If you have never tried caravanning before or just bought your first one, you might be surprised by just how smooth, calm and hassle-free getting on the road, pitching up at your chosen caravan site and enjoying your holiday can be.

Some people might get into a proper lather running around to pack all the gear at the last minute and worrying about whether everything has been properly and safely packed. You, on the other hand, may be able to avoid all that simply by following a few of our caravan holiday tips:

Getting organised

• perhaps the biggest single key to hassle-free caravanning is simply being properly organised;
• it needn’t be as dry and boring as it sounds – planning what to pack, where to go, and researching the sites to choose from for your holiday is all part of the fun and excitement, so enjoy it;
• don’t forget, if you are planning to visit a new caravan site, why not visit our dedicated YouTube channel? We have lots of useful site arrival videos that show you how to get to your chosen campsite. Or simply browse this site for ideas.

Be prepared

• of course, you don’t want to start imagining all the things that might go wrong before you even leave home for your holidays, but there is still a lot to be said for being prepared;
• that means being prepared if something does go wrong and your caravan is damaged – or even stolen;
• that is when you may need the type of caravan insurance we arrange here at Cover4Caravans;

Towing courses

• although you are likely to get the hang of towing a caravan fairly quickly, if you are new to the skills required, you might want to take a towing course;
• practice in a controlled environment is likely to build your confidence when manoeuvring your caravan both on the road and when getting onto your pitch at the campsite – so taking any stress out of the experience;
• caravan mirrors can prove vital to safely towing and manoeuvring your caravan – to boost your confidence in the use of mirrors, you might want to review our detailed guide on the subject;

The master list

• even when you have become a seasoned hand, there is still much to be said for a master list of essential things and pieces of kit to remember to pack;
• you might add or take away from it over time, of course, but such a list might reduce the number of times you are left kicking yourself for something you forgot and left at home;
• you might want to start off your own master list by reviewing the Caravanning Checklist we’ve already prepared;

Hitchlocks and wheel clamps

Don’t forget to stow your hitchlock and wheel clamps – their use is likely to be a condition of your caravan insurance, both when you leave it unattended whilst still attached to your car (hitchlock and wheel clamps) and when it is unhitched and on your pitch at the campsite (wheel clamps alone).

Caravanning with children

Being prepared also means making special provision for any children that are holidaying with you – taking into account their ages and tastes, of course. Here are some tips …

• while a touring caravan lets you see many different places in one trip – so that no one gets bored – there is always the worry that you will not be able to keep them amused, especially if the notoriously unpredictable British weather turns inclement;
• although you will be hoping for dry weather, of course, always prepare for rain and pack some rainy-day activities such as board games, cards and the like to keep the youngsters occupied – we have a specially prepared Guide to what to do on rainy days which may help you plan;
• the drive itself can prove especially trying so have plenty of distracting entertainment to hand to head off any boredom – books, audiobooks, a games console, or any number of games you’ve pre-downloaded on a laptop;
• if it’s going to be an especially long journey, you could also find out if there are any places to stop off at on the way and break the journey up into shorter chunks – in addition to the regular comfort breaks, of course;
• take an “emergency” pack of non-perishable food and drink, plus hand wipes for those sticky fingers;
• careful planning is key to a successful holiday, so make sure you choose a suitable site to stay at;
• if you can find a site with a playground, shop, clubs and other child-friendly amenities, this could help the children (and you!) enjoy a better time – you can find out more about family sites in the UK at the Caravan and Motorhome Club website;
• if young children are with you, a good supply of games is essential when you go camping – so, pack a bat and ball, tennis rackets, a swingball set, a volleyball set, a frisbee and, if you have space, even some bikes;
• you will also need to keep all these games somewhere, so this could be a good time to invest in a large awning – just make sure you take security seriously because caravan insurance sometimes does not cover the contents of awnings if you do not take suitable security measures;
• whether or not you are travelling with children, you might want to select a caravan site located near some popular attractions so that you can spend time doing different things – if you choose a site near the beach or within striking distance of lots of walking trails, of course, you will always find something to do;

Caravan safety and first aid

• safety in your caravan is essential, of course, so you might want to review our comprehensive guide on the subject;
• important components of your safety equipment are the first aid kits designed not just for you but also for your caravan;
• in the first instance, you are likely to know already what first aid supplies you and your family may need;
• the “first aid kit” for your caravan might include items such as a torch (with fully-charged batteries and which you know works), an adjustable spanner, two screwdrivers (which might also be used as levers), spare fuses for the electrics and a can of WD40;

Overloading

• one of the reasons for giving careful thought about what to pack and what not to pack is to avoid the temptation to overload your caravan;
• as a rule of thumb, aim for the caravan’s fully laden weight (MTPLM) to be no more than 85% of the kerbweight of your towing vehicle, particularly if you are new to towing. More experienced towers may go higher, but you should never exceed the car manufacturer’s stated towing limit or other applicable weight limits;
• in the early days, of course, it might be difficult judging these payloads, so you might want to find your nearest public weighbridge to test them out a few times;

Wired to alarm

• naturally, an intruder or anti-theft alarm is a helpful safety and security device to fit to your caravan – and your insurer will certainly thank you for it;
• the Camping and Caravanning Club has published a detailed article about the many security devices and equipment available on the market – all of which are designed to make it more difficult for any thief to make off with your caravan;
• the article mentions that sticky labels prominently displayed in the window or on the body of your caravan might announce the security measures and anti-intruder devices you’ve installed – but also notes that some tracker devices rely on the fact that they remain hidden and are unknown to any thief.

Further reading: What security measures do caravan insurers expect?

Getting prepared!

These are just some of our suggestions and ideas for getting ready for your outings and adventures in your touring caravan.

Remember that planning is everything, so think carefully about every aspect of your adventure – from the fun of packing what you’ll need to safely arriving at the caravan site of your choice. If you are travelling with children, of course, you’ll want to keep them happily occupied for the long journeys as well as when you arrive at the site.

A little preparation before you set off can help take much of the stress out of your journey, leaving you free to enjoy your caravan holiday.

You may be interested in:

• Why planning matters more than people expect when touring with a caravan
• Guide to caravanning with pets
• Looking for destination inspiration? Then click here or check out our bespoke Trip related guides.

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

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

What value should I insure my static caravan for?

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

That distinction matters.

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

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

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

Don’t automatically use the price you paid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What should I consider when calculating the insured value?

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

There are, however, several things worth checking.

The caravan itself

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

When researching its value, make a note of the:

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

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

Fixed fixtures, fittings and improvements

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

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

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

Contents

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

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

Removal, disposal and re-siting costs

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

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

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

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

Why does an accurate static caravan insurance value matter?

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

When should I check the value again?

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

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

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

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

Ask your insurance broker.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Bournemouth

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

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

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

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

2. Blenheim Palace

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

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

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

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

3. Birmingham

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

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

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

4. Cardiff

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

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

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

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

5. Bath

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

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

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

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

6. Manchester

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

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

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

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

Planning your Christmas caravanning break

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

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

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

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

Further reading:

Top 5 UK destinations for Christmas in your ‘van

Guide to winter caravanning

Winter caravanning tips

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

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

How should I prepare my caravan for storage?

Basic preparation is simple and straightforward:

• clean both the interior and exterior surfaces;

• remove food and other perishables;

• empty the rubbish bins;

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

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

• remove anything that may attract pests or other infestations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can I keep my caravan secure in storage?

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

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

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

• consider alarms or tracking devices where appropriate;

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

• arrange for periodic checks on your caravan in storage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What next?

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

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

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

TyreSafe warns UK trailer owners over maintenance risks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scarborough caravan park marks 50 years with call for holiday memories

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

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

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

EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt slashes caravan price to £200k

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

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