About Leeson House

Leeson House is the ideal venue for Primary to A Level fieldtrips. The house is a secluded Grade Two mansion situated near Swanage, Dorset on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It is close to many classic geography, geology and biology fieldwork sites and set within 7 acres of inspiring and diverse grounds. Leeson House can accommodate up to 80 students and 12 accompanying staff and residential bookings are taken 7 days a week throughout the whole year. We also offer a wide range of day visits and outreach activities.

We pride ourselves on our flexible approach to delivering top quality fieldwork across all range of ages. All our tutors are specialists in their fields with at least one relevant degree and vast amounts of practical fieldwork and statistical experience. Our programmes of activities are tailor made by the tutor and the school staff.

Leeson House is part of the Dorset Council Outdoor Education Service which is part of Children's Services within Dorset Council. Leeson House has been welcoming schools from Dorset and beyond for over 50 years.

Prior to becoming a Field Studies Centre in 1967, Leeson House was a boarding school before and after World War 2. During the War, the house and grounds were used by top scientists to develop secret projects such as the development of radar. In recent years, staff at Leeson have unearthed underground bunkers which are reminders of Leeson’s contribution during the War.

Much of the main house was built during the early to mid-1800’s. The Garland family reused unique, old wooden carvings to make the house feel grand and old. Parts of the house date back to the 1500’s when it was a farmhouse known as Leaston. The location was mentioned even earlier, in the Doomsday Book.

Our Address: 
Leeson House Field Studies Centre
Langton Matravers
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 3EU

Phone: 01929 422126  
Email: leeson@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk