Looking for a different residential experience for your pupils next year?
A school residential doesn’t have to mean waiting for spring or summer. Gowanbank Activity Centre in Ayrshire offers winter residentials from November to February, giving schools the opportunity to enjoy an enriching and memorable experience at one of the most affordable times of the year.
With prices starting from just £70 per pupil, per night, a winter residential could be a great option for schools looking to give pupils all the benefits of time away together while keeping costs manageable for families.
Why choose a winter residential?
Winter might not be the first season that comes to mind when planning a school residential – but that’s part of what can make it such a memorable experience.
Gowanbank’s winter residentials offer the same high standards of programme structure, staffing and quality as residentials at other times of the year.
Pupils stay in warm accommodation, while experienced instructors are used to delivering programmes throughout the winter months. Strong indoor contingency planning also means activities can be adapted if the Scottish weather has other ideas!
Most importantly, Gowanbank aims to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where pupils can challenge themselves, try something new and enjoy spending time together away from the classroom.
From outdoor adventures to skiing and climbing
A winter residential can offer pupils a brilliant mixture of indoor and outdoor experiences.
Depending on the programme, activities can include:
- Outdoor activities
- Learning to ski at a dry ski slope
- Indoor climbing
- Escape room challenges
- Day trips to Glasgow
It means pupils can still experience the excitement and challenge of a traditional residential while enjoying some activities that work particularly well during the winter months.
More than just a school trip
Residentials can give children opportunities to develop skills and relationships in a completely different environment from the classroom.
Gowanbank’s winter programmes are designed to help pupils build resilience and confidence, strengthen teamwork and communication, re-establish routines and shared expectations, and support wellbeing and positive relationships.
Those benefits can then travel back to school with them.
Shared challenges and experiences give pupils and teachers something they can refer back to when children face new learning or challenges in the classroom. They can remember what they achieved together and how they overcame situations that may initially have felt difficult.
A more affordable residential option
For many schools, one of the biggest considerations when planning a residential is keeping the cost manageable for families.
Gowanbank offers its lowest residential rates of the year during the winter period, starting from £70 per pupil, per night.
Additional financial support may also be available through the School Bursary Fund, which aims to help ensure cost isn’t a barrier to children participating in a school residential.
Schools can find out more about the School Bursary Fund here:
Planning an autumn residential instead?
Schools looking to travel earlier in the academic year can also consider an autumn residential at Gowanbank.
Autumn can be an excellent time to take pupils away. Experiencing a residential early in the school year gives children an opportunity to build relationships with classmates and teachers while developing confidence, resilience and teamwork.
Those shared experiences can provide a foundation that teachers and pupils can build on throughout the rest of the academic year.
Gowanbank currently has availability during September and October 2026, and there is a special offer for the Scotland4Kids community.
New schools booking a residential for September or October 2026 can receive 10% off their school residential by mentioning Scotland4Kids when they enquire.
Ready for an adventure?
Whether you’re considering an affordable winter residential or an autumn experience to bring your pupils together at the beginning of the school year, Gowanbank offers schools the opportunity to create memories and develop skills that can last long after pupils return to the classroom.
Find out more and enquire about a school residential at Gowanbank today:
classroomoutdoors.org.uk/gowanbank
