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Mother of three Stefanie, shares her All-Inclusive Family Holiday experience with us, and explains why it's more than just about camping!
What a week! This summer, my three children (aged 13, 10, 8) and I, spent an incredible, action-packed week at Buddens Activity Centre. This was our second year on one of their All-Inclusive Family Holidays, and it certainly won’t be our last!
From the moment we arrived, the staff were outstanding. Everything was organised and prepared ahead of time, and nothing was ever too much trouble. The children were buzzing with excitement when they saw the activity timetable, and their faces lit up when we reached our tent.
The family camping area was so thoughtfully arranged, with a communal marquee complete with benches, a fridge, and a charging point for phones. Our tent was fully set up with beds and camping chairs, and once we added our own bedding, it instantly felt warm, cosy, and homely.
The week was packed with activities that kept all of us entertained from morning until night. Target sports included archery, tomahawk throwing, and rifle shooting (yes—even my 8-year-old managed to throw an axe and fire a rifle!). On the water, they got to try paddleboarding, mega SUP, canoeing, kayaking, and raft-building.
On land, the fun continued with abseiling, climbing, a blindfolded obstacle course, and a series of challenges on a terrifyingly high wooden post. The highlight for me though, had to be zooming down the enormous zip line!
I particularly loved the flexibility - there was no pressure for me to join in if I didn’t want to. The children were able to take part under the supervision of the fantastic instructors, while I enjoyed some rare moments of peace, with a cup of tea and a book, watching them laugh and make new friends.
One of the unexpected joys of the holiday was the sense of community within the family camping area. The children quickly made friends and spent hours playing together, while the adults enjoyed good conversation and laughter around the campfire. In the evenings, the Rockley staff organised games for the kids, giving me a chance to catch my breath, tidy up, and unwind. Most nights ended with marshmallows toasted over the fire, which was a wonderful way to end each day.
The food was fantastic, just as we remembered from last year. Meals were plentiful, varied, and always served with a smile from the welcoming kitchen staff. The children loved lining up to see what was on offer each mealtime, especially at dinner, and there was always something for everyone.
What stood out most for me was seeing my children try new things, push past their comfort zones, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had. They learned to work as a team with other children, built resilience, and gained confidence with all the challenges. By the end of each day, they were happily exhausted and fell asleep quickly, ready to do it all over again the next morning.
This holiday was the highlight of our summer: adventure, laughter, friendships, great food, and most importantly, unforgettable memories. Buddens has become such a special place for us, and I feel so grateful to have had another wonderful week there. We can’t wait to return!