Grenville House Outdoor Education Centre

Grenville House was built in 1863 founded by the 'British Seaman's Boys' Home' charity as an orphanage. Social changes saw the need for Grenville House diminish, leading to its temporary closure in 1988. Two years later it re-opened as the Nautical Venture Centre continuing its work with young people, particularly local schools. In 1995 the name finally became established as Grenville House Outdoor Education Centre. Since then continued growth and an increasing reputation both regionally and nationally has seen expansion in all aspects of the operation. Major ongoing investment in the buildings, the facilities and the development of Outdoor activities has led to Grenville House building a core base of schools, Colleges and Youth and Community groups coming to use the Centre annually. Initially the Centre developed as an associate member of the Devon Discovery group of outdoor centres forming close links with both Devon County Council Education Department and Plymouth City Council. Whilst still acknowledged by them, Torbay Council, which now has unitary status actively promotes Grenville House in the Torbay area. Consequently the majority of schools coming to the Centre are from within the county boundary of Devon.

Since 2006 Devon and Torbay Councils have recognised Grenville House as a leading provider of outdoor education in Devon and consequently we are one of only a handful of establishments holding Category 'A' status.