Hill End Outdoor Education Centre – celebrating 100 years in nature
For a century, Hill End has provided exciting outdoor experiences that connect people with nature. A visit to this much-loved outdoor education centre has made a lasting impression on generations of children from Oxfordshire and beyond – estimated at least a million people and counting!
Hill End was established as a pioneering outdoor school by the philanthropic ffennell family. In the era of TB and slum dwellings, a visit to the ‘camp’ allowed city children to experience the fresh open air of the countryside. They brought the first schools to the countryside by charabanc, starting back in 1926 when the children from West Oxford Elementary School visited for picnics and outdoor activities.
Welcoming all into nature
Hill End stays true to this legacy. Its mission today is to inspire children, and every visitor, to enjoy and value nature and the outdoors. The centre welcomed around 23,500 people last year, largely primary age children who visit for day trips or nature-immersive residentials. They provide opportunities to explore and learn away from screens and phones, in 67-acres of beautiful meadows, woodland, ponds and streams.
"We hear so many brilliant and touching memories from children and adults who remember happy times here, and it’s wonderful that Hill End is so loved. But this milestone isn’t just about looking back. It’s about ensuring Hill End can continue transforming young lives for the next century, at a time when access to nature, outdoor learning, and safe green spaces has never been more important.”
What Hill End Offers
- Inspirational outdoor education – day and residential experiences for both children and adults
- Outdoor spaces, accommodation and meeting rooms for hire to organised groups
- Family days, forest tots and community events exploring nature
- Partnerships with charities to fund free sessions for groups missing out
- Volunteering opportunities – indoors and out – with the Friends of Hill End
Can you help Hill End ensure the next 100 years are even stronger?
Take part. There’s a whole year of exciting outdoor activities, including the fabulous ffennell festival on Saturday 6th June. Come along on the day or help as a Friends of Hill End volunteer.
Design an awesome 100 years logo. A prize competition for schools and children aged 4-12 judged by children’s illustrator Korky Paul.
Share your story. Can you add just a sentence or two about your time at Hill End to the new Hill End Memory Bank? It only takes a moment, and they’d love to hear from you.
Support Hill End. Donate yourself or spread the word. The centre is also seeking support for a new project to renovate its beautiful 1930s High Dormitory, set proudly at the top of the hill in stunning surroundings.
Stay Connected. Sign up to their newsletter to find out what’s coming up and read stories from the last 100 years. Find out things you never knew about Hill End!
Ready to get involved? You can read more about Hill End’s 100th celebrations on their website.