Survival weekends are becoming increasingly popular; they are an excellent way to spend time in nature, improve and learn new skills, meet new people, and have fun. There are many providers to book a survival weekend in the UK with; this article discusses a selection of these survival weekends.
Everyone can benefit from learning basic survival skills, no matter what type of life you live now. Most of us don’t have to hunt for our meals, grow crops or build shelters; therefore, survival weekends are designed to connect you with nature and teach you to provide necessities for human life. Taking part in a survival weekend in the UK will help you to get outdoors, meet new people, and learn survival skills. It is also a way for families to spend quality outdoor time together and be fully present and engaged in a task. Here is a selection of survival weekends you can participate in in the UK.
Trueways Survival
Trueways Survival offers many survival courses to suit different tastes, abilities, and experience levels. From beginners to training in their Global Environments Training packages, Trueways Survival has so much to offer.
Two-day basic woodland survival training course
- 16+
- Great for beginners.
- No prior experience is required for you to attend this course.
Trueways Survival offers a 2-day survival training course open to ages 16+. This course is an excellent option for those new to learning survival skills and wanting to learn from scratch or people with some knowledge of the outdoors looking for a new experience. It’s a great introduction to the principles and skills necessary to survive in the wilderness. You will learn new survival skills and develop skills you didn’t even know you had, from essential fire lighting to how to be rescued. So, get ready to get hands-on in a safe environment with great trainers.
3-day advanced woodland survival course
- 16+
- Great for participants with at least a level 2 standard.
This Trueways Survival level 3A course is excellent for those who want to put the skills they have already learned to the test and have already attended survival training up to level 2. Please check the pre-course requirements before booking this course.
Trueways Survival even offers a course for children. You can visit the Trueways Survival website to find more information, browse their complete list of courses and find one suitable for you.
Woodland Ways
The provider Woodland Ways provide safe, educational adult-based bushcraft and wilderness skills training across woodland in the UK. Their main survival camps are in Oxfordshire, South Derbyshire and Bedfordshire. They operate courses year-round for different abilities and offer various Survival and Bushcraft weekends you can try.
Woodland Ways Bushcraft Weekend
- 18+
- This is their most popular course, which is perfect for beginners.
- No prior experience is required for you to attend this course.
This multi-award-winning course is ideal for beginners wanting to get outdoors and try something different. It’s also just as great for people with some knowledge of bushcraft and survival skills who wish to further their knowledge and practice their skills. The fantastic instructors will answer all your questions and go into detail. This weekend lets you get hands-on in a fun and safe environment.
You can find more information about the extraordinary work Woodland Ways do and all the courses they provide here.
Survival School
This is an internationally renowned centre offering survival weekends in the UK. The team has dedicated themselves to teaching Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills for over 25 years. You will learn to live alongside nature, respect the environment and realise your capabilities. They offer many different courses and activities teaching you new skills and how to live in the wilderness. Courses are available in Devon, Staffordshire, Wales, South West Scotland and the Highlands of Scotland.
Weekend Bushcraft Qualification Training
- 14 years+
- Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
- This Level 2 Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Livings Skills course is accredited by the NCFE.
- No prior experience is required for you to attend this course.
This course aims to teach you skills to thrive in the wilderness and woodlands. The team will lead you to light a fire, find and identify edible plants, make a shelter, purify water, and prepare food such as rabbits, fish and birds whilst using tools safely. This Level 2 Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Livings Skills course is accredited by the NCFE. It’s a fun and safe way to learn about survival.
To learn more about the courses Survival School offers, follow this link.
Wildwood Bushcraft
Wildwood Bushcraft uses natural resources sustainably and provides outdoor courses so that you can learn how to live outdoors and want to protect nature for generations. They run courses, events, and expeditions. They are also passionate about offering learning experiences for young people working across the UK, from Rogart in the far north of Scotland to Roedean on the south coast of England.
Woodland Survival Skills Weekend
- 16+
- Perfect for complete beginners.
- No prior experience is required for you to attend this course.
Wildwood Bushcraft survival weekend is excellent for beginners with an adventurous spirit. You will learn woodland survival skills alongside like-minded individuals and a fully qualified instructor. You will only have basic provisions, sleep in natural shelters, purify your water, forage, and use primitive fire-lighting methods. But don’t worry; you will have guidance the entire time.
You can find an extensive list of the courses Wildwood Bushcraft offer by clicking this link.
Adventure Britain
The provider Adventure Britain offers outdoor adventure experiences at great prices. They are independent and flexible, so they are an excellent option for a fun group, such as a stag or hen party. They are based in the Brecon Beacons National Park and Gower, Swansea.
Bushcraft and Survival Weekend
- Groups are tailored to your age range.
- Great for groups of friends or colleagues.
- No prior experience is required for you to attend this course.
Adventure Britain offers survival weekends that will show you how
reliant we have become on modern-day conveniences and teach you basic bushcraft survival skills. You will learn how to construct a shelter, light a fire, forage, and cook. They operate these sessions all year round.
Please find more information about Adventure Britain and the experiences they offer here.
Check in with each provider to find out if you must bring your kit; each provider will have complete kit lists on their websites.
FAQs
What is a bushcraft and survival weekend?
A bushcraft and survival weekend is time spent outdoors learning survival and other valuable outdoor skills. At these events, you will get hands-on demonstrations teaching participants how to survive in the wilderness.
What will I learn on a bushcraft and survival weekend?
You will learn how to survive outdoors. Often you will learn to build shelter, purify water, develop knife skills, start a fire, navigate safely and forage for food. This depends on your chosen course; if you choose a more advanced course, you may also learn to catch, kill, and cook your meal. You will also gain safety tips and further your knowledge of the outdoors with subjects such as tree identification.
What should I bring on a bushcraft and survival weekend?
You should always check with your chosen provider; they will supply checklists. Take appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, sturdy shoes or boots, a hat, and sunscreen. In many cases, you will be asked to bring essential camping equipment, water and high-energy snacks, but always check with the provider first.
How do I book a bushcraft and survival weekend?
First, find the most suitable event for your age, knowledge, and skills. Then, read reviews and look at their websites or social media pages. You can usually sign up online or call/email the provider if you have further questions. Be aware that a lot of these events will run seasonally.
What is the difference between a survival weekend and a bushcraft training course?
The time involved is a difference between a survival weekend and a bushcraft training course. A survival weekend typically lasts one to two days, while bushcraft courses may span several weeks or months.
What are the benefits of a bushcraft and survival weekend?
- Gaining confidence in survival skills.
- Learning how to work with minimal resources.
- Forging new friendships and connections.
- Developing an appreciation for nature and the outdoors and being able to use your newfound knowledge for future outdoor adventures.
Are there any age restrictions for a bushcraft and survival weekend?
Most bushcraft and survival weekends are open to adults of any age. Some companies allow children from 14 years upwards if an adult accompanies them. Others will provide family workshop days for all ages. Always check with your chosen provider the ages they cater for before booking your bushcraft and survival weekend.
What if I have a disability? Can I still attend a bushcraft and survival weekend?
If you have a disability, it is essential to contact the provider beforehand to ensure that their facilities can accommodate your requirements. Most bushcraft and survival weekends will provide adjustments where necessary.
By attending a bushcraft and survival weekend, you will gain valuable skills that will enable you to tackle unpredictable situations outdoors. With the correct preparation, expertise, and equipment, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience while learning to survive in the wild.
We hope this article has been helpful and guided you to choose the right Survival Weekend for you. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous weekend away or something a little closer to home, plenty of options are available. You will learn life-saving skills, meet like-minded people, and have fun. Happy planning!
