Club looking forward to a fantastic year of camping - and reveals opening dates for two new campsites

Monday 29 March 2021

The Camping and Caravanning Club has announced the opening date for two much-anticipated new campsites later in May.

Braithwaite Village Club Site in the Lake District National Park and Sherwood Pines Camping in the Forest site in Nottinghamshire are both due to open on 24th May 2021 (subject to Government restrictions). Bookings have already opened for both sites, which feature high-spec facilities that cater for everyone from families on holiday with their four-legged friends to backpackers and cycling enthusiasts.

Pitching up on a campsite – whether in a tent, caravan or motorhome – has been soaring in popularity as people appreciate the importance of a much-needed break in the fresh air.

Sabina Voysey, Director General of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “We are expecting a bumper year ahead and we’re looking forward to welcoming people back to our campsites when they re-open. Even in a really difficult year, we are especially proud to be opening two fantastic new campsites in tranquil locations that we know will be hugely popular for years to come.”

Sabina added: “Despite reports that accommodation is selling fast, I can reassure people that there is still plenty of availability so there’s no need to panic. However, campers do need to think of locations away from the tourist honey pots and perhaps explore locations that are much closer to home – it’s amazing what gems you can discover on your own doorstep.”

Braithwaite Village Club Site is set in the village of the same name and is a few minutes’ drive from the market town of Keswick. The town can also be reached by bike within 20 minutes – there is a four-mile cycle route from the village centre heading east to Keswick that takes in Swinside Fell. Plenty of walks can also be enjoyed locally too, such as the circular Newlands Valley route.

The campsite has a mix of pitch types including a number of super service pitches while a range of self-catering accommodation including cabins and lodges is also planned.

The campsite, which was previously called Scotgate, was acquired by the Club in 2018 and has undergone an extensive refurbishment. It is surrounded by stunning views towards the Northern Fells and nearby is Whinlatter Forest, which boasts mountain bike trails, walking routes and impressive children's adventure playgrounds.

On-site facilities at Braithwaite Village include:

A hot water enclosed dog wash facility

A bike service area complete with pump, maintenance station and bike wash

A backpacker room with clothes and boot-drying lockers, and seating area

A well-equipped amenity block that includes underfloor heating, a parent and baby room, family showers plus dedicated accessible facilities

Large children’s play area

Super serviced pitches that not only allow you to get rid of grey water but that also include water, electric and TV connections.

Meanwhile, Sherwood Pines is a brand new campsite in partnership with Forestry England that joins 15 other sites in the Camping in the Forest network in England and Scotland. The campsite is located within a large forest and is close to Forestry England’s visitor centre, has a mix of standard grass and all-weather pitches plus electric hook-ups and a large amenity block.

Campers can enjoy a range of walking trails and mountain bike routes direct from the site. On Forestry England’s Sherwood Pines complex there is also a café, Go Ape centre, mountain bike hire and various other outdoor activities and events held over the year.

Additional on-site facilities at Sherwood Pines campsite include:

A bike service area complete with pump, maintenance station and bike wash

A hot water enclosed dog wash facility

Backpacker room with clothes and boot-drying lockers, and seating area

Children’s play area

Two parent and baby rooms plus dedicated accessible facilities in wet room style.

Nathan Goodyear, the Club’s Director of Property and Development, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming campers to our new sites.

“Both properties have benefitted from significant levels of investment in recent months and boast high-quality facilities, making them perfect for much-needed holidays in lovely locations.”

Nathan added: “Our sites will appeal to a wide range of campers, whether you’re a keen mountain biker who can take advantage of our new bike service areas or just want to shower down your pet dog at the end of an enjoyable but muddy walk.”

The campsites will be open all year-round.

For more information about Braithwaite Village Club Site and to book a pitch visit https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/cumbria/keswick/braithwaite-village-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/

For bookings and more details about Sherwood Pines Camping in the Forest site visit https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/sherwood-forest/sherwood-pines-campsite

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Notes for Editors

1. The Camping and Caravanning Club is 120 years old and is the largest and oldest Club in the world for all forms of camping. It has 103 award-winning sites throughout the UK.
2. Camping in the Forest is a partnership between The Camping and Caravanning Club and Forestry England, Forestry and Land Scotland, and Natural Resources Wales. The Club operates 16 Camping in the Forest campsites in stunning woodland locations across England and Scotland, including the New Forest, Forest of Dean and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs.
3. 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.
4. To view the Club’s comprehensive video directory, visit www.youtube.com/thefriendlyclub.
5. To learn more about the benefits of joining the Club visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/membership.