Champing

Allow us to introduce All Saints, Muggleswick!

This tranquil, out-of-the-way 18th-century church provides the perfect escape from everyday worries. It sits in quiet solitude on a hilltop overlooking the moorland, just a ten minutes’ walk from the ruins of a medieval monastic grange. But this church isn’t without its adventurous history; its 20th-century lychgate was constructed in 1933 using the salvaged timbers of the British Royal Navy cruiser the HMS Powerful.
This lovely building can host up to six guests, and has running water, electricity, and an indoor, flushing loo, as well as a fridge, microwave, toaster, and kettle; everything you need for a cosy getaway. Oh, and the rainbow is included.

Book your stay at Muggleswick today: https://champing.co.uk/church/muggleswick-co-durham-champing-church/

Or visit our website to discover our range of Champing™ churches around the country. Happy champing!

We have recently welcomed three new Champing partner churches!
You can now book a stay at St. Gwrhai’s, Penstrowed in Wales; All Saints, Rotherby near Melton Mowbray and last but not least All Saints, Laxfield in Suffolk.
All Saints, Laxfield is our most recent partner church and it is bursting with history. The village of Laxfield was largely complete by 1488 and has retained much of it’s medieval character. In March of this year, it was listed among the 30 best villages in Britain by the Telegraph. The article titled ‘Britain’s 30 Greatest Villages’ describes Laxfield as a less touristy alternative to Lavenham, popular as one of Britain’s best preserved medieval villages. It goes on to praise the beauty and authenticity of Laxfield’s Tudor Guildhall, as well as All Saints rare Seven Sacraments font. With market and seaside towns nearby there is lots to do around here and a pint in the King’s Head pub – thatched roof, no bar, beer straight from the cask – sounds like an experience not to be missed.
Champing is one of the most budget friendly ways to experience Laxfield and if you book your stay for one of the monthly coffee mornings you will get a great chance to meet the locals.
Book your next adventure today: https://champing.co.uk/

Photographs: 1 & 4) Laxfield, 2) Rotherby 3) Penstrowed

Can you name the seven sacraments? If not, the seven sacrament font at our newest Champing church – All Saints, Laxfield - can help! This beautiful carved font bears eight distinct panels depicting the baptism of Christ and all the sacraments: matrimony, baptism, confirmation, ordination, mass, confession, and unction or last rites. The font rests on a cross-shaped base, with room between the arms of the cross for the priest and the baptismal party. The sacraments depicted here represented threatening, Catholic imagery to Anglican reformers during and after the Reformation, and were defaced. Luckily, the font itself survives; and you can examine its beauty up-close when you book your next Champing stay at All Saints, Laxfield!

Immerse yourself in history with Champing: https://champing.co.uk/church/laxfield-suffolk-champing-church/

You won’t be the first to sleep overnight at All Saints, Rotherby!

During the Civil War, this 13th-century church hosted a rector from the neighbouring parish of Hoby, who fled to Rotherby along with his family and took up residence in the church after his living was repossessed by Parliament. After leaving Hoby, the family made a home in the churchyard of All Saints; later, they moved inside to inhabit the belfry. This beautiful church, with its offset west tower, has provided a place of refuge for centuries. Now, you can become part of Rotherby’s history! Book your stay at All Saints, Rotherby, today: https://champing.co.uk/church/rotherby/

We’ll provide the cosy blankets, cushions, camp beds and chairs, and hot drinks; you bring your friends and family for an unforgettable Leicestershire adventure.

Miles of trails, Sutton Hoo, the Suffolk coast, the Mid Suffolk Light Railway: all these things and more are right on your doorstep when you book your Champing stay at our newest Champing church: All Saints, Laxfield! And that’s in addition to this stunning 14th-century church with its imposing tower, rich carvings, and magnificent seven sacrament font, a survivor of the iconoclasm of the English Reformation. We’ll also throw in a flushing loo, a well-appointed kitchen, and a cosy, 16th-century pub literally next door. What more can we say? This one speaks for itself, people!

Book your Suffolk stay now: https://champing.co.uk/church/laxfield-suffolk-champing-church/

Reach for the stars in Penstrowed! Our newest Champing partner church, St. Gwrhai’s in Penstrowed, Wales is located only a 20min drive away from the Cambrian Mountains, which have 9- yes, 9! Dark Sky Discovery sites for you to visit, so bring warm clothes and get out there on a clear night to marvel at the stars.

You don’t have to forego comfort on a romantic weekend in this secluded church. The church hall next door provides access to a well-equipped kitchen and there's a flushing loo.

Nearby Newtown has a variety of supermarkets so grab some breakfast provisions and feel free to use the kettle, microwave, fridge and cooker at your disposal. There’s also some takeaway options, so plenty of choice and no need for washing up unless you really want to.

Book your next getaway now: https://champing.co.uk/church/penstrowed/

Image 1 (c) Ella Fielding
Image 4 (c) Joseph Casey

Get your boots on and roam the Severn Valley! Our newest Champing partner church, St. Gwrhai’s in Penstrowed, Wales, is perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

This tiny, charming church sits in the Severn River Valley, a short drive away from the breathtaking Cambrian mountains. Walkers and hikers will love its proximity to the Severn Way long distance path, as well as the many local walks the surrounding area has to offer, including a canal path from the nearby village of Newtown to Welshpool. Cyclists, we haven’t forgotten about you; National Cycle Route 81 passes just a short ride away from the church, which makes St Gwrhai’s the perfect base from which to explore miles of trail.

Dogs on leads stay for free! And with Falconry Experience Wales and Canoeing nearby St. Gwrhai’s offers excitement for the whole family.

Book your next adventure today: https://champing.co.uk/church/penstrowed/

Severn Way: https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Severn+Way

Cycle Route 81: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-81/ Sustrans

Images:
1) Joseph Casey
3) Andy Marshall

Introducing St. Gwrhai’s Penstrowed! Our second Welsh church, after St. Dona in Llandona, which is already one of our most popular sites.

For those, who want to visit Wales with friends or family St. Gwrhai’s offers space for up to four people.

This single-room church provides the perfect space for peaceful reflection. Even better, it opens out onto the lush, green Severn Valley, putting everything that the stunning mid-Wales outdoors has to offer right on your doorstep. The church hall next door provides access to a well-equipped kitchen including a cooker, microwave, and fridge, as well as a flushing toilet.

If you’re not a Welsh speaker you might want to look up the pronunciation of “Gwrhai” and “Penstrowed” (the latter is slightly easier to work out) before visiting in case you need to ask for directions.

Book your Welsh adventure now: https://champing.co.uk/church/penstrowed/

Images 3 & 4 (c) Joseph Casey

Penstrowed St Gwrhai's Church in Penstrowed, Powys, Wales. Champing™ St Gwrhai's Church in Penstrowed is open for up to 4 overnight guests, and ideally situated for an outdoor adventure.

Our 2025 Champing season has officially started! You have from now until October to get your fix of magical overnight stays in historic churches. Whether you are looking for a family adventure, a nature retreat or a dog-friendly holiday – we’ve got you covered. Find all our most breath-taking sites at https://champing.co.uk/ . And sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with all things camping and churches!

Images (c) Joseph Casey and David Joyner

Have you seen our new website? https://champing.co.uk/ has had a bit of a re-vamp, which has made it easier for our customers to navigate. Have a browse, find helpful reviews, recommendations for large group bookings or family adventures, explore our new filter function to suit your needs and get a quick overview of amenities at the top of each page.
Find something you like and book your next adventure today!

Photographs (c) Joseph Casey