It must be all that open air and the freedom of the outdoor life, but, by and large, the average touring caravan owner turns out to be a pretty fit and healthy individual.

Combine the outdoor life with a spot of cycling on the bike you’ve managed to stow in your caravan, and you can enjoy the fresh air, new sights and sounds! Great for you physically and mentally.

With your thoughts turned to the fitness benefits of cycling, you might also want to consider a whole range of other activities in which you can engage while out and about with your caravan. You might even want to pay some attention to maintaining a healthy environment inside your caravan.

Let’s take a closer look at caravanning, biking, other fitness routines, and how to stay just as fit and healthy indoors as out.

Your bicycle

• it is a well-established fact that cycling helps to keep you fit – Circle Health Group have listed at least ten ways in which cycling can benefit your physical and mental wellbeing;
• if you are a caravan owner, cycling can also widen the radius of your adventures and bring even more fun to your forays from the caravan site you might have chosen;
• if you are not averse to cheating just a tad, you might even consider an electronically powered bike – it might take away a lot of the effort, but just think of all that fresh air you get to enjoy;
• however, that said, an electronic bike might not be the labour-saving cop-out you might think it to be – as the website MiRider suggests, think of the electric motor offering a helping hand rather than taking over completely. You still need to pedal – just less so. You get more power with less perspiration. You can read our article Choosing an electric bike for more information;

Countryside walks

• the only investment required for keeping fit through plenty of countryside walking is in a good pair of hiking boots;
• the exercise is free, and the UK offers a whole host of caravan sites from which you can set forth in order to enjoy the country’s green and pleasant land – the Caravan and Motorhome Club even has a guide to those caravan sites likely to offer the best opportunities for walking;

Running in tune to the dawn chorus

• if you are feeling more energetic and want to do your exercise to the accompaniment of the birds’ dawn chorus, you need only don your running shoes and go for a jog around the park or venture out into the early morning countryside;
• there might not be the same rousing call to herald a new day, but running at dusk might also give a welcome endorphin boost before you tuck in at night;
• of course, there are benefits no whatever time of day you choose to run;

Wild swimming

• it has fast become something of a craze – and for good reason too – since wild swimming is free and readily found in many different lakes, rivers, and the sea;
• in an island community such as the UK, your caravan site is rarely going to be far from the sea or the rivers emptying into it – so why not join the growing band of wild swimmers;

Pilates and yoga

• pilates and yoga may be ways of keeping not only your body fit but also providing food for your mind and soul;
• just pick up your favourite mat, position it outside your caravan and breathe in the peace, tranquillity, and sheer serenity of Britain at its rural best;

Healthy interiors

• keeping yourself busy with all these fitness trips is all very well, but unlikely to be any avail if your living quarters let you down on the health front;
• keeping the interior of your caravan clean, tidy, and free of bugs is a must, of course, but there are more insidious threats to health that might slowly build up;
• chief amongst these is the mould which might take hold on the inside of your caravan as a result of poor ventilation and the presence of damp;
• left unchecked, damp and condensation may result in floors and walls simply rotting away;
• the mould that breeds in these conditions generates a pungent and unpleasant smell and carries a veritable “minefield” of risks to your health – and Caravan Talk lists five of the harmful effects of mould and mildew;
• regularly check, therefore, for mould, stains, or bumpy panels – especially if a tell-tale smell is also present;
• a final health and safety warning might also be sounded about fire hazards and the use of bottled gas within the confines of a touring caravan;
• fire safety precautions may not need a great deal of rehearsing – but are no less important for all that – while poorly maintained or ill-ventilated gas appliances may lead to a build-up of lethal carbon dioxide.

Have (an electric) bike, and you might well travel in style and precious little effort in helping yourself to keep fit. But there are many other ways of staying healthy while enjoying your touring caravan outings too.

Continue working on keeping yourself fit in the great outdoors, and remember that it is equally important to maintain a safe and healthy environment inside your caravan.

Further reading: Portable exercise equipment for your caravan

Are you interested in some of the latest UK caravan news and holiday trends? Then you’re in luck! Just read on …

Swift announces new Sprite Exclusive launch for 2025

Swift – the East Yorkshire-based manufacturer of caravans and motorhomes – has announced a new series of models to complement its already highly popular range of Sprite motorhomes.

Just as the name suggests, the Sprite Exclusive range is a notch above others in the same stable. The enhanced, premium features boost the motorhome’s overall style and comfort – with family use especially in mind.

The internal upholstery – from the choice of fabrics to the pleated blinds and wall pads – gives a genuine sense of luxury. Attractively concealed lighting adds to the calm and welcoming ambience.

The cleverly designed galley incorporates a 142-litre refrigerator and 15-litre freezer compartment from Thetford while the Wi-Fi harness and wireless phone charging pad help you to keep in touch with the wider world – with everything controlled from a central 4” touchscreen.

Practical Caravan Owner Satisfaction Awards 2024

Some of the most hotly contested caravan awards are those for owner satisfaction. The current Caravan Owner Satisfaction Awards – co-hosted by Practical Caravan and the Camping and Caravanning Club – again this year include many prizes. The leading categories are:

New Caravans

• streets ahead of the rest of the competition in this category is the Slovenian manufacturer Adria – which has walked away with the Gold Award;

• the Silver Award went to the Hull-based manufacturer Coachman, while in third place was another UK manufacturer, the Elddis group based in County Durham;

Pre-loved Caravans

• among the second-hand or pre-loved caravans, first place was awarded to Eriba of the German Erwin Hymer group;

• second place was awarded to Coachman and in third place was Adria.

Caravan and Motorhome Club adds Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite to its network

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has expanded its network of sites through the purchase of the renamed Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite.

Situated near the village of Tansley in Derbyshire, the 16-acre park is between the tourist hotspots of both Matlock and Bakewell. Thanks to the park’s previous use as established nursery gardens, there are still plentiful mature trees, interlaced with fully-grown rhododendrons. These help to mark out more than 120 well-sized pitches on hardstandings that are suitable for caravans, campervans, and motorhomes.

Every pitch has its own 16-amp electricity hook-up, and some are fully serviced, not just with electricity but also fresh water and drainage facilities. Onsite there are also two electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

There are two centrally-heated washrooms with adjoining laundry rooms, washing up, and vegetable preparation areas.

The park incorporates a woodland walk – making the site a dog-friendly destination.

Changes to the Elddis Avanté range for next year

Practical Caravan on the 17^th of September featured important changes to the Elddis Avanté range of twin-berth caravans for the coming 2025 season.

The revised layout of the entry-level Avanté 520 features its largest washroom yet and adopts a similar end-washroom layout for the existing Affinity 520 caravans.

The new 520 brings the number of Avanté models to six. Each has been restyled with interiors now sporting Maya upholstery, highly-coloured cushions scattered about, and a light wood finish to all the fitted furniture.

Set in the glorious countryside of the Peak District, the charming spa town of Buxton has lots going for it. And the good news is that this jewel in the East Midland county of Derbyshire is readily accessible from practically any part of the UK.

Buxton offers the perfect destination for a spot of adventure, a relaxing escape, or a bit of both. Let’s see why.

The Pump Room

Buxton’s thermal springs prompted a 19th-century craze for “taking the waters”. Indeed, the health-restoring pastime became so popular that the well at the town’s Natural Baths became seriously overcrowded. In response, in 1894, the 7^th Duke of Devonshire, Henry Curry, built The Pump Room – now a Grade II-listed building.

Although The Pump Room has not been used by anyone taking the waters since the 1970s, the newly refurbished building is now home to the Buxton Visitor Centre. It’s the starting venue for the Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience and where you’ll find festival performances staged along with other meetings and events. During the school holidays, for instance, there are pop-up art displays and talks on a wide range of subjects.

If you want to enjoy a thermal dip in healthy minerals, then you can visit the Natural Mineral Baths which are now at the Buxton Crescent Wellness Spa.

Buxton Natural Mineral Water Plant

Buxton is, of course, renowned for its spring water and it’s hardly surprising that the branded Buxton Natural Mineral Water is a popular bottled water in the UK. The bottling plant, at Waterswallows in the town, is owned by Nestle. Corporate tours of the factory are organised from time to time.

St Ann’s Well

You don’t need to wait for a tour of the factory or even splash out on a bottle of  branded Buxton’s water, you can drink your fill for free at St Ann’s Well, which you can find at the bottom of The Slopes next door to The Pump Room.

People have been drinking from this public source of thermal spring water for centuries – in 1678, the political philosopher Thomas Hobbes claimed that the well: “cures the palsied members of the old, and cherishes the nerves grown stiff and cold”.

Buxton Crescent

Buxton Crescent – a Grade I Listed building in the Palladian style – is the town’s showpiece.

It was built in the 1780s by the 5^th Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, and an architect from York, John Carr. The stately building soon became one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Britain and its star-studded guests came to take the waters fed by the neighbouring St Ann’s well.

Having fallen into structural disrepair, the hotel was forced to close its doors in the 1990s. Thanks to the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, the National Lottery, and local councils, a £70 million restoration project was undertaken, and the iconic building reopened in 2019.

Visit The Opera

For a cultural fix, head to the Buxton Opera House, a stunning Edwardian theatre designed by Frank Matcham, where you can enjoy everything from plays and concerts to the annual Buxton Festival.

Buxton Country Park

If you’re fit for some exercise, the woodland trails through Buxton Country Park offer more adventurous walking and hiking through stunning countryside. The woods cover some 100 acres (40 hectares) mainly of ash, beech, elm, and sycamore, providing cover for lots of woodland wildlife and flora.

The literal high point of your walk is likely to be Solomon’s Temple (just over a 3-mile walk from the Pavilion Gardens car park) which is more than 1,400 ft (439m) above sea level and affords panoramic views across the whole of the Peak District.

The country park is also home to the stunning geological miracle of Poole’s Cavern. The main chamber of the natural cavern is the size of a cathedral and has been used as a place of worship and shelter since prehistoric times. Along well-let passageways deep underground and alongside the ancient course of the subterranean river you can take the 45-minute guided tour.

Visit Buxton

Buxton is a town that beautifully combines history, culture, and nature. Whether you’re soaking in the thermal baths, hiking through the Peak District, or enjoying a show at the Opera House, Buxton provides a serene yet vibrant escape from everyday life. With its stunning surroundings and rich heritage, Buxton is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the UK.

Some people might tell you that the heyday of touring caravan holidays in the UK were the decades running from the end of the 1940s through to around the earlier 1970s. In the austere days after the Second World War, the attractions of overall low-cost holidays meant that statics, caravan parks and holiday camps, were the mainstay of much British holiday making.

Whilst it is true that the advent of cheap flight-fuelled mass tourism to the Mediterranean in the 1960s and 1970s dented popularity of the holiday caravan somewhat, things have changed significantly over more recent times.

Why is this?

British resorts / sites have learned lessons

Going way back to the 1970s, one reason increasing numbers of British holidaymakers fled overseas each year for their holiday break was not only the advent of cheap flights but also the rather indifferent state of many British resorts. Some, including some touring caravan sites, hadn’t really done much to improve their facilities since the 1950s – and that carried on even into the 80s and 90s.

All that now has changed though. Huge sums have been spent in the past few decades in order to bring UK touring campsites and holiday parks up to 21st century standards. Now the facilities are often excellent and designed with the caravan communities needs in mind rather than just expediency. There are plenty of holiday parks offering electric pitches as well as luxury touring caravan sites with on-site bars and restaurants if you don’t fancy preparing your own food.

A re-discovery of the UK

The UK has scenery and natural beauty and many attractions that compares very favourably with any major holiday destination in the world.

In past decades, going abroad for a holiday was trendy and fashionable. Today, that’s less so and  – particularly since the pandemic – people are re-discovering the beauty and grandeur of their own country and all it can offer.

And it’s no wonder, with the UK offering a beautiful coast line, quaint inland villages and forests, theme parks and even caravan adventure holidays!

What are the benefits of a touring caravan holiday?

Having a staycation in your caravan offers several benefits that make it a great choice for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. Here are some of the key reasons touring caravans are popular …

Cost-effective

A staycation in your caravan can save you money on accommodation and travel costs. You avoid expensive hotels, flights, and other transportation fees, allowing you to enjoy a more budget-friendly holiday without compromising on fun or comfort.

Flexibility and freedom

With a caravan, you have the freedom to explore different locations at your own pace. You can choose when and where to travel, allowing for spontaneous trips or extended stays in your favourite spots. Unlike fixed accommodation, you aren’t tied to one location.

Closer to nature

Caravan sites are often located in scenic areas, such as national parks, forests, or near the coast. Staying in your caravan allows you to be closer to nature, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or cycling, and unwind in peaceful surroundings.

Comfort and familiarity

Caravans offer a comfortable, home-like environment where you can have all your personal belongings and necessities on hand. You can bring your favourite food, bedding, and even your pets, creating a more familiar and relaxing atmosphere compared to staying in hotels.

You can choose your environment

A caravan staycation allows for greater control over your environment making it easier to avoid crowded areas, especially during busy travel seasons.

Pet-friendly

Many caravan parks are pet-friendly, meaning you can bring your pets along with you on your holiday. This removes the need for pet sitters or boarding, and your furry friends can enjoy the adventure with you. Read our Guide to caravanning with pets.

Reduced travel stress

By staying local and using your caravan, you avoid the stress of international travel, such as airport security, delayed flights, or lost luggage. It’s a hassle-free option where you can start enjoying your holiday as soon as you set off.

Environmental benefits

A staycation in your caravan can have a lower environmental impact compared to flying or driving long distances. It’s an eco-friendly way to explore local attractions and support sustainable travel.

Explore local attractions

A caravan staycation allows you to discover hidden gems close to home. You can explore local countryside, beaches, heritage sites, and attractions that you may have overlooked, giving you a new appreciation for your local area and beyond.

Quality time with family

Caravanning is perfect for spending quality time with family or friends in a cosy, relaxed setting. Whether you’re cooking meals together, playing board games, or exploring nature, it’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories.

Overall, a staycation in your caravan offers flexibility, comfort, and cost savings, while allowing you to enjoy the freedom of travel and the beauty of the outdoors.

What about the British weather?

This is, of course, an old chestnut and one that can’t be ignored.

Nobody is ever going to pretend that the UK is likely to have a reliable Mediterranean summer. What might be called “iffy” weather is always a possibility.

However, two factors in recent years are reducing these concerns:

• climate change is leading to typically warmer summers;
• UK resorts and caravan sites are simply much better prepared to offer poor weather entertainment than they were say a decade or more ago.

So, if you get the odd rainy day, it’s not a disaster. In fact, there are touring pitches that stay open all year round and aren’t seasonal – because today’s innovative touring caravans means you’ll be warm and cosy whatever the weather.

And, perhaps the best thing about staying in a caravan is that in the unfortunate event that it does rain, there is nothing that quite beats the feeling of being cosy in your tourer, hearing the pitter patter of raindrop on the caravan rooftop!

Caravanning really can be a fun, rewarding experience. If you are one of the few people who haven’t yet tried it, maybe your next holiday could be the one where you do!

Almost before we’ve fully recovered our waistlines from last year’s excesses, Christmas is on the horizon again!

While it’s now fashionable to decry the commercialisation of the festival, most of us will probably admit to enjoying a bit of immersion in the spirit of things. Christmas markets can play a big part in that.

What are Christmas markets?

For reasons that are not clear (though Oliver Cromwell is often blamed), after some centuries, these markets fell out of fashion in the UK and virtually disappeared. The tradition was preserved though in central and eastern Europe, in countries such as Germany, Denmark, Poland and so on.

Over recent decades, they have been re-introduced with enthusiasm in the UK and they’re a welcome addition to the Christmas season.

They’re now once again a big attraction and that ties in nicely with the increasing interest in short Christmas caravanning breaks.

Where to find the Christmas markets

Of course, few of us perhaps relish the prospect of lots of long driving over the Christmas break to get to a site.

Fortunately, these markets now are spread all over the country so there’s bound to be one not that far from you. Here are a few ideas for specific destinations:

York Christmas Market (North Yorkshire)

York’s Christmas Market will be open from November 14 to December 22, 2024. With 75 alpine chalets in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York’s Christmas market offers local crafts, artisan goods, and seasonal treats.

The vintage carousel adds festive charm, perfect for families. With 80% of traders from Yorkshire, it’s a great way to support local businesses. The market promotes sustainability and inclusivity, featuring quieter periods, seating for those with mobility issues, and the Safe Space Scheme. Convenient public transport makes accessing the festive fun even easier.

Bath Christmas Market (Somerset)

This is an incredibly beautiful town at any time, but it really is especially attractive as a backdrop for the Christmas market. Running from November 28 to December 15, 2024, you can wander through the charming streets of Bath – illuminated by over 170 sparkling chalets – and explore some of the finest independent businesses from the South West and beyond. From stylish homeware and handmade jewellery to personalised gifts and more, soak in the festive sights and scents of Christmas while checking off everything on your shopping list.

Leeds Christmas Market (West Yorkshire)

In the centre of Leeds, this is a very large market running from 22 November to 22 December 2024. Leeds hosts the Christkindelmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market, in Millennium Square. With wooden stalls offering authentic German food, drinks, and gifts, the market brings a taste of Bavaria to the city. Enjoy bratwursts, gluhwein, and handmade crafts while soaking in the festive atmosphere. A carousel, traditional music, and twinkling lights make it an ideal spot for families and friends looking for a cosy holiday experience.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market (West Midlands)

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria, is a festive highlight for locals and visitors alike. Set in Victoria Square and along New Street, it offers traditional goods, handcrafted gifts, and delicious food like pretzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds, paired with gluhwein, weissbeer, or hot chocolate.

Enjoy live music, meet up with family and friends, and shop for unique presents, including handcrafted decorations, jewellery, and toys.

Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 (greater Manchester)

Manchester’s Christmas markets span across multiple locations, including Albert Square and St Ann’s Square, offering a wide variety of festive delights. The markets feature international food, traditional gifts, and artisan crafts. With its lively atmosphere, unique street food, and festive bars, Manchester’s Christmas markets are perfect for both families and friends looking for a memorable holiday experience in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market (Oxfordshire).

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Blenheim Palace in 2024. The historic Palace and Gardens will once again be transformed by thousands of twinkling lights, the aroma of seasonal delights, sparkling decorations, and the warmth of holiday cheer. It runs from November 15, 2024, to January 1, 2025.

Cardiff Christmas Market 2024 (Wales)

Located in the heart of the city, Cardiff Christmas Market offers a range of local artisan products, crafts, and festive treats. Stalls are set up along St John Street, Working Street, and the Hayes, providing a festive atmosphere with Welsh produce and handmade gifts.

With street entertainment and seasonal food and drink, it’s a charming market to explore, whether you’re looking for unique gifts or simply soaking in the Christmas spirit.

Winchester Christmas Market 2024 (Hampshire)

Held in the shadow of Winchester Cathedral, this festive market is one of the most beautiful in the UK. Inspired by traditional German markets, Winchester’s stalls offer handcrafted goods, Christmas gifts, and delicious seasonal food and drink. The ice rink adds to the festive experience, making it a popular destination for families and friends. With its charming atmosphere and historic surroundings, it’s a perfect Christmas day out.

London’s Winter Wonderland 2024 (London)

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a festive extravaganza, featuring one of the UK’s largest Christmas markets. Alongside traditional stalls selling gifts and food, visitors can enjoy ice skating, circus shows, roller coasters, and the famous Magical Ice Kingdom. With festive bars, live performances, and a magical setting, Winter Wonderland is a fun-filled holiday destination for all ages, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond

There are plenty of other destinations too, should you be looking for one that’s really close.

Top tips

If you’re thinking of visiting a market as part of a Christmas caravanning break, don’t forget:

• make sure your caravan insurance is up to date;
• check that your planned site is fully open and available. If your caravan insurance has conditions relating to on-site security, make sure that will be fully operational over the holiday;
• bring plenty of warm clothes;
• take especial care with your valuables on your person when in the markets. Though not usually a major problem, pickpockets love crowds.

Above all – enjoy yourself!

Disclaimer: The information provided above should be used as a guide to what’s on and when. Details and events may change without our knowledge.