Camping hotspot gets 40-year lease

The Totnes campsite has been given the go ahead to run for another 40 years

A campsite which has been welcoming holidaymakers for over 50 years has been given the go ahead to carry on for another 40 years.

The Steamer Quay Club Campsite in Totnes started offering seasonal bookings to tourists back in 1970.

In 2022, site operators, the Caravan and Motorhome Club won a competitive tender to invest £1m to modernise and improve its year-round facilities.

South Hams District Council's lead councillor for economic development, John Birch said it was "great news" for Totnes's visitor industry.

Off-peak opening

The council has awarded a new 40-year lease to the site, which is on Steamer Quay Road, near the riverside, in Totnes.

A council spokesperson said it hoped the Club’s investment into the campsite would boost the town’s visitor economy, enabling it to open during off-peak seasons and throughout the year.

They said this meant visitors to the area would then spend money in the wider South Hams as they explored the area.

Work at the site, which began in mid-April, includes improvements to pitches, washroom and reception facilities and the installing of solar power.

'Encouraging visitors'

Economic development lead at South Hams District Council, councillor John Birch said this was "great news for Totnes to increase the number of visitors to the town throughout the year".

He said: "The Caravan and Motorhome Club has a good reputation nationally and with renewed facilities, this will encourage visitors to our wonderful town and the surrounding area."

“We cannot underplay the economic impact that visitors have to our local businesses and attractions," he added.

A spokesperson for the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: "The Club is delighted South Hams District Council have awarded a new 40-year lease to the Club to enable people to continue to enjoy this wonderful location."