Hatherop Castle Summer Family Experience

Course Description: Hatherop Castle Summer Family Experience

Set within the stunning grounds of a historic English castle in the heart of the Cotswolds, this unique programme offers families the opportunity to combine relaxation, exploration, and children’s enrichment in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.

Designed for parents travelling with children aged 4–12, the programme allows children to take part in a dynamic activity camp and light academic programme, while parents enjoy curated excursions and free time to explore the surrounding countryside, towns, and cultural landmarks.

Blending comfort, flexibility, and authentic British experiences, this programme creates the perfect balance between family time, independence, and discovery.

Key Information 📌

• Dates: 19 July – 16 August 2026

• Location: Hatherop Castle School, Gloucestershire

• Children’s Ages: 4–12 years

• Class Size: Maximum 12 students (English lessons)

• Pricing: The same weekly price applies for both parents and children, offering a simple and transparent structure for families

• NOTE: You will need to make a booking for each member of the family attending the program (1 for the parent) & (1 for the Child)

Location & Setting 🌳

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, one of England’s most picturesque regions, Hatherop Castle offers a peaceful countryside setting while remaining well connected.

• Approximately 1.5 hours from London Heathrow

• Close to historic cities such as Bath and Bristol

• Surrounded by rolling hills, traditional villages, and scenic landscapes

The region is known for its natural beauty, heritage, and outdoor lifestyle, making it the ideal destination for a family summer experience.

Accommodation 🏡

Families stay within the beautiful grounds of Hatherop Castle, a 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion.

• Comfortable boarding-style accommodation

• Options for 1, 2 or 3 bed rooms

• Spacious communal living areas

• Stunning gardens and outdoor spaces

The setting offers a peaceful and secure environment where families can relax after a day of activities and exploration.

Children’s Programme 🎯

Children take part in the Activity Camps, a vibrant and engaging programme designed to keep them active, creative, and socially engaged.

Daily Experience

Children enjoy up to 6 activities per day, including:

• Swimming 🏊‍♂️

• Arts & crafts 🎨

• Forest school 🌳

• Cookery 🍳

• Football ⚽

• Cricket 🏏

• Outdoor games and team challenges

Activities are led by specialist coaches and experienced staff, ensuring both quality and safety.

Social & Cultural Integration

Children integrate with local UK students attending the camp, providing:

• Natural English language exposure

• Opportunities to build friendships

• A truly authentic cultural experience

With approximately 20 children per age group, the environment is social, friendly, and well balanced.

Themed Learning Weeks

Some weeks are structured around engaging themes (e.g. Ancient Greece), which are incorporated across activities, sport, and creative sessions, making learning both immersive and enjoyable.

English Language Lessons 📚

Children benefit from 1.5 hours of English tuition per week:

• Delivered as 2 × 45-minute sessions

• Taught by specialist teachers

• Maximum 12 students per class

• Grouped by age and ability

Lessons take place in bright classrooms within the castle, providing a relaxed and supportive environment.

Optional English Lessons for Parents

Parents also have the option to take part in English lessons, which can be arranged upon request.

This provides a valuable opportunity for parents to:

• Improve their own language skills

• Build confidence in communication

• Enhance their overall experience while staying in the UK

Parents’ Experience 🌍

While children attend the activity programme, parents enjoy a curated experience designed to showcase the best of the region.

Included:

• 4 organised weekday trips (Monday–Thursday)

• A group family excursion every Saturday

Parents can explore:

• Historic cities such as Bath and Bristol

• Traditional Cotswold villages

• Cultural landmarks and countryside walks

• Shopping, dining, and leisure experiences

Daily Activity Programme 🎯⏰

Children enjoy a fully structured and dynamic daily schedule, designed to keep them active, engaged, and constantly learning through a wide variety of experiences.

Each day is divided into multiple activity blocks, allowing children to experience up to six different activities per day, ensuring variety and excitement.

Typical Daily Structure:

• 08:00 – 09:30 Arrival & Welcome 👋

  Children are welcomed on-site, settle in, and begin the day with light social activities.

• 09:40 – 12:30 Morning Activity Sessions 🎯

  A rotation of engaging activities such as:

• Tennis 🎾

• Dodgeball

• Fencing 🤺

• Tri-golf ⛳

• Inflatable assault courses

• Team sports

• 12:30 – 13:15 Lunch 🍽️

  A nutritious hot lunch providing time to relax and recharge.

• 13:15 – 16:05 Afternoon Activity Sessions 🌳

  Further activity rotations including:

• Swimming 🏊‍♂️

• Outdoor art 🎨

• Kwik cricket 🏏

• Parachute games

• Forest school 🌲

• Bushcraft and survival skills 🔥

• 16:05 – 17:30 Wrap-Up & Social Time 🎉

  End-of-day activities, games, and preparation for return to accommodation.

Activities are tailored by age group, ensuring children are always participating at the right level while building confidence, teamwork, and new skills.

Weekly Trips & Excursions 🌍🚌

The programme includes a carefully curated schedule of excursions, allowing both children and parents to experience some of the UK’s most iconic destinations.

Each week combines cultural exploration, sightseeing, and leisure, creating a well-rounded and memorable experience.

Example Weekly Excursion Schedule:

Monday – Westonbirt & Tetbury �*

A relaxed introduction to the local area, including a guided tour of the school grounds and exploration of the nearby Cotswold town of Tetbury.

Tuesday – Bath 🏛️

A historic and elegant city known for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

Wednesday – Oxford �*

Explore the world-famous university city, rich in history, academic excellence, and stunning architecture.

Thursday – Bristol �*

A lively and creative city offering a mix of culture, shopping, and entertainment.

Saturday – Blenheim Palace �*

Visit one of England’s most impressive stately homes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by beautiful parkland.

Sunday – Free Day �*

A relaxed day for families to unwind, explore independently, or enjoy the local countryside.

Experience Highlights

• Discover historic cities and landmarks

• Experience authentic British culture

• Enjoy a mix of guided and independent exploration

• Create memorable family experiences

These excursions are designed to complement the programme, offering both educational value and enjoyable experiences outside the classroom.

Meals 🍽️

The programme includes a flexible and high-quality dining experience.

Daily Catering Includes:

• Freshly prepared breakfast each morning

• Children’s hot lunch during camp

• Children’s snacks throughout the day

• Parents’ picnic lunch for flexibility during excursions

• Two-course hot dinner each evening

Meals are nutritious, varied, and designed to cater for all dietary requirements.

Transport 🚐

• Transport provided for parent excursions (4 days per week)

• Weekly group family excursion included

• Convenient access from London Heathrow

The Experience 🌟

This programme offers a rare opportunity for families to enjoy a shared yet flexible summer experience.

Children will:

• Stay active, creative, and socially engaged

• Build confidence and independence

• Improve English naturally

• Make friendships with local and international students

Parents will:

• Explore one of England’s most beautiful regions

• Enjoy a mix of organised and independent travel

• Relax in a peaceful countryside setting

Together, families create lasting memories while enjoying a perfect balance of learning, adventure, and relaxation.