Brownie Takeover Weekends at PGL
Come and join us for weekends of adventure at PGL centres in 2024
We’re partnering with PGL to give our members even more adventures, entertainment and unmissable opportunities.
And in 2024, Brownie units can enjoy all the adventurous activities on offer at a PGL centre – all to themselves!
With over 40 activities to try, from abseiling to zip wiring and everything in between, these promise to be weekends for Brownies to let loose, learn new skills and create memories they’ll never forget. After a day of outdoor adventures, units can enjoy evening entertainment organised for you by the PGL team. So there’s no cooking, cleaning, or pitching tents to worry about!
We know Brownies is a place full of firsts. That’s why PGL staff are at hand to help Brownie units have an incredible weekend that’s perfectly tailored to your age range and your individual unit’s interests! Whether it’s your Brownies’ first sleepover, or one of many adventures you’ve been on together, PGL Takeover Weekends will have something unique to offer.
Our final Takeover Weekend for this year is:
Newby Wiske Hall, North Yorkshire
When: Friday 11 October - Sunday 13 October 2024
Newby Wiske is back! Following on from our successful takeover weekend here in 2023, this former stately home in the North Yorkshire countryside is the perfect place to have an adventure. With over 30 acres of open space and all-new 'bunk pods' to sleep in, PGL's newest centre is waiting to be explored.
Our Takeover Weekends for 2025 are:
Dalguise, Perthshire
When: Friday 13 - Sunday 15 June 2025
Set within a beautiful, wooded valley Dalguise is the ideal place for an action-packed adventure. Get ready for each day with a hearty breakfast. Support your girls in achieving their height adventure badges on the zip wires, climbing walls and giant swings. Then collapse into bunks in the woodland lodges or converted stable block.
Marchants Hill, Surrey
When: Friday 3 - Sunday 5 October 2025
At Marchants Hill there’s never a dull moment. With a massive programme, modern accommodation and a purpose-built lake, the centre is ready to welcome you on your next adventure. Surrounded by 45 acres of woodland, girls can do a range of activities including abseiling, archery and canoeing. It's a great place for your girls to explore the outdoors and grow in confidence!
How much do the weekends cost?
The cost of a 2-night stay in 2024 is £109 plus VAT per young member. The cost of a 2-night stay in 2025 is £119 plus VAT per young member.
For every 6 Brownies, 1 leader goes free!
What’s included in the price?
Each exclusive Takeover Weekend includes full board accommodation for 2 nights, all adventure activities and instruction, evening activities, 1 free unit leader place for every 6 girls, and insurance cover for you and your group.
How do I book?
Call the team on 03333 212 116 for a quote or to discuss your requirements. Or you can send an email to [email protected].
Who can go?
This is a PGL adventure just for Brownies and their leaders!
What paperwork or qualifications do I need?
To go away with PGL you need to hold modules 1-4 of the going away with licence, or be working towards it. If you want to take girls to PGL and don’t hold the licence, speak with your commissioner about starting the scheme.
What will I need to bring?
For an unforgettable adventure away, check out the PGL kit list to find out what to pack.
What activities are included?
Each Takeover Weekend includes a pre-set timetable of 4 exciting activities a day, led by our specialist instructors, which will also include teaching your unit about the importance of safety and responsibility. Check out the sample itinerary for a Brownie takeover weekend on the PGL website for a taste of what you’ll do.
How do I get there?
You could hire a coach with your local units or travel by car with parents or carers, whichever works best for you.
Will there be parking available?
Yes! Parking is available on all sites and is free of charge. Let PGL know during the booking process if you’ll need a parking space.
What if someone in my unit has dietary requirements?
PGL will ask for information once your booking is confirmed. They’re able to cater to most dietary requirements as specified by culture, religion and medical concerns. They also provide meals for a wide variety of needs including coeliac, dairy intolerance, vegetarian and vegan.
Can't make these dates?
Don't miss out on the fun! If you can't make our Takeover Weekends, remember that Girlguiding members have a discount on booking group residentials at PGL on any weekend throughout the year.
PGL Travel Ltd will donate money to The Guide Association (a registered charity with charity number 306016) in connection with the sale of PGL UK group packages to members of The Guide Association. For every purchase of a PGL UK group package made from and including 1 January 2023 by a member of The Guide Association excluding the first 680 such purchases, PGL Travel Ltd will donate 2.5% of the PGL sale price of that package (net of VAT) to The Guide Association.
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.