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You are here > Things to do > Skern Lodge

Skern lodge from above
  • Skern lodge from above
  • child on a zip wire
  • children taking part in an archery lesson
  • person swinging from monkey bars
  • person abseilling
  • two people preparing to do some mountain climbing
  • people surfing
  • child in a tunnel
  • child on a zip wire
  • family boating
  • person scaling a climbing wall

Skern Lodge

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About

Skern Lodge has been using the outdoors for adventure activities since 1976. We are committed to the highest standards in all aspects of the business.

Situated on the edge of Appledore in North Devon and set within 22 acres of our own grounds with the tidal waters of the estuary on the doorstep, we are in the perfect location.

Come and see why we were voted the Best Active and Sporting Experience in Devon 2017/18.

Surf – Kayak – Climb… and lots more!

Skern Lodge offers a range of activity options throughout the year, but none better than during the school holidays.

Children from 8 - 16 years, can join our Appledore Adventure Club. We offer a mix of activities throughout the week including surfing, bodyboarding, assault course, big zip wire, river kayaking, rafting, climbing, high ropes, abseiling and lots more. To help with childcare, children can be dropped off from 8.30 and collected at 5.30.

Families and small groups can experience an adventure too, with our Family Activity Days, Choose from a list of pre-planned activities. Either for the half day or full day. Bookings can be made online.

Looking for a family break, we have some great short Active Family Breaks running throughout the school holidays too. All food and accommodation provided and two action packed days with our friendly and supportive instructors.

We are also open to private bookings throughout the rest of the year, so give us a call.

What are we doing the rest of the year? We are offering residential courses for schools, colleges, companies and various other organisations. We welcome your enquiry if you are interested in any of these programmes too.

Why choose Skern Lodge?

 

·Safety first. Fully supervised activities with qualified staff.

·Skern Lodge established over 45 years with a national reputation – the professional outdoor centre.

·The best specialist equipment provided.

·Transport to the activities and hot showers on return.

·Suitable for beginners to experts.

·Fun, adventure and learning.

 

Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.

All our activity sessions are run by our friendly, experienced and qualified staff.  They will make sure that your visit with us runs smoothly and ensure that you have a great time.

Some great options for families:

With a beautiful coastline to explore, why not choose either a day scrambling across the rocks at Hartland, maybe even do an abseil or two.  Maybe charter our RIB Powerboat with driver and explore the Taw and Torridge Estuary or even take a trip out along the North Devon coast if the conditions are right. Staying on the water, why not choose a day paddling the River Torridge on either Sit-on-tops or Open canoes.  Our Instructors are the perfect guide to point and name the local wildlife, along with many tales and stories of local history.

What to bring

Warm, old clothes including long trousers, trainers and a waterproof coat if you have one.

Bring a drink and, on a hot day, a sun hat and sun cream.

For watersports bring a swimming costume, t-shirt and old trainers you can get wet, and a towel for hot showers afterwards.  We provide wetsuits.

-Facilities 

The centre has a wide range of outdoor activity apparatus on site including, high ropes, climbing and abseil tower, artificial caving system, assault course and a heated outdoor swimming pool.  The centre has residential facilities and can cater for small families and large groups over 200. The accommodation has warm comfortable rooms, plenty of lounges and a central dining room seating 110, providing tasty, healthy meals.

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Guide Prices

Appledore Adventure Club – half day £25, full day £40 or book the full set week programme for £150
Family Activity Days – half days start from £85 (1-3 people), £115 for 4 people and £25 per person for 5+

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

5 of 5 stars
78 reviews
    • Excellent
      66
    • Very Good
      9
    • Average
      3
    • Poor
      0
    • Terrible
      0

    Recent Reviews:

    • S7517CUpennym
      Kayaking on River Torridge
      5 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 8th September 2021
      Had a great time kayaking. Our guide, Tom, was so encouraging … and knowledgeable about stuff, like wildlife in the area. Always felt safe, whilst able to be adventurous. Would recommend! Read full review
    • 2016MissR
      Great value hen do!
      5 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 27th October 2021
      We visited Skern Lodge last weekend for my hen do. We were impressed with how much the cost of the stay included: food, accommodation, activities and use of equipment. In the lead up to the weekend... Read full review
    • Alexcodito
      Birmingham, United Kingdom
      Challenging but fun kayaking experience
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 20th March 2022
      We went for a kayaking experience as a group of four and thoroughly enjoyed it. The instructor was very friendly, attentive and clearly an expert in his field. During the experience, we were taught... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2022

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Bar
    • Cater for vegetarians
    • Restaurant
    • Serve breakfast
    • Serve evening meal
    • Serve lunch

    Children & Infants

    • Accept children (Minimum age) - 5yrs accompanied 8yrs un-accompanied

    COVID-19 Response

    • 1m distancing in place
    • Advance booking essential
    • Capacity limit
    • Clear signage
    • Contactless payment possible
    • COVID-19 measures in place
    • COVID-19 refund and cancellation policy in place
    • COVID-19 risk assessment completed
    • COVID-19 staff training completed
    • Deep cleaning between visitors
    • Face masks available for visitors
    • Facilities must be booked
    • Floors clearly marked for social distancing
    • Hand sanitizer available to visitors & staff
    • One way system
    • Open now
    • Outside seating
    • Staff required to regularly wash hands

    Establishment Features

    • Accommodation on site
    • Cater for Corporate events
    • Cater for school groups
    • Conference facilities
    • Drying Facilities
    • Experience level - advanced
    • Experience level - beginner
    • Experience level - intermediate
    • First Aid
    • Fitness level required - medium
    • Fully qualified instructors
    • Instructor training
    • Lessons/courses available
    • Lifeguard
    • Open All Year
    • Picnic Area
    • Showers
    • Toilets
    • Welcome single sex groups, eg stag/hen parties

    Key Features

    • Coastal
    • Families
    • Groups
    • Stag and Hen Parties

    Leisure Facilities

    • Outdoor pool
    • Water sports facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Payment Methods

    • Accept Bank Transfers, Internet Payment or SWIFT/IBAN
    • All major credit cards accepted
    • Cash & Cheque accepted
    • MasterCard accepted
    • Visa accepted

    Travel & Trade

    • Group discounts available
    • Packed lunches available
    • Wi-fi available

    Map & Directions

    View Map

    Road Directions

    All vehicles heading South West: 

    • M5 South towards Exeter. Exit Junction 27. This is around 1 hour from Skern Lodge.
    • Follow signs to North Devon, A361 Barnstaple, A39 Bideford, cross Torridge Bridge.
    • Turn right at the A39 / A368 roundabout, towards Appledore, Northam, Westward Ho!

     

    Directions by Car, Minibus or small Coach

    Either follow satnav directions for EX39 1NG, or:

    • After the A39 / A386 roundabout near Bideford, pass The Durrant House Hotel.
    • Turn right towards Appledore, on Churchill Way.
    • Continue through Appledore village, along the quay, and leave the village behind.
    • 400m after the last house, Skern Lodge is clearly marked on the left.

    Public Transport Directions

    Trains run from Exeter to Barnstaple from here you can get bus 21 or 21A to Appledore.

    It is a short ¼ mile walk from Appledore to Skern Lodge.

    facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skernlodge

    TWITTER

    Skern Lodge

    skernlodge

    Skern Lodge

    A lovely read from @RedmaidsJuniors who were here on residential a couple of weeks ago - we are always so delighted… https://t.co/d7E1D5zUik
    18 May 2022   12:46:00
    Skern Training and Skills behavioural courses support #careerdevelopment on an individual and team level. Programme… https://t.co/JTt1DtUBi5
    15 May 2022   10:35:51
    Appledore, Bideford, Devon, EX39 1NG

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    Opening Times

    Season (1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022)

    * Office hours: 9am – 5pm

    Awards

    • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

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