Welcome to Skern Lodge

Based in Appledore, North Devon we have been delivering outdoor activities, experiential learning and development training since 1976. We teach new skills, build confidence, fulfil your sense of adventure, and ensure you have boatloads of fun!

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Your journey to a safe harbour


Skern means ‘safe harbour’ which is a fitting name for our approach. We provide a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for guests to learn and try new activities in the great outdoors.

Our staff have a real commitment to personal service, and we try to ensure that each guest receives individual attention in a relaxed, supportive setting, so that they feel confident to take on new challenges and experiences.

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Activities at Skern

Abseiling
Abseiling

Either offered as part of a climbing and abseiling session on the Skern Lodge tower or as an arranged day on the North Devon coast. Abseiling is the controlled descent down a vertical or steep surface using a rope.

Archery
Archery

Nock... Draw... Loose! ​ Hit the target, measure your progress and finish with some fun archery based games and competitions. ​ Archery teaches concentration, coordination and self-discipline.

Assault Course
Assault Course

Make your way through a series of connecting obstacles including the wall, rope bridges, balance beams and a zip wire.

Body Boarding
Body Boarding

Body boarding is great fun and quick to learn too. It's a bit like surfing but on smaller boards, but unlike surfing you don't stand up, instead you lie on the board and catch the next big wave back to shore.

Climbing
Climbing

Climbing is an exhilarating sport that can appeal to all levels of ability. On site we have two climbing walls. We have a low level traversing wall to practise climbing skills and a full height climbing tower with two walls to stretch and challenge.

Coastal Traversing
Coastal Traversing

Coastal traversing involves climbing and scrambling around the sea cliffs. Traverse along, over, under, around and through the rocky obstacles. Try and stay dry as you find a way to dodge the rock pools. You may even come across the odd piece of shipwreck.

Hartland Day
Hartland Day

Spend the whole day on the beautiful North Devon coastline. Explore, walk and scramble over the rugged natural features. This is an opportunity to spend time walking and coastal traversing in this amazing location. Subject to tides and conditions.

High Ropes
High Ropes

Our high ropes course stands 12 metres high. The course can be used for a variety of challenges - High beams, multi-vines, scramble net and trapeze to name a few!

Kayaking
Kayaking

Enjoy a trip along the River Torridge, our sheltered estuary. For most sessions we use Sit-on-tops, which allow for two people and as the name suggests you sit on top. But if you would rather like a closed cockpit let us know.

Powerboating
Powerboating

Take the wheel under the guidance of our qualified instructor and experience racing across the seas in our RIB Powerboat.

Surfing
Surfing

With one of the ideal safe surf beaches on our doorstep, Westward Ho! provides the ideal location to take to the waves. We offer surf sessions using soft surfboards. These are ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers.

INSPIRING PEOPLE
PEOPLE
INSPIRING LOCATIONS
LOCATIONS
INSPIRING LEARNING
LEARNING
New friendship groups have been formed, social skills honed and the children feel healthier and fitter - a super week.
Primary Teacher
As well as being a welcome break from school they have enjoyed each others company, faced challenges and learnt new skills.
Primary Teacher
The instructors & all staff at Skern Lodge were brilliant - thank you.
Primary School, Berkshire
The care and attention given to us was brilliant. I have not taken school children to a better residential experience.
Primary School, Berkshire
A huge thank you to your amazing team for their passion, knowledge and enthusiasm, for captivating & inspiring our students.
Primary School, Somerset
An experience we are sure the group will cherish throughout their childhood, thank you. You have our utmost respect and admiration.
Primary School, Somerset

Looking for the next adventure?

Get in touch with our friendly team.

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