The Activity Field

 

Hallowtree Activity Centre is a 30-acre campsite set in the heart of the Suffolk Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site is owned by the Ipswich Scout District Liaison Committee and operated by a small volunteer management team.

Hallowtree is available for hire by Scout Groups and Guide Sections as well as some other organisations including charities, church and youth groups. If you’re interested and not sure if you fall into those categories, fill in a booking enquiry and we’ll be in touch.

The old Ipswich Airport. Can you spot the pre-A14 Hallowtree site? Photo: Rowland Carson

History

Hallowtree began in 1939 when George Ravenshear, who purchased Alnesbourne Priory, generously donated 8.5 acres of land and a building, known as the Raven Hut, to form a Boy Scout training ground.

In 1947 the Ipswich Boy Scout Association purchased a further 11.5 acres of land with welcome assistance from the Ministry of Education.

A year later, an additional 18 acres of land were acquired largely through the generosity of the executors of the late Bernard Pretty who was the chairman of the local association for many years. As an expression of his pleasure at the growth of the camping ground and fulfilling the original vision, George Ravenshear rounded the site off with a further donation of 2 acres of land.

Later on, 10 acres was lost to the development of the much-needed A14.

The site is now 30 acres in size with 10 being natural woodland. Construction of the district headquarters and activity centre were completed in 1990 with the official opening conducted by Chief Scout Gareth Morrison.

 

What you can expect from Hallowtree

  • Hardworking, helpful and motivated volunteer staff who will always do their best to help you
  • Unique experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime
  • Clean and modern facilities
  • A range of exciting activities
  • The opportunity to meet other groups and create lasting friendships

 

What Hallowtree expects from you

  • To follow the Scout Promise and Law
  • To let us know about any problems during your stay
  • To respect other groups and our staff
  • To help staff by leaving facilities in good order
  • To positively represent Scouting during your stay at Hallowtree and in the local area

 

Getting to Hallowtree

By road from the A14

Eastbound or Westbound, exit at junction 57 (Nacton) and follow the A1189 towards Ipswich.

After 200 metres make a left turn towards Orwell Country Park.

Follow the access road which will take you over the A14.

Make a left turn after the bridge, in front of the row of houses.