On-site and off-site activities at Cliffe House

On-site activities

All our activities are either on-site, within our 11 acre grounds, or within a short walking distance from Cliffe House.

Archery

Develop and improve hand-eye coordination. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Art in the environment

A chance to get creative with natural products from leaves and sticks to clay and mud. We take inspiration for this ephemeral art from famous artists such as Giuseppe Penone and Andy Goldsworthy.

Buggy building

A great team challenge to build a buggy, using wooden poles, ropes and barrels and to transport the group around a set course against the clock and other teams, whilst ensuring it doesn't fall apart!

Bushcraft

An opportunity to learn survival skills; build a campfire effectively and safely using a variety of different methods, introduction to and use of woodland tools, as well as shelter building using a variety of materials. We also learn to cook over the campfire, completing the activity with everyone sat round the campfire enjoying the cooked food.

Climbing wall

Experience a challenge on our outside climbing wall, learning the basic climbing techniques and skills, watch your confidence, coordination and determination climb to new heights with this activity.

Crate stacking

A team effort to build - and climb - the highest stack. A fantastic high-roped challenge for groups enabling the development of cooperation, social skills and resilience.

John Muir trail

Go on the search to hunt down clues that will help you construct a quote from this great environmentalist and the father of National Parks.

Mine

Crawl and climb through our labyrinth of tunnels and learn about the rich mining history of the area.

Monkey tree climb

Immerse yourself in the tree canopy and get up close with nature by climbing over 10m up into one of our large beech trees.

Mountain biking

Develop basic bike handling skills in our bike skills area and improve confidence and independence on two wheels.

Orienteering

Navigate our grounds using purpose made orienteering courses, specially designed to be inclusive and suit a range of abilities.

Pond and wetlands

Investigate the wetlands and pond areas around the site. Collect and identify plants and animals, look at food chains and environmental impacts within these habitats.

River walk

A look at both the physical and biological features of a river environment before carrying out practical measurements on flow and cross-section, or look at stream and river formation.

Team building

A selection of different team building activities looking at communication, cooperation and peer support to help the team to succeed at the challenges set.

Woodland studies

Identify the range and diversity of trees within our grounds or local areas and look at the diverse habitat that woodlands offer.

Off-site activities

Canoeing

A great opportunity to gain water confidence and experience the great outdoors in a different way. This activity develops teamwork, communication and resilience.

Climbing and abseiling

A true outdoor experience on local crags and cliff edges. Participants will work together whilst challenging themselves, building confidence, self-belief, and develop new skills to get them to the top of the crag. It's not all about strength but technique.

Kayaking

Our range of sit-on top kayaks enable this activity to be as inclusive as possible. This will build confidence and independence alongside developing new skills in a water environment.

Raft building

A great way for a group to work together to solve a problem; build a structure from barrels, logs and ropes that will carry their team on the water. Leadership, planning, communication, compromise and resolving conflict are crucial learning points.

Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is the fastest growing watersport in the world. SUP enables participants to develop confidence, coordination and self-belief.

Walking

This can take the form of a local walk from the centre or travel off-site to the Peak District National Park. A fantastic way to engage with the rural landscape that surrounds this part of Kirklees. Learning about the local environment as well as picking up walking and navigation skills.

Caving

This activity provides a great opportunity to explore the geology and karst landscapes. Trips take place in the nearby Peak District and Yorkshire Dales.