Venturewood at Petty Pool

Our residential and day course programmes are available to schools, youth groups and other organised groups of children and young people. We work with each group to create a tailored experience that meets their needs and learning objectives. We also run Adventure Days during the school holidays for individuals.

Simply get in touch with our friendly team and let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll discuss your requirements, provide a tailored quote and guide you through the process from start to finish.

You can send an enquiry through our website, and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible. If you’d prefer to speak to someone on the phone, please call us on 01606 889097.

We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for popular spring and summer dates. Many groups secure their dates well in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you’re interested in visiting, get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss availability.

Yes! Every programme is designed with input from you.

Whether you’re focusing on confidence building, teamwork, resilience, independence or curriculum-linked outcomes, we’ll create a programme that supports your goals.

We offer a wide variety of exciting educational outdoor activities, including zip wire, high ropes, climbing, abseiling, archery, bushcraft, canoeing, team building, stream walks, orienteering and much more.

Every programme is tailored to your group. During the bookings process our team will work with you to create an experience that matches your needs.

Yes. Venturewood at Petty Pool is located at the Petty Pool College site, and we are proud to be part of the Petty Pool Trust, a charity with a long history of supporting young people and adults with additional needs.

We believe outdoor education should be accessible and inclusive for everyone, and we will always try our best to accommodate individual needs.

Please get in touch to discuss any additional requirements you may have. Our team will be happy to work with you to help ensure the best possible experience for your group.

Before your visit, we’ll ask you to provide some information about your group. Sharing this information in advance helps us plan effectively, make any necessary adjustments and ensure everyone has the best possible experience.

We will ask for:

• The number of people attending
• A list of participants and accompanying staff
• Details of any medical needs
• Dietary requirements
• Allergies
• Parental/carer consent forms to be completed

Providing this information ahead of your visit allows us to tailor activities where needed and ensure your programme runs smoothly from the moment you arrive.

Yes. We have an on-site shop where participants can purchase snacks, drinks and souvenirs. We usually recommend bringing around £5 – £10 of spending money. Cash and card is accepted.

The shop is run by the Petty Pool College learners as part of their retail course, giving them valuable real-world experience. All proceeds from sales go directly back into the Petty Pool Trust, supporting our programmes and facilities.

Absolutely. We can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options. We are also a nut-free site. Please ensure all dietary requirements are shared with us before your visit.

Yes. The safety and wellbeing of our participants is our top priority. All activities are fully risk assessed and delivered by our experienced, appropriately qualified instructors.

Venturewood (Formerly Petty Pool Outdoor Education Centre) is licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), holds the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge, has achieved the AHOEC Gold and is an organisational member of the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL). These accreditations reflect our commitment to providing safe, high-quality outdoor education.

Yes. We have risk assessments that can be shared with you if required. Please speak with our team to request.

No, all of the specialist equipment you’ll need to take part in the activities is provided. We will provide you with a kit list before your visit to help participants know what to bring.

That’s completely normal. Many young people arrive feeling unsure about trying something new, especially activities like climbing or high ropes.

Our experienced instructors create a supportive environment where participants are encouraged to challenge themselves at their own pace. We celebrate effort and personal achievement, and nobody is forced to take part in an activity they are uncomfortable with.

Outdoor adventures don’t stop because of rain! We recommend bringing waterproof clothing, but we also have spare waterproofs available if needed. Activities will continue wherever it is safe to do so.

Outdoor activities can be muddy, wet and adventurous, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothes that can get dirty, along with sturdy footwear. Waterproof clothing is essential, whatever the weather.

Don’t worry if participants don’t have specialist outdoor gear – older clothes that are suitable for being active outdoors are often the best choice.

We will provide a detailed kit list before your visit, so you’ll know exactly what to pack. As a minimum, participants should bring a refillable water bottle, any required medication and any personal items needed for the day.

Residential guests will also need overnight essentials, including sleeping bags or duvet, toiletries, nightwear and changes of clothes.