Girlguiding Cheshire Forest is lucky to have a site like Pettypool.

A picturesque woodland setting

A beautiful woodland with campsites dotted throughout, activity areas, and indoor accommodation. But it hasn’t always been that way…

A glimpse into the past: Life Over a Century Ago

Imagine yourself living over a hundred years ago. You have just been for afternoon tea at Hartford Manor and are being driven home in a state-of-the-art carriage by your faithful retainer, John the Coachman.

After a short journey down a pleasant Cheshire country road, he guides a pair of superior horses round into your long carriage drive and takes you up to your own beautifully situated mansion.

A scenic retreat for the elite

As it is a beautiful summer evening, you decide to sit on the terrace at the back of the house. From there, you look out across the lawned and terraced tennis courts to the expanse of land that dips naturally before rising into a wooded area. Little did you know that in years to come, this view would be cherished by countless girls and women at the Girlguiding Cheshire Forest County Camp Site and Activity Area.

The origins of Pettypool House

The house was built by Lord Delamere at the beginning of the 19th century. He lived at Vale Royal Abbey and owned all the land between there and Pettypool, renting the house to his relations and other wealthy individuals.

A wartime transformation

During the Second World War (1939–1945), the British Army took over Pettypool House. It became a camp for soldiers, then for Italian prisoners of war, and later for Polish families who sought refuge in Britain. After the war, the house remained unoccupied and was eventually demolished in the 1950s.

Remnants of the past: Pettypool site today

Today, as you walk around Pettypool Site, you can still find traces of the modest country house that once stood there.

• House Grounds: The house itself stood on the wooded part at the back of the ‘Lookout’ campsite. The turning circle at its front is now within the grounds of the Mid Cheshire Sheltered Trust.
• Gardens: Much of the original gardens remain, especially the rhododendrons and non-native trees brought in during the house’s construction.

Historical markers around the campsite

• Stable Yard: Stones in the car park near the toilet block on ‘Butler’ campsite are remnants of the old stable yard, complete with a drainage hole in the centre.
• Greenhouse Remnants: Standing at the door of the shelter on ‘Greenhouse’ campsite, you can see the bases of some of the old greenhouses to the left. In the early days of Girlguiding Cheshire Forest, these were used to light hike fires.
• Campsite Names:
  • ‘Badger’ campsite was named for the badger sets found there.
  • ‘Willow’ campsite for the Willow trees present.
  • ‘Butler’ campsite, originally called Butler’s Path, was once a well-defined path used by the butler as he crossed from the House to the Cottage.

The transformation of Pettypool for Girlguiding Cheshire Forest

When the site was acquired for Girlguiding Cheshire Forest in 1977, it was largely undeveloped woodland. Volunteers spent countless hours clearing areas for campsites. Initially, there was no electricity, and water had to be turned off nightly. The main entrance gate was also locked each evening.

Pettypool’s origins and Girlguiding’s legacy

Pettypool itself was a main fishery for Vale Royal Abbey, and Pettypool House once stood beside the pool. Initially, the campsite used only the land inside the inner fence, with additional woodland acquired later. Buildings were absent until a garage was added for equipment storage, followed by the construction of the ‘Lodge’ for indoor accommodation.

• Olave Field: Created to celebrate Lady Baden-Powell’s centenary.
• Further Additions: Over the years, Cheshire Forest has made numerous improvements, thanks to the hard work and fundraising efforts of Cheshire Forest Guiders.

Building a legacy

Cheshire Forest initially rented the land from ICI, a company with major operations in Northwich. Through dedication and community effort, Cheshire Forest raised funds to buy the land, ensuring the Girlguiding Cheshire Forest owns and maintains this cherished site today.

If you are interested in learning more about Lord Delamere and his family, you can read it here.