Brancaster Activity CentreBring your school to enjoy a residential stay with the National Trust on the Norfolk Coast in our sole-occupancy Centre

“The children were able to learn all about the environment and life on the coast whilst having the time of their lives.” Mandy King, Assistant Head Teacher, Eynesbury C of E Primary School

Brancaster Activity Centre

1998 - 2018 Celebrating

20 years of connectingchildren with the outdoors

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Why us? Sole occupancy of the Centre.

Trust in us: the National Trust is a charity with over 120 years’ experience in welcoming visitors to the special places in our care, including coast, countryside and historic houses.

We’re located in the harbour of Brancaster Staithe in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; well known for its wealth of wildlife.

You can step out of the door and enjoy saltmarsh and sea, or walk to Brancaster Beach with its beautiful stretch of sand.

We pride ourselves on our experienced and qualified Learning and Engagement Team who bring the places that we care for to life, helping to ensure the children have a memorable trip and that you get the most out of your coast and countryside adventure.

“We found all the staff to be professional, approachable and friendly, more importantly so did the children.” Sara Bush, Assistant Head Teacher, Valley Primary School, Norwich.

We are Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge accredited, so you can be assured we have everything covered for you and your paperwork will be minimal.

We are licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, who we work closely with to ensure that we are always delivering best practice.

We have competitive prices, which include accommodation, catering, expert tuition and leadership on activities, essential transport during the week (unless a coach is needed for a whole school off-site visit) and entrance fee to one off-site destination. There are no hidden costs.

Immerse yourselves in the outdoors and connect with nature as you discover the coastal habitats and environments on our doorstep. Experience our fun, challenging, adventurous activities and see your children build character and resilience.

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ActivitiesA full week’s stay with us means that you can choose and enjoy six activities with the addition of our core sessions of Discovery and Beach Conservation, all led by our friendly team. Alternatively stay for a half week and choose four activities.

Group ratios for sailing and kayaking are one activity centre instructor to eight children. So each activity group will be split, with one half on the water whilst the other does a partner activity (you may choose either crabbing, model raft building or flags and codes).

Field studies are available for Year 5 and above. Habitats available include salt marsh, beach/foreshore, dunes and grassland. These link to Geography, Science, Maths, PSHE and improve observational skills, measuring and recording of physical features. Contact us for details.

Our staff are on duty until 8pm. A member of our team will be on call overnight, within an hour’s travelling distance. We have a range of activities and equipment that you can enjoy with children during free time, or in the evenings including art materials, collage, food web games, field guides for wildlife spotting, binoculars, and more. There is a local playing field just a ten minute walk away.

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Activity DescriptionCurriculum Links

Learning outcomes

Sailing * Explore the harbour and creeks whilst helping to crew and steer our stable sailing boat ‘High Spirits’. Some children may be inspired to learn to sail, all will delight in the experience and wonderful setting. A confidence building introduction to the sport of sailing.

PE, PSHE, Science, Physics, Geography

Improves water confidence, personal skill and teamwork. Gives a relaxing and special way of experiencing our surroundings.

Kayaking * April – October inclusive

Children gain a sense of achievement in our sit-on-top kayaks during this physical activity, which could lead to a sporting interest. It also provides a special viewpoint on our saltmarsh habitats; a great way to enjoy the coast. We have two tandem kayaks available for less water confident children.

Science, PE, PSHE, Geography

Improves water confidence, physical fitness, co-ordination and balance.

Coastal Safari *

Our most popular activity by far! Get up close and personal with this special saltmarsh habitat and discover some of the creatures which live here as you slip and slide through this special place.

Science, PE, PSHE, Geography, Biology

Explores species adaptations and saltmarsh formation. Improves co-ordination and balance and encourages team work.

Raft Building *May – September inclusive

Teamwork skills using knots and rope work (with our expert help) to construct a barrel raft. Children enjoy the challenge of launching their rafts and floating them in the creek.

PE, Maths, PSHE, Science, Physics

Personal achievement, leadership skills and water confidence. Also encourages team work, strategic and creative thinking.

Cycling Develop cycling skills during a short on-road journey and through games and challenges in an off-road location. Individuals improve their skills and safety awareness is included in the session. Children (and their two accompanying adults) need to be able to ride a bike without stabilisers and must wear a helmet. A test ride in the harbour identifies children not competent for the on-road ride and if necessary one visiting adult will accompany these by foot (one mile walk) to the off-road location.

PE, Science, PSHE

Improves co-ordination and balance, encourages team work and personal achievement. Games encourage skills development.

Orienteering After walking to the common children are introduced to basic map reading and compass skills and then in pairs enjoy our sport orienteering courses. The challenge is in care and accuracy; speed is not essential. Some may be inspired to take part in the sport when they get home.

Geography, PE, Science, Maths, PSHE

Develops basic map reading skills, strategic thinking and a sense of achievement. Encourages team work and develops leadership skills.

Team Challenges

Participation in fun activities helps children develop their team confidence, improve listening and focus.

PE, PSHE Develops communication skills and co-ordination and encourages teamwork and strategic thinking. Self-awareness and personal skills are also developed.

Beach Fun Brancaster beach has a beautiful stretch of sand for children to enjoy, from beach games, sand castle competitions, beach combing, or free play to explore; let us know what you’d like to get out of this experience. Please note we do not allow swimming; paddling/removal of socks and shoes is at visiting adult discretion.

Science, PE, Maths, PSHE

Encourages teamwork, builds communication skills and physical fitness. Develops awareness of surroundings.

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* Asterisked activities are tide-dependent; they may entail an earlier start or later finish

Activity DescriptionCurriculum Links

Learning outcomes

Discovery A coastal walk, exploring the range of habitats on our doorstep; including reed beds and saltmarsh. A great introduction to National Trust’s Norfolk Coast landscape, which includes a short visit to Brancaster Beach.

Geography, Science, PSHE, Biology, History

Awareness of surroundings, with knowledge of plants, adaptations, different habitats and the species therein. Awareness of some of the history and importance of the area where they are staying.

Beach Conservation

Visit beautiful Brancaster Beach; learn how to contribute to the care of our coastline. Children develop an appreciation of our natural world, and develop a greater understanding of our impact upon it and our social responsibilities to protect it.

Geography, Science, PSHE, Biology

Encourages team work and develops leadership skills. Consider biodegradation of rubbish.

Our Roman Past

Re-enactment fun, bringing ‘Branodunum’ our Roman field back to life. Learn Latin commands, throw spears, march in formation and learn sword drills on one of our exciting historical sites.

History, PSHE, PE

Develops communication, listening and leadership skills. Makes history accessible and fun.

Get Cooking Working with our cook and instructors children prepare a meal from basic ingredients for everyone to enjoy. They develop a key life skill, learning about ingredients and using basic cookery techniques.

Maths, Science, D&T, PSHE

Understand and apply the principles of nutrition, understand more about healthy eating and seasonality and gain a sense of personal achievement.

Coastal Processes

Explore how coastal processes shape our coastline. Learn how we have responded to these changes and used the coastline differently over the years. Look at sea defences and how humans have worked with the changes. Sand dune formation can be included in the session if requested.

Geography, Maths, PSHE, Science, History

Understand the processes that shape our coast, how humans respond to it and consider whether we can resist the power of the sea.

Seal Trip (off-site)

View the seal colonies at National Trust’s Blakeney Point National Nature Reserve (45 minutes by minibus and then a public boat trip). A scenic trip which is almost certainly going to involve seeing some of the Common and Grey Seals that make Blakeney Point their home.

Science, Geography, PSHE

Explore living things and their habitats.

Green Britain Foundation (off-site)

Climb the only wind turbine in the UK with a viewing platform, which has over 300 steps to the top.

D&T, PSHE Develop a sense of personal achievement.

Birdwatching(off-site)

Visit a local bird reserve and see which coastal birds you can spot and recognise from the wealth of bird life that thrives on our coast.

Science, PSHE

Explore living things and their habitats.

Shelter building(full day off-site)

Suitable for whole week visits only, this day visit involves a minibus trip to National Trust Sheringham Park to spend the day shelter building, picnic lunch and in the afternoon a child-led exploration of the park to appreciate the nature and heritage.

PE, Science, D&T, Maths, PSHE

Develop a sense of personal achievement.

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“The experiences are invaluable to our children – we are in a socially deprived area and this may well be the only residential break our children could have – fresh air, independence, working as a team.” Head of School, St Michael’s (Wood Green) C of E Primary School, London.

“Brancaster is something I will never forget, it was an amazing experience. The best thing I enjoyed was where we got to build the rafts and the food.” Dizolele, Year 5, St Michael’s (Wood Green) C of E Primary School, London. Ph

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What to expectOur nine dormitory style bedrooms will sleep 48 (including adults); seven with a full en-suite and two with a reserved bathroom.

Our Centre combines a charming and characterful exterior, with a modern and comfortable interior.

The Common Room is a great space for children to relax, play and socialise and the south facing garden can be enjoyed during free time.

You’ll be fully catered for during your stay, with our cook providing delicious meals and meeting all dietary needs; those hungry tummies will be filled!

The adults’ snug room overlooks the harbour; you won’t be disappointed with the beautiful coastal views from the centre over to Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve.

But don’t take our word for it – get in touch to arrange a free pre-visit so you can see for yourself what our Centre and this coastal location have to offer your school residential trip.

We hope to welcome you to our Centre soon.

“Our children and staff have a marvellous time with National Trust at Brancaster. The Coastal Safari was a firm favourite. We were all impressed by the way the staff worked hard to ensure that we all had a happy, exciting and safe residential that provided a challenging and interesting learning opportunity for all.”Margaret Cox, Head Teacher, Hose C of E Primary School, Leicester.

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Interested to know more?Get in touch with us...Email: brancaster@nationaltrust.org.uk

Enquiries: 01328 738088

Administrative address: Mill Farm Cottage, Tower Road, Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk, PE31 8JB

Find out more on our website:www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brancaster

“The need of quiet, the need of air, and I believe the sight of sky and of things growing seem human needs common to all’’ Octavia Hill (1838-1912), Founder of the National Trust.

@BrancasterNTNorfolkCoastNT

How to find us: Brancaster Activity CentreDial House, Harbour Way, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk, PE31 8BW

Brancaster Staithe

North Sea

Brancaster Beach

A149

To Wells

To Hunstanton

Brancaster

BrancasterActivity Centre

The National Trust is a registered charity no.205846