A space to play, explore and be themselves
Our Holiday Programme offers outdoor sessions filled with play, movement and connection – where children can step away from screens, spend time in nature, and simply enjoy being themselves.
Each day brings a mix of adventure and calm. Children might paddle at the water’s edge, build dens, care for animals, create with natural materials, or gather around the fire. There’s space for energy, curiosity, creativity and rest – all within a safe, supportive environment.
In our small, carefully supported groups, children are welcomed exactly as they are. There’s no pressure to join in or behave in a certain way. Instead, we meet each child where they are, supporting them to grow in confidence, build friendships, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
What a session might look like
shared awe
Glengavel Waterfall
sweet moments
Marshmallows on the Beach
nature connection
Making Friends
mixology
Making Magical Potions
Ethereal Forest
Photography & Nature Walks
the world in a bubble
Sensory Delights
Practical details
- Small group sessions
- Held outdoors at our beautiful site beside Glengavel Reservoir
- Sessions run periodically, as per the schedule below
We keep our groups small to create a calm, supportive atmosphere where everyone has space to settle in and feel comfortable.
Sessions can be cancelled with at least 48 hours’ notice for a full refund. If we need to cancel due to adverse weather, a full refund will be offered with as much notice as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our holiday sessions are generally designed for children aged 5–14 years. We create small, mixed-age groups and support children in a way that feels right for them. Sometimes we restrict the age range of a particular session if we feel that will work better for the needs of the group, e.g. a Forest Hike or Nature Photography session might be restricted to slightly older children.
Our sessions usually last around 2 hours, and no two are exactly the same.
Children might spend time paddling or fishing at the reservoir (we’re very lucky to have a small beach in front of our site and the reservoir is really shallow for a long way out), building elaborate dens, visiting the chickens and collecting eggs, meeting our guinea pigs (Lily, Hermione, Molly, Minerva, Ginny and Luna), using the mud kitchen, crafting with natural materials, or toasting marshmallows over the fire.
There’s a balance of activity and calm, with plenty of space for children to follow their interests.
No. Children are always free to engage in their own way, which may mean not at all! Some may dive into activities straight away, while others prefer to observe or take things more slowly. We meet each child where they are.
We’ve found that mixed-age groups can work really well. Older children often enjoy nurturing younger ones or sharing skills, while younger children benefit from that support and connection.
It creates a natural, family-like environment where children learn from one another and develop confidence in different ways.
That’s completely okay. Many of the children we support feel unsure at first. We take time to build trust and help children settle at their own pace, without pressure.
Yes. Alaria is a neurodivergent-led organisation, and much of our approach is shaped by lived experience of neurodivergence and of parenting neurodivergent children.
We understand that children have different ways of experiencing the world, and we aim to create an environment where those differences are not just accommodated, but respected and welcomed. Our sessions are child-led, with flexibility around participation, communication and pace.
There is no expectation for children to fit a particular mould. Instead, we focus on creating a space where children can feel safe, understood and able to be themselves – whether that looks like active exploration, quiet observation, or something in between.
In most cases, children can be dropped off for sessions.
If your child has visited us before and feels comfortable in the space, you’re very welcome to drop them off and return at the end of the session. Confident children who are happy in new environments can usually do this from their first visit.
If your child is feeling anxious or unsure, we ask that a parent or a familiar adult stays on site initially, so they can access support if needed. Once your child feels settled and confident, they can attend independently at future sessions.
Upcoming Easter Holiday Sessions
Den Building Adventure
Date: Tuesday 14th April 2026
Time 10.00am – 12.00pm
Ages: 5-14
Cost: £20
In this 2-hour session, children are invited to build, create and explore as they design their own dens using tarps, ropes and natural materials. From cosy hideaways to imaginative bases, den building becomes the starting point for teamwork, problem-solving and play. With gentle support and no pressure, children can follow their curiosity and enjoy a fun, hands-on outdoor adventure.
Messy Play Session
Date: Friday 17th April 2026
Time 10.00am – 12.00pm
Ages: 5-12
Cost: £20
In this 2-hour messy play session, children are invited to dive into hands-on, sensory-rich play in a calm and welcoming outdoor environment.
There’s space to mix, pour, build, squish and experiment using a range of natural and creative materials.