Westonbirt Summer Family Experience

Course Description: Westonbirt Summer Family Experience

Set within the breathtaking Cotswolds countryside, this unique family programme offers the perfect combination of relaxation, exploration, and children’s enrichment in one of England’s most beautiful regions.

Families stay at the elegant Holford House, just minutes from the historic Westonbirt School, where children take part in a vibrant activity camp while parents enjoy curated excursions and free time to explore the surrounding towns, countryside, and cultural landmarks.

Blending comfort, flexibility, and authentic British experiences, this programme is designed to create a memorable and enriching summer for both parents and children alike.

Key Information 📌

• Dates: 5 July – 16 August 2026

• Location: Westonbirt School & Holford House, Cotswolds

• Children’s Ages: 4–12 years

• English Lessons: 1.5 hours per week (2 × 45 minutes)

• Class Size: Maximum 12 students

• Transport: Included for children’s camp and parent excursions

Location & Setting 🌳

Westonbirt is located in the heart of the Cotswolds, one of the UK’s most picturesque and sought-after regions.

• Approximately 1.5 hours from London Heathrow

• Close to Bath, Bristol, and historic market towns

• Surrounded by rolling countryside and traditional English villages

Westonbirt House itself, built in the late 1800s, is one of the most impressive Victorian country homes in England, offering a truly inspiring setting for both learning and leisure.

Accommodation 🏡

Families stay at Holford House, a peaceful and comfortable residence located in the historic town of Tetbury, just 4 miles from Westonbirt School.

• Rooms available in 1, 2 or 3 bed configurations

• Spacious communal living areas

• Beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces

• Quiet and relaxing environment

Holford House provides the perfect balance of comfort and convenience, offering a home-away-from-home experience for families.

Children’s Programme 🎯

Children take part in Westonbirt’s highly regarded Discover Activity Camps, designed to keep them active, creative, and engaged throughout the day.

Daily Experience

Children enjoy up to 6 activities per day, including:

• Swimming 🏊‍♂️

• Arts & crafts 🎨

• Forest school 🌳

• Cookery 🍳

• Football ⚽

• Cricket 🏏

• Outdoor adventure and team games

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

Social Integration 🤝

Children join local UK students attending the camp, creating:

• Natural English-speaking environments

• Opportunities to build friendships

• A truly authentic cultural experience

With approximately 20 children per age group, the programme offers a friendly, social, and well-balanced setting.

Themed Learning

Each week may include a themed focus (e.g. Ancient Greece), which is integrated across activities, sport, and creative sessions—adding an educational dimension while keeping learning fun.

English Language Lessons 📚

Children benefit from 1.5 hours of English tuition per week:

• 2 × 45-minute sessions

• Small groups (max. 12 students)

• Grouped by age and ability

• Taught by specialist teachers

Lessons take place in bright classrooms at Westonbirt School, providing a relaxed and engaging learning environment.

Optional English Lessons for Parents

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

This allows parents to:

• Improve their language skills

• Build confidence in communication

• Enhance their overall UK experience

Daily Transport for Children 🚐

A dedicated minibus service ensures smooth daily travel:

• Morning pick-up from Holford House

• Transport to Westonbirt School

• Return to accommodation at approximately 17:15

This allows parents to enjoy their day independently while children are fully supervised.

Parents’ Experience 🌍

While children attend camp, parents enjoy a flexible and enriching experience.

Included:

• 4 organised weekday trips (Monday–Thursday)

• One group family excursion every Saturday

Parents can explore:

• Bath (Roman history and shopping)

• Bristol (culture and waterfront)

• Tetbury (charming Cotswold town)

• Westonbirt Arboretum 🌳

On the first Monday, parents receive a guided introduction to Westonbirt School and the local area, including time to explore and prepare for their stay.

Meals 🍽️

The programme includes a well-balanced and flexible dining experience for both parents and children.

Daily Catering Includes:

• Breakfast at Holford House

• Children’s hot lunch at camp

• Children’s snacks throughout the day

• Parents’ picnic lunch for flexibility

• Two-course hot dinner each evening

Meals are freshly prepared, nutritious, and designed to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs.

Weekly Activities & Excursions 🌍

Families benefit from a carefully planned schedule of local and regional experiences.

Highlights Include:

• Westonbirt Arboretum 🌳

• Tetbury village exploration

• Bath 🏛️

• Bristol 🌆

• Cotswold countryside experiences

Excursions combine culture, history, relaxation, and exploration, allowing families to make the most of their time in England.

Daily Activity Timetable 🎯⏰

Children enjoy a structured and engaging daily schedule, designed to maximise variety, energy, and fun throughout the day. With up to six activities daily, no two days feel the same.

Typical Day Structure

• 08:00 – 09:30 Arrival & Welcome 👋

  Children are dropped off and welcomed with light social and warm-up activities.

• 09:40 – 10:30 Activity Session 1

• 10:50 – 11:40 Activity Session 2

• 11:40 – 12:30 Activity Session 3

Morning sessions include a mix of sports, teamwork, and creative activities such as:

Tennis 🎾 | Dodgeball | Inflatable assault courses | Fencing 🤺 | Tri-golf ⛳

• 12:30 – 13:15 Lunch 🍽️

  A nutritious hot meal to recharge for the afternoon.

• 13:15 – 14:05 Activity Session 4

• 14:05 – 14:55 Activity Session 5

Afternoon sessions include:

Swimming 🏊‍♂️ | Outdoor art 🎨 | Kwik cricket 🏏 | Parachute games

• 15:15 – 16:05 Activity Session 6

Final session activities may include:

Forest school 🌲 | Bushcraft 🔥 | Team challenges | Creative workshops

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

  Children take part in group games and wind-down activities before returning home.

Activities are adapted by age group to ensure all children are challenged, supported, and fully engaged.

Weekly Excursions & Experiences 🌍🚌

Families enjoy a carefully planned programme of excursions, offering a blend of culture, history, and leisure across the week.

Example Weekly Schedule

Monday – Westonbirt & Tetbury �*

Introduction to the local area, including a guided visit to Westonbirt School, its grounds, and the charming market town of Tetbury.

Tuesday – Bath 🏛️

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

Wednesday – Oxford �*

Explore one of the world’s most famous university cities, rich in academic history and stunning architecture.

Thursday – Bristol �*

A dynamic and creative city offering shopping, culture, and a lively waterfront.

Saturday – Blenheim Palace �*

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England’s most impressive stately homes, set within vast parkland.

Sunday – Free Day �*

A relaxed day for families to unwind, explore independently, or prepare for departure.

Weekly Family Schedule ⏰🏡

The programme is designed to balance children’s structured activities with parents’ flexibility and exploration time.

Sunday – Arrival ✈️

• Arrival at Heathrow Airport

• Meet & greet with transfer to Holford House

• Time to settle in and relax

Monday – Friday Routine

• 08:00 – 08:30 Breakfast 🍽️

• 08:45 Children depart by minibus to camp 🚐

• 09:00 Parents collect picnic lunch

• 09:00 – 16:30 Parents free time or organised excursions 🌍

• 17:00 Children return to Holford House

• 18:15 Dinner (2-course hot meal) 🍽️

• 19:00 – 20:30 Evening time

• Supervised activities for children 🎉

• Free time for parents

Saturday – Family Day 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Group family excursion (destination varies weekly)

• Shared experience exploring the UK together

Sunday – Departure / Free Day 🌿

• Relaxed day or transfer to airport

• Time to unwind and reflect on the experience

The Experience 🌟

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

Children will:

• Stay active and engaged in a structured programme

• Make friends with local and international students

• Gain confidence and independence

• Improve English in a natural environment

Parents will:

• Explore one of England’s most beautiful regions

• Enjoy a balance of organised trips and free time

• Relax in a peaceful countryside setting

Together, families enjoy a summer that blends learning, adventure, culture, and quality time.

Why Choose This Programme 💫

• Beautiful countryside location in the Cotswolds

• Comfortable family accommodation

• High-quality children’s activity programme

• Optional English learning for both children and parents

• Organised excursions and flexible parent experience

• Safe, welcoming, and supportive environment