The anti-coronavirus measures might be keeping you under lockdown, but that’s no reason to put all your dreams on hold or to deny those expectations of better things to come.
If you are a caravanner, you have better reason than many to plan for those good times ahead – the time when you can hitch up the ‘van, take to the roads, and explore pastures new or long-time favourites.
So, here are some destination ideas for the Summer – or whenever it’s deemed safe to venture out and about in the UK once again.
Kent
Not for nothing is this corner of the country described as the Garden of England. The orchards, hop fields and verdant landscape make Kent a county to visit at any time of the year but in the summertime in particular.
In addition to the quiet and peaceful countryside, Kent has more than its fair share of castles and historic monuments, fantastic beaches – some of the best in Europe, according to the local tourist board – and a treasure trove of family entertainment.
The Camping and Caravanning Club campsite at Canterbury makes an ideal base from which to explore the whole county.
Southwest England
There can be only few seasoned caravanners who do not already know the lure of Devon and Cornwall. If you are new to the pastime, you might soon discover the attraction.
An extensive and varied coastline offers mile upon mile of stunning walks and trails, there are any number of glorious beaches with water sports for the more adventurous, and you can escape to the more remote and tranquil corners of rural England inland.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing somewhere to pitch your caravan. It may be among the smaller sites, but Magic Cove Touring Park – between Padstow and Newquay on Cornwall’s north coast – has just the name to conjure up the allure of the west country at its best.
Mid Wales
Both North and South Wales have their steadfast caravanning champions – so why not break the mould and visit Mid Wales?
Mid Wales offers you paths and trails less visited – and some breath-taking views along the way. Whether you choose to sit back and take these in from under the shade of your tourer’s awning or take to horseback, a mountain bike, or good old shank’s pony, Mid Wales holds many a treat in store.
Fforest Fields, near Llandrindod Wells, in Powys, offers a mixture of all-weather, hard-standing and grass pitches in a peaceful and tranquil setting, with free use of canoes and kayaks on the nearby lake.
Yorkshire Dales
Kick back and enjoy and altogether quieter pace of life as you pitch your caravan on one of the many sites in the Yorkshire Dales.
You can be certain of a more peaceful and more relaxed break away from home than the beaches to the east or even the ever-popular Lake District to the west. The Yorkshire Dales offer the perfect escape from it all.
For beautiful views across the whole of Wharfedale and the prospect of outings to Bolton Abbey and Skipton, pitch your caravan at the family-run Howgill Lodge Caravan Park.
Northern Ireland
Once you’ve boarded the ferry, its almost like venturing forth on some foreign holiday – with the blessing that everyone still speaks English.
Make Northern Ireland your destination this summer and you’ll be likely to claim a holiday that’s different to many taken by the caravanning fraternity. Rolling farmland and valleys, rugged coastlines and historic castles and monuments all put their unique stamp on the province.
At the end of a busy day’s exploring, retire to your touring pitch at Ballyness Caravan Park, near Bushmills, Coleraine and Portrush on the coast.
Scotland
Yet another “foreign” holiday within the British Isles is just north or the border into Scotland.
It’s a big country, too, that deserves a whole chapter all to itself if you are planning your next summer holidays.
For now, then, let’s just suggest that you first make yourself the welcome guest of Scottish hospitality in the Border Country at the Melrose Gibson Park Caravan Club Site near Melrose in the scenic Eilden Hills.
During these challenging times, it can be fun to plan ahead for when lockdown is over – we hope these ideas have whetted your appetite. For more destination inspiration, check out some of our Guides here.