Autumn – the time of “mists and mellow fruitfulness” according to the poets – but also a great time of the year for some last-minute caravanning adventures before winter closes in.

Though temperatures are still mild, you won’t be sweltering through summer’s sweatiest weather, the crowds have finally gone home from your favourite beauty spots, schools are back, the campsites are quieter, and you might even enjoy out-of-season discounted pitch fees.

You’ll be quite simply spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your getaway this autumn. Many sites stay open until much later in the year, but it’s best to confirm there’s a place for you before you set out. Potential destinations are many – but here are just a few of our suggestions.

The New Forest, Hampshire

Ancient woodlands and open heathland make the New Forest a popular destination for caravanners, whatever the time of year. Autumn, however, displays the multicoloured panoply of trees in all their beautiful glory.

You’ll find mile upon mile of footpaths, trails, and bridleways on which to explore the National Park – taking in the famous New Forest ponies, freely grazing cattle, pigs, deer, birds, and all manner of wildlife.

Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales

It might be a longer drive from where you live, but one you’ll almost certainly find well worth it. The alluring coastline of Pembrokeshire, in the south west of Wales, is likely to be far quieter at this time of year – offering a welcome sense of solitude in which to enjoy cliff walks and stunning sunsets from the comfort of your camping chair.

Pembrokeshire National Park is the UK’s only coastal national park, and from its miles of stunning clifftop walks you can discover more than 50 award-winning beaches – from wide sandy stretches such as Barafundle Bay or Whitesands to innumerable hidden-away coves.

North Yorkshire Moors and Dales

They’re strikingly different but equally stunning. The North York Moors National Park offers a brooding landscape; the Yorkshire Dales National Park presents a softer, more bucolic picture of rural England.

With their contrasting scenery and boundless opportunities for the outdoor life, it is little wonder that both moors and dales continue to feature in descriptions of some of the UK’s favourite camping destinations.

The Yorkshire Dales take you into an immediate embrace of rolling green valleys and limestone scenery mapped out between iconic dry-stone walls.

The North York Moors are altogether more rugged and, in late summer and autumn, are carpeted with purple heather. The national park boasts a dramatic coastline of jagged cliffs, sandy bays, and seaside towns such as Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. The heritage and history of this region of England have also left us with numerous castles and abbeys such as Rievaulx Abbey.

The Cotswolds

If you’re looking for an autumn’s caravanning in the quintessential English countryside, you might look no further than the Cotswolds.

Dodge the familiar faces of the rich and famous to discover what are still some of the cosiest market towns in rural England. Admire the chocolate-box appearance of all those honey-stone villages and browse the food festivals and farmers’ markets to your heart’s content.

The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are little short of magical at this time of year. The crowds of summer have long since departed, and you are left more or less alone to appreciate the region’s very special beauty.

The scenery is as breath-taking as ever, of course, but now the glens and hillsides turn golden, red, and amber, in their fiery displays of birch and rowan. Wake to the morning mists that roll slowly across the lochs, and take advantage of a lower sun that creates a softer light for the very best of stunning photos.

Wildlife continues to abound throughout the Highlands, and in autumn, you will be treated to the rutting of the red deer. Hear the mighty stags roar – and inevitably clash antlers from time to time.

Autumn sees the arrival of migrating geese and swans, while clearer skies will cast soaring golden eagles in glorious flight.

Where to go in your caravan this autumn

Wherever you choose to head this season – whether it’s the fiery forests of Hampshire, the rugged cliffs of Pembrokeshire, the rolling valleys of Yorkshire, the golden villages of the Cotswolds, or the dramatic Highlands – autumn caravanning in the UK has a magic all of its own.

It’s a time of quieter roads, empty trails, and a countryside showing off some of its richest colours. With the right planning, you’ll find campsites that remain open well into the colder months, giving you the chance to enjoy a cosy escape before winter sets in.

So, pack your walking boots, stock up on warm blankets, and take advantage of the peace, space, and natural beauty that autumn brings. After all, there’s something uniquely rewarding about returning to your caravan after a brisk day outdoors, kettle on the boil, and the satisfaction of having discovered Britain’s landscapes at their most atmospheric.

Care to catch the tail end of a late Indian Summer? Autumn can be one of the most comforting, relaxing, and alluring seasons of the year.

As you hitch up your caravan or load up the motorhome, here are some of the news items and other interesting stuff you may not want to miss before winter’s layover ..

Skydream launches a new species of caravan

Making its appearance at the recent Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany, Skydream is billed as the caravan of the future.

Described with great fanfare by PR Newswire on the 30^th of August, the new Skydream is said to represent a complete break from the conventional “white box-shaped vehicle”. Instead, the company’s vision of the future in “caravanning” features:

• a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery – rated from 45kWh to 85kWh;

• a solar charging system – capable of 1100W to 2200W;

• reverse charging capability;

• smart driving assistance features including technology that aids body stability and dynamics so that swaying of the vehicle during travel is suppressed;

• an integrated intelligent control system from which you can control the door locks, lighting, air conditioning, other equipment and mobile apps all by voice commands.

Traditional caravans are a thing of the past, says Skydream, as it launches a new leisure vehicle that is set to “shake up the era”.

Caravan racing at Silverstone and other memories

From a glimpse of the future to a nostalgic look at caravans and motorhomes of their golden age in the 1960s and 70s – Autocar magazine recently reminded us when caravan racing was all the rage at Silverstone race rack in 1973.

The forerunner was a British Caravan Road Rally that featured hill climbs, speed towing, tests of braking and distance judgement.

Reminiscing about the caravan’s heyday in the UK, the article recalled that some 3,000 caravans a year were made in the UK during the 1950s. By 1972, output rocketed to more than 67,000 caravans built annually.

It recalled the time when the first national caravan show was held at Earls Court in 1959 – with no fewer than 46 manufacturers along with 86 suppliers, service providers, and traders welcomed the throng of visitors.

Do I need to register my caravan in Europe 2025?

If you’ve been used to taking your caravan with you to Europe, be certain not to be caught out by new rules that that came into effect on the 26^th of August and apply to towed trailers.

If your caravan is more than 750kg, you are now required to register it in advance of your journey to or through practically any European country, according to official guidance on the government website.

To tow such a caravan in Europe, registration will require that the trailer has its own separate registration plate (that is, different to the towing vehicle’s plate) and that you keep with you the caravan’s registration document ready to show foreign authorities when requested.

Although registration is required throughout almost the whole of Europe, exceptions are made if you are towing only in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Cyprus, or Malta.

Your first registration will cost £26; £21 for a new certificate for a registered keeper; and £10 for a lost or mislaid replacement certificate.

Every UK Caravan and Motorhome Club site earns Green Tourism Gold 

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has secured for every one of its member sites the highest level of accreditation by the Green Tourism organisation, according to a recent posting by Out and About Live.

Green Tourism’s Gold award for sustainability has gone to more than 150 of the Club’s sites and even its headquarters building.

Gold awards are given only when the highest standards of sustainability and environmental management have been demonstrated.

While the familiar comforts of home are always enticing, you might be after a change of scene and pace this festive season. Why not consider taking your caravan out for a short – and utterly magical – Christmas getaway?

Here are five top UK destinations that make for delightful Christmas caravanning, plus one bonus treasure to add to your winter route planning.

Or take a look at our site reviews for more destination inspiration.

Constable country

Constable’s paintings of rural life in East Anglia are rightly regarded as national treasures.

Set around Essex and Suffolk, they capture the spirit of a bygone age – except that it’s not quite ‘bygone’! In fact, there are beautiful villages and small towns in this area, many adorned with small cottages and thatched roofs. That’s to say nothing of some of the oldest pubs in the country and with their roaring log fires, they’re a great place for Christmas dinner.

Now it’s true that most shops and entertainments in the towns are going to be closed over the holidays but these days that’s usually just on the 25^th itself. So, you can combine rural explorations with looking around ancient towns such as Norwich (Norfolk) and Ipswich.

If you are thinking of a pub restaurant for Christmas dinner – remember to book ahead as they’re usually very popular.

Further reading: 10 places to visit in Suffolk and Bucks Farm CL Site Review.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s captivating capital brims with festive spirit, from its Gothic architecture dusted with snow to vibrant Christmas markets and the iconic Hogmanay celebrations.

Although chilly, Edinburgh’s winter magic more than makes up for it – just pack your thermal layers. Hogmanay tickets are in high demand; grab them as soon as possible for the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience.

Further reading: Explore Scotland and Ten places to visit in Scotland in your ‘van.

The Cotswolds

This is one of those areas that people seem to struggle to precisely define in geographic terms other than to say it’s ‘sort of’ parts of Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire.

In a sense, its precise boundaries don’t matter because the whole area is beautiful and it undoubtedly has some of the most picturesque villages and towns in the UK.

It’s a marvellous area for peace and quiet in winter, though again you’ll find some fantastic pubs and restaurants.

Further reading: Caravanning in the Cotswolds.

York and the moors

Many would argue that the city of York is the most beautiful in the UK. It’s a wonderful mixture of Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman and Mediaeval styles and you’ll find history on every corner.

The town is usually buzzing, which is great if your stay starts a few days before Christmas and carries on towards New Year. Inevitably, much will be closed in the city on 25th/26^th but just walking the streets is magical.

The nearby moors offer some of the wildest and most impressive countryside in England. Make sure you keep in touch with the weather forecasts though – moorland countryside at altitude can be dangerous if the weather is very severe and you’re unprepared.

Further reading: Visit York and York Caravan Park Site Review.

Devon, Dorset and Cornwall

These three counties in the far west of England may have summer holiday connotations but they’re also popular over Christmas.

There are historic towns everywhere and an enormous coastline. Walking along doing some beachcombing with the dog is a thought that appeals to many. And a brisk stroll on the clifftops will certainly blow the cobwebs away!

Towns such as Lyme Regis are always pretty and full of interesting things to see and do. Not only that but those pasties might make a nice change from cold Turkey for days after the 25^th!

Further reading: 9 places to visit in Devon and UK caravan holiday ideas: From Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands.

Bonus: The Isle of Wight

Praised for its abundant beaches, coastal charm, and attractions like Quarr Abbey and Ventnor Botanic Gardens – this sunny island is a hidden gem for winter caravanning. The seafront towns recall nostalgic British holidays, pubs are cosy, walks are refreshing, and quirkiness abounds – even a hovercraft remains in service. A truly festive coastal retreat!

Further reading: Guide to caravanning on the Isle of Wight and Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park Site Review.

6 tips for a smooth and festive caravan trip

1. Check your caravan insurance: Ensure it covers winter trips and any limits on annual usage or site security requirements.
2. Confirm campsite operations: Make sure sites are open during Christmas, and that water, heating, and electricity will be available.
3. Book early: Sites and restaurants fill fast – especially for Christmas Day or festive meals.
4. Pack winter gear: Bring waterproof, windproof, and warm layers. Double-check that your caravan heating is in perfect working order.
5. Watch the weather: Areas like the moors can be spectacular but changeable – keep an eye on forecasts.
6. Plan festive stops: Think about nearby pubs, markets, or attractions that stay open over the holidays.

Ready for a Winter Adventure?

These destinations offer a festive blend of scenery, tranquillity, and seasonal delights. Whether you’re wandering snowy moors, exploring medieval cities, or waking up to frost-kissed beaches, a Christmas caravan trip adds a refreshingly different layer to your festive traditions.

Already planning where your caravan adventures will take you for the rest of this year and for 2026?

Then here are some of the latest handy, clever, and sometimes quirky gadgets worth considering for your caravanning trips. Note that these can be bought online or in-store from various retailers      :

Jack pads

• we can’t promise that your next caravan pitch is going to be a muddy field under several days of relentless rain – but you’re as familiar with the British weather as we are;
• to stop the legs or corner steadies of your caravan from sinking into the soft ground, why not try caravan jack pads – your caravan will stay all the steadier for them;

Warm as toast

• there’s rarely much room in the caravan’s galley, so you’ll be limited in the range of appliances you can run;
• low-wattage appliances designed for caravans are a lifesaver, like compact toasters and kettles that won’t overload your electrics. In 2025, energy-efficient models are even more compact and eco-friendly, with some designed to reduce water and power use;

• the Swiss Luxx Low Wattage Caravan Toaster is specially designed for use in a caravan since it is diminutive in size – and consumes only 750 watts of electricity;
• a matching one-litre, low-wattage electric kettle is also available;

Your secret stash

• looking for a discreet hiding place for small valuables? Diversion safes disguised as everyday items – from soft drink cans to soup tins – remain a popular choice;
• they’re simple, low-cost, and add an extra layer of peace of mind when leaving the caravan unattended;
• for more advice, see our Guide to caravan security

Cool in summer

• with UK summers now hotter than ever, keeping food and drinks chilled is a must;
• high-capacity cool boxes keep ice frozen for days, making them ideal for both caravan use and picnics. Newer models now feature improved insulation and some even offer USB charging ports or built-in bottle openers;

Fire safety

• fire precautions remain essential. Collapsible, UV-resistant fire buckets are lightweight, easy to store, and can double as water carriers or even food storage when not in use;
• some designs even integrate reflective strips for extra visibility at night;
• for peace of mind, read our advice on Fire safety tips in your ‘van;

Round or square?

• that round washing-up bowl can be handy to use but tricky to store when you need to load your caravan with everything – including the kitchen sink;
• a handy way around that problem, therefore, is to invest in a collapsible square washing-up bowl;

You can never have enough of them

• you can probably never have enough airtight food and drink containers, so a collapsible, silicone kitchen bundle is a welcome addition to storage solutions in the galley;
• the bundle of collapsible silicone bowls and boxes let you heat, bake, freeze, mix, store and pour.

If it’s only to show off your latest collection of caravan gadgets and accessories, you’ll be raring to get set for your next caravan outing soon into the New Year.

More gadgets: Guide to Caravan Gadgets and Which caravan gadgets?

Please note that we do not receive any commissions for the sale of any of these products. The gadgets suggested are for information purposes only and should not be seen as recommendations of Cover4Caravans.co.uk.

[Caravan & Motorhome Club CL – 5 pitches site, members only]

FY6 8LF

Date of Visit:    August 2025

Overall View

The CL site is a field to one side of a working farm and an orchard on the other side.  It is level and a mixture of hardstanding and grass.  It is close to Blackpool and access is from the M55 -please see arrival video HERE. There is a section of road – before the railway bridge that is particularly uneven and requires great care.

This site is family friendly and dogs are very welcome by arrangement but must be kept on a lead at all times due to the working nature of the farm.  There are plenty of farm tracks across the fields which you can take your dog for a walk.

Facilities

There is 16 amp EHU hookup to each pitch, fresh water tap and grey waste is disposed of into the hedge line around the site.  In effect a serviced pitch.

There is a CDP emptying point on your right as you enter the site plus a rubbish bin.

In the nearest farm building, there is a single toilet which you are able to use.  It is level access, however, there are no grab rails and no basin, just some sanitising liquid

TV and radio were good using the directional aerial tilted. Our neighbour struggled with an omnidirectional ‘flying saucer’ type aerial.

Mobile wise all the network providers offered 4G with EE and Vodafone stepping it up to 5G outdoors. TV streaming worked fine with EE. There was no WiFi on site.

There is no gate to the site, however, the main farm gate is shut of an evening.  It is not locked so access is not a problem.

Review of Site Pitch

Each pitch is hardstanding and sufficiently wide enough to place your car and caravan, whilst allowing you to pitch your awning/canopy on the grass if you so wish.  Alternatively, it is possible to park your vehicle and awning on the hardstanding and car to the front.  The site is level throughout.

Grass is regularly mowed and the gravel on the pitches and roadway is kept clean.

Around and about

There is a Shell garage and a Lidl about a 15 minute drive from the site – these are your nearest retail and fuel options.  Garstang and Poulton le Fylde, both market towns have further facilities.

There are no direct bus stops close to the site – it is at the end of a no through road.  The nearest is approximately a 40 minute walk.

The site has the added benefit of being very close to Blackpool – a seaside resort which hardly needs any introduction.  Two events which are of note are the annual air show in August – usually including the Red Arrows and the Euro Typhoon Display Team.  The second is the annual Blackpool Illuminations – starting at the end of August each year.  For further information please see https://www.visitblackpool.com/

Equally, due to its central location, it is possible to explore many other towns, resorts in the County of Lancashire. Cleveleys, Fleetwood, Lytham St Annes to name a few.

https://www.visitlancashire.com/ will give you a comprehensive list of places.

The historical county town of Lancaster, equally well known for its large university is less than an hour’s drive away.  The Water Witch pub by the canal in the centre is a family and dog friendly pub which serves great food and has a comprehensive real ale offering.

There is a lovely drive, skirting the coast on the A588 from the site to Lancaster itself.

https://lancasterandmorecambebay.com

As this part of Lancashire is particularly flat, there are many cycling routes and it is quite common to regularly see cyclists out riding considerable distances.

Finaly, there are several tourist areas – all no more than an hours drive from the site.  The Lake District; Trough of Bowland; Yorkshire Dales are good starting points.

Summary

As it is a working farm, some noise is to be expected, however the owners advised this in advance and we were not troubled by it.  The electrified train line to Blackpool runs close to the site, during the day there is passing train noise but with being electric, again noise is minimal.  Its location and facilities make this a good choice for those wanting to visit Blackpool and all its attractions.