Top 5 Summer Camps Near Glasgow: A Parent’s Guide

Choosing a summer camp is an important decision for families in the UK. Beyond proximity to Glasgow, parents often look for safety, independence, and opportunities for personal growth during the summer holidays.

Below is a selection of five well-known summer camps and summer programmes located within reasonable travel distance of Glasgow. This overview is based on publicly available information and helps families compare different options.

Loch Lomond Outdoor Education Centre – Summer Programmes

Location: Loch Lomond area, approximately 1 hour from Glasgow.

Ages: Typically 8–16.

Language: English.

Camp type: Day and short residential outdoor programmes.

Loch Lomond Outdoor Education Centre delivers established summer programmes focused on outdoor learning, water sports and adventure activities. Programmes are fully supervised and take place in one of Scotland’s most recognised natural settings.

Best suited for:

Children and teenagers who enjoy outdoor challenges and learning through experience.

Camp Cooper (Crieff & Edinburgh)

Location: Crieff, Perthshire (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Glasgow), and Edinburgh.

Ages: 7–17 (depending on location and programme).

Language: English.

Camp type: Residential and day camp, activity-based.

Camp Cooper offers an American-style summer camp experience in Scotland, where campers build their own personalised schedules by choosing from a wide range of elective activities. Programmes focus on personal development, independence and creativity in a supportive environment.

Activities include:

Tennis, dance, journalism, cooking, art, and outdoor adventure activities.

Best suited for:

Children and teenagers looking for a flexible, personalised summer camp experience.

Gordonstoun Summer School (Moray)

Location: Moray, approximately 2 hours from Glasgow.

Ages: Around 8–16.

Language: English.

Camp type: Residential, academic and outdoor education.

Gordonstoun’s summer programmes combine classroom learning with outdoor education and leadership development in a respected boarding school environment.

Best suited for:

Students seeking a structured residential programme with an educational focus.

University of Glasgow Summer Schools (Glasgow)

Location: Glasgow city.

Ages: Typically 15–18.

Language: English.

Camp type: Day programmes, academic and pre-university focus.

The University of Glasgow runs summer schools aimed at older students interested in academic enrichment and experiencing university-style learning in an urban campus setting.

Best suited for:

Older teens exploring academic interests and future study pathways.

Active Kids Adventure Camps – Glasgow & West Scotland

Location: Various outdoor locations within the Greater Glasgow area.

Ages: 8–14.

Language: English.

Camp type: Day camps and adventure-focused programmes.

Active Kids Adventure Camps operate structured holiday programmes in Scotland, combining outdoor activities, team challenges and supervised adventure experiences designed specifically for school holiday periods.

Best suited for:

Children who enjoy active days outdoors and structured holiday programmes close to home.

Comparing Summer Camps Near Glasgow

When comparing summer camps near Glasgow, families often consider whether a residential or day camp is more appropriate, and how much independence their child is ready for.

Glasgow’s location provides access to a broad range of options, from city-based programmes to countryside residential camps within a short journey.

Looking for Something Beyond a Local Summer Camp?

Many UK families now choose to complement local summer programmes with an international summer camp, where children and teenagers live with peers from many countries, use English throughout the day, and grow through cultural exchange.

An international summer camp in Spain, set in a safe and green environment, offers a different perspective: outdoor adventure, an international community, and a sunnier climate — while maintaining full supervision and English immersion.

Discover our international English-speaking summer camp experience in Spain

Information is based on publicly available details provided by each organisation. Families are encouraged to confirm programme availability, age ranges and formats directly with camp providers.