Unique camping? Go Champing!

Champing is a portmanteau of church & camping. So you stay overnight in a church with several people. The idea arose because it was a shame that all those beautiful churches that England has were always empty. Champing is a sustainable way of staying overnight.

Campers are increasingly looking for special accommodations. Fortunately, the camping segment is also expanding. From hanging tents in trees to converted wine barrels: you can't imagine it. People are increasingly looking for surprising and original sleeping places.

England is rich in many beautiful churches. Many of them, however, stood empty. It is of course a shame to do nothing with such beautiful buildings. Thanks to the emerging camping trends and the number of vacant churches, 'Champing' was born. The Churches Conservation Trust coined the term 'Champing'.

Costs

It naturally varies per church, but for about 49 to 55 British pounds you can camp in the church for a night and you also get breakfast. You book an overnight stay in a vacant church, but you do have to bring your own sleeping gear. Usually airbeds or mattresses are ready for you, but you do have to bring your own sleeping bag. In most cases you have the church all to yourself. It is possible to spend the night romantically as a couple or with a group of friends. The price may be on average higher than a standard camping pitch, but it is of course a unique experience.

Besides the fact that it is special to spend the night in a church, with this overnight stay you help the local community. The largest part of the proceeds goes to the maintenance of the church. This way the churches retain their value. So you also do something good for others during your holiday!

Where

There are several places where you can Champ. For example, you can 'champ' in St. Cyriac church and St. Julitta church in Swaffham Prior near Cambridge, but also in places like Alswincle, Northamptonshire, West Stourmouth and Fordwich. The Churches Conservation Trust has already indicated that thanks to the enormous success, many more churches will open their doors for champing!

Does camping appeal to you? Then check out the website of The Churches Conservation.

Want to read more about special camping? Read on on our Blog! Or view the large range of campers and caravans on our website.