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AS the weather gets warmer and families look to get away, there is more to do than just head off on a beach break - many holiday camps across the UK also offer forest-based activities.

Forest Schools or 'camps' are usually child-centred and feature activities that help children learn about the outside world and experiment hands-on.

Boy practicing archery with an adult in the background.
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Many holiday parks have forest schools or 'camps' at themCredit: Trip Advisor
People relaxing in a cafe.
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Most holiday parks offer outdoor activities for all agesCredit: Trip Advisor
Two children playing table tennis outdoors.
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Some also have water-based activitiesCredit: Trip Advisor

Here are some of the best across the UK.

Keldy Forest Lodges, Yorkshire

Keldy Forest Lodges located in Yorkshire is home to both classic cabins with hot tubs and forest lodges.

Keldy hosts a number of different outdoor activities for families including archery, air rifle shooting or a zip wire experience.

There is also a Forest Ranger Adventure, where - alongside a Forest Ranger - families can learn about the forest and participate in treasure hunts and Night Vision walks.

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The holiday park is located on the edge of the North York Moors National Park too which is also a great place to explore nature.

Mendip Basecamp, Somerset

Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Somerset’s Mendip Basecamp is home to a number of outdoor activities for explorers of all ages.

With a campsite and glamping onsite, the outdoor activity centre has a number of free activities every day and over 20 expert-led adventures to book including rock climbing, paddleboarding, caving and archery.

The camping pitches also have fire pits.

Mendip Basecamp also secured a VisitEngland Award for Excellence 2025 Camping, Glamping and was a Holiday Park of the Year finalist.

Ridgeway Adventure, Scotland

Ridgeway Adventure sits on Scotland’s NC500 and visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures tailored to each family, from mountain hikes to sea kayaking, wild swimming, foraging, and coastal survival skills.

The holiday park that's been called an affordable Centre Parcs

Families can stay at Ardmore, which is just yards from the sea, in a cosy house with home-cooked meals provided daily – no cooking, no hassle.

The activities are organised for families and on their final day, visitors are free to enjoy it by themselves including beach walks.

Parkdean Resorts, nationwide

At Parkdean Resorts, there is the Bear Grylls Survival Academy: Shipwrecked.

Boy on an outdoor ropes course.
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Parkdean Resorts has many holiday parks with outdoor activitiesCredit: Getty

Led by qualified instructors, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy enables young explorers to learn all about how to fend for themselves using just their natural surroundings.

The academy is suitable for all ages, but children under eight-years-old must be accompanied by an adult.

A mother visits Haven holiday parks every year with her family and has shared some secret areas guests don’t know about.

Plus, Britain’s best holiday park has been revealed with indoor pool, famous nearby beach and the ‘best sunsets’.

Family playing bean bag toss at Mendip Basecamp.
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Children of all ages can enjoy outdoor activities at forest schools, including learning survival skillsCredit: Trip Advisor
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