The Peter Ashley Activity Centres (Fort Purbrook & Fort Widley) are based on the south coast, just north of Portsmouth and is a registered charity providing and enabling a wide range of sports and activities for children and adults.
It was in 1983 that the Portsmouth Youth Activities Committee, a charity led by its Chairman, the late Peter Ashley, took the nearby Fort Purbrook on a 21 year lease from Portsmouth City Council and embarked on an extensive renovation programme to transform it into a dynamic activity centre for young people. Their work later extended to our very own Fort Widley in 1990 and the two Forts together were re-named The Peter Ashley Activity Centres in 1993.
Since then, many varied activities and facilities have been provided for all to enjoy.
There is no doubt that the historic environment of the Forts, with unrivalled views over Portsmouth, make for a unique setting in which to learn and enjoy new and challenging activities. Over the years, thousands of young people and members of the community of all ages and abilities have enjoyed the “experience of the Forts” and, with a new 40 year lease on the premises, the Trustees of the now Peter Ashley Activity Centres Trust aim to build on progress to date and continue to expand and upgrade the facilities in order to provide meaningful and challenging opportunities for all for years to come.
Established for over 20 years, Fort Widley is an A.B.R.S and B.H.S approved riding and training centre. The Centre has a wide selection of horses and ponies that range in size and ability ensuring that riders of all abilities can be accommodated. Only BHS qualified instructors are permitted to take riding lessons, ensuring that every riding lesson is a safe and pleasurable experience.
With a purpose built indoor riding school with a heated viewing gallery which was opened in 1995 by HRH princess Anne. Adjacent to the indoor school is a large outdoor floodlit manege. These facilities ensure a great riding experience, what ever the weather.
From Walkouts, Riding Lessons, Own a Pony Days and our new Tiny Tots lessons we have everything for everyone. We also have two clubs, our Saddle and Pony Clubs. We also run Stable Management Classes and hire the school out for private hires.
Whether you are planning a visit for a particular session or for a longer visit we hope to see you soon and that you will enjoy the unique atmosphere afforded by these historic buildings.
Lyn Ashley, President of the Trust.
