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With temperatures soaring over the last week, holiday parks across the West Country are heaving with visitors. From Cornish coastal gems to breathtaking Cotswolds countryside, such destinations provide the perfect opportunity to explore the region's finest spots without emptying tourists' wallets.

In Bristol, Baltic Wharf Caravan and Motorhome Club boasts a prime harbourside location, featuring 56 pitches that would typically be fully booked throughout the summerbreak.

The site has been running for nearly five decades but now stands hauntingly deserted, shutting its doors on Monday following a hectic final weekend that aligned with Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. It comes after news that an abandoned UK Butlin's site is now seaside town's 'hell hole' hotel.

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Bristol City Council owns the land beneath it and now harbours ambitious schemes for this coveted spot, reports Bristol Live. The authority's housing arm, Goram Homes, plans to controversially erect 166 new properties in apartment blocks, providing spectacular vistas across the harbour and towards the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

This comes after multiple lease renewals granted by Goram Homes, and the city council have now run out. The Caravan Club released a statement saying: "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. Our nearest alternative campsites are Cheddar Club Campsite and Bath Chew Valley Affiliated Club Campsite."

Some regulars have suggested that there might be potential for the club to relocate within Bristol, but when asked by Bristol Live, the club chose not to comment. With the site now empty, work on the new residential development is expected to start in the next few weeks.

One father, who was one of the last guests at the caravan park, shared his experience on Google this week: "Stayed with my 10-year-old and felt very safe as it's a closed-off site. Walk away from everything in Bristol, it's perfect!".

A German tourist left a translated review saying: "Quiet complex in the heart of the city with good access to bike paths and public transport. The sanitary facilities are a bit older but well-maintained. The site is very well secured with a code."

Many expressed their disappointment about the redevelopment, including one visitor who wrote: "I'm sure it's a money thing, but what a huge shame. The campsite attracts a very diverse set of folk who come from far and wide.

"There isn't anywhere else to stay if you have a camper that is closed by. I expect that the place brings a lot of businesses to the surrounding pubs, restaurants and shops, and I was very excited when I arrived to think I could revisit here time and time again... Until I read the notice board explaining they would be relocated somewhere else."

Construction is set to kick off this month on a new development led by Goram Homes' contractor, the Hill Group. The project will include retail or café units at street level and newly landscaped public areas, opening up the location to the community for the first time.

Stephen Baker, managing director of Goram Homes, expressed his concern about the housing crisis, stating: "We cannot ignore the housing crisis. As developers, we must find solutions to ensure policy levels of affordable homes are built, even in a challenging market."

He added: "With SNG on board, and Homes England grant funding in place, we are now ready to get building a beautifully designed scheme in a prime waterfront Bristol location."

Mr Baker also highlighted their commitment to reinvesting profits back into the city, saying: "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. We have also worked closely with the Harbour Authority to make sure it receives the best value for its land."

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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