A former Girlguiding activity centre in the Peak District is set to reopen as a camp, caravan site, and café under new ownership. The Glenbrook centre in Bamford, Hope Valley, which closed in December 2023, was purchased late last year by Glenbrook Holdings for an undisclosed sum.
Directors Andrew Lazenby and Gill Petty, both local residents, will operate the 10-acre site, which includes a house, cottage, a purpose-built dormitory block with a commercial kitchen, land ground pitches, and coach and car parking. The venue will reopen in April under the names Hope Valley Holidays and the Forest Stage café. The new operation is expected to create 10 to 15 jobs.
The new owners are coordinating with the local authority on planning matters. Andrew Lazenby said:
“As local residents, it has been disappointing to see the closure of this landmark Hope Valley facility for so long. We recognise the significance of this property and are dedicated to ensuring its future use, creating local jobs and contributing to the local economy. We plan to run Glenbrook as a camp and caravan site with a café at a later date, offering subsidised access for groups and working closely with the local community.”
”Our aim is to keep Glenbrook as a welcoming activity centre and hub, and have already secured a camping licence for the centre. We are also planning on working with an outdoor adventure centre to bring further activities.”
Lazenby told the East Midlands Business Link that thousands of girls, young women, and youth groups have historically used the venue to develop leadership, teamwork, and community skills. He said the new owners aim to preserve the site’s legacy while enhancing its facilities and introducing new visitors to the area.
The sale of Glenbrook was part of a wider decision by Girlguiding to close and sell five historic activity centres after decades of operation. Denise Wilson, chair of Girlguiding’s board of trustees, and Tracy Foster, chief guide and trustee, said the sale process was carefully considered to ensure suitable new ownership.
“We’re proud to see Glenbrook continue as a space for adventure and connection. The new owners’ plans mean the site will remain open and accessible to the local community and Girlguiding members alike, ensuring our legacy lives on.”
Proceeds from the sale of the activity centres are being directed into a designated fund to support the future of Girlguiding, including offering grants, improving experiences, and enhancing digital tools and archive access.
Travis Wood, senior associate commercial property solicitor at MD Law, which advised Glenbrook Holdings, said: “It has been a pleasure to be able to work with, and support Andrew and Gill on this exciting new project to bring a much-loved venue back into use.”
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the reopening of Glenbrook offers insight into repurposing legacy properties for camping, caravan, and activity-based operations, while maintaining local engagement and preserving historical significance.