Our Story - Leicester Children's Holidays

120+ YEARS OF GREAT HOLIDAYS

We're one of Leicestershire's oldest charities, here's our story...

WHAT WE DO

Since 1898 we have provided free respite breaks for children aged 8 to 11 who face difficult circumstances at home. The youngsters may live in a low-income family, have suffered a bereavement, be a child carer looking after a parent or sibling, or need a break for a host of other reasons.

The holidays have a huge impact on their young lives, borne out by their excited comments such as “I didn’t want to come home”. Happy memories are made and the children develop a fresh outlook on life. Their parents benefit too – they get a break which relieves pressure and strengthens family bonds.

We are proud to have provided more than 60,000 free holidays for young children in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland since 1898. During recent years, 57% of children nominated were from Leicester and 43% from Leicestershire and Rutland. We were formerly called Leicester Children’s Holiday Centre Mablethorpe.

HOLIDAYS WITH A DIFFERENCE

All our holidays are modern experiences, tailor-made to help build the children’s confidence, have fun and relax. One of our partners is Hilltop Outdoor Centre which offers adventure holidays on the Norfolk coast.

The children try out zip-wires, archery, tree top walks, an air jump with six platform heights, bush crafts and lots of other activities. We work with Hilltop to give them excellent opportunities to play and learn with other children, make new friends, develop team-building skills and improve their communication. They enjoy fun time on the beach too. The ratio of children to adults is 5 to 1.

To nominate a child click here and fill in the form at the bottom of the page.

THE FUTURE

We will continue to work with specialist companies like Hilltop Outdoor Centre to offer every child we help the highest quality experience. Hilltop provides outstanding team-building activities and discovery field study sessions and all the time the children are encouraged and supported. Learn more about what’s on offer by visiting our holiday’s page.

Our visitor centre at Highcross Leicester is a focal point for our activities and where we have toys for sale all the year round. It is a place for families to drop in and learn about our work, for agencies who nominate children to meet us and a space to encourage businesses to engage with us and offer support.

Of course we rely on your help and are grateful to the kind people who have helped us over the years. We’re 100% committed to delivering experience-rich holidays, that not only benefit the children but the whole family. We rely on the generous donations of the public, so get involved through volunteering, fundraising, corporate sponsorship or donating. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the work we do, just pick up the phone or get in touch online

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

We need your help! There's lots to do at Leicester Children's Holidays
and we're looking for like minded people who can who can help us
provide local children a holiday.

JOIN US NOW!