Queen Charlotte's Wood

  • The Hideaway

    Looking for a comfortable place to stay for a Beaver Sleepover or Pack Holiday? The Hideaway is a wonderfully secluded log cabin with space for up to 30 people located in the grounds of our beautiful Queen Charlotte’s Wood Activity Centre.

    Fees for 2024 Mersey Weaver Scouts/Guides Schools, Charities & Youth Groups Other Organisations
    Per night (min two) £160 £180 £210 £500

    Don’t forget if you want to use one of our two campfire circles, they must be pre-booked here:

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  • Camping at QCW

    Looking for a quiet and secluded place to camp? Queen Charlotte’s Wood has 11 distinct and beautiful pitches to choose from. Located between the quiet backroads of Frodsham and Alvanley and not far from the Sandstone Trail, it is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is space for about 150 campers on site at any one time while still preserving the site’s unique ‘magic’.

    • Not sure on exact numbers? Give us an approximate number and you can update your booking nearer the time via our camper update form!
    • Please note Deposits are non-refundable
    • We are able to accommodate 5 x groups of 36 People on site at a time. If you need to book for more than 36 people then please make more than one booking so you are allocated multiple zones.
    • We will always do our best to give you your preferred pitch but this may not always be possible due to availability and ground conditions etc.
    • Discounts are applied in the basket and only if you have the correct membership profile applied

    Fees for 2024

     

    		 Mersey Weaver Scouts/Guides Schools, Charities & Youth Groups Other Organisations
    Per person per night £3.50 £4.50 £7.00 £7.50

    Looking for indoor accommodation on site? Check out The Hideaway

    Don’t forget if you want to use one of our two campfire circles, they must be pre-booked here:

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  • Air Rifle Shooting Session (QCW Range, Instructor & Equipment)

    The indicative cost above is for a 2 hour session with 6 simultaneous shooters on the firing line and 1 instructor.  The actual cost of you booking will be shown below once you have chosen, the number of simultaneous shooters and your chosen session duration

    The new target sports range (The Gallery) opened in Autumn 2022,  We have a stock of equipment suitable for Cubs through to Explorer aged young people and adults.

    Our NRSA qualified Instructors will run the range and provide instruction to participants.  One instructor is recommended for every 6 Scouts/Explorers shooting; however, this ratio may be adjusted depending on the age/maturity of the shooters on agreement of the Instructor. Cubs (minimum age 8) may need a higher ratio of supervision on the range (e.g. 1 instructor  plus 1 adult helper for 6 simultaneous Cubs shooting).

    The booking includes the range , springer air rifles (Gamo Delta Fox), 1 pack of 50 targets (17cm), 1 tin of 500 pellets (4.52mm) and services of one qualified NRSA Air rifle Target Sports Team member who is also RCO qualified..

    Session will start with a 10 minute safety briefing for all shooters, allow 5 minute turnaround time between groups of shooters.  Therefore in a 2 hour booking, a maximum of 3 x 30 minutes sessions is possible allowing for safety briefing and changeovers (i.e  3 sessions x 6 rifles = 18 participants).

    Note: A group of 6 shooters will typically shoot three targets of 10 shots in a session (i.e. 540 pellets and 54 targets.  Therefore we recommend purchasing additional 1 pack of rifle targets and 1 tin of 250 pellets when making the booking, unless you are providing your own consumables.

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  • Archery Session (QCW Range, Equipment & Instructor)

    The indicative price above is for a 2 hour session which provides sufficient time to handle up to 18 participants as  3 groups of 6 simultaneous archers on the shooting line. The actual cost of your booking will be shown below after you select the number of simultaneous archers and the length of your desired session. Scout Groups/Explorer Scout Units receive a discount which is applied during checkout provided that you log in with an account that has the appropriate membership profile applied. If you don’t see the discount and you are logged in, click here.

    The target sports  range located at Queen Charlottes Wood has a covered shooting area together with a stock of equipment suitable for Beavers through to Explorer aged young people and adults.

    We have a number of Permitted Archery Instructors who can be booked subject to availability, in advance, should you not have your own Permitted Instructor. Currently, they are only available by prior arrangement in evenings or at weekends.  One instructor is required for every 6 archers shooting; however, this ratio may be adjusted depending on the age/needs of the archers (e.g. Beavers may need a higher ratio of supervision on the range). For most bookings at QCW we recommend 6 simultaneous archers.

    Each set of archers will start with a 10 minute briefing on safety and use of bow for all archers, allow 5 minute turnaround time between sets of archers.  Therefore in a 2 hour booking, 3 x 30 minutes sessions is possible allowing for safety briefing and changeovers (i.e 3 sessions x 6 bows =18 participants).

    Points of Note:

    • We require that an adult volunteer from the group stay on the range with the instructor over the course of the session.
    • Proof of parental/guardian/carer’s permission for participant to take part in the archery session is available for review by the instructor prior to the start of the session.
    • Details of any participant who is on medication and/or may require additional support must be provided well in advance of the session so that any additional support requirements can be assessed and managed.

    If you have your own qualified Archery Instructor and equipment, the range can be booked on its own here.

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  • Crate Stacking at QCW (Self Led)

    We have 20 heavy duty plastic crates that can be used for crate stacking/climbing. Please note this is a self led activity and you will require your own instructor who is competent enough to confidently set this activity up. Crate Stacking/Climbing is classified as a High Ropes activity and you must follow the relevant factsheet from The Scouts.

    The crates can be hired and used for a crate stacking activity with:

    If hiring for Crate Stacking at QCW, the crates come with the following equipment:

    • 2 Belay points (11mm Slings, 2 x Canvas rope protector, 2 x Carabiners)  – one for belaying, another for pulley system. These are in situ on the tree that has been designated suitable by a competent person.
    • Lyon Climbing Ballast Bag with sand & DMM Shadow HMS Screwgate Carabiner for securing the belayer
    • Petzl GRI GRI belay device & DMM Belay Master Carabiner for belayer
    • 1x Mammut Sender Screwgate Carabiner for clipping in climber
    • 3 x Edelweiss 30m Climbing ropes
    •  1 x Petzl Vertical Wire Lock Carabiner for clipping onto crates
    • Climbing Harnesses and Helmets (these are shared with the climbing wall)

    N.B. To use the crates at Queen Charlotte’s Wood, you must also be booked in as a Day Visitor, Evening Visitor, Camper or for The Hideaway

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  • Crossbow Session (QCW Range, Instructor & Equipment)

    The indicative cost above is based on a 2 hour session with use of 6 crossbows (simultaneous shooters on the firing line) and 1 NSRA qualified RCO/instructor.  The actual cost of your booking will be shown below once you have selected the number of crossbows/simultaneous shooters and desired session timings

    Once you have configured and submitted your booking request (by clicking the “check availability” button to put the booking in your basket and when ready go to the basket and checkout your order). Once the order is submitted we will check instructor availability for the requested date/time before confirming the booking and requesting payment.
    Our NRSA qualified Instructors will run the range and provide instruction to participants. Currently, they are only available by prior arrangement.  One instructor is recommended for every 6 Scouts/Explorers shooting; however, this ratio may be adjusted depending on the age/maturity of the shooters on agreement of the Instructor. Note Our minimum age for crossbow shooting is 10 years old. (note we do have 6 fun crossbows and targets for use by Beavers and Cubs which can be used anywhere within reason).

    The booking includes the use of the outdoor target sports range , crossbows (EK Archery Jaguar MK1 with 40lb draw weight fitted fitted red dot sight), crossbow targets suitable for use at 10m, target bosses and services of one qualified NRSA Crossbow YPS Tutor(or NRSA Club Instructor or Coach).

    Each set of shooters will start with a 5-10 minute briefing on safety and use of crossbow for all shooters, allow 5 minute turnaround time between sets of shooters.  Therefore in a 2 hour booking, 3 x 30 minutes sessions is possible allowing for safety briefing and changeovers (i.e 3 sessions x 6 crossbows = 18 participants).

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  • Day / Evening Visitor

    Fees for 2024 Mersey Weaver Scouts/Guides Other Organisations
    (per person per day) £1.00 £1.50 £2.50

    If you are a group larger than 40 people then please place multiple bookings to ensure an adequate amount of space is allocated to you.

    If you are a Mersey Weaver Group, looking to make a free evening visit during a week night please book here

    Don’t forget if you want to use one of our two campfire circles, they must be pre-booked here:

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  • Mersey Weaver Evening Visitor

    We welcome Mersey Weaver groups and units to use Queen Charlotte’s Wood for evening activities free of charge during the week.

    If you are a non Mersey Weaver Group looking to make an evening booking, please book as a day or evening visitors here

    Don’t forget if you want to use one of our two campfire circles, they must be pre-booked here:

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  • Laavu

    A Lavvu is a dwelling used by the Sami people of northern Scandinavia. If you’re looking for something different, then why not leave the tents at home and try out our take on a Finnish Lavvu? Just bring a pan, insulating mat and a sleeping bag! The shelter sleeps up to 5/6 Scouts.

    The Laavu was constructed in June 2019 in recognition of the service of ex-campsite manager Ian Nicholas.

    Fees for 2024 Mersey Weaver Scouts/Guides Schools, Charities & Youth Groups Other Organisations
    Per person per night £4 £5 £7.50 £8.00
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  • Mobile Climbing Wall @ QCW

    Please use this product to book the wall at Queen Charlotte’s Wood. You must also be booked in as a Day Visitor, Evening Visitor, Camper or for The Hideaway. If you wish to book the wall for use offsite you should book here

    Why not give Rock Climbing a go? We own a 9 metre high mobile climbing wall that lives at Queen Charlotte’s Wood and can be used on site while not out on hire.

    The wall can accommodate up to five climbers at any one time. Included in the hire are enough harnesses, helmets, ropes and carabiners for 20 people so the whole section can have a go…

    While we can sometimes help with permit holders, the wall comes as a dry hire and you will need to arrange your own instructor(s). We recommend using the permit holder search functionality in Compass to find and contact permit holders.

    Fees for 2022: Mersey Weaver Scouts/Guides Other Charitable Organisations
    Per hour* £17.50 (Max charge £35) £22.50 £22.50

    If you would like some crates to run crate stacking on the end of the wall off the you can add these to your basket for an extra £30/day here

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  • Main Campfire Circle

    Queen Charlotte’s Wood boasts  a superb campfire facility that can be used for your event.

    Once you have made you’re booking with associated product your booking will then be confirmed by the bookings manager.

    N.B the Campfire Circle must be booked alongside either Camping, The Hideaway, The Bothy, Laavu, Evening Visitor or Day Visitor.

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  • Outdoor Kitchen & Secondary Campfire Circle

    Queen Charlotte’s boasts an incredible secondary campfire circle and outdoor kitchen area close to Badger’s Rake and The Pines that visitor’s can use to cook a rustic feast!

    The renovated campfire area was constructed in 2022 in memory of the late campsite manager April Nicholas.

    As well as providing seating for at least 24 people around the campfire circle, the outdoor kitchen area comes with a traditional wood fired pizza oven, two altar style barbecues and four stainless steel work surfaces allowing you to leave your mess tent and gas stoves at home!

    It’s not just Pizza you can cook in the oven either! Why not try baking fresh bread, slow cooked meat, fish or even a full roast dinner?!

    N.B The Campfire & Outdoor Kitchen area must be booked alongside either Camping, The Hideaway, The Bothy, Laavu, Evening Visitor or Day Visitor.

    The type of wood used for the pizza oven is very particular you must use hardwoods with a moisture content of less than 20%. Please refer to the operating manual for detailed instructions. Please ensure the kitchen and campfire circle is left tidy and immaculate for the next group.

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  • The Gallery Sheltered Activity Area

    The Gallery has a grassed Geogrid surface providing a flat surface which can be used in most weathers, 36m2 covered hardstanding area with light, power and gated access point.  Suitable for outdoor activities, meetings or just when you want an enclosed area to use!

    It can also be used as an outdoor cinema/disco area when booked in conjunction with our 185 inch mobile screen and active PA speakers.

    It  you want to book The Gallery for Target Sports Activities please book the Target Sports Range using one of the following products:

    N.B  The Gallery must be booked alongside either Camping, The Hideaway, The Bothy, Laavu, Evening Visitor  or Day Visitor.

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  • Target Sports Range Self Led (QCW Range and Target Holders Only)

    The indicative price above is for 1 hour session with the use of six bosses or target holders. The actual cost for your booking will be shown below once session duration chosen.

    If you have your own permitted Archery/NSRA crossbow instructor and Target Sports equipment, Mersey Weaver have a target sports range located at its idyllic Queen Charlottes Wood Activity Centre.

    The range only booking comes equipped with:

    • For Archery/Crossbows – 6 x 90cm bosses
    • For Air Guns – 6 x stands with target holders
    • The minimum bookable time is 1 hour and thereafter in 30 minute increments.

    The hirer will need to provide their own paper targets and equipment. Access (codes) to The Gallery starts at your booked start time; you also must clear up and leave The Gallery by the end of your booked end time. Therefore allow time for setup and clear up  when selecting your start and end time. You also need to book a QCW evening visitor (or day visitor) as numbers on site are controlled and you will need QCW gate codes to be issued by the QCW bookings team.

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  • The Bothy

    The Bothy is a large wooden summer house suitable for use as a base or office. There is electricity and heating inside, along with microwave, kettle and hot water boiler with a cold water stand pipe located just outside. There is a tote of basic crockery for basic meals and beverages. The building also has Wi-Fi and a USB-A mobile phone charging point – perfect for leaders to run activities from. The building is not suitable for sleeping.

    Please note we use the Bothy to store activity equipment and other groups on site may be given temporary access in order to collect or return the equipment.

    N.B The Bothy must be booked alongside either Camping, The Hideaway, The Bothy, Laavu, Evening Visitor  or Day Visitor.

    Fees for 2024 Mersey Weaver Scouts/Guides Schools, Charities & Youth Groups Other Organisations
    Per night £10 £25 £50 £50
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  • Queen Charlotte’s Wood Badge

    Why not complete the visit by purchasing everyone a QCW souvenir badge? Perfect for adding to a campfire blanket!

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An idyllic outdoor retreat! Camping and Indoor accommodation available in 9 acres of undulating woodland.