Champing Beaumaris

• Sleeps: 1-6
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 1 night

First there was camping, then there was glamping, and now, there’s Champing! Church camping is revolutionising the traditional camping break, giving you exclusive use of some of the UK’s greatest listed buildings for the most unforgettable sleepover of your life.

Champing came about in finding long-term, sustainable uses for stunning churches that are no longer used for regular worship. Cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust and selected partners, these magnificent buildings are some of the greatest architectural wonders our country has to offer, and often come with fascinating histories too. So what better way to appreciate one than to stay in it?

Up to six Champers can enjoy a unique adventure in this special historic space. While the present church building dates back to 1873, the original church was built in 610 and dedicated to St. Dona, who lived on the nearby seashore. You’ll be able to spot Llanddona beach from St. Dona’s idyllic hillside location, with distant views of Red Wharf Bay and Benllech… it’s such a beautiful location, in fact, that we almost don’t want to tell you about it!

But once you step inside, this incredible space is yours to enjoy. You’ll see everything you need for your stay set out for you – comfy, fold-out camp beds, camping chairs, tea & coffee making provisions, just bring the milk for your well-earned cuppa on arrival! Bottled water is provided, as are camping lanterns for when it gets dark at night.

Forget any preconceptions of tiptoeing round and whispering in the church; as your home for the night, you’re free to chat, laugh, sing, dance around – whatever takes your fancy! Kids can run about or play the best game of hide-and-seek ever, while adults can relax back in a camping chair with a bottle of wine (corkscrew provided).

During your stay at St. Dona, be sure to absorb the serene elegance of your surroundings, with soft lighting and soaring beamed ceilings that offer the perfect acoustics for music-making. The jewel in the crown is the spectacular stained-glass window that depicts Christ with sea – St. Dona and St. Curig are depicted on the right and left respectively.

Populated by friendly and welcoming residents (who’ll no doubt offer you a cheery wave!) the peaceful rural surroundings are a joy to explore. Learn about the legends of Llanddona beach – including the mysterious ‘Llanddona Witches’ – in an atmospheric setting that has inspired countless artists and creators. Take the short trip to Oriel Môn to view the work of Sir Kyffin Williams, one of the 20th century’s defining Welsh artists, who loved painting the surrounding scenery and cottages.

At a glance

• Champing™  (Church Camping) at St Dona’s Church in Llanddona, Anglesey, four miles from Beaumaris.
• Exclusive use of the charming historic church for up to 6 guests.
• Two well-behaved dogs also welcome.
• Everything you need set up for your arrival and taken away afterwards.
• Just bring your bedding, snacks and drinks.
• Perfect for exploring the peaceful, legend-steeped Llanddona beach and the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.
• Seasonal beach café in walking distance, village pub in Llanddona. Good selection of shops, restaurants and pubs in Beaumaris, supermarkets in Menai Bridge (8 miles), Bangor (10 miles) and Llangefni (11 miles).

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Seaside Breaks

More information

You could also take the scenic Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path and indulge in a spot of birdwatching (don’t forget your binoculars!) Further afield is the historic town of Beaumaris, just four miles away.

Champing not only gives you a break from modern life, it also gives you a break from cooking. You can’t cook inside the church or churchyard, but this gives you the perfect excuse to tuck into delicious home-cooked meals at the village’s family-run Owain Glyndwr Inn, washed down with a refreshing local ale. There’s also a seasonal beach café in wandering distance.

Sadly, the time will come to leave St. Dona, but it couldn’t be more hassle-free. After your departure, everything will be put away as if by magic. You don’t get that in a camping field!

Whether you’re young or young at heart, part of a group or traveling on your own, a spot of Champing should definitely be on your bucket list! And where better than in St. Dona – where idyllic beauty meets warm Welsh hospitality, for a truly unforgettable stay?

Things to note

Champing season runs March – October, no minimum stay requirement, Champers should bring their own bedding including pillows, sleeping bags, duvets and blankets, up to two dogs (or three if they are small) stay for free, children are welcome and encouraged to stay although they must be supervised and no ball games are permitted in the church yard, Champers are welcome to bring their own alcohol. Champers have sole access to their church after 4pm and before 10am.