Visit our Heritage Open Day

Visit Whiteley Woods Outdoor Activity Centre (OAC) on September 10 as it takes part in this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Heritage Open Days is a nationwide festival of history and culture in which volunteers give people the chance to see interesting places and try out new experiences.

Our volunteers have put together a guided tour of the OAC which delves into the history of the site, the Grade II-listed buildings, the hall that once stood there and the stories of some of the people who lived there.

Discover the story of the 300-year-old Grade II-listed stable blocks of Whiteley Wood Hall and experience the tranquil nine-acre grounds that surround it.

The stable block was originally used as domestic support buildings for Whiteley Wood Hall, which dated back to 1663. By 1929 the hall was in disrepair after the roof became damp. The estate had been divided up and Sheffield Girl Guides bought part of it in 1935 for £3,000. The roof of the hall was removed and the building was demolished in the early 1960s.

The stables themselves date back to the late 18th century and early 19th century, with mid and late 20th century alterations, and sit around a central yard. They currently house a residential facility, wardens’ cottages, storage and meeting areas and are surrounded by campsites and activity areas.

Various parts of the stables and site are named after famous people and benefactors who enabled Girlguiding Sheffield to own such a unique place. Thomas Boulsover, the inventor of Sheffield plate, purchased the hall in 1760 for 1,000 guineas and died there in 1788. Samuel Plimsoll, who rented the hall, was MP for Derby and entertained many well-known politicians at the hall in the 1870’s.

As well as guided tours throughout the day, children’s activities and refreshments will be available.

To find out more, visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/whiteley-woods-outdoor-activity-centre and to book a place on the tour visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/whiteley-woods-heritage-open-day-tickets-331490435817