Woodhouse Park Activity Centre
For Great Adventures
Nestled in the beautiful South Gloucestershire countryside, our 36-acre site is a haven for outdoor fun and adventure. With stunning views of the River Severn and easy access from the M4 and M5 motorways, we’re perfectly situated for your next adventure.
Our Vision
To have a national reputation as a centre of excellence for personal development through outdoor adventure, for young people, adults, and inspiring leaders.
Our Mission
To provide a safe place and welcoming environment that offers quality opportunities for learning through fun, adventure, development, achievement, and the provision of excellent residential experiences.
What We Offer
- Exciting Activities: From high ropes and archery to camping, there’s something for everyone.
- Beautiful Surroundings: Our fields and woodlands provide the perfect backdrop for your adventures.
- Community Focus: We work closely with local schools, youth organizations, and the Scouting community to support educational and residential programs.
- Great Facilities: Enjoy our modern lodges, well-maintained camping areas, and updated amenities.
Finders Gateway in its original location.
An early flag break, date unknown.
The blessing of the open-air chapel by the Bishop of Malmsbury.
Chief Scout Sir Charles Maclean having a cast of his foot taken during a visit with the 13th Bristol Scouts at Woodhouse Park on the 11th June 1966.
Left to right: Alan Wallington (Wally) David Tarling, Trevor Bryant, ?, Peter Veale, David Wallington
Brian Burridge ‘conducting’ a Scout Band at his retirement 11th June 1985.
The Lovell Centre, named after Jean and Les Lovell in June 1992.
Bill Webbers Woodhouse Park necker and Silver Wolf award.
The construction of the new tower & high ropes courses in 2012-2013.
Andy Scully opening Brunel’s district Jamboree at Woodhouse Park in June 2023.
Explorers having a go at clip & climb during Woodhouse Weekender, in November 2024.
The History of Woodhouse Park
Penpole Park
Penpole Park was used by the Scouts from the mid 1920s, by kind permission of the owner, Dr Napier Miles, following hits death it was purchased by the City and County of Bristol Scouts in 1937. The Lord Mayor of Bristol opened the site , which was heavily used, and became a large part of Scouting in the local area.
Uncertain Times
Following World War 2, Penpole Park was compulsory purchased to provide much needed housing, leaving the Scouts without a campsite.
A New Beginning
A 22-acre site near Almondsbury was purchased in January 1953 using the money from the sale of Penpole Park. The site opened as Woodhouse Park a year later on 5th June 1954, with a jamboree open to local Scouts.
Finders Gateway was installed as a tribute to J. L. Milligan, who was County Commissioner from 1929 to 1954. It was later moved from its original location, and it now sits closer to the main entrance to the park.
The Outdoor Chapel
An open-air chapel was created shortly after opening, in the 1554 quarry, which was the source of much of the stone used in building the manor house and surrounding buildings. It was officially blessed by the Bishop of Malmsbury in April 1958 and held regular services from all religions until 1998 when the chapel closed.
Ongoing Developments
A full-time warden was employed and moved into the newly built bungalow with his family, in 1960, and the Birkett Cabin was built, in memory of John Birkett to provide somewhere that could be used for checking in, as the number of bookings continued to grow. Eventually, a hard standing car park was built, and utilities were extended across the site.
Several simple buildings were built for use as training venues, which have now been repurposed into the estates compound, and the barn was built as an open-sided kitchen. These buildings could take hours to heat, limiting the number of courses which could be offered.
Training Centre Development
Following the receipt of a grant, and fundraising of £15,000, work started on building the Training Centre in 1972, which opened around a year later. This included the troop room, and two bunk rooms.
Avon Scout County
The Scout County of Bristol merged with the Scout Counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire to create the Avon County Scout Council in 1974, after the reorganisation of the local authorities. The warden’s office was moved from the estate lodge, making space for a kitchen and dining room.
Site Improvements
In April 1981 sixteen acres of land next to the site was purchased, making space for County Jamborees over the next several decades, and early stages of planning started for improvements to the Training Centre. A central road was installed in 1982, giving improved access across the site, the middle toilet block was built, and the Hilton was added to the Training Centre (now known as the Annex). A year later an additional exit was added lower down on Fernhill.
Work on the Training Centre
A new dining room was built between the troop room and lodge, with a refurbished kitchen in 1984.
Activities & Facilities
A permanent archery range, shooting range, and orienteering course were installed, as well as a new toilet block on the Severn Field.
The Lovell Centre
Work started on building the Lovell Centre, named in recognition of Jean and Les Lovell in 1992. It was designed for pack holidays, as a solution to the rising demand for use of the Training Centre.
Warden’s Office & Providore
A new site office and shop was built sometime around 1994, which is still used to this day.
The Tower
Following concerns over the stability of the rock in the outdoor chapel, it was closed in 1998, and a climbing wall and abseil tower was built in its place. The quiet circle was established to replace the chapel.
Campfire Upgrades
The campfire was dedicated to John Deft in 2008, with a small ceremony led by Rex and Caroline Meadon, with an address by Rev. Anne Owen. John had volunteered in scouting for over 30 years and was a member of the County’s Training Team.
Scout Adventures
In 2011, Avon County signed a 50-year lease with Scout Adventures for the running of the centre. Following along in the steps of other Scout Adventures Centres, they employed a team of international gap year students, allowing an increased provision and solidify Woodhouse Park as a National Activity Centre.
Rising to New Heights
Following a grant a new 15-meter-high ropes course was built and opened in September 2013. Activities include Climbing, Abseiling, Jacob’s Ladder, Leap of Faith, Crate Stack, High All Aboard, and Aerial Trek.
A Return to Local Scouting
Following the global pandemic in 2020, Scout Adventures ended the majority of their leases, including Woodhouse Park. A brake clause meant that the County could not make use of the buildings, but the centre was made available to Avon Scouts for free as an outdoor space for section meetings whilst restrictions where in place. Andrew Scully took on the role of managing the Centre, giving up his job and moving on site as a volunteer. What a hero!
A new Beginning
The centre fully reopened on 18th October 2021, after a year of intense work to return the centre to a fit state of repair following its disuse.
Employing Staff
The first member of staff was Jo, employed as the Centre Administrator in March 2022, followed by Andy who was employed as the Operations Manager in September 2022. Andy was soon followed by a new Lead Instructor and Estates Manager.
Employing Scouts
The Centre decided to employ apprentices to meet the needs of activity provision, whilst training and empowering Scouts and young people with new skills and a career path. Leo was hired as the first apprentice on 13th April 2023. A continuous stream of apprentices has been employed since.
Accessible to All
Two new disabled & adult toilet blocks were installed in 2024, in the Trym Field and by the Middle Toilet Block.
Open to the Public
The Centre officially opened to bookings from the public in May 2024.
w tower & high ropes courses in 2012-2013.
