Brighton study explores tourism trend of ‘champing’

The UK trend of "champing"—camping overnight in historic churches—has been explored in a new study by the University of Brighton, which highlights the model’s potential as a form of sustainable, heritage-led tourism.

The research, conducted by the university’s School of Business & Law, analysed 142 guest experiences and identified a blend of heritage immersion, sustainability and slow travel as key drivers behind the appeal.

Revenues from overnight stays are reinvested directly into maintaining churches, supporting the conservation of British cultural heritage and the vitality of local rural communities. (Image: University of Brighton)

Dr Adam Jones, principal lecturer at the University of Brighton and programme director of the Help to Grow Management Programme, said: "Champing beautifully illustrates how niche forms of travel can deliver real social and environmental value.

"It gives people a chance to reconnect with history and place in a way that’s sustainable, authentic and beneficial to the communities who maintain these heritage assets."

The study pinpointed two main motivations: a desire to support historic sites and the wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature.

Champing offers a low-impact alternative to mass tourism by directing visitors to quieter rural locations, supporting local businesses and reducing pressure on more crowded destinations.

Champing combines sustainability, heritage immersion and slow travel. (Image: University of Brighton)

Revenue from overnight stays is channelled into church conservation, with early pilots raising around £15,000 in a single season.

Matthew Storey, head of initiatives and partnerships at the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT), said: "Champing is a unique way to enjoy their beauty and tranquillity of English Parish Churches.

"We want to increase the appeal of these public spaces for everyone, and Champing allows us to attract and engage new audiences to discover and love these churches."

Since its launch by the CCT in 2015, the scheme has welcomed more than 10,000 guests to 29 historic churches across England and Wales.

In Sussex, Tom Paine’s Chapel in Lewes offers a local Champing experience.

A guest named Michelle said: "It was magical – peaceful, reflective and so different from any hotel. You wake up to morning light through the stained glass.

"It has such a feel of being part of history and it's great knowing that your stay helps preserve the place makes it even more special."