British Hills 2025

Another winter season has arrived, which means another group of students spent part of their winter holidays at British Hills in Fukushima Prefecture. In the lead-up to the trip, the weather forecast said it would be cold but sunny, with temperatures staying above freezing. Even the day before departure, there was only a slight indication that snow had fallen, so we all assumed we wouldn’t see much snow during our stay. However, as we left the final service area before heading up the mountain, snowflakes began to fall. At first, it was just a few flurries, so you can imagine our surprise when, partway up the mountain, we were suddenly surrounded by a blanket of white.

This year, fourteen students spent three days and two nights attending our annual English language study excursion. While snow continued to fall outside, the students stayed warm indoors, exploring the manor house and learning several different magic tricks. After a quick stop at our own “house,” they enjoyed a buffet dinner and practiced chatting in English with the dining staff.

On the morning of the second day, all of the students were wearing the Harry Potter–style cloaks provided in their rooms. They learned how to play snooker and then had time to search both inside and outside for areas, objects, or places they thought might interest other students. After sharing their discoveries, everyone enjoyed a wonderful lunch.

During the afternoon free time, some students relaxed at the Ascot Tea Room, while more than ten students headed to the Falstaff Pub, where they were welcomed by a blazing fire. They enjoyed sugar ale or hot chocolate while warming themselves by the fire. Before dinner, the students learned how to bake scones from scratch, using only a knife to mix the ingredients! Some students ate their scones before dinner, while others saved them to enjoy back in their rooms afterward. Either way, baking scones was everyone’s favorite activity.

On the morning of the final day, the students were given a challenge: Save Gregg the Egg! With a limited budget and only a few available materials, they worked together to create a plan. While building their parachutes, the students faced various challenges, such as running out of money or balloons popping unexpectedly. In the end, every group successfully saved their egg.

Sadly, after lunch, it was time to leave this British winter wonderland and return to cold but snowless Saitama. If schedules allow, many students hope to be at the top of the list for next year’s trip. Hopefully, they will continue to practice their English and use what they learned to try new experiences, meet new people, and overcome any challenges they face in the coming year.