Amidst the gathering gloom of long winter nights what better way to think sunnier thoughts than about next season’s outings in your caravan or motorhome.

To help you do just that, here’s our latest roundup of some of the latest caravanning and camping UK news headlines.

The UK’s best holiday park revealed – with wow-factor sea views and friendly alpacas

Head south to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast if you want to sample the holiday park that has just been voted the best in Britain.

The Irish Sun newspaper recently reported that Highlands End Holiday Park in the county won this year’s Camping and Glamping Awards.

Close to the World Heritage coastline, you’ll find touring and grass pitches for your caravan and motorhome bays. Not only that, but the site stole the winning accolade not least because of the working farm within its grounds. Here you can also pet some friendly alpacas!

Other facilities on this family and dog friendly site include soft play areas for the children and a leisure centre while the grown-ups can relax in the beer garden or indulge in the restaurant and bar.

The beautiful sea views from the site have the wow-factor too!

The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show to return in January

A highlight of the year for anyone living in – or within striking distance of – the north of England is the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show which returns to the Manchester Central exhibition space from the 16^th to the 19^th of January.

The announcement in the Caravan Times on the 12^th of November drew attention to what promises to be one of the biggest displays of caravans, campervans, and motorhomes for the coming 2025 season.

The show is likely to be your one-stop shop for all the accessories and camping gear you might need for weekends and holidays away once the coming season begins.

From the small and nimble, cleverly designed campervans to the luxuries of six-berth caravans, you’ll get up close and personal with some of the UK’s leading suppliers such as ES Hartley, Emm Bee, and Glossop Caravans.

Scots holiday park tipped as best caravan in the UK

A survey of more than 100 caravan sites up and down the whole of the UK has settled on a holiday park in Scotland as the best in the UK, according to a story in the Scottish Sun newspaper recently.

Visitor ratings for the Auchenlarie Holiday Park, in Dumfries and Galloway, gained an almost perfect score in the rankings prepared by the outdoor and camping equipment retailers GO Outdoors.

A panel of experts also awarded the holiday park practically full marks – 9.98 out of 10 – according to criteria including not only the visitor ratings but also average prices, pet friendliness, and amenities such as on-site shops, swimming pools, games room, and access to the beach.

The site on the Dumfries and Galloway coast is already a favourite with tourists who come to admire the views over Wigtown Bay.

Staithes Chalet & Caravan Park up for sale

Can’t find a pitch at your favourite campsite? How about buying a caravan park of your own?

On the 25^th of November, the Darlington and Stockton Times carried a feature detailing the proposed sale of the Staithes Chalet & Caravan Park – near to the popular tourist destinations of Whitby and the North York Moors National Park.

The 6.6-acre caravan park is located in the quaint fishing village of Staithes and currently offers pitches for 36 touring caravans and nine chalets – most of which are presently being refurbished.

The park is listed for sale at £1.3 million!

Your holiday memories might last forever, but having the most appropriate and cost-effective caravan insurance means your adventures stay worry-free too. Let’s be honest—reviewing your caravan insurance probably isn’t the most exciting thing on your to-do list. Some owners just hit “renew” every year without giving it much thought. Sound familiar?

This guide is here to show you why a quick caravan insurance review can be a game-changer and how to make sure you’re getting the most suitable cover for your caravan.

Why bother with a review?

We get it, you’re busy, and thinking about touring caravan insurance isn’t exactly fun. But here’s the thing: the insurance world doesn’t stand still.

New policies, more attractive deals, and updated customer perks pop up all the time. By sticking with the same old policy year after year, you could be missing out.

Taking a little time to review your caravan insurance could:

• help you find a policy that suits you better;
• save you money;
• ensure your cover matches how you actually use your caravan these days.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it could make a big difference.

The cost of caravan insurance

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: cost. It’s tempting to just go for the cheapest caravan insurance option, but cheaper doesn’t always mean better. A bargain policy might leave you exposed when you really need it.

By reviewing your options, you can find that sweet spot between cost and cover. It’s worth it for the peace of mind knowing you’re protected if something goes wrong.

What to look out for in your tourer insurance review

Not all caravan insurance policies are created equal. Here’s what to dig into when comparing options …

·      Who’s towing and how far?

Some policies have rules about who can tow the caravan—like minimum age or experience. Others might limit how far you can tow each year. Make sure the policy fits your plans, especially if you’re heading off on epic road trips or sharing driving duties.

·      Where can you go?

Planning to explore Europe? Check your policy covers it. Some only include the UK or have tight restrictions on where you can park overnight. If your dream is to park up in a sunny French field, make sure your policy’s on board.

·      New-for-old replacement

This one’s a biggie. If your caravan gets damaged beyond repair, will the insurer replace it with a brand-new one? Policies vary—some cover new-for-old for five years if you’ve owned the caravan from new, others for only three years, and some even cover second-hand caravans. Know what you’re getting.

Winter storage

Some insurers require you to store your caravan in a garage or secure site over winter, while others – such as ourselves – offer discounts if you store your ‘van at a CaSSOA-approved security site. Tailor your policy to your storage setup, and you could save some cash.

Don’t skip the small print

Nobody loves reading insurance documents but trust us—it’s worth it. The small print tells you exactly what’s covered (and what’s not), so you won’t get any surprises when it’s time to make a claim. Look out for things like:

• towing distance limits;
• valuables cover;
• rules around storm or flood damage.

Knowing the details helps you avoid problems later. And don’t forget, you can always call us here at Cover4Caravans for clarification on anything relating to your caravan insurance cover.

Specialist policies for unique needs

Got a static caravan or a top-of-the-line tourer? You might need a specialist policy. These can include extra features like extended contents cover, liability insurance, or protection for fixed structures like decking. Don’t be shy—ask us for a tailored policy that fits your setup.

Keep your caravan insurance cover up to date

Life changes, and so does how you use your caravan. Maybe you’re taking more trips, exploring new countries, or have upgraded your tourer. Whatever’s changed, it’s worth revisiting your insurance to make sure it still suits your lifestyle. Set a reminder to check in every six months or after any big changes.

Why it’s worth it

Let’s face it—a caravan insurance review isn’t the most glamorous task. But it’s a practical step to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Whether it’s more attractive cover, a lower premium, or both, the effort pays off. And who doesn’t love saving a bit of cash while staying protected?

Need a hand?

At Cover4Caravans, we get that insurance can be a bit confusing. That’s why we can assist you in navigating the options and finding what we consider is the most cost-effective and appropriate policy for you – we are here to help.

Safe travels!

The nights are drawing in now, so maybe it’s time to settle back and start planning next season’s outings and adventures in your caravan.

To help set the scene, here are a few of the recent UK caravan news headlines to update you on the latest caravan news.

CAMC announces 2024 Certificated Location of the Year winners

The Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) recently announced the winners of its annual Certified Location awards, according to Practical Motorhome’s edition of the 25^th of October. The results were as follows:

Overall winner

• Brambles, Anglesey, North Wales;

North of England winner

• Drake House Farm, Ribble Valley, Lancashire;

South of England winner

• Goodleigh Hill, near Pershore, Worcestershire;

Best in Scotland and Northern Ireland

• Fairbank Park, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire;

Best Newcomer

• The Courts, Little Baddow, Essex;

Sustainability award

• Birch Hill in Shropshire.

Major region implements 18-month parking ban for motorhomes and caravans

Local councils along the coast of North Yorkshire have taken steps to prohibit overnight parking in multiple areas around Scarborough and Cayton Bay, reported GB News on the 24^th of October.

The ban follows complaints from local residents who have complained bout the congestion and disruption caused by parked motorhomes and caravans.

The ban was introduced with effect from the 21^st of October and apply from eleven at night until 7 o’clock in the morning for an initial trial period of 6 months. The intention, however, is to keep any such ban in place for at least the next 18 months.

Owners of illegally parked motorhomes and caravans can expect to face stiff penalties.

Dometic launches new range of sustainable awnings at the NEC Show

Manufacturer Dometic has launched an all-new material for its range of 33 different types of both air and poled awnings for motorhomes and caravans announced Practical Caravan recently.

Called Weathershield Tour, the new fabric is a 300D ripstop polyester material. The rope-dye process used in its manufacture consumes 80% less water than conventional polyesters – so reducing the amount of energy consumed and making its manufacture more sustainable.

Not only is the process more sustainable but the ripstop material is woven into a fabric that makes for a far more durable caravan and motorhome awning.

Swift Group announces up to 175 job losses

The Swift caravan manufacturer based in Cottingham near Kingston upon Hull in East Yorkshire will have to let go up to 175 of its employees, according to a report by the BBC recently.

The job losses follow on the heels of what the company has described as a “difficult and challenging trading period” that has required a restructuring of a down-sized enterprise designed to safeguard the longer-term prospects of the company.

One of the UK’s largest manufacturers of caravans, motorhomes, and leisure homes, the Swift Group was founded more than 60 years ago in 1964. Until recently, it has employed some 1,300 individuals and boasts a current turnover exceeding £300 million. Its main factory is in Cottingham.

Buckinghamshire is a perfect place to visit if you love amazing landscapes and quaint villages.

It’s surprisingly accessible, with London to the southeast, Berkshire to the south, Hertfordshire to the east, Oxfordshire to the west, and Bedfordshire to the Northeast.

Here’s a small sample of just some of the places that will make any visit worthwhile.

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Here’s a chance to combine a visit to a museum while taking in the surroundings of rural Buckinghamshire in the bracing fresh air.

The Chiltern Open Air Museum occupies a 45-acre site set in idyllic countryside and the site of a working farm complete with Oxford Down sheep, chickens, cows, and Old English goats.

But the stars of the attraction are reconstructions of the homes, workplaces, and other buildings occupied by the ordinary inhabitants of Buckinghamshire throughout the ages. So, you can wander around everything from an Iron Age roundhouse to an earth cottage, a medieval barn to a tin chapel, a blacksmith’s forge to a vicarage, and a Victorian toll house to a “Dig for Victory” garden allotment.

Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park will occupy a special place in the heart of any history buff. It’s the once top-secret hideaway for the army of codebreakers numbering as many as 9,000 skilled operatives, who helped Britain to win the Second World War.

Situated near the town of Milton Keynes, Bletchley Park is fully open to the public and runs a series of exhibitions that map how codebreaking reached an industrial scale in the critical years between 1942 and 1945.

Why not make a day of it by stopping for a weekend coffee at Hut 4 Café or lunch at the Block C Coffee Shop?

Turville

Turville is just one of a whole list of attractive villages that give Buckinghamshire its characterful charm.

Set in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) defined by the Chiltern Hills, Turville makes an excellent starting point for any number of trails and footpaths through the county’s captivating countryside. When you’ve walked off any excess exercise, you can drop into one of Turville’s many pubs – the Frog Inn is a favourite – or more than 40 restaurants in and around the village.

If you’re then out for an evening stroll, you can admire the silhouette of Cobstone Windmill (that appeared in the film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”) or peer through the gates of Turville Heath, Lord Sainsbury’s estate and home.

Marlow

Marlow is probably one of the most iconic and best-known villages not only in the county of Buckinghamshire but along the whole course of the River Thames.

It’s a tranquil riverside spot with plenty to engage an inquiring spirit. For those with a taste for Victorian history, for instance, you might want to visit Hughenden Manor, once the home of England’s 19^th century Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.

Stroll along the riverbank for some exercise or marvel at the Marlow Suspension Bridge, Marlow Lock, or the Royal Military College (the original institution that opened in 1799 as a precursor to today’s Sandhurst).

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

The young and young at heart are likely to have a soft spot for one of the world’s best-known storytellers, Roald Dahl.

He lived and wrote in the village of Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire for nigh on 36 years – and this small gem of a museum and story centre bears witness to his life and work. The museum and story centre is a charity established by Dahl’s widow.

There’s a faithful recreation of Dahl’s writing life – even including the interior of the hut in which he wrote, and which was originally built in his garden. It has been recreated by the museum exactly as it was left – including more than 300 artefacts personally associated with the author.

So, if you are looking for next break in your ‘van, why not visit Buckinghamshire? It’s a scenic destination with charming villages and plenty of attractions. With plenty of nature trails, historical sites, and dining options, Buckinghamshire offers a memorable experience for visitors.

With all that fresh air and (hopefully) sunshine, your caravanning holiday is likely to feature plenty of time outdoors – some of it more active than other times. Whether you are hiking, mountain biking, or simply walking to explore, you’ll feel the benefit of that exercise.

To keep yourself fully in trim, though, you might also want to maintain the physical fitness regime you do when at home – if only you had the exercise equipment that could be easily stowed in your touring caravan.

The good news is that several UK suppliers offer just that opportunity.

The keys to travel exercise equipment

The website Vagrants of the World suggests just five keys to finding suitably portable exercise equipment. It must be:

• lightweight;
• compact;
• easy to assemble and use;
• suitable for your level of fitness; and
• likely actually to be used.

So, let’s look at some of the portable kit that is available:

Resistance bands

• elastic resistance loops and bands always offer a handy way of limbering up before exercise – and they have the great advantage of being light, extremely compact and suitable for all levels of fitness and agility;

Dumbbells

• for any kind of weight training, you’re likely to need a dumbbell – but just think of the size and weight it might take up in your caravan;
• a space- and weight-saving solution is to buy a heavy-duty dry dumbbell bag that travels empty, but which you can fill with sand or water to give it that essential weight once you’ve arrived at your destination;

Yoga mats

• a yoga aficionado, but worried about the itchy feel of the grass or scared of getting ants in your pants? Then a roll-up yoga mat provides the perfect answer;
• you can buy super-thin yoga mats to take up even less of your precious storage space while still getting the comfort you need when practicing yoga;

Skipping

• a simple skipping rope is perhaps one of the most common pieces of kit taken on any holiday – especially if there are children in the family;
• you can choose either a traditional skipping rope or an ankle skip ball – this tethers the rope to an ankle while a rubber ball keeps it circling as you skip over it;

Running shoes

• you can run in them, of course, but also walk in them, stroll in them and even relax in them;
• choosing a comfortable and serviceable pair of running shoes is a highly personal matter of choice, but if you go for something fairly multi-purpose, they will take up no more space than any other type of holiday footwear;

Folding bikes

• more than just a piece of exercise equipment, a folding bike can actually take you places too – the usual problem is finding the space to stow one inside your caravan;
• luckily, there are plenty of lightweight folding bikes to choose from, that can be neatly stored away when not in use.

Ankle and wrist weights

• these add resistance to upper and lower body exercises, enhancing your workout without needing larger equipment;

Mini stepper

• some steppers are designed to be compact and portable, letting you do cardio without taking up much space in your caravan.

You already know that caravanning is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and stay healthy – these days, there is plenty of portable exercise equipment to take with you and continue whatever fitness regime you have become accustomed to at home.