Leeds camper celebrated in anniversary campaign

Tuesday 20th January 2026

The holiday memories of a camper from Leeds are featuring in the Camping and Caravanning Club’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

Ahead of its milestone birthday, the Club asked campers for their best site tales and received a variety of entries featuring everything from memorable wildlife encounters to comedy family mishaps.

Gaynor Ray, a first year caravanner from Leeds, shared her winning memory for the competition – headed ‘Our anniversary, your story’ – about a very special proposal in the Lake District.

Gaynor said: “It was my birthday weekend last September and we were enjoying our third trip out in our caravan.

“We had managed to secure a great corner pitch at the Bowness Camping and Caravanning Site - an enviable and rare find.

“Beside our pitch stood a small wooden gate that felt like something out of Narnia; step through it and you were instantly transported onto the most beautiful scenic walk leading straight into the heart of Bowness.

“At sunset, my partner, James, took my hand and guided me along the riverside path. We slipped down onto a tiny private pebbled beach just off the trail, nestled beneath the trees, to watch the last of the sunlight melt across the water.

“As the Bowness Lake shimmered gold and the first fairy lights from the boats and walkways glowed to life at dusk, he dropped to one knee, presented a sparking diamond ring and asked me to be his wife. In that quiet, perfect moment, we vowed not only to marry, but to return to this campsite every anniversary to honour the most romantic day of our lives.”

Gaynor’s story joins those from nine other winners which showcase some of the joys people have discovered while camping. All winners received a £125 voucher to spend with the Club, and the stories will feature in the Club magazine, Camping & Caravanning.

Madeleine Birch, the Club’s PR and Events Manager, said: “We received hundreds of entries from our members which were a joy to read. These all illustrated the amazing experiences people can enjoy in the incredible outdoors and how camping brings families and friends together year after year. We loved the romance of Gaynor’s story and hope she enjoys many more trips in years to come.”

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For more information about the Club’s 125th anniversary celebrations visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/125.

Notes for Editors

1. The Camping and Caravanning Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026. The Club remains committed to inspiring the camper in everyone and currently represents the interests of more than 600,000 members.
2. To view the list of Camping and Caravanning Club Sites with year-round opening visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/year-round-sites.   
3. The Club has delivered a high NPS score this year of 81% across its Club Site network and 90% for its Service Centre.
4. Club members receive up to 30% off every Club Site stay and get exclusive access to privately run, smaller sites. 
5. 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/campandcaravanning, www.instagram.com/campandcaravan and www.youtube.com/@campandcaravanning.