Gilwell Park
Gilwell Park
Want to visit the home of adventure?
Close to London but with the tranquillity of a woodland location, Gilwell Park is famous throughout the world for its Scouting heritage, beautiful setting and stunning range of activities. On arrival at Gilwell Park, please make your way to the Syd Kesseler Centre to visit the Scout Adventures Reception.
With modern lodges, plenty of open camping space and spectacular views of the capital, we have 108 acres available for fun and adventure and for young people to experience the freedom of the outdoors.
Scout Adventures is run on a not-for-profit basis and is operated by The Scout Association, the UK’s leading youth charity in the UK. All Scout Adventure profits are reinvested into supporting outdoor adventure for young people and adult volunteers, and protecting our Scout Adventures site’s natural landscape for future generations. In line with Scout values (care, respect, integrity, cooperation, exploring our own and others’ beliefs) we believe in preparing young people with skills for life, creating better futures and giving everyone a place to belong.
Our centres offer a truly unique multi-cultural experience to every group that visits. Each year, over 120 volunteers from all around the world join our renowned international residential programme. In return, they are trained to deliver activities and adventures alongside our professional staff teams that engage, challenge, inspire, and help create memories for young people!
Heritage visits
Looking to visit Gilwell Park to find out more about it's fascinating 600 year history? We welcome UK and international day visitors to explore the estate, discover its historic landscape and deep connection to Scouting. Plan your visit by checking out our heritage trail, guided tours, talks and more. During your visit, don't miss the Hirsch Family Adventure Gallery, located inside the Syd Kesseler Centre. Opened in November 2025, this interactive gallery brings the story of Gilwell Park and Scouting to life through engaging displays and inspiring stories. It's open Sunday to Thursday 8am-6pm and Friday to Saturday 8am-8pm. If you're bringing a big group, please send an email to [email protected].
Our enquiry team are available to speak to you over the phone Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Sunday, 9am to 3pm - please call us on 020 8138 0191. Alternatively, please fill in our enquiry form.
Address: Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW
On arrival: On arrival, please make your way to the Syd Kesseler Centre, located near to the Branchet car park.
FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION
Camp or lodge? We've got it all.
On-site camping
A wide range of areas on-site to accommodate camps of all sizes from a small group to a large-scale camp of 2,500+ people. With excellent facilities available, wherever you choose to pitch your tent, you’ll never be far from toilets, showers and basins. Many of our camping sites are close to campfire circles which can be added to your stay or we can provide altar fires for you to fully immerse yourself in your camping experience. Please note that there is also electric hook up available on some pitches for an additional charge.
Tented Village
Why worry about having to bring lots of bulky equipment with you? Our tented villages takes care of all the hard work for you (well, most of it anyway!). Each of our tented villages (sleep up to 40 people or book both to bring up to 80 people) with the tents already pitched for you, complete with comfy mattress pads. There’s also a group shelter with tables, benches, lighting and a basic camp kitchen cabin. It’s a great alternative to the standard camping experience or even staying in a lodge. Mix it up a bit and book a different option each time you visit. Available to book from May to October.
The Syd Kesseler Centre
During your visit, be sure to stop by the Hirsch Family Adventure Gallery, located inside the Syd Kesseler Centre. Opened in November 2025, this interactive gallery brings the story of Gilwell Park and Scouting to life through engaging displays and inspiring stories. The Scout Adventures reception is also based in the centre, where our team can help with any questions, provide maps and directions, and give you a copy of the Gilwell Park Heritage Trail. You can also purchase a heritage quiz and pencil to explore the site in a fun and interactive way. While you’re here, visit the shop, which offers a range of Gilwell Park memorabilia, including badges, Gilwell training scarves, Wood Beads and much more. If you need any additional equipment during your stay, our team can also help with equipment hire such as tables and benches, ring burners and gas for cooking.
Prices
Gilwell Park
Schools and Youth Price List 2026
Our packages are so popular with schools and youth groups - an activity programme, accommodation and catering for a per head price.
Scouts and Guides Price List 2026
Reach for the stars, feet firmly on the ground, splash about, meet your targets and learn new skills at Scout Adventures.
Choose your own school adventure experience
It's your experience, so you're in charge. We believe that you should play a key role in designing your experience. To help, we have two basic products as a starting point:
Outdoor adventure
Young people are invited to paddle, climb and think their way through a series of exciting challenges, from canoeing and archery to high ropes and orienteering.
1-4 nights in our lodges or tented village.
Why? Form strong working relationships between teachers and pupils; develop initiative and self-reliance.
Adventure 50:50
Split your time between self-led sessions and instructed activities. We can help you meet your learning objectives by providing activities, skills or simply the space you need.
2-4 nights, full board accommodation in our lodges.
Why? Mix of teacher time and structured activities.
LOCAL AREA INFORMATION
Want more?
- Explore the capital – there are direct trains from Chingford to London Liverpool Street every 15 minutes.
- Go out with a bang … at the Royal Gunpowder Mills. Get out and about in 175 acres of open parkland, plus discover the history of gunpowder and explosives with activities for all ages.
- Go wild … at Lea Valley. Explore this 26 mile-long 10,000-acre park and enjoy a wide range of sport and leisure activities.
- Follow in the footsteps of heroes… at the Olympic Park and relive the magic of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Great for: access to London, range of activities, modern lodges.
ACCREDITATIONS
