Updated 10th January 2020

Introduction

The freedom of the open road and the ability to take a second home along with you, towed behind your car, has long appealed to many generations of caravanners.

Over time, however, there has been a marked improvement in the facilities and amenities on offer wherever you choose to pitch your tourer. Well-equipped, comfortable and clean washrooms, electrical and water supply hook-ups, individual drainage points and other onsite facilities grant an especially warn welcome for visitors.

This allows anyone with a touring caravan a far wider range of choice when it comes to choosing a campsite – some of which may be more suitable for certain purposes than others.

These days, for instance, caravan sites for adults only – those above a certain age and unaccompanied by children – may be found all around the UK and in Europe too.

This brief guide suggests why adults only caravan sites might appeal to you and takes a look at just some of those sites on offer, their location and their facilities – you might also want to add to this list any others you have found for yourself.

Why adults only caravan sites

Adults only caravan sites typically place a restriction on the ages of those who may be accommodated. This might be designed to restrict use of the site to those beyond their teenage years and those caravanners travelling without children.

What is to be gained by restricting use of the site in this way? There are a number of advantages:

• first and foremost, perhaps, is the overall atmosphere it is possible to create in the absence of children, youngsters and teenagers – an atmosphere that is generally more tranquil, peaceful and quiet;

• such a sleepy, cosy and tranquil environment might be welcome to the more mature caravanner in the same way that it might strike groups of teenagers or boisterous children as the last place to take a holiday;

• sites for the exclusive use of adults, therefore, are likely to be smaller, more out of the way and set in mostly rural locations;

• that is not to say that the owners of adults only caravan sites have a particular antipathy towards youngsters – indeed many such owners are likely to have children or grandchildren of their own – but there is a recognition that sometimes a break away from home without the young ones in tow might be especially relaxing;

One company that specialises in providing caravan sites for the exclusive use of adults, for instance, reports that the majority of its visitors are parents, grandparents and other professionals who frequently have charge of children during the rest of the year and welcome the chance to enjoy a break in their absence from time to time.

With some of these potential attractions in mind, therefore, let’s take a look at the wide network of adults only caravan sites dotted around the UK – and just a handful of those you might find across the Channel in Europe.

SW England

Think Cornwall and you might imagine the many thrills and spills of activity holidays on the sea or on land – precisely those attractions most likely to draw the younger crowd; think Devon or Dorset and a quieter, more sedate – not to say sleepy – image might be conjured up.

Throughout the SW of England, however, there are caravan sites catering specifically and exclusively for the more mature visitor.

Where to stay

1. The Meadows Campsite is a small, sheltered site for grownups only, within easy striking distance of Pentewan Sands, Charlestown, Mevagissey and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Describing itself as a “natural” site, The Meadows offers some pitches with electric hookup and others for those who want a “proper” camping experience;
2. Ideally placed for many of the attractions of south Devon – from the rugged drama of Dartmoor to the rolling costal paths and sandy beaches of the county – is Moor View Touring Park, near the village of Modbury. The site has a total of 68 pitches, for adults only, all with electric, water and drainage hook-ups;
3. The award winning Bingham Grange Touring and Camping Park offers an adults only five star experience for the break in your touring caravan in the grounds of a Victorian grange situated on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. All pitches for touring caravans are on hard standing, all have electric and water hook-ups and some are fully serviced (with individual grey water drainage points).

SE England

The counties of Kent, East and West Sussex offer a wide range of opportunities for enjoying the best of rural England, its attractive coastline, and the tranquillity of an adults only caravan site.

Where to stay

1. The Still Acres Touring and Camping Park has been adults only since 2017. It is a family run site not far from Wealden village in Marden, situated in the heart of the countryside of Kent. There are 30 hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up, shower block which is centrally heated and disabled toilet access. Dogs are welcome and have their own area which is fenced off, where they can run freely. The site is centrally located giving easy access to all that Kent has to offer;
2. The charmingly styled Runt in Tun campsite takes its name from the nearby pub, situated in Maynards Green in East Sussex. It is a small site, certified by the Camping and Caravanning Club, offering a maximum of just five touring pitches for adults only (those aged 16 or over);
3. Bridge Farm House Caravan Site is open to Caravan Club members and adults only. It offers accommodation for a maximum of just five touring caravans in a distinctly rural setting of West Sussex (between Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill) that is peaceful and quiet yet also close to principal attractions of the area.

Wales

Wales has long been a favourite destination for touring caravans – from the green, green valleys of the south to the rugged splendour of the Snowdonia Nation Park in the north.

Where to stay

1. South Wales Touring Park at Llwynifan Farm in Llangennech near Llanelli, in South Wales, offers a quiet haven of peace and tranquillity for exploring the Welsh valleys, the Brecon Beacons and the Gower peninsula. It is a small, family run site offering a maximum of 25 touring pitches, all on hard standing, and ten of which are fully serviced. As recently as 2020, the site has received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and Campstead;
2. Daisy Bank Touring Caravan Park is set in the heart of mid-Wales – a location that is perfect for exploring the rural countryside of both Powys in Wales, Shropshire in England and all of the Welsh Marches. The seven-acre site makes for a tranquil setting for what is a relatively large caravan site – but for the exclusive use of adult visitors;
3. Parc Derwen is a separate, adults only, part of the larger Bron Derw touring caravan park situated between the iconic North Wales attractions of Betws-y-Coed and the mountains of Snowdonia. The Parc Derwen area of Bron Derw has a total of 23 fully serviced pitches for adults only.

Midlands

The heart of England represents an intriguing mixture of industrial heritage and wonderful countryside. When you escape to your peaceful, adults only caravan site, therefore, you may enjoy the benefit of getting away from it all, whilst still being just a stone’s throw from major cities and transport routes.

Where to stay

1. Typical of that rural setting close to major amenities is Somers Wood Caravan Park in the midst of the Forest of Arden, which lies between the major conurbations of Birmingham and Coventry. Birmingham city centre is just 30 minutes away, whilst the National Exhibition Centre (NAC) is only a six-minute drive. There are 48 pitches on either grass or hard standing, all have 10 amp electric hook up and four are fully serviced;
2. The Turbles Holiday Accommodation and Caravan Site is located in a rural and peaceful location very close to The Malvern Hills on the Castlemorton Common in Worcestershire. Just 6 miles from Malvern town the site offers stunning views out over Malvern and pitches that are well maintained and spacious, with electricity hook-up and water to all pitches;
3. Springhill House is one of the Camping and Caravanning Club’s certified sites, a designation given to small, family run sites with accommodation for no more than five touring caravans. This well sheltered site, exclusively for adults, has both hard standing and grass pitches for touring caravans.

East Anglia

For some reason East Anglia tends to be overlooked when it comes to touring with a caravan. For those in the know, and looking for an escape from the crowds, however, this may be no bad thing. In order to make the most of the peace and tranquillity which much of East Anglia has to offer, the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk provide more than their fair share of adults only caravan sites.

Where to stay

1. Billed as North Norfolk’s only clifftop park for touring caravans, Sandy Gulls has the further distinction of being for adults only – some peace and quiet, therefore, with which to enjoy the bracing air of the county’s coastline and sandy beaches. All 35 touring pitches have sweeping views of the sea and there is direct access to the beach a short walk away;
2. Also in North Norfolk, just six miles from the coast in the countryside setting of the village of Erpingham is Deers Mead Caravan and Camping Park. Pitches on this adults only site are on either hard standing or grass, but all are described as “super pitches” with their own 16 amp electric, water and drainage points, TV point and free WiFi;
3. To the south, you might want to take advantage of the small, family run and Camping and Caravanning Club certified site at Frog’s Hall near Suffolk’s historic town of Eye. The site offers just five pitches for touring caravans, for the exclusive use of adults to enjoy the flora and fauna of this quiet corner of Suffolk’s countryside.

NE England

The wild coastline of Northumberland, the peace and quiet of the Yorkshire Dales or the stark beauty of the North York Moors, NE England offers many an escape from the hustle and bustle of the kind of city life you might find, say, in Newcastle.

What better way to enjoy some me-time, therefore, than on a site for your touring caravan which you can guarantee to be free of children and other young people.

Where to stay

1. Relax in the quiet hamlet of Thornton le Dale, sheltered from the rugged landscape of the North York Moors National Park at the family run, adults only, Overbrook Caravan Park, close to the town of Pickering. On offer is a total of up to 50 pitches for touring caravans, all on hard standing and each with its own 16 amp electric hookup. In 2019, it earned a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor;
2. Dominated by the imposing sight of Bamburgh Castle and close to the gateway quay to the Farne Islands at Seahouses is Westfield Paddock Adult Touring Caravan Site. It is a small site in a secluded location, offering just ten pitches, on grass, and each with its own electric and water hookup point;
3. Think of freshwater fishing and scenes of perfect tranquillity and relaxation are likely to spring to mind. The adults only Chainbridge Touring Caravan Site, near Berwick on Tweed is only 50 metres from the river from which this border town takes its name – only yards from an idyllic fishing spot. The site offers just 18 pitches, and optional electric and fresh water supply points, with each hard standing pitch spacious enough for your caravan, its awning and your car.

NW England

Caravanning in the NW of England is likely to spell one thing only – the Lake District. But that is a district which spans many different locations, each with its distinct character and charm. Many of these may be enjoyed from the peace and tranquillity of an adults only touring caravan site.

Where to stay

1. You might want to start out with a relaxing holiday in the southern part of the Lake District at the adults only Ashes Caravan Park near Kendal. Set in a quiet and peaceful corner of the Lakes, the site is still just a few miles from the main M6 motorway, so readily accessible. Touring pitches are on all-weather hard standing and each has its own electric hookup;
2. Recommended by the AA is the Larches Caravan Park on the northern fringe of the national park, midway between Carlisle and the coast at Maryport. The minimum age for anyone staying on the site is 18. There are 35 touring pitches are available, each with its own electric hookup;
3. Also close to the town of Carlisle is the adults only Low Moor Head Caravan Park, with its sweeping views across the Cumbrian countryside and ease of access to Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish border as well as the Lake District itself. Some of the touring caravan pitches are on hard standing with fully serviced “super pitch” facilities such as electric and fresh water hookup with individual drainage point.

Scotland

Say that you want a break in your caravan touring Scotland and you have a whole country to explore – highlands, lowlands, lochside and seaside. With such a wealth of different locations in which to relax and unwind it is difficult for this brief guide to do any justice at all to the many adults only sites within Scotland. Here are just a few suggestions.

Where to stay

1. In the south of the country, just eight miles from Dumfries is the Red Squirrel Campsite Glenmidge. Surrounded by wooded hills, this small adults only site offers peace, quiet and seclusion. Just as the name suggests, this is one of the few areas of the UK where red squirrels may still be found. The site’s pitches for touring caravans are all on unmarked grass areas;
2. If you are in search of some solitude amidst the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands, the place to pitch up might be Faichemard Farm Campsite – a site for the exclusive use of those aged 18 and over. Each of its 35 pitches has an individual character and these are spread generously over a ten-acre site;
3. In Perthshire, near the town of Errol, you are likely to share your touring caravan pitch not with children or other youngsters, but free range ducks and hens! This is the Fernlea Caravan Club certified site for adults only. As such, it is restricted to a maximum of just five touring caravans and visitors must also be Caravan Club members.

Europe

If you have a car and a caravan, today’s cross-Channel ferry services open up the whole of Europe for your holidays and getaway breaks. There exists a whole mountain of guides to camping and caravanning in Europe, but few which offer any specific focus on caravan sites designed for the exclusive use of adult visitors.

A brief guide such as this, of course, could not hope to cover every corner of every country in Europe, but the following examples are suggested as adults only touring sites you might want to consider in France, Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal.

France

1. Camping aux Champs is a small, quiet and secluded site for adults with touring caravans visiting Lower Normandy. The site is close to the historic town of Hambye in Manche. The site’s owners and managers are English. All pitches for touring caravans are on hard standing and include a 10 amp electric hookup;
2. Manzac Ferme caravan site is in the French region of the Dordogne, ever popular with British visitors and residents alike. Manzac Ferme is a secluded, wooded site, surrounded by the many lakes of the Parc Naturel Regional Perigord-Limousin. It is a small, family run site of just 10 pitches for grownups only. Fishing is immediately accessible from the banks of the river Bandiat, which is described as a necklace encircling the whole of the site;

Spain

1. Finca de la Piedra is 16 miles inland from the crowds, hustle and bustle of Spain’s Costa de Sol – yet appears to be a whole world away. Catering for those aged 18 and over, the site is open the whole year round, with just five to six pitches for touring caravans. Some of these are hooked up to their own electricity (10 amp) and water points, others have them nearby. The site is located in the village of Villafranco del Guadalhorce, close to the towns of Coin, Alhaurin el Grande and Cartama;

Netherlands

1. In the northeast part of Holland, close to the village of Havelte, is Jelly’s Hoeve caravan site specifically designed for adults only. Havelte is known as the pearl of Drenthe (this region of Holland) and Jelly’s Hoeve is the only caravan site currently offering facilities for adults only;

Individual pitches for touring caravans have the additional privacy of their own surrounding hedge and each is supplied with a 10 amp electric hookup;

Portugal

1. In central Portugal, well off the beaten track and about an hour’s drive from Porto and Guimarães, is Land Story at Aldeia Marco de Canaveses. The adults only pitch is on grass, within well-kept gardens and with views of the mountains and surrounding forest.

Summary

Whatever your reasons for wanting to enjoy a holiday free from the intrusions and demands of children and other young people – whether your own or someone else’s – you are almost certain to find a caravan site specifically intended for precisely that purpose in practically any part of the UK.

Although it appears that this niche in the caravanning market has yet to catch on in some parts of Europe – or, interestingly, Northern Ireland – there is clearly a demand for the peace and tranquillity afforded by adults only caravan sites.

Hopefully, this guide has provided some insight into just how that demand is already being met in just about any part of the UK you may choose to visit and also by a few caravan sites in Europe.

In the UK, there are an estimated 365,000 caravan holiday homes, with the rise of the staycation boosting caravan holidays. It may offer a home from home holiday for you, your family and friends. Plus, you may also have paying guests too, so enjoy income which can help with the running and maintenance costs.

So, if you are buying a static caravan, what do you need to consider? Here we have put together some tips on what you need to think about, as well as answering some FAQS about holiday park caravan ownership …

Is buying a static caravan a good investment?

If you are wondering “do static caravans hold their value?” then it might be worth thinking about some of the basics of asset ownership. The vast majority of things we purchase in life will reduce in value as they age. That is a process called depreciation. The rate of depreciation will vary depending upon many factors including:

• what it is;
• its make/model/age/rarity;
• how well you have maintained it;
• where it is located.

There are some exceptions of course, including certain rare luxury vehicles, some antiques and perhaps most notably, property. Even in those cases though, their basic values might decrease as well as increase, subject to the unpredictable nature of market demand. 

Static caravans are no exception to those principles. If you consider the word investment to mean that something will be worth more when you dispose of it than it was when you acquired it, then that might not be guaranteed with a static caravan.

There are two important points to make here though:

• a static might prove to be an excellent investment in terms of massively expanding your leisure opportunities and therefore your quality of life;
• maintenance and TLC won’t, in itself, remove depreciation on the caravan but it might slow it down – slightly. Not everyone agrees with that but it seems intuitive that a well-maintained static in good order is likely to command a higher price than one in poor condition.

 How long will a static caravan last?

Once again, there is no hard-and-fast answer to this question. Many sites and associations quote very different figures ranging from 10-15 up to 20-25 years.

Much will depend upon the age and condition of the static when you purchased it, whether it is a quality build and how seriously you take the need for regular maintenance.

Note that irrespective of condition, some sites may have specific clauses limiting the maximum age of caravans to 10, 15 or 20 years. Once your static passes that age, the site owners may have a legal right to ask you to remove it, even if many do not exercise that.

Choosing the most suitable location and holiday park for you – what do you need to consider?

• location – 1. Unless you plan to use your caravan perhaps only once or twice each year, you may wish to make sure that the caravan holiday park is within sensible commuting distance of your permanent home. That might mean you will be able to use it more easily for weekend breaks etc.;
• location – 2. When choosing a holiday park location, remember that your site may affect a number of things including the cost of your static caravan insurance. Sites known for flooding or which have security issues may result in you needing to spend more on your annual caravan insurance policy;
• facilities. Some holiday parks may be very rural, have few if any onsite facilities and, be a long way from things such as shops. If you like rural isolation that may be fine but not if you like having a shop or a pub (etc.) within just a few minutes of where you are staying;
• budget. Remember it’s not just the price of buying static caravans for sale. After you have completed the purchase (and allowed for legal fees etc), you need to ensure you have enough money going forward. Maintaining a caravan costs money, just as maintaining and running a house does. As a result, choose a static that is safely within your budget and which will leave you with some money left over to cope with maintenance, any site fees and odd emergencies, plus allow for caravan insurance too;
• check the reason why is the static caravan for sale. Being realistic, no potential vendor is likely to honestly share with you that they are trying to sell because (e.g.) the site and area are unpleasant! Even so, pushing people a little on this and getting into a discussion with them, may result in you spotting a few warning signs that suggest their reasons for the sale may be ones that you yourself might find to be issues in due course;
• look closely at the condition. A lot of this is common sense but if you are not familiar with statics, it might be advisable to take someone with you who is. Get them to check things such as the underneath, couplings and for signs of significant corrosion around the vehicle;
• walk and drive extensively around the area of the holiday park site. For example, an animal silage farm a mile or two down the road might prove to be a significant issue for you at the height of summer when the wind is blowing in a certain direction! These are things you’ll want to discover in advance rather than afterwards;
• note the condition of your neighbours’ caravans. The one you are looking at might be in pristine condition but if others around are shabby and slightly run-down, it may tell you something about the nature of the holiday site and your probable outcomes for the future sale of the caravan if and when you need to;
• what are the holiday park pitch fees?

Do I have to take the site owners’ static caravan insurance?

In almost all cases, no. You are typically under no such obligation to take their static caravans cover.

The site owners may have a right to:

• require you to hold appropriate third-party liability cover insurance. This is part of their duty of care obligations to other site users. However, this is not the same thing as saying you must use their cover if you can find more suitable and cost-efficient cover of your own from another source;
• inspect your own insurance cover to check it is active and appropriate. They may ask to take a copy of your certificate and making a very modest administrative charge for doing so might not be unreasonable.

There are a few very rare and unusual situations, linked to land ownership and deeds, where the owners might have a right to require you to take their insurance. These circumstances are uncommon and if you’re in any doubt, you should take advice.

Who can stay in my static caravan?

In theory, anyone you choose but there may be some limitations in terms of your site agreement. Some may ban or restrict:

• single-sex groups under a certain age (without older supervision);
• overnight stays by groups where the numbers exceed the caravan’s stated maximum berth capacity;
• the use of the caravan for commercial letting purposes (i.e. paying guests);
• people with pets.

In some cases, you might also see limitations specified by your static caravan insurance policy. They might cover things such as letting or people bringing exotic or non-domesticated pets inside.

Read your holiday parks site agreement and static caravan insurance policy to see any applicable clauses.

Can static caravans be moved?

Technically, yes, as they had to be moved originally to get them on site.

Usually moving your caravan is a process involving a large trailer though some can be towed for limited distances if, for example, you’re changing your pitch on the same site.

By definition though, they are meant to be static. Always discuss a planned move with your insurance provider well in advance.

Can I live full time in my caravan on-site?

That depends upon two things;

• is your site and the site’s owner licensed by the local authorities for permanent year-round occupation? Most will not be and therefore you would be forbidden from doing so by local authority regulations;
• irrespective of the local council’s inclinations, some site owners are not interested in offering that sort of occupancy. It may involve them in considerable extra costs for the provision of services – even if the local authorities might permit it.

Generally speaking, the answer is likely to be no – though there are some sites where that might be permissible.

Do you pay council tax if you live in a static caravan?

Static caravans on holiday sites are typically not designed for permanent, all-year-round occupation, so typically, you will not be liable to pay council tax.

If you live in a park home, however – which is NOT on a holiday park but a residential park home site – you will be liable to pay council tax, as it is your permanent place of residence.

How can I tell before purchase whether or not a static has serious rust problems?

Some visible rust isn’t necessarily a sign of a pending catastrophe. Assuming it hasn’t deeply penetrated, it can be cleaned off and painted over in most situations.

If you see freshly painted areas of metal, it might or might not indicate potential problems. The trouble is, you don’t know if any rust underneath was eliminated correctly beforehand or whether it was just sprayed over for cosmetic effect.

The same applies to rust underneath, though that is always harder to access and treat.

Rusty holes, cracks and splits are a bad sign, as is flaking metal.

The best advice is that if you don’t know how to tell the difference between surface and serious rust, you should get a full inspection of the static from someone that can.

Will I need a separate TV Licence for my holiday parks caravan?

Possibly.

If your normal TV at home will be unused while you’re in your caravan, then you will not require a separate licence. However, if someone is using it while you’re using another TV in your static then you will need a separate licence.

Note – that applies even if your caravan is using satellite TV.

Will the static caravan I’m considering own the land it stands on?

That would be most unlikely.

Typically, the site owners will own the land and you will essentially rent a piece of it by way of a pitch, upon which your static will stand.

What right of redress do I have after purchase?

The law here is complex but in most areas, the principles of caveat emptor (buyer beware) apply. They’re slightly different if the static is new as opposed to second-hand.

For second-hand caravans, the seller and site owners must not materially misrepresent either the caravan or the conditions it occupies the land under. If, for example, after purchase, you discovered that the caravan had been misrepresented and was 5 years older than stated, then that might be fraud and you would have strong legal rights.

By contrast, discovering that the caravan holiday home is much draughtier than you had been led to believe and therefore cost more to heat or that you hadn’t spotted major underside rust, might be conditions that would result in you having zero rights.

You must look to protect yourself during the static caravan sales and purchase process and use appropriate experts to help. In particular, if you’re told something important as part of the sales pitch, such as there being no underside rust, then make sure you get it in writing.

Further reading: Utilising the Sale of Goods Act at Static Holiday Caravan Parks.

Can I do what I like to enhance my holiday caravan after buying it?

Broadly speaking, yes, where this involves internal modifications such as configuration changes or the installation of new equipment etc.

Remember to notify your caravan insurance provider though if such changes are anything other than cosmetic. For example, the value of your static might have been increased by them and so you may need to change the sum insured.

In terms of externals, the position may be slightly more complicated and involve some discussion with the holiday site owners. For example, adding a new extension which meant a more restricted view for a neighbour or overflowing your existing pitch, might require their permission etc.

Generally; common sense applies.

How would you summarise the key points of buying a static caravan?

They would differ depending upon your exact circumstances but generally:

• think carefully about your objectives and be sure you understand the type of location that will deliver upon those;
• make the holiday parks location your top priority. It’s easier to compromise on your static than its location;
• be cautious about riverside or coastal locations – be sure to check the flood risks;
• ensure your finances are clear in advance and reserve some disposable cash for coping with unexpected post-purchase expenses;
• don’t be swayed by visual impressions – get an expert to conduct a nuts-and-bolts advance inspection;
• don’t think of your holiday static as a financial investment – it will be unlikely to be such. It will, however typically bring you and your family many hours’ of joy and relaxation.

Further reading: Guide to buying a static home.

What did Santa Claus bring you for Christmas? What did you get for your last birthday present? Did the gift-givers remember you’re a diehard caravanner, ever grateful for all manner of accessories, gadgets and gizmos?

If your nearest and dearest overlooked any of those thoughtful gifts, you might be keen to make up for the loss. So, here are just a few suggestions for ways to treat yourself to items that will make your next caravan outing just a little more special.

Wheeled coolers

You’re a caravanner – of course, you’re optimistic about the fine and sunny summer to come. So, you’ll be glad of a high-volume cooler, that stays cold for as long as possible, and that you can easily wheel from one place to another.

European manufacturers Coleman make coolers designed to keep ice frozen for up to two days, big enough to carry two-litre bottles upright, and with space to keep all your picnic food and drink fresh until needed.

Reusable pocket straws

Before you break open those chilled drinks, though, you might want to spare a thought for the pollution and environmental damage caused by disposable plastic drinking straws.

So, switch instead to reusable stainless steel. Those made by Zoku are especially natty and environmentally friendly. They are lightweight and collapse telescopically, so you can carry them around in your pocket.

Electric bike

By the time everything’s stowed, there’s rarely much space inside even a quite big caravan and you might not want the hassle of fixing a bicycle rack to the outside.

So, a fully collapsible bike is likely to fit into even the smallest of spaces. So, you get to enjoy the great outdoors with the minimum of strain and effort.

Retro coffee pot

Rekindle a taste of the old wild west and brew your coffee over an open fire as the cowboys did – before you retire to the modern-day comfort of your caravan.

Easy Camp’s Adventure Coffee Pot fits the bill for that truly outdoors taste of freshly brewed coffee the old-fashioned way.

BioLite CampStove

A fascinating gadget likely to amaze your friends and fellow-campers is the BioLite Campstove, which burns the sticks and twigs surrounding your pitch to produce the fire to cook your food.

But, at the same time, an attached power converter not only fans the flames – giving you extra heat – but also charges phones, lights and other devices via a USB connection.

First aid

One of the essentials you probably bought when preparing for your first caravan outings was a first aid kit.

But that might have been some time ago now and the commonly used dressings and salves might already have been used. It’s probably time to invest in a new – potentially life-saving – first aid kit.

Packed into a sturdy, clearly-marked box is Physical Sports’ Camping and Caravan First Aid Kit, which contains up to the minute plasters, dressings, bandages, gloves, burn gel, eyewash etc.

… and much more

If there’s nothing here that catches your eye or whets your appetite, you might try browsing our Guide to Caravan Gadgets which contains more tips and suggestions.

As start a New Year, there’s never a dull moment if you’re a caravanner – whether new to the pastime or a veritable old hand. So, let’s see what’s been making the news in the past few weeks.

Tiny theatre in a campervan

A tiny vintage Bluebird Eurocamper caravan is home not only to the smallest cinema in the UK but the entire solar system no less.

That is the – admittedly difficult to prove – claim of Sol Cinema which was featured in a travel piece published by the Guardian newspaper on the 14^th of December.

The tiny mobile cinema tours across the UK – often popping up at festivals of one kind or another. Viewings for its capacity audience of just eight people are given free of charge, last for a maximum of 10 minutes and, are entirely solar-powered – hence the name.

With eight comfortable seats and a bucket of popcorn provided on admission, you can drop into Sol Cinema’s home pitch on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales or catch up with while it’s on the road touring.

Rickinghall caravan site wins top Caravan and Motorhome Club award

Ever wondered what makes for the perfect caravan site?

Endorsement as the Best Newcomer (Certified Location) in the Caravan and Motorhome’s annual awards surely counts as a top rating. It’s been won this year by the Barn Owl Meadow site at Rickinghall, near Bury St Edmonds in East Anglia.

Featured in the Bury Free Press on the 30^th of November, Barn Owl Meadow is a new, purpose-built site which occupies three-quarters of an acre on a small working farm in Suffolk. It offers just five pitches – some on grass, some hard standing – all of which are fully serviced.

Special mention is reserved for the unusually well-appointed 5-star washrooms and showers. The building has energy-efficient under-floor heating, a washing-up area, and personal bathrooms with luxury showers, hand basins, toilets, hand and hair dryers, and shaving sockets. One of them also has wheelchair access.

An onsite shop is supplied by the adjacent smallholding and offers farm-fresh eggs, bacon, sausages, burgers, lamb and pork.

Caravanning plays a strong role in Cumbria’s £3bn visitor economy

The long-established attraction of Cumbria for caravanners is hardly surprising – the county offers immediate access not only to the wilds of the Lake District National Park but also the stunning coastline of northwest England.

Little wonder, therefore that caravanning and camping contribute a whopping £3 billion and more to the local economy, according to a story in the Times & Star on the 13th of December.

As if to underline the point, the article also referred to the considerable sums fetched by two local caravan sites which were recently put on the market for sale. Seacote Caravan Park, on the North Cumbrian coast near Silloth, had an asking price of £2.25 million and has been sold to an established park operator. In the meantime, Violet Bank Holiday Home Park, for static caravans and leisure homes in Cockermouth, has also been sold to a private buyer for more than its advertised price of £1 million.

Premier Park caravan park restaurant wins Best of North Wales award

On the 5^th of December, Out and About Live revealed the winners of the best caravan park restaurant in North Wales – and the laurels went to Nineteen.57 Restaurant and Bar, based at Islawrffordd Holiday Park in Talybont, near Barmouth,

Nomination for the award went unknown by its managers, who greeted the prize with surprised delight, for a restaurant and bar that has seen recent investment to the tune of £750,000.

With the amount of Brits enjoying ‘staycations’ booming, caravanning is an increasingly popular option for people looking to take their holidays within the UK. It’s a home from home, with no worries about having to book hotel accommodation or fitting everything in to a suitcase for a flight.

In fact, recent studies show that more than 2 million people take holidays in caravans and motorhomes every year. And, nearly 65 million nights were spent camping and caravanning in Great Britain in 2018.

We love a caravan holiday! Here we share:

• why staycations are so popular;
• reasons to buy a caravan; and,
• considerations before you buy.

Why a staycation? (Or, 10 good reasons to buy a caravan!)

You might be fed up to the back teeth with hearing about Brexit on the news day in and day out. You are probably even more peeved by the the rising costs of any holiday abroad.

The answer to your woes is simple – and it is called a staycation.

By staying in the beautiful and attractive surroundings of your own island home, staycations offer lots of opportunities – and a caravan holiday gives you plenty of possibilities for enjoying them.

Travel hassle

As every year goes by, passing through any airport becomes more and more of a nightmare – flight delays, security checks and impossible levels of crowding make it more of a torture.

By choosing a caravans staycation, you are free of any such hassle – with no size and weight restrictions on what you can take.

Staycationing caravanners

A staycation with benefits can be had by buying your own caravan – then you don’t even need to find the price of any hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation.

The freedom of the open road, your own home from home safely towed behind the car you are driving, and you are able to relax anywhere in the UK. Plus, the kids make the very most of an outdoor life, without the pain of travelling from one country to another.

Or, if you invest in a static caravan, you have your second home ready and waiting for you.

Freedom v planning

How much time did you have to spend planning your last foreign holiday – what with flights to book, what accommodation to choose, passports to arrange, travel to the airport, travel at your destination, not to mention spending cash to exchange?

Contrast that with the freedom of a caravan-based staycation – where you can pack the bags, load up the kids, and be away the very next morning, without a care in the world.

Home comforts

As many – or as few – of your own home comforts can be taken with you when you pack your caravan for a staycation in the UK. Some people find hotels and guesthouses to be rather sterile and unfriendly locations. If you are one of them, you may appreciate the home from home comforts that can be developed in and around your own caravan.

Making every day count

It’s not just the hassle that travelling abroad has become, but the sheer length of time it takes getting from home to the airport or ferry, making the journey to foreign shores, then travelling to your final destination – and doing it all over again when you want to come home. As soon as you start travelling in your caravan – or after you arrive at your static home – your holiday begins – making every day count and not a moment lost.

Boredom breakers and being spontaneous with a caravan holiday

If your caravan is mobile, you can go where you want. If you get bored after a couple of days in a given location, no problem! You can simply move on to somewhere else that catches your eye.

You are also less reliant on the bookings so can be more spontaneous. Perhaps it is a Friday night and you fancy a quick weekend break? Then, perfect, off you go. You have no need to start endlessly trying to find available flights etc. on the internet. Of course, you may need to think a little about some popular caravan site bookings at the height of the holiday season.

Taking your pets

If you regard your dog (or other furry friend) as part of the family, you may not relish the prospect of putting it into kennels. Assuming that you choose the sites that permit pets, you may be able to take your four legged friend with you and he or she can share in the fun experience. Read our Guide to caravanning with pets for more information.

The cost

You may obtain more cost-effective holidays. Hotels and flights can be very expensive. You might find that your caravan accommodation proves to be considerably easier on your pocket – and that might increase the number of breaks you can afford to take in a given year.

Access to fresh air

Caravanning is essentially about the outdoor life and that’s something that many of us could do with a lot more of for our physical and psychological health.

Caravans and holiday homes are fun!

There is no other way to describe it. A caravan holiday, whether in holiday parks or holiday homes, offers a fun experience, whether you are pitched up at one of the many luxury holiday parks or somewhere a bit more off the beaten track.

So now you’ve seen why having a caravan can be so attractive, what else do you need to consider?

Things you may need to think about before you buy a caravan

Here we touch on a few considerations before you buy. At the end of the section, we have provided links to our more in-depth guides too.

Mobility

If you have found your ideal location then a static caravan may be more suitable for you. These are typically located on designated sites and while they can be moved from one site to another, they are not designed to be moved about regularly.

On the other hand if you tend to tire of a particular holiday location quickly and have a desire to take to the open roads and explore then a touring caravan or a motorhome may be more to your liking. You can spend as much or as little time as you want at any one site – you have complete freedom of choice.

Protection

If you are going to spend money on a caravan of whatever type then you may be keen to protect what could be a considerable investment on your part with some appropriate caravan insurance.

 Here at Cover4Caravans we will help you find a suitable caravans insurance quote – at budget friendly prices!

Weighty matters

If you opt for a tourer, your driving licence may typically cover you for towing a vehicle up to a certain weight and this will include many types of caravan.

You may need to check though and bear in mind that if you got your licence after 1996 and the combined weight of your car and caravan exceeds 3.5 tonnes, then an additional driving test may be necessary.

Cars also have a limit on the maximum weight that they can tow. This may vary depending on the weight of the actual car itself. Typically you may be able to safely tow something up to 85% of the weight of the towing vehicle. So make sure that your vehicle is up to the job of towing the caravan you are proposing buying.

Further reading:

• Cover4Caravans’ Guide to buying a tourer
• Guide to buying a static home
• Buying a second hand caravan

Summary

So, the above highlights some great reasons to buy a caravan. If you are still deliberating, however, the obvious question is” Why?”  The caravan fraternity is waiting to welcome you with open arms!