Gold Award residentials in Hampshire
Taking part in a residential is necessary to complete the DofE Gold Award
Residentials are a 5-day, 4-night programme where activities are completed with others away from home.
Residentials are open to both those living within and outside of Hampshire, including young people from overseas.
It was a great experience that taught me a lot of skills and I learnt so much about things I would probably never have fully learnt about otherwise
Environmental Science at Aberystwyth University
Brand new for 2025
Hampshire Outdoors is excited to be working in partnership with Aberystwyth University to offer a bespoke residential experience tailored to Duke Of Edinburgh participants with an interest in the ecology, geology and physical geography. The programme will showcase some of West Wales’ most stunning scenery through the lens of environmental science.
Located in Ceredigion Bay, Aberystwyth provides easy access to beautiful coastlines, mountains, and valleys. Field trips led by subject experts will explore the natural landscape, from ancient glacial and volcanic activities to modern land management practices. Thriving marine wildlife can often be spotted from the town, giving a fantastic opportunity to survey local bottlenose dolphin populations, and observe other species on the rocky shore.
In this five day residential, you will stay in accommodation on campus, near the seaside town, with day trips and studies supervised by experts from the universities world-leading research departments.
What's involved?
During your stay you will have the opportunity to experience the following activities. Note that these are dependent on weather and other nature-driven factors and are therefore subject to change:
- marine surveys including dolphin watching, run together with Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
- hike in Snowdonia to look at glacial geology
- visit to peatland restoration area Pwllpeiran, a research centre located in the heart of the Cambrian mountains
- demonstration of the use of drones in survey work
- rocky shore field trip – explore habitats and ecosystems on the rocky shore, animals and plants
- lab work to explore rocky shore animal behaviour (do crabs have personalities?) and dolphin diets (including human factors like microplastics)
- visit to Ynyslas sand dunes and Cors Fochno site of special scientific interest (SSSI)
- plenty of opportunities to talk to leading experts in the fields of environmental science about pathways and careers
What's included?
- accommodation and food; accommodation for the summer residential will provide the full student experience in shared facilities on campus
- all activities for the duration of the residential, including evening activities such as sunset walks along the beach
- a written assessor report for your award, or for college and university
- transport to and from Winchester (if required)
- £595
- per person
Design your own native species wildlife park
Brand new for 2025
Hampshire DofE, in conjunction with New Forest Wildlife Park, offer a unique 5 day/4-night experience in designing your own native species wildlife park. This is an unforgettable experience where conservation and nature come together.
This exciting opportunity is perfect for anyone with a passion for animals or nature conservation, or for those looking to study in a related area.
What's involved?
- study enclosure designs with hands on work around the park
- animal encounters
- making and placing animal enrichment
- animal behaviour studies /li>
- designing your own native species wildlife park
- presentations
What's included?
- accommodation in the heart of The New Forest National Park
- all food
- transfers from New Forest Wildlife Park to accommodation
- a written reference from the New Forest Wildlife Park to document your activities for further education/employment
- an annual pass to the New Forest Wildlife Park to enjoy year-round access
Bursaries for this residential are available thanks to the New Forest Wildlife Park. If you would like to attend but are not in a financial position to do so, contact [email protected] for further information. Please note that bursaries are available to Hampshire residents only.
Location
- New Forest Wildlife Park (staying at Minstead Study Centre)
Dates
- Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August 2025 - Book now
- £415
- per person
Conservation at New Forest Wildlife Park
Brand new for 2025
Hampshire DofE, in conjunction with New Forest Wildlife Park, offer a unique 5 day/4-night experience in conservation and park facilities improvement. This is an unforgettable hands-on experience.
This exciting opportunity is perfect for anyone with a passion for conservation or anyone keen on improving some amazing facilities for animals.
This residential involves physical outdoor work.
What's involved?
- practical land work
- enclosure maintenance and building
- nature walks
- setting up trail cameras and analysing findings
What's included?
- accommodation in the heart of The New Forest National Park
- all food
- transfers from New Forest Wildlife Park to accommodation
- a written reference from the New Forest Wildlife Park to document your activities for further education/employment
- an annual pass to the New Forest Wildlife Park to enjoy year-round access
Bursaries for this residential are available thanks to the New Forest Wildlife Park. If you would like to attend but are not in a financial position to do so, contact [email protected] for further information. Please note that bursaries are available to Hampshire residents only.
Location
- New Forest Wildlife Park (staying at Minstead Study Centre)
Dates
- Monday 11 August to Friday 15 August 2025 - Book now
- £415
- per person
Introduction to Medicine
Hampshire County Council are offering a 5-day, 4-night 'Introduction to Medicine' residential. This residential is ideal for those who are thinking about becoming a doctor or following a career in medicine.
Through practical workshops, lectures and seminars; you will explore the industry, understand the opportunities on offer, and know what you need to do to get to where you want to be.
What's involved?
- speciality talks from doctors and medical students
- shadowing opportunities with doctors and other specialities (e.g. Emergency Dept, Palliative Care, Psychiatry and more)
- practical skills (e.g. life support, taking observations, ECGs)
- workshops
- introduction to life as a medical student and junior doctor
What's included?
- all accommodation and meals
- transport from and to Winchester (if required and for Dorset Hospital residential only)
- all transfers from accommodation to the hospital
- a written reference from the hospital for your future applications in the medicine world
Really fun residential! It was really interesting hearing from lots of different specialties and also spending time with other people doing their Gold DofE
Introduction to NHS Professions
Hampshire Outdoors are offering a 5-day, 4-night 'Introduction to NHS Professions' residential, in conjunction with Basingstoke Hospital. This residential is ideal for those who are thinking about joining the medical profession.
What's involved?
- specialities talks, meeting trainee doctors and medical students
- life as a medical student
- life as a junior doctor
- how to progress as a doctor
- work experience and volunteering opportunities
- medicine in the developing world
- shadowing opportunities with doctors in various specialities throughout the hospital
- simulation and practical skills day
What's included?
- accommodation and all meals
- all transfers to and from the hospital included
- this 5-day residential combines theory with practical experience around life as a medical student and junior doctor, with a focus on key transferable skills
- a written reference from the hospital for your future applications in the medicine world
Location
- Basingstoke Hospital and local bunkhouse accommodation
Dates
- Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August 2025 - Book now
- £765
- per person
Advanced Ranger Academy
The Advanced Ranger Academy course is designed for both students wanting to complete the residential section of the DofE Gold Award, and those who are interested in a career path within the animal industry or looking for veterinary work experience.
The course provides students with exclusive opportunities of real-life, hands-on practical experiences; including behind-the-scenes access and working with the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) veterinary surgeon. Students will also get the chance to work with the YWP team across all animal sections.
The department has won British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) education awards for this course.
What's involved?
- practical experiences with the YWP staff team across all animal sections
- getting up close and personal with a range of animals
- behind-the-scenes with the vet team and animal manager
- animal enrichment workshops
- animal training and behaviour workshops
- presentations on the 'Wild Live' stage
- graduation ceremony
What's included?
- accommodation and all meals
- transport from and to Winchester (if required)
- all transfers to and from the zoo
- 2 free tickets for friends/family worth £51. This is to watch the graduation ceremony on Friday, but this includes the opportunity to stay and spend the rest of the day at the zoo for free
- theory-based tasks and practical zoo experience, with a focus on key transferable skills
- a portfolio of evidence and written reference from the zoo stating your hours of work experience for animal/vet related applications
A fantastic week filled with great activities behind the scenes and talks from the staff. All YWP staff were very friendly, and I have fond memories from this week! Highly recommend this residential, gaining skills and opportunities which are once in a lifetime
Wellness and Fitness Week
A 5-day wellness and fitness residential. Experience daily classes focusing on core strength, stamina, alignment and awareness of good posture.
Daily classes include a range of pilates, yoga, relaxation, resistance bands and body weight exercises to strengthen and tone. Each day will involve a stretch routine and local sunrise runs/walks located in the heart of Hampshire at Stubbington Study Centre.
What's involved?
- daily movement class focusing on core strength, mobility and awareness of good posture and breathing
- classes include the use of Pilates moves, resistance band exercises and body weight exercises to strengthen and tone
- meditation sessions to relax and focus the mind
- daily stretch routine
- daily run/walks to one of the many beautiful sea locations in the local area
- time to relax and get to know other participants
What's included?
- accommodation and all meals
- evening activities in an area of outstanding natural beauty
Location
- Stubbington Study Centre, Hampshire
Dates
- Monday 25 August to Friday 29 August 2025 - book now
- £350
- per person
A residential that covered all aspects of well-being with a mix of cardio fitness and relaxation additionally learning how to play new card games. My highlight was the meditation session in the evening, the beach walk and seeing the badgers the first time
Before the residential
Information packs and a medical form will be sent 8 weeks prior to the residential date. We will also host a virtual meeting 2 weeks prior to answer any questions.
Your residential booking will not be confirmed until the medical form has been returned to the Hampshire DofE team. You should ensure that this is up to date and include details of any special dietary requirements.
You are allowed to sign up with someone you know, but the maximum number of people you can book on with is 3. Most participants will not know each other and time will be given during the residential for you to get to know other participants. Further details about who will be attending will be given in the virtual meeting.
Participants will stay in a shared room while staying at residential accommodation. Males and females are separated.
Residential completion
We aim to have your assessor report uploaded and onto your account within 2 weeks of completing your residential.
When reports are uploaded, they will be automatically sent to your Award manager for approval who will then add it to your account. Ensure you have completed your Gold Residential programme planner prior to the residential taking place in order to prevent delays.
For any concerns about approval, you should contact your Award manager prior to contacting the Hampshire DofE team.
Cancellation policy
Changes or cancellations should be sent to [email protected]
- Cancellation before 12 weeks of expedition start date
- Hampshire Outdoors will reimburse the participant 90%
- Cancellation between 12 and 6 weeks of expedition start date
- Hampshire Outdoors will reimburse the participant 50%
- Cancellation within 6 weeks of expedition start date
- participants are liable for the full fee, no refund will be available
Contact Details
Get in touch with the Hampshire DofE Award team for further information:
- Hampshire Outdoors, Children’s Services Department
First Floor EII Court West
The Castle, Winchester
SO23 8UG
- Email: [email protected]