Everything you need to know about PGL holiday camps PLUS save 30% with our exclusive code

The school holidays can be a logistical juggling act, especially when it comes to planning engaging and reliable activities to keep the kids entertained and your days running smoothly. Enter: PGL Kids’ Adventure Camps. The school holiday kids’ camps — winner of a coveted Mumsnet Rated award — bring together activities, adventure and outdoor learning at 9 locations across the UK with availability over the Easter, May half-term, summer, and October half-term holidays. Much like PGL’s school trips, every experience provides children with the perfect opportunity to build confidence, develop social skills, and, most importantly, have a fantastic time away from home.

PGL Kids’ Adventure Camps are available for children aged 8 to 16 across three distinct age groups: 8-11, 11-13, and 13-16. Whether your child is a first-timer ready to experience an overnight adventure or a seasoned pro eager to challenge themselves, PGL has something for everyone. From short one- to three-night multi-activity camps to seven-night specialist camps, there’s an option to suit every child.

Activities range from abseiling and zipwire to watersports and stand up paddleboarding, ensuring kids are kept active and entertained while learning new skills along the way. And with OFSTED approval, next-level safeguarding, and the option to pay using childcare vouchers or the tax-free childcare scheme, or to split the cost using Klarna, parents can enjoy peace of mind and financial flexibility.

Scroll down to see an overview of our Q&A where real parents asked PGL ambassadors for guidance on accommodation, food, activities and packing tips.

In the meantime, here’s what Mumsnet users love about PGL Kids’ Adventure Camps.

The activities are amazing 

The activities are so fantastic that they barely have chance to consider whether they’re homesick! (Binfire)

DDs (11 and 12) went on a PGL horse riding camp last year, they loved it and are haranguing me about booking again for this summer. (Summerdew)

With up to 40 outdoor pursuits to try at PGL Kids’ Adventure Camps, kids will find adventure in every corner. From archery and canoeing to climbing, and specialist hobbies like bushcraft or pony camps, there’s something to inspire every child.

The carefully crafted programmes ensure kids stay active and engaged while learning new skills and uncovering their strengths. For children that prefer a structured approach with more of a focus, the 7-night specialist camps provide an excellent opportunity to dedicate more time to their favourite hobbies or try something completely new.

Confidence-building escapes

The kids always have a blast and get to try some fun adventurous activities they wouldn’t have done before. (comealongponds)

Adventure camps are about more than just having fun - they’re also a brilliant way to help children build confidence and resilience. By stepping out of their comfort zones and trying activities they may never have experienced before on an independent camp with PGL, kids can learn to tackle challenges head-on and celebrate their achievements.

Whether it's scaling a climbing wall for the first time or mastering a new water sport, the sense of accomplishment will feel empowering. With expert supervision and encouragement from PGL’s professionally trained team, children are supported every step of the way.

A chance to make lasting friendships

My kids loved spending a week away every summer at PGL. Made friends and had a great time. There’s normally ice breaker activities that go on during arrivals. It’s funny my kids would be all shy at drop off then at pick up they’d be crying their eyes out saying goodbye to the staff and kids. (Freehugs)

Making friends at a PGL camp is practically inevitable. Being surrounded by peers of the same age in a friendly, supportive environment encourages kids to socialise, collaborate, and form lasting bonds.

The camps are divided into three age groups: 8–11, 11–13, and 13–16, ensuring children feel comfortable and confident around their peers. Whether it’s bonding over a shared love of adventure or teaming up to tackle a group challenge, PGL camps create the perfect setting for friendships to flourish.

A way to introduce a sense of adventure

From the moment kids arrive at a PGL camp, excitement is in the air. With activities designed to challenge, inspire, and entertain, there’s always something new and thrilling to try.

The mix of adrenaline-fuelled fun and educational experiences ensures children are constantly learning and growing. For the true thrill-seekers, the 7-night specialist camps offer multi-activity adventures that keep them engaged and eager for the next challenge.

Built, trusted and chosen by parents 

The staff are enthusiastic and good with the kids, keep their energy up and encourage them to try things. (comealongponds)

Parents can rest easy knowing their children are in safe hands, with many members of the team parents themselves. PGL’s camps are OFSTED-approved and run by experienced, highly trained teams who are trained to the highest standards and DBS checked. 

From round-the-clock care to carefully designed age-appropriate activities, every aspect of the PGL experience is crafted to provide a safe, enriching, and enjoyable environment for kids. 

What’s included in the price of a PGL Kids’ Adventure Camp break? 

The price of a school holiday break with PGL starts from £139 per person and includes the following:

• Accommodation in a shared lodge, cabin, or mansion house (depending on location)

• Food and drink (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

• All activities 

• Equipment 

• 24-hour pastoral support from PGL's experienced on-site teams

Where are the PGL Kids’ Adventure Camps located?

There are kids’ camps across the UK, all in beautiful settings surrounded by countryside:

• Bawdsey Manor, Suffolk

• Boreatton Park, Shropshire

• Dalguise, Perthshire

• Liddington, Wiltshire

• Marchants Hill, Surrey

• Newby Wiske Hall, North Yorkshire

• Osmington Bay, Dorset

• Windmill Hill, East Sussex 

• Winmarleigh Hall, Lancashire 

Q&A with PGL ambassadors: parents' questions answered on our interactive thread

Sending kids away on a residential escape is a big deal so you're likely to have lots of questions before making a booking. That's why we set up a Q&A thread for parents to pose questions straight to PGL ambassadors themselves. Check it out for yourself or see our snapshot below:

What's the plan for severe weather - would there be a chance to reschedule with some compensation or would I need a separate insurance policy?

-Question posted by Mumsnet user, prawncocktailcrispss

Answer from PGL Customer Service Manager, Emma: The British weather always keeps us on our toes, but it’s part of the adventure! Activities continue running so long as it’s safe to do so. We always recommend packing clothes for all weathers, there’s a handy guide on our website. If there’s severe weather like lightning, high winds or excessive snow, then the camp may be curtailed. In that case our customer service team will be in touch with those affected with further information such as rearranging the trip. In terms of insurance, we recommend all bookers arrange their own policies as this is something we do not offer.

How do you decide which children share bedrooms? What happens if a group doesn't get along for any reason?

-Question posted by Mumsnet user, Winchking

Answer from PGL Customer Service Manager, Emma: On a Kids’ Camp, children are roomed with those who are in the same age group, and of the same sex. If anyone is having difficulty with their roommates, their Group Leader and our Guest Welfare team on-site are there to support and make other arrangements if needed. Our team are on hand to help with any queries.

Hello, what is the supervision ratio after the activities have ended and the children are relaxing - the games room in particular, who would be there to ensure fair play, and that they don't get into any squabbles. Again are the sleeping areas supervised to ensure there are no pranks which get out of control ?

-Question posted by Mumsnet user, ketchuporbrownsauce

Answer from PGL Customer Service Manager, Emma: We operate a 1:12 ratio on our Kids Camps throughout the day at our 9 UK centres. Once ‘lights out’ has been called at centres, the night duty team take over who patrol the campsite or accommodation area throughout the night, and they can quickly be contacted at any time should the need arise.

How do you ensure the children drink and eat enough, particularly if the days are very hot, and the activities outdoors for a long period of time - same with sun cream - do you apply or is it up to the children - who will often miss areas ?

-Question posted by Mumsnet user, Fancyquickthinker

Answer from PGL Activity Instructor, Stefan: In order to attend a Kids Camp, parents/guardians fill in an Essential Guest Information Form in which they outline if their child can carry out personal care and able to make sensible choices when it comes to mealtime.

Each child has a designated group leader who is on hand to check everyone’s eating well at breakfast, lunch and dinner for a busy day of activities. We advise packing suncream and a hat if the forecast suggests high temperatures and sunny conditions. Our group leaders instruct their groups to apply sun cream and encourage the kids to help one another too!

My son wants to go, but is not a strong swimmer, but can swim, how would you help him take part in water activities to give him more confidence on-going ? (do some children wear float aids ?) He is 11 and talking lessons still at school and privately.

-Question posted by Mumsnet user, itsywitsy

Answer from PGL Activity Instructor, Stefan: No problem at all! Kids attending our activity holidays do not need to be strong swimmers to take part in watersport activities, as all kids are required to wear aids regardless.

About PGL Kids’ Adventure Camps

PGL is the UK’s leading outdoor education provider, delivering inspirational learning through adventure since 1957. Built and trusted by parents, children can grow in confidence and independence whilst enjoying over 40 brilliant outdoor activities on a PGL Kids’ Adventure Camp. Send yours round ours and let them dive into an action-packed, all-inclusive adventure during the school holidays at a choice of 9 Ofsted registered centres. Supported by an expert team, parents can rest easy while their 8-16 year-olds experience adventure, the safe way.

About the author

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel and outdoor activities. She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London and loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far.

* Offer T&Cs: All offers are subject to availability and may not be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be applied retrospectively. Book online or call 0333 321 2114 and quote MUMSNET. All discounts are in conjunction with PGL’s general terms and conditions which can be found here for Kids Adventure Camps and here for Family Adventure Breaks. PGL reserves the right to withdraw these offers at any time.