New to Host Unusual, a unique concept: Champing!

Churches and Glamping – these two things are never usuallyfound in the same room… until now.
ChampingTM is a new andexciting concept from the clever folk at Churches Conservation Trust.  Itallows you to experience and stay in a beautiful, ancient space that has beenuntouched for centuries, something that has only previously been possible forweary pilgrims, vicars and monks! 
You’re not religious?  No problem! Churches are as mucharchitectural and historic spaces to enjoy as they are places of worship. Go ChampingTMand you’ll not only enjoy exclusive access and use of your chosen venue, butyou’ll have one of the most unique holiday experiences possible in the UK, andyes, you can even drink alcohol if you wish. 
Host Unusual have fivefeatured locations for you to enjoy, so here we take a look at each one.
 
ChampingTM Aldwincle

All Saints Church in the peaceful setting of Aldwincle inNorthamptonshire was the original ChampingTM venue. A Grade I listedspace, the church dates back to 13th Century and features a pinnacled, carvedtower. The ChampBots who prepare your stay will see to it that you have all youneed including comfortable beds, tea & coffee, lanterns, candles. Admirethe carved creatures, stained glass paintings, draw, sing, do whatever takesyour fancy in this incredible and historic building. Venture out and you’llalso find Aldwincle Pocket Park where a host of wildlife awaits. 
 
ChampingTM Booton

Up to 16 happy Champers can enjoy this grade II listedbeauty, St Michael the Archangel located in a quiet spot in Norfolk yet closeto the 26-mile Marriotts Way, linking Norwich and Aylsham. Your chosen churchwas built in the late 1800s and is French gothic style, with twin towers. Itwould make great material for sketches and drawings! Here you’ll see carvedangels in the hammerbeam roof, wood panelling and stained glass; originalfeatures abound here.  You’ll be free to enjoy the space exclusively ofcourse, yet if you want to venture outside, the renowned beaches of Norfolk arenever too far away.
 
ChampingTM Chislehampton

One of the joys of ChampingTM is theindividuality of the churches you can stay in. St Katherine’s Church is a fineGeorgian edifice dating back to 1762 and was even the subject of a poem pennedby John Betjeman. Grade II listed, sunlight fills the radial arched windows,and beams onto the gallery area which is a perfectly cosy relaxation zone whereyou can relax and enjoy your awe-inspiring setting.  This property alsohas novel box pews where you can sleep if you wish, or you may prefer to slumberon a camp bed in the snug gallery area.  The icing on the cake is thislocation’s proximity to historic Oxford, just 6 miles away. 
 
ChampingTM Fordwich

Another great location close to the popular history city ofCanterbury, The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Fordwich is a Norman structurethat welcomed many a pilgrim on the banks of the River Stour. Intriguingdetails can be found in every corner here, from the Royal Arms of James II to alarge block of limestone standing at 1.7 metres tall; the Fordwich Stone isbelieved to be a former shrine and dates back to 1100 – and you can sleep justmetres away from it.  This is not your standard holiday let… Choose tonestle down in a box pew perhaps?  Well connected by a footpath leading tothe centre of the city, you can explore freely and easily from your uniquebase.
 
ChampingTM Swaffham Prior

Just 9 miles from Cambridge, St Cyriac & Julitta is astunning marvel set atop a hill in the village of Swaffham Prior.  Datingback to 1806 it is a Geogian reincarnation of a medieval ruin, so there is noshortage of stories and fables to recount here.  The church decor is lightand airy with white plastered walls, high ceilings and elegant slim columns – andyou’re just a stroll away from the local pub The Red Lion.  With space for16 Champers you can come as a large group, or even solo should you wish – ChampingTMis refreshingly flexible and an ideal choice for those seeking a truly extraordinaryholiday experience.