The school holidays have begun, and families across West Norwood are making the most of a variety of local holiday camps offering enriching, affordable and creative programmes for children throughout the summer break.
There is a broad mix of educational and recreational activities, with camps running across schools, libraries and leisure centres in the SE27 and surrounding areas. The camps cater primarily to children aged 5 to 11 and aim to provide safe, engaging environments where young people can stay active, explore their creativity and make new friends.
Splash Into Summer at Julian’s Primary
One of the area’s most popular offerings is the Splash Into Julian’s Camp, hosted at Julian’s Primary School on Wolfington Road. Running from Monday 28 July to Thursday 21 August, the camp operates four days a week and welcomes children from Reception to Year 6. Activities include outdoor play, arts and crafts, drama, sports, face painting, and themed competitions.
Organised by the local non-profit OurCamps, the programme is priced at £20 per day, with an optional hot vegetarian lunch available for an additional £5. The camp also accepts bookings through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, offering free places for children eligible for benefit-related free school meals.
Creative Programmes at Upper Norwood Library Hub
Just up the hill in Crystal Palace, the Upper Norwood Library Hub is offering a series of themed holiday camps from 28 July to 22 August. Running weekdays from 9.30am to 4.30pm, the camps include:
- Little Brushstrokes Visual Arts (28 July – 1 August and 18 – 22 August)
- Colour Lab: Art Meets Science (4 – 8 August)
- Artletics: Sports & Creative Crafts (11 – 15 August)
The camps cater to children aged 5 to 11 and are designed to stimulate imagination, teamwork and hands-on learning.
Sporting Fun with Moving Matters
The Moving Matters Holiday Camp at Elmgreen School on Elmcourt Road offers a full-day sports-focused programme throughout the summer holidays. Designed for primary-aged children, the camp includes multi-sports, football, dance, and drama sessions, and operates from 8.30am to 5.30. With experienced coaches and teaching staff, the camp provides both structured and free-play activities in a safe, supportive environment.
Active Lambeth Holiday Clubs
Though not based specifically in West Norwood, Active Lambeth’s holiday clubs, held at leisure centres across the borough, remain a popular choice for local families. These full-day clubs include swimming, sports, and arts and crafts, and are open to children aged 5 to 12. Concessionary rates and HAF-funded places are available, making them an accessible option for many.