Rock UK is a national UK Christian charity that is passionate about developing young people, bringing adventure into learning in the outdoors, to transform young lives. Rock UK welcome 60,000 visitors to their 4 centres each year. They provide outdoor residential stays and day visit for groups including primary and secondary schools, colleges, youth groups, uniformed groups, Christian retreats as well as families, individuals and corporate team building. A wide range of over 40 activities are offered including climbing, abseiling, archery, fencing, gorge walking, high ropes, mountain biking, night walk, orienteering, kayaking, open canoeing, raft building, team development, go-karting, swimming, football and volleyball.
Rock UK began its life in 1922 when a group of Sunday school teachers from London decided to take their groups on an adventure holiday. The groups purchased Belgrave House in Littlehampton so that they could return regularly and in 1924 also decided to rent a field at Climping which was used as a canvas camp site. Camps continued to be run at both of these locations for 50 years under the name of the 'Belgrave Trust'. In 1977, Belgrave House was sold in order to expand the work, with the proceeds being used to buy Carroty Wood in Tonbridge which was turned into an outdoor pursuits centre. In the following years, Halls Green, Whithaugh Park and the Frontier Centre were also purchased. The Belgrave Trust underwent a number of name changes before finally becoming known as Barnabas Adventure Centres. In 2009, the organisation was renamed "Rock UK". In October 2010 Rock UK opened Summit Centre is South Wales. Summit Centre has had a £4m investment, completed in Spring 2018, to redevelop the activity centre. The former coal mine has been turned into a unique destination which offers fully catered, en-suite accommodation with 104 beds, meeting rooms, an indoor climbing centre, café and fun outdoor children’s play area. The adventure centre offers over 20 instructed activities. A gym and fitness centre will open later in 2018.
Affiliations and links
Each of the activity centres are licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and hold the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. Rock UK also has strong links with the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Groups having taken over the running of the Frontier Centre from NAYC in 2004. Rock UK is also members of Christian Camping International.
