Organising a function for eight people or more?
We can cater for weddings, birthdays, even stag or hen parties with a difference.

Castle News
For the most up-to-date information about Castle Toward read our news section.

Self Programming
Need an inspiring place for rehearsals, artistic pursuits, field studies or study sessions? Why not ‘self-programme’? Bring your tutors, materials and equipment. We’ll do the rest.

Now showing
View two short films online. Go on an accelerated Castle Toward or Ardentinny course with its own soundtrack. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll wish you had some popcorn handy!

Travel with pride  

pride of clyde

When it’s time to travel towards the Castle or arrive at Ardentinny…

...we recommend Pride of the Clyde, one of Scotland’s finest coach hire companies.

Hire a coach online or call them on 01475 888000.

 

Castle Toward

Castle Toward

Castle Toward and its grounds have a unique atmosphere, so you may not be surprised to learn that the popular CBBC programme ‘The Raven’ has been filmed here for the last few years.

Sixty years and 300,000 people later, the castle (or ‘castellated mansion’ to be precise) which dates from 1820 has become something of a national treasure.

Ardentinny

Ardentinny

The Ardentinny outdoor education centre is situated in the picturesque village of Ardentinny on the West shore of Loch Long.

24 miles from Castle Toward and 14 miles from Dunoon and the Cowal Peninsula.

The centre itself sits amongst the forests and hills of the Trossachs National Park.



We are open!

As of Monday 1 March 2010 Castle Toward and Ardentinny outdoor education centres are open for business.

Thank you to everyone for your co-operation and support over the last few months.

We look forward to welcoming our friends back to the Castle and Ardentinny for another wonderful year of arts, music and outdoor education.
 
Welcome to the Actual Reality Centres website

We run two outdoor education centres on the West Coast of Scotland, which offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities but mainly eight to 16 year olds. Castle Toward and Ardentinny nestle on the stunning Cowal peninsula – the perfect location for exploration, learning and adventure.

Our nationally renowned centres have been providing thousands of people lifelong memories and learning experiences for more than 60 years. We are proud of our history, but we want our customers to have a 21st century outdoor learning experience on the hills, mountains and rivers of this wild Scottish countryside. 

We think some things need to be experienced to be appreciated, such as abseiling down a cliff, kayaking in open water or climbing the high ropes. Every pupil should have an outdoor residential experience at least once in their school career - we guarantee it will broaden their horizons and stretch their imaginations.