Some families have their holidays mapped out before Christmas, while others prefer to see what the rest of the year brings before booking a sunny getaway. But whether you're a planner or more spontaneous, one question always pops up: "what are we going to do with the kids?"
Here at Superprof, we've done the legwork to bring you an up-to-date guide to the best summer camps across the UK. Keep reading to find out how much each summer camp costs, what makes them unique, the age groups they're suited to, and which ones might be the perfect match for your youngsters this upcoming summer holiday.
| Camp Name | Location | Type | Age Range | Price Range (2025) | Focus/activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGL Adventure Camps | 12 centres across the UK | Residential | 8–16 | From £199 for 2 nights | Multi-activity, themed camps, water sports, climbing |
| Camp Wilderness | Countryside locations incl. Kent & Snowdonia | Residential / Family | 8–15 | From £429 for 2 days | Bushcraft, survival skills, family-friendly options |
| Outward Bound | Lake District, Scotland, Wales | Residential | 10–22 | From £604 for 5 days | Wilderness expeditions |
| Camp Crusoe | Norfolk | Residential | 8–15 | £675–£850 per week | American-style, confidence building, water sports |
| Camp Kernow | Cornwall | Residential | 8–15 | £714 for 6 days | Eco-living, sustainability, off-grid living |
| Mill on the Brue | Somerset | Day / Residential | 8–15 | £843 for 7 days | Electronics-free, outdoor adventure |
| Fire Tech | UK-wide (e.g., London, Manchester) | Day / Residential | 9–17 | £500–£1,000 per week | Coding, robotics, game design, STEM creativity |
| Camp Cooper | Edinburgh & Crieff | Residential | 10-16 | £1,345 for 1 week; £2,685 for 2 weeks | Small group American-style camp, arts & sports mix |
Does the UK Have Summer Camps?
Yes it does, but the set-up is a little different from what you'll find across the Atlantic. In the UK, summer camps are steadily growing in popularity each year, offering everything from forest skills and water sports, to STEM, drama, and coding - whatever your kids enjoy, there's a summer camp out there that will appeal to their interests. Check out this article on tips for students things to do this summer holiday here on Superprof.
In the UK there is no single national organisation overseeing all camps. While the American Camp Association (ACA) oversees all camps in the US, parents in the UK rely more on school recommendations or word of mouth to find suitable options.
That being said, many of the UK's top camp provides are members of trusted industry bodies such as the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA), which promotes high safety standards on safety, safeguarding, and quality of programmes. So you can breathe easy knowing most camps will be run by a team of trained professionals with up-to-date DBS checks and clear child protection protocols - as well as backgrounds in teaching, youth work, coaching, or outdoor education. Check out private tutor here on Superprof.
How To Choose a Reputable UK Summer Camp
Concerned you'll pick the wrong camp for your little one? Below, we've put together a handy checklist you can follow to make sure you're enrolling them on a reputable and safe camp this summer.
How Much Does a Summer Camp Cost in the UK?
While we'd love to say there's one universal price for summer camps across the UK - this just isn't the case. Generally, cheaper summer camps tend to be local day camps which run during school hours and don't include meals or overnight stays.
At the other end of the scale, residential or specialist camps (the kinds that offer things like impressive outdoor adventures or in-depth tech training) come with higher costs mainly due to the level of supervision, equipment, and facilities provided. Check out the following table for a better idea of what option may cost you.
| Camp Type | Estimate of Cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Day Camp (Mon-Fri) | £150–£350 | Snacks and lunch, activities, supervision |
| Residential Camp (1 week) | £600–£1,200 | Accommodation, meals, full day schedule |
| Premium Residential Camp | £1,300–£2,000+ | Smaller groups, excursions, specialist workshops |
| Weekend/Taster Camp | £200–£400 | 2–3 nights, meals, introductory activity sessions |
| Academic/Elite Programmes | £3,000–£5,000+ | Tuition, boarding, excursions, learning materials |
Residential Summer Camps VS One-Day Camps: Which is Better?
“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”
Jenny Han
Choosing between a residential summer camp and day camp be tough - especially if it's your child's first adventure away from home. However, the truth is, neither one is better than the other. They both offer different things, and the best choice will depend on your child's personality, age, and comfort level.
🛌 Residential Camps
Residential camps offer a different kind of adventure. Spending several days away from home gives kids the chance to take a step out of their comfort zone. While all sorts of ages can attend, they're a fantastic fit for older kids or teens who enjoy being part of a team/ love a challenge
☀️ Day Camps
Day camps are often a more gentle introduction to the summer camp experience. They're usually close to home, run during the day, and let kids try new things without the big step of staying overnight. They're perfect for younger children who don't want to be too far from family
Not every child is keen to join the hordes of boys and girls gleefully boarding camping buses. In fact, for other-abled children, camp activities and making new friends could be downright traumatic. Thankfully, across the UK, there are plenty of summer camps that offer quieter settings and one-to-one support for those who need it. Activities include water sports – albeit not quite as intense as in other camping ventures- hiking and outdoor games.
What Types of Summer Camps Are Out There?
Seriously considering enrolling your kids in a summer camp this year but not sure which type will suit them best? Here are some of the most popular ones on the market:
- Outdoor adventure: sleeping in tents and enjoying water activities and hiking
- Wilderness adventure: completely off the grid, campers learn to survive in the wilderness
- STEM: science, technology, engineering and maths – activities include everything from building with Legos to learning about the natural world
- Sports: everything from team sports such as netball and cricket (there are even football camps!) to gymnastics camps.
You can even find theatre camps, music camps and camps aimed at promoting ecological and environmental awareness. Why not read our article on how to find camps near me if you're struggling to find a suitable option in your area?
What Are the Best Summer Camps in the UK?
Looking for the best summer camps the UK has to offer? Here's our handpicked list of summer camps that we feel stand out from the rest. Whether your child is happiest in a harness halfway up a climbing wall or prefers quietly sketching in the middle of a forest, this round-up offers a little bit of magic for every child. Want your little one to continue their studies this summer, too? You can find a plethora of tutoring classes in the UK on our platform.
PGL Adventure Camps - Nationwide
PGL centres are packed to the brim with exciting activities like zip wires, obstacle courses, canoeing, and all sorts of team games - ideal for kids who are high energy and keen to make friends. Accommodation is dorm style, and children are fully supervised throughout.
Need to Know
Camp Wilderness - Woodland Sites Across England
off grid and unplugged, this forest-based experience is designed to immerse kids in wild spaces. They'll learn to build shelters, light fires, and explore the natural world through guided bushcraft activities. If your child is a nature lover, there's no better camp for them!
Need to Know
Outward Bound - Lake District, Snowdonia, Highlands
One of the UK's most respected outdoor education charities, Outward Bound offers serious challenge-based camps that help kids develop their leadership and resilience skills. Youngsters will hike, swim in lakes, and push their limits - all in some of nation's most dramatic landscapes.
Need to know
Camp Cruseo - Devon
A smaller camp that focuses on water activities, creative projects, and relaxed independence. Children are free to try kayaking, paddle boarding, or wild swimming during the day. By evening they'll unwind with crafts or by telling stories. The overall vibe is chill, friendly, and ideal for first time summer campers.
Need to know
Camp Kernow - Cornwall
Amazingly, this award-winning camp is powered entirely by renewables. At Camp Kernow, kids will sleep in yurts and are encouraged to get stuck into a wide range of outdoorsy/hands-on activities like foraging, building shelters, and learning how to live sustainably.
Need to know
Mill on the Brue - Somerset
Mill on the Brue is family-run camp located on a stunning farm estate in the heart of Somerset. Kids here take part in many of the most classic outdoor activities you can think of - think stuff like gardening, zip lining, and raft building.
Need to know
Fire Tech - London + Online
Fire Tech is one of the UK's most famous tech-focused summer camps - offering child-friendly courses in coding, robotics, AI, and game design, to name a few. Most sessions are hosted top uni's such as Imperial and UCL, and online options are also available for those who can't travel.
Need to Know
Camp Cooper - Perthshire, Scotland
Do your kids love the idea of an American-style summer camp? Well, Camp Cooper brings that experience into the Scottish countryside. Children start by choosing a specialist track (like creative writing, drama, filmmaking, or sports) and spend time developing these skills in small, focused groups.
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Camping is an amazing idea for kids to spend their holidays. At some summer camps, children may be given the opportunity to take part in some fun activities they have not come across before. I really liked the idea of residential camps. you have mentioned each and everything about summer camps. every parent is looking for a summer camp where their kid can do fun activities and learn something. I really appreciate that you writing for us.