School Enrichment Activities in Cumbria: Bringing the New Enrichment Framework Outdoors

If your school is reviewing its enrichment offer, an outdoor activity day can give pupils a chance to try something new, work together and spend meaningful time in nature. The Department for Education's 2026 Enrichment Framework for schools and colleges gives schools a way to plan and review those opportunities. It specifically includes nature, outdoors and adventure among five areas of enrichment.

At Talkin Adventures, we run school activity days at Talkin Tarn Country Park, near Brampton and Carlisle, and can bring selected activities to school sites. Our sessions can help schools across North Cumbria and the Tyne Valley turn an enrichment plan into a practical experience for pupils. 

What is the DfE Enrichment Framework?

Published in June 2026, the framework is non-statutory guidance for schools and colleges in England. Its eight benchmarks help schools consider whether their enrichment offer is broad, accessible, shaped by their community, supported by partners and focused on outcomes. It applies to primary and secondary schools, as well as other education settings.

The five areas are civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoors and adventure; sport and physical activity; and wider life and future skills. A school will build its offer across these areas over time. One activity day can contribute to that offer, especially when its purpose and pupil participation are clear.

Read the official guidance: DfE Enrichment Framework and the eight Enrichment Benchmarks.

How can an outdoor activity day support school enrichment?

The best starting point is your pupils and what you want them to gain. For example:

A school trip that fits your enrichment plan

The benchmarks ask schools to consider access and participation as well as the range of activities on offer. Tell us about pupils' ages, additional needs, group size and any barriers you are trying to address. Some activities may require adaptations, and suitability depends on the activity and individual circumstances. We can discuss practical options before you commit to a programme.

You can also make the day part of a longer learning sequence. Our free Lost in the Woods map skills lesson can be taught in a classroom or on school grounds, then followed by orienteering at Talkin Tarn. A short pupil reflection after the visit can help your school record who took part, what they tried and what they would like to explore next.

Which schools can visit Talkin Tarn?

Our location near Brampton works particularly well for schools in Carlisle, Brampton and surrounding North Cumbria, with Haltwhistle and the Tyne Valley also within the wider area we serve. We can adjust the activity timetable where possible to fit a school day, or discuss suitable activities delivered at your school. We often travel further afield to arrange activities such as archery, nightline, the treasure chest challenge and last team standing within school grounds and halls.

We work with primary and secondary groups. Options at Talkin Tarn include archery, orienteering, canoeing, kayaking, raft building, woodland skills and team challenges, all tailored to meet the needs of your specific group, age, and intended learning outcomes.

Does the new £22.5 million programme pay for a school trip?

The Enrichment Expansion Programme is separate from the framework. It provides funding and tailored support for more than 400 selected secondary schools in disadvantaged areas. It is not a universal school-trip grant, and being near Talkin Tarn does not establish that a school has programme funding. Schools should check their own eligibility and arrangements before assuming that a visit can be paid for through the programme.

The wider DfE Enrichment Framework can still help any school covered by the guidance plan its activities, whether or not it is part of the funded programme. Read the government's programme announcement.

Plan your school enrichment day in Cumbria

Tell us your year group, approximate pupil numbers, preferred term and what you would like the children to experience. We can suggest a suitable combination of activities at Talkin Tarn or discuss an at-school option, then provide the practical details your team needs to consider a booking.

Request the Talkin Adventures school activity brochure to explore activities and make an enquiry.