Complete your Gold DofE Residential at Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre, an independent outdoor activity centre set within 127 acres of Sussex countryside at RH19 4HP, near East Grinstead.

Our Gold Activity Residential combines comfortable indoor accommodation, full catering and a varied programme of outdoor activities, giving you the opportunity to try new things, challenge yourself and meet other young people from different backgrounds.

Throughout the week, you’ll take part in a range of activities, which may include:

Watersports – get out on the water and develop new skills
Roped and height activities – climbing, abseiling and other high-adrenaline challenges
Target sports – including axe throwing and other precision-based activities
Bushcraft & survival skills – learn practical outdoor skills, work with natural materials and develop your confidence in the countryside
Land-based adventure activities – a range of challenges designed to encourage teamwork, communication and problem-solving

Food & Independent Living

Full catering is included in the fee, with participants also getting involved in planning and preparing their own meals.

As part of the residential experience, the group will learn to budget for food, plan meals and cook together, with support and guidance from our instructors. It’s a great opportunity to develop practical skills and independence while working together as a group.

You’ll stay in comfortable indoor accommodation onsite, with everything you need for a relaxed residential experience between activities. Being based at Blackland Farm means you can make the most of our extensive grounds, woodland, streams and activity areas throughout your stay.

The Gold Residential is a chance to step outside your usual routine, take on new challenges, learn practical skills and share an adventure with a new group of people - while completing the residential section of your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Location: Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre, Sussex, RH19 4HP
Accommodation: Comfortable indoor accommodation onsite
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Food: Full catering provided, with participants involved in budgeting, meal planning and cooking

Before booking, please ensure you read our Letter to Participants for more detail.

For those participants looking for a lower-cost, big-impact opportunity, we also offer a 5-day volunteering residential at Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre on 16th-20th August 2027.

Gold Activity Residential (2nd-6th August 2027)