Popular UK holiday park shuts for good after 47 years as gutted tourists say ‘such a shame'
A POPULAR UK holiday park has shut its gates for good after nearly half a century – leaving loyal visitors heartbroken.
The shock closure has sparked an outpouring of sadness, with regulars calling it 'such a shame'.
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It was often fully booked, especially during big city events
Credit: www.caravanclub.co.uk
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The shock closure has sparked an outpouring of sadness, with regulars calling it 'such a shame'
Credit: www.caravanclub.co.uk
Baltic Wharf Caravan and Motorhome Club site, on Bristol's harbourside, closed for the final time today.
For 47 years it has been a firm favourite for tourists, offering 56 pitches in a prime waterfront spot beside the Floating Harbour.
Guests enjoyed unbeatable views of the colourful Cliftonwood terraces and were just steps from top attractions like the SS Great Britain.
It was often fully booked, especially during big city events.
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But the land, owned by Bristol City Council, is being handed over to Goram Homes, the council's own housing developer, to build 166 flats.
The move has proved hugely controversial among the caravanning community.
This weekend saw the site packed for Bristol's balloon fiesta.
By mid-morning today, only one or two caravans were left before the gates were shut for the last time.
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In a statement, the Caravan Club said: 'Following a number of lease extensions, sadly the site will permanently close on 11 August 2025.
"Thank you to everyone who has stayed with us at Baltic Wharf Club Campsite.
Award-winning holiday park in St Ives
"Our nearest alternative campsites are Cheddar Club Campsite and Bath Chew Valley Affiliated Club Campsite.'
Many holidaymakers took to the club's website to share their disappointment.
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One wrote: 'So sad that Baltic Wharf is finally closing.
"We have many happy memories from visiting here, not just because Bristol is such an amazing city… it's such a shame that this site is closing.'
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By mid-morning today, only one or two caravans were left before the gates were shut for the last time
Credit: www.caravanclub.co.uk
4
The move has proved hugely controversial among the caravanning community
Credit: www.caravanclub.co.uk
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Another added: 'Sad times… the best place to cycle and get around, so sad this site has to close when it's nearly always full.
"We will never visit Bristol again. We loved Baltic Wharf. Thanks for the best times.'
With the caravans now gone, work to clear the site is due to start in the coming weeks. Goram Homes, working with the Hill Group, says the new development will feature cafes, shops and landscaped public spaces, opening up the area 'for the first time' to the wider public.
Stephen Baker, Goram Homes' managing director, said: 'We cannot ignore the housing crisis… a significant portion of any profit we make will go back to the council, to be reinvested into the city or the development of more new homes.'
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The closure now leaves Bristol without a main city centre caravan site, casting doubt over the future of caravan holidays in the area.
For many, it's the end of an era and a goodbye to one of Britain's most unique urban camping spots.
This follows a growing trend across the UK, with popular campsites and holiday parks shutting their gates as developers target prime locations for housing, luxury lodges, or commercial use.
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In North Wales, a seaside park recently made way for high-end apartments, leaving regulars without a spot they'd booked for decades.
In Cornwall, a cliff-top campsite closed after being sold to a luxury lodge operator, pricing out many returning families.
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