The lambing barn has a kettle and fridge, plus a campfire area with plentiful wood and the camp’s own football area.
School Trips & Outdoor Education in Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Beyond
Mill on the Brue is an award-winning outdoor activity centre in Somerset, delivering exceptional outdoor school trips and residential adventure experiences for primary and secondary schools since 1982. With 25 acres of beautiful Somerset countryside, over 40 on-site activities and a team of fully qualified, DBS-checked instructors, we offer everything you need to take learning beyond the classroom.
Key Details
- Year Groups: Year 3 – Year 11 (primary & secondary)
- Activities: 40+ outdoor activities, up to six per day
- Location: Mill on the Brue, Bruton, Somerset
- Accommodation: Up to 124 students across four buildings, including standalone Rivermead House (34 students + 4 staff) — or choose on-site camping accommodation in glamping bell tents
- Group Ratio: Maximum 12 pupils per instructor
- Accreditation: Fully qualified and DBS-checked instructors, supported by our AALA licensing and BAPA membership.
- Enquiries: Quote provided within 24 hours
Whether you’re planning a first primary school trip, a challenging outdoor education experience for Year 6, or an adventure-packed visit for secondary school pupils, we build bespoke programmes around your group’s goals.
We are located in Bruton, Somerset, just one hour from Bath and Bristol and two hours from London, making us one of the most accessible school trip destinations in the South West for students in the UK and beyond.
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A special Day Visit barn with separate changing rooms, loos and showers.
Showers and loos reserved just for campers.
9 bunk bedded rooms – over three levels – Chestnut, Hazel, Cedar, Pine, Walnut, Rowan, Holly, Ash and Larch. Teacher / Accompanying staff rooms are on the same level as the majority of the rooms and are one twin (Oak), one single room (Birch) and twin (Poplar) there is also a separate sitting room with TV and tea / coffee facilities. All accompanying staff bedrooms are en-suite.
This sleeps 12 + 2 staff; there are 3 bedrooms with 4 students per room. All bedrooms have their own en-suite bathrooms.
The Apple Store has been rebuilt near the vegetable gardens and is used as an environmental classroom as well as to store and press our apples for juice. It is a meeting place for the ‘Garden to Table’ activity and as well as the Sustainability tour where children are shown about sustainable building methods and materials, renewable energy sources and organic food production.
The main house sleeps 28 + 4 staff and has three bunk-bedded rooms varying from 12 to 8 persons.
The vaulted Wine Cellar is a useful conference room for smaller numbers (maximum of 30 people).
The Longhouse was designed with the environment always at the forefront, in line with Mill on the Brue’s ethos. We wanted to make The Longhouse an environmental showcase for the south west of England.
Show your inner Viking. This is a skill-based activity learning how to throw an axe into a wooden target. Great fun and it’s not always the strongest who is the best.
Bracelet making in the yurt.
We have our own bee hives, we started with one in 2017 and we now have 5 busily pollinating our gardens.
“Every child should experience Mill on the Brue – #bestcampever.”
Head of School, Worle Village Primary School
“Mill On The Brue is perfect for any school residential. The staff are enthusiastic and encouraging, the accommodation and food is excellent, and the wide range of activities provide thrill and challenge to all students (and staff!). All located in an idyllic, green oasis which makes you feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We will keep coming back time and time again.”
Upton House School
“Mill on the Brue is unparalleled for activities, environment, food and instructors”
Marshfield Primary School
Why Schools Choose Mill on the Brue for Outdoor Education
- Over 40 years of experience delivering residential school trips and outdoor education programmes
- 25 acres of private Somerset countryside — all activities on-site, no additional travel needed
- Six exciting activities happening every day – there’s something for everyone
- Exclusive accommodation and activities tailored for your school
- Same instructor for each group for the whole stay
- Fresh food cooked daily from our award-winning kitchen using locally sourced produce and our own kitchen garden, reflecting our green ethos
- 25 acres of beautiful countryside to explore
- Member of BAPA (British Activity Providers Association)
- AALA licensed compliant with all adventure activity legislation
- The highest standards of health and safety
- Tailor made programme for each school
The Options
We can help you plan a school trip your pupils will never forget.
Our prices include everything, no hidden extras. We do no charge VAT as we are a Not-for-Profit organisation.
All prices below are per student.
| 2026 | 2 Night Stay | 4 Night Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Low Season | £210 | £384 |
| Mid Season | £242 | £446 |
| High Season | £311 | £545 |
| 2027 Camping (from) | £218 | £413 |
Tailor your school trip to meet your pupils’ needs and GET A QUOTE WITHIN 24 HOURS!
Outdoor Adventure School Trips and Activities
From high ropes and canoeing to team building and environmental learning, explore the school group activities included in every primary and secondary school residential trip at Mill on the Brue.
Testimonials from visiting schools
2026 Autumn availability
| September | Number of places |
|---|---|
| Monday 14th – Friday 18th | 34 |
| Monday 14th – Friday 18th (Camping) | 60-70 |
| Monday 21st – Friday 25th (Camping) | 60-70 |
| Monday 28th – Friday 2nd October | 62 |
| October | Number of places |
|---|---|
| Monday 5th – Friday 9th | 124 (Due to a cancellation) |
| November | Number of places |
|---|---|
| Monday 2nd – Friday 6th | 34 |
| Monday 9th – Wednesday 11th | 34 |
What to Expect on Your School Residential Trip
You, as the school’s Party Leader, can choose from over 40 outdoor pursuits, adventurous activities, tasks, games and projects. We will work with you to create an individual programme to suit your group. Our outdoor learning school trips help pupils develop confidence, resilience and teamwork while learning outside the classroom.
The majority of the activities are on site, making the most of the time and ensuring at least six activities per day.
All our staff are highly trained, well qualified and experienced.
If you wish, there can be an emphasis on teamwork and social skills and/ or the environment and conservation. Additionally the programme can be linked to the Geography or History National Curriculum with a town or river study. Whatever you choose, it will be fun.
Duration: 5 Days or 2 Days
Between: Monday to Friday morning, Monday – Wednesday morning, Wednesday to Friday afternoon or late Friday to Sunday afternoon
Capacity: Accommodation for 125 (in four separate buildings) students and 11 staff – including the stand alone Rivermead House (on the edge of Mill on the Brue land) 35 students plus 4 staff
Info: MoB staff will meet you at the bottom of our drive and accompany everyone with their all bags up to the accommodation
For every 12 children there is one free staff place.
Mill On The Brue is located in Bruton, Somerset, near to the borders of Dorset and Wiltshire. It is an ideal school residential trip location being just one hour from Bath and Bristol and 2 hours from London. Book a preview visit by contacting the office.
Mill On The Brue specialises in offering first class outdoor education trips and outdoor adventure courses which create a fantastic atmosphere for skills development in many areas.
‘Celebrating our 30th year coming to Mill on the Brue, that should tell you how wonderful it is!!
Princes Mead School, Winchester
“A genuinely incomparable experience, I know of no other centre anywhere close to those high standards. Superb!!!” Chafyn Grove School, Salisbury
Carefully planned menus with locally sourced produce and our own organic vegetables are served in our environmentally built, award winning Longhouse dining room.
We understand each group wants different outcomes from their visit and that is why we individually write your programme having asked you for your choice of activities.
To gain a better understanding of how the week can vary so much we’ve written three sample programmes for a typical group split into four groups (no more than 12 children in a group).
Team Building Emphasis (download)
Environmental education emphasis (download)
Fun and development emphasis (download)
The Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) Act 1995 and the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 2004 make it a legal requirement for providers of certain adventure activities for young people to undergo an inspection of their safety management systems and hold a licence. BAPA – British Activity Providers Association sets the standard for Quality, Safety and Value for activity centres and residential and day camp providers.
Looking for Something Different?
If your group would prefer a flexible camping experience instead of building-based accommodation, take a look at our on-site camping for groups. If staff or parents are looking for something for their own families over the school holidays, point them towards our Residential Summer Camps or Adventure Day Camps.
Mill on the Brue offers much more than school trips and group visits. If you’re a teacher looking for opportunities to recommend to parents, or a parent keen to explore more of what we offer, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Mill on the Brue throughout the year.
During the school holidays, children can join our Residential Summer Camps, Adventure Day Camps or Mini Mobster Sessions, all designed to build confidence, encourage friendships and create unforgettable outdoor adventures.
We also host exciting Birthday Parties and outdoor Team Building Events for adults and organisations looking to bring people together through shared experiences.
Contact Us
FAQs
What year groups are your outdoor school trips suitable for?
Our residential school trips for primary and secondary schools are suitable for children from Year 3 through to Year 11. We write the programme having seen the party leaders’ activity choices and understood the aim and objectives of the group.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred dates. Popular times — particularly May, June and September — fill quickly. Contact us and we will confirm availability and send a quote within 24 hours.
Do you help with risk assessments and planning?
Yes. Our team supports schools throughout the planning process, including advice on risk assessments, pre-visit information and itinerary planning. We are experienced in working with schools to make the trip as straightforward as possible for teachers.
Is Mill on the Brue licensed and accredited?
We hold a licence under the Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) Act 1995 and the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 2004. We are also a member of BAPA (British Activity Providers Association), through which we are assessed for the LOtC (Learning Outside the Classroom) Quality Badge, the national award recognised by schools as an indicator of quality risk management and educational provision.
Can you cater for children with dietary requirements or additional needs?
Absolutely. Please let us know about any dietary requirements, allergies or additional needs when you enquire. Our kitchen team and instructors are experienced in accommodating a wide range of requirements.
What accommodation is available?
We offer accommodation for up to 124 students across four separate buildings, including the standalone Rivermead House which can accommodate 34 students and 4 staff independently. All accommodation is supervised overnight by our team. We additionally have a lovely campsite for 70 children.
