Frequently asked questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If you have a query that isn't listed here, or would like more information on any of the topics mentioned, please call one of our Adventure Team on 0333 321 2114 or email families@pgl.co.uk 

For our latest opening times, please click here

When should we arrive?

• 2 night UK weekend - arrive 4-6pm* Friday, depart after lunch Sunday
• 3 night UK weekend - arrive 4-6pm* Friday, depart after lunch Monday
• 4 night UK short break - arrive 1-3pm Monday (activity before dinner), depart after lunch Friday
• Activity Day - arrive 10am, depart 4pm
• Guests will usually need to check out of their rooms between 9-11am on the day of departure. Check out at Barton Hall is 9.30am.

French Adventures

• 5 night break - arrive 4-6pm* Tuesday, depart after breakfast Sunday

If you have any questions regarding our french adventures or Paris and Disneyland Packages then don't hesitate to get in touch. 

*Late arrivals are not a problem, but you may miss your evening meal. If you know in advance that you will be arriving late please call us on 0333 321 2114 or email families@pgl.co.uk. If you are delayed on your journey please call your centre directly (centre contact details can be found in your Essential Information booklets) so that they can make alternative arrangements for your evening meal.

What about single parents?

PGL Family Adventures are the ideal solution for single parents and there is plenty of opportunity for both parents and children to socialise with other families.

We offer a wide choice of rooms for smaller families and single, or solo parent families that have no low-occupancy charges. If these are not available for your preferred holiday and dates we will try to find suitable alternatives. However, if these are not available, an additional supplement may apply.

I am pregnant, can I participate?

PGL does not hold and cannot carry out risk assessments for the participation of pregnant women in activities.

We are not trained medical experts and therefore are not in a position to advise a pregnant woman about the risks and/or suitability of a particular activity for her stage and condition of pregnancy.

PGL advises that any guest wishing to participate in activities whilst pregnant should seek advice from their doctor or midwife. To assist medical experts with the decision-making process, centre staff can provide copies of risk assessments and describe what the activities involve, including what range of movements are involved and what forces are can be ‘exerted’ upon guests during participation.

We will in no way actively encourage a pregnant guest to participate in activities and we will, at all times be mindful of the health and wellbeing of both the mother and the unborn child.

Are there any weight limits on activities?

Certain activities at PGL do have weight and size restrictions to ensure our guests are safe and happy at all times. Our instructors are specially trained to make sure that that harnesses and safety equipment fit correctly. Below is a rough guide to our weight restrictions, however as fit of equipment is also a consideration these are not definitive.

• Zip-Wire – Approximately 16 stone
• Aeroball – Approximately 16 stone
• Airball – Approximately 21 stone
• All other rope activities - Approximately 22 stone  
• Kayaks - Up to approximately 16-18 stone
• Watersports - Approximately 20-22 stone. This is based on Raft building, Canoeing, sailing and dragon Boating however again, this is subject to the Life buoyancy aid fitting.

Please note: Occasionally changes are made to our activity bases which mean that weight limits can vary. If you have any concerns in relation to weight limits and would like to check our most recent information on a centre specific basis then please contact our team on 0333 321 2114.

Can children under 5 or babies come on a Family Adventure break?

Children under 5 are welcome at our centres and can travel for free alongside their family in the UK. Please note that most activities are not possible for under 5’s however if safety equipment fits, instructors are satisfied that they can participate safely and confidently and there is sufficient time, we are happy for under 5’s to sample the activities.

We regret that we cannot offer childcare services for children not participating and the care and responsibility lies fully with the parents/guardians.

Does the whole family participate in activities together?

Yes, the activities are designed for the family to do together - there are team challenges where you can work together, such as raft-building or individual challenges such as the trapeze, where your family can shout encouragement to whoever is about to jump!

It is possible to opt-out of an activity if you really don't want to take part - but at least one parent has to be present for the children to be able to take part in the activities. Our staff will ensure that everyone achieves as much or as little as they wish - but with their gentle encouragement you might just surprise yourself with what you can do!

Can we choose our activities?

All of our centres have far more activities than it is possible to squeeze into one holiday so the programme will be designed for you by the centre manager.

If there is an activity that you really want to try, you can request that it is included at the time of booking and we will pass your request to our centre teams - however we cannot guarantee that it will be included in your programme.

Will there be other groups at the centre?

Please note that there may be other groups on holiday at the centre whilst you are there. These guests are supervised by PGL staff and where possible will have completely separate activity programmes, accommodation and social facilities.

What's the accommodation like and do I need to bring bedding?

Accommodation is clean, functional, mostly bunk bedded rooms rather than luxurious. Bedding is provided at all of our UK centres, both indoor and tented. One bath towel is provided per family member staying with us.

Will a member of PGL staff be available during our stay?

Yes, a Group Leader will be available to your family for the duration of your stay to ensure all aspects of your break run smoothly. They can answer any questions you may have whilst on centre and will be able to tell you your meal times, excursion times, meeting points etc.

Is Wifi available at the centres?

Wifi is available at all centres in the UK to guests over 18. In some centres it may be limited to certain areas which you will be advised of on arrival. You will need to sign a user agreement before you are issued with our secure password. Please note at some sites the wifi signal can be weak due to location.

Do your centres have on-site bars?

All of our centres have an on-site bar serving a delicious range of soft drinks, alcoholic and a NEW range of alcohol-free refreshments. Please note: children will be asked to vacate the bar at 10pm. 

Although all of our family centres have an area for guests to enjoy alcohol during their free time, we do not allow the consumption or presence of alcoholic drinks before or during activity sessions (including selected evening activities). Our centre team reserve the right to remove anyone from an activity if they feel they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication and therefore may compromise their own or others safety.  

Do your centres have on-site shops?

All of our centres have on-site shops (opening times will be advised once you arrive at your centre). They sell a great selection of drinks, snacks, gifts, games and toiletries. 

What is the PGL Camp Kit?

We have been operating activity holidays since 1957 and we have found that certain items are some of the most useful and practical kit for PGL holidays. You can pre-order your camp kit when you book and it will be given to you on your first day on centre. The PGL Camp Kit contains a number of items that you can't get anywhere else, including our on-site shops. Our centre staff will ensure that your child(ren) receive the correct size T-shirt. Cost per pack £35 (worth £45 RRP!)

Each PGL Camp Kit contains:

• PGL Rucksack - Exclusive item
• PGL 2025* camp bracelet - Exclusive item
• PGL Aluminium bottle - Exclusive item
• PGL T-shirt (appropriate size can be selected in our shop)
• PGL Drawstring bag
• Postcard (with postage paid to send home!)
• Pen
• LED Torch
• PGL Baseball cap
• PGL Bouncy Ball

NB: On rare occasions it may be necessary to substitute an item in the kit - if so, this will be as similar an item as possible and/or an item of equal or higher value.

What happens in wet/poor weather?

Outdoor activities will run as long as it is considered safe to do so and would only be curtailed due to severe weather such as lightening, high winds or snow.

Where possible alternatives will be organised subject to availability.

If poor weather such as rain is forecast during your stay, we recommend that you pack additional clothing and footwear so wet items can be changed between activities.

Are there laundry/drying room facilities?

We advise you to bring plenty of clothing to cover you for the duration of your stay. Most centres have outdoor areas/ washing lines to dry clothes in dry weather. Washing machines, should you need them in an emergency, are available at some of our centres.

Is my money safe with PGL?

We are a member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct. Some of the travel arrangements that we sell are protected in case of the financial failure of the travel company. Please ask us about the protection that applies to your booking. PGL has been a member of ABTA for over 20 years.

Can I cancel or alter my break?

If you wish to cancel or amend your break you must let us know by email (families@pgl.co.uk).

Charges may apply. To view our standard terms and conditions please click here. Alternatively if you have purchased our AdventureFlex cover more favourable terms will apply - full details of which can be viewed here.

Can we bring our dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accept any pets on site or in our accommodation.