Find a low-cost DofE Gold Residential

From volunteering to help at a summer camp for children with disabilities to producing a film in a week, there are over 140 DofE Approved Activity Providers (AAP) which offer options for everyone, whatever your interests, needs and goals.

If you’re looking for lower cost residentials, check out some of our top AAP suggestions.

Two young people in a canoe wearing red lifejackets and smiling.

British Racing School

British Racing School is one of two racing schools in the UK that provide specialist training for the horseracing industry. With support from long-standing DofE supporter, The Gerald Leigh Trust, we are offering 20 places on free Residential courses, with weeks in July, August and September available, for young people who live in an IMD 1-3 area and who are doing their Gold DofE.
Cost: Free
Location: Newmarket, Suffolk

Free to Be Kids

Free to Be Kids is a mental health charity supporting some of London’s most vulnerable children through the power of the outdoors. It runs adventurous, nature-based residentials to give vulnerable young people a space to have fun and to feel invited and accepted. There are several role types – kitchen crew, minibus driver and group leader – and various dates available throughout 2026.
Cost: Free
Location: Orpington, London

Odyssians

Odyssians camp is an annual, week-long camping holiday supporting adults with physical and learning disabilities at Woodlarks Campsite in Farnham.
Cost: £100
Location: Farnham, Surrey

Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre

Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre offers a meaningful DofE Gold Residential at our seaside centre in Skegness, supporting children facing challenges. Participants join a supportive team, helping deliver activities and care that build confidence, resilience and joy. It’s a rewarding experience where you develop leadership skills while making a lasting difference to young lives.
Cost: Free
Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire

A group of three young people and one adult volunteer doing a forest clear up.

Pathfinders Camp

Pathfinders Camp offers disabled women the camping holiday of their dreams. DofE volunteers will enable campers to take a full part in all the activities available, by working together in small teams, providing personal and supportive care as needed. Pathfinders Camp is looking for people who want to make a real difference and have fun!
Cost: £140
Location: Farnham, Surrey

Waterway Recovery Group

Waterway Recovery Group runs volunteer working holidays to help restore and preserve waterways. As a volunteer you’ll learn new skills like bricklaying, stone operating and operating machines while providing a safe haven for wildlife and connecting communities.
Cost: £90
Location: Across the UK

Greenbelt festival

Greenbelt festival‘s Site Decor Team brings the festival site to life by making focal points and creating distinctive, characterful venues. Participants who want to do their Gold Residential at Greenbelt can sign up for ‘Build’ or ‘Make’ week. Greenbelt provides three meals per day and optional free access to the festival once your DofE Residential is complete.
Build Week – Sun 23 to Thurs 27 August inclusive
Make Week – Sun 16 to Fri 21 August inclusive
Cost: FREE
Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire

To take a look at all the Residentials on offer, visit our Opportunity Finder.