3 days ago
Cherished UK holiday park in 'perfect location' shuts for good after 47 years
It's the end of an era for one of Bristol's most beloved holiday spots.
Baltic Wharf Caravan and Motorhome Club campsite, located on Bristol's harbourside has closed its gates for the final time.
For nearly 50 years, the 56-pitch site was regularly booked with tourists, offering views of the colourful Cliftonwood terraces and the historic Floating Harbour.
The business had rave reviews on TripAdvisor, where holidaymakers praised the 'lovely clean and well organised site' in the 'perfect location' to explore Bristol.
'What a lovely gem of a find in a busy city!' one visitor, Mark, wrote. 'We were stunned by how lovely this place is!'
However, yesterday [Monday 11 August] marked its last day of operation, with the final caravans pulling away by mid-morning.
The closure followed a packed farewell weekend, with the site fully booked for Bristol's International Balloon Fiesta.
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In a statement on its website, the club confirmed: 'We regret to announce that Baltic Wharf Club Campsite closed on 11 August 2025.
'The Club had been operating the campsite for several years on a renewable lease and we were informed that, sadly, it was not going to be extended.
'Thank you to everyone who stayed with us at Baltic Wharf. We know there is another perfect pitch just waiting for you.'
The land, once a timber yard, belongs to Bristol City Council and will now be redeveloped by its housing company, Goram Homes, into 166 flats with space for shops or cafes on the ground
It's safe to say loyal visitors are heartbroken. The shock closure has sparked a wave of grief, especially among the caravanning community – and concern from residents about the upcoming development.
As the park closed yesterday, dozens gathered for a 'tree funeral' to protest the planned felling of around 70 mature trees to make way for the new housing.
Among those taking part were local residents, members of the Bristol Tree Forum, environmental campaigners and the so-called 'tree brides', a group of women who symbolically married the threatened trees back in 2021.
They argued that the site, described by the council as brownfield, should instead be protected as green space.
Others have expressed their upset online. One review on the club's website, left by Paula Watkins, read: 'Oh what a shame!!! Numerous visits in various motor homes over many many years. How short sighted by Bristol council.' More Trending
Another reviewer, Paul Grasby, wrote: 'We've been lucky enough to visit Baltic Wharf a few times a year for the three years we've had our camper van.
'It has always been our favorite site, thanks to its awesome location and the amazing girls, Lyndsey and 'Chelle, who managed and ran it so beautifully.'
While the closure marks almost half a century of caravan holidays in the heart of Bristol, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has recommended alternative sites for those still hoping to visit the area, including Cheddar Club Campsite and Bath Chew Valley Affiliated Club Campsite.
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