Unique camping? Go Champing!

Champing is a combination of church & camping. So you spend the night in a church with several people. The idea arose because it was a shame that all those beautiful churches in England were always empty. Champing is a sustainable way to spend the night.

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 anything so crazy. People are increasingly looking for surprising and original places to sleep.

England is rich in many beautiful churches. However, many of them were empty. It is of course a shame not to do anything with such beautiful buildings. Thanks to the emerging camping trends and the number of vacant churches, 'Champing' was born. The Churches Conservation Foundation has coined the term 'Champing'.

Costs

Of course it varies per church, but for about 49 to 55 British pounds you can camp in the church for a night and you will also receive breakfast. You then book an overnight stay in an empty church, but you must bring your own sleeping gear. Air mattresses or mattresses are usually available for you, but you must bring your own sleeping bag. In most cases you have the church to yourself. It is possible to spend the night romantically as a couple or with a group of friends. The price may be slightly higher on average than a standard camping spot, but it is of course a unique experience.

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

Where

There are several places where you can Champ. For example, 'championing' can take place in St. Cyriac church and St. Julitta church in Swaffham Prior near Cambridge, but also in places such as Alswincle, Norhhamptonshire, 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!

Would you like to try champing? Then take a look at the website The Churches Conservation.

Want to read more about special camping? Then read more on our Blog! Or look at the big picture range of campers and caravans on our website.