Northern Champing Tour

Did you know we have four Champing Churches you can stay at in the North? As lovely and popular as our more southerly sites are, we would like to introduce you to 4 unique churches in an area you might not have considered before. What’s more, they are all perfectly situated for a tour of them all, so let’s get you started. Mileage stated is based on using major routeways, so please check out safe cycle routes yourself.

St Luke in Clifton West Cumbria

The most northernly is St Lukes in West Cumbria. The most modern church on our tour, this is a late Victorian church with a gorgeous stained-glass window. It has a kitchenette with a microwave and toaster and is only 4 miles from Cockermouth, in the Lake District. What’s more, it’s a short distance from the start of the Cumbrian Coast Cycle Path, a 58-mile route taking in the sights of villages, a RSPB wetlands reserve and the sandy beach of Allonby which ends up in Carlisle. If you are cycling, you can store up to 4 clean bikes inside the church with you at night, and there is on the road parking outside for cars and motorbikes. Sleeps 1-4 Champers

St Mary’s in Longsleddale, Cumbria

The second stop is St Marys near Kendal, Cumbria. This Victorian church is set in the middle of a valley with stunning views and babbling brooks and is 1 hour and 20 min drive from St Lukes, just over 53 miles away. A truly unplugged adventure as there are no mobile signals in the valley- think of all that peace and quiet! You can use the community hall to cook your breakfast, make a picnic and fill up those water bottles before you head out for the day- just don’t forget to do the washing up first! Sleeps 1-5 Champers

St Paul's Church in Witherslack, Cumbria

Next up is St Paul’s at Witherslack, new for 2024. A 30-minute drive south, Witherslack is just 7 miles from Grange-Over-Sands, which is a lovely little town on the northern edge of Morecambe Bay. The church has a super cute cupboard hiding a sink and basic kitchen facilities, so you can rustle up some tea and toast before you head out. There's lots to see here- Cartmel Priory, Michelin starred restaurants, stately homes and that’s before you've been to Windermere for a boat ride on the UK’s largest lake (just over 10 miles long, in case you were wondering) Sleeps 2-5 Champers

St Mary's Church in Arkengarthdale, North Yorkshire

And last but definitely not least, is our second St Marys; Arkengarthdale, in the North Yorkshire Dales. 1 hour 30 from both Witherslack and Longsleddale, depending on your route home, and it’s a great area for walking, cycling (Tour De Yorkshire route anyone?) photography and nature watching. It’s in one of only 21 worldwide Dark Sky Reserves, so pray for clear skies and get out there for some stargazing. There's a decent smattering of traditional pubs including a rather famous one- the 17^th century Tan Hill, the Uk’s highest pub, where legend has it the fire has never gone out, ensuring a warm welcome to all who seek shelter or just a pint! Arkengarthdale has a lovely kitchen area, indoor disabled access loo and a very welcoming community, whats not to love about that. Sleeps 2- 5 Champers