The Swattenden Centre

Why visit the Swattenden Centre?

The Swattenden Centre is an outdoor education and residential centre located near the historic town of Cranbrook. Our users include schools and youth organisations, and it is also ideal as a training centre, combining conference facilities with team building and management development courses. The Centre provides the ideal setting for a memorable residential or day visit.  

A Mansion estate of 27 acres of parkland situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Weald of Kent. The picturesque town of Cranbrook provides many learning opportunities and is within easy walking distance. The location and facilities combine to provide quality experiential learning opportunities. Through working, playing and living together visitors are able to develop as individuals, whilst also increasing their team spirit.

Swattenden is one of Kent's most popular and versatile residential centres. There is room for over 130 visitors in small dormitories and double rooms. Swattenden gives great flexibility for choice and budget, including the option of camping within the 27 acres of grounds. We are open all year round and generally bookings are from Monday morning to Friday morning, Friday evening to Sunday afternoon or day visits.

Courses on offer

Educational Adventurous Activities

• Confidence building activities with high and low ropes courses, improvised rafting, nightline and fitness trails.
• Multi-purpose sports courts, orienteering and target archery are ideal for fulfilling the aims and objectives of National Curriculum PEKey Stages 1 – 4 and A Level Sports Science.

Academic Curriculum Courses

Swattenden's position in the heart of the Weald offers Field Study groups an ideal base from which to study the environment. The area is rich in Sandstone, Chalk and Clay strata with associated flora and fauna.

• Cliff and beach studies at nearby Hastings and Camber Sands.
• The Swattenden grounds provide an opportunity to study trees, hedgerows and ponds and the ecosystems they support.
• Academic facilities at Swattenden include teaching/meeting rooms, many of which can be adapted to provide a variety of opportunities including environmental, scientific and artwork spaces.
• For those visitors who wish to combine history with the environment, there are a multitude of historic sites and monuments in the immediate area.

Team and Management Development Courses

Courses are tailored to meet your individual needs and are designed in co-operation with the Centre staff.

National and Youth Service Curriculum

Programmes that support both the National Curriculum and the Youth Service Curriculum are available.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

Programmes that support the completion of Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.

The programmes include

• Living and Learning together
• Confidence building
• Team building
• Management development

Programmes are designed to suit individual and groups needs. Excellent equipment and facilities and a team of caring, friendly and highly qualified professionals who will make learning new skills or refining old ones, an easy and enjoyable experience encapsulates the "Swattenden Experience".

Accommodation and Food

We pride ourselves on the quality of our food and residential accommodation. The staff at the centre are well versed in the needs and appetites of young people and adults.  All meals are provided and are prepared by our highly qualified catering staff; this includes packed lunches for visits off-site.

Our accommodation is bright, spacious and comfortable, with appropriate adaptations to enable access for all.

Cost

As part of the Communities Directorate of Kent County Council, the Swattenden Centre is a non-profit making organisation and we offer our services and facilities at very competitive costs.

Our charges do vary according to the type of organisation you represent.Kent Schools and Youth Groups receive particularly favourable rates.To arrange viewing of the facilities, to discuss an individual programme for your needs, for bookings or just general information please to not hesitate to contact us.