A rather unusual campsite popped up on the Thames for one night only, to celebrate both the launch of National Camping and Caravanning Week and the 100th birthday of the caravan – complete with birthday cake!

Julia Bradbury, President of The Camping and Caravanning Club and well-known outdoor enthusiast, marked the occasion by spending the night in an Eccles 560 on this campsite with stunning views of the London skyline. 

National Camping and Caravanning Week is an annual celebration of the outdoor lifestyle, encompassing camping in all its forms. This is not the first launch of the event that has turned heads, though – in 2016, Julia pitched up in a tent on top of the O2 Arena.

It’s all about getting the nation out and about exploring the outdoors lifestyle, something us caravanners really do make the most of. But, just in case you need that little extra push to get out in your van, National Camping and Caravanning Week runs from 27 May – 2 June, so haul your van out of storage and go somewhere new!

You’re encouraged to get involved by sharing your photos on social media with the hashtag #lovemycaravan to be in with a chance of winning an Outwell inflatable awning and accessories. Competition details can be found at www.nccw.co.uk.

The Camping and Caravanning Club have another great competition running, too, in celebration of the caravan’s 100th birthday. They’re giving away an Eccles 560 with lux pack, complete with a Vango Vienna 400 awning and a year’s membership to the Club. More details can be found at www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk.

The campsite, featuring the Eccles 560 and a tent from Field Candy, was on a barge moored just off Butler’s Warf. The event saw household names such as Christopher Biggins joining the party, and there was an impressive chocolate caravan cake to share around the guests while the sun set behind the iconic towers of Tower Bridge.