1. Rockley Point
Enrol would-be sailors and windsurfers onto an action-packed week at this purpose-built seaside centre on Poole harbour, offering bunk rooms to children aged 10 to 16.Four-night multi-activity breaks include sailing, windsurfing, bell-boating, kayaking, raft-building, climbing and team-building exercises.
Husband and wife, Peter and Liz Gordon, established this family run camp in 1976. With 35 years of watersport industry experience this camp can guarantee outstanding training, equipment, safety and holiday fun. Rockley Point has introduced thousands of kids and families to the pleasures of watersports so no matter what the skill level this camp will be perfect for any water lover.
2. Jonathan Markson Tennis Camp
Each summer, for nine weeks, top professional coaches and players come together at Jonathan Markson Tennis Camp to teach children how to play. Established in 1981 this camp has been successfully unlocking children’s potential for years through stimulating and intensive tennis experiences that are suitable for all levels of experience.
Bring out the Andy Murray in your child by booking a week of top-class tennis tuition. Suitable for kids aged 10-plus, camps take place in Oxford, based in college accommodation, and at Giggleswick School in North Yorkshire. Over a seven-night stay, children will have five hours of coaching per day, with video analysis and tournaments, as well as other activities, including football and team games.
Find out more: marksontennis.com
3. Mill on the Brue
Give your eight- to 15-year-olds a fun-packed week at this scenic activity centre near Bruton in Somerset, which offers a choice of up to 40 activities, including canoeing, zip wires, raft-building, archery and high ropes.
Six-night breaks are available, and accommodation is in home-from-home-style rooms. Food is based on organic products and is locally sourced or grown on-site.
This family ran outdoors camp has a simple philosophy that the outdoors is the perfect place to develop as an individual and a team. At Mill on the Brue the staff strives to teach confidence building, self worth, achievement and understanding of self and others. More than just fun and games (though there is plenty of that) this summer camp teaches important life lessons and how to become your better self.
Find out more: millonthebrue.co.uk
4. YHA Summer Camp
There is never a dull moment at the YHA Summer Camp with so many activities for the thrill seekers in your family. The camp is hugely popular for the kids with extra energy who like to blow off steam with extreem sports. Parents don’t need to fret since experienced and expertly trained staff are always there to supervise.
Book one of the Youth Hostel Association’s competitively priced five-night residential courses aimed at children aged 10 to 19, which take place in selected hostels around the UK.
Depending on age and interest, choose from the adrenaline-fuelled Go Extreme course, the mentally and physically challenging Future Leader course or exhilarating Action Adventure course.
5. PGL
This is the summer to book your child’s stay at UK’s number one summer camp. With over 8,000,000 happy campers since 1957 PGL has perfected the summer camp experience. Their all-inclusive residential holidays come with activity bags and provide adventure in a safe and supportive environment.
PGL has a dozen centres to choose from, which are mostly based in rural spots around the UK. Catering for children aged seven to 17, this large specialist company offers more than 50 activities on its seven-night breaks. Depending on the centre, there’s also the chance to learn skills such as bushcraft, surfing, cooking and leadership techniques.
Find out more: pgl.co.uk/holidays
6. National Flight Academy
If your child is looking for exciting adventure this summer look no further. National Flight Academy is an immersive experience that will thrill and inspire kids who enjoy science, engineering, technology and mathematics. With theme-park styled thrills and flight simulators kids will feel like the time is flying by.
Aviation- and Navy-mad older kids will love this five-night programme (for 12- to 18-year-olds) aboard Ambition, the world’s largest simulated aircraft carrier at the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida. It focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork using advanced technology and guidance from pilots and astronauts.
Find out more: nationalflightacademy.com
7. Uppingham Summer School
Nurture your child’s creativity with a five-night stay at Uppingham, near Stamford in Rutland, where courses include chamber music, creative arts (writing, drawing or baking), technology and science, sport, drama or history. The programme caters for children aged six to 18.
Uppingham Summer School has so much to offer it is impossible to list all of their courses here. The courses are supervised by Uppingham School staff to ensure that every child is having the best experience possible. Standards for excellence are high at this school year around so parents can relax knowing that their children are sure to learn and grow during their time at this specialized summer camp.
8. Wickedly Wonderful
Great reviews are coming from this small summer camp. Publications like Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times have both given Wickedly Wonderful top reviews over the years. Located in the south coast of England kids are invited to live life to the fullest, make new friends and enjoy new experiences.
Children can choose between a week of multi-activities, sailing or pony riding at this small and friendly summer camp near Chichester in Sussex, which caters for children aged six to 13. There’s also lots of sea swimming, beach games and toasting marshmallows over campfires. Four-night camps are also available.
Find out more: wickedlywonderful.com
9. Valley Farm
Situated just north of Wickham Market is Valley Farm. Primarily a riding school they offer a diverse range of equestrian disciplines and sports. Kids can choose from polo, show jumping, western riding, polocrosse, cross-country, stable management and more. If your child has been asking for a pony then this is the perfect summer camp for them.
Book well in advance for this popular riding centre near Wickham Market in Suffolk, where groups of up to 32 children, aged six to 17, can stay for three or five days between 20 July and 28 August.
Accommodation is in wooden ‘Wendy Houses’ on site, and children are split into groups according to age and riding ability, with a lesson and practical tuition in pony care daily. Other activities include swimming, games and barbecues.
Find out more: valleyfarmonline.co.uk
10. Fire Tech Camp
Fire Tech Camp’s mission is to teach young people to create and innovate through technology. Workshops will demonstrate how to create an app, build robots and use Java. Time away from screens includes barbecues, swimming, campfires and a day trip to London.
This summer empower your child by sending them to Fire Tech Camp where they will learn how technology can change their life and change the world. Help your children to get to grips with coding, programming, electronics and robotics on five-night residential courses for children aged 12 to 17.