Outdoor Shelters For Schools

Provide schools with practical, flexible spaces which can be used all year round and which offer protection from the elements as well as providing an outdoor learning environment

Outdoor Shelters vs Outdoor Classrooms for Schools

Shelters provide schools with practical, flexible spaces that can be used throughout the year, regardless of the weather. Whether it's protection from rain, shade from the sun, or a covered area for outdoor activities, shelters help schools make the most of their outdoor environment.

At Hideout House, we design and install high-quality structures for schools across the UK. From simple covered seating areas to larger forest school structures, our shelters are built to be durable, functional and suited to everyday school use.

We always get asked what is the difference between an outdoor shelter and an outdoor classroom. They are often grouped together but they serve different purposes.

Outdoor shelters are open structures designed primarily to provide weather protection and flexible use. Although we can provide for roll-down panels if so required.
Outdoor classrooms are typically enclosed or partially enclosed buildings designed for more structured teaching environments.

Many schools choose to install both, using shelters for informal learning or shade and outdoor classrooms for more focused sessions.

Why Schools Invest in Outdoor Shelters

They are one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase the usability of outdoor space.

From our experience working with schools, they are typically used to:

✔️ Provide protection from rain, sun and wind
✔️ Enable outdoor use all year round
✔️ Create flexible spaces for lessons, play and social time
✔️ Support outdoor learning without the need for a fully enclosed building
✔️ Offer shaded areas for break times and supervision

TYPES OF OUTDOOR SHELTERS

Eating and Seating Pod

Outdoor Learning & Social Shelter – A Space to Learn, Relax and Connect

Fire Pit Shelter & Outdoor Classroom

This unique product allows children to learn forest school skills such as light fires and cook

Outdoor Shelters for Playgrounds

We offer our all weather, all purpose outdoor shelters which can be used for a whole plethora of applications.

Nature Watch Hut

Helps children to develop an understanding of nature and wildlife at close quarters

Outdoor Shelters With Canvas Roof

Its modular nature allows you to economically and ergonomically create a shelter or outdoor classroom to fit your exact space and needs.

Bike and Cycle Shelters

Large range of outdoor shelters which can be adapted for bike and cycle storage

School Canopies

Whether you are looking to provide shade from the hot weather, shelter from the elements or perhaps a parent waiting area then we have the ideal and creative solution to your problem.

The Living Wall Tipi

By means of stainless steel mesh side panels, you can grow climbing plants up the side walls of this product to create the ultimate hideaway playhouse or quiet area courtesy of Mother Nature.

How Much Do Outdoor Shelters Cost?

The cost of an outdoor shelter depends on the size, design, materials used and location/site issues.

Typical guide:
Small shelters: £3,000 – £8,000
Mid-sized shelters: £8,000 – £15,000
Larger bespoke structures: £15,000+

We can help you design a solution that works within your available budget and space.

“Excellent value for money. The outdoor shade shelter you supplied us is of excellent quality and for a competitive price. Even better!”

Julie Haye, Manager, Montessori School

Types of shelters for schools

We offer a comprehensive range to suit different requirements and budgets

These are typically:

✔️ Timber outdoor shelters with felt shingle tile or marine grade PU coated canvas roof
✔️ Playground canopies and shade structures
✔️ Covered seating and eating areas
✔️ Fire pit shelters for forest schools
✔️ Nature watch and multi-sensory SEN

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Case Studies – some of our projects for a range of schools across the UK.

Fire Pit Shelter at Portsmouth High School

Canvas roof shelters at Cribarth Primary