King Charles III Sends Message as Caravan and Motorhome Club Reopens Sandringham Campsite

02/04/2026

Pictured: centre - Lord Leicester and Harvey Alexander surrounded by Club Executive Committee Members and Club Campsite Managers

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has described itself as deeply privileged to have received a personal message from His Majesty King Charles III as it marked the official reopening of its Sandringham Club Campsite, located within the Royal Estate in Norfolk.  In his message, His Majesty said: “I was heartened to hear a little of the impact that your improvements will have on the local Sandringham and caravanning communities.” His Majesty also sent his warmest good wishes to all those who were present for the reopening ceremony.

The reopening ceremony at the end of March followed an extensive programme of redevelopment at one of the Club’s most treasured touring destinations and was marked by a special ceremony led by Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester,  President of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, alongside David Turner, Club Chair, Harvey Alexander, Club Chief Executive and members of the Club’s Executive Committee.

Steeped in heritage, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has operated a campsite at Sandringham since the 1970s, when it was developed within the Royal Estate to the Club’s specification and under the guidance of its Patron, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The site opened on 1 July 1977, marking the Club’s 70th anniversary in the same year as Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, and quickly became a much-loved destination for touring members.

Twenty years later, following significant redevelopment and expansion, the campsite was officially reopened in 1997 by HRH The Prince Philip. Since then, Sandringham has continued to evolve to be a favourite and meet the changing needs of members while retaining its distinctive woodland character and unique setting within the Royal Estate.

With the blessing of His Majesty The King, Sandringham Club Campsite has undergone another major redevelopment programme. The campsite reopened to guests on 11 July 2025 and the work carried out at the site reflects the Club’s commitment to quality, sustainability, accessibility and outstanding outdoor experiences, while carefully preserving the natural beauty of its Norfolk woodland setting.

As Sandringham was officially reopened on Friday 27 March 2026 following this latest investment, the ceremony led by Lord Leicester, David Turner and Harvey Alexander brings together the Club’s heritage and its future, marking a continuation of the stewardship that has underpinned the campsite’s success for nearly five decades.

David Turner, Chair of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “This is an immensely proud and exciting moment for the Caravan and Motorhome Club and our members. Sandringham is a place steeped in history and for the Club to play even a small role within the story of the Royal Estate is a true privilege for our organisation and our members.

“This redevelopment represents a confident step into the future. It ensures Sandringham continues to evolve to meet the needs and expectations of today’s holidaymakers, while remaining relevant and appealing to the next generation of roof tenters, campers, tourers and glampers. Through investment in modern facilities, sustainability and a wider choice of ways to stay, we are creating a vibrant, welcoming destination that reflects how people want to holiday now and in the years ahead.

“Receiving a personal message from His Majesty The King makes this occasion all the more special and reinforces the importance of caring for special places like Sandringham while enabling them to grow, adapt and inspire memorable outdoor experiences for generations to come.”

The redevelopment of Sandringham Club Campsite has significantly broadened the range of accommodation available, ensuring it caters for a wide variety of touring and holiday styles. Alongside an expanded selection of touring pitches, including hardstanding, grass, serviced, premium and accessible options, the campsite now also offers non-electric economy pitches, tent pitches and short-stay options, providing flexibility for both short breaks and longer stays. In August 2025, the offer was further enhanced with the opening of an Experience Freedom glamping village, featuring 15 luxury en-suite safari tents set among the trees, introducing three new styles of glamping accommodation and enabling guests to enjoy a premium stay within the heart of the Sandringham Estate.

Mark Sinclair-Watson, Vice Chair of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said “Sustainability and modern amenities have been a key consideration throughout the redevelopment. Two new facilities buildings have been constructed incorporating energy-efficient technologies, while upgraded motorhome service points and a choice of pitch types, including serviced and metered electric pitches, give guests greater control over their resource use. The campsite also features inclusive and accessible shower and WC rooms, new laundry and dishwashing facilities, dog and cycle wash areas and a children’s play space, supporting a modern, high-quality touring experience that balances comfort, choice and environmental responsibility.”

The site now features a larger, optimised solar array and air source heat pumps to pre-heat water, reducing energy demand. Water and resource management improvements include waterless urinals, sensor-activated taps, and low-flow showerheads. Guests can also enjoy new facilities such as a “Tap & Pay” hot water dog wash and two social community fire pit areas, enhancing both convenience and opportunities to connect with fellow members.

As part of the redevelopment, the Club has enhanced accessibility across the site. Accessible pitches with plastic grid surfaces have been installed for both serviced and standard pitches, allowing the Club to gather trial feedback from members. A premium en-suite pitch will also be trialled, with a planned “go-live” date around the end of April, enabling members to experience a new level of comfort and convenience.

Guests staying at Sandringham can enjoy access to Royal Parkland walking trails, a children’s adventure playground, visitor centre, shops, restaurants and cafés, with King’s Lynn just six miles away and the Norfolk coast within easy reach. The campsite also offers the opportunity to glamp on site through Experience Freedom, combining comfort with the great outdoors in a truly distinctive setting.

For further details about the Club, how to join and make a booking, visit camc.com

 

ENDS

 

About the Caravan and Motorhome Club 

With over 1 million members and 118 years of experience, the Caravan and Motorhome Club is the UK’s No 1 touring club - as rated on TrustPilot - and helps its members get more from the great outdoors, whether glamping or touring. 

  • Membership: £69 per year 
  • Access to 2,700+ campsites across the UK and Europe 
  • Escorted tours in Europe, North America, Australasia & Africa 
  • Expert travel advice and member offers 

 

Find out more or join: 

www.camc.com | 01342 318 813 

More Ways to Stay: Experience Freedom 

Want to try glamping?  

Experience Freedom, from the Caravan and Motorhome Club, offers luxury stays in safari tents, glamping pods, yurts, motorhome hire, tent camping and more – across 10 beautiful UK locations. Open to both members and non-members, Experience Freedom combines comfort with the great outdoors. Operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, the brand benefits from decades of expertise in high-quality campsite management. Club members enjoy up to 20% off glamping stays for themselves and their guests. 

Find out more or join: 

www.experiencefreedom.co.uk | 01342 777533 

Media Contacts:
Caravan and Motorhome Club - Nikki Nichol - nikki.nichol@camc.com | 07771 834443 
Four Agency (Helen Coop, Manav Hartono, Maja Bull) - camc@four.agency