The Chatsworth Centre
Just 5 minutes from the beach and 5 minutes from the coastal walk to Old Harry Rocks and Studland, the Chatsworth is ideally situated for both educational and recreational visits.
The Centre is comprised of a series of 5 former hotels, which have been sensitively converted to provide a safe and secure environment for group travel. Each building has self-contained accommodation with bedrooms, meeting rooms and lounge area. Most rooms are bunk bedded, ranging in size from 4 to 10, with a number of twin bedded rooms inter-mingled.
The whole Centre will accommodate 200 and it is usual to have a number of groups, of a similar age range, using separate blocks for accommodation and sharing the light, spacious dining room for nutritious, appealing meals. Within the grounds are a heated swimming pool, campfire and story telling site, skittle alley and hard court play area. Across the stream is a large grass area for football, rounders and other high energy games.
New for 2009 is the addition of our Field Studies Resources Room equipped with laptop computers with internet connection, projector and whiteboard which meets the needs of a modern teaching environment.
From the first view of the majestic Castle at Corfe or the beautiful sea front of Swanage Bay, the Chatsworth provides the ideal base from which to explore and discover the World Heritage Coast and its famous attractions of Studland, Kimmeridge, Lulworth Cove and Durlston Country park.
Established in 1937, The Chatsworth is proud of its loyal clientele and has formed a new partnership in the provision of high quality Outdoor education, to countless numbers of young people. Many of these now lead their own groups, such was the impression made on them by their residential stay at The Chatsworth.
In addition to the warm welcome given by our Hospitality team, there is a wide range of Teaching Services provided by well qualified and enthusiastic tutors. With access to real rock climbing at Dancing Ledge, the highest Ropes Course in Europe and access to the fantastic surrounding countryside for orienteering, there is plenty to challenge those looking for a more adventurous stay. Around the site we also have an archery range, a newly rebuilt on-site climbing and abseiling wall and an innovative range of team building tasks, which provide new skills and confidence building for all.
The Centre is licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.
In summary
- An unbeatable location in a very popular seaside resort
- 5 minutes walk to the sea
- 5 minutes walk to the open countryside
- A wide range of teaching programmes
- 5 independent houses for group accommodation
- A variety of sizes of bunk bedded rooms and twin bedded rooms
- A spacious Dining Room
- A choice of menus
- Play Area with Team Games, Table Tennis and Skittle Alley
- Heated Swimming Pool
- Direct access to Swanage Town Centre, Swanage Bay and Beach, Ballard Down.
- Access to Studland, Corfe Castle, Dancing Ledge, Durlston Country Park
- Access to the famous Swanage Steam Railway
- Outdoor Archery Range
- Ropes Course (High and Low Ropes)
- Climbing Tower
- Mountain Biking
- Campfire Site
- Study / Home Rooms
- Recreational Boxes for each group
- Separate Leader's Lounge in each building
- 6th Form outdoor recreational area
- Personal Customer Service which is professional, relaxed and genuine
- Field Studies Resources Room with laptops etc.
What We Provide
During School Terms
Partnerships with Schools to ensure that the residential outdoor experience is an integral and vital contribution to the wider educational needs of each child.
- A risk controlled environment where adventure is encouraged.
- A variety of Centre led activities in a full week programme(Mon-Fri) or short week programme (Mon-Wed or Wed-Fri).
- Innovative and unique personal skills to build self confidence and self esteem.
- Physical and mental team building tasks to challenge children to work together.
- Sensory awareness experiences to complement literacy and numeracy.
- Traditional social skills and values.
- An evening recreational activity where children can let off steam and have lots of fun.
During the Easter and Summer School Holidays
Linguistic Activity Holidays where children from many parts of Europe can meet together to share cultural experience and fun activities in a safe environment, whilst improving their language and conversational skills.
At Weekends
Hospitality Services, Short Week Programmes or Celebration Space for: youth groups, sports groups, special birthdays, anniversaries, extended family celebrations, work colleagues, church groups…..
For a Day Visit
Adventure Activity, Team Challenge Activities and much more – just ask.