Date of Visit:    October 2025

Overall View

This is a full facilities CAMC site located on the Eastern side of London.  For access please see arrival video HERE.  The site is in the ULEZ zone and charges may be payable.

Following the closure of Crystal Palace Club site – the extensive transport network and facilities made this site’s location appealing.

We found the site to be very quiet both during the day and always at night.  There is some aircraft noise as it is on the flightpath for Heathrow Airport – this was not at night and as planes are still quite high up at this distance, it is not excessively noisy.

Facilities

There are two full facility amenities blocks which have both male/female and accessible toilets/showers.  In addition there are laundry rooms and dishwashing areas in each block.  There is also a toilet only block at the top of the site itself.

There is a Reception Room and an Information Room alongside.  The site also has a small storage area for caravans and motorhomes.  A late night arrivals area is at the entrance of the site before the large security gate which is closed between 22.00 and 08:00.  As a result, staying on site feels very secure.  The normal barrier/keycard is in operation during the rest of the time and pedestrian access is allowed day and night.

There is a small children’s play area in the middle of the site.

A pizza truck normally visits twice a week, orders taken in advance.

Review of Site Pitch

The site has pitches of every type offered by the Club up to and including fully serviced pitches.  There are also a number of hardstanding and non-awning pitches approaching Reception. There is a tent area too.

We were on a hard-standing and non-awning pitch on the road by Reception.  It should be noted that these are not very long and we only just managed to get the van off the roadway and still be able to access the drainage pipes which are to the rear of the van in this case.  If you wish to have a little more room and be off the roadway, best to pick an awning pitch.

You will need to use ramps and blocks for a good number of pitches, of all types throughout the site as the site as a whole is on a slope.

Water and CDP points are dotted throughout the site meaning you do not have to walk far from any pitch.  Many of the CDP points are newly shielded by wooden fencing.  At the moment, rubbish disposal and recycling points are still located throughout the site.

Both TV and radio reception were good and all the mobile network operators indicated 4G coverage with O2 adding 5G coverage outdoors. Our personal experience with EE and Three was good.

Around and about

For those people visiting London for the first time, you would be best advised to have a look at www.visitlondon.com

In this review, we will concentrate on the immediate surrounding area and the site’s many transport links.

The nearest railway station is Abbey Wood which is both one terminus of the Elizabeth Line and also part of the National Rail network which goes to Gravesend in an easterly direction.  Elizabeth Line trains are frequent and go towards Reading and Heathrow Airport in the West after crossing Central London.  Links with the Northern Line underground take you to Euston Station, from the Tottenham Court Road underground station.   www.tfl.org.uk   

You could also use the mainline service from Southeastern to travel to London Bridge and change for Charing Cross.

The station is a 10-minute walk downhill from the site – conversely on your return an uphill walk is in store!  There is a bus which drops you off, one block from the site, no. 180 and leaves from opposite the station, as part of your TfL daily cap. There is also a taxi rank underneath the station and both traditional black cabs and pre-booked Uber taxis are available.  You should expect to pay between £5-£6 for the journey – we found it a small price to pay after a long day out.

From the same bus stop as you get off from the station, it is possible to catch the bus as far as North Greenwich and then catch the Uber boat into London.  Please note that this is not part of the TfL daily cap but offers an alternative and pleasant way of getting into central London.  There is a 10 minute level walk from the bus station to the boat pier – plenty of seating opportunities on the way.  We found the signposting to be somewhat lacking and relied on Google Maps to direct us.

Locally, there is a small parade of shops including a convenience store however, we opted to move about 500 yards to the other side of the station and use the full sized Sainsburys Superstore – this has a Costa cafe and is totally accessible.  We enjoyed a coffee whilst waiting for the store to open at 11am on a Sunday – the full length glass windows affording us quite a view of the area as it is all on the first floor.  It was interesting to see how much development is going on – obviously, the impact of the Elizabeth Line – the area is very much on the up.  There is also another 180 bus stop opposite this entrance – useful if you have a fair bit of shopping.

One of the nearest parks to visit is Lesnes Abbey Woods, an 88 hectare site of ancient woodlands, park and a ruined abbey.  www.lesnesabbeywoods.org/

This is part of the Green Chain Walk, 50 miles, split into 11 sections stretching from the River Thames to Nunhead Cemetery.

Another close by attraction is the Crossness Steam Pumping Station.  Following the realisation by prominent scientists of the 19^th century, that there was a link between ill health and poor sanitation, Crossness Pumping station was built by Victorian Engineers as a sewage treatment works.  Now, long since ceased to be operational, there is an opportunity to view Victorian engineering at its best.  It is not open every day, please check their website before setting out.  On running days there is an old fashioned red Routemaster bus which runs between Abbey Woods railway station and the site.  Pre-booking is essential. The tiled decoration in the main hall is a true testament to Victorian engineering of the day.  www.crossness.org.uk

Summary

A very pleasant little green oasis inside the M25 with good access to Central London offer the caravanner a great option.  The site was pretty full the whole time we were there – which was October half-term.  The older toilet block is in need of some updating and we understand that work is in hand.  Very friendly and helpful wardens on site.  Overall, a great holiday and we will return.

With the holiday season coming up, you might want to hitch up your caravan, take it across the Channel, and enjoy the festive sights and sounds to be found in countless towns and villages across the continent. Our winter caravanning guide has tips to help you enjoy trips even when there’s a chill in the air.

So that everything goes smoothly, it’s worth a moment or two of homework to check that all your insurance and other documents are in good order for the trip.

European cover: check your policy first

These days, it might be easy to take for granted that your regular caravan insurance includes European cover as a standard feature. But that is not the case. Not all motor and caravan insurance policies extend cover to driving in Europe. So, check that you do, indeed, have that cover – you will need it! (At Cover4Caravans, our touring caravan insurance includes continental cover up to a maximum 240 days).

Bear in mind, too, that whatever your policy, there are typically limits on the duration of any trip, along with potential restrictions on the countries or destinations covered. So, make sure you have the necessary territorial cover before confirming ferry, accommodation, or camping site bookings.

Documents and post-Brexit requirements

In the same way that you might have taken for granted cover throughout Europe, you might also have grown accustomed to the fact that a so-called “Green Card” (proof of the relevant motor insurance) has been dropped by most European countries.

As the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) advises, a Green Card system is still used in countries including Albania, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Morocco, North Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine – but all of these now accept a digital version of the required proof of third-party insurance.

Wherever you are driving in Europe, therefore, typically you will still need to keep with you your certificate of insurance (and Green Card if necessary), passports, your driving licence, and V5C (or logbook as it’s also known).

Check with authoritative sites such as the RAC or AA about any further, specific safety equipment or driving accessories that might be required in specific countries. Give a final glance at the government’s official Foreign Travel Advice for any warnings about visits to the countries on your itinerary.

Theft, damage and security expectations

Whenever you are out and about with your caravan – here at home or abroad – remember that your insurer assumes the right to expect the trailer to remain under your control and that you take “reasonable care” to ensure its security and safeguard against any theft or damage.

What does that mean in practice? It means that you cannot simply pitch up at your campsite, leave the trailer there, and go off exploring for the next few days, staying at different accommodation for example. If your ‘van is left unattended overnight and loss or damage occurs (because of storms, vandalism, theft, or a break-in, for example), your insurer may be entitled to dismiss any claim on the grounds that you failed to adequately protect your caravan.

Conclusion

In short and with just a little preparation, there is nothing to put you off enjoying a winter break with your caravan across the Channel somewhere in Europe. Simply review your motor and caravan insurance cover, take the right documentation, and if you are unsure about any European travel requirements, ask your insurance provider.

Destination guides

Guide to caravanning in France

 Guide to caravanning in the Channel Islands

Guide to caravanning in Germany

Guide to caravanning with pets

Complete caravanners’ guide to mainland Europe

Welcome to this month’s round up of the latest news from the UK caravanning world.

From major manufacturer announcements to campsite award winners, there’s plenty happening as the new season approaches. Swift has relaunched two of its most recognisable tourer ranges, while some of the country’s top sites have been recognised for excellence in the year ahead. We also take a look at the latest caravan design accolades from the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Here’s what’s new …

Swift relaunches the iconic Conqueror & Conqueror Grande tourer ranges

Swift announced on the 14^th of November a relaunch for 2026 of its most popular marques, the Conqueror and the Conqueror Grande.

With all the home from home comforts you can tow to your favourite campsite, the Conquerors are very much a family-oriented caravan – that’s what helps to make them so popular. Models for the coming year feature such luxuries as a solar panel on the roof, outside BBQ connection, Duvalay Duvalite mattresses, and a fully equipped kitchen including a 133-litre fridge and 12-litre freezer.

The Conqueror range features three distinctive models – a single-axle 2-berth, a single-axle 4-berth, and a twin-axle 4-berth. All come with front parallel seating and a side kitchen, while the 4-berth models also have a transverse island bed and end washroom.

There are four enhanced layouts in the Conqueror Grande range – 2 single-axle and two twin-axle, all offering four berths. They feature either L-shaped or front parallel seating, side or mid-caravan kitchens, and combinations of rear transverse and end island wash or bedrooms.

St Helens in the Park is crowned AA’s overall campsite of the year

Planning a trip to North Yorkshire? You might want to book your pitch at the best campsite in the UK!

A story in the 7^th of November edition of the Independent newspaper revealed that St Helens in the Park, located in Wykeham, North Yorkshire, has been awarded the AA’s top prize as the best overall campsite for 2025.

St Helens in the Park – also handily situated for Scarborough – occupies thirty-six acres of landscaped grounds with areas carefully screened by mature trees that offer more private and intimate space for adults-only parts of the site.

Winners of the Camping and Glamping Awards 2025 announced

The Eastern Daily Press announced the winners of the Camping & Glamping Awards for 2025, selected by the website campsites.co.uk. These highlight the best campsites, glampsites, and caravan parks in the UK.

The awards go to show that Norfolk is one of the UK’s strongest regions for camping, caravanning, and glamping. The county walked away with no fewer than three of the very top awards – having scored most highly on the guest experience offered, the onsite facilities, a natural location, the quality of the service provided, and the overall standard of accommodation.

Other winners in the 2025 season include:

• Watermouth Valley Camping Park, North Devon — the Best Campsite across the UK as a whole;

• Tregarton Park, Cornwall — winner of Best Caravan Park;

• Carrock Glamping Pods, Lake District — Best Glamping Site;

• Plassey Holiday Park, North Wales — Best Family Campsite; and

• Cosmos Camping, South Wales — Best Adult-Only Site.

Elddis and Buccaneer win two prestigious titles in the annual Caravan and Motorhome Club Caravan Design Awards

So much for the best caravan and camping sites, you also want to know which have been judged the best caravans.

Here, the best in caravan Design Awards – as recognised by the Caravan and Motorhome Club – went to Elddis and Buccaneer.

The best in design, practicality, and innovation was judged according to several rigorous standards, including:

• internal layout and comfort;

• serviceability and storage;

• washroom and kitchen layout and design;

• security, safety, and electrics; and

• quality of manufacturing and warranty.

Don’t be put off by a little chill in the air, winter caravanning is very much on the cards these days – even if you’re occasionally tempted to pull on the thermals!

Perhaps more than at other times of the year, though, you might want to give a little more forethought and planning before venturing out with your caravan in the wintertime.

Here are some factors to consider when caravanning in the winter …

Know just where you’re going

In the warmer months of spring and summer, you might take to the open road, see wherever you end up by nightfall and easily find a suitable pitch for the night. In winter, of course, things are likely to be a little different since many sites will have closed for the season.

With careful planning, however, you are likely to find those sites that are open all the year round. Both the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club, list caravan sites that are year round.

To be doubly sure that there’ll be a pitch for you, make sure to book ahead.

What to do and what to see

Practically any destination is going to be different in the wintertime compared with the summer – it’s not just the landscapes that change, but things like markets, events, and other attractions that are open at various times of the year.

In some places, that might mean that there is even more to see and do when the days are shorter and the weather is chillier – you might just have picked the right time to come caravanning.

Where can you stock up?

Though they might not have closed for the season, you might find a long walk to the shops less agreeable when the weather turns bad. Before choosing a campsite that is open all year, consider how close are the local shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

If there is an onsite shop or store that remains open during the winter months, so much the better.

Winter caravanning packing checklist

When you’re heading off in your caravan during the colder months, a bit of extra planning can make all the difference. Here’s a useful list of things to take to keep you warm, safe and comfortable.

Warmth and comfort

• Extra blankets or duvets
• Thermal clothing and thick socks
• Hot water bottles or heat pads
• An insulated mat or rug for the awning or doorway

Heating and power

• Full gas bottles, plus a spare
• Electric hook-up lead and adaptor
• Power bank for charging phones
• Extension lead with surge protection
• Matches or a lighter for the hob

Lighting and visibility

• Torches or headlamps with spare batteries
• A lantern or rechargeable camping light
• Reflective vests or markers if you’re walking in the dark
• A warning triangle and light for roadside use

Food and cooking

• Tinned or dried food that’s easy to heat
• Long-life milk, tea, coffee and snacks
• A portable stove or kettle if you’re cooking outside
• Basic utensils, pans, plates, mugs and cutlery
• Water containers and a good thermos flask

Vehicle and caravan essentials

• Screen wash that won’t freeze
• De-icer and an ice scraper
• Small shovel and a bag of grit or salt
• Jump leads and a tow rope
• Tyre pressure gauge and pump
• Levelling ramps and wheel chocks
• Spare bulbs, fuses and a small toolkit

Health and safety

• A well-stocked first aid kit
• Hand sanitiser, tissues and wet wipes
• Any regular medication
• Emergency contact numbers and your caravan insurance details

Comfort and convenience

• Waterproof boots or wellies
• A small drying rack for wet clothes
• A doormat to stop mud getting in
• Books, games or a tablet for evenings in
• A small vacuum or brush for quick clean-ups

Important documents

• Driving licence and caravan papers
• Insurance and breakdown details
• Site booking confirmation
• Emergency contact list.

Take extra care on the roads

Now that you’ve prepared your ‘van, booked your pitch and hitched up, all that remains is to take to the road exercising that special care and attention that driving in wintry conditions entails.

Towing a caravan adds a particular challenge to your driving skills at the best of times – in the winter’s ice and snow, it can be especially demanding. Now might be the time to refresh your knowledge by reading the National Caravan Council’s (NCC) comprehensive Caravan Towing Guide.

Enjoy the trip!

Winter caravanning can be every bit as enjoyable as summer touring and, sometimes, even more so. With quieter roads, peaceful sites, and crisp morning views, it offers a completely different kind of adventure. As long as you plan ahead, pack wisely and keep an eye on the weather, you can enjoy the comfort of your caravan while exploring the UK’s wintry landscapes in warmth and style.

Further reading:

Guide to winter caravanning and Winter caravanning tips.

Whether you’re planning a few more outings this winter or you’ve already laid up for the season, there’s always time to catch up with some of the latest caravanning news.

To help keep you up to date, here are some of the most recent headlines.

Cardigan Bay caravan site can open for almost 11 months of the year

Following a planning application to Ceredigion County Council, Ocean View Holiday Park, at Clarach, has been given the go-ahead to open for almost 11 months of the year – from the 1^st of March until the 14^th of January – according to the Cambrian News on the 24^th of October.

This will enable the site to cater for short-term winter visitors.

Ocean View Holiday Park has been open since the 1960s and has permission for sixty static caravans, thirty-seven touring caravans, and a further two static caravans used as administrative offices. The proposed opening ten and a half months of the year is similar to the schedules already maintained by other campsites in the area.

The planning authority received no objections to the proposed new opening times.

Danny Dyer enlists Harry Redknapp’s help

In a quest to revive what he considers “classic British” caravan holidays, television personality Danny Dyer arranged a football match – with legendary footballer Harry Redknapp officiating on the sidelines.

Describing the footballing session for the televised “Dyers’ Caravan Park” on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent Out and About Live explained that Harry Redknapp had been persuaded to coach the teams for a charity match at Priory Hill & Nutts Farm Holiday Park.

From the same filmmakers as Clarkson’s Farm, a six-part TV series will feature Danny Dyer and his daughter Danni attempting to revive all the fun of a traditional caravanning holiday on the Kent coast.

The surprise appearance of veteran footballer Harry Redknapp has opened the floodgates to speculation about any other famous guests who might be convinced to put in a cameo performance for the show. 

Celebrity-led or not, a primetime TV series set in a real UK holiday park puts caravans firmly in the national spotlight – and that kind of exposure can only boost interest in staycations across the country.

October Motorhome and Caravan Show – a runaway success

A string of major exhibitors at this year’s Motorhome and Caravan Show has trumpeted the sales successes amongst impressive visitor numbers.

Commenting at the conclusion of the six-day show on the 22^nd of October, the National Caravan Council (NCC) revealed that more than 96,000 visitors browsed the displays of over 350 exhibitors and the 1,000 or so new leisure vehicles there. On these numbers alone, the show surpassed last year’s achievements.

With this year’s successes translated into increased sales, it is little wonder that many who attended the event described it as a “record breaker” and “the best show ever”. Such was the enthusiasm that spilled over into broadcasts from the show by the BBC’s News at One and ITV’s This Morning.

Manchester Central to host major caravan show in January

News of a further major caravan show – this time in the northwest of the country –  was broken by Practical Caravan on the 21^st of October.

The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show will be held at the Manchester Central conference and events centre from the 15^th to the 18^th of January 2026.

If you are thinking of buying a trailer or motorhome for the coming new season or simply just window shopping, all the major brands will be there, including Elddis, Knaus and Swift, together with countless suppliers of camping gadgets and accessories.

Entry to the show also guarantees you free access to Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show.