In these reports, we measure the valuable contribution of the men and women at Robinwood. We strongly believe in equal opportunities for all staff, regardless of their gender. We are committed to minimising these gaps by regularly reviewing our recruitment and staff development procedures to ensure their fairness.
Barhaugh Hall’s Zip Wire is an exhilarating activity that builds both individual confidence and team support. Children step forward wearing a helmet and harness to climb the platform ladder, fully secured to a safety rope from the moment they leave the ground. At the top, a Group Leader guides them as they step off and soar down the wire. Upon reaching the end, another Group Leader coaches them safely to the ground, where their cheering group celebrates their achievement. The Zip Wire combines adrenaline, encouragement, and a real sense of accomplishment in one unforgettable experience.
With blindfold in place the children put one hand on the rope and then follow it wherever it goes. It goes to all sorts of interesting places! Games and activities are generally played prior to the Nightline to maximise the group’s chance of success in working together and helping one another. Discussion of the senses and developing communication and teamwork throughout the group can provide many educational benefits in this session. The surprises to be discovered on route as children worm their way over, under and through various obstacles ensure the session is also a lot of fun.
Housed inside our High Activities building, Trapeze offers all the excitement of a high-ropes challenge without the worry of the weather. The goal is simple but thrilling: climb the tower, stand on the platform, and leap forward to catch the suspended bar. Each child wears a secure harness and is safely belayed by a trained Group Leader and their team, who provide steady support and plenty of encouragement every step of the way. Our Group Leaders are skilled not only in running the activity safely but also in the soft skills that help every child feel confident, capable, and celebrated. The sense of anticipation and achievement throughout the session makes Trapeze one of Robinwood’s most popular and memorable activities.
The Crate Challenge is a high-ropes activity that puts teamwork, communication, and strategy to the test. Children are split into small teams of up to four and rotate through different roles: building the crate tower, belaying for their teammates’ safety, or passing crates to the builders. Every participant wears a secure harness, and those climbing the tower are connected to both a safety rope managed by a teammate and an auto-belay system, ensuring a safe and controlled descent. The challenge: how high can each team build their tower within the time limit? Success requires careful cooperation, balance, and trust, making the Crate Challenge a thrilling way for children to experience the power of working together.
Barhaugh Hall’s purpose-built indoor climbing wall is designed to inspire and challenge climbers of all abilities. Whether children are trying climbing for the first time or already have some experience, the wall offers routes that test problem-solving and patience and allow success. Climbing at Robinwood encourages children to push themselves individually while supporting their peers as part of a team. Each participant is secured with two safety ropes. One is connected to an auto-belay, ensuring a safe and controlled descent, and the other is operated by fellow children, doubling the safety measures and reinforcing responsibility and teamwork.
The Dungeon is a thrilling escape challenge full of mystery, puzzles, and spooky surprises. Children must rely on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving to find their way out. Split into smaller teams, they navigate multiple puzzle rooms, each designed to test their skills and creativity. The Group Leader sets the scene with an engaging introduction, sparking wonder and excitement while ensuring the experience remains suitable for all ages. As the teams work their way through the challenges, the immersive atmosphere keeps everyone captivated, culminating in the sense of achievement that comes with a successful escape.
Barhaugh Hall’s purpose-built indoor archery range provides an ideal environment for children to build confidence and learn new skills. Each session begins with a clear introduction and demonstration from a trained group leader, followed by individual coaching to support children as they take their first shots. We ensure every participant uses equipment suited to their size and strength, and we maintain strict adherence to all archery-range safety rules. Once children have mastered the basics, the session moves at a steady, engaging pace so that everyone has plenty of opportunity to practise, progress, and enjoy hitting the target.
Adventure, teamwork and resilience come together on the Giant Swing, one of our most exhilarating and popular activities. Two children, securely fitted with harnesses, are safely attached to the swing bar before the rest of the group works together to pull them up to their chosen height. When they’re ready, the group chants and cheers as the riders pull the release cord themselves—deciding whether to begin from the very top for maximum thrill or from a lower point for a gentler ride. Whatever height they choose, the Giant Swing delivers an unforgettable rush and a fantastic sense of achievement for everyone involved.
Canoeing at Barhaugh Hall is all about teamwork, communication, and building confidence on the water. Children paddle in stable Canadian canoes—usually in pairs or threes—and are guided step-by-step by a trained Group Leader who teaches them the essential skills needed to navigate our purpose-built lake. Once everyone is feeling comfortable and in control, it’s time to put those new skills into action. A series of fun games and challenges brings the session to life, helping children refine their technique, work effectively as a team, and finish the activity feeling like true canoeing pros.
Does the group have what it takes to build two sturdy, seaworthy rafts and race them across the pond? This fun and lightly competitive watersports activity encourages the children to design, build and race their rafts, cheering each other on every step of the way. Barhaugh Hall’s purpose-built pond is the perfect depth for this activity, enabling the children to stand up and walk out if some of the rafts prove to be on the wobblier side! This activity doesn’t run over the winter months due to the likelihood of the children getting wet.
Quest at Barhaugh Hall is an immersive indoor activity and one of Robinwood’s most acclaimed themed problem-solving challenges. To maximise participation, the group is divided into small teams, each beginning their journey by tackling a series of puzzles and progressing from room to room with every success. What at first feels like a friendly competition soon reveals itself to be a shared mission, as all teams ultimately need to combine their strengths to solve the final challenge. During the concluding round table review, children reflect on how each person contributes something unique and valuable, reinforcing teamwork, communication, and the idea that success is achieved together.
Barhaugh Hall’s Challenge Course is a sheltered outdoor activity, that sets the team off on an alien crash site-themed obstacle course. The mission: to explore the site and gather data and fuel cells – all whilst staying off the polluted ground. With theming throughout the entire activity, this challenge is guaranteed to ignite the imaginations of all participants.
Robinwood’s most infamous activity, Piranha Pool, is a guaranteed highlight of every child’s visit to Barhaugh Hall. This expertly themed escape room requires the whole group to work together to solve a series of puzzles and cross waters that will soon be “infested” with piranhas – all while racing against the clock. Designed and created in-house over 30 years ago, Piranha Pool combines teamwork, problem-solving, and suspense, making it one of Robinwood’s most eagerly anticipated and talked-about sessions for schools.
Barhaugh Hall’s specially designed indoor caving system combines realism and adventure, tailored perfectly for KS2 children. Equipped with helmets and headtorches, the group explores winding tunnels, following twists and turns while their Group Leader shares fun facts and sets exciting challenges. Games are played to build confidence, and towards the end, the team are tasked with a daring rescue mission. The cave includes frequent emergency exits, and the Group Leader is actively involved throughout, ensuring every child enjoys a safe, exciting, and memorable caving experience.