Uniform Adventure Weekend | Exclusive Takeover Weekends

Our biggest takeover weekend EVER

Whatever your uniform, the adventure starts here

Whether you’re a Girlguiding unit, part of Scouts, a Cadet or Brigades group or part of another uniform organisation, our BIG Uniform Takeover Weekend will bring your young people together to build confidence, make new friends, complete badge requirements and experience the very best of PGL.

Open to all youth uniform organisations

Work towards badges and awards
Meet groups from across the UK
Great value residential experience
Full weekend or Saturday-only options

Two people in helmets and harnesses prepare for abseiling on a building exterior; one instructs while the other grasps the rope, with modern buildings and greenery in the background.

A group of children wearing helmets and life jackets stand together outdoors on a grassy field, with one child smiling at the camera.

Student getting a harness fitted by a PGL instructor.

Our BIG Uniform Takeover Weekend Dates and Locations

Friday 30 October – Sunday 1 November 2026

Prices

FULL WEEKEND | £89pp (+VAT) | 2 nights inc. activities, meals and accommodation
DAY VISIT | £35pp (+VAT) | Saturday only, inc. activities, lunch and dinner
LEADERS GO FREE | 1 free adult place per 6 paying young people

Reserve your group's place

The Weekend Itinerary

FRIDAY

Arrive in the afternoon, and have dinner in our dining room. Then it’s time for some evening activities and games before bed.

SATURDAY

A full day of PGL action and adventure, with a varied programme of adventure activities. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and evening activities.

SUNDAY

After breakfast there’s still time for a full morning of PGL activities. Enjoy lunch in our dining room before departure.

Can’t make the whole weekend? Come for just the Saturday for £35 pp (+ VAT)

Buffet salad bar with vegetables, and a group of young people standing outdoors in sunlight, labelled as Day 1, Friday.

Welcome to PGL! Check-in, have dinner in the dining room and then it’s time for some evening activities and games

Two children in helmets with scout badges, and a group sitting round a campfire outdoors, labelled "Day 2 Saturday.

A full day of adventure awaits! A full programme of activities, plus three tasty meals in the dining room, and evening activities and games until bedtime

Two photos: left, a child in a helmet smiles whilst holding playground equipment; right, two children in scout uniforms interact outdoors, one wearing a hoodie with patches. "Day 3 Sunday" text included.

Last day! Wake up and have a tasty breakfast before enjoying a full morning of activities. One last lunch in the dining room – then it’s time to wave goodbye!

Two Polaroid-style photos: one of a salad bar with green tongs, the other of a group of people standing outdoors, trees in the background. "Day 1" and "Friday" appear in the layout.

Welcome to PGL! Check-in, have dinner in the dining room and then it’s time for some evening activities and games

Two children in scout uniforms and helmets stand by a wall; next to them, a campfire burns with a group of people in the background. Text reads "Day 2" and "Saturday".

A full day of adventure awaits! A full programme of activities, plus three tasty meals in the dining room, and evening activities and games until bedtime

Two photos of children outdoors in scout uniforms; one smiles whilst gripping a bar, the others work together near blue barrels. “Day 3” and “Sunday” are labelled above.

Last day! Wake up and have a tasty breakfast before enjoying a full morning of activities. One last lunch in the dining room – then it’s time to wave goodbye!

What activities you might be doing

Activities vary by centre, but all are designed to be engaging, inclusive and confidence-building. From climbing and zip wires to problem-solving challenges and team activities, each session is led by experienced PGL instructors and adapted to suit different ages and abilities, ensuring every girl feels supported and involved.

Daytime
Evening

Abseiling

The tower is over 10 metres high. The task – to walk backwards off the top, gradually working back towards ground level, suspended only on a rope. It’s all about trust, courage and confidence. It’s also a very dynamic way to learn calculating and controlling risk. Some children deal with heights more easily than others, but the support and encouragement of the rest of the group is important for each individual’s success and will help strengthen peer relationships.

Aeroball / Airball

A cross between trampolining, basketball and volleyball - it’s an exhilarating, high-energy sport. Four players learn the basics required - then spring into action! The aim is to get the ball in the opposing player's net. As well as being lots of fun, your group will develop team tactics and improve communication skills along the way.

All Aboard

All aboard is all about building trust and strengthening peer relationships – at the top of a 6 metre pole! Teams of up to four pupils scale the pole to reach the small platform at the top. Balancing on the platform becomes more difficult as more team members arrive to share the space. The challenge is to cooperate and support each other. The task is complete when all four team members successfully stand together at the top of the pole. Weight limit: 150kg

Aqua Park

Our inflatable obstacle assault course, situated atop our very own on-centre lake will be sure to challenge your group as they attempt to make their way across without getting wet...who are we kidding, it's all about getting soaked! Available May to October, exclusive to Newby Wiske Hall

Aquafun

Have a splash with inflatable fun in the pool

Beach Games

Life's a beach! Fun games and activities on the coastline near to your centre.

Beach/Coastal Walk

Explore the area and discover the natural environment while our instructors lead activities or games along the beach or coastline close to your PGL centre. If appropriate to your choice of course, there are various practical tasks that you can carry out during your walk. There are opportunities to examine coastal features, compare local beach profiles and begin to explore marine ecology. *Exclusive to Bawdsey Manor*

Bodyboarding

Bodyboarding is a great way to introduce your pupils to surfing as it requires many of the same skills, but does not demand that the beginner manoeuvres a large surfboard. A body board is small and light and easier to handle; your pupils will learn how to catch, ride and enjoy the waves in the surfing environment. The perfect introduction to a very popular sport!

Bridge Abseil

New and exclusive to Ford Castle! The ultimate abseil experience! An exhilarating and unique Bridge Abseiling activity from the top of the bridge into the stunning valley below. This is sure to be an experience to remember for everyone! Watch pupils' courage, self-belief and confidence build as they walk backwards off the top, gradually working back towards ground level, suspended only on a rope. Some young people deal with heights more easily than others, but the support and encouragement of the rest of the group is important for each individual’s success and will help strengthen peer relationships.

Burn Walk

Groups explore a nearby burn, waterfall and a dam and learn about the impact of erosion, water filtration and the flora and fauna of the burn environment. On their way along the burn, groups participate in a number of activities designed to encourage communication, teamwork and leadership. The session ends with a review of what has been learnt and what the group will take back home with them from the experience. *Exclusive to PGL Dalguise*

Canoeing

Canoeing is exciting, challenging and fun. It’s also a great opportunity for students to learn new skills such as paddling and steering in order to control their craft effectively. Communication skills also play a part as students work together and encourage each other.

Challenge Course

The PGL Challenge Course is legendary – it’s a well-loved and popular activity with plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved; it can even get quite competitive sometimes! As your pupils negotiate the various obstacles that lie ahead, it’s an experience that will promote teamwork, lateral thinking, problem solving and decision-making – as well as being physically challenging too.

Climbing

Your pupils will need to combine different skills including perseverance, strength, an ability to deal with heights – as well as trust in their belay partner and equipment. Those who have never tried it before will find it an exhilarating experience. Climbing at PGL may take place on indoor walls or outdoor climbing towers; whichever it is, we always use a top-rope belay for safety. Weight limit: 140kg

Crate Climb

The crate challenge is a test of innovative thinking, construction, balance, courage – and above all effective teamwork. Your pupils’ activity group is divided into two teams that compete against each other to build the tallest tower of crates. With two pupils standing on top as the tower grows, each team has to come up with ever more innovative ways of getting more crates to the top, as the pair on top become more and more precariously balanced! Weight limit: 150kg

Disc Golf

Your group will love trying their hand at this exciting, fast-paced sport in the great outdoors! A flying disc sport, players will take it in turns to throw a frisbee disc at a target as they make their way across a 9-holed disc course! The perfect introduction to both frisbee and golf, Disc Golf is the ideal way to incite a little healthy competition amongst groups!

Eco Explorers

Embark on an engaging nature trail featuring themed boards, each brimming with fascinating facts, quizzes, puzzles, and sensory activities. Be immersed in the natural environment, discovering and learning about your surroundings in an enjoyable and interactive manner. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper appreciation for nature while promoting teamwork and exploration among the group.

Fencing

Fencing is a great workout for both body and brain. It’s challenging, exciting and involves good eye-to-hand coordination, fast footwork, lightning reflexes and even quicker decision-making. It’s a sport that offers huge potential for the enthusiast to learn more and progress at club level, but it’s also accessible and great fun for beginners too. Our qualified instructors will teach your pupils the basic principles and safety procedures before they progress onto outwitting their opponent in this great Olympic sport.

Forest Walk

Our staff lead a walk into the forest around the centre to discover the natural environment through activities, set tasks and games that will help your pupils get the most from their experience.

Giant Stand Up Paddleboard

The giant stand up paddleboard is a fun and relaxing way for your students to enjoy being on the water. It's a great activity for building confidence on a board through teamwork, balance and coordination. Available May to October.

Giant Swing

The ultimate test of nerve and joint decision-making. Two or three of your students are harnessed into the swing, while other members of the group haul them up to 10 metres into the air. After the group in the swing decide together how high they want to go, a pull on the ripcord will send them plummeting earthward. It’s a fast and exhilarating drop, but good communication will get the right balance between fear and fun! Weight limit: 150kg

High Ropes Course

The high ropes activity is designed to help your pupils improve levels of trust and co-operation amongst themselves. Essentially it’s an individual challenge course involving balance, passing obstacles and holding your nerve, because the whole event takes place 12 metres (40 feet) above the ground. The encouragement that comes from the rest of the group can make all the difference to their success – so the challenge is ideal for promoting teamwork and the value of mutual support. Weight limit: 150kg

Hike

Your pupils can discover the natural beauty of the local surroundings around their PGL centre on a hike led by our staff. We’ll organise activities and set tasks to help your pupils get the most from the experience.

Jacob’s Ladder

It’s an exercise in teamwork and friendly cooperation. Your group’s objective, in teams of three, is to climb to the top of a suspended ladder of logs. The gaps between each log become wider, the higher you go. Pushing up, pulling up, standing on shoulders – it’s all about working together to achieve a joint purpose. The activity promotes friendship, communication, discussion, leadership and decision-making as each team progresses to the top. Weight limit: 150kg

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way for your pupils to explore our lakes and rivers and it remains one of our most popular activities. Our instructors will help your pupils get started, teach them the basics and then help them to push the boundaries of what they can achieve. There are games and individual challenges to improve teamwork, communication and confidence on the water.

Keelboat Sailing

Learning the basics of sailing a larger dinghy is a rewarding experience, taking your pupils out of their normal environment and introducing a new set of skills. They’ll learn how (and when and why) to raise and lower the sails, and the importance of the keel that gives the boat its name. Our instructors are RYA qualified and will ensure your pupils get some hands-on experience; steering the boat and getting to grips with all the basic techniques required.

Laser 360

Introducing Laser 360; an exhilarating team event that’s easy to pick up, and much harder to step away from! Equipped with their very own laser gun and vest, groups will separate into two teams (Red vs green) where they’ll battle it out via a selection of tactical games. Combining team tactics, agility, communication, and determination, each team will work together to claim their spot as Laser 360 champions.

Low Ropes

At less than a metre above the ground, low ropes remove the fear of heights from what are essentially similar challenges and techniques to the high ropes. Being closer to the ground means your pupils have plenty of opportunities to take advice and discuss their options with the rest of the team. Negotiating the series of obstacles and challenges is not as easy as it looks. It’s teamwork and communication that will get them successfully around the course.

Micro Scooter

Watch on as your pupils hop aboard our marvellous Micro Scooters and whizz around with friends as part of this action-packed activity session. Groups will be shown how to manoeuvre safely as they spend time getting comfortable with their scooter, before participating in a series of exciting team games and challenges to help develop confidence and competence... along with those all-important coordination skills!

Orienteering

Orienteering makes an excellent introduction to practical map-reading and is an exciting way to get to know your surroundings on centre. Pupils work in small teams or in pairs to locate control points across the grounds of the centre. As it’s essentially a competitive activity, the idea is for your group to find all the controls more quickly than the others. The activity helps them to improve decision-making, map reading and correctly judging distances.

Problem Solving

Problem solving sessions test your pupils’ initiative and ingenuity. Children work in small teams to solve puzzles and complete set tasks - it’s a great way for your pupils to get to know each other really well. By the time they finish they’ll have an appreciation and understanding each individual’s ability (including their own!) when it comes to planning, communicating and making decisions – skills which are all key to achieving the objectives of each task.

Quick Jump

Attached to a harness, step into the air and enjoy the adrenaline rush of free falling until a giant fan sweeps you into flying mode, bringing you gently to land!

Raft Building

Down to the water’s edge and your pupils’ challenge is to design and build a robust and working raft. There’ll be a number of components available, including large plastic barrels, ropes and poles. Our staff can give as much or as little support as you’d like but it’s a great teamwork exercise and will help your pupils improve their communication, problem-solving and decision-making. Once rafts are ready to launch, the fun begins on the water!

Sensory Trail

The sensory trail is a challenge in more ways than one. During the activity your pupils will negotiate a series of obstacles – blindfolded – with the other members of their group for guidance. It’s a challenge, which raises questions about our abilities and assumptions, and demands mutual trust, self belief, and effective communication to complete the course successfully.

Stand Up Paddleboard

SUP is a fun and relaxing way for kids to enjoy the water, build confidence on a board, and learn a new skill - this activity has quickly become a favourite!

Street Surfing

It doesn’t take long for your pupils to master the art of Street Surfing and experience a great sense of achievement, which is a wonderful confidence booster. Although the equipment and technique are entirely different, street surfing does resemble skateboarding a little. The technique is said to be a combination of snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing and it’s increasingly used in training for snowboarders and surfers.

Survivor

Once the ‘wilderness’ scenario is set, your pupils need to develop effective teamwork to build their shelter. Basic navigational skills and meteorological skills help them decide the layout of the site. They will have to identify and share out the key responsibilities for getting each task completed, and communicate well to get the most from the project. Work as a team to build a wilderness shelter on centre, and learn how to stay warm and dry using whatever you can find. You’ll need to plan your camp taking into account the prevailing weather and then share out the tasks to get the shelter built before time runs out...

Swimming

Have a splash in our heated pool. Enjoy fun and games in and out of the water, under the supervision of a PGL Lifeguard

Trapeze

Each stage of the trapeze counts as a success and requires courage and determination. The challenge starts with a climb to the top of a 6 metre pole. Next, a climb onto the small platform will require balance as pupils stand to make that leap for the trapeze! It’s an exhilarating and heart-pounding activity that will bring your pupils together in their support for each other. It also gives each participant a very real sense of personal achievement. Weight limit: 150kg

Traverse elements

An activity to test skills any cat would find easy! For your pupils, though, there are some thrilling challenges involved to test balance, skill and courage. After a climb to the top of a telegraph pole, individuals will need determination to tackle the series of beams and wires that lie ahead. For those watching, they’ll offer support and encouragement from the ground as they grow stronger as a team and learn to appreciate each other’s efforts.

Treeclimb

Our qualified instructors help students to recognise and control the risks and then teach the basic skills and techniques needed for them to complete their climb into the treetops! Weight limit: 150kg

Tunnel Trail

On their own or in small groups, your pupils can discover a series of underground tunnels. The tunnels vary in size and they have various tasks to carry out during their exploration. Completing the tasks will improve pupils’ self-confidence, problem-solving skills and teamwork. Please note this activity will only be available between May and September at some centres due to weather.

Vertical Challenge

Vertical challenge offers a chance to use all those skills you would use in any ground-based challenge course – but it all takes place at height! Your pupils will be harnessed and instructed on how to belay each other. They make their way up a course of suspended obstacles that include climbing walls, cargo nets, crates and ropes. The Vertical Challenge develops physical skills as well as transferable skills including climbing, communication, cooperation and lots of group support. Weight limit: 150kg

Zip Wire

Once at the top of the zip wire platform, pupils are securely attached to the overhead wire before making their flight across the sky! Their route may take them through a forest or even over a lake. It’s a hugely exhilarating experience that requires personal courage and determination – it pushes most children beyond their natural comfort zone. It’s also a chance for the rest of the group to offer support and encouragement. Weight limit: 90-120kg (varies by location)

Ambush

If you love hide and seek, you’ll adore Ambush which takes this popular group game and ramps it up an extra notch! After sundown your group will split into small teams, with one team hiding within the centre grounds, leaving a trail for their competitors to follow. Great for developing strategic and team building skills. Ambush is usually run in the dark, and torches are advised. Available September to March

Balloon Splash

Each team completes a series of challenges or games to earn coins that will allow them to purchase items from a mystery box! Teams will then work closely together to create the best contraption to protect their water balloon from destruction.

Campfire

The ultimate way to enjoy the great outdoors as a group! Enjoy a campfire tailored to your requirements. Get hands-on constructing your campfire during the day, and it will be lit ready for you to enjoy in the evening. If your group loves to sing or simply relax with some games around the campfire, our team can cater for all ages in the idyllic settings of our campfires.

Cluedo

Team PGL need help to solve a great mystery onsite! Groups are given a map with locations of characters on, and a score card to find out who committed the crime! In groups they’ll work to locate the character somewhere onsite and have a task to complete to receive information about the suspect. This game can take place in the evening, so torches are advised.

Creation Station

After a busy day in the great outdoors, our Creation Station session offers the perfect chance to relax and socialise with friends, while creating a keepsake to take home. Choose from a selection of arts and craft activities; from rock painting to creating friendship bracelets. The ideal way to unwind and flex your creativity!

Disc Golf

Disco

A popular last night choice, guests learn the moves to popular hits with “follow-the-leader” sessions, plus lots of unique PGL dances! A fun and sociable evening.

Highland Games

Don your kilts to enjoy a selection of traditional Scottish games such as caber tossing and haggis throwing! Your team will create their very own Clan name before taking part in a series of thrilling challenges, before ultimately crowning the best Clan

Laser 360

Movie Night

Lights, camera, action! Our on-centre cinema experience offers groups the opportunity to chill out with friends after a long day of action-packed adventures, and enjoy a film! Perfectly coupled with a trip to the on-site shop to grab a movie snack!

Passport to the World

Hop aboard PGL airlines to take a trip around the world! Here, groups are given a map with a mixture of country flags located around the site. Each country has a plaque located on the point on the map. The plaques have questions to answer related to that country, which must all be answered correctly before returning to base. It might be dark when this activity takes place, so torches are advised.

PGL Games

A selection of exciting games to help burn off the final bit of energy before bed. These games include, battleships, can off & cornholes.

Photo Challenge

Follow the photo clues to navigate around the centres and answer questions

Pool Party

Have a splash in our heated outdoor pool. Enjoy fun poolside games and music with your Groupie, and under the supervision of a PGL Lifeguard

Quiz

In teams, guests are set a Q & A style challenges to engage their brains & increase their general knowledge.

Silent Disco

Party the night away without the noise of a disco. Every guest has their own set of headphones, where guests can select music from a number of channels to find the tunes they enjoy. Then spend the evening dancing away with friends or trying to guess what song your friends are listening to.

The BIG Uniform Takeover Weekend is happening at…

Dorset – Osmington Bay

Located on the spectacular Jurassic Coast, enjoying views across to Weymouth, Osmington Bay is an incredibly special place to visit. It boasts all the land-based activities that you would expect to find at a PGL centre, along with thrilling water sports at the nearby Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.

Explore Osmington Bay

Lancashire – Winmarleigh Hall

Winmarleigh Hall is a 19th Century country house set in 50 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland with a large, purpose-built lake. Close to the historic city of Lancaster and the Forest of Bowland, this centre is crammed with activites and things to do.

Explore Winmarleigh Hall

South Yorkshire – Dearne Valley

With fantastic indoor and outdoor activity facilities surrounded by the beautiful countryside of South Yorkshire, a purpose-built water sports lake and access to the adjacent River Don, Dearne Valley offers something for everyone.

Explore Dearne Valley

Sussex – Windmill Hill

Welcome to Windmill Hill, an impressive Grade II listed mansion house on the beautiful Sussex Downs… where big adventures, new discoveries and unforgettable experiences can be found around every corner!

Explore Windmill Hill

FAQs

Who can attend a Uniform Adventure Weekend?

Uniform Adventure Weekends are open to all uniformed youth organisations, including Scouts, Girlguiding, Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade and the Cadet Forces. Whether you’re a Squirrel, Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer, Rainbow, Brownie, Guide, Ranger or Cadet, you’re welcome to join the adventure.

When do the weekends take place?

This year’s Uniform Adventure Weekend will run from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.

Which PGL centres are hosting the event?

Uniform Adventure Weekends will be available at:

Dearne Valley
Osmington Bay
Winmarleigh Hall
Windmill Hill

Can we attend for just one day?

Yes. If your group can’t stay overnight, you can join us for a Saturday Day Visit.

Day visitors will:

Arrive at 9:00am
Take part in adventure activities throughout the day
Enjoy lunch and an evening meal
Depart after dinner

What activities are included?

Groups will enjoy a programme of exciting adventure activities designed to help young people build confidence, teamwork and resilience while working towards badge and award requirements.

The exact activity programme may vary by centre.