Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development

24/08/2026

We had the pleasure of hosting the Epsom Methodist Church - Chinese Congregation - CCEMC 英國循道衛理會勵德堂 for a weekend residential at High Ashurst, and what a weekend it was.

120 guests of all ages arrived on Friday, settling into our cabins and tent village for a stay built around fellowship, faith-led discussion and prayer. Alongside their own programme, many took on our ropes courses and climbing walls, making the most of everything the site has to offer.

Saturday evening brought even more of the congregation together (180+) for an evening of song, friendship and a barbecue, rounding off a really joyful day. From youngsters to oldsters, every challenge was met with a smile — a brilliant reminder of what makes hosting community groups at High Ashurst so rewarding.

If your group is looking for a residential venue that can flex around your own programme, we'd love to hear from you.

13/08/2026

This week with RYLA just keeps getting better! ☀️🌳

Our RYLA residential group topped off Wednesday with something truly special — watching the solar eclipse from our elevated spot in the Surrey Hills, under a perfectly cloudless sky. Up to 90% of the sun disappeared behind the moon, and we couldn't have asked for a better view.

The perfect way to wind down before tonight's gala dinner and presentations. 🌟

A week of leadership, adventure and now a once-in-a-generation sky event — this RYLA cohort has had it all.

📍 High Ashurst, Surrey Hills

13/08/2026

TAZ at Thames Young Mariners — last dates of the summer! ⏳🛶

We're not ready to let summer go just yet, and neither are our TAZ explorers! There are just a few places left on our Junior and Senior Multi-Activity days at Thames Young Mariners, and once they're gone, that's it until half term.

🟢 **Junior Multi-Activity** (8–11 years) — 2 & 3-day sessions
🔵 **Senior Multi-Activity** (11–13 years) — 2 & 3-day sessions

Across the sessions, expect a brilliant mix of land and water adventure, including:

- Stand up paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Challenge course
- Team challenges and games
- Raft building
- Fire lighting
- Den building
..plus much more, all delivered by our experienced instructors on the riverside at Ham.

⏳ 9.30am–4.15pm each day
📍 Thames Young Mariners, Riverside Drive, Ham
🎟️ Childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare accepted (book at least 2 weeks ahead)

Spaces are going fast — don't miss the last chance to send them off on a summer adventure they'll be talking about back at school! 🍂

Book courses and purchase items

11/08/2026

Welcoming this week's very special group to High Ashurst! 🌳

We're delighted to have the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) young people staying with us for a full week's residential, and what a week it's going to be. Alongside the full High Ashurst activity programme, the group will head down to Thames Young Mariners for a day of water activities, with a bespoke itinerary that also includes a theatre evening, a gala dinner and an awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements.

RYLA has been hosted at High Ashurst since 2010 and brings together young people with real leadership potential. We can't think of a better setting than 56 acres of Surrey Hills woodland to challenge, inspire and connect them. Here's to a brilliant week of adventure, teamwork, new friendships and many, many more years of this fantastic celebration of young talent.

Watch this space for updates from the week! 🏹⛵🌲

10/08/2026

☀️ August Hot Weather Update – We’ve Got TAZ Kids Covered

That's right, there's another heatwave inbound, with high temperatures forecast throughout the week. We're not complaining about this fantastic summer; however, we do want to let you know that Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) is fully prepared and ready to keep visitors cool, hydrated and happy.

The safety, comfort and enjoyment of our guests are our priority, and we’ve enhanced our approach so everyone can continue to have an amazing outdoor experience.

✅ What we’re doing:
• Creating extra shaded areas across our sites
• Adapting activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day and maximise time in cooler, shaded spaces
• Adding water-based and cooling activities where possible
• Building in more breaks for water, shade and sunscreen
• Preparing well-ventilated accommodation
• Supporting hydration with refill stations and appropriate catering

👇 How you can help:
• Bring a refillable water bottle, hat & sun cream
• Wear light, practical clothing and trainers
• Ensure medical details are up to date
• Encourage staff to work closely with our team to adapt activities if needed

💬 Our experienced staff are on hand throughout each visit to support guests, working flexibly to ensure a safe, comfortable and high-quality experience.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you as planned for another memorable SOLD experience.

05/08/2026

🚣 Only 3 Places Left! 🛶

Complete your Gold DofE Residential with an unforgettable 5-day canoeing and kayaking adventure at Thames Young Mariners.

✅ Meets Gold DofE Residential requirements
✅ Food, tented accommodation and equipment included
✅ Learn new paddlesport skills with expert instructors
✅ Gain British Canoeing awards
✅ Meet new people and challenge yourself

Don't miss your chance to get on the water and complete your Gold Award.

Only 3 places remaining – book now!
https://bit.ly/4pV2397

03/08/2026

Do you know someone who believes the outdoors can change young lives? 🌿

We're looking for someone to join the Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development team, helping children and young people build confidence, resilience and skills through outdoor learning experiences.

If you know an outdoor educator, instructor or youth work professional who's passionate about making a difference, we'd love you to share this opportunity with them.

Every day brings the chance to inspire young people, support personal growth and create positive outcomes in beautiful outdoor settings across Surrey.

👉 Find out more and apply: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/jobs/search/details?id=5468

Please share with anyone who might be interested.

31/07/2026

Holiday Clubs for children 6 to 13. This summer at High Ashurst near Dorking
The school holidays are long. The sofa is not the answer.
TAZ — The Adventure Zone — is open every day at High Ashurst in Dorking. Daily sessions of climbing, archery, bushcraft, mountain biking, den building, team challenges and more, led by expert outdoor instructors in some of Surrey's most spectacular surroundings.
Your children come home inspired, proud, and absolutely exhausted. You call that a win.
🏹 High Ashurst, Dorking — ages 6–13
Only £50 per child per day. Book your dates before spaces go.
👉 https://bit.ly/4yQAdiu

29/07/2026

🧗‍♀️ Got a young climber at home, 9 to 13 years
A fantastic 2 day holiday climbing club!
With our without climbing experience needed!
Don't miss out, only a few spaces left!

At High Ashurst, near Dorking.
📅 4 & 5 August 2026
🔗 https://direc.to/oAdE
Develop their technique, tackle new challenges, and have an unforgettable time in the great outdoors, all under the supervision of our experienced instructors.

🔗 https://direc.to/oAdE

29/07/2026

Give them a head start on September.

For parents of incoming Salesian School Year 7s — this is the one to share.
Before the uniform is laid out and the pencil case is packed, there's an opportunity to give your child something no school shop can offer: confidence, connection, and a few ready-made friends.

Book Now!
https://direc.to/paq2

SOLD is coming to Salesian School in Chertsey on Monday 17th August for a full Step Up to Secondary day. Outdoor team activities, archery and a whole day with their future classmates — all in the familiar surroundings of the school they're about to call their own.
📅 Monday 17th August 2026
⏰ 9.30am – 3.30pm
📍 Salesian School, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 9LU
💷 £45 per child — Childcare vouchers are accepted on bookings made at least 2 weeks in advance.
If your child is starting at Salesian School — it'll be the best £45 of the summer.
Book Now!
https://direc.to/paq2