


A Rossall education is about much more than what happens inside the classroom, though exceptional teaching and learning remain at the heart of all we do. We believe it is our responsibility to nurture well-rounded young people by providing opportunities that foster curiosity, leadership, and cultural awareness beyond academic study.
Our weekend programme plays a vital role in this, offering pupils the chance to explore the beauty of the North West, take part in outdoor adventures in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, and experience the vibrant energy of cities such as Liverpool and Manchester. We also run cultural excursions to the capitals, London, Dublin, and Edinburgh, as-well-as the historic university cities of Oxford and Cambridge.
This rich and varied programme is designed to inspire a sense of connection and belonging, while also reinforcing the proven link between co-curricular involvement and academic success. At Rossall, academic excellence is not the end goal, but the natural outcome of a full, rounded and life-enhancing education.
Mr Andrew McBride Headmaster
SATURDAY SUNDAY
8.00 Wake up
9.00 Breakfast through to 9.30
10.00 House Registration, Study or sports fixtures
12.30 Lunchtime
13:00 Town Leave
17:00 Tea
18:20 Evening activities
22.30 Houses quiet
Lights out at Houseparent’s discretion
11.30 Brunch
12.00 Boarders’ Trips or free time or activities through to 17.00
17.30 House evening meal
18.30 House meetings
20.00 Free time (through to 21.30 for Year 9-11 and 22.00 for Year 12-13)
22.00 Houses Quiet
22.30 Lights out
• Ribble Valley
• Lake District
• Forest of Bowland
Our annual residential adventure activity courses provide pupils with an opportunity to explore the spectacular beauty of the Lake District and Trough of Bowland. Activities include kayaking, archery, rock climbing and gorge walking. These weekends are extremely popular with both boarding and day pupils, helping to foster House spirit and develop new friendships.
The Forest of Bowland offers some of the most beautiful and remote walking in the country, from the grandeur and isolation of the moorland hills to the undulating lowlands with their distinctive pattern of settlements. These landscapes contrasts, along with the serenity and tranquillity of the area makes this a walker’s paradise.
• London
• Edinburgh
• Dublin
• Oxford and Cambridge
London is an action-packed weekend including a boat trip on the Thames, a walk through Parliament Square, a West End show, and visits to the National Portrait Gallery, Natural History Museum or British Museum, plus shopping on Bond or Oxford Street.
Edinburgh is a spectacular city with a rich history, known as the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment and home to the world’s largest arts festival. Its stunning architecture and outstanding museums sit among many other attractions in this vibrant capital.
Dublin is a fascinating city, especially for those interested in the birth of the modern Irish state. With its distinctive culture, Viking roots, and remarkable literary heritage, a trip to Dublin offers rich opportunities for discovery.
Oxford and Cambridge, the UK’s oldest universities, boast over 800 years of history. Their impressive architecture, ancient courts, and beautiful college chapels offer a truly unique experience, an inspiring visit for anyone considering top universities in the UK or abroad.
• Liverpool
• Chester
• Stratford Upon Avon
• York Christmas Markets
Liverpool is a city with a fascinating heritage. From the Beatles to the Battle of the Atlantic, Liverpool has played an important role in the history of our nation. The World Museum and the Liverpool Museum celebrate the city’s past whilst the International Slavery Museum explores a problematic aspect of the city’s Georgian heritage. Liverpool is also home to Anfield, the iconic and historic stadium of Liverpool FC and a number of art galleries. A visit to Liverpool’s vibrant waterfront and Royal Albert Dock provides an opportunity for cultural enrichment whilst Liverpool One is an excellent shopping centre.
Chester has the most complete city walls and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1000 year old Cathedral with Europe’s finest example of medieval carvings and the 700 year old ‘Rows galleries’ for shopping.
Stratford is situated in Warwickshire, the beautiful and historic town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It is now home to the Royal Shakespeare Company and a number of museums. Many historic timber-framed buildings remain and a walk down the high street is like taking a step back in time. Warwick Castle was originally built during the time of William the Conqueror. It is one of the UK’s finest medieval castles and was used as a stronghold until the early seventeenth century.
York is one of the United Kingdom’s most historic cities. Ancient city walls, a Viking heritage and over thirty world class museums, York is a treasure trove of historical gems such as Clifford’s Tower and York Minster. There are few more enjoyable pastimes than wandering through the medieval cobbled streets of the city centre.
• National Museum of Football, and Manchester Shopping
• Media City and Imperial War Museum, Manchester
• Saltaire, World heritage Site, Yorkshire
• Cartmel, Cumbria
• Lakeland Boat trip and walk
• Yorkshire Dales, Ingleton Waterfalls Trail and White Scar Caves
The National Football Museum is England’s national museum of football. It is based in the Urbis building in Manchester city centre, and preserves, conserves and displays important collections of football memorabilia.
Salford Quays is home to both IWM North and Media City. IWM North explores the impact of modern conflicts on people and society. It is a fascinating museum and will be of particular interest to students studying history and or politics.
Salt Mills is a model village with a fascinating history, named after Sir Titus Salt who built a textile mill here. There is a permanent museum that tells the story of Saltaire and an art gallery containing paintings by David Hockney and others.
Spring is a lovely time to visit the Cartmel Peninsula. We will take in a circular walk which includes Hampsfell and the beautiful shoreline of Morecambe Bay. The Bay is the largest expanse of intertidal mudflats and sand in the United Kingdom and covers a total area of 310 square kilometres.
There is little in life more relaxing than a cruise along the still waters of Lake Windermere with some of England’s highest peaks framing the horizon. Gummers’ How is a hill in the southern part of the Lake District which offers breathtaking views across Lake Windermere.
Take a trip underground to explore the longest ‘show’ cave in the United Kingdom. Nearby, Ingleton Falls is a waterfall wonderland set amidst the spectacular scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. Limestone escarpments, dry stone walls, sweeping views across the valleys and an abundance of flora and fauna serve to make this a really fantastic trip for those who enjoy immersing themselves in the beauty of the countryside here in the North West.
• Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter, London
• Go Ape, The Lake District
• Flower Bowl, Curling and Cinema
• Paintballing
• Alton Towers
• Alternative Games - Inter House Competition
Sandcastle Waterpark boasts over eighteen slides and attractions including, fun pools, wave machine, water chutes, arcades, burger bars, water slides and much more besides - all in a tropical 84 degree climate!
The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour allows you to enter the magical world of Hogwarts, fly on a broomstick, rub shoulders with Dumbledore and Professor Snape, stand on Platform 9¾, ride the Knight Bus and find out about how the Harry Potter films were made during this action-packed day.
Go Ape has Five Adventures at Grizedale Forest which allow you to go wild! This is the ultimate outdoor activity for adventurous visitors to the Lakes. High Ropes, forest segways and ziplines provide plenty of opportunity for fun amid the extraordinary beauty of the Grizedale Forest nestled between Coniston and Windermere lakes.
Curling is for everyone, ages 11 and up, all abilities welcome! An opportunity to try the sport of curling in a beginner taster session! Whether you’re a sports lover or just curious, you’ll get 45 minutes of coach- led ice time, complete with all the gear you need. Or simply, relax in our luxurious three-screen cinema with sofa seating and ambient lighting. Enjoy the latest movies or classics with snacks and drinks. See you on the ice!
Paintballing is an action-packed trip where children get the opportunity to engage with various mission scenarios. Stealth, subterfuge and a capacity for some serious fun are essential for this activity.
Alton Towers is the UK’s biggest theme park. Are you bold enough to take on the awesome choice of head-spinning, heart-pounding, worldclass roller-coasters, like Wicker Man, Oblivion and The Smiler? The theme park contains a water park, dungeon, and places to eat.
Inter-house Games are run throughout the year between the boarding Houses and the competition is fierce! Activities include sports, treasure hunts, orienteering and problem solving. While there is lots of friendly competition these activities create a sense and community, belonging and fun.