Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre
ENTRY
from £5
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Christchurch
What it’s like
Zip wires over a lake, tree climbing, archery and canoeing on a big outdoor site with accommodation to match.
This is a proper outdoor centre rather than a quick visit: climbing towers, a zip wire strung across the lake, tree swinging, bouldering, archery, canoeing and raft building all sit on site, alongside mountain biking, frisbee golf and a play park for when small legs need a break from the ropes. There's also fishing on the lakes from mid-June to mid-March, with day tickets or a season pass if you're local and keen.
Because it's activity-led rather than turn-up-and-play, booking is required, and the accessible adventures pricing gives a sense of what a session costs: £130 for an adult, £100 for a young person aged 5 and up, £80 for a young person with a disability. It's not a cheap afternoon out, but you're paying for instructed high ropes and lake activities rather than a general admission ticket, and that's worth knowing before you commit.
Plenty of people stay over rather than just visiting for the day. There's camping from March to October, lodges and a main house, though towels aren't provided (bring your own or hire a set for £5) and there's no hair dryer in the facilities blocks, so pack accordingly. Dogs are welcome in the forest camping areas on a lead, but not in the lakeside camping area, reception, café or activity zones, which catches a few people out.
Café Explore covers breakfast, light lunches and snacks, though it only runs on selected dates and times rather than being open all day every day. Wi-Fi is limited and the site doesn't really encourage screens anyway, which fits the whole point of the place: get everyone outside, up a tree or across a lake, and leave the phones charging (for £2 if you need to plug in).
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Families with kids aged 5 and up, given the ropes and water activities
- Food
- Café Explore with breakfast, light lunches, snacks and refreshments
- Dogs
- Allowed in forest camping areas only (not lodges/main house)
- No hair dryers in the facilities blocks, so bring your own if you need one
- The campsite shop is small and can run low on stock during busy periods
- Ground fires aren't allowed; stick to the designated campfire area or raised firepits
- Some camping pitches mean parking your car in a communal car park rather than by the tent
- Lodge prices are charged per lodge, not per person, though maximum numbers apply
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
It depends on the activity. Accessible Adventures sessions run £130 for an adult, £100 for a young person aged 5 plus, and £80 for a young person with a disability. Fishing is separate, from £5 for a non-fishing day visitor up to £150 for an adult season ticket.
Do we need to book?
Booking is required for the activities here, it is not a walk-in centre.
What's there for a five-year-old?
The Accessible Adventures pricing lists young people from age 5 upwards, alongside tree climbing, canoeing and the play park for younger ones.
Can we stay overnight?
Yes, camping runs 1st March to 31st October, plus lodges and a main house available most of the year aside from a two-week Christmas and New Year shutdown.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed in the forest camping areas on a lead, and assistance dogs are welcome everywhere. They can't come into reception, the café, activity areas or facility blocks, and they're not permitted in the lakeside camping area even on a lead.
What time can we check in?
Reception is open until 5pm, longer in summer. Camping check-in is from 1pm to 9pm, lodges and the main house from 3pm to 9pm, and later arrivals need to be agreed in advance.
What time do we need to leave the lodge?
Vacate by 10am Monday to Saturday, and by 4pm on Sundays.
Is there anywhere to eat?
Café Explore does breakfast, light lunches, snacks and refreshments, but only on selected dates and times.
Do we need to bring towels?
Towels aren't provided. Bring your own or hire a set for £5.
Can we go fishing?
The lakes are open mid-June to mid-March. Day tickets are £12.50 for an adult and £8.50 for a child under 16, or £5 if you're just visiting without fishing.
Is there wifi?
There's wifi but the service is limited and using devices isn't especially encouraged here. Phone charging costs £2 per item if you need it.
Do camping pitches have electric hook-up?
Some do, but you need to bring your own hook-up cable as none are provided on site.
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