The Children’s Country Holidays Fund was established in 1884 by the Rev Samuel Barnett and his wife Henrietta.

Originally called “The Country Holidays Fund to Provide Fresh Air for Ailing London Children” the charity’s aim was to take children from London’s slums away to the country or seaside for holidays in the fresh air and country surroundings. 124 years later, we are still needed to help children living in poverty.
 
No doubt, Samuel and Henrietta Barnett had a vision of a time when every London child would have a holiday in ‘England’s green and pleasant land’. However, even in these more prosperous days there are thousands of parents who have no hope of giving their children a country holiday, or even just a respite, without the help of CCHF. At any one time there are over 700,000 children living with poverty, abuse, isolation and depravation in London.

Income for CCHF is wholly derived from donations, and without the generosity of our supporters, we would not be able to help children enjoy the magic and excitement of their first holiday, of swimming in the sea, of building sandcastles, feeding farm animals and making new friends.

Since our inception in 1884, we’ve helped nearly 2 million socially disadvantaged children by providing a range of holidays and weekend breaks which allows them to escape the traumas of their every day life and simply become children again.

With over 120 years of history behind, CCHF has certainly got a few stories to tell. We plan to share these stories and achievements with you in the very near future, so keep checking back for more exciting news. However, in the meantime, please Click Here to see more of our wonderful archive photos!

Here a few more few interesting facts about CCHF:

• In 1886, the charity becomes the Children's Country Holidays Fund

• A photo from a garden fete 1890 is our earliest known fundraising photo

• In our 124 years, we have helped over 2.5 million children

• In 1932, 1933 and 1936, the author A.A. Milne wrote appeals for CCHF in the Times newspaper which raised over £6,000. (In today's money, this would be over £250,000.)

• In 1938, the late Queen Mother becomes our Patron.

• Due to our experience and knowledge, in 1940, CCHF are asked to assist with the evacuation of London's children.

• In 1970, CCHF were the beneficiary charity for the Railway Children Film Premiere.

• In 1984, we celebrated out 100 year anniversary.

•  In 2000, CCHF were involved in the Queen Mothers Pageant.

• In 2001, CCHF were gifted Stafford House.