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.

Your caravan may be a home away from home – and not just during the traditionally balmy spring and summer months. It might just as easily be an away from home base from which to see in the New Year quietly with a loved one or host a party with a difference for your friends.

All you need do is check that your caravan insurance is fully up to date, decide where you want to go, make your booking online and pitch up for the New Year holiday – so here are a few suggestions.

1.Adults only

You’ve spent Christmas with the children and family, why not use the New Year break for a complete change of scene by taking your touring caravan to an adults-only site?

The company Tranquil Parks highlights a wide range of sites for exclusive use by adults at many locations around the UK – with most of them open the year round, including New Year.

Chew Valley Caravan Park, near Bath, for example, offers plenty of all-weather pitches for touring caravans – all with 16-amp electric hook-up and fully serviced pitches with TV points, water and drainage points too. It is also dog-friendly.

This tranquil, adults-only caravan park is positioned just 800 yards from a picturesque fishing lake, and the surrounding countryside offers a paradise for birdwatchers and walkers alike.

Each pitch is equipped with an electric hook-up, while the park’s premium, heated toilet and shower facilities are refurbished every year for added comfort. A well-equipped utility room offers laundry and ironing facilities, including service washes.

Perfectly located near the historic city of Bath, famous for its spa and shopping experiences, the park provides easy access to Bristol, Wells, and Weston-Super-Mare. It’s an ideal base for exploring the Mendip Hills and discovering Somerset’s many attractions.

2.Tavistock, Devon

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s site at Tavistock in Devon offers stunning views of Dartmoor National Park, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The spacious campsite accommodates up to 75 units and provides modern amenities, including individual shower rooms, disabled facilities, and laundry services.

Visitors can enjoy scenic walks and cycling routes, with National Cycle Route 274 just 200 yards away. Tavistock, a nearby ancient market town, boasts world heritage status and is known for its charming cafes, shops, and historical architecture. Nearby attractions include Lydford Gorge and the picturesque village of Sheepstor, where War Horse was filmed.

3. Common Woods, Hertfordshire

Commons Wood Club Campsite is nestled against beautiful woodlands and offers easy access to nearby parks.

Located just 30 minutes from central London by train, it’s an ideal base for visiting the city’s exhibitions at venues like Olympia or Kew Gardens.

The campsite provides plenty of family-friendly activities, with Stanborough Park just two miles away, offering boating, fishing, and birdwatching at Reed Marsh Reserve.

The site is close to Welwyn Garden City, known for its rich history and planning, including the famous Roman Bath preserved under the A1 motorway.

4. Carnon Downs, Truro, Cornwall

Situated just three miles south of Truro, the Carnon Downs Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite spans 20 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, offering spacious pitches bordered by hedges and shrubs.

The nearby village of Carnon Downs offers a quaint mini-market, garden centre, and fruit farm. Truro, known for its stunning cathedral, lively weekly Farmers Market, shopping opportunities, and cultural landmarks, is easily reachable.

Loe Beach is a short distance away, offering an ideal spot for water sports, while Falmouth, with its scenic harbour, maritime museum, and sandy beaches, is also just a brief drive from the site.

For dining, there are three cosy inns within walking distance. The campsite provides the perfect base for exploring Cornwall, with picturesque walks along the River Fal and charming hamlets like Penpol and Devoran nearby.

5. Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, Scotland

If you’ve never celebrated Hogmanay, you’ve probably never properly celebrated New Year – at least that’s the claim of the Scots.

So why not join them in their capital at this special time of the year and book your pitch at the Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Club site right on its doorstep?

The campsite itself is large (146 pitches) but set in 12 quiet and peaceful acres – unlike the centre of Edinburgh, of course, where you’ll hardly hear yourself speak above the tumult of revelries.

The Edinburgh Club Campsite is the perfect location for a holiday, set along the Firth of Forth and offering easy access to the vibrant city of Edinburgh.

The campsite is ideal for exploring the city’s modern and historic attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, and Holyrood Palace, the King’s official Scottish residence.

You can also stroll through Princes Street Gardens, visit the Scottish Parliament Building, or enjoy the city’s famous festivals. The campsite is close to the waterfront, where campers can enjoy walks along Cramond promenade, or venture to Portobello for its pubs, restaurants, and shops. The site also places you near golf courses, Edinburgh Zoo, and plenty of entertainment venues.

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.