School holidays are a chance for children to reset – and a chance for parents to help them grow in confidence too. For many families, a holiday swimming course offers the ideal balance: active days, clear progress and a skill that really matters.
In London, the options can feel overwhelming. From swimming camps to crash courses, many promise fast results. The key is choosing one that works for your child.
Here’s what we suggest looking for when choosing the right holiday swimming lessons in London.
Start with your child, not the schedule
Before comparing timetables or locations, it’s worth thinking about where your child actually is with swimming.
Are they just getting comfortable in the water? Working on technique? Or ready to build independence?
The best holiday courses don’t group children by age alone. They assess where your child is at, so children are placed at the right level from day one and supported in a way that suits their ability and confidence.
If you’re unsure where your child sits, our online swim assessment tool can help you pinpoint where they sit in the GetSetSwim 7-stage programme.
Small class sizes make a big difference
One of the most important things to look for in a holiday swimming camp (or lessons in general) is small class sizes.
Smaller groups mean:
- more time swimming
- individual feedback
- faster, more confident progress
This matters even more in an intensive format, where lessons build on each other day by day. In the right setting, children often make visible progress within a single week.
Daily swimming builds confidence quickly
There’s something powerful about swimming every day.
Daily lessons reinforce skills while they’re still fresh, helping children build muscle memory and confidence naturally. This is why a well-structured holiday course can feel like weeks of progress in just a few days.
It’s also why many of our London families choose intensive swimming lessons during the school break instead of pausing lessons altogether.
Expert teaching goes hand in hand with safety
When choosing a swimming camp in London or beyond, the experience of the teachers matters just as much as the programme itself.
Experienced swim instructors know how to:
- keep lessons calm and safe
- adapt quickly to different confidence levels
- balance fun, play and encouragement with good technique
- help children feel supported, never pressured
In an intensive course, that expertise makes a real difference to how children learn and how safe they feel in the water.
The pool environment really matters
Children learn best when they’re comfortable.
(And when parents or carers who bring them are happy too!)
Warm, purpose-built pools help children relax, focus and enjoy trying new skills. Cold or overly busy environments can make learning harder and knock confidence.
A thoughtfully designed space also reassures parents — and helps children feel settled and ready to learn.
Look for structure - not just speed
Fast progress is exciting, but it should always be built on strong foundations.
The best holiday swimming courses follow a clear progression, with realistic goals and regular feedback. Children leave knowing what they can now do – and what they’re working towards next.
This structure is what turns a crash course into a meaningful step in a child’s swimming journey.
The benefits go beyond swimming
At GetSetSwim, parents often tell us they’ve noticed changes in their kids beyond the pool.
After a holiday swim crash course, children are often:
- more confident
- proud of what they’ve achieved
- happier listening and trying new things
- excited to keep learning
A well-run intensive swimming course offers routine, challenge and a real sense of achievement during the holidays.
Choosing a holiday swim course you can trust
When parents search choose swimming camp London or holiday swim school London, what they’re really looking for is reassurance.
Reassurance that their child will be safe.
That progress will be real.
And that the experience will be positive.
The right holiday swimming course delivers all three — helping children leave the week more confident, capable and proud.
If you’re considering an intensive course, explore our Crash Courses, or use our swim assessment tool to ensure your child is placed at the right level from the start.