The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential is a five-day, four-night experience designed to help you complete your Gold Award in a fun, sociable, and challenging setting. Choose between sailing, paddlesports, or climbing as your activity focus, while also joining in evening games, fireside chats, and workshops that build your confidence and teamwork.
You’ll arrive on day one for welcome activities and icebreakers, before settling into your shared accommodation and learning more about the week ahead. From day two onwards, your mornings and afternoons will be centred around your chosen activity stream: paddlesports (kayaking and canoeing), climbing (indoor and outdoor routes), or sailing (with the chance to gain a national governing body award). Each option is delivered by experienced instructors who tailor sessions to suit all skill levels, so whether you're new or experienced, you’ll leave having progressed.
Evenings offer a more relaxed but equally engaging part of the programme. You’ll take part in games, team challenges, and group campfires, giving you time to socialise and reflect. Midweek includes workshops that focus on leadership, communication, environmental awareness, and outdoor safety—all of which tie into the DofE’s “Youth Without Limits” ethos. The final day brings a celebration of everything you’ve achieved, rounding off the residential with confidence and plenty of new memories.
The programme is based in the village of Perry in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, right by the edge of one of the county’s largest reservoirs. The area offers a peaceful outdoor setting, ideal for learning new skills without distractions. It also provides excellent on-water and off-ground environments perfect for climbing, sailing, and paddlesports training.
Easily accessible by car or public transport from across the East of England and the Midlands, the site includes purpose-built outdoor activity areas, indoor accommodation, and open spaces for social activities. The quiet countryside location gives you room to disconnect, get active, and enjoy the outdoors in a meaningful way.
You’ll stay in shared rooms onsite, which are clean, comfortable, and heated—great for getting a good rest between busy days of activity. Rooms are typically grouped in small dorms, giving you the chance to make new friends while also having space to relax. All meals are provided, with hearty breakfasts, packed or cooked lunches, and home-style dinners included in your full-board stay.
Communal areas include indoor lounges for downtime, as well as outdoor firepits and group activity spaces. The accommodation block is just a short walk from all activity areas, making transitions between sessions smooth and easy.
You must be actively working towards your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and able to take part in a five-day residential as part of your award requirements. No prior experience is needed in your chosen activity; instruction is tailored to suit all levels.
A good level of enthusiasm and willingness to get involved is key, whether you’re taking part in watersports, climbing challenges, or evening group games.
This residential is designed specifically with the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award in mind, offering a structured but sociable experience with plenty of opportunities to gain skills, make friends, and grow in confidence. With small group sizes and a focus on personalised instruction, everyone gets the chance to shine.
The centre team delivering this experience has extensive experience running Gold Residentials and national award schemes. From meaningful outdoor learning to community building and personal development, the whole week is built around helping young people succeed both during and beyond their DofE.
About the centre
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
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Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
From £550
