THE CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB WELCOMES BACK CAMPERS THIS EASTER AFTER TWO-YEAR GAP – BOOKINGS UP BY A THIRD FOR EASTER WEEKEND

For immediate release

The Camping and Caravanning Club is looking forward to welcoming back campers for Easter – a return of the big camping weekend that starts the season.

Due to Covid restrictions, campsites around the UK were closed in Easter 2020 and again in 2021* meaning this is the first time in three years people can enjoy getting out under canvas – or in their caravans and motorhomes – to get the most from the traditional start of the camping season.

Nationwide advance bookings for Club Sites, which number nearly 100, are 33% ahead over the Easter weekend (April 15-18) compared to 2019, reflecting the continuing popularity of the staycation and pitching up on campsites in the great British countryside.

Simon McGrath, the Club’s Head of Communications and External Relations, said: “Easter is a really popular time for camping that signals the start of the season. With the exception of Wales allowing campsites to open last year for Welsh residents, we missed out on the previous two Easters but this year looks certain to make up for lost time with strong bookings and a significant increase in the number of campers heading to our Club Sites.

Simon added: “We can’t wait to get our campsite network fully open in the spring and welcome back campers for an exciting year ahead. Last year the Club enjoyed record membership, with lots of people taking up our pastime for the first time or returning to it after a break, and so a big focus for our site teams is ensuring all newcomers have a fantastic experience and that all our campers continue to enjoy the great outdoors.”

In different parts of the UK, the numbers of campers arriving this Easter at Camping and Caravanning Club Sites are also showing a big increase, especially in popular tourist destinations. We anticipate a 68% increase in campers to the south-east of England, and 88% more pitching up at our Club Sites in East Anglia. Meanwhile our Scottish Club Sites are expecting an increase of 126% while in Wales that figure is 180%.

Five top places to pitch up this Easter

1. Sandringham Club Site, Norfolk. Toast the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year while camping in the grounds of the Royal Estate.

   Activity: Hire a bike to enjoy the Norfolk Coast Cycleway.

2. St Davids Club Site, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Enjoy the stunning views of the South Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast from our campsite.

   Activity: Learn to ride the waves at one of the local surf schools.

3. Crowden Club Site, Derbyshire. Enjoy the peaceful countryside in the north of the Peak District National Park.

   Activity: Lace up your boots for a hike in the hills along the area’s many trails.

4. Oban Club Site, Argyll, Scotland. Pitch up on our Club Site set inside a Victorian walled garden.

   Activity: Explore the region’s many open gardens and learn more about the local plant life.

5. Normans Bay Club Site, Sussex. Savour the sea views from the sand and shingle beach just over the road from our campsite.

Activity: Go fly a kite along the beach courtesy of the strong sea breezes.

You can download pictures of these sites at https://bit.ly/35gzIoF.

Top tips for a clued-up camper

1. If you have a garden, pitch your tent before you head to the campsite to check it has got through its winter storage okay, and repair or replace any parts before you set off.
2. Make a kit list and check you’ve got what you need.
3. Give any sleeping bags a good airing.
4. Check the general condition of any gas hoses, such as those used on barbecues, making sure there are no cracks or bulges in them.
5. Before you head off, carry out some basic vehicle checks such as tyre pressure and condition, and ensure all fluid levels are correct.

You can find many more tips in the Club’s help and advice section at www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/.

* Campsites in Wales were allowed to reopen last year for Welsh residents. Campsites in limited parts of Scotland were allowed to reopen for local residents.

-Ends-

Notes for Editors

For more information or images contact:

Simon McGrath, simon.mcgrath@campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Andrew Robson, andrew.robson@campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

1. The Camping and Caravanning Club is 121 years old and is the largest and oldest Club in the world for all forms of camping. It has nearly 100 sites throughout the UK.
2. Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from The Camping and Caravanning Club, and to engage with those who’ve enjoyed holidays with the Club, visit www.facebook.com/thefriendlyclub, www.twitter.com/campandcaravan or check out our Instagram page www.instagram.com/campandcaravan.
3. To view the Club’s comprehensive video directory visit www.youtube.com/thefriendlyclub.
4. To learn more about the benefits of joining the Club visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/jointheclub.