Parking for motorhomes will boost tourism, Wellness Weekend, caravan parking ban, top caravan 100 sites

Here we share some of the latest UK caravan and motorhome news headlines 


Big Little Wellness Weekend Coming to Holkham

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is bringing The Big Little Wellness Weekend to its scenic Holkham Hall pop-up site from 15th–17th August 2025, announced Practical Caravan magazine recently.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Norfolk’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the event invites visitors to unwind in nature, with wellness sessions, outdoor activities, and evening entertainment. Whether you’re looking to recharge with yoga and sound baths or seek adventure with archery and foraging, there’s something for everyone.

The site is just a mile from the coast, where visitors can explore Holkham Beach, the National Nature Reserve, and the vast Holkham estate. You can also claim a 30% discount on entry to Holkham Hall, the Walled Garden, and Holkham Stories.

A weekend (Friday to Sunday) caravan touring pitch for two adults – including electric hook-up and access to all the site’s facilities – costs £138. Wellness event tickets are £38 per adult and £28 for children (6–17), with under-5s going free.

Caravan owners issued parking ban after residents’ complaints

A story in the Express newspaper on the 5th of May described how complaints from residents have resulted in a caravan parking ban in Arundel, West Sussex.

Under a Traffic Regulation Order, caravans (and certain other vehicles) are prohibited from parking overnight along sections of the street in the much-visited Sussex town. The restrictions will be enforced from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily.

The rule, which was introduced in early April, follows collaboration between Arundel Town Council and West Sussex County Council in response to residents’ concerns about the impact of caravan parking in the area.

Fancy owning a holiday park? Warwickshire caravan site with moorings hits market for ÂŁ1.25m

If you’ve ever dreamed of swapping the daily grind for life by the water, this might be your moment. A rare opportunity has come up to buy a long-established caravan park with private moorings in the heart of rural Warwickshire — and it’s on the market for £1.25 million.

Offered for sale through Savills, the Avon Caravan Park sits just outside the picturesque village of Welford-on-Avon and enjoys a prime location along the River Avon. The site includes 30 static caravan pitches and 10 moorings, all set within around 3.3 acres of tranquil countryside.

The property also comes with a three-bedroom owner’s bungalow, giving prospective buyers the chance to live onsite while managing the business — or simply enjoy the peaceful riverside lifestyle.

The park currently operates with a mix of owned and rented holiday units and holds a site licence to operate for nine months of the year. With increasing demand for staycations and riverside retreats, the new owner could explore further development (subject to planning) or continue running it as it is.

Just seven miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, the site offers easy access to Shakespeare Country, the Cotswolds, and beyond — making it an attractive destination for holidaymakers.

So, if you’ve got £1.25m to invest and you’re tempted by the idea of owning your own slice of English countryside (with added boats), this Warwickshire gem could be just the ticket!

Top 100 Sites Guide 2025 announced

Practical Caravan – in conjunction with Practical Motorhome – has published its annual Top 100 Sites Guide.

The Guide’s overall winner is a site called Old Oaks in Somerset. Situated barely a 10-minute drive from Glastonbury. Voters were impressed not only by its beautiful surroundings but also the impressive range of facilities and great customer service. These included a modern shower block, two laundry facilities, and a combined games room and tourist information point.

Regional winners

  • Cornwall – Silver Sands Holiday Park on the Lizard Peninsula;
  • Devon – Parkers Farm Holiday Park, near Dartmoor;
  • Dorset – South Lytchett Manor;
  • Wales – Tyddyn Isaf Caravan Park, Anglesey;
  • SE England – Whitefield Forest Touring Park, Isle of Wight;
  • Heart of England – Ludlow Touring Park;
  • NW England – Greenacres Caravan Park, near Carlisle;
  • NE England – Hillside Caravan Park, Thirsk;
  • Eastern England – Pinecones Caravan & Camping, near Sandringham;
  • Northern Ireland – Ballyness Caravan Park, North Antrim.

Caravan insurance myths busted: Separating fact from fiction

Caravan ownership is an exciting venture, offering freedom, adventure, and the chance to explore the UK and beyond at your own pace.

But along with the joys of caravan life come a host of questions – and, unfortunately, plenty of misconceptions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of caravan insurance, where misunderstandings could end up costing you dearly.

To help you make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of misinformation, we’re debunking some of the most common caravan insurance myths that frequently surface in campsite conversations and online forums.

Myth 1: “I don’t need tourer caravan insurance – it’s not a legal requirement”

This is technically true – but relying on this alone could be a risky move. While touring caravan insurance is typically not a legal obligation in the UK, that doesn’t mean it’s a luxury or something to overlook.

Consider this: a high-spec touring caravan is worth around ÂŁ35,000. Without insurance, any damage, theft, or liability falls squarely on your shoulders.

If your caravan is stolen, damaged in a storm, vandalised, or involved in an accident, you’ll have to cover all the costs yourself. Moreover, if someone is injured because of your caravan – whether it’s during towing or while on-site – you could be personally liable for legal and compensation costs. This could run in to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Tourer insurance is designed to provide essential financial protection and peace of mind, whether you’re on the road or not.

Myth 2: “Static caravans don’t need insurance because they don’t move”

Static caravans may not travel, but they are still exposed to a range of risks. These include storm and flood damage, fire, and vandalism etc – particularly when they’re sited in seasonal parks or remote locations.

In fact, the very nature of static caravan living – often being left unattended for long periods – makes them vulnerable to incidents.

So, static caravan insurance may make sense. Additionally, many static caravan holiday parks require static caravan owners to hold valid insurance as a condition of occupancy. Your lease agreement or park terms may specify minimum insurance requirements – and failing to meet them could put your position at risk.

Insuring your static caravan isn’t just prudent – in many cases, it’s a necessity.

As an aside, if you are offered static home insurance by the site owner, in most cases it is not obligatory to take their product. You are free to shop around to find your own cover. The site owner may ask for sight of your insurance and charge a small admin fee for doing so, but even then, you could still save money buying your static caravan insurance independently.

Myth 3: “My car insurance covers my caravan while towing”

This is a common misconception and only partially accurate. Most standard car insurance policies typically may include third-party liability while towing a caravan, which means that if your caravan causes damage to another vehicle or property while on the move, your car insurance may cover the damage.

However, this does not mean your own caravan is protected. Car insurance typically won’t pay for any damage to the touring caravan itself, nor will it cover theft or weather-related incidents.

To ensure your caravan is fully protected, you’ll need dedicated caravan insurance. Without it, you could be left with no recourse for repairs or replacement.

Myth 4: “My caravan is covered on my home insurance”

This is rarely the case. Standard home insurance policies often exclude caravans, especially when they are kept off-site or in transit. While some policies may provide limited cover for personal possessions stored in the caravan, they usually do not include the structure itself.

Even if your home insurance does mention caravans, it’s important to read the fine print.

Cover may be restricted to specific locations, exclude damage during transport, or be subject to high excess charges. Relying on home insurance could leave significant gaps in your cover.

Myth 5: “I don’t need cover if I only use my caravan once a year”

This is another dangerous assumption. Whether your caravan is in storage for most of the year or only used during the summer holidays, it remains susceptible to damage and theft year-round.

A comprehensive policy that includes cover for both use and storage ensures you’re always protected. Seasonal or short-term use doesn’t eliminate risk – if anything, it can increase it, as a caravan left unused may not be regularly checked for signs of damage or intrusion.

The bottom line

Caravan insurance may not always be legally required, but it is a crucial safeguard against a wide range of risks – from accidents and theft to weather events and liability claims. Myths and misunderstandings can give caravan owners a false sense of security, potentially leaving them exposed to significant financial losses.

Rather than relying on assumptions or hearsay, it’s important to research your insurance options thoroughly. Always read the policy documents, understand what is and isn’t covered, and speak to your insurer if you have any questions or concerns.

With the most appropriate touring caravan insurance cover or static home insurance in place, you can enjoy the freedom of caravan life with greater peace of mind.

Visit stunning Shropshire

It’s in the heartland of England – in the West Midlands, immediately accessible practically wherever you live in the UK. Many people will describe the best aspect of Shropshire as its stunning landscape and scenery. But there’s a whole lot more besides.

For those seeking some peace and quiet against a typically English rural background, you’ll be pleased to find that Shropshire is also a whole lot less touristy than, say, the Lake District or the Cotswolds.

The landscape

It’s in the very name – the Shropshire Hills National Landscape (successor designation for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Its 310 square miles (802sq. km) cover practically a quarter of the whole county.

The National Landscape also includes such popular landmarks and waymarked paths (from an easy stroll to a full day’s hiking) as:

  • Stiperstones – where the National Nature Reserve makes it a favourite for birdwatchers;
  • Wenlock Edge;
  • Long Mynd – the alternative terminal for the frequent bus shuttle tour from Stiperstones; and
  • The Wrekin – where a relatively short stroll will take you to the top of this iconic hill and its much-photographed panoramic vistas.

Picturesque towns and villages

Dotted around this stunning landscape of rolling hills, verdant valleys, and wilder heathland are the picturesque towns and villages of central England.

The quaint county town of Shrewsbury might be the initial focus of your discovery as you wander the cobbled streets once also walked by Charles Darwin, admire the many Tudor-period buildings, and browse its independent shops. A visit to Shrewsbury Abbey is also time well spent. The county council’s website offers a helpful selection of suggested walking tours to make the most of the town.

Other towns and villages to visit include Bishop’s Castle (for its artisanal breweries), Much Wenlock (where the Wenlock Olympic Games of 1850 were the forerunner of the modern Olympics), and Ludlow (with its welter of Michelin-starred restaurants making it a foodie haven).

History in abundance

Ironbridge Gorge can rightfully boast its place at the very heart of recent English history. It is the site of the Industrial Revolution that changed the face not only of this country but large parts of the world. (Our blog: 7 places to visit in Central England and the Midlands also covers Ironbridge Gorge).

It’s here that the modern process of smelting iron with coke was developed – igniting the revolution that fired English industrialisation with the construction of the iconic “iron bridge” that still stands today.

But Shropshire traces back its history much further. The ruins of Wroxeter Roman City – then called Viroconium – are evidence of a bustling Roman settlement.

The pivotal role played by a county on the border with Wales is ever-present and can be seen today in the likes of Ludlow Castle or Stokesay Castle.

Food and drink

Not only does Shropshire offer stunning landscapes, chocolate-box towns and villages, and history aplenty, but it also knows how to show its visitors the good life. Food and drink are accorded their proper respect and recognition throughout the county.

A case in point is the Ludlow Food Festival (held this year from the 12th to the 14th of September 2025) where a lively programme of cookery demonstrations, workshops, a live fire stage, and talks by international chefs and experts await – all showcasing the excellence of produce from the Ludlow Marches.

But you don’t have to wait until September. Farmers’ markets are held all year round throughout the county and you’ll be able to sample local fare such as Shropshire blue cheese, artisan ales, and Ludlow sausages.

Top things to consider when buying a static caravan

A holiday caravan may prove the perfect answer if you are looking for somewhere to call a second home from home – whether for your own use or to generate a seasonal income from holiday lettings.

If you are looking to invest in a static caravan, then no doubt you will be very excited – and perhaps a little worried too. After all, it is a big purchase, and you want to make sure you get the most suitable static caravan for you and in the most appropriate location.

The purchase is likely to represent a serious investment, so the following article may not only help you in your search for a suitable static home but also to suggest some of the potential pitfalls to avoid and remind you what you need to remember, such as static caravan insurance.

Please read on for our quick guide to what to consider when buying a static caravan 


Where?

It might sound like stating the obvious but choosing the most suitable holiday park location for your static caravan is crucial. After all, this decision underpins how often you’ll visit, how much you’ll enjoy your time there, and even how easy it is to let it out to holidaymakers if rental income is part of your plan.

Before committing, it’s a good idea to visit the area in person – not just once, but ideally a few times and in different seasons. This helps you determine whether it’s a place you genuinely want to return to time and time again. Consider how far it is from your home too. A location that’s too remote may limit spontaneous weekend getaways or make quick visits more effort than they’re worth.

If you’re buying with the intention of letting the caravan out, location becomes even more important. You’ll want to be in or near a region that consistently attracts tourists – coastal hotspots, national parks, or areas of outstanding natural beauty can tick all the boxes.

Once you’ve shortlisted a park, take a critical look at the site itself:

  • is it well-maintained?
  • what’s the condition of neighbouring caravans?
  • are there any signs of neglect, like overgrown hedges or poor drainage?

Look beyond the immediate plot and consider the wider area – are there local attractions, decent amenities, or potential eyesores like industrial buildings or noisy roads nearby?

Don’t forget to investigate less obvious issues, too. Look into flood risk maps, enquire about any upcoming developments, and check whether there are planning permissions granted for nearby structures that could spoil your view – or your peace and quiet.

Static caravan sales

Buying a static caravan directly from a manufacturer or independent dealer might sound appealing – especially if you’re keen on having something brand new or tailor-made – but it comes with its own set of challenges.

The first hurdle is finding a park with a suitable pitch. Many holiday parks already operate at full capacity or have specific restrictions on the number and type of caravans they can accommodate. So even if you find your dream caravan, you may struggle to find anywhere to place it.

Even if you do find a park willing to lease you a pitch, typically you’ll need to arrange – and fund – the transport of the caravan to the site. Static caravans are large, heavy structures and transporting them is no minor feat. The logistics alone can be complicated, and the associated costs can run into the thousands.

That’s why many buyers opt for a static caravan that’s already sited on a holiday park. This offers a more straightforward route into ownership and often means the caravan is already connected to essential services like electricity, gas, and water. It also gives you the advantage of being able to experience the park environment before committing – seeing what it’s like in practice rather than relying on brochures or promises.

Whichever route you choose, it’s wise to keep future resale value in mind. It might feel like a forever purchase now, but circumstances can change.

One day, you may want or need to sell your caravan, so it makes sense to approach the purchase with your capital – and its potential return – in mind. This leads us on to 


What is the lifespan of a static home?

The lifespan of a static caravan typically ranges from 15 to 30 years, but this can vary depending on several factors including:

  1. Build quality

Higher-end static caravans built with better materials and construction standards will naturally last longer than entry-level models.

  1. How well it’s maintained

Regular maintenance – such as checking the roof, sealing joints, draining down for winter, and servicing the boiler – can significantly extend the life of your caravan.

  1. Where it’s sited

Exposure to coastal air (which can be salty and corrosive), extreme weather, or poor drainage can shorten a caravan’s lifespan. A well-sheltered, well-maintained park can help preserve it for longer.

  1. Usage

Caravans used year-round or as holiday lets may wear out faster than those only used occasionally by private owners.

How long can you keep it on-site?

Even if your caravan is in good condition, many holiday parks operate a maximum age limit policy, which typically ranges from 10 to 20 years. After this period, they may ask you to upgrade, sell off-site, or remove the caravan – even if it’s still usable. Some parks offer licence extensions if your caravan is in good shape and the site owners are flexible.

Make sure you understand the static park’s caravan age policy.

How you use it

When looking for a suitable holiday park, you might want to bear in mind that some may be more appropriate than others with respect to the lifestyle you want to enjoy when on holiday – some, for example, may hold a particular attraction to families with small children, others might appeal to young adults and those in search of a much quieter time might opt for a park oriented towards couples.

You are likely to get a feel for the type of park it is when you read through the park operator’s literature and, of course, when you visit the place. Some giveaway clues may be in the way facilities, equipment, play areas and gardens are maintained.

Spend time on the static home site before you purchase and get to know the site owners as well as possible. Look carefully at the pitch rental agreement and any site terms and conditions, to make sure that they are not draconian and are ones that you could live happily with.

At the risk of stating the obvious, make sure your static caravan has been subject to a thorough inspection. If this is your first purchase, then you may wish to get someone to help you inspect your caravan who understands the area well. Making mistakes in this area might prove to be expensive

The lease

To keep your holiday home at your chosen park on the pitch it is allocated, you enter an agreement with the park’s owners for the lease of that plot of land.

The lease agreement and the various rules and regulations through which the owners manage the park is an important contract which you need to understand very clearly from the start.

It not only sets out how much you need to pay – by way of monthly site fees or an annual fee – but also covers many other aspects of your tenure, including points previously mentioned above:

  • the duration of your lease (the length of time your static caravan may stay on the pitch);
  • whether your static caravan needs to be below a certain age to stay on its pitch – some parks may allow an indefinite occupation of your pitch, provided you keep the caravan well maintained and in a reasonable state of repair;
  • your rights with respect to the park owners’ reallocating your pitch to another part of the site; and
  • if you plan to let your holiday home, whether the park imposes any further restrictions, such as the age any let caravan needs to be.

Static caravan insurance – do you have to use the site owner’s insurance?

In most cases, no – but check your park’s terms. Some sites include static home insurance as part of their pitch fees or offer it as an ‘add-on’. Others might say you’re free to arrange your own cover but require you to prove you’ve got an active policy that meets their minimum requirements (such as public liability insurance up to a certain amount). This may include a small admin fee.

If you’re not locked in, you absolutely have the right to shop around for static caravan insurance.

Is it cheaper to go through a broker?

Specialist caravan insurance brokers who deal with static caravans typically compare multiple insurers and tailor the policy to your exact needs – whether that’s cover for accidental damage, theft, or loss of use.

Going with a broker may:

  • save you money on the premium;
  • give you access to better policy features or higher limits;
  • make claims handling easier if you’re dealing with experts in this niche.

If you choose to arrange your own static caravan insurance cover, make sure the site owner is happy with your insurer and that the policy complies with any conditions in your pitch licence agreement. You’ll likely need to send them a copy of your static home insurance certificate each year.

You can read our in-depth article and get some answers to static caravan insurance FAQS here.

Summary

Buying a static caravan and owning it should be fun – and for many fortunate owners it is. Just remember though that it does involve a considerable investment of your money and therefore try to approach your decision with a cool and logical head.

Further reading: Guide to buying a static home

 

Over 60’s caravan insurance

It’s a sad fact of biology that, as we age, things might start to become a little more difficult in a number of areas.

You may encounter one of those if you suddenly start seeing problems in finding over 60’s caravan insurance – at least without paying what could be considered huge additional premiums for it.

Why is that? More importantly, how can you get cost-effective, comprehensive touring caravan insurance if you are aged 60+?

Age and insurance premiums

Space doesn’t permit a full analysis of typical insurance assumptions relating to increasing age. However, as a general rule, there may be a tendency on the part of some insurance providers to assume that once you are aged past 60, the risks of you making a claim on your policy increase.

That presumption may be particularly prevalent amongst caravan insurance providers offering cover for things such as touring caravans. In fact, some might decline to cover you at all, once you reach a certain age. With Cover4Caravans, we can accept customers up to the age of 80.

Yet here at Cover4Caravans, we don’t see it that way and are pleased to offer what we believe is cost-effective cover for those aged 60 or over. We take a more rounded view of your experience, lifestyle, and risk profile – rather than simply your date of birth.

In fact, many of our customers over the age of 60 tell us they enjoy caravanning more than ever. With fewer time constraints and more freedom to travel outside peak periods, they often reduce risks by avoiding busy roads, high-crime areas, or poor weather.

Contra-factors

The logic behind that is simple.

As an experienced caravanner and driver, you are more likely to be safer on the road. For example, tendencies towards reckless caravan use or careless driving may be far lower in someone mature than in someone perhaps in their twenties.

So, we believe that it is only sensible that these are considered and used to offset, where possible, some of the increasing risks that might inevitably come with advancing age.

Fortunately, some caravan insurance policy providers hold similar views and outlooks.

The bottom line here is that there are touring caravan insurance policy providers who are willing to offer cover for the over sixties and even in some cases discounts.

There is no obvious reason why you should need to accept as a fait accompli increasing premiums once you pass that major milestone of 60 years of age. After all, 60 is the new 40!

And just because you’ve hit retirement age doesn’t mean you should feel limited. On the contrary – it could be the ideal time to upgrade your ‘van, extend your touring plans, or explore locations you never had time to visit before.

Saving money on your caravan insurance – whatever your age!

Of course, age isn’t the only thing that influences the cost of your cover. So, you might want to take this opportunity to review your current insurance on your caravan and to see whether there are ways in which you might save money on the premiums.

You may find that with just a few small changes – or a conversation with a specialist adviser – you could enjoy improved cover at a more competitive price.

About your caravan 


Perhaps one of the best places to start in any review of your touring caravan insurance arrangements is to take a long hard look at the ‘van itself – getting the most appropriate caravan insurance might make all the difference between the protection you need and unnecessary expenditure.

At the heart of the cover is protection against potentially serious risks that might result in the total loss of the caravan such as during a storm, or fire or theft.

Because the total sum insured for your caravan needs to anticipate such worst-case scenarios, it is important that you determine an accurate and realistic valuation – if you have owned it for a number of years, this means taking into account the inevitable toll of depreciation or you might be paying more than you need for your insurance.

You could also consider whether any recent upgrades to your caravan – such as solar panels, new appliances or a fitted alarm system – should be reflected in the insured value.


 and its contents

Whilst you are in valuations mode, you might also want to review just how much the total contents of your caravan might be worth.

Once again, depreciation may need to be taken into account, but beware the possibility of leaving yourself underinsured if you underestimate values or fail to take into account newly acquired pieces of kit or equipment.

Think about high-value items like e-bikes, satellite TVs, portable BBQs, or camping furniture – and whether they’re included under your current policy or need to be specified separately.

Feel free to consult a specialist

Although you may already have done a certain amount of shopping around to find what you consider is cheap caravan insurance, don’t forget the potential benefits of consulting a specialist caravan insurance provider such as us here at Cover4Caravans:

  • we may help to make sure that nothing is overlooked when it comes to identifying your particular, individual caravan insurance needs;
  • take advantage of our wide experience and expertise when it comes to valuing your caravan and its contents;
  • rely on a specialist provider to suggest some of the most competitively priced policies on the market.

We’ll also take time to explain policy options in plain English – and tailor cover to your specific lifestyle, whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a full-time tourer.

Public liability insurance

One important aspect of caravan insurance which you might easily overlook – but is typically offered by the experienced broker – is public liability indemnity.

Inclusion of this element of cover as a standard feature of your caravan insurance not only saves you money on additional caravan insurance premiums but might also save you many thousands of pounds if a member of the public or a visitor to your caravan suffers an injury or has their property damaged in an accident for which they hold you liable.

You can find out more by watching our short video entitled: Caravan Insurance Liability Cover.

Caravan security

One of the great ways of saving money on your caravan insurance – and for saving yourself a lot of heartache and worry into the bargain – is to improve the overall security of your caravan.

The more you do to reduce the risk of loss or damage, the happier your insurer is likely to be and reward you for your efforts by lowering the cost of the premiums you pay.

Indeed, some simple security measures might be policy conditions. A common measure, for example, is to insist that you use both a hitchlock and wheel clamps whenever your touring caravan is left attended and still attached to the vehicle which tows it. When left unattended and unhitched, wheel clamps alone still need to be used.

Further recognition might be given to your installing other safety measures, such as smoke alarms and motion detectors which give a warning about potential intruders.

Normal, common-sense precautions apply to leaving your caravan with the door and windows securely locked, but even here you might improve matters by fixing deadbolts to the fastenings.

You are expected to play your part in mitigating the risk of any loss or damage, in other words, and your insurer may take into account when considering any claim whether the loss was the result of your own negligence or contributory negligence.

Watch our short video: Caravan Security and Insurance for more information.

We can help

We hope these tips have helped when choosing the most suitable tourer caravan insurance for you – plus reassured you that age is just a number when it comes to our insurance cover.

At Cover4Caravans we believe age doesn’t particularly matter and are very happy to insure the more mature touring caravan owner. Whether you’re planning short breaks, long-term travel or simply want peace of mind while your ‘van is in storage, we can offer solutions that work for you.

Please call us today on 01702 606301 for further information or to get a no-obligation caravan insurance quote.

Further reading: Caravan insurance money saving tips