About Us
In the late 1960’s Birmingham County Scouts decided it was time to find a
new Campsite. Yorks Wood had provided a fantastic site for many years but as the
City of Birmingham grew, the country retreat that was Yorks Wood had found itself
encompassed with houses. Working parties were set up with volunteers searching all
around the Birmingham area to find a new Campsite. During these searches two gentlemen
made their way up a long drive to discover the Jewel that is Blackwell Court.
With tight finances the Birmingham Scouts found financial support from a local benevolent millionaire, Douglas Turner. His help allowed Blackwell Court to be purchased and the long job of turning a country house estate in to a campsite and activity centre began.
Yorks Wood, now part of Castle Bromwich was sold and some of the buildings were transported across the city to Blackwell. The Chalets at Blackwell Later Shortened to Blackwell Court, the centre opened to allow Scouts from Birmingham to enjoy the outdoors and experience new activities not available you young people in the city. Goals we still work towards today.
Within the Manor House laid many unseen treasures. Many of the rooms still contain their original fireplaces with some fine examples located on the ground floor.
The well equipped kitchen still retain many of there original feature the cupboards in the “Washing up room” are beautifully crafted glass fronted tall sliding cupboards and we are lucky to still have both of the tiled cold rooms, one of which retains its slate shelves. The crowning glory of the kitchens has to be 1891 Eagle Range made on Broad Street in Birmingham.
Over the years the developments outside of the house have continued with Toilet Blocks, Swimming Pools and Abseil Towers all being built.
In recent years much investment has been made to improve the standards of facilities at Blackwell Court both for campers and people staying indoors. The activity bases have increased with recent additions of a “High Poles Course” and “Indoor Climbing Wall” all these help to make us one of the foremost Campsite and Activity Centres in the Midlands.
Although we have a long relationship with the Scouts, Guides and voluntary youth movements we have recently seen a large increase in usage by Schools and Colleges this has allowed us to develop our products enabling us to increase the activities we offer to everyone.
Formed in 2005 Blackwell Adventure now manages the affairs of Blackwell Court. Since forming this company has seen an increase in trade allowing many more people to use the facilities. This in turn has allowed more people than ever to discover for themselves the Jewel that is Blackwell Court.
Association County of Birmingham. Registered in England number 1534697.
