With the holiday season coming up, you might want to hitch up your caravan, take it across the Channel, and enjoy the festive sights and sounds to be found in countless towns and villages across the continent. Our winter caravanning guide has tips to help you enjoy trips even when there’s a chill in the air.

So that everything goes smoothly, it’s worth a moment or two of homework to check that all your insurance and other documents are in good order for the trip.

European cover: check your policy first

These days, it might be easy to take for granted that your regular caravan insurance includes European cover as a standard feature. But that is not the case. Not all motor and caravan insurance policies extend cover to driving in Europe. So, check that you do, indeed, have that cover – you will need it! (At Cover4Caravans, our touring caravan insurance includes continental cover up to a maximum 240 days).

Bear in mind, too, that whatever your policy, there are typically limits on the duration of any trip, along with potential restrictions on the countries or destinations covered. So, make sure you have the necessary territorial cover before confirming ferry, accommodation, or camping site bookings.

Documents and post-Brexit requirements

In the same way that you might have taken for granted cover throughout Europe, you might also have grown accustomed to the fact that a so-called “Green Card” (proof of the relevant motor insurance) has been dropped by most European countries.

As the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) advises, a Green Card system is still used in countries including Albania, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Morocco, North Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine – but all of these now accept a digital version of the required proof of third-party insurance.

Wherever you are driving in Europe, therefore, typically you will still need to keep with you your certificate of insurance (and Green Card if necessary), passports, your driving licence, and V5C (or logbook as it’s also known).

Check with authoritative sites such as the RAC or AA about any further, specific safety equipment or driving accessories that might be required in specific countries. Give a final glance at the government’s official Foreign Travel Advice for any warnings about visits to the countries on your itinerary.

Theft, damage and security expectations

Whenever you are out and about with your caravan – here at home or abroad – remember that your insurer assumes the right to expect the trailer to remain under your control and that you take “reasonable care” to ensure its security and safeguard against any theft or damage.

What does that mean in practice? It means that you cannot simply pitch up at your campsite, leave the trailer there, and go off exploring for the next few days, staying at different accommodation for example. If your ‘van is left unattended overnight and loss or damage occurs (because of storms, vandalism, theft, or a break-in, for example), your insurer may be entitled to dismiss any claim on the grounds that you failed to adequately protect your caravan.

Conclusion

In short and with just a little preparation, there is nothing to put you off enjoying a winter break with your caravan across the Channel somewhere in Europe. Simply review your motor and caravan insurance cover, take the right documentation, and if you are unsure about any European travel requirements, ask your insurance provider.

Destination guides

Guide to caravanning in France

 Guide to caravanning in the Channel Islands

Guide to caravanning in Germany

Guide to caravanning with pets

Complete caravanners’ guide to mainland Europe

Welcome to this month’s round up of the latest news from the UK caravanning world.

From major manufacturer announcements to campsite award winners, there’s plenty happening as the new season approaches. Swift has relaunched two of its most recognisable tourer ranges, while some of the country’s top sites have been recognised for excellence in the year ahead. We also take a look at the latest caravan design accolades from the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Here’s what’s new …

Swift relaunches the iconic Conqueror & Conqueror Grande tourer ranges

Swift announced on the 14^th of November a relaunch for 2026 of its most popular marques, the Conqueror and the Conqueror Grande.

With all the home from home comforts you can tow to your favourite campsite, the Conquerors are very much a family-oriented caravan – that’s what helps to make them so popular. Models for the coming year feature such luxuries as a solar panel on the roof, outside BBQ connection, Duvalay Duvalite mattresses, and a fully equipped kitchen including a 133-litre fridge and 12-litre freezer.

The Conqueror range features three distinctive models – a single-axle 2-berth, a single-axle 4-berth, and a twin-axle 4-berth. All come with front parallel seating and a side kitchen, while the 4-berth models also have a transverse island bed and end washroom.

There are four enhanced layouts in the Conqueror Grande range – 2 single-axle and two twin-axle, all offering four berths. They feature either L-shaped or front parallel seating, side or mid-caravan kitchens, and combinations of rear transverse and end island wash or bedrooms.

St Helens in the Park is crowned AA’s overall campsite of the year

Planning a trip to North Yorkshire? You might want to book your pitch at the best campsite in the UK!

A story in the 7^th of November edition of the Independent newspaper revealed that St Helens in the Park, located in Wykeham, North Yorkshire, has been awarded the AA’s top prize as the best overall campsite for 2025.

St Helens in the Park – also handily situated for Scarborough – occupies thirty-six acres of landscaped grounds with areas carefully screened by mature trees that offer more private and intimate space for adults-only parts of the site.

Winners of the Camping and Glamping Awards 2025 announced

The Eastern Daily Press announced the winners of the Camping & Glamping Awards for 2025, selected by the website campsites.co.uk. These highlight the best campsites, glampsites, and caravan parks in the UK.

The awards go to show that Norfolk is one of the UK’s strongest regions for camping, caravanning, and glamping. The county walked away with no fewer than three of the very top awards – having scored most highly on the guest experience offered, the onsite facilities, a natural location, the quality of the service provided, and the overall standard of accommodation.

Other winners in the 2025 season include:

• Watermouth Valley Camping Park, North Devon — the Best Campsite across the UK as a whole;

• Tregarton Park, Cornwall — winner of Best Caravan Park;

• Carrock Glamping Pods, Lake District — Best Glamping Site;

• Plassey Holiday Park, North Wales — Best Family Campsite; and

• Cosmos Camping, South Wales — Best Adult-Only Site.

Elddis and Buccaneer win two prestigious titles in the annual Caravan and Motorhome Club Caravan Design Awards

So much for the best caravan and camping sites, you also want to know which have been judged the best caravans.

Here, the best in caravan Design Awards – as recognised by the Caravan and Motorhome Club – went to Elddis and Buccaneer.

The best in design, practicality, and innovation was judged according to several rigorous standards, including:

• internal layout and comfort;

• serviceability and storage;

• washroom and kitchen layout and design;

• security, safety, and electrics; and

• quality of manufacturing and warranty.

Don’t be put off by a little chill in the air, winter caravanning is very much on the cards these days – even if you’re occasionally tempted to pull on the thermals!

Perhaps more than at other times of the year, though, you might want to give a little more forethought and planning before venturing out with your caravan in the wintertime.

Here are some factors to consider when caravanning in the winter …

Know just where you’re going

In the warmer months of spring and summer, you might take to the open road, see wherever you end up by nightfall and easily find a suitable pitch for the night. In winter, of course, things are likely to be a little different since many sites will have closed for the season.

With careful planning, however, you are likely to find those sites that are open all the year round. Both the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club, list caravan sites that are year round.

To be doubly sure that there’ll be a pitch for you, make sure to book ahead.

What to do and what to see

Practically any destination is going to be different in the wintertime compared with the summer – it’s not just the landscapes that change, but things like markets, events, and other attractions that are open at various times of the year.

In some places, that might mean that there is even more to see and do when the days are shorter and the weather is chillier – you might just have picked the right time to come caravanning.

Where can you stock up?

Though they might not have closed for the season, you might find a long walk to the shops less agreeable when the weather turns bad. Before choosing a campsite that is open all year, consider how close are the local shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

If there is an onsite shop or store that remains open during the winter months, so much the better.

Winter caravanning packing checklist

When you’re heading off in your caravan during the colder months, a bit of extra planning can make all the difference. Here’s a useful list of things to take to keep you warm, safe and comfortable.

Warmth and comfort

• Extra blankets or duvets
• Thermal clothing and thick socks
• Hot water bottles or heat pads
• An insulated mat or rug for the awning or doorway

Heating and power

• Full gas bottles, plus a spare
• Electric hook-up lead and adaptor
• Power bank for charging phones
• Extension lead with surge protection
• Matches or a lighter for the hob

Lighting and visibility

• Torches or headlamps with spare batteries
• A lantern or rechargeable camping light
• Reflective vests or markers if you’re walking in the dark
• A warning triangle and light for roadside use

Food and cooking

• Tinned or dried food that’s easy to heat
• Long-life milk, tea, coffee and snacks
• A portable stove or kettle if you’re cooking outside
• Basic utensils, pans, plates, mugs and cutlery
• Water containers and a good thermos flask

Vehicle and caravan essentials

• Screen wash that won’t freeze
• De-icer and an ice scraper
• Small shovel and a bag of grit or salt
• Jump leads and a tow rope
• Tyre pressure gauge and pump
• Levelling ramps and wheel chocks
• Spare bulbs, fuses and a small toolkit

Health and safety

• A well-stocked first aid kit
• Hand sanitiser, tissues and wet wipes
• Any regular medication
• Emergency contact numbers and your caravan insurance details

Comfort and convenience

• Waterproof boots or wellies
• A small drying rack for wet clothes
• A doormat to stop mud getting in
• Books, games or a tablet for evenings in
• A small vacuum or brush for quick clean-ups

Important documents

• Driving licence and caravan papers
• Insurance and breakdown details
• Site booking confirmation
• Emergency contact list.

Take extra care on the roads

Now that you’ve prepared your ‘van, booked your pitch and hitched up, all that remains is to take to the road exercising that special care and attention that driving in wintry conditions entails.

Towing a caravan adds a particular challenge to your driving skills at the best of times – in the winter’s ice and snow, it can be especially demanding. Now might be the time to refresh your knowledge by reading the National Caravan Council’s (NCC) comprehensive Caravan Towing Guide.

Enjoy the trip!

Winter caravanning can be every bit as enjoyable as summer touring and, sometimes, even more so. With quieter roads, peaceful sites, and crisp morning views, it offers a completely different kind of adventure. As long as you plan ahead, pack wisely and keep an eye on the weather, you can enjoy the comfort of your caravan while exploring the UK’s wintry landscapes in warmth and style.

Further reading:

Guide to winter caravanning and Winter caravanning tips.

Whether you’re planning a few more outings this winter or you’ve already laid up for the season, there’s always time to catch up with some of the latest caravanning news.

To help keep you up to date, here are some of the most recent headlines.

Cardigan Bay caravan site can open for almost 11 months of the year

Following a planning application to Ceredigion County Council, Ocean View Holiday Park, at Clarach, has been given the go-ahead to open for almost 11 months of the year – from the 1^st of March until the 14^th of January – according to the Cambrian News on the 24^th of October.

This will enable the site to cater for short-term winter visitors.

Ocean View Holiday Park has been open since the 1960s and has permission for sixty static caravans, thirty-seven touring caravans, and a further two static caravans used as administrative offices. The proposed opening ten and a half months of the year is similar to the schedules already maintained by other campsites in the area.

The planning authority received no objections to the proposed new opening times.

Danny Dyer enlists Harry Redknapp’s help

In a quest to revive what he considers “classic British” caravan holidays, television personality Danny Dyer arranged a football match – with legendary footballer Harry Redknapp officiating on the sidelines.

Describing the footballing session for the televised “Dyers’ Caravan Park” on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent Out and About Live explained that Harry Redknapp had been persuaded to coach the teams for a charity match at Priory Hill & Nutts Farm Holiday Park.

From the same filmmakers as Clarkson’s Farm, a six-part TV series will feature Danny Dyer and his daughter Danni attempting to revive all the fun of a traditional caravanning holiday on the Kent coast.

The surprise appearance of veteran footballer Harry Redknapp has opened the floodgates to speculation about any other famous guests who might be convinced to put in a cameo performance for the show. 

Celebrity-led or not, a primetime TV series set in a real UK holiday park puts caravans firmly in the national spotlight – and that kind of exposure can only boost interest in staycations across the country.

October Motorhome and Caravan Show – a runaway success

A string of major exhibitors at this year’s Motorhome and Caravan Show has trumpeted the sales successes amongst impressive visitor numbers.

Commenting at the conclusion of the six-day show on the 22^nd of October, the National Caravan Council (NCC) revealed that more than 96,000 visitors browsed the displays of over 350 exhibitors and the 1,000 or so new leisure vehicles there. On these numbers alone, the show surpassed last year’s achievements.

With this year’s successes translated into increased sales, it is little wonder that many who attended the event described it as a “record breaker” and “the best show ever”. Such was the enthusiasm that spilled over into broadcasts from the show by the BBC’s News at One and ITV’s This Morning.

Manchester Central to host major caravan show in January

News of a further major caravan show – this time in the northwest of the country –  was broken by Practical Caravan on the 21^st of October.

The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show will be held at the Manchester Central conference and events centre from the 15^th to the 18^th of January 2026.

If you are thinking of buying a trailer or motorhome for the coming new season or simply just window shopping, all the major brands will be there, including Elddis, Knaus and Swift, together with countless suppliers of camping gadgets and accessories.

Entry to the show also guarantees you free access to Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show.

IIf you’re thinking about a few days – or even longer – in your caravan this Christmas, you’d better go prepared. With less than a month to go, the weather will undoubtedly get colder, but as long as your prepared, you can enjoy a cosy Christmas somewhere different in your caravan. (Our Winter caravanning: What to pack and where to go blog has lots of useful ideas and tips).

Here are six Christmas trip ideas …

1. Bournemouth

If you fancy a trip to the south of England, Christmas comes early in Bournemouth where you’ll find a bustling, German-themed seasonal market open from mid-November right through until the end of December.

When you’ve had your fill of Bratwurst, German beer, and Glühwein (mulled wine) in the market’s Alpine Lodge, it’s only a hop, skip, and a jump to the tranquil wintry delights of the New Forest or a bracing walk along the cliff paths.

2. Blenheim Palace

It might not be among the first places you’d think of for a Christmas market, but even the upper classes, it would seem, enter the festive spirit with gusto. The lavish surroundings of Blenheim Palace offer perhaps one of the most unusual settings for a Christmas market that’s open from mid-November until the 3rd of January.

You’ll find no shortage of touring sites at which to berth your caravan in the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside.

3. Birmingham

Venture just a little further north to England’s second city and you’ll find that Birmingham also hosts Christmas festivities in Victoria Square. The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is said to be the biggest of its kind outside Germany or Austria.

It’s open from the beginning of November until the 24th of December.

4. Cardiff

While many caravanners head westwards during the warmer summer months, you’ll find relatively few of them making that kind of journey in the wintertime – but it’s well worth the mileage.

The South Wales coastline is attractive at any time of the year but from the 13^th of November until the 23^rd of December the Principality’s capital Cardiff also hosts a Christmas Market that gives full expression to local traders, craftsmen, and artists.

5. Bath

It’s historic, it’s picturesque, it’s quiet and laid back – not for nothing is the elegant city of Bath described as “the original wellbeing destination”.

The city is full of thriving independent shops, with bars and restaurants in which to relax and unwind at the end of any day. If you’re quick about it – from the 27^th of November until the 14^th of December – you can also experience a Christmas Market in cobbled streets that could be plucked directly from a Jane Austen novel.

6. Manchester

For the past quarter of a century or so, Manchester has hosted its own series of Christmas Markets around the city centre’s Piccadilly Gardens. This year, there will be over 200 stalls across no fewer than nine sites – most of them open from the 7^th of November until the 22^nd of December.

The Burrs Country Park Club Campsite – a Caravan and Motorhome Club site – in the Lancashire countryside of nearby Bury is open all year.

Further reading:

 Top 5 UK destinations for Christmas in your ‘van

Guide to winter caravanning

Winter caravanning tips.