Champing Old Langho
- Premier host
- Langho, Lancashire, England
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- Sleeps: 4
- Bathroom: 1
- Minimum stay: 1 night
Completed in 1557, St. Leonard’s Church is one of the rare few built during the five-year reign of Queen Mary I. You’ll find it filled with wonders from centuries past, including intricate, high-quality carvings and stonework thought to hail from the nearby Whalley Abbey, and exquisitely-carved bench ends that date back to the 17th century.
‘Champing’ is a fun word that combines ‘church’ and ‘camping’: an exciting, innovative concept that means up to four lucky guests – and their four-legged friends – can claim this fascinating village church as their very own place to stay!
Not only will this be a break to astound your loved ones (“wow… you actually slept in an ancient church?”), St. Leonard’s is also perfectly situated for exploring the Ribble Valley’s endless delights, from pristine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty-designated countryside to absorbing historic landmarks and award-winning eateries.
Along with full access to the church itself, you’ll be ably provided with camp beds and chairs, as well as lanterns and fairy-lights for an irresistible evening glow. All-important tea and coffee-making facilities will be on hand, too, plus (of course) a corkscrew, bottle-opener, and glasses! Oh, and there’s a dry separating loo inside, too, so those essential holiday conveniences are all present and correct.
There are no cooking facilities inside the church, but this only offers the perfect excuse to enjoy the excellent food on offer in the local area. After all, the Ribble Valley isn’t known as the “Food Capital of the North” for no reason!
In fact, there’s an award-winning gastropub, The Black Bull Inn and Restaurant, just next door. Dating all the way back to 1555, the dog-friendly pub doesn’t just serve mouth-watering meals, it’s also perfectly placed on one of the Ribble Valley’s 15 recommended trails (ideal for walking off all those calories after your slap-up meal!).
You could also feast on a delicious breakfast at the 12th century Samlesbury Hall, or a delectable afternoon tea at Hoghton Tower; a breath-taking medieval manor house that has provided the location for film and TV shows galore… including Peaky Blinders.
Keep readingAt a glance
- Champing (Church Camping) at St. Leonard’s Church, in the Lancashire village of Old Langho.
- Exclusive use of an ancient Ribble Valley church for up to four guests.
- Everything you need set up for your arrival and taken away afterwards.
- Just bring your bedding, snacks and drinks.
- There is an award-winning gastropub next door.
- Local attractions that include Samlesbury Hall, the Forest of Bowland, and Clitheroe Castle Museum
Features
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Facilities
Sleeps up to 4, fold-out camping beds, cushions, throw blankets, camping chairs, kettle, crockery, cutlery, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, water for drinking and washing, corkscrew, dry separating toilet.
Local activities
Walking, cycling, picnic spots, gastropubs, manor houses, gardens, wildlife-watching, watersports, animal parks, museums, historic sites.
More information
For those times when you’re not savouring good food, local ‘must-visits’ include Clitheroe Castle Museum, Gawthorpe Hall (affectionately known as the ‘Downton Abbey of the North’) and the Wild Boar Park in the midst of the beautiful Forest of Bowland – a wonderful way to introduce any children in tow to the animals of the English countryside.
After all that immersion into nature, history, and mouth-watering food, what better way to spend another peaceful evening all together than at St. Leonard’s, fairy lights aglow? Indeed, you could soon find that ‘Champing’ becomes your new favourite word!
Things to note
Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay. (please make sure that flea and worm treatments are up to date) You will need to bring your own bedding. Please note that there are no kitchen or shower facilities in the church. Photo credit: Joseph Casey
