Create your own Brownie Takeover Weekend with PGL
If you can’t make our official weekends this year, create your own version
This article was updated on 2 April 2025
This year we've been working with our partners in adventure, PGL, to organise 2 of our popular Brownie Takeover Weekends.
For 48 hours Brownies will rule the roost with full and exclusive access to PGL centres Dalguise in Perthshire (June) and Marchants Hill in Surrey (October). If you want a piece of the action for Marchants Hill but haven’t booked yet, you can find everything you need at our Brownie Takeover page.
‘County takeovers’
And if you've missed out on some of those dates or can't travel to those centres don't worry, you don't have to miss out on the fun! Over the last few months we’ve been hearing from members who are coming together throughout the year to put on their own ‘county takeovers’.
It's been such a brilliant experience that we are looking to book as a county and have our own 'county takeover,’
- Brownie leader following a 2024 Takeover Weekend.
Organising your own takeover weekend
From the very beginning, the team at PGL is there to help you recreate the magic of this unique Girlguiding event. You and your county can speak to them about putting on a Girlguiding 'takeover' at any point throughout the year. They’ll help with logistics and be on hand to support with any questions. Plus the booking discount for Girlguiding members is in place for any group residential throughout the year. A multi-activity 2 night residential is from £109 per person plus VAT, with exclusive Takeover Weekends priced at £119 per person plus VAT. So it’s no extra cost to you or your unit.
Whenever you book you can design your programme to suit you, with more giant swing if that’s what your girls want, or built-in free time for socialising. Activities can be adjusted and accessibility requests accommodated to make sure everyone is involved and having adventures!
And when you’re there, everything’s taken care of for you, with dedicated instructors and PGL staff to look after you and the girls, so you can sit back with other leaders or leap in and get involved with the challenges. Plus there’s no cooking or washing up to do at the end of the day.
Our trip to PGL to Newby Wiske takeover was a real "have an adventure" weekend, where the Brownies realised that girls can do anything. As well as climbing, giant swing, zipline and archery, there were also team activities, and problem-solving games. We'll certainly be back next year,'
- Deirdre, Brownie leader.
Reaching new heights
We know that you’re working hard all year to keep adventure at the heart of your programme. And we know that our young members love getting outdoors to scale new heights. Last year the Brownie height badge was the most popular adventure badge for this section, and at PGL there are so many opportunities to help your girls earn theirs.
Outdoor adventure in a uniquely Girlguiding space
Creating your own takeover weekend provides a great chance for young members to meet new people, have fun and share adventure together. All in a uniquely Girlguiding space. And it doesn’t have to just be for Brownies, we know Guides and Rangers love outdoor adventure too. At PGL, at any point during the year, your girls can be in charge, make friends and create memories for life.
We took over Marchants Hill with our Brownies and Guides and the whole weekend was fantastic. The girls learned new skills, challenged themselves and made memories they’ll never forget. We’ve been back several times since and always have an amazing weekend,'
- leader, Middlesex South West.
Find out more about PGL
PGL has 13 activity centres throughout the UK, with each offering unique Girlguiding experiences. The cost of a 2-night Brownie Takeover Weekend at PGL is £119 per person plus vat. For a 2-night multi-activity weekend during the year the cost for Girlguiding members is from £109 per person plus vat.
Leaders go free in a ratio of 1:8 on group adventure camps, or 1:6 on Takeover Weekends.
Do something unforgettable
There's always a way that you can get more involved with Girlguiding. We have events and opportunities for all ages across the UK and around the world.