Autumn School Trips: Outdoor learning before the leaves turn gold 

Autumn school trips: the best of summer, at the start of the school year

Our autumn school trips take place in the first 2 months of the new school year (way before the leaves turn!) The woods are still green and leafy, the days are long and comfortable, and the weather often feels much like summer.

It’s a real sweet spot for outdoor learning. Students get summer-like conditions without the peak heatwaves, and teachers get the perfect chance to bring a new class together right at the start of the year.

We know teachers and parents have questions before booking. What will the weather be like? What should pupils pack? Is early autumn really a good time to go?

At The Bushcraft Company, we run autumn school trips for Year 3 upwards, and we welcomed over 23,900 students last year. This blog answers the questions we hear most, so you can plan with confidence and share the excitement with families.

What is the weather like on an autumn school trip?

Closer to summer than many people expect! Because our autumn trips run before the leaves turn, daytime temperatures are often only a degree or two cooler than summer, meaning many trips feel like an extension of the summer holidays.

Those conditions make for brilliant outdoor learning:

• Comfortable temperatures mean pupils can be active all day without flagging in the heat.
• Long days give plenty of time for activities, with evenings still light enough to enjoy the camp.
• Green, leafy woodland is full of wildlife, from birds and insects to late-summer berries.
• Fresh evenings are perfect for gathering round the campfire for stories, stargazing and s’mores!

Our instructors keep an eye on forecasts throughout every trip and adapt activities whenever needed, because safety always comes first.

Why early autumn is the perfect time for school residential trips

The start of the school year is one of the best moments to take learning outdoors, and not only because of the weather…

• It brings new classes together. A shared adventure in the first 2 months of term helps pupils make friends, settle in and build a positive relationship with their teachers.
• It’s hands-on science. Late-summer woodland is alive with insects, birds, plants and the first small signs of seasonal change, giving pupils plenty to discover and link back to the curriculum.
• It builds confidence. Lighting a fire, crafting a wooden knife or building a den gives pupils a real sense of achievement. Quieter children often find their voice when they’re learning by doing.
• It supports wellbeing. Time in nature, fresh air and active play are widely linked to calmer, happier children (with no screens in site!) Many teachers tell us pupils sleep better and focus better after a day in the woods.
• It builds teamwork. Gathering firewood or working out a shelter design takes cooperation. New friendships form quickly when everyone is in it together.
• It sets the tone for the year. Pupils return to school with shared stories, new skills and a sense of belonging that carries into the classroom.

Comfortable, cosy and safe

Adventure by day, cosy by night: that’s the balance we aim for on every autumn residential.

• Cosy bell tents. Pupils sleep in cosy bell tents, a real highlight for most children. Plus Teachers have their own bell tents with real beds (just bring a pillow and sleeping bag!)
• A dedicated teacher area. Staff have their own space with tea, coffee and fresh snacks every day. It’s somewhere to relax, regroup and enjoy being surrounded by nature.
• Experienced instructors. Our team keep groups engaged and comfortable all day long, from active games to well-timed hot chocolate around the campfire, you can relax and let us do the work!
• Accredited and safety-led. The Bushcraft Company holds the LOtC Quality Badge and the AAIAC Adventuremark, is RoSPA accredited and is a member of BAPA. That gives you and your senior leadership team independent assurance that every activity is well planned and safely run.

Autumn school trip kit list

Packing for an autumn trip is simple: comfortable outdoor clothes, a few layers for the evenings round the campfire, and one or two just-in-case items. Here’s some of the key items for you and your students to pack ahead of your Bushcraft trip!

For pupils

☐ Comfortable outdoor trousers and T-shirts

☐ 2–3 layers, such as fleeces or jumpers, for evenings around the campfire

☐ A light waterproof jacket

☐ Sturdy trainers or walking boots

☐ Plenty of socks, plus a spare pair or two!

☐ Pyjamas and a sleeping bag, plus a pillow

☐ Torch or head torch

☐ Refillable water bottle

☐ Sun cream and a cap for bright days

☐ Toiletries and a towel

Top tip for parents: label everything, and pack each day’s clothes in a separate bag so pupils can find what they need quickly.

How to reassure parents about an autumn trip

Parents’ questions are natural, especially if it’s a child’s first time away from home. A few clear, positive messages at your trip information evening go a long way.

“What will the weather be like?”

Early autumn is often only a degree or two cooler than summer, with mild, bright days for you to enjoy! Plus our Tribe Leaders check forecasts and adapt activities whenever needed.

“Will my child be comfortable at night?”

Yes! Pupils sleep in cosy bell tents. Providing them with a good sleeping bag means children sleep soundly after a busy day of Bushcraft!

“What should they wear?”

Comfortable old clothes they can be active in, layers for the evenings and a light waterproof jacket just in case.

“Is it safe?”

Yes, The Bushcraft Company are proud to hold the LOtC Quality Badge and AAIAC Adventuremark, plus we are RoSPA accredited and a BAPA member.

“What if my child is nervous about trying new things?”

Don’t worry, no one is pushed beyond what they’re comfortable with. Most children who start out cautious end up loving it, and the confidence boost is often the biggest win of the trip.

Autumn Year 7 induction trips

Year 7 residentials are our most popular autumn school trip, and it’s easy to see why. A few weeks into secondary school, pupils are still finding their feet. A shared outdoor adventure helps new tutor groups bond far faster than a term of timetabled lessons.

Our new autumn Year 7 induction trips use bushcraft to build exactly the skills a new cohort needs: communication, cooperation, problem solving and the confidence to try something new. Lighting a fire together or building a den that survives a downpour gives every pupil a shared story to bring back to school.

For staff, it’s a brilliant chance to get to know your new pupils outside the classroom, and to spot leaders, helpers and quiet achievers early in the year.

Book your autumn school trip before the leaves turn golden!

These summer-like days at the start of term don’t last long. With cosy bell tents, experienced Tribe Leaders and fully accredited activities, your pupils will come home buzzing with stories and new skills.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore our autumn school trips or get in touch with our friendly team for a quote.