TESTIMONIALS

“Great staff. Great food. The activities have been challenging and well led. Lovely location.” Robert Le Kyng Primary School – Residential Visit July 2019

“All of the staff have been fantastic with the children. Also the kitchen have been extremely accommodating for the dietary needs of the class. Could not recommend the centre enough!” Abbeymead Primary School – Residential Visit July 2019

“We’ve had a blast! Thanks you to all the instructors and staff, you’ve been brilliant!” Dursley C of E Primary School – Residential Visit June 2019

“A very enjoyable three days – everyone enjoyed the centre, the staff and the weather was great. Thank you to everyone.” St Marys Tetbury – Residential Visit July 2019

“Great range of activities, friendly and approachable staff who encouraged all to participate and achieve their full potential.” Coopers Edge Primary School – Residential Visit June 2019

“Really positive stay. All staff have been brilliant and all children have really enjoyed their time. Thank you.” Berkeley Primary School – Residential Visit June 2019

“Great range of characteristics with instructors. Genuine kindness from staff. They went the extra mile without being forced. E.g. making us cups of tea! Oli has the worst jokes!” St Johns Primary School – Residential Visit May 2019

“All staff were kind and helpful. Carlos was on hand when needed. Managed behaviour exceptionally well. Thoroughly enjoyable – Thank you despite really bad weather.” Tyndale Primary School – Residential Visit June 2019

“From the first conversation with Deb, to sorting out finance with Jane and then organising activities with Laurence, everything ran smoothly and worked for our group of children perfectly. Also please thank all the instructors! After many years of taking children on residentials I think they were the best that I have experienced and the rest of the staff agree. The care and patience they all had with the children was commendable.” Madley Brook Primary School – Residential Visit May 2019

“Absolutely amazing place, wonderful few days – kids and staff loved it – thank you very much!” Warminster School – Residential Visit May 2019

“Brilliant again! We’ll keep coming back!” Tuffley Primary School – Residential Visit June 2019

“We have had a superb residential and loved it from start to finish. All the instructors have been exceptional and have made a huge impact on our children.” Gastrells Primary School – Residential Visit April 2019

“We’ve been very happy with the trip. Staff led the activities really well and managed the children brilliantly. We felt welcomed and comfortable throughout and the children loved every minute. We’ll definitely be returning.” Prestbury St Marys Primary School – Residential Visit May 2019

“This is our first time here and all the staff have made it a superb residential. The quality of the instructors have really made the stay special.” Abbey Meads Primary School – Residential Visit January 2019

“Superb trip – all centre staff welcoming, helpful, fab with children, went above and beyond. Thank you so much.” Winchcombe Primary School – Residential Visit March 2019

"the whole place looked amazing"
“It was so beautiful to be back and we all had an amazing time. It was so wonderful to see all of the work you put in as a team coming to fruition..the whole place looked amazing. We are deeply grateful.”
Cali White - Women in Power (13th to 15th July 2018)

“As always the welcome to the Centre was great. The quality of the instructional staff was excellent and the activity programme was very adaptable.”
Cheryl Clifton – Westonbirt Prep School (2nd to 4th July 2018)

"Excellent kitchen facilities"
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you [Deb] and all the staff for being so accommodating.  It was my first visit to the Wilderness Centre and I found it such a great venue.  Please also pass our thanks to the catering staff who were firstly very kind and secondly very accommodating. I also heard so many comments about the food which was delicious.  I think we all went home with a few extra pounds!”
Laura Wittke, Project Coordinator – Winston’s Wish (22nd to 24th September 2017)

"The kitchen was fabulously kitted out"
“We found the place perfect.... the kitchen was fabulously kitted out for catering for large groups. And the staff that I met we’re kind and helpful..... The lounge area was perfect for music and dancing.... And the kids spent most time in the pool/table football room.  The weather was kind to us on Saturday when we did outdoor games.”
Rebecca Madden-Waite - 50th birthday celebrations (13th to 15th April 2018)

“The venue suited us very well.  Excellent kitchen facilities.  The additional camping option for further guests was ideal.”
Ian Archer – 50th birthday celebrations (1st to 3rd September 2017)

"the activity programme was very adaptable"
“Great catering for allergies.  The children have had a brilliant time.  
Thank you to all the staff!”
Elle Snell – St Mary's Tetbury Primary School (27th to 29th June 2018)

"struck the balance between having fun and encouraging the children to try everything"
“Oli, Sarah and Lawrence (the instructors) were absolutely brilliant with the children and made them get the most out of their stay.  They struck the balance between having fun and encouraging the children to try everything, but also making sure health and safety and skills, etc. were taught properly and understood. Both Dave and Deb were really approachable and easy to deal with in the run up to the trip.”
Sam Rickaby – Ashchurch Primary School, Tewkesbury (12th to 14th July 2017)

“The love and care that goes into maintaining the Centre oozes out”
“The Centre was the ideal venue for our weekend – the space both indoors and out meant we had room to relax and explore. The variety of facilities and interesting areas were really enjoyed by the group – the standing stones, the fire pit in the woodland, the outside seating areas, the 3 indoor group spaces.  Having plates, cutlery, etc. plus a fully equipped kitchen was a bonus.  The love and care that goes into maintaining the Centre oozes out of it and adds to the ambiance of it being a relaxing, supportive, safe place. Thank you!”
Cali White – Women in Power (7th to 9th July 2017)

“we have noticed the difference between the group and how we communicate with each other.”
“We would like to say a huge thank you to you and the team at the Wilderness Centre for the fantastic time we had during our stay.  You [Dave] are a brilliant guide who shows so much passion and love for your job, we enjoyed seeing this within you and managed to adopt the same attitudes within our team building tasks to perform to the best of our ability.  Already from the time we spent at the Wilderness Centre we have noticed the difference between the group and how we communicate with each other.  Many valuable skills and abilities were developed or even some established during our time with you. We certainly hope to see you again when we next visit.  Thank you so much once again for our lovely stay.”
The Apprentice Team – Kohler Mira Ltd (29th to 31st August 2017)

"The love and care that goes into maintaining the Centre oozes out of it"
“Both Deborah and Dave were incredibly friendly and helpful with our many, many queries as we sorted out our large extended family gathering.  I commend them both for their sense of humour and patience in helping us answer everyone’s questions. Everyone enjoyed the food, plenty of choice and quantity (for those of our group who like big portions – they were not disappointed). Those with special requirements were also well catered for and it all tasted great. We had a fantastic weekend and the weather was perfect so we enjoyed the stunning views from the front of the property on those outdoor tables.  The camp fire was also a big hit with everyone on Saturday evening, a special bonus!  I have recommended this Centre to several people at work who are considering large gatherings.  I cannot speak highly enough of the Centre and the staff.”
Sarah Forage (30th June to 2nd July 2017)

“All instructors were brilliant”
“Met by Dave who straightaway got the children on board.  All instructors were brilliant particularly in the way they supported and encouraged the children."
Julie Royle – St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Tetbury (7th to 9th June 2017)

“more than we expected”
“The whole place gave us more than we expected; the natural beauty surrounding the estate, bed facilities, facilities for cooking, camp fire and so on."
Manish Mathews – St Mary’s Jacobite Church, Northampton (17th to 18th June 2017)

"great to have the same instructor throughout so they could build relationships”
“We had a fantastic stay and can’t wait to bring our partner school with us in 2 years’ time.   The children have enjoyed all of the activities and great to have the same instructor throughout so they could build relationships.”
Brampton Abbotts Primary School, Ross-on-Wye (March 2017)

“it definitely represents value for money”
“Staff were exceptionally helpful and quick to respond; we were shown politeness and they checked we were ok, helping wherever they could. The venue was pristine.  We can’t fault the site – it definitely represents value for money.  We’ve already booked for next year and a number of our players have said that they intend to use the site themselves."
John Neal & Jessica Aldwin – Lost and Found LARP (2nd to 4th June 2017)

“Thank you!  We have all really enjoyed our stay.  The children had a great time and your staff have been so helpful and welcoming too!"
LJS Office – Longlevens Junior School, Gloucester (15th to 17th May 2017)

“Staff were on hand before we even got off the bus. Warm welcome. Change from team games/orienteering first afternoon was welcomed – rain stops nothing. Food was great … as ever!"
Matt Jeynes – Longlevens Junior School, Gloucester (8th to 12th May 2017)

“such a positive impact on us as a team…that’s worth a million pounds!"
“Perfect team morale boosting day. Fun but purposeful. I am quite new to the school and found this team bonding day helped me get to know other members of staff and I was able to work with people I haven’t worked with yet. I was a little nervous about taking my whole staff, especially as I had picked up that many members were anxious about the day themselves. However, it was truly the best inset we have had together. Building stronger staff relationships, where individuals not only get to show what they can do but also what they can’t. This is very powerful. We all have hidden talents and we all have skills to learn. This day will be reflected on time and time again as having such a positive impact on us as a team. With the current climate in our profession, that’s worth a million pounds!"
Kathy Haig, School Business Manager, Coopers Edge School Staff Team Building Day (April 2017)

"would happily stay longer thanks to the friendliness and humour"
“I was really nervous and yet really enjoyed myself! The children have felt the same – along with a good deal of excitement. Everyone has had a lovely time and would happily stay longer thanks to the friendliness and humour of the staff. Many thanks"
Hempsted C of E Primary School, Gloucester (March 2017)

"This Centre is exemplary!"
“This Centre is exemplary! Staff were so good with our children and worked extremely hard. They gave us teachers a break! Thank you to all of you and for the personal touch.”
Ms R - Berkeley Primary School, Berkeley  (June 2016)

"All the children have had a wonderful time"
“All the children have had a wonderful time and will take something back with them.  Staff (all) exceptional.  Very seamless transitions between activities and food times.  Thank you.”
St Mark’s C of E Junior School, Cheltenham (February 2017)

"You are all so friendly and welcoming, we felt really well looked after"
“Oh we had a ball!  It was amazing.  You are all so friendly and welcoming, we felt really well looked after.  We would absolutely love to come back and only wish we could have stayed longer.  Thank you. Thank you!”
“The kitchen was really, really well equipped with giant pots and great stoves.  The dishwasher was amazing – the star of the weekend.  Everything we needed we found."
Emily Hinshelwood – 50th birthday party (January 2017)

"Will be recommending to colleagues and other schools"
“Will be recommending to colleagues and other schools.  Great flexibility on programme ideas.  Calm environment.  Relaxed timings.  Clear timetable each day. Nice to be the only school here!”
Coney Hill School, Gloucester (July 2016)

"Best night’s sleep ever on a residential"
“Amazing – a fantastic place ... Great activities which challenged the children.  Good to see pupils take a sense of responsibility.  Affordable which is important for parents. A super place – very relaxing for all.  Best night’s sleep ever on a residential.”
Cheryl Clifton - Westonbirt Prep, Westonbirt (July 2016)

"This is just the beginning for the Centre since re-opening"
“We would definitely recommend to other schools.  Instructors all fab.  Will’s storytelling was great!  This is just the beginning for the Centre since re-opening.  Sure we’ll be back!”
Sam Rickaby - Ashchurch Primary School, Tewkesbury (July 2016)

"Excellent with pupils and support to staff"
“A big thank you to Dave and all the team for making us feel very welcome.  Excellent with pupils and support to staff.  Brilliant mix of land based and water activities; great and appropriate to year group.  Great rooms and communal spaces.”
Marc Johnson - Bredon School, Tewkesbury (September 2016)

"There was plenty to eat and food was tasty!"“Thank you for a great couple of days – everyone enjoyed it!  Varied activities which the children loved.  All instructional staff had great rapport with their groups.  There was plenty to eat and food was tasty!”
Stephen Dean - Highnam Academy (October 2016)

"Ticked every box I had"
“A fantastic experience for a very diverse group of students with a variety of needs. They will leave with an absolute sense of achievement. Ticked every box I had…. See you again.”
G Robinson - Brookfield School, Hereford (September 2016)

"Royal welcome!"
“Royal welcome! Even took a sick bucket from me on arrival!”
Ms R - Berkeley Primary School, Berkeley  (June 2016)

“Excellent all round.  Great food, accommodation, activities and staff.  We had a wonderful time.”

Mr M - St Paul’s C of E Primary School, Gloucester (June 2016)

"staff fully engaged with the kids at all times"
“Cleanliness, quality and quantity of food, accommodation, facilities and value for money all superb! Instructional staff fully engaged with the kids at all times. Kids loved the rooms and beds were comfy. Thank you. Our residential was amazing!.”

Ms R - Berkeley Primary School, Berkeley  (June 2016)

“A super visit.  Best residential in years!”
Mrs F – Lea C of E Primary School, Lea, Herefordshire (June 2016)

"Brilliant activities suited to the age of the children."
“Amazing trip.  Brilliant activities suited to the age of the children.  Staff all very accommodating and rapport with children fantastic.  We will certainly be returning.”
St Mary’s Primary School, Tetbury  (June 2016)

"Nice lunch freshly made. Would definitely return."
“Lovely setting. Lovely room.  Left to our devices which was great. Tea and coffee available with lots of juice and flap jacks. Nice lunch freshly made. Would definitely return.”
Gloucester GP Trainers (June 2016)

"It truly was an experience that the children will always remember."
“We would love to return next year. It truly was an experience that the children will always remember. I am so glad that I came out on Thursday evening... enjoying a superb tea (both in quality and quantity!) and joining everyone for the evening activities - what a superb storyteller Will is!”
Mrs R – St Mary’s Primary School, Tetbury (June 2016)

"Welcome from the first minute"
“Welcome from the first minute.  A great couple of days had by all.  A big thank you to all staff.  We will be back.”
Mr J – Longlevens Junior School, Gloucester (May 2016)

“Fun, well structured day and timings.  It has been a great stay.”
Kempsford Church of England Primary School, Kempsford (May 2016)

“Had a fantastic visit.  Thank you very much!”
Ms W – Longlevens Junior School, Gloucester (May 2016)

"The children have loved it and achieved a lot"
“Incredibly welcoming and well organized. The children have loved it and achieved a lot. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience.”

Mr W – Longlevens Junior School, Gloucester (May 2016)

“All children and staff felt safe at the Centre”
“All children and staff felt safe at the Centre.  We were given clear given clear guidelines at the beginning.”
Belmont Special School, Cheltenham (April 2016)

"activities were excellently tailored to the needs of the children"
“The activities were excellently tailored to the needs of the children.  This kept the children’s attention as well as promoting team work and problem solving”
Belmont Special School, Cheltenham (April 2016)

"All pupils have voted to come back!!!
“A great big thank you for such an excellent day. Thank you also for providing the sunshine!!! All pupils have voted to come back!!!”
Belmont Special School, Cheltenham (April 2016)

"I particularly like the tunnels because I conquered my fear of the dark."
“I am writing to say thank you.  I had such an unbelievable time.  I particularly like the tunnels because I conquered my fear of the dark.”
Ross - Belmont Special School, Cheltenham (April 2016)

"We couldn’t believe the size of our den
“I particularly enjoyed bush craft because I thought it was fun. We couldn’t believe the size of our den!”
Finlay - Belmont Special School, Cheltenham (April 2016)

"We have the staff very accommodating"
“We have really enjoyed our stay and have found the staff very accommodating. We look forward to our next visit.  Many thanks.”
Mr K – Hempsted Primary School, Gloucester (March 2016)

“Enjoyed our visit.  Warm welcome.”
Forest View Primary School, Cinderford (March 2016)

"What I will remember is the magnificent view you will always have around the house"
“What I will remember is the magnificent view you will always have around the house.  Also how kind the people were and how nice.”
Pupil – Sancton Wood School, Cambridge (June 2015)