summer camp
Best Summer & Easter Camps in London 2026 — A Parent's Guide
20 March 2026 · 8 min read · Updated 20 March 2026
TL;DR
The best holiday camps in London for 2026 combine qualified dance teachers, age-appropriate grouping, a clear daily structure, and an end-of-week performance for parents. MOUVE by Dancing with Louise runs Easter camp from 30 March to 1 April 2026 and summer camp from 21 July to 8 August 2026 in Hendon NW4. Both are open to ages 3–12, with three age groups (3–5, 6–8, 9–12), dance and gymnastics and drama, and a Friday showcase. Prices start at £48/day for ages 5–12 and £55/day for nursery (ages 3–4). The April camp can be booked directly online. Summer camp bookings open shortly.
Key Takeaways
- MOUVE Easter camp runs 30 March – 1 April 2026 in Hendon NW4 — spaces still available
- MOUVE summer camp runs 21 July – 8 August 2026 (three weeks) in Hendon NW4
- Ages 3–12, split into three groups: 3–5, 6–8, 9–12 — content is always age-appropriate
- Prices from £48/day (ages 5–12) and £55/day (nursery, ages 3–4)
- Every camp week includes dance, gymnastics, drama, crafts, games and a Friday performance for parents
- Look for DBS-checked staff, a named daily structure, age-grouped sessions, and an end-of-week outcome
The best holiday camps in London for 2026 combine qualified teachers, age-appropriate grouping, and a real end-of-week outcome — not just supervised play. MOUVE by Dancing with Louise runs Easter camp from 30 March to 1 April 2026 and summer camp from 21 July to 8 August 2026 in Hendon NW4, covering dance, gymnastics, drama, crafts and more for ages 3 to 12. Every camp week ends with a performance for parents. The Easter camp is available to book online now. When choosing a summer or holiday camp for your child, look for DBS-checked staff, named age groups, a published daily structure, and a performance or showcase at the end of the week.
Book the Easter Camp — 30 March to 1 April 2026
This year's Easter camp is called Superstar World Tour and runs across three days: Monday 30 March, Tuesday 31 March and Wednesday 1 April 2026.
Each day is built around a different themed world:
- Monday — Candy Pop City: Dance, gymnastics and games with a sweet-themed twist
- Tuesday — Beach Bash Bonanza: Street dance, drama and crafts
- Wednesday — Glitter Pop Galaxy: Musical theatre, baking and a mini showcase for parents
Who: Ages 3–12, split into three groups — 3–5, 6–8 and 9–12 — with separate staff and age-appropriate content for each.
When: 10:00am–3:30pm. Early drop-off from 9:00am and late pickup until 4:30pm available at £10 each.
Where: St Mary's and St John's CE School, Sunningfields Road, Hendon, London NW4 4QR. Free parking.
Prices: £48/day for ages 5–12 · £55/day for nursery (ages 3–4) · T-shirt add-on £12.
Why a Performing Arts Camp, Not Just Any Activity Club
There is nothing wrong with multi-sport activity camps. They serve a purpose. But a dedicated performing arts camp offers something different.
Children do not just "do activities" — they build something across the week. On day one they learn choreography. By day two they are rehearsing. By the final day they are performing in front of parents. That arc — learning, practising, delivering — teaches focus, resilience and teamwork in a way that bouncing between trampolining and archery simply cannot.
Dance and performing arts camps also reach children who would not choose a sports camp. The quiet ones. The creative ones. The children who light up when music plays but shrink on a football pitch. These children often have their best week of the holiday at a performing arts camp.
At MOUVE, every camp week ends with a performance. Children as young as three stand on stage, perform what they have learned, and take a bow. For many, it is the proudest moment of their holiday — and one parents never forget either.
What a Good Camp Day Looks Like
Structure matters. Children thrive when they know what is coming next, and a well-organised camp runs like clockwork without ever feeling rigid.
9:00 — Arrival and warm-up. Group games, stretching and setting the energy for the day. This is especially important for first-timers who may be nervous.
Morning sessions — Dance and gymnastics. The core of the morning. Children learn choreography in rotating styles — street dance one session, ballet or contemporary the next. Variety keeps energy high and lets children discover what they love.
Lunch break. Packed lunches, socialising and games. Downtime is important, especially for younger children.
Afternoon — Creative workshops and rehearsal. Drama, crafts, themed activities and rehearsing for the end-of-week performance. This is where the week's work takes shape.
2:30 — Pickup. Standard finish time. Late pickup until 4:30pm is available at £10/day for working parents.
How to Choose the Right Holiday Camp
Not all camps are equal. Here is what separates a genuinely good camp from one that looks good on Instagram but falls apart on the day.
DBS checks and staff qualifications
Every person working with your child should hold a current enhanced DBS check. Teaching staff should hold recognised dance qualifications — not just enthusiasm. Do not be afraid to ask directly. A reputable camp will answer without hesitation and be happy to share details.
Age-appropriate grouping
A four-year-old and a ten-year-old need completely different things from a camp day. Look for camps that split children into age groups with dedicated staff for each bracket. At MOUVE, children are placed in one of three groups — 3–5, 6–8 or 9–12 — with appropriate content, pacing and supervision for each.
A named daily structure
If the camp cannot tell you what a typical day looks like, that is a warning sign. The best camps publish a clear daily schedule. Children, especially first-timers, need predictability to feel settled.
An end-of-week performance
This is the single biggest differentiator between a great camp and an average one. When children know they are building towards something real, their effort and focus increase dramatically. A performance gives every child a moment on stage and every parent a reason to be there.
Reputation and reviews
Check Google reviews and ask local parents. A camp with 100+ five-star reviews has earned that over years, not weeks. MOUVE has been running holiday camps in Hendon for over 20 years and holds a 5.0 Google rating from more than 100 parent reviews.
Holiday Camp Pricing — What Is Normal in London?
Pricing varies widely depending on the area, the provider and what is included.
Budget camps (£25–40/day): Typically run by councils or multi-sport providers. Dance may be one activity among many, not the focus. Staff may not be specialist teachers. Fine for keeping children busy.
Mid-range camps (£40–55/day): Where most dedicated dance and performing arts camps sit. Expect qualified teachers, age-appropriate groups and a performance at the end of the week. MOUVE camps fall here — £48/day for ages 5–12 and £55/day for nursery (ages 3–4).
Premium camps (£60–90/day): Often run by West End or professional dance companies in central London. Quality is usually high, but so is the journey time for families in North London. The premium frequently reflects the location and brand more than the content itself.
Worth checking: Whether early drop-off, late pickup and merchandise are included or charged separately. At MOUVE, early drop-off and late pickup are each £10/day. A camp T-shirt is £12 (add-on at booking).
MOUVE Summer Camp 2026
MOUVE's summer camp runs across three weeks in Hendon NW4 — easily reached from Finchley, Mill Hill, Golders Green, Edgware, Barnet and Muswell Hill.
Dates: 21 July – 8 August 2026 (three consecutive weeks)
Ages: 3–12, grouped as 3–5, 6–8 and 9–12.
What's included: Dance across multiple styles, gymnastics, drama, creative workshops, and a Friday performance every week.
Prices: £48/day or £219/week (ages 5–12) · £55/day or £255/week (nursery, ages 3–4).
Summer camp spaces fill quickly — especially the first week of August. Register your interest on the MOUVE camps page so you hear when booking opens.
Other Summer Camps Worth Considering in North London
MOUVE is the largest independent dance and performing arts camp in the area, but there are other options depending on what your child enjoys.
artsdepot (Finchley, N3): The artsdepot in North Finchley runs holiday arts workshops for children, mixing visual arts, performance and creative activities. Well-suited to children who want a broader arts experience beyond dance.
Local leisure centres: Better Hendon Leisure Centre and similar council facilities often run multi-sport activity camps at lower price points. These are good for children who want variety — football, swimming, tennis and more — without a single performing arts focus.
Specialist sports camps: For children who are primarily sporty, look at football academies and tennis camps that run across North London during the summer break.
When choosing between options, the most important question is: does this camp offer your child something to work towards, not just somewhere to be?
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ section above covers the most common questions parents ask about holiday and summer camps in London. If your question is not answered, get in touch with MOUVE — we are happy to help.
Book Now — Easter Camp 2026
Spaces for the Easter camp are available now and filling quickly. The Superstar World Tour April camp runs 30 March – 1 April 2026 in Hendon NW4, for ages 3–12.
For summer camp 2026 (21 July – 8 August), visit the MOUVE camps page to register your interest and be the first to know when booking opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the MOUVE Easter camp 2026?
MOUVE Easter camp runs Monday 30 March to Wednesday 1 April 2026 in Hendon NW4. Core hours are 10:00am–3:30pm, with early drop-off from 9:00am and late pickup until 4:30pm available at £10 each. Book online at mouve-by-dwl.pembee.app.
When does MOUVE summer camp 2026 run?
MOUVE summer camp 2026 runs from 21 July to 8 August — three consecutive weeks in Hendon NW4. Children can book individual weeks. Spaces typically sell out by June, so early booking is recommended.
What ages are the MOUVE holiday camps for?
Ages 3 to 12. Children are split into three age groups: 3–5 (nursery), 6–8 and 9–12. Each group has its own programme, pace and staff, so the content is always appropriate for the age.
How much does the MOUVE holiday camp cost?
Single day for ages 5–12: £48. Nursery (ages 3–4): £55 per day. Full-week discounts are available — £219 for ages 5–12 (saving £21) and £255 for nursery (saving £20). A camp T-shirt is available for £12.
Does my child need dance experience to attend a holiday camp?
No. Holiday camps are designed to welcome complete beginners. The focus is on fun, creativity and confidence — not auditions or prior training. Children are grouped by age, not ability.
What happens at a MOUVE camp day?
Each day includes dance workshops across multiple styles (street dance, ballet, contemporary, musical theatre), gymnastics, drama, crafts and games. Every camp week ends with a performance for parents on the final day. The 2026 Easter camp theme is Superstar World Tour — three themed worlds (Candy Pop City, Beach Bash Bonanza, Glitter Pop Galaxy) over three days.
Is there a summer dance camp near Edgware, Finchley or Golders Green?
Yes. MOUVE's camps are held at St Mary's and St John's CE School in Hendon NW4 — easily accessible from Edgware, Finchley, Golders Green, Mill Hill, Barnet and Muswell Hill. Free parking is available at the venue.
What is the cancellation policy for MOUVE holiday camps?
For bookings made through the MOUVE online booking system, cancellations with 28 or more days' notice receive a 90% refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable, but your place can be transferred to another child.
What should my child bring to camp?
A packed lunch (nut-free preferred), a water bottle, and comfortable clothing they can move in — layers are useful as studios can vary in temperature. Add any required medication, clearly labelled. MOUVE supplies everything else.
Are staff DBS-checked?
Yes. All MOUVE staff hold current enhanced DBS checks. Teachers are qualified dance professionals. MOUVE has been running camps in Hendon for over 20 years with a 5-star Google rating from more than 100 parent reviews.
