy you can leave a voicemail and we’ll call you back. You can also email outdooreducation@northyorks.gov.uk letting us know the activity you’d like to book, date and location and we’ll get back to you.
Sailing – RYA Stages 1 and 2
It’s anchors away at East Barnby this summer! We can help young people get the skills and experience to sail the seven seas on our accredited courses that include both practical and theoretical aspects.
When
Stage 1 – Thursday 24 to Friday 25 July and Monday 11 to Tuesday 12 August
Stage 2 – Wednesday 13 to Thursday 14 August
Stages 1 and 2 can be combined over four days.
Where
East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre, East Barnby, Whitby, YO21 3SA (meet at Scaling Dam).
Who
Suitable for ages 10-14
Timings
Start time 09:30am, finish 4:40pm
How Much
Two-day course £110, four-day course £190
Itinerary
RYA Stage 1 Youth Sail two day course – Thursday 24 to Friday 25 July and Monday 11 to Tuesday 12 August
Young people will learn to sail and gain a RYA Youth Sailing Stage 1 qualification on this two day course. Includes launching and recovery, sailing across the wind, turning, steering and basic parts of the boat – the perfect beginner’s course.
RYA Stage 2 Youth Sail two day course – Wednesday 13 to Thursday 14 August
Have your youngsters already completed their RYA Stage 1 and are ready for the next challenge? Book the RYA Stage 2 where they will develop the skills needed to sail around a course tacking, gybing and controlling boat speed.
RYA Stages 1 and 2 Youth Sail four day course – choose from above dates to combine
Combining all of the elements for RYA Stages 1 and 2, young people will learn launching and recovery, sailing across the wind, turning, steering and basic parts of the boat as well as developing the skills to sail around a course tacking, gybing and controlling boat speed.
What to Bring?
All specialist kit will be provided including waterproofs. All you need is a packed lunch and snacks, bottle of water, change of clothes and shoes plus any personal medication. In the summer months please pack a hat and sunscreen too.
Book Now
To book a place please contact our friendly team on 01609 797777 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. If lines are busy you can leave a voicemail and we’ll call you back. You can also email outdooreducation@northyorks.gov.uk letting us know the activity you’d like to book, date and location and we’ll get back to you.
In safe hands
We deliver outdoor activities all year round. It’s what we do! Our highly qualified, professional and experienced instructors are passionate about delivering exciting programmes and bringing out the very best of real outdoor adventure. Each group will be looked after by one of our full-time, qualified, highly experienced, and enhanced DBS checked outdoor tutors.
What’s included
EXPERIENCED TUTORS
Each group will be looked after by one of our full-time, qualified, highly experienced, and enhanced DBS checked outdoor tutors. Leading children and adults on outdoor adventures is what we do…all year!
SPECIALIST CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
All specialist kit for activities will be provided including waterproofs and wellies when necessary. Ideally attendees should bring their own wellies, but we have plenty on hand to lend.
FAQs
At Adventure Club will young people be with others the same age?
We’ll do our best to make sure that young people are in groups with others similar in age.
Will young people attending Adventure Club BE supervised at all times?
At our Adventure Club sessions tutors will be with them at all times except when it’s judged appropriate for remote supervision, for example on a treasure hunt.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Each morning the programme of activities planned for that day will be looked at and the weather conditions affecting that environment considered. Activities are only subject to change if there are safety reasons. Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing! And we have all the appropriate clothing.
Can people come on specific days only?
You can book to come for one day or several – its entirely up to you.
Will people be able to take their mobile phone?
Yes, people are allowed to bring their mobiles phones, although we do not advise that mobile phones are taken out on activity as they can be easily damaged/dropped in water. Our outdoor tutors all carry mobile phones should they be needed in case of an emergency.
Are your activities inclusive?
We aim to be an activities provider where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We want everyone to reach their potential, and we recognise that some young people require extra support to enable them to achieve this, be successful, and thrive. We recognise that some people have additional needs or physical disabilities that require support and assistance. We will assess the individual needs of each person prior to them attending and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that people can access our services and are made to feel welcome. We are always happy to discuss and see how we can accommodate participation.