Specific holiday camps to start with in Norwich

Holiday camps

Big Norfolk Holiday Fun (HAF)

Activities across Norwich and Norfolk · Ages 5 to 16 (or 4 if already in school) · Free places for children who get Targeted Free School Meals; paid places are available on most activities

The Norfolk version of the government's Holiday Activities and Food programme, run by Active Norfolk and Norfolk County Council. Free spaces are for children on Targeted Free School Meals, not Universal or Expanded Free School Meals. Activities include a healthy meal, and the programme is funded to run until 2029.

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Holiday camps

Activate at Town Close School

Town Close School, 14 Ipswich Road (NR2 2LR) · Ages 4 to 14; Ofsted-registered multi-activity camps · £260 a week (standard rate), including a hot or cold meal

Open to children who do not attend the school, with groups for ages 4 to 7 and 7 to 14. Hours are 9.30am to 4pm or 4.45pm, with arrival from 8.30am and stay until 5.30pm at no extra cost. It runs three summer weeks, one October half-term week and select Christmas days, and Christmas 2026 booking is open.

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Holiday camps

Norwich City Community Sports Foundation football camps

The Nest, Carrow Park and sites across Norfolk · Ages 5 to 13; football for boys and girls · Paid; check the booking site for current prices

FA-qualified coaches run indoor and outdoor football camps in school holidays, with Girls United days and inclusive SEND camps too. Extended days from 8.15am to 6pm have been offered at The Nest. No Christmas 2026 dates were listed when checked, so look at the booking site for new dates.

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Holiday camps

Highball Norwich school holiday climbing

Highball Norwich climbing centre · Ages 6 to 14 for Highball Play; Bouldering School from age 8 · Highball Play £12.50 for 60 minutes; Bouldering School £40 for two sessions

Supervised bouldering sessions through the school holidays on weekdays and weekends, led by trained instructors, with equipment and hire shoes provided. Private sessions for groups of up to six start at £50. Children must be at least 6.

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Holiday camps

Norwich Theatre Play in a Day

Norwich Theatre · Ages 7 to 10 and 11 to 15 in separate workshops · Pay What You Can for the February half term: free, £8 or the suggested £15

One-day creative workshops in school holidays where children make and perform their own story. The February half-term Play in a Day for ages 7 to 10 uses Pay What You Can pricing, and donations help fund places for families who need them.

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What to look for in Norwich

Holiday Camps vary by age, timetable and provider style. Parents usually get the best results by checking practical details first: location, session length, costs, age range, booking terms and how the provider handles safety and communication.

Good for planning

Shortlist options that fit your normal school run, weekend routine or holiday dates before comparing extras.

Questions to ask

Ask about trial sessions, what is included, staff checks, cancellation terms and what your child needs to bring.

Parent tip

Keep one backup option nearby in case a class is full, a camp sells out or weather changes your plans.

Types of holiday camp

Multi-activity camps

A broad mix of games, crafts and sports. Often the easiest choice for siblings or children who like variety, but check how the day is structured so quieter children are not overwhelmed.

Sports camps

Football, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, cricket and multi-sport camps suit children who want an active week. Ask whether beginners are welcome and whether children are grouped by age or ability.

Creative and specialist camps

Drama, coding, art, music, dance, cooking and outdoor adventure camps can be better for children with a clear interest or for families who want a calmer alternative to full-day sport.

Choose by holiday and age

  • February and October half term: Prioritise indoor space, wet-weather plans and shorter journeys after darker evenings.
  • Easter: Look for flexible single days if family plans are split across the break.
  • Summer holidays: Book popular weeks early, especially for wraparound hours, sibling places and camps near commuter routes.
  • Reception to Year 2: Shorter days, familiar venues and clear toilet, snack and rest routines matter more than a packed timetable.
  • Older primary and secondary: Choice, challenge and friendship groups often matter most, so ask whether children can pick activities or move into older groups.

Before booking

  • Check drop-off and pick-up times, early starts, late collection charges and whether someone else can collect with a password.
  • Confirm staff ratios, safeguarding policies, first-aid cover, food arrangements, allergy handling and medication procedures.
  • Ask what children need to bring: packed lunch, water bottle, sun cream, spare clothes, waterproofs, swimming kit or specialist equipment.
  • Read cancellation, sickness and refund terms before paying, especially if you rely on the camp for childcare cover.
  • For children with additional needs, contact the provider before booking so support, quiet space, communication and ratios can be discussed properly.

Holiday camp or other childcare?

Holiday camps are useful when children enjoy busy group days, but they are not the only answer. Younger children, anxious starters or families with irregular work patterns may do better with a mix of camp days, family help, playdates, local activities and quieter days at home. If you need reliable work cover, prioritise booking terms, backup contacts and wraparound hours over exciting extras.

Best for full work days

Choose camps with clear early drop-off, late pick-up, lunch arrangements and a named contact during the day.

Best for confidence

Start with single days, familiar venues, friends attending or specialist camps based on an interest your child already likes.

Best for mixed siblings

Look for age-banded groups in the same venue so siblings have suitable activities without creating two separate journeys.

What to pack for camp

  • Named water bottle, lunch and snacks unless food is clearly provided.
  • Weather-appropriate layers: sun hat and sun cream in summer, waterproofs and spare socks for outdoor camps.
  • Any medication, allergy instructions or care plan agreed with the provider.
  • Comfortable clothes your child can manage independently, especially for younger children.
  • A written note of who is collecting if the provider asks for passwords or authorised adults.

Cost and practical checks

Compare the real day cost

Include booking fees, extended hours, lunch, trips, equipment hire and sibling discounts. A cheaper base price is not always cheaper once wraparound care is added.

Plan the first morning

Save confirmation emails, label belongings and tell your child who will collect them. An easy first drop-off makes the rest of the week smoother.

Have a backup

Keep one alternative camp or family day plan in mind in case a week sells out, your child is unsettled or work plans change.

Use the holiday camp checklist before booking, compare school holiday childcare options, look at regular children's activities for term time, or browse free things to do for no-spend holiday days.

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