School Activity Holidays to Downe

Downe activity centre is a beautiful, wooded 86-acre site situated close to Biggin Hill in rural Kent, and only 16 miles from the centre of London. The centre, which has been welcoming young people for over 80 years forms part of a proposed World Heritage Site due to its long association with Charles Darwin who once lived here.

Destination Guide

Only 8 miles from Junction 4 on the M25 and just outside Orpington, Downe Activity Centre is celebrating its 80th birthday in 2009. It’s a great short break destination for groups in the south east of England or for schools from further afield looking to combine an activity trip with the sights and sounds of London.

HIGHLIGHTS

Long association with Charles Darwin
Proposed World Heritage Site
Sightseeing in London
Easy access from the M25
Wide range of activities
3 accommodation lodges

Activities

We will work with you to build a programme to suit your requirements. With a range of supervised activities from archery to orienteering, each can provide a very different learning outcome. A typical day contains five activity sessions each lasting approx 90 minutes, keeping you and the group entertained throughout the day and well into the evening.

Excursions

It is an easy transfer into London with all its wonderful sights and attractions. Nearby Biggin Hill airport offers a range of tours including a visit to World War II remains, and the chance to try out being a pilot in a flight simulator! Travel back in time at Chislehurst Caves as a guide takes you on a lamp-lit tour and tells stories of Druids, Romans and Saxons. You'll see the tunnels that were famous as a shelter during the Second World War, the Caves Church, Druid Altar, Haunted Pool and much more!

Accommodation

The centre has a range of different purpose built accommodation buildings, each offering slightly different layouts and facilities catering for a broad range of groups, with a total capacity for approx.100 persons. Each building has a fully equipped kitchen for those wishing to cater for themselves, although most groups choose to have all their meals included. Groups will need to provide their own bedding.