As schools in and around Surrey Heath break up for the Summer Holidays you may be starting to make plans for the next six weeks. To help we’ve rounded up some of the great places to visit and activities take part in across the borough.
We have also provided some handy links to local health information if someone has an accident or needs support with their mental health.
Cllr Lisa Finan-Cooke, Portfolio Holder for Inclusion and Housing said:
“The summer holidays are a great opportunity to spend some time together as a family. As a parent, I know that the six weeks of summer holidays can be an ‘interesting’ time – keeping children occupied, with lots of fun activities, within a
budget, can be quite a challenge.
"This summer in Surrey Heath, I’m delighted to say, there are lots of brilliant things to do in our borough! We’ve put together a summary of what’s on offer and there’s something for everyone. These activities are low-cost, easily accessible and designed to help families make lots of lovely summer memories together. I wish you all a very happy, healthy and fun-filled summer.”
Places to visit
Surrey Heath Museum
Surrey Heath Museum is offering several Summer Fun Holiday Wednesday Workshops (from 11am-1pm) for all ages:
- 26 July: Dino Digging
- 2 Aug: Nepalese Cooking
- 9 Aug: Dino Digging
- 16 Aug: Flag Making
- 23 Aug: Paper Making
- 30 Aug: Nepalese Cooking
For more information, visit their website.
Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett
Enjoy lovely views along this pretty canal that starts near New Haw in Surrey, where it flows into the River Thames and, in the other direction, continues for 51.4 kilometres (32 miles) up to the collapsed tunnel in Odiham in Hampshire. The Canal also runs through Surrey Heath. You can choose to walk any section of the canal of a distance that suits you or you can cycle or explore by boat. Free parking, accessible toilets in the car park, towpath is wheelchair and buggy accessible except for in wet weather and accessible boat trips available as well.
Playgrounds in Surrey Heath
We have many great playgrounds in Surrey Heath, all free to access - see more on our playgrounds page.
Local libraries
Visit your local library and see what programmes they’re offering this summer! The Summer Reading Challenge has now begun, and many libraries are also offering summer activities.
Camberley Library is offering a Gentle Exercise class every Tuesday from 11:30-12:15pm until August 22. They are also hosting a Climate Change workshop for children age 5 to 10 years old. Upcoming events at Camberley Library can be
viewed on the Surrey County Council website.
Safari Trail in The Square Shopping Centre
The Square in Camberley has become a Summer Safari! From 29 July to 27 August, The Square has joined forces with WWF to bring animatronic animals to The Square for a fun safari trail. From July 24 to July 29, there will also be a Kids’ Camp full of free activities to enjoy! For more information, visit the Square website.
Collectively Camberley Car Show, 12 August
The annual Collectively Camberley Car Show is taking place on Saturday 12 August in Camberley town centre – with over 250 vehicles, roaming street performers, and a variety of free family entertainment. For more information, visit the Collectively Camberley website.
Frimley Lodge Park
Frimley Lodge Park offers a huge range of facilities, including the miniature railway, pitch and putt, sports pitches, two playgrounds, and the recently refurbished trim trail – for more information, please visit the Frimley Lodge Park page on our website.
Lightwater Country Park
Lightwater Country Park provides 59 hectares of space with many ways to enjoy it, including fishing, adventure golf, goats, and a café and playground. For more information, please visit the Lightwater Country Park page on our website.
Heath Week 2023 – 24 to 30 July
Thames Basin Heaths Partnership are organising a slew of events for Heath Week 2023, from Monday 24 July to Sunday 30 July. There will be a variety of different free all ages events relating to sustainability and the environment – for more information and a full list, visit the Thames Basin Heaths Partnership website.
Surrey Heath Health Walks
Over the summer holidays, children are welcome to come along to our Surrey Heath Health Walks - for information on the current schedule, see the page.
Places Leisure Camberley
Places Leisure offers a variety of classes, sessions and facilities for people of all ages to use. These include two indoor pools, an indoor splash pad for young children, a Clip ‘n Climb wall, sports clubs, and many holiday classes in different
sports. For more information, visit the Places Leisure Camberley website.
Park Tennis Courts
Wimbledon inspiring you to pick up tennis? Tennis courts at Mytchett Recreation Ground, Frimley Green Recreation Ground, and Watchetts Recreation Ground have reopened after their refurbishment, joining those already open at London Road Recreation Ground.
For more information and to book a court, visit the Tennis in the Park webpage.
Events and Shows at Camberley Theatre
Craft show and Market – 30 July
Includes a wide range of products from local artists and makers, from jewellery to craft kits and artwork to candles - there is sure to be something for everyone! We have stalls throughout our auditorium and function room. We have a cafe on site which will be open throughout the event plenty of family friendly/children's makers so bring the children along and see what wonderful products our crafters have for you! The event will run from 10am until 4pm and is free to attend.
The Little Mermaid – 29 August
Expect lots of fun, singing and dancing, all brought to you by a fantastic and energetic company of wonderful performers. Sparkling scenery, beautiful costumes and an exciting opportunity to meet the characters after the show. Ticket prices - Full £18, Under 16 £16, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £62 Book here.
Kids Activities on Sustainable Surrey Heath
Jump In
Jump In is a trampoline park in Camberley that offers fun physical activity for kids (and adults) of all ages. With wall-to-wall trampolines, slides, inflatables, giant airbags and more! There is also an onsite café. For more information, visit the Jump In website.
Quays Wake & Ski
Quays Wake & Ski is a family run club for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and other water sports in Mytchett. They offer beginners classes and taster sessions throughout the summer as well as memberships for the more experienced. For more information, visit their website.
Stay well this summer
The NHS is here to support you and your family stay well this summer – below are some support services you can use if someone is hurt, unwell or struggling with their mental health. Always call 999 in an emergency.
- NHS 111 can give you advice on which service is most suitable for your needs. Call 111 or go online if you need help quickly but it’s not an emergency.
- The Frimley Healthier Together website and app has clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what 'red-flag' signs to look out for, guidance on injuries, where to seek help if required, what services are most appropriate to use, and how to keep your child comfortable.
- Do you have a strain or sprain? The Minor Injuries Unit at Brants Bridge, Bracknell, RG12 9RT is open every day from 8am until 8pm. No need to head to A&E, the minor injuries unit is there to help. Search for your nearest urgent care centre or minor injury unit.
Mental health support for young people
it can be difficult to know if there is something upsetting a child or young person. Is your child struggling?
Here are some tips to spot when something’s wrong:
- significant changes in behaviour
- ongoing difficulty sleeping
- withdrawing from social situations
- not wanting to do things they usually like
- self-harm or neglecting themselves.
If you're worried about a child or need advice and support, please visit the Healthier Together page for advice and details of local support services.
Take care in open water
Cold water shock takes the breath from your lungs & the strength from your muscles. Even if water feels warm on top it can be a different story just below the surface. So if you've jumped in from a height, by the time you realise your mistake you could be in real trouble. If you're not an experienced open water swimmer, it's not worth the risk at all and you're better off sticking to swimming pools, or beaches with lifeguards.