Eco-friendly upgrades for your static holiday home
If your static caravan is a much-loved UK holiday retreat rather than your main residence, it’s still worth considering some smart, sustainable upgrades. Not only can eco-friendly improvements lower your running costs during peak seasons, but they also help reduce your environmental impact while making your stay more comfortable and efficient.
Here are some simple yet effective ways to make your holiday home greener.
Insulate to stay warm (or cool)
Even if you only use your static caravan during spring and summer, better insulation can make a big difference – keeping the heat in on cooler days and helping to regulate temperature when it’s hot outside.
Double glazing is a good starting point. Upgrading single-pane windows helps retain warmth and cuts down on condensation. You can also add lined curtains or thermal blinds to reduce draughts.
For older caravans, upgrading wall or floor insulation – where possible – can also improve energy efficiency and comfort.
Switch to low-energy lighting and appliances
LED lighting is one of the easiest eco-upgrades and they last much longer. Since holiday parks often have higher electricity tariffs, this swap could save you money over the season.
If you’re upgrading your fridge, heater or kettle, choose A-rated appliances where possible. Even items used occasionally can make a difference if they’re energy-efficient.
Portable solar for off-grid convenience
Many static caravan owners use their holiday homes for weekend getaways or extended summer breaks, making solar energy a practical and eco-conscious choice. If your park allows it, consider installing a small solar panel kit to power your lighting, phone charging, or a radio.
Portable or semi-flexible solar panels are ideal if you’re not allowed to mount them permanently. A basic 100W kit may be all you need for light use. Solar Guide explains how to choose the right size and type of panel for caravan use.
Before investing, always check your site’s rules and make sure your setup is safe and weatherproof.
Further reading: Caravan technology – how innovation is transforming your home on wheels.
Collect and reuse rainwater
If your static caravan has a gutter system or roof drainage, you could install a basic water butt to collect rainwater. This water is perfect for washing your car, cleaning the decking, or watering potted plants around your pitch.
You may only be there occasionally, but over the course of a season, this small upgrade can save litres of fresh tap water. For more tips on water conservation, visit Waterwise.
Choose sustainable materials for upgrades
Planning to refresh your caravan’s interior with new flooring, furniture, or fabrics? Choose low-impact, natural or recycled materials where possible.
Look out for FSC-certified wood, jute rugs, recycled polyester cushions, or low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and adhesives. These small swaps improve indoor air quality and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.
Make small changes for a big impact
Eco-friendly living isn’t just for permanent homes. Making even a few simple upgrades to your static holiday home can make it more comfortable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Whether it’s switching to LED bulbs, harvesting rainwater or investing in portable solar, each small improvement helps reduce waste and energy use – without sacrificing the holiday home lifestyle you enjoy.
Start with the changes that make the most sense for your usage, and build from there. Your caravan may only be in use a few months of the year, but it can still be part of a greener future.
Further reading:
Being eco-friendly in and around your ‘van
Oak House CS Site Review
[Caravan & Camping Club CS – 5 pitches site, members only]
WR6 6QB
Date of Visit: July 2025
Overall View
This is an adults and members only dog friendly site, situated close to the village of Martley in one direction and slightly further to Worcester in the opposite direction. To access the site you are advised to follow the route given by the owners, please see arrival video HERE. The site also offers Air BnB so it is possible for non-caravanning and camping friends to holiday with you. Please see the CCC website for further details. The owner meets you on arrival and you are handed a very useful information leaflet. The owner is very helpful and friendly.
The site is in the grounds of the main house and working farm/business at the top of the site.
Facilities
The CL has 16amp EHU to each pitch, plus cold water tap and grey water is disposed of to the hedge line – in effect a serviced pitch.
Free WiFi is offered – code provided on the welcome leaflet. TV streaming was possible.
Mobile wise only EE offered 5G and the signal inside the ‘van was usable but not great.
4G was offered by all but Vodafone suggested you’d struggle indoors.
Both TV and radio reception was fine.
There is a bus service which runs on the road outside with bus stops at Chantry School if you turn left out of the site and turning right you will have to walk to The Masons Arms. Both require some walking distance on roads without a pavement. It is possible to request a drop-off, on your return, to Pencroft Yard which is next door to the site.
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/worcestershire
There are two local taxi firms, advance booking required.
- Taxi Tom, based in Martley/Bromyard, can be reached at 07702 083 344 or 01886 822 245. Or,
- https://www.brooksidetaxis.com/
The site also benefits from a spotlessly clean and fabulous toilet/shower block, plus a washing up area for those who require it. There is one shower which is of domestic style in a cubicle. There is a step into the building and also the shower. Floor towels are provided which are a nice touch. The toilets in the building are not accessible, whilst being fully functional, are too small for a wheelchair for example.
Outside of this building is the CDP and there is a fresh water tap here too.
Supermarkets – It is possible to order from the following supermarkets and have them deliver to the site – this is particularly useful as the site is in the countryside. Asda; Sainsburys; Tesco & Waitrose.
Fuel – there are a few independent garages as you travel round. The bigger, supermarket brands are on the outskirts of Worcester.
Tesco Express is about a 15 minute drive, turning right from the site. Here you will find takeaways, cashpoint and a launderette.
Caravan accessories are available at Caravan Stuff 4u (https://www.caravanstuff4u.co.uk). It is about a 20 minute drive from the site towards Great Malvern in Hanley Swan.
Review of Site Pitch
The site/field is slightly sloping and lain to grass, we required a ramp. Each pitch is clearly marked and there are helpful posters available on the site hut to help. The field is surrounded by hedge to three sides. There are gates at the entrance but these were not used during our stay. The site is very well kept. There is some road noise but we were advised that it was more than usual due to a great number of road closures in the area.
Around and about
Worcester – the county town of the Worcestershire. It is close to the M5 and is the main shopping area. It has lots of history and a good starting point is https://www.visitworcester.co.uk/
Great Malvern including Priory Park – this is a big draw for the area, it is also the site of the 3 Counties Showground which hosts a range of fairs and events all year round. Priory Park offers a children’s playground and plenty of seating under trees for very hot days, as it was when we visited. At the top of the park is the Malvern Theatre and that has a small takeaway café and toilets available.
Stourport on Seven, is about half an hour’s drive from the site. It has a permanent fun fair by the canal basin which links up to the River Severn. Boat trips are available the other side of the bridge but you need to check their Facebook/web page before setting out on the day, as they do have private hires booked and there may be no public trips available. https://www.riverkingevents.co.uk/ There is a large Tesco Supermarket on the edge of the town.
The historical canal basins, recently given Heritage Status are there, and there is a café/pub but no parking nearby. https://visitworcestershire.org/business-directory/stourport-basins
For those people who enjoy walking there are plenty of waymarked routes to follow all around the area. A particularly interesting one, with an accompanying leaflet can be found here. It is a few minutes from the site.
For those people who are interested in classical music/history in general, a trip to the birthplace of Elgar may feature on your list. The National Trust runs it. There is a visitor centre, including a café, (independently owned), fully accessible toilets and facilities. Dogs are allowed everywhere except inside the cottage itself. The ground floor of the cottage is accessible but not the upstairs. Accessible and general parking is just outside the visitor centre with a very short, level walk to the cottage. It is possible to sit in his garden and imagine him composing his music whilst he was there. The staff were very pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable. Entrance is free to National Trust members. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/worcestershire-herefordshire/the-firs
There are a number of pubs in the area but most need a car journey to get to. We tried the Masons Arms, this being pretty much the nearest one to the site. It is a very pleasant restaurant/pub with a real ale offering and outdoor seating. Dogs are allowed and good parking to the side/rear.
Another pub is called the Bell Inn, nearer to the Tesco Express mentioned above. Again, very much a restaurant/pub with a small real ale offering. There is outdoor seating and a children’s play area. It is dog friendly and the staff are welcoming and helpful. Both of these pubs also offer rooms to stay in which seem to be a feature of pubs around the area.
Summary
A very pleasant site with excellent facilities and a very helpful owner. Whilst being located out in the countryside, you are centrally located to a broad range of places to visit and activities to participate in. We would return again.
Bounds Campsite (CS) Site Review
Camping & Caravan Club – 5 pitches – members only
Fulbourn, Cambridge. CB21 5BT
Date of Visit: July 2025
Overall View
This is an adults only, dog friendly, camping and caravanning club certified site situated in the picturesque village of Fulbourn, approximately 5 miles south-east of the world famous city of Cambridge. www.boundscampsite.co.uk You must be a member of the Caravanning and Camping Club to stay here. You can see a site arrival video for this campsite here.
The site is in two acres of level grassed areas which are allowed to accommodate up to 5 caravans and 10 tents at any one time as per CCC rules.
Security is excellent with a large key coded automatic sliding gate.
The site is quiet, secure and secluded. Pitches are set in an orchard setting, farm land surrounds the site with plenty of wildlife for nature lovers.
There is also an adjacent field available to non-members and rallies with room for 25 units and offering 16 EHU points.
Facilities
There was no WiFi offering and we found mobile reception poor on both EE and Three inside the ‘van, despite their coverage checkers suggesting otherwise, possibly due to the trees. Vodafone and O2 promised good 4G coverage inside and out.
There is a 16 amp EHU to each pitch. There is a water point at the front of the site to the side of a wooden hut. Waste water is disposed of in the hedgerow around the site.
There are two toilet with showers which are of a domestic variety in enclosed shower cubicles. One of these is partially set up as accessible although there is a step into the shower cubicle. There is an additional single toilet. Shower/bath mats are provided and there is heating. They are kept very clean and tidy and are certainly a highlight of a small site such as this. There is also a baby changing mat in the toilets area.
In addition, there is a Summer House with sofa, tables and chairs, plus a wooden building which encompasses a camper’s kitchen with fridge, freezer, toaster and basic amenities. Each pitch also has access to a wooden picnic bench.
Review of Site Pitch
The pitches are laid to grass in a non-regimented style which affords each pitch some measure of privacy and shade from sun if required. They are generally level; we did not need a ramp. Overall, the grass on the site is very well kept.
Around and about
There are two pubs within walking distance – The Six Bells and White Hart, both offering food too, however the White Hart was closed awaiting new tenants.
The village of Fulbourn is close by, being a 10 minute walk or 5 minutes in the car from the site. https://www.fulbournpc.org/
The nearest supermarket is Tesco Extra – this has a fuel station and is less than three miles away. There are a number of guided walks around and from the village and the surrounding area – further details can be found here: www.fulbournpc.org/about-fulbourn/footpaths-and-walks/
For those who are interested in history, particularly of Roman era, the campsite allows you excellent views of the roman site of Wandlebury.
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wandlebury_Hill_Fort
The site is close to a number of public transportation options – the Park and Ride Service is particularly useful and situated in convenient places on the outskirts of Cambridge. In addition, there are number of cycle paths – something Cambridge is famous for. www.cambridgeparkandride.info/
The nearest railway station is at Cambridge itself. www.nationalrail.co.uk Trains from London, the South Coast run directly and connecting services with the Midlands and North via Birmingham.
The nearest bus stop is a ten minute walk away, buses will take you into Cambridge and to the railway station. See stagecoachbus.com for more information.
For those people who may need to attend Addenbrookes Hospital, the site is conveniently located to access. www.cuh.nhs.uk/
It is difficult to know where to start with information about the city itself – a useful starting point is the local web-site. www.visitcambridge.org/ It is not recommended that you drive into the city as parking is very limited and expensive. The park and ride service is a much better option and runs all day.
If you wish to explore further afield, here are some options for you to research further.
Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill (NT) :
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill
Audley End House & Gardens (EH) :
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house-and-gardens/
Ely: City, River & its Cathedral :
www.capturingcambridge.org/east-cambridgeshire/ely/river-ouse-at-ely/
Guided boat tours are available on the River Ouse in Ely.
www.facebook.com/LibertyBelleEly/
Grantchester & the famous Orchard Tea Gardens, (dog and child friendly) – an historical village and Cambridge Institution.
www.theorchardteagarden.co.uk/
Ickworth House & Estate (NT) :
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/ickworth-estate
Imperial War Museum, Duxford : www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford
Wimpole Farm & Estate (NT) :
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wimpole-estate
Summary
A very pleasant site located convenient to Cambridge and given the numbers of outfits there whilst we stayed, it is very popular. The showers, toilets and campers’ facilities are a real bonus.
Caravanning in the UK’s national parks: What to know before you go
You’ve almost certainly admired them on daytrips, but have you asked yourself whether you can take your caravan into one of the many splendid national parks in the UK?
The short answer is yes, you can. The country’s national parks can make for excellent destinations for caravan holidays in the UK – provided, of course, that you respect the fragile environment of the park and do your utmost to tour responsibly.
So, you really can caravan in a national park?
Caravanning in the UK national parks is certainly permitted but there’s not every place you can take your caravan or pitch up overnight.
To experience the national parks at their finest, of course, you’ll want to stay the night or camp there for several days. But you must pitch your caravan only at one of the designated national park campsites or those certified by the Camping and Caravanning Club or the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
Wild camping – at a random spot away from a conventional campsite – is permitted only in Scotland, where the privilege is restricted to those camping under canvas and who are travelling on foot, by bicycle or by boat.
In none of the national parks can you pitch your caravan outside a campsite, and the same applies to overnight stays in the parks’ laybys and carparks.
When you are towing your caravan in a national park, remember that many of the roads will be winding and narrow. Invest in a good UK touring caravan guide or use the free maps and overviews available on the national parks website.
What types of caravan sites are available?
Browse your UK touring caravan guide for the caravan-friendly parks you’re likely to find in any of those you intend to visit. They will range from the basic, back-to-nature variety to those that offer more luxurious amenities.
Sites with a full range of amenities, offering a luxury, glamping lifestyle as well as those of a more rustic, tranquil and peaceful nature, can be found at private campsites and those registered with either the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club. The latter also offer some seasonal pitches (where you can leave your caravan for up to six or even seven months) where spaces and availability allows.
How to caravan responsibly in national parks
The key to caravanning responsibly in any of the national parks is to leave the place as you found it – effectively to leave no trace of your having been there.
That will involve some fairly common sense precautions – such as:
- properly disposing of your waste, avoiding damage to the vegetation, sticking to the marked paths when you’re walking or biking from your pitch;
- following and respecting the local signage – on things such as one-way routes, weight limits, and the avoidance of livestock;
- avoiding open fires – except in permitted areas – and relying instead on cylinder gas and fire-safe alternatives; and
- wherever possible, supporting local businesses and the rural economy when you are shopping or eating out.
Some further considerations
Our national parks are a treasure and are typically free to enjoy when you’re towing a caravan. All that is required is a degree of planning and a respectful attitude – allowing you to book your campsites well in advance (especially in the height of the season) and remembering always to park up responsibly.
Caravanning in UK national parks can be a delight, and there are plenty of them to explore.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and is based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. Rules and regulations regarding caravanning in national parks may vary by location and are subject to change.
Readers are strongly advised to consult official sources such as the relevant national park authority, the Camping and Caravanning Club, or the Caravan and Motorhome Club before making travel or site arrangements.
We accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information. Always caravan responsibly and in accordance with local guidelines.
The latest UK caravan, motorhome and camping news
July’s heatwave created ideal conditions for caravan holidays in the UK – we hope you enjoyed them.
Although no one can guarantee good weather in our unpredictable climate, there are still many more days of enticing outdoor adventures in the offing. A brief selection of the latest caravan news headlines might whet your appetite …
New campervan and motorhome ban in East Suffolk
East Suffolk council has introduced local regulations banning “heavy vehicles”, including caravans and motorhomes, from parking along popular sea-front roads – effectively banning them from such access.
A story in the Sun newspaper recently explained that the Traffic Regulation Order restricts parking on certain beachfront roads to cars only – with special provision for disabled parking too.
Cars can park along the designated routes without any time restrictions, while alternative parking for motorhomes and caravans will be available elsewhere, with overnight parking for up to three consecutive days.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club has just added a new training centre in Kent
The Caravan and Motorhome Club is opening the 18th in its network of training centres, announced Practical Caravan on the 30th of July.
The latest of these centres is at Sandwich in Kent and offers training in:
- towing techniques – including reversing a caravan;
- hitching and unhitching your caravan;
- safety routines and the law; and
- tips on loading and weight distribution.
A one and a half day Practical Caravanning course costs £218, as does the one-day Motorhome Manoeuvring course. A one-day Caravan Manoeuvring course costs £188.
Whether you are new to the art of manoeuvring your caravan or want to refresh the skills you’ve acquired over many years, the centre in Kent opened its doors on the 14th of August.
The course might also be useful for those wanting to tow horseboxes, boats, or any other type of trailer.
Anglesey holiday park cafe named in UK top 100 Good Food Guide listings
Good things come in small bundles – a humble café at a holiday park on the island of Anglesey has certainly confirmed the adage, according to a report by Wales Online on the 16th of July.
Although it opened only last year, the café Y Marram at Newborough Warren Caravan Park in Anglesey featured in the top 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025 published by the Good Food Guide.
The two brothers who run the café – Liam and Ellis Barrie – are no strangers to award-winning hospitality. Some ten years ago, they hit national fame, including television appearances, when they ran the restaurant Marram Grass, which was also in Newborough. Riding the crest of their fame, the brothers opened a further restaurant in Liverpool, but both these ventures were forced to close during the pandemic.
The latest recognition by the Good Food Guide suggests that they have not lost their culinary touch.
UK staycationers ‘playing it safe’ with return visits
Familiarity is a key quality when it comes to holidays in the UK, according to a recent survey by the Camping and Caravanning Club and reported in the Caravan Times on the 30th of July.
Some 77% of respondents said they liked to “play it safe” by revisiting UK holiday destinations they had previously enjoyed. 71% of them went so far as to book precisely the same accommodation as they had in the past.
Respondents also said that they returned to favourite locations because of the scenery there, and others said that previously visited places gave a sense of being from home to home.
Holidays within the UK – staycations – currently account for an estimated 59% of all trips says the study.