Pirate Castle School Holiday Schemes

Have fun, get active and make waves with us during the school holidays (spring half-term to autumn half-term), with a range of paddlesport and canal boating activities that develop physical, technical and social skills, boost self-confidence and are a great way to let off steam!

Each day includes 2 activity sessions with a short lunch break (packed lunch / refreshments required).

Our Holiday Schemes also give young people the chance to achieve a range of formal and informal accreditations, reflecting their experiences with us. These are great for boosting motivation and confidence as skills develop, along with laying foundations for onward progression in paddlesport or coaching:

British Canoeing Paddle Awards (Start, Discover & Explore) and Personal Performance Awards

Complete Crew Course and Boat Handling Course (14 years +); ‘Junior Skipper’ Course (subject to availability)

In-house certificates and awards

2025 Dates

All Holiday Schemes run Monday to Friday, 10am - 3.30pm.
Last sign in @ 10.20am, strictly no later admissions.

Spring Half-Term: Monday 17th - Friday 21st February

Easter Break: Monday 7th - Monday 21st April (including Good Friday & Easter Monday)

Summer Half-Term: Monday 26th - Friday 30th May

Summer Break: Monday 28th July - Friday 29th August

Autumn Half-Term Scheme: Monday 27th- Friday 31st October

Ages 8 - 17 (up to 25 for individuals with low to moderate support needs).
Price per day = £30 per child / £5 concessions (for families in receipt of benefits, proof of eligibility required).

We also offer a preferential rate of £10 per child / per day for group bookings made via local youth service providers.

Subject to funding and eligibility, a limited number of FREE places are available for families most in need. Please email us or call 020 72676605 to discuss options.

Our Holiday Schemes are subsidised to keep costs low through the generosity of our funders and hire of our services. As such, Holiday Scheme places are non-refundable and non-exchangeable and numbers are limited - pre-booking essential to avoid disappointment!

Holiday Schemes are run by our team of accredited, experienced British Canoeing instructors, qualified staff, skippers and volunteers. All staff and volunteers are enhanced DBS-checked.

We aim to make our Holiday Schemes as inclusive as possible and welcome youngsters with low to moderate additional support needs, where safe and practical. Please contact us in advance to discuss any additional support requirements and we will do our utmost to accommodate you.

To book, email us with the following details:

Your child's full name and age (minimum = 8 years);
The date(s) you wish to book in for (subject to availability);
Your full name, address and contact number

Spaces are secured by making full payment within 3 days of receiving the provisional booking and submitting our e-Consent Form.