high ropes course at outdoor centre

Help your young people realise their potential

Bowles specialises in residential trips which will boost your group’s confidence, self-esteem and independence and which will play a role in helping them achieve their potential in their future lives and careers.

Our experienced, qualified instructors specialise in using exciting, fun, adventurous activities to achieve your aims as well as working on leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

If you’d love a fun reward for your group or want to give them a chance to bond and make friends in the freedom of being away from home, Bowles is the residential centre you should choose.

We’ve got great food, accommodation for every budget and group-type, more than 30 great activities to choose from, and a fun, professional, experienced instructor team which will make sure your stay is a success, and you can watch as your group learns, develops and grows together.

Don’t just take our word for it! What do people say about Bowles?

Dan Lee, CASPA

“All the instructors at Bowles are fantastic. Patient, caring, understanding, professional, approachable and clearly love what they do.

“They are on a different level to instructors at other outdoor adventure centres.”

Mandy Wynne, IMAGO

“We’ve taken a range of different types of groups to Bowles over the past five years.

“The activities are always fun and aimed at the right level for the different abilities of young people we work with. The instructors are enthusiastic and encourage everyone to take part and push themselves while staying confident and safe.

“The catering team is really helpful with fussy eaters and dietary issues and the food is always great. We work with young carers from across the south-east and young people with a range of disabilities, and no matter what type of group we send, the feedback for Bowles is always fantastic.”

Emma Smart, Redbridge Young Carers

“Young adult carers are a special group – not only are they looking after someone, but they are also dealing with their own transition into adulthood.

“They can suffer from isolation because people their own age might not understand that caring commitments mean they can’t hang out and socialise. Some of our guys have formed close friendships because of the bonds they forged at Bowles. Some are coming along to the other activities and support groups because the Bowles residential showed them they can do things for themselves and maintain their caring role.

“They achieved things they never knew were possible for them and the safe, structured environment meant there was no additional stress on top of being away from home.

“The improvement in their self-esteem and confidence is fantastic.”

Moira MacQuarrie, Royal London Society for the Blind

“The students chose their own programme of activities which included archery, canoeing, rock climbing, skiing, orienteering, swimming, a treasure hunt and a social gathering around a campfire to enjoy singing and the sharing of experiences over hot chocolate and marshmallows.

“Residential experiences away from home can give opportunities for the further development and acquisition of life-skills and independence.

“The staff at Bowles supported us in every way possible to ensure that each and every student was able to make progress towards their respective goals and aspirations.”

Kylie, Kent Friendz

“I’m always very satisfied when I take a group to Bowles. The visits achieve our aims and more, because of the way we can tailor our activities to our young people.

“From the point of booking to the moment we left, all Bowles staff were helpful. The instructors interacted really well with the group and enganged them, giving clear, manageable instructions and offering encouragement and support when needed.

“The visit achieved more than we hoped.”