As with many things, especially when it comes to insurance, the devil is in the details. Many drivers are likely to assume that their regular motor insurance covers towing a caravan. And, in many cases this may be correct – but only up to a point.

Many insurers may extend third-party liability cover to the caravan you are towing, although the extent of cover varies between policies. Let’s see why that might give you cause for concern.

What car insurance may typically cover when towing

Motor insurance policies are many and varied. Precisely what is covered, the extent to which it is covered, and what is excluded will vary from one insurer to another.

In the majority of cases, your motor insurance policy may meet the minimum legal requirement for third-party liability when towing a caravan. That legal minimum is designed to ensure that you can meet claims from injured third parties or those whose property has been damaged by your trailer. – up to set policy limits. That third-party liability cover does not usually include protection for damage sustained by your caravan. That is also typically the case, even if the car towing your caravan has comprehensive cover.

What it normally does not cover

Even if you have comprehensive insurance for your car, therefore, this typically does not extend to cover for damage to the caravan itself, but only to damage or injury caused to others by your caravan.

That also means that the third-party element of insurance you have for the caravan does not cover theft of the trailer or its contents while you are on the road. The third-party cover provided by a standard motor policy may not provide protection for loss or damage to the caravan itself.

When separate caravan insurance becomes important

Given the severe limitations of the third-party cover provided by your regular motor insurance, you may want to consider the importance of obtaining separate insurance for your caravan.

After all, your caravan is likely to be a valuable asset that would be expensive to repair or replace following any number of potential mishaps otherwise not covered by the third-party cover in your motor insurance. Mishaps such as:

• serious incidents while towing your caravan along major roads and motorways;

• major incidents while you’re pitched at a campsite – fire, flooding, or storm damage;

• reversing accidents – that may occur with annoying frequency;

• damage suffered by your caravan while you are pitched at a campsite or caravan park; or

• one of the many dents and scrapes any caravan might suffer on an ordinary overnight stop.

What to check in your policy wording

Naturally, insurance for your caravan and the vehicle towing it are closely linked. Before you consider hitching up a caravan to your car, therefore, carefully check the wording of your motor insurance policy.

• Does it specifically allow you to tow a caravan? Some policies may exclude towing, while others may require notification.

• Even if towing is allowed, are there any weight or size restrictions? If you exceed these or the legal weight limits, this could affect the validity of a claim.

• Does your motor insurance require a specific declaration about a tow bar modification?

• Is the insurance cover valid for European travel and, if so, whether there are any limits to the duration of cover, number of visits, or restrictions on the countries to be visited?

• Does the cover include roadside assistance or recovery for both the car and your caravan?

Check with us

Whether your motor insurance provides cover while towing a caravan depends on your individual policy terms and conditions. Third-party liability while towing may not include protection for loss of or damage to the caravan itself, so it’s always sensible to check your policy wording or speak with your car insurance provider before travelling.

If you remain unsure about the level of protection in place, Cover4Caravans can provide further information about specialist touring caravan insurance options and help you explore cover that may be more appropriate for your needs.

CCC Members only 5-pitch site

Bardon Mill, NE477JT

https://brockaleefarm.wixsite.com/campatbrockaleefarm

Date of Visit:    April 2026

Overall View

This is a family and dog friendly certified site situated between Haltwhilstle and Hexham just off the cross country A69.  Access is straightforward, take care with the final turning into the site.  Please see arrival video HERE.

The owners are very friendly and helpful.  It is a very well-maintained site.  During the three-weeks we were here, it was regularly full.  Advance booking is highly recommended.

Facilities

There is an EHU to each pitch.  Electric is charged additionally by the kwh used at a rate set by the utility company.  Grey water drainage point is in the corner of each pitch.  There is no clean water supply at each pitch.

There is a central facilities block, in the middle of the row of pitches, with two showers, toilets and an information room.  One of the toilet/showers which is combined has level access.

To the rear of the block is the dishwashing area with plenty of hot water.  To the side of this is the clean water filling point.

On the opposite side of the block is the recycling and rubbish disposal area – this is where the CDP is also located.

Security is well catered with locked gates to the entrance to the site and a very heavy-duty coded padlock – the number is given on arrival.

There was no WiFi on site, however the four mobile network providers promise good 4G inside and out. In addition EE offers 5G which worked well and was fine for streaming.

There is no public bus service nearby, you will need to pick up a bus in Bardon Mill.  Please check website for frequency.  www.stagecoachbus.com

Review of Site Pitch

The site is built on a flat terrace about two-thirds of the way up an embankment.  There are good views from the site across the valley.  At the bottom of the valley is the A69 so there is some road noise although it is much quieter at night.

Each pitch is flat, laid to shale type gravel and kept immaculately clean and tidy by the owners.  The grass that forms the rest of the site, apart from the roadway and pitches is very well kept.

Around and about

The location of this site is one of its main attractions – it is only a couple of miles from Hadrian’s Wall and the world famous Vindolanda site.  A half hour run further on will take you to Housesteads site and other many varied visitor points along the wall in this area.  https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall  The Pennine Way also runs along this area and there are many facilities for the walkers.

It is also possible to purchase a combined entrance ticket which allows you access to Vindolanda and also Magna Fort and Roman Museum about a 10-minute drive between the two.   The Roman Museum is very interactive and child friendly.  There is a café and accessible facilities.

If you wish, you can combine the Magna Fort visit for half a day and the second half visiting the Lanercost Priory about a 10 minute drive from Magna Fort.  This has an excellent café/restaurant outside the priory, completely dog friendly and has the usual accessible facilities.  The Priory is run by English Heritage.  It is divided into two main sections, the priory ruins for which there is an entrance fee, (free for EH members) and the church, (one half of the priory) is free to enter.  There is a small souvenir shop at the entrance.  The church is fully accessible; the priory is not wheelchair friendly and there are steps.  Pushchairs are okay providing they are not too heavy or cumbersome.

The site has a number of villages immediately surrounding the site and many offer small shops selling a good range of goods.  However, for supermarket shopping, the nearest, a 15-minute drive from the site, is Haltwhilstle which has a medium sized Sainsbury’s but no fuel.  There are some shops, pubs, laundry and hairdresser shops in the town itself.

Fuel wise, there is an independent garage about 500m from the site on the A69 itself.  It also has a Spar and there is a Starbucks Coffee house opposite.  The latter can be very popular indeed with travellers.

In the opposite direction, a 35-minute drive will bring you to Hexham.  This is quite large and has several supermarkets including a Tesco Extra.  Again, there is no fuel attached.  There is an Asda/BP fuelling station just as you leave the A69 which was competitively priced but there is no full-sized Asda – just an Asda Express acting as the service station shop.

Hexham has a long history and there is Hexham Abbey/Church in the middle of the town.  On road parking is usually plentiful apart from Saturday morning when the weekly farmers market is situated in the market square and in front of the Church.

https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/explore/destinations/towns-villages/hexham

Hexham Farmers Market – this is held on different Saturday mornings.  Please check the website before setting out.  There are a range of local farmers and producers selling fish, game, poultry and meats.  Pies, cakes, (delicious), flowers and plants.  A huge cheese stall.  There were Morris Dancers and clog dancers entertaining the shoppers in front of the Abbey.  All in all, a very pleasant experience.   https://www.hexhamfarmersmarket.co.uk/

A full day tour, with the cross-country route along the military roads alongside large parts of Hadrians Wall is to Kielder Water.  Please check this road before setting off as there are major bridge repairs starting very shortly, (time of writing April 2026).

Kielder Water is a very large reservoir built in the early 1970’s and provides both water and hydro-electric power to Newcastle upon Tyne, Middlesborough and their surrounding areas.

There are a number of parking areas around the reservoir and it possible to drive across the dam to a car park on the other side.  All official parking areas require you to pay, including blue badge parking.  However, if you pay for 1 days parking, then you can move around all the car parks without having to pay extra that day.

There are two main ‘commercial’ areas – both with shops, café and toilets.  Towe Knowe was not open on the day I visited, a further 3 miles or so further on is the much bigger area – this has a tourer caravan site, glamping pods and lodges available.  There is also a large café/bar/restaurant with a children’s soft play area attached darts and a snooker table.  The restaurant offers a wide range of food for all including a fully stocked bar.  There are fully accessible toilet facilities at each of the two sites.  The main commercial area has a shop which doubles as a convenience store for visitors and also a gift shop.  There is the forest to visit which is a separate trip in itself.  Also there is the famous Dark Skies Observatory.  Further details can be found on this website.   www.visitkielder.com

Another days visit is to the Wallington Hall (NT).  You can easily spend a whole day here.  Access is good, there is plentiful parking including accessible and accessibility is good throughout the site and the ground floor of the house itself.  Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired in advance if required.  There is a café, ice cream parlour and a NT shop which is one of the larger ones.  Local crafts and produce are also available.  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/wallington

Bladon Mill is the small but very picturesque village on the opposite of the A69 to the site.  There is a lovely café which also doubles as a small convenience store for essentials in the centre.  There is lovely seating just outside if the weather is good.  It is a dog friendly establishment and they are welcome inside.  Scones with jam and cream are a favourite and the coffee comes highly recommended too.

There is a public footpath, signed from the entrance to the site which you need to walk, with the site at your rear and this bring you to a point where you can, very carefully it is a fast road, cross the A69 and follow the rest of the footpath down into the village.  It will be an uphill walk back.  You can also turn right out of the site, right onto the A69, carefully cross and then another footpath takes you down into the village.

There are a couple of pubs/hotels as well.  In addition, there is a large pottery building with its own kiln and chimney.  You can see when they are firing as there is a large plume of smoke.

Bladon Mill is also the nearest Network Rail station.  Trains go to either Carlisle or Newcastle.  There is no ticket office, pay on train or on-line in advance.  The service is operated by Northern Trains.  www.northernrailway.co.uk There is a small amount of parking just outside the station, including accessible, however you can easily park in the village, and it is a couple of minutes level stroll.

Carlisle – This is about a 45 minute drive, depending on traffic.  You can, of course, opt to take the train.  This is a very old town with a great deal of history, a castle and many a tale of border skirmishes over many hundreds of years.  There is a pedestrianised shopping area which runs off the car park, called Lanes Shopping Centre/Car Park.  There are lifts and access is good.  Dogs are allowed but obviously not all shops in the centre will allow them in.  There is a large out of town retail centre which is where you can get larger shopping if you so wish.

There are two destinations within a few miles of each other and a 10 minute run from the site in the car.   Housesteads Roman Fort and the Sill.

Depending on whether you are able to walk to view the Fort from the roadside car park, (cafe, toilets ad full facilities), will determine the length of your visit as the uphill walk takes around 20 minutes on a tarmac pavement.  It is possible to drive to close by the fort if you have a blue badge and make prior arrangements. These can be made at the reception on arrival. This brings you to the museum, shop and coffee machine.   There are accessible toilets in the small car park.  It was not possible to see the Fort inside as there are steps to gain access.  I would, however,  recommend making the trip up to the museum as the panoramic views, on a clear sunny day are breath-taking.  

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places

You can see for miles.  Dogs are allowed everywhere, strictly on leads, due to sheep being free roaming.  The exception is the museum.

The Sill, nearer the site is easily accessible as it is close to the roadside.  It has a visitor centre, shop and café.   It has full facilities and dogs are allowed everywhere,  including the cafe but not the visitor centre and shop.  The cafe makes great efforts to only supply local produce and everything from a soup and sandwich to larger meals are on offer.  Very tasty they were too.  https://www.thesill.org.uk/

Summary

If you are interested in history, particularly Roman history then this sites location, facilities and proximity to places of interest, you will find this site hard to beat.  Many of the other site residents were working on the historical sites.  Very pleasant and helpful owners made for a very good stay; we appreciated the half dozen fresh eggs gifted to us by the owners at the start of our stay.  It is certainly worth a visit.

If you are new to caravanning, you may wonder what the different pitch types are and what you are likely to find when you arrive at a caravan site. If you’ve not been caravanning before, you may have little idea what to expect.

This brief blog is intended to help by filling in the details about some of the most common arrangements that may be available.

Understanding the different types of caravan pitches

You have chosen your touring site with care, but the pitch you choose can be almost as important as the location of the site itself – especially during inclement weather or if you are planning to spend a lot of time in and around the caravan while you are there.

Choosing the right pitch can make a noticeable difference to comfort, convenience and the practicalities of setting up on site. Touring parks across the UK typically offer several pitch formats, each designed to suit different caravan sizes, connection needs and travel styles.

While terminology can vary slightly between operators, most sites group pitches according to the services available and the surface provided.

Grass pitches

Grass pitches are among the most traditional options available and are often found on smaller or more rural caravan sites.

They typically provide a simple marked space without permanent services, meaning caravanners rely on shared facilities such as site toilet blocks, water points and waste disposal areas. Many touring enthusiasts enjoy grass pitches for their quieter atmosphere and flexibility of layout.

However, weather conditions can influence usability. Extended rainfall may make manoeuvring more difficult, particularly for heavier caravans or vehicles without four-wheel drive.

Hardstanding pitches

Hardstanding pitches are surfaced using gravel, stone or reinforced materials designed to provide a firm and stable base.

They are generally suitable for year-round touring and can be particularly helpful during wetter seasons when grass areas may become soft underfoot. Many caravan owners prefer hardstanding pitches for their reliability when positioning the caravan and awning.

Depending on the site layout, these pitches may still require access to shared service points rather than offering direct connections.

Electric hook-up pitches

Electric hook-up pitches include access to a mains electricity supply via a connection point located beside the pitch.

This allows the use of onboard lighting, heating systems, refrigerators and charging equipment without relying entirely on the caravan’s leisure battery. Hook-up capacity can vary between sites, so it is usually sensible to check the amperage provided before arrival.

Electric hook-ups are now widely available and are often considered a standard feature on many touring parks.

Fully serviced pitches

Fully serviced pitches provide a higher level of convenience by offering direct access to electricity, fresh water and drainage connections at the pitch itself.

This arrangement can reduce the need to carry water containers across the site and may make longer stays more comfortable. Fully serviced pitches are commonly selected by caravanners who travel frequently or prefer a more self-contained touring setup.

Availability varies between parks, and these pitches are sometimes positioned within premium areas of a site.

Super pitches or premium pitches

Some caravan parks describe their largest or best-equipped spaces as super pitches or premium pitches.

These may combine hardstanding surfaces with electric hook-up, water supply and drainage, along with additional space for awnings, vehicles or outdoor seating. In certain locations, enhanced landscaping or improved privacy spacing may also be included.

The exact specification varies by site, so it is worth reviewing the facilities list when booking.

Choosing the most suitable pitch

Selecting the right pitch usually depends on how often you tour, the time of year you travel and the level of convenience you prefer while on site.

Short stays may work well on standard hook-up pitches, while extended visits are sometimes easier to manage on fully serviced options. Weather conditions, caravan size and onboard equipment can also influence which pitch type is most practical.

As you can see, therefore, caravan pitches may come in all shapes and sizes, offering a range of facilities from the simplest open patch of grass to those on hardstanding and connections to all manner of services. Checking pitch descriptions in advance can help ensure the facilities available match your touring plans and expectations.

Higher-specification pitches may offer additional convenience, so it is worth choosing the type most suited to your needs when making a booking.

Information is provided for general guidance only. Facilities, pitch types and services vary between caravan parks and operators. Always check the details provided by the site before booking.

Some of the latest UK caravan news and holiday trends include updates to local regulations about dogs on beaches, a Royal message to a leading caravan club, a look towards Wales for the best caravan site, and asking how inflation will affect the cost of your holiday.

Let’s take a closer look behind those headlines.

Dog bans return to many UK beaches

If you’re taking your caravan to the seaside, remember that in some places your four-legged friend may be restricted from running along the beach.

A story in the Caravan Times mentioned that this year’s bans on dogs on some beaches were brought into effect by the relevant councils on the 1^st of May and will remain in place until September.

The bans are designed to help protect the quality of the bathing waters – especially where Blue Flag designation has been won – to keep beachgoers healthy and safe. To this end, some beaches enforce a total ban on dogs while others have partial bans that allow dogs, provided they are always kept on a lead or stay away from specific areas (such as promenades and boardwalks). Guide dogs for the blind are universally exempt from any such bans year-round.

Penalties take the form of on-the-spot fines of £100, rising to a possible £1,000 if the offence goes to court.

Remember, though, that there are still very many beaches around the UK where there are no bans at all on taking your dog to the beach throughout the summer months.

Royal message from King Charles III to the Caravan and Motorhome Club

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s site at Sandringham has received a coveted seal of approval from the King himself, Out and About Live has announced.

Following the reopening of the ever-popular site within Norfolk’s royal Sandringham estate at the end of this March, King Charles III sent a personal message of congratulations. It was a fitting salute to an estate that originally opened in 1977 under the guidance of his father, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Recent investments in the site have extended the mix of potential users from caravans and motorhomes to campers under canvas and visitors seeking a “glamping” experience within the extensive grounds of the estate.

Welsh caravan park recognised as one of the country’s best

The best campsite in Wales is so hidden away in the heart of mid-Wales that you might not have heard of it yet.

The adults-only Red Kite Touring and Lodge Park has been crowned the best in Wales and is in Practical Caravan’s top 100 sites in the UK, according to Wales Online on the 25^th of April.

Set in 20 acres of breathtaking Welsh countryside, the site is near the town of Llanidloes in the gorgeous Clywedog Valley of Montgomeryshire.

The site offers 62 fully serviced pitches for motorhomes and caravans alongside a number of privately-owned luxury lodges, all of which enjoy what Practical Caravan has described as outstanding and exceptional facilities.

What inflation could mean for caravan holiday costs in 2026

Inflation has become the bane of our everyday lives and now even threatens our holidays too.

A contributor to Out and About Live notes that inflation remained more or less stable at 3% during February but has warned that it is likely to rise once again. Disruptions to global supply chains and higher energy prices are almost certain to affect everyday prices, with an inevitable impact on leisure and travel costs in the coming months.

Higher prices for the fuel in your tank clearly make touring with your caravan more expensive, while the campsites you visit will also face the challenge of increased overheads – potentially leading to higher overnight charges.

As interest rates remain high, the cost of borrowing may discourage those already struggling with their household bills from buying a new caravan, upgrading their present trailer, or making so many outings and holidays.

The one bright note is that overseas holidays may become still more expensive, leaving the “staycation” even better value for money by contrast.

A practical packing guide from Cover4Caravans

A UK summer touring holiday has a lot going for it. You have the freedom to move, the flexibility to change plans, and everything you need travelling with you. That said, what you take can make a noticeable difference to how relaxed the trip feels.

The aim is not to pack everything you own. It is to take the right things – enough to be comfortable, without overloading your caravan or motorhome. A bit of thought before you set off can save time, space and unnecessary stress once you are on the road.

Note: This guide is designed to help with the basics and does not include every item you may wish to take. Packing requirements can vary depending on your trip and personal needs. For more ideas and practical advice, take a look at our other articles and guides across the Cover4Caravans website.

Kitchen and cooking essentials

You will likely use your kitchen more than you expect, even if you plan to eat out occasionally. Keeping things simple works best.

A compact set of pans, a kettle, plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery will cover most situations. Add a chopping board, a good knife, a tin opener and a few basic utensils. These are the items that tend to get used daily, so it is worth making sure they are easy to access.

Washing-up items are just as important. A bowl, sponge, cloths and tea towels will quickly become part of your routine, especially on sites without full kitchen facilities.

Food-wise, it helps to bring a small supply of basics. Tea, coffee, long-life milk, cereal and a few easy meals can make your first evening much easier – particularly if you arrive later than planned or shops are closed. After that, you can top up locally and enjoy what the area has to offer.

Tools and practical kit

Even on a straightforward trip, small issues can crop up. A basic set of tools can help you deal with minor problems without turning them into bigger ones.

Items such as a tyre pressure gauge, portable compressor, wheel brace and levelling ramps are worth having to hand. Add a few spare bulbs, fuses, cable ties and a roll of duct tape, and you will be prepared for most everyday situations.

You will also need the practical items that keep everything running smoothly on site. This may include your electric hook-up cable, water hose, waste container and toilet chemicals. These are easy to overlook when packing, but difficult to do without once you arrive.

As always, refer to your vehicle or caravan handbook for anything specific to your set-up.

Safety and security items

Safety equipment should be part of your standard kit rather than something you think about last.

A first aid kit, torch, spare batteries, fire extinguisher and fire blanket are sensible additions. If you use gas appliances, a carbon monoxide alarm is particularly important.

Security is also worth considering, especially if you are leaving your caravan unattended (such as being out during the day) at any point. A hitch lock or wheel clamp can provide an additional layer of protection and, depending on your policy, these and other certain security measures may be required by your caravan insurance provider, depending on the terms of your policy, so it is worth checking your documentation before you travel.

Clothing and personal gear

Packing for a UK summer means preparing for a bit of everything. Warm sunshine one day can easily turn into wind or rain the next.

Light layers tend to work best. T-shirts, jumpers and a waterproof jacket will usually cover most conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are useful for exploring, while something easy to slip on – such as flip-flops – can make trips to shared facilities more convenient.

Quick-dry towels, swimwear and a small laundry set-up can also be helpful, particularly if you are away for more than a few days.

For outdoor comfort, many people bring folding chairs, a small table, a picnic blanket or a windbreak. These are not essential, but they do make it easier to relax outside when the weather is on your side.

Further reading: Guide to Caravan Gadgets and Great caravan gadgets.

Documents and travel extras

It is worth keeping your important documents organised and easy to find. This may include your driving licence, booking confirmations, insurance details and any site information you have been sent.

For everyday use, phone chargers, a power bank and a sat nav or mapping app are practical additions. Signal can be unreliable in more rural areas, so having offline maps available can be useful.

Entertainment is a personal choice, but books, games or something to watch can make quieter evenings more enjoyable. More info: Guide to what to do on rainy days.

Food planning and storage

While it is part of the fun to shop locally, having a few supplies with you can make life easier, especially at the start of your trip.

Dry goods such as pasta, rice and cereals are easy to store and keep well. A few tins, snacks and bottled water can also be useful. If your caravan or motorhome has a fridge, pre-chilling it before you leave can help keep food fresh for longer.

Final checks before setting off

Before you head off, take a few minutes to run through the basics. Check tyre pressures, lights and brakes, and make sure everything inside is properly secured.

It is also important to be mindful of weight. Overloading can affect handling and may have implications for safety and insurance. Keeping heavier items low and evenly distributed can help maintain stability while towing or driving.

A note on caravan insurance

Touring holidays often involve a mix of travel, storage and time on-site. The level of touring caravan insurance cover you need may depend on how you use your caravan and where you plan to stay.

Policies, limits and conditions vary between insurers, so it is sensible to review your documentation before you travel. This can help ensure your cover reflects your plans and may help avoid unexpected issues if you need to make a claim.

Ready to go?

With a bit of preparation, a UK summer touring holiday can be straightforward and enjoyable. Packing carefully means less time worrying about what you have forgotten, and more time making the most of where you are.

Whether you are heading for the coast, the countryside or somewhere in between, having the right essentials with you allows you to settle in quickly and enjoy the trip from the moment you arrive.

Further reading: Caravanning checklist.

Looking for destination inspiration? Then click here or check out our bespoke Trip related guides.