Page 30 - Oundle Life November 2022

CHAMPING?
at Aldwincle Chuch
Have you heard of champing? Staying the night in a church might not be first on everyone’s holiday destination list, but church camping, or champing as it’s called, is proving popular amongst those who love heritage or something altogether a bit different.
Champing began in the lovely village of Aldwincle, back in 2015, where a chance meeting with local water-sports provider Canoe2 enabled the launch of what champing has become today. Those paddling down the River Nene were transported to rest
their weary arms and stay the night nearby in All Saints Church. The idea caught on, and soon champing spread, with overnight experiences offered in 20 churches around the country.
If the church doesn’t have running water or electricity (these are ancient buildings don’t forget!), then you’ll be provided with a gas stove to heat bottled water, and a eco-friendly composting toilet too! Importantly you get the whole church to yourselves.
Staying at Aldwincle Church is a rare chance to experience a medieval interior up close, with limestone arches giving a light-filled space. Sleeping up to 12 people, it’s a way to slow down and appreciate the things that matter. Reading
Champing is delivered by The
Churches Conservation Trust (CCT),
the charity that cares for over 350
redundant churches. With money raised going back into maintaining these ancient buildings, it serves a purpose to help keep the church at the heart of the community.
sure you order a hearty farmhouse cooked breakfast delivered to your church door by the neighbouring Pear Tree Farm. It’s a complete getaway and something so different!
It’s a complete getaway and something so different it’s refreshing!
the guest book, ‘champers’ have enjoyed watching geese flying home
to roost, spotting bats flying around the churchyard, early morning walks or strolls along the river to the local pubs. They also recommend eating out at the popular The Fox Inn at Thorpe Waterville and The Kings Head at Wadenhoe, and in the morning, make
When you stay the night and locate your church key (instructions are provided before you arrive), you enter through an ancient wooden door, and are greeted with everything set-up for you – camping bed and lantern, a cosy seating area with glowing fairy lights and battery candles, and provision for hot drinks.
The Champing season is open from April to October, for stays from £49 per person. For further information visit www.champing.co.uk
or email champing@thecct.org.uk
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Image credit: images taken by Joseph Casey