It could be the answer to every budget tourist’s prayers – a night in a historic church.
Hard-up vicars are opening their doors to holidaymakers who want to save a few pennies from heaven.
Church camping, dubbed “champing”, is the brainchild of a charity that raises money to save churches.
So far its website, called champing.co.uk, has 21 churches offering a night’s stay from £49 per adult.
Many are in stunning locations like St Dona’s in Llanddona on the isle of Anglesey, North Wales.
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The whole building is yours for the night but don’t expect room service, TVs or heating.
Some do not have hot water or electricity either but you might get “one or two bats in the roof”.
St Thomas’ in Friarmere, Lancs, is described as an “atmospheric place to stay with a pub right next door”.
And medieval St Nicholas’ in Berden, Essex, is a “high-amenity” church with “electricity, hot water, a fridge, a microwave, a sink and a flushing toilet”. Fiona Silk, of the Churches Conservation Trust, said: “We are helping keep these buildings alive for future generations, with money raised going towards the upkeep of these ancient buildings.
“Visitors get to enjoy history by becoming a keyholder for the night and giving everyone an opportunity to experience the serenity of the sacred space.
“You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the stories these buildings share, having survived centuries and being such an important part of community life for so long.”
Rates are £49 weekdays, £59 Friday to Sunday for adults. Kids pay £25, or £30 Friday to Sunday. Breakfast is £12.50.
Guests can bring their own booze and volunteers set out camp beds, chairs, plus tea and coffee making facilities.
Some churches like St Mary the Virgin in Fordwich, Kent, have even turned pews into makeshift beds.
Bedding and breakfast are extras, as are flushing loos. Dogs are welcome.
But the website warns: “Unsurprisingly, not a single one of our churches has shower facilities… so be prepared for people to give you a wide berth if you stay for more than two or three nights.”
