Perfectly located on the Jurassic Coast
Located at the Eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, Brenscombe is perfectly situated to explore many of the local classic coastal features such as, Studland Beach and Dunes, Old Harry Rocks and Lulworth Cove, as well as the urban and rural settlements of Swanage, Bournemouth and Poole. We are also based on the edge of the Purbeck Heath National Nature Reserve and have private access into Poole Harbour from Cleavel Point.
Immersive teaching possibilities
Brenscombe’s rural setting is ideal for a focused field studies trip. The conference room and open outdoor barns are great learning spaces with room to spread out. The views over the Purbeck Heath National Nature Reserve and Poole Harbour allow students to relax and get fully immersed in their studies without distraction.
The Brenscombe team will welcome your arrival to the centre and run you through everything you need to know, ensuring warm and welcoming hospitality. Staff are available in the office during the day, through meal times and on call throughout the night to support you during your stay.
We can direct you to a local field studies specialist to support your trip or many choose to deliver the teaching aspects of the stay themselves.
Keeping comfy and warm
Brenscombe has capacity for up to 160 residents split over five buildings, ranging from large converted barns to character-filled cottages. Many of our buildings have log burners to warm up around after a long day exploring the coast. Each of the buildings has tea and coffee facilities and dormitory-style rooms that sleep between 3 and 10 people, with the majority of rooms sleeping 4 or 6. Each group will be assigned an accommodation block and classroom space based on the size of the group.
Set up for studying
The site is well set out for small or large groups. Small groups often stay in our cottages and use the sitting rooms with Wi-Fi and drink-making facilities as their base between outings in the field. Larger groups can utilise the conference room also with Wi-Fi and capacity for 60 people. Alongside the conference room, available are several breakout spaces or further classrooms.
Brenscombe farm setting offers two field areas, essential for students to burn off any remaining energy at the end of the day. An additional benefit of being a rural farm is the ample space for parking minibuses and coaches.
Keeping fueled
We understand how important it is to be well-fed for a day of learning, particularly when outside in the elements. A normal day at Brenscombe starts with a cooked breakfast, cereal and toast. Packed lunches are provided which include a sandwich, crisps, homemade snack bar and fruit, perfect for a day on the go. Two-course evening meals are nutritional, good quality and add comfort away from home.
Our experienced kitchen team caters for all dietary requirements. If you would like to discuss any special dietary needs please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Self-catering can be organised for groups of up to 16 people.
Making your life simple
A residential trip can be a daunting prospect to plan and prepare for, but we are with you every step of the way.
Brenscombe has over 30 years of experience looking after groups on residentials, with many groups returning to this day. We have learnt how to make the process as smooth as possible and the visit a breeze for staff and leaders.
During your stay, we will assign you a course coordinator, whose job it is to ensure everything is prepared for your arrival and are a friendly face for you and your group to approach during your stay. Throughout our office hours, you will be able to pop in and ask any questions or even book for the following year. Overnight there is a duty instructor who can be reached by a simple phone call to support you in dealing with any problems.
Tea, coffee and a comfy place to rest will always be available to staff and leaders when onsite.
We will look after everything you and your group need, but will leave the teaching to you, the experts.
Brenscombe Location
On our doorstep
At the heart of the Purbeck Heath National Nature Reserve, Brenscombe is perfectly located for field studies, with close access to to the geographical features of Old Harry Rocks, the dunes at Studland and the incredible Jurassic Coast.
Click the arrows to browse locations on our doorstep
Activities
It doesn’t have to be all work and no play!
We can offer half or full days of activities as part of your stay. Offering your students a chance to experience the landscape they’re studying from a different perspective, while having a memorable experience with their peers. There’s nothing like viewing the mud flats of Poole Harbour from our Big Canoes.
Take a look at our full range of activities and discuss with our bookings coordinator how they can be incorporated into your programme.
