The Centre
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We are located on the North Devon coast, near Appledore on the shores of the Taw and Torridge estuary. Situated on the site of the old Watertown Farm, the buildings have been developed and added to, incorporating the original 1705 stonework into the purpose built residential facilities.
Skern Lodge is a warm, clean and comfortable Centre for activity and development programmes. Separate buildings accommodate different groups and ages, each with their own meeting and social areas. There's plenty of room on site for games and play, and the views out to sea are amazing. There is a good balance of on and off-site activities, many within 10 minutes drive, wasting no time to get active.
With great organisation, friendly people, comfortable accommodation and healthy meals, you'll get up each day ready to take on the world!
The Swimming Pool
The Farmhouse
The Orchard
The High Ropes
The Assault Course
The Dining Room
The Courtyard
The Tunnels
The Climbing Tower
The Accommodation
When Skern moved from its original site at Diddywell in 1982; it took over the buildings and land of Watertown Farm which was established in 1705.
Over the years the old buildings have been developed and new ones added to form todays centre.
The Lodge is a comfortable and practical centre and our accommodation reflects this.
There are four separate accommodation areas, all with central heating, plenty of showers and comfy beds.
Many of the rooms have expansive views across Northam Burrows and over the water.
All the rooms have warm bedding and are made up ready for you. And of course staff and group leaders have their own en-suite room near their party group.
The Facilities
Along with the accommodation, the centre has plenty of meeting rooms, classrooms and social areas.
Drying rooms are provided for each accommodation area and there is plenty of outdoor space to relax or run around within.
Wi-Fi is available within most areas of the site and laptops are available for use for students undertaking fieldwork data.
For adult groups staying at the centre there is a bar available and for our younger guests there is the Skern shop for all their memorabilia.
Added to all this, a heated outdoor swimming pool completes the complex.
The Environment
We have worked hard over the past 45 years to ensure that our impact on the environments and locations we use are kept to a minimum. Litter and erosion are key factors that we take into consideration and educating others about their impact can have lasting effects beyond their stay with us.
We see over 10,000 people come through the door every year, with an average of 150 people per day that need at least one shower, toilet facilities, clean bedding, transportation, healthy feeding and watering. Therefore we try and reduce our impact in many ways. Whether it's environmentally friendly cleaning materials, investment in solar heating and solar power or buying locally produced or sourced food where possible.
At Skern Lodge we try and recycle as much as we can and encourage our guests to do the same. With plenty of recycling bins, our waste reduction has improved year on year.
Skern is not just a place for now, but with sustainability on site and at our activity locations, Skern is a place for the future.
The Catering
The dining facility seating 110 is at the heart of the centre, doing justice to our excellent catering. We take great pride in providing (probably!) the best food in our industry - great variety, fresh, local options and served by an outstanding team with care and good humour. Any dietary requirements can be catered for and there are plenty of healthy options.
We are prepared for all allergies and dietary concerns - find out more here.
Menus and meal times are tailored to the clients staying with us each week. Our catering team aim to get as many good comments about the food as we do about activities - you won't go hungry.
Best food I’ve had on any geography field trip
A very positive experience
Would definitely recommend
Visiting Leader, Field Studies Course
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