How much is your static caravan worth? It sounds like a straightforward question, but when you are arranging insurance, the answer is not necessarily the price you originally paid for it.

Getting your static caravan insurance value (the “sum insured”) correct matters because the figure may affect the amount of cover you have if something goes seriously wrong. So, where do you start?

What value should I insure my static caravan for?

First, check your insurance policy to see how your caravan is covered. Depending on the policy, this may be on a market value or new-for-old basis.

That distinction matters.

Market value generally reflects what a caravan of a similar make, model, age, specification and condition is worth at the relevant time.

New-for-old cover works differently. Subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of the policy, it is intended to provide for a new equivalent or comparable replacement following an insured total loss.

So, don’t automatically use the price you paid for your caravan several years ago. Equally, don’t simply pick a figure that seems about right. Check what your insurance provider or broker requires you to include in the value.

Don’t automatically use the price you paid

The purchase price is a useful reference point, but it isn’t necessarily the correct figure for insurance purposes.

That’s because the amount you paid may include costs that don’t form part of the caravan’s insured value. Depending on how and where you bought it, these might include:

• site or pitch-related charges;
• dealer or sales commission;
• finance charges;
• administration fees;
• service or maintenance packages;
• furniture or other optional extras; and
• other benefits included as part of the purchase.

There can be an issue in the other direction, too. The purchase price might not reflect some of the costs associated with replacing a caravan following a total loss. Depending on the circumstances and your policy, these could include removing and disposing of the damaged caravan, transporting a replacement and siting it on the pitch.

If possible, ask the park operator or dealer for an itemised breakdown of the purchase price. This may help separate the value of the caravan itself from site-related charges, services and optional extras.

Most importantly, check how your insurer wants the caravan valued and which costs need to be taken into account.

How can I find out what my static caravan is worth?

If you need to establish its current value, gather some basic information first. Note the manufacturer, model, age, dimensions, specification and general condition.

You can then look at similar caravans currently for sale. Caravan dealers, manufacturers and advertisements for comparable models can all provide useful pointers.

Try to compare like with like. A newer model, different specification or caravan in significantly better condition won’t necessarily provide a useful comparison.

And remember that an advertised selling price is just that – an asking price. It doesn’t necessarily tell you what the caravan will eventually sell for.

If you are struggling to arrive at a realistic figure, a professional valuation may be worth considering. Your insurer should also be able to explain the basis on which they expect the caravan to be valued.

What should I consider when calculating the insured value?

There isn’t a single calculation that applies to every static caravan insurance policy. What needs to be included will depend on the basis of cover and how your insurer defines the caravan, contents and other insured property.

There are, however, several things worth checking.

The caravan itself

Depending on your policy, the starting point might be the caravan’s current market value or the cost of replacing it with a new equivalent or comparable model.

When researching its value, make a note of the:

• make and model;
• year of manufacture;
• dimensions;
• number of bedrooms;
• specification;
• condition; and
• any permanent upgrades or improvements.

Purchase documents, photographs and an appropriate dealer or professional valuation can all be useful when establishing and recording the value.

Fixed fixtures, fittings and improvements

Think about what has been added to the caravan since it was manufactured or purchased.

This could include fitted furniture, integrated appliances, heating or air-conditioning systems, satellite equipment, accessibility adaptations and upgraded kitchens or bathrooms.

Don’t simply add the cost of everything to the caravan’s insured value, though. Your policy may treat some items as part of the caravan, others as contents, and some may be subject to separate limits or exclusions.

Contents

Furniture, televisions, kitchen equipment and other belongings can soon add up.

Check how your policy defines contents, what is included and whether any individual or overall limits apply. This is particularly important if you’ve replaced or added items since you first arranged your insurance.

Removal, disposal and re-siting costs

A total loss doesn’t necessarily end with the cost of buying another caravan.

The damaged caravan might need to be made safe, dismantled, removed from the pitch and disposed of. There may be debris-clearance costs, while a replacement caravan may need to be transported to the park and sited.

These costs can be significant, but don’t assume they need to be added to your sum insured. Some policies may cover certain removal, debris-clearance, delivery or re-siting costs separately or subject to specific limits.

Check your policy wording or ask your insurer whether these expenses are covered and, importantly, whether any of them need to be allowed for when calculating your static caravan insurance value.

Why does an accurate static caravan insurance value matter?

Underestimating the amount you need could leave you without sufficient insurance to meet the full cost of an insured loss. Your policy may also contain specific provisions dealing with underinsurance.

When should I check the value again?

A good time to review your static caravan insurance value is at renewal.

Don’t just carry forward last year’s figure without thinking about it. Caravan values and replacement costs can change, and you may have made improvements or added equipment since you originally arranged the insurance.

Keep photographs, purchase documents, receipts for significant additions and any valuation documents somewhere safe. If you ever need to make a claim, having a record of your caravan, its specification and associated items may be useful.

What if I’m still not sure what value to use?

Ask your insurance broker.

They can explain whether your policy uses market value, new-for-old or another basis of settlement, what should be included and how associated costs and additions are treated.

It is far better to clarify your static caravan insurance value when arranging or renewing your cover than to discover after a loss that you and your insurer had different ideas about how the caravan should have been valued.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute insurance or valuation advice. Static caravan insurance policies vary between providers, including how caravans and associated items are valued and how claims are settled. Terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply.

Christmas can be a great time to get away in your caravan or motorhome. Wrap up warm, find a cosy all-year touring site and you can enjoy some of the UK’s best-known Christmas markets and festive attractions – often with plenty of winter countryside to explore nearby too.

Of course, winter touring requires a little more preparation than a summer break. Check the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling, make sure your chosen campsite is open and consider booking your pitch well in advance. Our Winter caravanning: What to pack and where to go blog has plenty of useful ideas and tips.

If you’re looking for inspiration for Christmas 2026, here are six destinations to consider.

Please note: Christmas market dates, opening times, ticket availability and individual attractions can change, sometimes at short notice. The information below is intended as a guide, so always check the event organiser’s official website and confirm your campsite’s opening dates and availability before travelling.

1. Bournemouth

If you fancy heading to the south coast, Bournemouth combines Christmas festivities with the opportunity to enjoy some refreshing winter walks by the sea.

The town traditionally hosts a Christmas market and festive attractions in the town centre, with stalls, seasonal food and drink and plenty of Christmas atmosphere.

Once you’ve explored the festivities, you could head to the nearby New Forest for a winter walk or simply wrap up warm and take a bracing stroll along Bournemouth’s seafront and cliff paths.

Check the official Christmas in Bournemouth website for confirmed 2026 dates and opening times.

2. Blenheim Palace

For a Christmas break with a rather grand backdrop, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is difficult to beat.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site traditionally stages a programme of Christmas events, which may include festive shopping, decorated palace interiors and illuminated outdoor attractions. Some experiences require separate tickets, so it’s worth deciding what you want to see before setting off.

There are touring sites throughout Oxfordshire, making Blenheim Palace an attractive centrepiece for a longer winter caravanning break.

Check the Blenheim Palace website for its confirmed Christmas 2026 programme, dates and ticket information.

3. Birmingham

Birmingham is well known for its Frankfurt Christmas Market, which typically brings traditional stalls, food, drink and live entertainment to the heart of the city.

As well as the market itself, Birmingham offers plenty to fill a winter weekend, from shopping and restaurants to museums, galleries and entertainment – particularly useful if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Check the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market website for confirmed 2026 opening dates and times before travelling.

4. Cardiff

South Wales might be associated with summer caravan holidays, but there is plenty of reason to visit during winter too.

Cardiff’s Christmas Market traditionally showcases independent makers, artists and craftspeople, making it a good destination if you want to combine Christmas shopping with a few days exploring the Welsh capital.

You could also use your trip as a base for discovering more of South Wales, although remember that winter weather can make conditions very different from a summer touring holiday.

Check the official Cardiff Christmas Market website for confirmed 2026 dates and visitor information.

5. Bath

Historic streets, independent shops and impressive Georgian architecture make Bath particularly atmospheric during the festive season.

Its popular Christmas Market traditionally fills the city centre with chalets offering gifts, crafts, food and drink. Away from the market, there are museums, restaurants and plenty of opportunities to explore the city on foot.

Bath Christmas Market can be extremely popular, so if you’re planning to visit in your caravan or motorhome, it makes sense to arrange your campsite and any pre-bookable attractions well in advance.

Check the official Bath Christmas Market website for confirmed 2026 dates and opening times.

6. Manchester

Manchester has hosted Christmas markets for many years, with festive stalls and attractions spread across several locations in the city centre.

That makes it particularly suitable for a longer festive day out, with shopping, restaurants and indoor attractions available alongside the markets.

For somewhere to stay, Burrs Country Park Club Campsite near Bury is a Caravan and Motorhome Club site and may provide a convenient base for exploring the wider area. Always check current opening arrangements and pitch availability directly with the campsite before making your journey.

For Christmas market locations, opening times and confirmed 2026 dates, check the official Visit Manchester information before travelling.

Planning your Christmas caravanning break

Wherever you decide to go, a little advance planning can make a winter caravan or motorhome trip much more enjoyable. Check that your campsite remains open during the period you intend to travel, particularly over Christmas and New Year, and confirm whether facilities operate differently during the winter months.

Keep an eye on weather warnings and road conditions, allow extra time for journeys in poor weather and make sure your ‘van is suitably prepared for colder temperatures.

And, because Christmas events can change from year to year, always check dates, opening hours, ticket requirements and any cancellations directly with the attraction or event organiser before setting off.

With the practicalities taken care of, all that’s left is to wrap up warm and enjoy Christmas somewhere a little different.

Further reading:

Top 5 UK destinations for Christmas in your ‘van

Guide to winter caravanning

Winter caravanning tips

After a busy summer of caravanning, some owners may continue touring into autumn, while others may start using their caravan less frequently as winter approaches.

If your caravan is going to be laid up and out of action for several weeks or even months at a time, your thoughts may be turning to caravan storage after summer, and a little preparation now may help prevent avoidable problems.

How should I prepare my caravan for storage?

Basic preparation is simple and straightforward:

• clean both the interior and exterior surfaces;

• remove food and other perishables;

• empty the rubbish bins;

• clean the fridge and leave the door ajar for the circulation of air;

• check for signs of damp or the ingress of water; and

• remove anything that may attract pests or other infestations.

What should I do about water and gas before storing my caravan?

Safety precautions can vary between caravans, so it is important to follow your caravan manufacturer’s guidance and check any relevant conditions or requirements in your caravan insurance policy documents, too.

Before storing your caravan, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safely shutting off the gas supply. As colder weather approaches, these instructions may also recommend draining down the water system to help protect pipes, tanks and fittings from frost damage.

How can I protect my caravan from damp while it’s stored?

A potential hazard for caravan storage after summer is the unwelcome arrival of damp and mould.

Reducing the risk of damp typically involves maintaining adequate ventilation while making sure doors, windows and external seals are properly closed and weatherproof. Permanent ventilation points should never be obstructed. Aim to identify leaks or damp spots before storing a caravan and thoroughly check all seals before finally putting it away.

How can I keep my caravan secure in storage?

The security of your caravan can depend significantly on your choice of storage site. A Caravan Storage Site Owners Association (CaSSOA) approved storage site may provide additional reassurance, as accredited sites are independently assessed against CaSSOA’s standards, including security measures. Before committing to caravan storage after summer:

• ensure you have chosen an appropriate storage site – Cover4Caravans policyholders, for example, may be eligible for a discount on their annual premium where a touring caravan is stored at a site approved by CaSSOA, depending on their circumstances and the policy selected;

• consider fitting appropriate security measures, such as hitch locks and wheel locks, taking account of any security requirements specified by your insurer;

• consider alarms or tracking devices where appropriate;

• remove valuables where possible, particularly any items excluded from cover while the caravan is in storage; and

• arrange for periodic checks on your caravan in storage.

Do I still need caravan insurance when my caravan is in storage?

Although caravan insurance isn’t generally a legal requirement in the same way as motor insurance, risks don’t disappear when your caravan isn’t being used.

Depending on the policy, caravan insurance may provide cover while the caravan is in storage for insured risks such as fire, theft, storm or accidental damage. Before putting your caravan into storage, check your policy terms, exclusions, security requirements and any conditions relating to where the caravan is kept.

Do I need to tell my insurer where my caravan is stored?

Some insurers require you to tell them where your caravan is stored, while others may only need to be notified if you move it from one storage location to another – from your driveway at home, for example, to a secure storage facility.

Your caravan insurance documents should explain when the insurer needs to be notified.

What next?

The good news is that as September rolls around, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of caravanning. But if you are planning to lay up the trailer and leave it unused for the best part of the winter, now might be a sensible time to decide where to store it, review the security arrangements there, and consider your ongoing insurance requirements.

If you are reviewing your caravan insurance before putting your caravan into storage, at Cover4Caravans we can provide further information and an up-to-date quote.

There are likely to be plenty of days yet before a winter freeze puts paid to your caravanning adventures for the year. So here are some of the headline news items to give you a glimpse of what might lie in store before the season’s end.

TyreSafe warns UK trailer owners over maintenance risks

A major road safety charity, TyreSafe, recently commented on a comprehensive four-year study of roadside breakdowns. The research reveals that as many as one in four of all vehicles towing a trailer and forced to a halt on a motorway or A road is because of issues involving the trailer’s tyres.

There are nearly 5,000 towing-related failures on major roads every year and some 25% to 28% of those involve the trailer’s tyres. Some parts of the country appear to be blackspots. The Northwest of England, for example, has seen a surge in tyre-related incidents that have increased by 40% since 2022. The region now accounts for 21% of all such issues nationally. Incidents are mainly concentrated on the M6 and M62 arteries.

Although TyreSafe welcomes a reduction in the overall number of incidents involving caravans, our article on the importance of replacing old or worn-out tyres bears a timely review.

Cornwall to the Highlands: the UK’s most wanted road trips

As we’ve stressed, the season’s not done yet. So, it’s a timely report from the Caravan Times on the 24^th of August that reviewed the most sought-after road trips in the British Isles.

From the Scottish Highlands to North Wales, from Cornwall to the Lake District, from Northumberland to the Peak District, from South Wales to the Cotswolds, and from Snowdonia to Devon, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to iconic regions to explore.

Among the named touring routes, some stand out from the rest:

• the Wild Atlantic Way is the most popular, winding its 6,165 miles along Ireland’s west coast and taking in such sights as Connemara National Park and the Cliffs of Moher;

• the Jurassic Coast in Dorset takes second place and at just 96 miles from fascinating end to end, makes for a perfect weekend outing; and

• stealing the third spot in this list is Scotland’s North Coast 500 – a 516-mile loop around the north of Scotland.

Scarborough caravan park marks 50 years with call for holiday memories

A very happy birthday to St Helens in the Park, a caravan site near Scarborough that celebrates its 50^th birthday this year.

Heralding the anniversary, the Scarborough News revealed that a double celebration is called for because the popular caravan park has also been crowned the best in England and the Overall Campsite of the Year for 2025/26.

The current managers are proud of a history that has seen many families return to the caravan park many times over the past half-century. To record those best of times, they are asking those visitors, their children, and their grandchildren to search back through family photo albums to share fond memories, stories, and pictures. 

EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt slashes caravan price to £200k

Difficulties seem to beset longtime EastEnders star Ian Beale not only onscreen but also in his real life tribulations as Adam Woodyatt.

The Sun newspaper on the 21^st of August reported that Adam has failed to find a buyer for the motorhome he’s lived in for some 12 months or so. Initially advertised for sale with a ticket of £214,995, the price has recently been reduced to £200,000 in a last-ditch attempt to find a buyer.

It might be the start of all the fun and excitement of your next caravan holiday – or it could prove a disaster. Choosing the right caravan site for you and your family is likely to make all the difference between success and failure, heaven and hell.

The perfect campsite is likely to be an extremely elusive find. Caravan owners tend to be a pretty special group of individuals, so choosing a campsite for your caravan is likely to reflect that huge range of personal tastes, holiday locations and the kind of atmosphere that different sites may have.

There are nevertheless a few tips which may help it easier for you to make the choice from the huge range of sites in this country and abroad. We’ll even suggest a few of the caravan sites in this country that are open all the year round.

Choosing the right campsite is likely to be a question of choosing the campsite that best suits you – and your family’s – particular wishes.

Home or away

Probably one of the biggest attractions of towing a caravan is having your own home on the move. With a fully-equipped caravan and a suitable towing vehicle, it really is the open road, leading to wherever you may choose.

But that open road may still keep you reasonably close to home – if you are new to the whole adventure of caravanning or simply choosing not to travel too far, for instance. On the other hand, a short hop across the channel may open the doorway to more different and more distant fields anew.

A small collection of islands they may be, but the British Isles hold plenty of contrasts and variety to attract seasoned caravanners year in and year out. The Caravan Club has a large searchable database, organised by the various regions throughout the UK, of approved campsites.

If you are more adventurous at heart and want to see more far flung places, you might want to take your caravan abroad with you. Thanks to it being an island, Britain is a gateway for a surprising number of offshore destinations – as the Camping and Caravanning Club points out, for example, ferries from the UK serve Orkney and Shetland, and the Channel Islands and further afield to Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, France, and Spain.

To tour or not to tour

You may be towing a touring caravan, but that does not mean that you need to stay on the road every day if you choose not to.

It all comes back to that carefree freedom that caravanning offers – decide to stay more or less in one place and you have with you all the comforts of your own second home; decide to spend more of your time touring and you still have that home to retire to at the end of each and every day.

Deciding whether you want more of the one than other may be one of the key tips to choosing a campsite for your caravan – or, indeed, a whole sequence of campsites.

Activities and events

If you like to combine holidays in your caravan with a variety of activities and events it clearly makes sense to base your choice of campsite on one that offers easy access to your chosen activities and pastimes.

Walking and cycling may be among the most popular activities for those visiting the countryside or coast in this country and in Europe.

Some guides, for example, make particular point of selecting campsites that offer the ideal springboard for exploring the countryside in the UK from bases in some of the most beautiful locations the country has to offer.

One such guide is published by the National Trust, which highlights a whole range of activities from walking and cycling, to running and climbing, canoeing and surfing – and even something called geocaching (a type of GPS-driven treasure hunt).

You may also wish to read our Guide to caravanning for cyclists and Caravanning for adrenaline junkies for tips and destination ideas.

Family fun

Caravanning has a way of bringing together a host of elements that make it ideal for a family holiday. Some sites make it their business to be especially family-friendly and it is these that you may want to look at in the first instance.

Choosing a campsite, therefore, may be oriented towards exactly the kind of holiday your family may be looking for:

• choose a traditional bucket and spade adventure for the tinier tots; or
• a sports and adventure activity fest for slightly older children;
• organise your holiday to take in a few historical and educationally rewarding visits; or
• simply kick back and enjoy a few days away with the children whatever their age.

The website Pitchup.com lists nearly 5,000 family-friendly campsites throughout the UK and Ireland that have been particularly recommended by other families and the searchable database allows you to choose between sites according to the ages of your children or the activities in which they may be interested. 

Getting away from it all

Does all the talk of activities, adventure, and excited children tend to put you off the whole idea of caravanning?

If so, your choice of a campsite for a caravan is likely to be dictated by your ability to escape the madding crowd for a little piece of the bucolic English countryside you might almost call your own.

There are, indeed, a number of such campsites – making the focus of their attraction the fact that they are small (many with room for no more than five touring caravans) and tucked away in the quieter corners of the countryside.

Small campsites such as those recommended by the appropriately named website Small Campsites or the small, handpicked Certified Locations reserved for members of the Caravan Club are specifically intended to provide peace, quiet and a relaxed atmosphere in a rural setting.

When choosing a campsite for your caravan, therefore, it may be helpful to return to very first principles by recognising that the campsite of choice is just that – your choice. That personal choice is likely to depend on a host of factors, such as whether you are looking for a holiday in this country or in Europe, whether you want a touring holiday or one that involves rather less travelling, whether you want access to activities and adventure, or a holiday for the family – or simply the chance to get away from it all and enjoy a little peace and quiet.

Our Caravanning for Adults guide details some of the quieter places you may wish to visit.

Open all year-round sites for caravanners

It seems that the caravanning season if often over before it even got started. As the seasons blend into Autumn’s mists and mellow fruitfulness, that doesn’t stop us hardy caravanners who enjoy a trip the whole year-round, however.

And the growing number of campsites that remain open 12 months of the year make Autumn and Winter caravanning every bit a delight as it is in the balmier days of Spring and Summer.

So, here is our brief round-up of just some of those all-year-round sites you might want to visit.

South of England

The more temperate climate of the South of England makes touring with your caravan a perfectly reasonable prospect at any time of the year – even in mid-January.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s site at Brighton is just two miles from the bustling town itself and nestled in a quiet fold of the beautiful South Downs. It’s likely to prove the perfect spot for touring the whole of the southeast of the country.

With a lots of pitches to choose from, the winter months are, of course, likely to be the quietest.

Further reading: 6 things to do in Kent.

Wales

If you want to enjoy the truly rugged landscapes of North Wales during the Autumn and Winter, you’ll find Plas Farm Caravan Park open all the year-round.

All touring caravan pitches are on hard standing and have electric hook-up, allowing you to choose between standard, premier, and super standards of luxury.

For exploring, try the inviting North Wales coastline or head west into the majesty of Eryri (previously Snowdonia) National Park.

Midlands

The Peak District is beautiful at any time of year, so take advantage of the all-seasons opening times at Lickpenny Caravan Park, in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales, overlooking the village of Tansley, with both Matlock and Bakewell nearby.

The 16-acre site has hard standing pitches for all its visiting touring caravans – and the washroom blocks are fully heated to keep you warm and snug even in the height of winter.

More ideas: Visit stunning Shropshire.

North of England

There are so many scenic spots to visit in the North of England – with the Northumberland coast to the east and the Lake District to the west probably the most travelled.

So, why not make a change and head towards the historic city of Chester? Just 12 miles away, you’ll find Elm Cottage Touring Park is open all year round and a handy base for exploring the whole of this part of England. Oulton Park Motor Racing Circuit is just a mile along the road.

All 35 touring pitches are on hard standing and supplied with a 10amp electric hook-up.

Scotland

Take a trip north of the border to visit Scotland’s magnificent capital. Edinburgh is much more than its famous festival in the summertime. For a special Yuletide, why not visit its many Christmas markets – and stay on for probably one of the nest New Year’s Eve parties you’re likely to encounter.

Linwater Caravan Park is perfectly situated for those wanting to explore the city at their leisure. It is just 4 miles away from the Ingliston Park & Ride scheme, where you can hop on one of the regular trams into the heart of Edinburgh.

More inspiration: Explore Scotland and Ten places to visit in Scotland in your ‘van.

We hope these tips and destination ideas have proved useful in your search for the right camping and caravanning site for you. Happy caravanning!