Anyone tried a family activity holiday - PGL, YHA, Esprit etc?

[ChippyMinton]

I've had a quick look at the websites and these holidays, where the whole family tries activities like archery, canoeing etc.

Are they fun...or would we be trapped in a nightmare of over-achieving/superfit families and boiled cabbage at every meal?

Has anyone been on one?

Friends did a pgl one last summer and really enjoyed it.

I toook DS1 (then aged 10) and DS2 (then aged 6) to Barton Hall in Devon for a PGL holiday a couple of years ago. Had a great time, and they still talk about it now.

Accommodation was basic - we had the one room with bunk beds and 2 single beds, plus en-suite. No "luxuries" such as TV. but there was a kettle.

We were there for 7 days, and food was generally ok, and quite a lot of it (but we needed it as we were burning up so much energy). First evening meal was not good, but after that it was fine - good selection, fruit always available etc.

Activities all great fun - we certainly didn't feel we were trapped in a nightmare of over-achieving /super-fit families. We were in groups of 12, stayed in the same group all week, so always did activities together. Grouped (I think) by children's age - we had 3 6yr olds in our group. All bonded well and by the end knew quite a lot about each other.

We did: basketball on a trampoline (v v funny), climbing down a wall (has special term but can't remember it), low ropes, orienteering, climbing wall, trampolining, archery, zip slide, survival, mountain biking and various others.

Activities also in the evenings, eg treasure hunt, talent shows, quizzes etc.

The weather helped, of course. The summer of 2007, when we went, was a paticularly rainy one. However the week we went was fantastic, sunshine every day. Am not sure if it would have been such fun if it had rained....

Have to add that this was not our "main" holiday. It is not a "get away from it all" holiday, and you are busy the whole time. I booked this on a whim in July - had been offered some extra work (a lot) in school time, so decided to treat DCs to this holiday. Booked it late, so prices had gone down quite a lot.

We all want to go back, taking DH with us next time!

I have been many times woth school children (aged 10 and 11). Its always fab. We went one year when it was snowing, but the accomodation was still warm. Food is basic but perfect for filling you up after all the activities.
I can't wait until my DC are old enoough to do this with them.
Obviously theres not a lot on site for adults in the evening!!
Which one are you looking at?

Thanks all, very useful.

I'm not sure if my youngest is old enough yet. Despite being the most adventurous, she's only 5yo, so we might have to wait until next summer.

The PGL one sounds good, ibbydibby, perhaps for a short break. I went on one at primary school (a looong time ago), to the Brecon Beacons and remember having a great time, despite having to camp in the rain

I was looking at the summer esprit ones in the alps, too.

Anyone else tried it?

Hi Chippy Minton. I have also been looking at the Esprit holidays (got the brochure this morning). I think that my kids might be a bit young too = really wanted a company that did lakes/mountains without so much activities I think and the accomodation does look very basic - ie too many bunkbeds in the rooms and no mention of a double bed!! I want a leisurely break, nice hotel with option of walks, swimming pool, ride up to a glacier that kind of thing and a bit of childcare would be fantastic. In a few years time we might be ready for a bit more action!!

I can't talk about family breaks, but I went on PGL Holidays from the age of 12 to 17 every summer and loved every one.
I'm still in touch with a couple of people I met there (I'm 31).
I'd kill to take DD on one now as a family thing, but when she's older I'd love to send her alone.

Most large alpine reseorts have the facilities for you to book the activities independently, so you can pick and choose what suits. You can buy summer lift passes, often heavily discounted for kids, but do chekc out the opening dates as some can be fairly limited to peak season.

We have done walks, fed marmots, accessed glaciers and ice palaces, summer toboggan runs, summer skiing, organised rock climbing for ds (via the ski school or tourist office), adventure courses through trees with zip wires like Go Ape and so on. Some resorts even offer an activity programme in high season for kids such as to take them on hikes or do circus schools.

We have been to Barton Hall too - just before it was taken over by PGL.

Overall, it was a very good holiday. It was cheap, with basic accommodation and cafeteria food (basic, but plentiful and fine). The buildings were fairly scruffy (too many school parties, no doubt).

It was absolutely exhausting though, as the activities really take their toll. There were three activity sessions per day, as well as evening entertainment. There was not a lot of comfortable relaxation space, so you basically did what you were expected to do.

We felt that the tuition was very good, with high regard for safety. The evening entertainment was varied and well thought out, although pre-teens dominating karaoke is not fun.

The main downside is that we had a 3 year old with us who was too young for most things, including the creche, iirc (I may be mistaken about that).

Both dds have been to pgl trips through school. They loved them. We are thinking of a short summer trip ourselves. Youngest dd is 10.

LIZS - I'd love to see real marmots (I have a toy yodelling marmot which came back from a ski trip )
Can you recommend any resorts, say in the French/Swiss Alpes, as Austria may be too far to drive? Happy to look at doing an independent trip, perhaps camping/mobile home/apartment.

Zermatt in Switzerland is fab. We went indepently, DD was only a few months old and we camped.

We did lots of walking, took the Gornergrat train up to the top and walked down. There is summer skiing and a swimming pool. We went to Leukerbad to the spa one day which was lovely. Probably more stuff for older kids. I remember a crazy golf course... Fanastic scenery.

And lots of marmotts.

Saas Fee has a lift that takes you right up to when the marmots live , you can feed them by hand too ! Also lots of other facilities and activities as I described.

I have a friend who has taken her family on activity holidays for years (what else can one do with two active DSs?) She has found holidays by Googling "luxury" and "family activity holiday" - do not omit the "luxury"!

A really good resort in the Alps which is pretty accessible - just over one hour from Geneva - is Samoens. Have spent two summer holidays there with DSs and there are plenty of activities available for independent travellers.

Willl check out those resorts, thanks. Here's a little treat for all you marmott fans

F'ing hell - the dog just shot out of bed and is now going nuts.

Sorry

We're trying Esprit this summer in Austria with a 3yo and 6yo, they can both be in the same Kids Club group (4 days a week, every other day) which appealed. On the free days we're looking forward to lots of day trips in the area and going up to the snow on the glacier above where we're staying. Kinderhotels would be an alternative if you're looking for childcare, otherwise I think they need to be a little bit older (at least 5 I reckon) before you can all do active stuff together. Have done Sunsail in the past and lounged around doing v. little theres no pressure to actually do anything!

WE have been to centerparcs in Netherlands a few time and have done archery, canoeing and dcs and dh have done climbing,zipwiring and high wire, much cheaper than the uk ones.

Yes, agree with Centerparcs - we've been to two in France. Unfortunately with the current euro rates its no longer the bargain it once was but its still worth trying one outside the UK and can still be cheaper or certainly no more expensive than Centerparcs in the UK. (Esp. if you check school term dates there vrs here and go when they're not on holiday)