News by email Donate

Suggestions

World News

'Champing' sees churches become trendy new stays for holidaymakers

by Heather Preston
Champing 3.jpg - Banner image
Champing

Churches across the country are opening their doors to welcome holidaymakers looking for a unique place to stay.

The popular trend known as 'champing' invites guests to camp overnight inside a local church and enjoy its stained glass windows and historical architecture.

The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) launched the scheme in 2016 and says it is helping display the Church to a new audience. Spokesperson Fiona Silk told Premier this is down to its widespread appeal.

"It appeals to so many types of people, those who want to experience something different, people who haven't set foot in a church for years, those attending a wedding or funeral, it appeals to all faiths as well. So, literally everybody, all generations."

CCT care for redundant churches as well as partnering with active places of worship. There are currently 18 historic churches across England available for champing, seven of which are active churches, where you are welcome to join their Sunday services following your stay.

The sites range from a church which inspired the opening chapter of Great Expectations to medieval buildings in quiet villages.

Describing one of the locations, St Mary the Virgin in Fordwich, Kent, Silk said it can offer a peaceful atmosphere for people: "We like to make it very welcoming for everybody, to open that big wide ancient door you see fairy lights, you see cushions, cosy place for chairs and camping area and camping beds as well. It does create a cosy space.

"Having those solid walls around you can create such a sense of peace you also have such a quiet time within that church, you close that ancient door and you don't have any sound at all."

Silk said ‘champing’ creates more sustainability for churches whilst also fulfilling a mission of increasing a churches audience.

Last year champing sites generated record income for the charity and it now plans to expand the business, adding a further 12 churches to its catalogue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate