Date of Visit:    July 2025

Overall View

Appuldurcombe Gardens is a privately owned, family friendly site on the Isle of Wight in the village of Wroxall, a few miles north of Ventnor to the south of the Island. Access is relatively straightforward, please see arrival video HERE.  It is a participant in the Red Funnel combined discounted ferry and stay ticket scheme which includes your car, caravan, two adults plus a number of nights stay in a choice of caravan sites in the fare.  Various restrictions apply, as usual, regarding height etc.  It should also be noted that WightLink and the Camping and Caravan Club offer similar discounted schemes.

The site is a mixture of all types of pitches including grass, hardstanding, all with electric hookup and progresses up to a fully serviced pitch with water and grey waste drainage.  There are all types of caravans, motorhomes and camping outfits all intermingled across the site. 

Facilities

There are two toilet blocks with showers, toilets and wash basins.  There is one accessible toilet in the newer block which is situated in the centre of the site.

The site also has a swimming pool by which is situated the bar, café/restaurant and a picnic area on grass.

The site is dog friendly and they are allowed everywhere apart from the immediate, fenced off area around the swimming pool.  There is, however, plenty of seating just outside this where you can sit with your dogs and still watch the swimming.

There is a laundry on site with irons and ironing boards available plus a large handwash Belfast style sink for your use.  Normal charges apply for the washing machine, dryers and ironing boards.

Reception is situated at the entrance to the caravan and camping part of the site. The other toilet block is situated at the end of this plus one of the two CDPs.  A freezer is available, foc, to enable you to freeze ice blocks if you so wish.

There is a small children’s playground at this point too.  Seating is available should you require it.

Inside the old walled garden area are the static caravans – this is where the pool and laundry are situated.

Review of Site Pitch

Our pitch was on the outer edge of the site, laid to grass with EHU.  We had plenty of space to spread out as it was effectively at the end of a line of vehicles on the corner.  We could have opted for a fully serviced pitch but were advised that these were mainly in full sun all day.  Given the recent weather and with two elderly dogs on board, we felt that this was not the best idea.  Our water tap is literally two minutes’ walk away around the front of the barn on the corner of our pitch, so although it could be seen as an inconvenience, we felt that this was a price worth paying to ensure a nice shady spot and privacy of hedging to the rear.

The pitch was relatively level and the grass well-kept in our area.  The delineation of the pitches was somewhat haphazard in places and we were concerned that the usual safety guideline of 6m, minimum, between outfits was not being observed in a fair few cases.  The roadways around the site are laid to gravel.

Site WiFi was offered but didn’t reach our pitch, though it was available in the bar area as was BT/EE WiFi – free if you are a customer of either.

Mobile wise, EE was the best, offering a strong 5G signal. 3 offered 5G too but was much weaker. The coverage checkers for both Vodafone and O2 report a good 4G signal.

Both TV and radio reception was good.

Around and about

The Isle of Wight is essentially a one-stop tourist destination all over the island.  It may be only 13 x 9 miles approximately but it certainly packs a lot in for its small size.  Beware, though, there are a few areas which have been over-developed to the point of being rather unpleasant and disappointing.  They are, however, in the minority.

As always, I would suggest that a useful starting point is, www.visitisleofwight.co.uk This will enable you to plan out a series of visits/activities you may want to look at further.  Our stay was 10 nights, which we felt was a reasonable time to visit the main attractions on our list.

The south coast of the island from Needles in the west to Ventnor in the south is very peaceful, dramatic scenery and beautiful beaches – some with toilets, ice cream trucks.  Many do not have any facilities, so if you wish to spend a day in the sea here, you will need to take everything with you.

Ventnor, from this site is one of the closest towns and has the usual range of shops including a Tesco Express.  It is a very hilly town but there is limited parking down on the front, including accessible parking, full set of toilets and a number of cafes and bars.  Toni’s Tea Room on the front is very pleasant serving great coffees and toasted teacakes.  It is, like many places except perhaps beaches, that welcome dogs across the island.  There is also a paddling pool attached to a bar/restaurant/café at one end of the beach.

The nearest supermarket – which also offers fuel – was Morrisons, on the outskirts of Sandown, about a 10 minute drive away.

Ventnor Botanical Gardens are worth a visit but be aware that it is quite hilly in parts. 

Buses are plentiful all across the island.  www.islandbuses.info There are two stops a short 5 minute walk from the site entrance and run roughly every 30 minutes towards Newport in one direction.  In the opposite direction they run to Ventnor then up to Shanklin, Sandown and then inland up to Ryde.  Change in Newport to go to Cowes in the North and destinations to the West of the island.

Newport being the main town on the island hosts most of the larger supermarkets, Morrisons, Aldi, Sainsburys plus usual suspects of a typical out of town retail park.  There are a number of independent fuel stations across the island but supermarket prices will necessitate a trip to one of the towns, if offered.

If you happen to visit the IOW at the appropriate times of the summer, you will be able to visit either the Royal Isle of Wight County Show or the world famous Cowes Regatta week.

If you travel from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, your entrance point will be East Cowes.  Obviously on arrival you will be keen to get to your chosen site and set up.  It would be an omission to not return and take in the amazing views and scenery that is available in both Cowes and East Cowes.  This is where the Royal Yachting Society Cowes Regatta is held each year, please see link above.  We visited on a gloriously sunny and warm day.  There is some parking down on the front but it is payable except Blue Badge holders and only for an hour at a time.  There are some nice bars and cafes on the front, along with some very expensive shops.  The apartments, with their balconies, would not look out of place on a top cruise liner. 

There is a pleasant, pedestrian only high street with a few independent shops and a sprinkling of ice cream and cafes too.

Following your visit to Cowes, it is highly recommended that you take the chain link Ferry across the river mouth to East Cowes.  You can take your car, bike or go by foot.  What is definitely not recommended is to take a caravan or trailer.  Any low slung sports cars would be a great risk of grounding too.  It takes a mere 5 minutes from start to finish but is a very unique experience. In East Cowes on the front there is a lovely children’s paddling pool, playground and seating – dogs are not allowed.  The views are tremendous across the Solent and seeing all the shipping.

St Helens has a beautiful beach with very limited parking to the rear.  There are the remains of a church dedicated to mariners.  Swimming is very popular here; there are toilets and a café too.

Summary

The Island is a very beautiful destination, relatively easy to get too, if an additional cost of course.  There are plenty of attractions to choose from and you can easily have a fun-packed and busy 10 night stay.

This site is very pleasant and offers a very good range of services.  Nowhere is that far from each other, so staying at a site in the southern part of the island was not an issue at all.  We will be returning in the future.

What do you need to consider when your choose your touring caravan insurance? Let’s take a closer look.

First of all, there is no legal obligation for caravan insurance as such. But you need motor insurance, of course, for the towing vehicle and that typically offers at least third-party cover for the trailer (but check the precise wording of your car insurance policy). This, typically, does not cover the tourer itself – meaning if something happens to it, you could face the cost of repair or replacement out of your own pocket.

So, why buy touring caravan insurance?

You are likely to be seriously out of pocket and upset if your touring caravan was damaged and you were unable to repair it or lacked the funds to replace it.

Touring caravan insurance provides just that protection – giving you the peace of mind, and financial wherewithal to repair or replace your caravan if disaster strikes (less any policy excess of course). It is insurance which covers the various risks of loss or damage to your caravan.

If that loss or damage happens while you are out and about, of course, your holiday plans may go astray if you don’t have adequate caravan insurance cover in place to help you sort things out.

What does caravan insurance cover?

It is important to note that product features and their terms and conditions may vary depending on the policy provider. Typically, however, insurance for caravans may include all or some of the following elements:

• theft (from your agreed storage address or whilst you are using your caravan);
• external damage (whether stationary or moving);
• public liability cover;
• accidental damage;

• loss or damage abroad (under your European cover);

• contents insurance cover if required.

Bespoke touring caravan insurance – what to look for

Just as there are many different types of touring caravan, so there are many different types of caravan insurance, and you want to be able to match the cover to meet your specific requirements. To achieve that match, you might want to take into account several considerations, including:

• the make and model of the caravan is important, of course, and specialist caravan insurance providers are likely to tell at a glance the kind of policies most likely to begin to meet your needs;

• the age and value of the caravan also needs to be known – regarding the overall sum insured and the maximum settlement you may reach with the insurer in the event of a claim;
• new for old caravan insurance. If you are buying new or nearly new, this may be an important consideration because many insurers offer a replacement as new settlement if your caravan becomes a total write-off after an accident. BUT, if it is older than the qualifying age, the settlement is likely to be based on your caravan’s estimated market value at the time (at Cover4Caravans, in the event of a successful claim, we typically offer new for old replacement for tourers up to 5 years of age, no matter how many previous owners it has had);
• when you are towing the caravan, it is important that you remain street legal – that means that the caravan must be kept in a roadworthy condition and that you comply with the manufacturer’s maximum load weights;
• the latter information is carried on a plate usually attached to the sidewall of your caravan (although its exact location may vary from one manufacturer to another) and effectively serves as the equivalent of the caravan’s unique “VIN” number;
• the Camping and Caravanning Club explains the various weights you might see bandied about and the importance of adhering to the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of your towing vehicle and the Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass (MTPLM) of your tourer.

Are all policies the same?

Not all caravan insurance policies may provide the same level of cover or the same policy features and benefits. Some may offer all-singing-all-dancing policies that have additional cover included as standard. Others may not. So, what might you be looking for to help you find protection that is appropriate for your needs?

• in the first instance, it may be important to recognise that, when getting a touring caravan insurance quote, taking some time to compare policies may make sense – opting for a particular policy based on its price alone may not tell you anything about the cover it provides;
• if your tourer breaks down while you are touring, then the caravans cover available for its recovery and repair are obviously important – equally important though may be any provision for assistance with the costs of alternative accommodation to allow you to continue with your holiday;
• if you are intending to take your tourer abroad then you may need to bear in mind that not all caravan insurance policies may cover continental touring as standard – check that there is adequate provision for the duration and the anticipated mileage of your trip;
• remember when estimating the caravan insurance value for your tourer that while your caravan may naturally be depreciating over time, the replacement cost for a new model may not be;
• many policies expect you to play your part in mitigating the risk of loss or damage – for example, by requiring that you fit a wheel clamp if you go off somewhere leaving your car and caravan still hitched up and add a hitchlock if you drive off for a trip leaving your caravan on-site;
• you may also find that caravan insurance policies which provide cover for your awning do not include any of your belongings kept under it in their cover and may only cover storm damage to the awning if you were in the caravan at the time it happened;
• remember that discounts may be available through some touring caravan insurance providers – here at Cover4Caravans, for example, we offer attractive discounts on premiums if you store your caravan at a CaSSOA-approved site.

Finally, remember that the way you buy your insurance is also a consideration. Rather than going directly to an insurer, where you may have a limited amount of choice, you may want to use the services of a broker such as us at Cover4Caravans, in order to look at a greater range of caravan insurance options, as well as get access to specialist advice.

Why buy touring caravan insurance from Cover4Caravans?

We know it’s a cliché but core to everything we do is one guiding principle – we know you have choice. And that’s our bedrock – not just an advertising convenience. We really do understand that you have a number of options open to you if you’re looking to buy caravan insurance online (or through other channels for that matter) and that you need hard objective justifications for entrusting us with your business.

To put it another way, we don’t expect you to buy caravan insurance from us just because we’re nice people!

So, here are some very solid – and, we think, powerful – persuaders to purchase your caravan insurance cover through Cover4Caravans.

Expertise

We’ve talked about this extensively over the years’ but excuse us if we do so again.

We have been arranging insurance cover for our clients since 1946. In that time, we have learned a thing or two about this domain and also the needs of caravan owners for appropriate cover.

Knowing the market

The UK insurance marketplace is probably among the most diverse and competitive in the world.

It’s important for any insurance provider to understand exactly where to place risk, in underwriting terms, so that it’s most appropriately located in order to benefit from the widest possible cover and the most attractive premiums. Unlike some brokers, we don’t always place our client’s policies with the same insurance underwriter time after time just because it’s administratively convenient for us to do so.

We maintain constant market awareness and make our arrangements based upon our assessment of the current state of the market and solutions that will be advantageous for you – not just easy for us.

You can also be sure that we accept without reservation the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) directive to ensure that we always put the interests of our customers first.

Excellence in business

We have invested heavily in training in best practice professional standards in order to ensure that all our clients receive an impeccable service.

We understand that you’re busy and can’t afford to spend longer on your caravan insurance than is absolutely necessary and you certainly haven’t got time to waste.

Our efficiency is something we’re profoundly proud of.

We subscribe to the independent Feefo website review and service rating service so you can see what our other, genuine customers have to say.

We hope you agree that these are all powerful reasons why you should consider us for your caravan insurance!

When the weather’s this gloriously warm and sunny, you can’t beat outings and holidays in your caravan – they’re designed for enjoying the great outdoors.

To help you make the most of that time, here are some of the latest news headlines about outdoor life, caravans, and motorhomes in the UK this summer.

New pitching options across the Caravan & Motorhome Club campsite network

Caravanning is an ideal family pursuit that can be enjoyed in the company of loved ones and friends. It’s great, therefore, when you get the chance to pitch your trailer alongside or in close proximity to friends and family.

On the 23^rd of June, the Caravan and Motorhome Club announced that it has introduced a simple booking process at its Club campsites that lets such gatherings pitch their caravans together and enjoy the holidays as a group.

The first members of the group to arrive at the site can reserve up to two further pitches for family and friends – provided the latter also arrive later that same day.

At some Club sites where particular areas are especially popular, group bookings such as this may not be possible. 

‘No plans’ to introduce campervan tax on NC500

Motorhome drivers looking forward to touring the popular NC500 scenic route across the north coast of Scotland can breathe a sigh of relief.

According to the Caravan Times on the 5^th of June, the Scottish Parliament has abandoned previously mooted plans to impose a road tax on campervans and motorhomes using the 500-mile round-trip through Wester Ross, Sutherland, and Caithness, to Inverness and back.

The NC500 attracts thousands of motorists each year. It had been suggested that a tax or road toll for its use by motorhomes could curb further overcrowding and fund welcome improvements to the route.

The Deputy First Minister of the Scottish Parliament has confirmed that there are no imminent plans to introduce such a tax. 

Cornwall coast path improvements are now complete

At the very other extreme of the country, visitors to Cornwall are in for a treat when hiking the popular coastal path that circles the county.

In a recent posting, Out and About Live announced the completion of extensive improvements to the South West Coast Path that follows the rugged coastline of the English county. This is the 228 miles of footpath that winds its way from St Agnes on the north coast around to Cremyll near the south coast’s border with Devon.

The Cornish sector is just part of the nationwide King Charles III England Coast Path project that will see an unbroken, curated trail the length of the country’s coastline. That will make it the longest such trail in the world.

Llanarth caravan park changes deferred by planners 

An application to turn an existing campsite for touring caravans into one for static homes has been deferred by Ceredigion County Council, according to Cambrian News on the 13^th of June.

The applicants – Llanina Caravan Park in Llanarth – will welcome the deferral. They had otherwise faced an outright rejection of their plans to switch from a site for 45 touring caravans to a park for residential, year-round static homes.

Under the current planning regime, Ceredigion County Council has ruled out any increase in the number of such parks for static caravans.

In today’s world of mobile living, caravans are more than just a place to sleep – they’re a blend of comfort, mobility, and smart innovation. As technology continues to evolve, modern caravans now feature equipment and systems that not only enhance the travel experience but also influence insurance considerations.

Whether you’re enjoying off-grid adventures or staying connected on the move, understanding the latest in caravan technology can help you protect your investment and make the most of every journey.

Powering your freedom: Energy innovations

One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the move towards off-grid energy solutions. Compact, roof-mounted solar systems are becoming more common, giving caravanners the ability to travel and stay without relying on hook-ups. These solar options often work alongside advanced battery systems that store power efficiently and safely.

Smart energy monitors now allow users to track consumption in real time, helping to optimise usage and prevent overloading circuits.

For caravan insurers, these developments raise both opportunities and risks – while they offer greater independence, incorrect installation or unregulated equipment can pose fire hazards or electrical faults. It’s always important to ensure any system is fitted by a qualified professional and fully certified.

Connectivity on the move

For many caravan users, being able to connect to the internet is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. Portable Wi-Fi hotspots, signal boosters and satellite-based systems are helping travellers work remotely, stream content or stay in touch with family wherever they are.

Safety and security upgrades

Today’s caravan technology includes a wide range of security innovations aimed at reducing the risk of theft or vandalism. These include compact motion detectors, integrated camera systems, and GPS-based tracking devices that can locate a stolen caravan quickly and accurately.

Further reading: Security devices for your caravan.

Comfort through climate control

Heating and cooling systems in caravans have also seen major improvements. Many models now come with built-in climate control features that allow for consistent temperature management, whether through silent electric heaters or fully integrated central heating systems. Some caravans even feature air conditioning or dehumidifiers for optimal comfort all year round.

These systems can usually be operated via timers or mobile apps, improving energy efficiency and convenience.

From a caravan insurance perspective, it’s important to ensure any modifications to a caravan’s heating or electrical systems meet safety standards and are properly documented.

Smarter layouts and automated features

Modern caravan design is increasingly shaped by multi-functional layouts, energy-efficient construction materials, and space-saving solutions like extendable living areas. Automated systems now manage levelling, lighting, and water use, while remote controls can adjust awnings or manoeuvre the caravan into tight spaces.

While these innovations make travelling more convenient, they also add value to the vehicle – and insurers will need to reflect this in cover levels. A high-spec caravan with these features should be insured for its full replacement value, not just its base model price.

Caravans insurance considerations

If you’re embracing the benefits of modern caravan technology, it’s worth reviewing your caravan insurance cover to make sure it reflects the full value and usage of your equipment. Here are some key points to consider:

• Increased value: High-tech upgrades and additional gadgets can significantly raise the replacement cost of your caravan. Make sure your sum insured is updated accordingly.
• Proof of purchase: Keep receipts, installation certificates and warranty details for any installed systems – these will be important in the event of a claim.
• Security discounts: Some insurers offer premium reductions for caravans fitted with specific safety or tracking equipment.
• Cover for personal tech: Check if your touring insurance policy includes gadgets, portable devices or digital systems, and whether limits apply.

Caravan technology is evolving fast – and the caravans of today are smarter, safer, and more sustainable than ever. Whether you’re retrofitting an older model or investing in a newer, tech-enhanced caravan, staying informed ensures you get the most from your equipment and your cover.

Further reading:

·      Guide to Caravan Gadgets

·      Which caravan gadgets?

·      Caravan must-do’s and must-haves!

If you want to explore one of the most remote corners of the principality from an authentic Welsh village, look no further than Aberdaron. Situated on the Llŷn Peninsula’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Aberdaron offers the perfect escape from today’s hustle and bustle.

You’ll be rewarded with a chance to experience the wilder, more spiritual side, of Wales.

Breathtaking coastal scenery

Aberdaron is perched on the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula – aptly known as the “Land’s End of Wales”, where you might well feel you’re standing on the very edge of the world.

Nestled among the wildly dramatic and rugged cliffs, though, are the inviting tranquil beaches of:

• Aberdaron Beach – Porth y Swnt, to give the Welsh name for this beautiful wide and sandy beach right alongside the village itself;

• Porth Oer – meaning Whistling Sands, for the very good reason that the quartz particles of the sand give a whistling or squeaking sound when scrunched underfoot; and

• Porth Meudwy is a tiny cove so secluded you’d best approach it by footpath before joining one of the several boats over to Bardsey Island.

As you explore one cove and its beaches after another, you can take bracing cliff-top walks with stunning views out to sea across the whole of Cardigan Bay or back towards the mountains of Snowdonia.

Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli)

A visit to Aberdaron would not be complete without hopping over to Bardsey Island or Ynys Enlli.

“Island of the Bards” in English or “Island in the Currents” in its native Welsh, this is a truly mystical place with the deep spiritual connections of a holy island said to be the final resting place of 20,000 saints – according to one legend, those burials include that of King Arthur’s Merlin.

The absolute peace and calm of the island is undisturbed by cars or the power of electricity, yet it is not only a nature reserve but also a working farm and fishing port. All 12 of the island’s buildings are Grade II listed.

The coastal paths are rich in marine and plant life and while you’re on the lookout for seals, and dolphins offshore, rare birds might be flying overhead. All this means that visitor numbers must be carefully controlled – so remember to book well in advance.

Mynydd Mawr

We said some of the views could be truly stunning. If you were left in any doubt, just take a hike up Mynydd Mawr.

It means “Big Mountain” in English. And that’s just as well since you’ll get some absolutely amazing views of the Welsh Giant of them all, Mount Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa.

Park the car and join the National Trust walking trail at Uwchmynydd. Since you’ll be at the very western edge of the Llŷn Peninsula, you will have panoramic views across the water to Bardsey Island – and even as far as Ireland itself on a clear day. This makes for a great spot for stargazing or simply admiring the sunset.

Peaceful Plas yn Rhiw

When the rugged wilderness of the Llŷn Peninsula threatens to become too much, take in the quieter, altogether more peaceful setting of Plas yn Rhiw.

Laid out around a 17th-century manor house, the 11 acres of woodland and gardens paint a picture of forgotten times. As you soak up that atmosphere, you’ll also be rewarded with fine views across the whole of the Llŷn Peninsula and Hell’s Mouth Bay in particular.

The ornamental gardens were revived by the Keating sisters (Honora, Lorna, and Eileen – originally from Nottingham) in 1938.

Lending a sense of majesty to the whole tranquil scene is the backdrop of  Mynydd Rhiw Mountain.

Amazing Aberdaron

Aberdaron offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Wales’ most captivating and remote coastal regions.

From the sweeping sands of Whistling Sands to the mystical solitude of Bardsey Island, this stretch of coastline invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature, heritage, and the spiritual essence of the land.

Whether you’re walking ancient cliff-top paths, discovering secret coves, or stargazing from Mynydd Mawr, every turn reveals a fresh sense of wonder. With its blend of dramatic scenery, rich history and peaceful retreats like Plas yn Rhiw,

Aberdaron is a truly remarkable destination for those seeking authenticity and quiet adventure.