For many teens, summer is a chance to break free from the classroom, explore new interests, and make memories that last a lifetime. Summer camps in the UK offer all of that, and more. They combine hands-on activities, social connection, and cultural experiences in some of Europe’s most iconic settings, giving you the opportunity to grow, learn, and have fun outside the school year.

Imagine spending your summer in the rolling countryside near historic castles, exploring coastal towns, or attending programs on vibrant university campuses. Picture collaborating with other teens from around the world as you tackle team challenges, express yourself through creative activities, or dive into adventure sports. UK summer camps help you develop confidence, independence, and friendships you’ll carry long after the program ends.

Even if you’ve traveled before, a residential camp lets you experience the UK in a new way. Instead of simply visiting, you’re living, learning, and sharing daily life with peers in environments built for growth and exploration.

How do you choose the right summer camps in the UK for teens?

With countless options available, it can be hard to know which camps offer meaningful experiences alongside the fun. That’s why thoughtful selection matters: the best summer camps balance exciting activities with opportunities to build skills, teamwork, and independence.

Across the UK, summer camps span a wide range of interests: outdoor adventure, STEM exploration, performing arts, sports, cultural immersion, language learning, leadership development, and more. Whether you’re discovering a new passion or deepening an existing one, there’s a camp that can help you grow in unexpected ways.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, take part in group projects and activities, and connect with motivated teens from diverse backgrounds. Along the way, you’ll sharpen interpersonal skills, expand your worldview, and gain a clearer sense of who you are.

In addition to summer camps, you can also have a look at work experience opportunities in the UK or university summer programs in the UK.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Summer Camps in the UK for Teens. They’ve been shortlisted for their engaging activities, supportive environments, and ability to turn your summer into an unforgettable adventure.

15 Summer Camps in the UK for Teens

1. University of Oxford UNIQ Summer Schools

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: Completely free – no fees, and travel, accommodation, and meals are all covered
Dates: 29th June – 31st July
Application Deadline: 13th January
Eligibility: Open to UK state school students in Year 12 (England/Wales), Year 13 (N. Ireland), or S5 (Scotland) with strong academic potential; priority for under-represented backgrounds. Overseas students cannot apply.

UNIQ is the University of Oxford’s free access programme designed to help UK state-school students with strong academic potential explore university study and decide if Oxford is the right fit for them. The programme prioritises participants from diverse and under-represented backgrounds and begins with regional events and online support before bringing students to Oxford for a one-week residential experience in college.

During this week, you attend academic sessions led by Oxford faculty, experience seminars, lectures, and tutorials, and take part in social activities with current undergraduates. UNIQ also offers ongoing guidance to strengthen university applications and build confidence in the admissions process. By offering both academic insight and campus life exposure, the programme gives you a valuable taste of studying at a world-class university.

Why it stands out: It gives academically strong UK state-school students a completely free, residential experience of Oxford teaching, college life, and deep admissions support, helping them decide if Oxford is right for them and improve their competitive applications.

2. Immerse Education’s UK Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, and London
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school; international students welcome

The UK Academic Insights and Career Insights Programmes allow students to experience university study and professional pathways, making them some of the most immersive summer camps in the UK for teens seeking academic or career exploration.

The Academic Insights route pairs you with academics from universities such as Oxford and Cambridge in small classes of 4-10 students, while the Career Insights route connects you with industry professionals across London. You’ll attend university-style lectures or industry-led sessions, alongside regular 1:1 guidance tailored to your chosen pathway. The programmes include practical experiences such as academic case studies and research projects through Academic Insights, or applied industry projects, workplace visits, and professional workshops through Career Insights. 

You can explore over 20 subject and career areas, including architecture, artificial intelligence, business management, computer science, economics, medicine, philosophy, and more, gaining either academic depth or real-world career exposure. By the programme’s end, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and receive a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You’ll get an early start at university life and academics because the program includes an independent project, discussion-based classes, and living at a college campus.

3. King’s College London Pre-University Summer Programme

Location: Central London, King’s College London campuses
Cost/Stipend: 3,195–£9,375 (tuition only) or £3,965–£11,685 (with accommodation); £65 application fee.
Dates: 6-10 July | 13-17 July | 20-24 July | 27-31 July
Application Deadline: 10th April
Eligibility: Open to academically motivated high school students aged 16 or 17; must turn 16 before programme start and be under 18 at programme end; applicants must be in the final three years of high school; international students welcome

King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School offers academically motivated students aged 16–17 a unique opportunity to explore university-level subjects while experiencing life at a world-renowned university in the heart of London, making it one of the more academically rigorous summer camps in the UK for teens. Over one-week courses in areas such as Business, Law, Psychology, International Relations, and Science & Engineering, you engage in interactive lectures, seminars, and discussions led by experienced faculty.

You benefit from access to King’s campus facilities, structured assignments, and feedback from tutors, helping to develop key skills and insight into higher education. Residential options provide safe, supervised housing and social activities that encourage community building. The programme blends rigorous academics with cultural immersion, making it an enriching step toward future study.

Why it stands out: It gives you the flexibility to tailor your academic experience across multiple one-week subject modules, allowing you to explore disciplines from STEM to humanities while experiencing university-style learning and campus life with peers from around the world.

4. Imperial College London Pre-University Summer Schools

Location: London, UK, Imperial College London (South Kensington) campus.
Cost/Stipend: £7,695 (programme fee; no stipend).
Dates: 29th June – 10th July or 3rd August – 14th August 
Application Deadline: No specific deadline
Eligibility: Applicants must be 16-17 years old, demonstrate strong academics and English skills (no further specifics listed); international students welcome

Imperial College London’s Global Summer School is a two‑week residential programme designed to immerse 16‑ and 17‑year‑old students in advanced STEM learning at one of the world’s top universities. You deepen their subject knowledge through a mix of classroom lectures, laboratory sessions, and practical workshops led by expert faculty, while living in on‑campus accommodation in the heart of London.

In the second week, you collaborate across disciplines to tackle a real‑world Innovation Challenge, building teamwork and communication skills. The programme also includes social activities and insight into UK university life, offering both academic enrichment and cultural experiences. This unique opportunity helps motivated students explore their interests, make global friendships, and gain confidence as they prepare for future study.

Why it stands out: It combines intensive, London‑based STEM study at a world-leading specialised science and technology university with real university‑style lectures, labs and a hands‑on Innovation Challenge, giving students a deep academic experience and exposure to global peers in a vibrant city setting.

5. University of Warwick Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost/Stipend: £5,250 programme fee
Dates: 14th July – 24th July
Application Deadline: 31st May
Eligibility: Must be aged 16-17 during the programme; confident in English (taught in English); international students welcome

The University of Warwick’s Pre-University Summer School offers motivated 16- to 17-year-old students an inspiring opportunity to experience life at a top UK university, reflecting the academic depth many families look for in summer camps in the UK for teens. You engage with world‑class faculty across a range of academic pathways, from Arts and Humanities to Science and Engineering, combining lectures, seminars, and skill‑building workshops that mirror true undergraduate teaching.

Beyond the classroom, you live on Warwick’s beautiful campus alongside current student ambassadors, fostering a supportive and social environment. The programme also includes cultural excursions, such as visits to Oxford and historic Warwick Castle, and a rich schedule of social activities. This blend of academic enrichment, personal development, and cultural immersion gives you a real taste of university life and helps you build confidence in your future goals.

Why it stands out: It combines immersive, university‑level academic courses across multiple disciplines with a rich residential experience on a top Russell Group campus, helping you gain real insight into undergraduate study while building academic skills, global connections, and confidence in your future direction

6. University of St Andrews Academic Experience Summer School

Location: St Andrews, Scotland, UK
Cost/Stipend: All‑inclusive fee is £6,850
Dates: 11th July  - 1st August
Application Deadline: 25th February
Eligibility: For students aged 16-18 on arrival, with an academic transcript, a reference, and a good English level (approx CEFR B2); international students welcome

The University of St Andrews’ Summer Academic Experience Courses offer high school students from around the world a unique three-week residential opportunity to explore academic subjects in a world-class university setting, making it one of the more academically focused summer camps in the UK for teens. Taught by current university staff, these programmes immerse you in Scotland’s rich academic traditions while helping you develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

You also enjoy access to campus facilities, including the library and sports centre, and take part in cultural and social activities that foster lasting friendships. With a schedule that blends classroom learning and extracurricular experiences, the programme gives you a true taste of university life. This unforgettable educational experience is ideal for ambitious students ready to challenge themselves and broaden their horizons.

Why it stands out: It gives you immersive, university‑level study in a globally respected ancient institution, blending rigorous academic teaching by St Andrews staff with real exploratory learning and cultural experiences in a historic international setting.

7. University of Edinburgh Summer Academy

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (University of Edinburgh)
Cost/Stipend: £5,250 (fee; no stipend)
Dates: 29th June  - 10th July 
Application Deadline: 19th May
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 in their final or penultimate year of high school; international students welcome

The University of Edinburgh’s Pre‑University Summer School offers an exciting academic experience for students aged 16–18 who want a taste of university life in one of the UK’s most historic cities. Over two weeks, you choose from a variety of intellectually stimulating courses in subjects such as design, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, and English language, all taught by experienced university instructors.

The programme combines classroom‑based learning with opportunities to explore Edinburgh’s rich culture and campus community, helping you broaden your academic and personal horizons. Residential accommodation and a social and cultural programme are included, ensuring a supportive environment. This immersive summer experience gives you valuable insight into higher education while making lasting global friendships.

Why it stands out: It combines academic courses taught by University of Edinburgh staff with a rich cultural and social programme in the heart of a top‑ranked global university city, helping you experience real university study and life alongside peers from around the world.

8. Durham University Supported Progression Summer School

Location: Durham University, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend
Dates: late July – early August
Application Deadline: 20th March
Eligibility: Year 12 students attending state schools in the North East of England, UK residents with settled status, achieving strong GCSE results and from underrepresented backgrounds

Durham University’s Supported Progression programme is an access initiative designed to help Year 12 students from under‑represented backgrounds explore university life, build key academic and personal skills, and gain confidence in their potential. Through a series of activities during Year 12 and 13, including immersive residential experiences and tailored guidance, you get a real taste of studying and living at Durham. 

Successful completion of the programme can lead to a guaranteed, alternative offer to Durham University, giving you a valuable head start in the competitive admissions process. In addition to academic tasters and workshops, the programme offers advice on UCAS applications and student finance to support informed decision‑making. By bringing together peers with similar aspirations, Supported Progression nurtures both ambition and belonging on the path to higher education.

Why it stands out: It offers a longer‑term access pathway with free residentials and academic support that can lead to a guaranteed contextual offer, helping students develop personal, academic, and application skills while experiencing real university life at a top UK institution.

9. Oxford Saïd Teen Leadership Summer Academy

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: £8,750 – £8,995 (programme fee)
Dates: 18-31 July
Application Deadline: No specific deadline
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 (with at least B2 English proficiency recommended); international students welcome

Designed to inspire ambitious students aged 15–18, the Oxford Saïd Teen Leadership Summer Academy highlights how summer camps in the UK for teens can emphasise leadership, critical thinking, and real-world impact alongside residential university life. You engage with world-class faculty, alumni, and industry experts through interactive workshops, lectures, and hands-on learning that focus on leadership, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and global challenges.

Beyond the classroom, you experience full Oxford college life, with accommodation, meals, cultural activities, and university tours included in the programme. This immersive environment encourages personal growth, teamwork, and critical thinking while also building lifelong international friendships. Overall, it blends academic rigour with cultural enrichment to prepare teens for future academic and professional success.

Why it stands out: It blends intensive leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation workshops with immersive Oxford college life, helping you build real-world problem-solving and communication skills while experiencing university-style learning in one of the world’s most prestigious academic environments.

10. University of Bristol Insight into University Summer Programme

Location: University of Bristol campus, Bristol, UK 
Cost/Stipend: Free (no participation cost)
Dates: 28th July – 31st July 
Application Deadline: 9th March
Eligibility: Year 12 UK state school/college students (under 18 at the time), eligible for Home fee status and meeting widening participation criteria (including identifying as Asian, Black, or mixed/other racially minoritised background)

Insight into Bristol is a free residential summer school designed to give Year 12 students from racially minoritised and under-represented backgrounds a genuine experience of university life at the University of Bristol. You stay in student accommodation, explore the city, and attend academic sessions in a chosen subject stream led by experienced academics, helping you deepen your understanding of their field of interest.

The programme also offers social activities and opportunities to connect with current students and peers from across the UK. Beyond academic enrichment, Insight provides tailored guidance on navigating university applications and student life. Students who complete the summer school may qualify for a guaranteed contextual offer or interview to study at Bristol, reinforcing their path to a top UK university.

Why it stands out: It gives underrepresented Year 12 students a **fully funded on-campus summer experience with academic sessions, mentoring, social activities, and a guaranteed contextual offer or interview for study at Bristol, helping you build confidence and access a leading Russell Group university.

11. BADA- Midsummer Conservatory Programme

Location: London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Approx. tuition $3,600 + accommodation $3,350 + $55 application fee + $500 deposit (no stipend mentioned)
Dates: July 12th – August 2nd (3-weeks)
Application Deadline: no fixed deadline
Eligibility: Students ages 16-18; international students welcome

The British American Drama Academy’s Midsummer Conservatory Program is a three-week summer intensive designed for high school students aged 16–18 who are passionate about acting and Shakespeare. Based in Oxford, England, the program immerses you in conservatory-style study that includes acting, voice, movement, and cultural exploration of Elizabethan theatre while developing critical thinking and performance skills.

You engage deeply with Shakespeare’s texts through both classroom work and practical scene study, and learn from experienced theatre practitioners in masterclasses and tutorials. The experience also includes theatre trips and opportunities to rehearse and perform with peers in an international artistic setting. This dynamic, structured environment supports both artistic growth and personal confidence.

Why it stands out: It offers a concentrated, conservatory-style theatre education for high school students that blends intensive performance training with cultural theatre experiences in one of the UK’s most historic academic cities.

12. University of Nottingham Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: University of Nottingham, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; travel costs covered
Dates: Multiple sessions in July
Application Deadline: 5th March
Eligibility: Home UK Year 12/S5 state school students meeting widening participation criteria (e.g., GCSE minimums, socio-economic factors)

The University of Nottingham Sutton Trust Summer School is a fully funded, week-long residential programme designed to give Year 12 students from state-funded schools a real taste of university life, both academically and socially. You live on campus, attend subject-specific academic sessions led by university lecturers, and take part in personal development activities ranging from UCAS support to teamwork projects.

The programme blends classroom learning with social events, helping you build confidence and explore your chosen field in depth. After completing the summer school, you gain access to ongoing guidance through Sutton Trust Online, including webinars and ambassador support. Successful attendees may also be eligible for contextual offers and financial bursaries if they later enrol at Nottingham.

Why it stands out: It combines a fully funded week of academic and personal development with access to ongoing UCAS support, eligibility for enhanced contextual offers and a £1,000-per-year bursary, helping you deepen subject insight and strengthen your higher-education prospects.

13. UAL International Summer School

Location: London, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: For 11-15 yr olds: ~£2,500 (participation fee) | For 16-18 yr olds: from ~£3,670
Dates: July and August
Application Deadline: No specific application deadline
Eligibility: Available for ages 11-18 (with age-appropriate course groups); international students welcome

The UAL International Summer School is an exciting and immersive three-week creative programme designed for young artists and designers who want to explore their talents in a world-class arts environment in London. Hosted by University of the Arts London, the course gives you the chance to experience life at cutting-edge campuses, collaborate with like-minded peers, and develop practical art and design skills.

You work on projects that draw inspiration from London’s diverse cultural scene while building a portfolio that supports future study aspirations. With expert tutors guiding studio-based learning, you gain confidence, expand your creative thinking, and enjoy a taste of university-style education. For 16–18-year-olds, there’s also the option of summer accommodation in central London.

Why it stands out: It provides a creative, immersive three-week art and design experience in London where students build portfolios, explore diverse media, and learn in a world-class arts environment alongside peers from around the globe.

14. Oxford Saïd Future Climate Innovators Summer School (University of Oxford)

Location: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: From £8,995
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Early spring (tentatively)
Eligibility: Motivated students aged 16-18 (must be at least 16 and under 19 on the program start date); international students welcome

Designed for students enthusiastic about understanding and tackling climate change issues, this intensive academic course focuses on practical world impact and innovation. You will integrate your understanding of business and policy to examine complicated climate concerns and sustainability solutions.

You’ll get practical experience creating effective commercial proposals and creative environmental solutions, putting academic knowledge into practice. You will be guided through the application process to universities. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: You’ll get an extended nine-month access to Oxford’s online Entrepreneurship School, giving you opportunities for future mentoring and skill building.

15. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Summer Schools

Location: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Cost/Stipend: Varies by course (typically £325–£640)
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Registration opens early in the year 
Eligibility: High school students (ages 12-18); international students welcome

You can study performance, production, and creative disciplines in one of the top conservatoires in the UK through in-person, intensive arts programmes, showing how summer camps in the UK for teens can support serious creative and artistic development. In a variety of week-long courses, including drama, dance, musical theatre, music, film, and production, you will participate in hands-on workshops, technique instruction, and group projects.

Youth offerings include courses such as Musical Theatre for ages 12–14, Popular Music for ages 12–18, Filmmaking for 15–17-year-olds, and Introduction to Set & Costume Design, each emphasising a balance of skill development and creative expression. Many courses culminate in presentations or performances that let you demonstrate what you’ve learned while building confidence and artistic insight in a supportive setting.

Why it stands out: It blends professional-level artistic coaching with peer collaboration in Glasgow’s vibrant creative community, giving high school students hands-on experience in performance and production that complements future study or portfolios.

Balancing Activities, Study, and Wellbeing

Some summers feel busy. The best ones feel intentional, with enough challenge to grow and enough breathing room to enjoy it.

In a good camp routine, you toggle between doing and reflecting: team activities, focused sessions, small wins, proper meals, and real sleep.

That rhythm is the hidden skill you take home. The summer camps in the UK for teens in this guide help you practise it through a supportive structure, not pressure.

Want to plan the practical side too, budgeting, accommodation, campus social life, and cultural tips for the UK? Visit our Student Life and Cultural Immersion blogs.