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Best School Holiday Clubs in Dorset (2026 Guide)

Looking for school holiday clubs in Dorset to keep your children entertained during the school break? Whether you're arranging childcare while you work or simply want your child to enjoy new experiences, Dorset offers a wide range of holiday clubs packed with exciting activities.

From sports camps and outdoor adventures to creative workshops, watersports and multi-activity programmes, there's something for children of all ages and interests. Across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Weymouth, Dorchester, Wareham and beyond, you'll find holiday clubs designed to help children stay active, make new friends and learn new skills throughout the holidays. If you're planning even more family fun, be sure to explore our guides to the best things to do with kids in Dorset, kids eat free offers in Dorset and family-friendly restaurants in Dorset to make the most of the school holidays.

Many providers also support families by accepting Tax-Free Childcare or Childcare Vouchers, while selected clubs offer funded places through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for eligible children. Be sure to check with individual providers for availability, age ranges and booking details before securing your place.

At a Glance

Best for sports: CASA Camp
Best for watersports: Rockley Holiday Camp
Best for outdoor adventures: Land & Wave
Best SEND holiday club: Diverse Abilities
Best residential camp: Buddens Activity Centre
Best for younger children: David Lloyd Poole
Locations covered: Christchurch, Poole, Wareham and surrounding areas
Suitable for: Ages 4–16 (varies by provider)

Who Is This Guide For?

Whether you're booking childcare or simply looking for exciting holiday activities, this guide is perfect for:

Parents looking for school holiday childcare
Working families
Children aged 4–16
Families looking for active holiday clubs
Children who love sports and watersports
Outdoor adventurers
Creative children
Families looking for SEND-friendly activities
Visitors spending the school holidays in Dorset

Local Tips

Book early for summer holidays, as many of Dorset's most popular holiday clubs fill up weeks in advance.

Check whether your chosen provider accepts Tax-Free Childcare or Childcare Vouchers, as many can help reduce childcare costs.

If your child is trying watersports for the first time, choose beginner-friendly sessions with qualified instructors.

Pack plenty of water, sun cream, suitable clothing and a labelled lunch where required.

If your child receives benefits-related free school meals, check whether they qualify for Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) funded places.

Make a Day of It

Why not combine your child's holiday club with:

Last Updated: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best school holiday clubs in Dorset?

Some of the best school holiday clubs in Dorset include Rockley Holiday Camp, Land & Wave Adventure Holiday Club, CASA Camp, David Lloyd Poole, Diverse Abilities Holiday Clubs and Buddens Activity Centre.

What age can children attend holiday clubs?

Most holiday clubs in Dorset cater for children aged between 4 and 16 years, although age ranges vary depending on the provider and activities available.

Do Dorset holiday clubs accept Tax-Free Childcare?

Many school holiday clubs in Dorset accept Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare Vouchers. Check with each provider before booking to confirm payment options.

Are there SEND-friendly holiday clubs in Dorset?

Yes. Diverse Abilities offers holiday clubs specifically designed for children with SEND, alongside sessions for non-SEND children.

Are there watersports holiday clubs in Dorset?

Yes. Rockley Holiday Camp and Land & Wave offer watersports including paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing during the school holidays.

Can I get free holiday club places?

Some Dorset holiday clubs participate in the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, offering funded places for eligible children receiving benefits-related free school meals. Eligibility and availability vary by provider and local authority.

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Christchurch

Diverse Abilities Holiday Clubs

Where: The Treehouse, Christchurch

About: Diverse Abilities are hosting Holiday Clubs for both SEN children and non-SEN children.

When booking 6 or more sessions, enter the codes at checkout for one session free: SENTERM for SEN sessions, and HOLPASS for Non-SEN sessons.

SEN Dates: 28th July, 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August.

Non-SEN Dates: 27th, 20th July, 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th, 24th, 27th, 31st August

Time: The SEN Holiday Clubs run from either 9am-11am for under 7s, and 12pm-2pm for over 7s.

Find out more

Poole

Rockley Kids Holiday Camp (Day)

Where:

Rockley Point Activity Centre | BH15 4RW
Poole Park Activity Centre | BH15 2SF
Buddens Activity Centre | BH20 7NU

About: Offering a range of watersports and land based kids activity camps that run throughout the school holidays.

Please note: They accept Childcare Vouchers and Tax Free Childcare. Activities will differ slightly depending on the centre.

Age Groups:

Junior - 6 - 9yrs
Youth - 10 - 16yrs

Course Length: 1 Day

Times:

Days run from 10:00 - 16:00
Early drop off (09:00) and late pick up (17:00) also available.
Charges apply. Activities will start at 10:00 and finish at 16:00.

Dates: Run daily throughout the school holidays

Price: £55 for the 1 day course length

Telephone: +44 1202 679393

Book: Check availability, prices or to book click here.

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CASA Camp

Venues:

Baden Powell and St Peter's Junior School
Hamworthy Park Junior School
Ocean Academy School
Ringwood Junior School

About: CASA CAMP based in Poole and the surrounding areas. It was set up by two local sports coaches and has been operating for over 10 years.

They provide childcare to children aged 4-13 years through sporting activities during half term holidays. Some of the sports include, football, dodgeball, cricket, basketball, tag games and many more.

Age Groups: 4-13yr olds

Date:

27th July-28th August

Timings: 8:30am-3:30pm (Extended to 5:30pm except Ringwood)

Price: The cost of the camp on the day is £25 per day or £15.50 half day. An 'Extended Day' until 5.30pm cost only £5 extra (per child per day).

FREE HAF SPACES AVAILABLE

Telephone: 07955742928

Book: To book please visit www.casacampltd.net/campbookings or contact casacamp@outlook.com for further details.

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Individuality Swimming & Fitness

Where: Talbot Primary School

Mermaid Swimming Taster Session:

Individuality Swimming & Fitness provide the opportunity to experience swimming like a mermaid with their mermaid lessons. This fun activity allows young swimmers to wear a special mermaid tail outfit and learn how to swim like a real life mermaid or merman.

It includes:

How to correctly put the tail outfit on
Safely entering and exiting the water
Moving safely and effectively whilst in the water
Mermaid swimming skills and routines

Dates: Summer Dates TBC

Intensive Swimming Courses:

During school holidays Individuality Swimming offer Intensive crash courses. Running consecutively, these are a great way to solidify skills from regular weekly lessons and build confidence. They offer both small Group classes and Private lessons.

Similar to their weekly lessons, the small group classes contain no more than five swimmers per group.

Dates: Summer Dates TBC

Telephone: 01202 031701

Book: Click here to book.

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David Lloyd Poole

Where: 24 Cabot Lane, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BX

About: David Lloyd Poole is one of Dorset's premier fitness clubs and is the perfect fitness destination for the whole family. They provide brilliant holiday clubs for an array of age groups. From squash, badminton, tennis to swimming clubs they have something for everyone.

Date: Every half term/school break

Book: To book please call 0344 848 4724

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Shaka Surf

Where: Branksome Dene, Chine, Poole, Dorset, BH13 6JP

About: Shaka Surf's popular Summer Holidays Surf clubs for 8-15 year olds is open for bookings. Spaces are limited so grab your kids a spot now!

The perfect program for kids aged 8-15 to:

Learn to surf step-by-step with expert instructors
Understand ocean safety and environmental responsibility
Progress through 5 fun levels named after iconic surf breaks
Enjoy surfing and paddleboarding fun (conditions permitting)

Age Group: 8-15-year-olds

Dates: Tuesday mornings / Friday evenings

From 24th July 2026

Price: Only £39.00 per child

Telephone: 07468427811

Book: Visit their website here.

Find out more

Adventure Holiday Club with Land and Wave

Where: Pick up and drop off at Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QD

About: Adventure Holiday Club offers outdoor adventures tailored to the seasons. In Summer, activities include watersports at Sandbanks (like kayaking, paddle boarding, and crabbing), bushcraft in the woods (such as fire lighting, campfire cooking, and archery), and coasteering along the Jurassic Coast, all weather-dependent.

In Autumn, the club shifts to three days of woodland adventures, featuring Zombie Archery, Pumpkin Carving and Fire Lighting, and a Halloween-themed Bushcraft Cookery School.

Adventure Teens, designed for older attendees, includes two days of advanced bushcraft skills (knife use, campfire cooking, axe throwing), two days of watersports culminating in a kayak journey to Old Harry Rocks, and a day of extreme coasteering, with all activities adapted to ensure safety and fun in changing weather conditions.

Also, Summer programmes are heavily water-based, so it is recommended your children are confident in the water and can swim. If your child is joining a summer Kids Club that includes Coasteering, they must be able to swim at least 25 metres and be confident in the sea and moving water. If your child cannot swim, then they will repeat a dry activity such as bushcraft.

Dates:

Kids Club Days:

31 Aug - 02 Sept 2026

Adventure Teen Club Days:

20 - 24 July 2026
03 - 07 August 2026
17 - 21 August 2026

Time: Kids Club 08:30-16:30, Adventure Teens 09:30-16:30

Price:

Kids Club:

1 Day: £55 (May & Oct)
3 Days: £155 (May & Oct)
5 Days: £245 (Summer holidays)

Adventure Teens:

5 Days: £245

Paying with Childcare Vouchers? Enter 'childcare' in the coupon box at checkout

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Wareham

Buddens Activity Centre All Inclusive Residential Week

Where: Buddens Activity Centre

About: Get ready for an unforgettable week of adventure and excitement at Rockley's sister site Buddens Activity Centre!

Kids will enjoy activities such as high ropes, watersports, target sports, and bushcraft, all while making new friends and creating lasting memories. With everything taken care of, parents can rest easy knowing their children are in safe hands and having the time of their lives.

Please note: Buddens Activity Centre accept childcare vouchers.

Ages: 8-12yrs

Dates: