Caravan and Motorhome Club announces £1M+ investment into Steamer Quay Club Campsite in Totnes

Dartmouth, Devon, near Steamer Quay Club Campsite. Member photo by Gerrard Howcroft

 

A popular Caravan and Motorhome Club campsite in Totnes is being redeveloped with a £1.2 million investment of improvements and will become an open all year campsite for tourers when it reopens on 1 October 2024.

The work and new ‘open all year’ policy at Steamer Quay Club Campsite will increase campsite occupancy and hopes to help bring more money into the local economy from holidaymakers, estimated at in excess of £1.3 million per year.

On Thursday 25 July, the Mayor of Totnes, Councillor Emily Price, visited the Club campsite where she met with Paul Barnes, the Club’s Head of Estates, to view the £1.2m project being undertaken. This includes 46 new non-awning serviced pitches and the refurbishment of the shower and toilet block, as well as new electric vehicle charging points.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has managed Steamer Quay on the South Hams District Council site, in Steamer Quay Road, since 1970. Paul Barnes, Head of Estates at the Club comments: “After so many years working with the council at Steamer Quay, we were pleased to win the tender for the further lease of the campsite and for securing planning for its redevelopment.

“It is important that both holidaymakers and local communities benefit from our Club campsites. By investing in Steamer Quay, which is a very popular campsite and will now be open all year round, we are happy to contribute further to the local economy.”

A report earlier this year by the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA) highlighted the economic value and wellbeing impact of the UK holiday parks and campsites sector and its important contribution to UK domestic tourism. The Pitching the Value 2024 report found the sector generates £12.2bn in visitor expenditure, equating to £7.2bn Gross value Added (GVA) to the UK economy, as well as supporting thousands of jobs.

Mayor of Totnes, Councillor, Emily Price comments:  “We’re really looking forward to the Steamer Quay Club campsite reopening this autumn and bringing a welcome boost for Totnes at what is a challenging time for our businesses. Overnight visitors have a significant positive impact on our local economy and especially on the health of our night-time economy. They shop in our independent stores on the high street, visit our local attractions like the museum, and enjoy our fantastic locally-produced food and drink in our cafes, bars, and restaurants, which will benefit both our high street businesses and the local makers and many local producers who supply them. A thriving high street helps us to build resilience for our community and our visitors play a crucial role in that story.”

Steamer Quay Club Campsite is set in a quiet location with pastoral views only a short walk from the bustling town centre of Totnes. Tourers can visit the town to shop its independent stores and try out its choice of local pubs and restaurants. The banks of the River Dart offer a great opportunity for leisurely strolls while taking in the atmosphere of the historic port.

Lucy Ferrier, Marketing and Communications Manager for Visit Totnes added: “You could not find a more perfect site to stay and explore than Steamer Quay.  With riverside walks straight from the door and our bustling high street with shops, bars, cafes, cinema, museums, market and more, just a flat 10-minute walk away, you can pitch up and then spend the week exploring the town and local area by foot, bike, boat, or bus. We can’t wait to welcome Caravan and Motorhome Club members and guests to Totnes once again and we’re delighted we can now extend this welcome all-year round.”

Make the most of a number of other great offers from the Club such as children under five and dogs stay for free, free hot showers, free Wi-Fi, electric hook-up and awnings are not charged**. For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club or to book, please visit www.camc.com or call 01342 318 813.

Ends

Notes to editors

Images can be found here - https://we.tl/t-AWBKMp4IYr

Picture captions:

01 - From left: Paul Barnes CAMC Head of Estates, Cllr Emily Price, Mayor of Totnes, Nick Gower Site Foreman Barratt and Canniford and Wayne Brown Regional Manager CAMC.

02/03 - From left: From left: Wayne Brown Regional Manager CAMC, Cllr Emily Price, Mayor of Totnes and Nick Gower Site Foreman Barratt and Canniford.

About Caravan and Motorhome Club

Championing and helping its members get more from the great outdoors, whether glamping or touring, the Caravan and Motorhome Club represents the interests of over 1.1 million caravan, motorhome, campervan and trailer tent owners across the UK. With over 116 years of knowledge and expertise, the Club has a wealth of experience and prides itself on offering great value and high quality campsites for tourers and glampers.

Caravan and Motorhome Club membership is just £63 per year and provides members with access to over 2,700 quality campsites across the UK and Europe. As the UK’s No. 1 rated touring club* it makes sure members get the most from their membership, saving them money with great value offers whether touring or at home.

The Club also offers a range of escorted European tours which are protected by ABTA.  Plus escorted and independent tours in Australasia, North America and Southern Africa which are also fully protected, either by ABTA or ATOL when a flight is included. All members can take advantage of expert advice, overseas travel services, cover and insurance and exclusive member offers and discounts.

For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, please visit www.camc.com or call 01342 318 813.

*As rated on Trustpilot

About Experience Freedom

Experience Freedom from the Caravan and Motorhome Club provides glamping accommodation in some of the most beautiful locations in the UK. Experience Freedom offers a choice of glamping accommodation, motorhome hire and tent camping, all of which are available to non-members.  Motorhome hire, including some discounted hire schemes can be found here https://www.experiencefreedom.co.uk/motorhome-hire/

Experience Freedom is operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, a membership organisation with a wealth of experience in operating high-quality campsites.

Caravan and Motorhome Club members can save up to 10% on glamping accommodation for themselves and their friends and family when staying at the campsite with them. It is automatically applied to the booking when the membership number is used. To book friends and family, simply call on 01342 777533 to make a booking with your Club membership card.

To find out more, visit www.experiencefreedom.co.uk

For more press information, please email Nikki Nichol at the Caravan and Motorhome Club on nikki.nichol@camc.com or by calling 07771 834443.

Or contact the Four Communications press team, by emailing Victoria Eltis and Helen Coop at camc@four.agency or call 07891 423322.