Stomping Grounds North East
BEST FOR
Ages 2-16
ENTRY
from £12.50
WHERE
Prudhoe
What it’s like
Woodland forest school sessions with campfire toasting and nature play, plus exclusive-use birthday parties in the trees.
This is outdoor learning done properly in the woods rather than a classroom with the windows open. Kids get stuck into games, woodland art and nature discovery, and there's marshmallow toasting over a campfire, which is the bit they'll be telling you about on the drive home. Early Years provision at Gibside runs for the 2 to 5s specifically, and there are holiday club sessions and family sessions too, so you can come along with your child rather than dropping and running.
The age range stretches from 2 right up to 16, which is unusually wide for a forest school setup, and it means you could genuinely bring siblings years apart and both find something they're doing. Younger ones get their own tailored provision rather than being folded into activities built for teenagers.
Birthday parties get exclusive use of the woodland for two hours with an outdoor practitioner running games, art and campfire activities. It's £12.50 a child with a minimum of ten, so do the maths before you commit, that's £125 as a floor even if fewer turn up. You can bring your own food, let them cater it for £1.50 a head, or split the difference, though you'll need to sort the birthday cake yourself either way.
Booking a party means a £40 deposit and it's non-refundable, which stings if plans change, and full payment is due a week before the day. Practitioner availability isn't guaranteed on request, they say they'll confirm within seven days of your enquiry, so don't leave it to the last minute if you've got a date in mind.
Need to know
- Best for
- 2 to 16, with separate Early Years provision for the under-5s
- Booking
- £40 non-refundable deposit required to book
- Parties
- Exclusive woodland use for 2 hours with outdoor practitioner, games, art and campfire activities
- Party bookings need a £40 non-refundable deposit
- Full party payment is due 7 days before the date
- You can add extra children to a party up to 7 days prior
- Bring your own birthday cake even if you go for the catering add-on
Plan your visit
How much does a birthday party cost?
£12.50 per child with a minimum of ten children, so budget for at least £125. A £40 deposit secures the date and it's non-refundable.
Can we bring our own food to a party?
You can bring your own, let them cater for £1.50 a head, or do a mix of both. You'll need to bring the birthday cake yourself.
What ages is this suitable for?
Sessions run from age 2 up to 16, with Early Years provision at Gibside specifically for 2 to 5 year olds.
What do kids actually do at a session?
Forest School activities including games, woodland art, nature discovery and marshmallow toasting over a campfire.
Do we need to book ahead for a party?
Yes, and availability depends on which practitioner is free. They confirm within seven days of your enquiry, so ask early if you've got a date in mind.
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