
Ever fancied sleeping in a historic church? Well, now you can, and it’s called ‘champing’. This new concept of camping overnight in a place of worship has been created by the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) and it has actually trademarked the term champing.
The national charity, which protects historic churches at risk, directs all of the income raised through champing into repairing and maintaining churches. Hundreds of happy champers stayed overnight in these historic spaces last summer and due to its popularity 16 more churches were opened this year, bringing the number of venues available to 27.
The churches are not normally heated so the champing season runs from March until September. It costs £49 per adult and that includes the use of camp beds, with the option of breakfast for an additional £12.50. It’s a great example of utilising unique historic spaces while preserving heritage.