Activities

Caving:
Test your nerve as you take on the underground challenge of the Letterbox, the Washing Machine and the Corkscrew, all under the guidance of our trained and qualified instructors. 
Available at:
Maes y Lade
Mersea

Climbing:
Climbing is a physical and intense experience unrivalled by other sports. Our climbing complexes provide a purpose built environment in which our instructors can teach you basic climbing techniques and introduce you to essential climbing equipment. We are also within driving distance of the sandstone outcrop in Kent, allowing staff to provide progression from the climbing wall to real rock.
Available at: Danbury, Harlow, Mersea

Climbing Wall - Mobile:
Our 24' mobile climbing wall can be hired out to groups, youth clubs, schools, fetes, fun days, adult taster sessions and more. 

Coastal Discovery:  A newly developed activity on the beach adjacent to our site. The session blends environmental education and forest school principles with fun activities, learn about the seashore life of the Blackwater estuary, find crabs and sea creatures, create some beach art – the world really is your oyster on this activity!
Available at: Mersea

Environmental:
At Essex Outdoors we provide a wide range of environmental programmes, from 'Wild & Crafty' taster days through to full Forest School programs. Available at:
Daws Hall,
Pelham,
Schools and local woodlands
For more information please click here.

Gorge Walking:
Scramble, jump, slide and abseil your way across rocks, rivers and waterfalls in this non-stop high-adrenaline activity.
Available at: Maes y Lade

High Ropes:
Our centres offer various high ropes courses, with elements such as Vines,  Jacob's Ladder and the Trapeze!
Available at:
Bradwell
Danbury
Harlow
Mersea

High Ropes  - Tree Tops: This course is for those looking for the big challenge! The course consists of bridges, tight-ropes and other challenges suspended 30ft above the forest floor. Available at: Danbury

It's a Knockout:
It's bouncy, wet and loads of fun. Providing every group with an excellent ice-breaker activity or an even better finale to their camp with us. For day visitors a change of clothes is essential! A range of up to 10 games emphasise teamwork skills with lots of fun elements mixed in. Try and conquer the water tower, or reach the end of the bungee run. Test your combat skills on the gladiators or pillow fight!  The whole event is run by enthusiastic instructors who will ensure that your whole group get involved and have a great time. Leaders may be required to assist in the running of activities but don't worry - it's the perfect opportunity to get your own back!! The event can be run just for fun or as a competition and can cater for all group sizes from 20 to 200. Don't forget - a change of clothes is essential - YOU WILL GET WET!
Available at: Mersea

Kayaking:
Our BCU qualified staff will guide you through all the basic strokes and allow plenty of time to practice your technique, before giving you the opportunity to explote the waterways and get up close and personal with some fascinating wildlife!
Available at:
Bradwell
Harlow
Maes y Lade
Mersea

Kit Karts:
A newly developed activity created by us, kit karts are the perfect mix of team building coupled with the excitement of riding your creation down one of our hills.  Groups will work in two teams to build soap box style go-carts from the kit of parts and instructions supplied by the Instructor.  Once the challenge is completed, group members will take it in turns to ride the karts down 3 slopes of varying inclines.
Available at: Mersea

Low Ropes:
With a new course opened in 2009 this continues to be a great activity to promote teamwork skills whilst having a fun experience. Involving a series of ropes and wires close to the ground, the aim is to move around the course as a team without touching the ground with the support of each other. A great activity for the development of teamwork skills whilst having fun!
Available at: Mersea

Obstacle Course:
The perfect environment for group work, team building, or just a bit if fun. Our purpose built obstacle courses will test your ability to work with friends and colleagues, make decisions, and handover trust in a safe but challenging environment.
Available at:
Danbury
Mersea

Off Road Biking:
Our centres are perfectly situated to cater for all levels of mountain biking, and our sites present plenty of challenges, from gentle woodland trails through to more technical routes. And our proximity to some of the best single- track in the country allows us to stretch you even further.
Available at:
Bradwell
Danbury
Harlow
Maes y Lade
Mersea

Orienteering:
This activity teaches the important life skill of map-reading. After thorough tuition in the basics,  including orientating the map, symbols, and scale, participants can head off to complete a variety of courses. For the more experienced, this can include orienteering by  mountain bike and canoe.

Available at: Bradwell, Danbury, Harlow, Maes y Lade, Mersea.

Powerboating:
Essex Outdoors provides a superb environment in which to develop your powerboat skills at all levels.
Available at:
Bradwell
Mersea

Problem Solving/Team Challenge: Spider's web, mazes, blindfold trails and sheep pens are just some of the tools used to test your problem solving skills! Ranging from mental puzzles through to team challenges, we'll test your ability to work together, communicate and think fast.
Available at: Bradwell, Danbury, Harlow, Maes y Lade, Mersea.

Sailing:
From dinghies to yachts, our dedicated sailing centre at Bradwell offers a comprehensive range of of RYA courses to help you learn to sail or develop exisitng skills. 
Our Sigma 33 offshore yacht Brigantes is also availablefor offshore sailing for up to five persons. Available at:
Bradwell

Scavenger Hunt: (suitable for younger groups of 10-50)
This orienteering based activity sees group members using their map reading skills to navigate around our 64 acre site and collect information to help them find the secret location of the treasure!
Available at: Mersea

Speedboat & Crabbing: (3 hour session only)
Ride the waves on our 21ft Rigid Inflatable Boat and fish for crabs in West Mersea. An activity to fill a whole morning or afternoon for up to 20 people, we take our 21ft Rigid Inflatable Boat out into the Estuary to provide the group with the experience of travelling across the water at speed, trying to catch the waves.
Available at: Mersea

Swimming:
At Mersea our 25m long, 1 metre deep heated outdoor pool can be hired for a swim or with our pool games for a fun session. All sessions are supervised by a qualified Lifeguard.
Available at: Mersea