High on adventure is what the Thames Young Mariners promises. Welcome to this amazing outdoor education center. Thames Young Mariners is nestled on 25 acres. It is a local nature reserve near London. This makes it perfect for schools.
Thames Young Mariners has been around for over 40 years. The site features a 10-acre lake. It sits beside the River Thames between Richmond and Kingston. Thames Young Mariners is a unique space. It encourages learning and self-discovery in nature. The RYA and British Canoeing recognize the center as a teaching center.
Imagine the site in the 1800s. Three farms owned by the Earl of Dysart once stood here. By the 1950s agriculture gave way to housing. Gravel extraction became common. The Thames Young Mariners Base Lagoon is actually an old gravel pit. It was filled in 1952. It became a public amenity.
Today Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development owns Thames Young Mariners. They host outdoor learning programs. Activities include adventure walks and archery. You can try bell boating or canoeing. Challenge courses and climbing are also options. For those who love wheels, there is mountain biking. Orienteering sharpens your navigation skills. Raft building tests your teamwork. Sailing lets you harness the wind. Team tasks build collaboration. Woodland skills connect you with nature. Many activities adapt for disabled groups. Thames Young Mariners also features accessible sailing boats.
SOLD focuses on personal development for young people. Their Learning Outcome Tree identifies five key areas. Personal skills maximize achievement. Physical activities increase movement. Knowledge grows understanding. Social skills improve teamwork. Emotional support fosters positive feelings.
From Easter to October, stay in teepee villages. “Buffalo Creek” and Lakeview offer a unique residential experience. Up to 90 visitors can enjoy these cozy teepees. Campfires create memorable evenings. Toast marshmallows and share the day’s adventures.
The catering team is continually praised. They offer varied meal options. Thames Young Mariners received the Eat Out Eat Well Gold Standard Award. This means healthy meals with more fruits and vegetables. They cater to vegetarians and those with allergies.
Thames Young Mariners is open seven days a week all year. Enjoy day visits. Teepee villages are open between Easter and October. Residential visits last one to four nights.
Thames Young Mariners welcomes up to 150 young people for day visits. The teepee villages accommodate 90 visitors. A printed SOLD logbook helps groups map their journey.
Before your trip, visit the center. Familiarize yourself with the area. Fine-tune your program.
Thames Young Mariners provides high-quality outdoor experiences. Each visit is designed around learning outcomes. Explore the natural world. Challenge yourself. Discover new skills. Create lasting memories at Thames Young Mariners.