Who we are…
Waddow Hall Trust comprises a board of trustees with many supporters from the voluntary sector and community groups that have traditionally visited and volunteered on the Waddow Hall Estate during the previous, Girlguiding, ownership.
All of the trustees and supporters are passionate to see Waddow continue to thrive and grow so that future generations may benefit from residential and outdoor experiences under its new ownership.
We appreciate the great benefits that Waddow brings to everyone who uses it and understand the need to preserve this wonderful asset for future generations.
A bit of recent history…
In May 2023 Girlguiding announced its intention to close and sell its five training and activity centres, including Waddow Hall, in Clitheroe.
This was seen as a great loss by the many thousands of people across the country and beyond who, in the past, used the centre for residential events, meetings, activity days, themed challenges, children’s parties, family breaks and even a few weddings!
Waddow Hall Trusts original aim was to raise funds to purchase the estate but rising costs and logistics made this impossible. In 2025 the estate was sold to a charity which announced they would keep it as an outdoor activity centre and to work with Waddow Hall Trust.
Why we need your help…
Waddow is so much more than an activity centre – it is a home from home and always a hive of activity. Waddow Hall offers opportunities for young people which are getting harder and harder to find. The chance to experience new adventures, to meet new challenges and develop new skills; all in a safe and caring environment. Waddow is a place to get out and about in the great outdoors, have adventures and make long-lasting memories.
We need to preserve access to this amazing place for future generations and our mission is to make it accessible and available for as many children as possible to experience Waddow at least once in a lifetime.
Our History…
Waddow Hall is a Grade II listed 17th Century Manor House with history dating back to the 13th Century when it was built as a Dower House for the Tempest family of Waddington Old Hall. In 1879 it was acquired by the Garnett family, a large respectable family known for industrial philanthropy and their textile manufacturing business. In 1927 it was purchased by Girlguiding and has nearly 100 years of Guiding history delivering training and activities. The estate, history and heritage is significantly important to the area of Clitheroe and to the wider North West region. Waddow Hall Trust was formed in June 2023 to work towards a secure future for this historic estate, we hope that we can help to add another chapter to the history of this amazing community resource.
Our Plans for the Future…
Once Waddow is secure, open and operating as an outdoor centre again we will continue to support its progress towards a centre of excellence. We will support the main charity owners to offer residential and day use to schools, youth, and community groups, and assist where possible the expansion of business, as time progresses.
Access to the outdoors is so important for general wellbeing and helps to build confidence, self esteem and better mental health. In the future Waddow will continue to be a safe and caring environment for young people. We would like Waddow’s facilities and activities to be accessible to everyone, regardless of individual circumstances and we want to ensure that Waddow Hall has a place in the community for many years to come.
Help us to achieve our goals…
