Testimonials and Case Studies - Thornbridge Outdoors

Reviews

Facebook Reviews

  We have been to Thornbridge Outdoors for about 3 out of the past 4 years (or maybe more!) for a friends Re-union weekend. Each visit has been fab, the size of the Lodge for our 7 families (mostly 4's with the odd 3) is perfect. The accommodation is basic but clean and the kitchen well equipped for such a large group. The organisation has been excellent and the past 2 years we have had an instructor for our group to enjoy some on-site and off-site activities. These have been a real highlight of our stay - with some of our group attempting new challenges and pushing their bravery. Great spot for the access onto the Monsal Trail too - used for walk/run/bike across our group.

Raych Carbery
5/28/2019

  Great setting, well maintained accomodation and friendly instructors.

James Herbert
5/08/2019

  Lovely and calm place. Well maintained

Naveeda Riaz
2/15/2019
  The whole place looked stunning last night , we were just there to support an artist.

Linda Searle
9/30/2018

  Wow I've had the most excellent residential overnight at thornbridge and the staff we're very helpful and I hope to come again with family and friends

Joseph Sockett
3/29/2018

  Oadby Walking group: We had our anniversary get-together (30 members) and stay with a great Monsal trail walk in November 2017. It was a great stay and the accomodation satisfied all our needs. The administrative staff (Helen and Jill) were very helpful and understood our needs. Ian, the walking guide, clearly guided us with our needs for the walking activity. In summary, the staff were very helpful, the accomodation was great and we had one of the happiest times! Thanks.

Thanthullu Vasu
12/10/2017
  Awesome location for the alpkit festival thanks for having us

Kev Smith
9/24/2017

  I loved the place. Great location. The accommodation was very clean and big enough for a large group. Wonderful facilities on site and walking grounds. The Thornbridge hall accross the road is beatiful area to walk and explore. The nearby village of Ashford is beautiful for a leisurely walk. Will recommend to friends.

Shoaib Haider
9/16/2017

  Great place, lovely instructors, shame about the pizza...

Catriona Elen McIntosh
9/09/2017
  Great place to do you own thing. Lots of space and few close neighbours,!

Richard Hakes
8/28/2017

  What a fabulous place, well equipped, versatile and very friendly.

Richard Bateman
6/26/2017

  It's a wonderful place for both adult and children. Situated in a very peaceful location and so much to explore. Staffs are very friendly ...We had a wonderful and a memorable time in Thornbridge outdoors

Saji Samuel
6/09/2017
  My son really enjoyed his recent school trip. He was able to enjoy a wide range of activities. The staff were very helpful and responsive in helping find his lost wallet.

Charlotte Shepherd
4/07/2017

  Thornbridge Outdoors have excellent facilities and very friendly helpful staff. Every staff member that I came into contact with was friendly and pleasant. 🙂

Tina Fox
2/11/2017

  Went there for a team-building session organized by my uni. Everything was perfect! Great facilities, great instructors, and an amazing landscape! Thank you for your kindness 🙂

Juliette Itsugua
2/03/2017
  Excellent spot for a group of friends to gather. We were a mixed group of family and friends of all ages. Facilities are perfect and location is really good for walking biking climbing and general outdoor messing about. Nice biking areas on site and a little bouldering wall. I left a heart rate monitor behind which they very kindly and promptly posted back to me. Couldn't recommend enough.

Ambitious Melon
1/29/2017

  Excellent spot for a group of friends to gather. We were a mixed group of family and friends of all ages. Facilities are perfect and location is really good for walking biking climbing and general outdoor messing about. Nice biking areas on site and a little bouldering wall. I left a heart rate monitor behind which they very kindly and promptly posted back to me. Couldn't recommend enough.

Daniel Short
1/29/2017

  Amazing experience. My team members are all very nice�

Ding Jiang
10/07/2016
  Perfect activities! I am so enjoy it. It is good for make friends.

April Zeng
10/07/2016

  Had a fantastic stay at Thornbridge Outdoors this weekend. The Lodge was brilliant for our group - we especially liked the outdoor space and the BBQ. Very friendly staff and a fantastic experience throughout.

Adele Ashington
6/28/2015

  While booking Thornbridge Our group never thought that the fun will be at the highest like this. High rope and sky walk was amazing, thanks Jill for your timely and friendly action to build up the confidence of our kids. As we were 9 families the 9 bed rooms in Lodge seems like it's build and designed for us. The well equipped kitchen is perfectly arranged for the large group Once again thanks to whole staffs and team of Thornbridge outdoors

Subhash Sasidharan
5/30/2015
  Stayed a night with the family. Wanted a cheap bunk house and I'm so glad my event started from here as it's a gem. Beautiful surroundings.

Richard Thompson
9/28/2014

  Yeh !

Orlando Hampton
6/15/2014

  Wow I've had the most excellent residential overnight at thornbridge and the staff we're very helpful and I hope to come again with family and friends

Joseph Sockett
1/01/1970

Google’s 5 Most Helpful Reviews

  Fantastic residential overnight at thornbridge with college

Joseph Sockett
3/29/2018

  Great facilities at reasonable price. Really good for large groups with children. Accommodation is basic but that's all we needed.

Mattie Winder
3/11/2018

  Stayed in the lodge fantastic value . Lovely place. Catered for every purpose and had WiFi and a great TV system something you don't associate with a outdoor's place but vital for night time 🙂 . Would highly recommend everything was perfect

Stephen Caveney
2/21/2018
Son and 2 daughters had a great time here.... The accomodation was ideal and they did some great outdoor activities....

Chris Horn
8/24/2017

Great place to be for a week with ncs west never bored. Great staff and grounds.

Jack goff
7/28/2017

Testimonials

School & Youth Groups

Immediate feedback from all the staff was how enjoyable the day has been and how good the activities and staff were. Excellent level of challenge and support.

Jason, Deputy Head Teacher, A Sheffield Primary School on Staff Training Day

Excellent instructors as always. We appreciate the pre-visit discussions that took place this year and the provision for our children with additional needs. High ropes and sky ropes are always popular with children and we feel it has great value in them supporting each other and overcoming fears. The Thornbridge Challenge is definitely a great time building activity.

Emma, Y6 Teacher, A Sheffield Primary School

Accommodation was nicely laid out, modern and fresh. A well laid out self catering kitchen made it very accessible for the students to try out their cooking skills. All the students had a blast and are leaving today in high spirits.

Ian, Outdoor Tutor, A Sheffield Youth Organisation

All instructors superb and showed that they had really tried to get to know the children. They were really understanding of every child’s needs.

Drew, Y5 Teacher, A Sheffield Primary School

Activities covered all our objectives, everyone was extremely friendly and obliging. An extremely enjoyable, fulfilling week had by all children.

Liz, Teacher, A Sheffield Primary School

We all had a fabulous time! Children and adults at school came back absolutely buzzing with the experience and the chance to self cater gave us a dimension that we all valued. We could really see the impact on the children’s independence and growing confidence. We will definitely be booking again!

Rachel, Headteacher, Rotherham Primary School

The first mornings activities worked well especially as we had an instructor to lead one of the activities and it gave the children a good chance to explore the site by going the orienteering and the low ropes. Each year we visit there always seems to be lots of extra improvements especially with regards to the accommodation and the resources.

Sue, Y6 residential group visit leader, A Sheffield Primary School

Activities were a real challenge with a great sense of achievements. Improving communication skills and developing trust between the children. Another fantastic week. Thanks to all the staff at Thornbridge. We loved the new showers!

Rachel, Y6 residential group visit leader, A Sheffield Primary School

Excellent support and outstanding leadership during the sessions. Very approachable instructors who developed a strong rapport with pupils and staff.

John, Y5 residential visit leader

The whole programme was really good, it adapted to the needs of the whole groups. The walk was the overall favourite of the group as well as the caving and canoeing. Our instructors were obviously very experienced and very good with our young people, they gave clear instructions and gave a positive vibe and great motivation to the group. Thank you to them and the rest of the staff at the centre. Brilliant accommodation, love staying in the Farm House. We are booked to come back but would definitely recommend to other services. Food was nice with good portions and accommodated different requirements. Excellent all round!

Kerrie, Visit Leader, NCS Group

All activities were successful due to excellent instructors – knowledge, organisation, equipment, timings etc. Every activity met at least one of our objectives.

John, Y5 school residential visit leader

We have had a great time. One girl who has anxiety problems, who at school gives us a rating of max 3/10, each day gave 9/10. We hope that she takes this confidence into school. Thank you.

Karen, Y5 school residential visit leader

Friends & Family Groups

Just a note to say thanks very much for a great weekend and a few points on feedback as requested: Kitchen was very well equipped, made catering relatively stress free! Good sized beds and bedrooms – (I thought they might have been smaller from photos on website) Good sized social areas Perfectly situated for exploring the local area The view of the facilities can be summed up by the fact that people are already talking about a possible return.

Andy, Family & Friends Party

Couldn’t have asked for anything more! Excellent support throughout our stay. We have all had a fantastic time and never expected it to be as good as it has been. We will be back!

Lisa, Family & Friends Half Term Party

We have just enjoyed the most wonderful weekend in the Farm House. It is our second family visit to Thornbridge and it is just the most wonderful venue. We can’t find anything to improve on! Everything is so organised and provided for visitors. Our instructor, was the icing on the cake and made some very special and powerful memories for the children in our party. Thank you very much.

S. Hindle, Family & Friends Weekend Party

Just to say a big thanks for an amazing weekend, it couldn’t have gone any better. It all remained a surprise to the birthday boy until we arrived, and he couldn’t believe all his family and close friends were there to celebrate. Even the rain on Saturday didn’t spoil the fun too much, the only thing we didn’t manage was the bonfire- the rain just beat us on that one! Please say a big thank you on our behalf to Sam for delicious and plentiful catering, especially the curry which we finished off for lunch today! Also if you could pass on thanks to Mick- the cyclists had a great morning, and all commented how supportive and encouraging he was to all abilities taking part. The facilities you have there are great, and we especially enjoyed the night line and orienteering, as well as the picture walk to Monsal Head which kept all the kids entertained. Many thanks again, and we hope to return as a group in the future.

Sarah, Family & Friends Weekend Party

It was lovely to be left to it, but the resources and info packs were super. Accommodation perfect for our needs – kids especially loved a bit of freedom and plenty of space for all! An amazing venue, thanks you so much for all the resources. We’ll definitely be back!

Julia, Organiser, Family & Friends Weekend Party

Abseiling was a great experience. Wonderful fun had by all in a great facility and location.

Steve, Organiser, Family & Friends Weekend Party

We all had a great time thanks. Thornbridge was excellent, and all staff that we came into contact with were friendly and professional. Basically everything was really good. As a group we have rented several hostels in the past. We found that Thornbridge was cleaner and the kitchen as better equipped than any of the hostels have rented. Although from what I remember the showers themselves were good, doors on them would be better than curtains. Our instructor was great. Everyone really enjoyed the session. The booking process was friendly and efficient. The children enjoyed the orienteering course. We had a nice walk along the Monsal trail. We had a nice meal at the Bulls Head at Ashford in the Water. Thanks very much.

Kathleen, Organiser, Family & Friends Weekend Party

We would just like to say a big thank you, we all had an absolutely fabulous time!

Karen, Organiser, Family & Friends Weekend Party

Thanks once again, we had an absolutely brilliant weekend- it was perfect. We all agreed that we would like to do it again next year as well.

Chris, Family & Friends Weekend Party

Courses

I would just like to say a really big thank you to all the staff who supported me in completing my Hill & Moorland Leader Assessment at Thornbridge. It was an amazing experience; to spend 3 days on the hills and to feel supported by all the staff involved. I was really impressed by the way the 4 staff members involved maintained such a high level of professionality. They managed to combine a strict assessment with a friendly disposition. I felt they offered me a huge amount of training and support without ever taking their eye’s off the ultimate goal which was to assess our skills and ability to cope in a tough environment. The days were so long, the walking tough and the knowledge needed very varied and complex – I cannot praise the staff enough for their commitment and unfailing enthusiasm. This has undoubtedly been one of the greatest achievements in my life and I loved every minute of it.

Lois, Candidate on Hill and Moorland Leader Assessment (HML)

Its very rare to find a tutor that can deliver a two day course with passion, information, enthusiasm for the subject and deliver content in a relaxed, informative and non judgemental way. I highly recommend the instructor and the centre.

Adrian, Candidate on Outdoor First Aid Course

I attended the Lowland Leader Course over the weekend and although I completed the usual standard feedback form at the end of the course, I just wanted to let you know personally that I was very impressed with the way it was run and would definitely recommend your Centre to anyone who was thinking of doing any of your courses or activities in the future. Our instructor turned out to be a very dedicated and enthusiastic trainer; his knowledge of the subject and areas where we walked, left me – and I’m sure the others, in awe! I really appreciate the effort he put into making the course so interesting.

P. Marriott, Centre Coordinator, Duke of Edinburgh

I came with our two sons and the Hope Valley Mountain Bike club to your mountain bike course at Thornbridge Outdoors just before Christmas. They loved it. It was really good and every time we come something else has been developed. All the kids really enjoyed it and loved all the skills sections. It was hard to drag them all away!

Cal, External Cycling Course

It was great to meet some new people, whilst taking part in challenging and exciting activities.

Bronwen, D of E Gold Residential Green Action Course

An informative and helpful course. An enjoyable and active way of learning. The instructor was always ready to answer questions and give valuable feedback. Would definitely use in 3 years time.

Chloe, Outdoor First Aid Course

A well directed course with excellent, helpful and knowledgeable instructors.

Alex, SPA Assessment Course

I’ve been on several First Aid courses. Instruction here was absolutely excellent. He created a friendly, fun atmosphere whilst hammering home everything very effectively. A very talented teacher.

Toby, Participant on First Aid course

Events

We are so grateful to everyone at Thornbridge for being so helpful, communicative and available when we were on site. The way the team handled our parents questions, helped the marquee setup and showing us around etc. Thank you so much. There’s no way we could have had such a fun and relaxed wedding as we did at Thornbridge anywhere else. All our guests loved it too.

Amy and Jamie, Wedding Celebration

Waking up this morning still revelling from a wonderful weekend. Everybody who attended were so impressed by the wonderful facilities on offer. Thornbridge Outdoors is a little gem and you all should be very proud. The event went so well and it was just so easy to coordinate because everything we needed was at hand. We are sure that we will be visiting again and we know you have lots of new fans. Once again thank-you so much.

Marsha and David, Wedding Celebration

Thank you to all the staff at Thornbridge for making us feel so welcome and ensuring that we all had a wonderful day yesterday on our team building event. Great activities planned, particularly enjoyed the blind mice climbing task. A really fun way to share best practice across two local authorities!

Hayley, Nottinghamshire County Council Centre

As a venue for running our pre-deployment training course, Thornbridge Outdoors ticks all the boxes and some more – great facilities, great location and great staff. From my first contact with the centre the staff have fallen over backwards to ensure that our stay is as productive and enjoyable as possible. Eleven out of ten as far as I am concerned.

Simon Garrod, Field Operations Manager, British Antarctic Survey

Case Studies

Angram Bank Primary, Our Journey to Thornbridge Outdoors

It is 9am on a Friday morning in the summer term. Year six children, accompanied by parents, dragging and carrying assorted luggage are arriving at Chapeltown Train Station in Sheffield for a weekend residential visit to Thornbridge Outdoors… read more

Greystones Primary

As a school on the edge of the Peak District, we continue to use the fabulous resources of Thornbridge Outdoors for our Y5 residential for many reasons… read more

James at Thornbridge Outdoors

When James joined Year 6 he appeared quiet, avoided physical activity and lacked the confidence to widen his friendship group. He cried during our first football session and refused to take part… read more

Stanhope School

I am writing to once again thank your team for making our Year 4 visit to Thornbridge Outdoors an outstanding and memorable occasion. We have been bringing KS2 children to the centre since June 2002 and have always returned back to school totally reassured that quality outdoor education is a must for all children… read more

Why not add to our Facebook, Google or Trust Pilot reviews or leave a comment yourself below?