Hautbois Outdoor Residential Centre

What makes us a great choice for education

Hautbois Activity Centre is a beautiful 19th century house set in 28 acres of grounds on the River Bure in Coltishall, near Norwich. The activity centre boasts its own private cut onto the river Bure providing the perfect location for a safe introduction to water sports, or for more advanced trips along the river.

As well as rope activities such as climbing and crate stacking, we take full advantage of our private access to the river Bure for a wide range of water activities such as raft and bridge building, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boards! Our wide range of adventurous outdoor activities encourage interaction with the outdoors and appreciation of the natural environment and habitats at Hautbois. We also have many teambuilding and initiative-based activities to help learn new skills, increase motivation and build team morale.

Accreditation and Awards

The Centre has been awarded the 'Learning Outside the Classroom' quality badge which combines learning and safety into an accredited scheme, making it easier for learning facilitators to take school children on educational visits.

• LOtC Badge Holder 
• AdventureMark award

What is typically included on our school trips

We have 26 on-site activities:

1. 90 Challenge
2. 180 Challenge
3. Abseiling
4. Archery
5. Bridge building
6. Bushcraft
7. Canoeing
8. Canoe safari
9. Climbing wall
10. Crate stacking
11. Initiative tests
12. Katakanus
13. Kayaking
14. Low ropes
15. Midi-fencing
16. Monkey climbing
17. Nightline
18. Obstacle course
19. Orienteering
20. Junior orienteering
21. Pioneering
22. Pond Dipping
23. Raft building
24. Shelter building
25. Paddleboarding
26. Zipwire

Hautbois also provides other equipment that groups can book to use during their visit including bat detectors, grass sledges and giant lawn games.

Group Sizes Catered For

House – 60 capacity

Reedcutters’ Village – 58 capacity

Lodge Cottage – 12 capacity

Camping – 200+

Day visitors – 200+

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

All our activities are linked to specific sections of the curriculum. We are able to work alongside teachers to adapt sessions to the groups’ requirements, please speak to the Activities and Programme Manager or the bookings team for more information.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

Groups are welcome to take photos or make videos as long as they do not photograph or video other groups who may not have the relevant permissions.

Risk Assessment Details

All our risk assessments are available to download from our website: https://www.hautbois.org.uk/downloads/ 

Education Officer Information

Speak to Rory Howard, the Activities Manager for more information.

Pricing Information

Full price list can be found on our website here: https://www.hautbois.org.uk/downloads/

Prices can also be confirmed via phone or email to the bookings team.

admin@hautbois.org.uk or 01603 739696

Clothing Requirements

Will depend on activities booked - outdoor clothing including sturdy footwear and wet weather gear is normally recommended.

First Aid Information

All instructors and staff are first aid trained and will be present during office hours. Groups will require a member of staff to be first aid trained when staying overnight.

Available Facilities

There is a small shop onsite selling small mementos, gifts and snacks.

Visits can be fully catered by Hautbois Activity Centre or groups can bring packed lunches.

Within Hautbois House, there are three communal areas: Oxfordshire, Patteson and Hertfordshire. Oxfordshire Training/ Dining Room has a capacity of 80 (theatre style). The room is equipped with a projector and Wi-Fi, and leads out onto the terrace and rear lawn. Patteson Training Room has a capacity of 40 (theatre style) and is also suitable as a breakout/ seminar room. Hertfordshire Sitting Room can also be used as a meeting room interview or breakout room and is equipped with a wall-mounted TV. A full range of training equipment is available including projectors whiteboards flipcharts and stationery. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both Hautbois House and Lodge Cottage.

Our Discovery Zone is our environment hub with resources and equipment that will help visitors to learn more about the natural world around us and take part in activities such as bird watching pond dipping and exploring wildlife and the environment on the Hautbois estate.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

The house has good accessibility on the ground floor and to some first floor bedrooms. We have several disabled toilets and showers across the site and many activities are also accessible - speak to our team for programs designed around your requirements.

Opening Hours & Information

The centre is open throughout the year on weekdays and weekends. 

The office is open 9-5pm Monday to Friday and for reception at weekends and bank holidays.

Visits can be arranged flexibly.

Testimonials

“Thank-you all for another very successful stay. We have watched some of our timid, anxious children gain confidence and do things they never thought they could do. Many thanks to the cooks for all the wonderful food, the children really enjoyed it. Thank-you to you all from all of the children & the staff for making us so welcome.”

Other Information

Each visit is tailored specifically to your groups’ needs – speak to the bookings team for more information.

Booking information

Contact the bookings team at admin@hautbois.org.uk