The best European countries for a driving holiday, ranked

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If you’re planning a caravan or motorhome trip across Europe this year, the country you choose can make or break the experience. New research from Hagerty UK has scored European countries across eight metrics, from road quality and fuel costs to sunshine hours and race tracks, to determine which offers the best experience behind the wheel.

The top three countries

Here’s how the leading countries scored overall:

  1. Spain, scoring 70.07, with 7.5 hours of average daily sunshine and fuel at £1.24 per litre.
  2. Portugal, scoring 65.31, with the best road quality, at 8.64 out of ten.
  3. Sweden, scoring 64.03, with just four toll roads and 11 emission zones nationwide.

Spain came out on top thanks to a strong all-round package. Alongside its sunshine and fuel prices, it boasts 538,577 km of road network and hosts more FIA racing events than any other European country in 2026, spread across 15 circuits. 

Portugal followed closely, offering the most sunshine of the top ten and the fewest emission zones to navigate, while Sweden rounded out the top three with cheap fuel and a road network that winds through forests and past lakes.

Exploring in your motorhome

Mark Roper, managing director at Hagerty UK, said: “We always encourage our members to drive and have designed a range of events, tours and experiences to help inspire them to do just that. Our latest research tells drivers where to go and why, offering some great places to get out and drive to, particularly useful as we approach the summer holiday season … Wherever you decide to go, we hope you feel inspired to explore some of our suggestions.”

Whether you’re touring Spain’s coastal roads or exploring closer to home, there’s no shortage of great driving to be had this summer.

Image credits: Pixabay

5 weekend-friendly DIY projects to improve your motorhome

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A motorhome should feel like home from the moment you step inside, but small niggles can chip away at that feeling over time. The good news is you don’t need any real DIY experience to fix them. These five projects can each be done in a weekend and every one makes a noticeable difference on the road.

Add extra storage where you least expect it

Motorhomes rarely have enough storage, but there’s usually more space than you think. Slim shelving units fit neatly beside cupboards and over-door pocket organisers make great use of otherwise wasted space. A magnetic strip inside a cupboard door is also an easy way to keep knives or metal utensils secure while driving.

Upgrade your lighting

Swapping old bulbs for LED strip lighting is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. It’s cheap, uses far less power and can completely change the feel of your living space in the evening. Battery-powered options are ideal if you’d rather avoid any wiring.

Fit blackout blinds or curtains

Standard curtains often let in more light than you’d like, especially during summer mornings. Blackout blinds or thermal curtains are straightforward to fit and help with both light and temperature, keeping the space cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Create a proper charging station

With so many devices to keep charged, a dedicated charging point saves a lot of hassle. A small USB hub mounted near a seating area, paired with a cable tidy, keeps everything organised and avoids cables trailing across the floor.

Refresh your soft furnishings

New cushion covers, a fresh throw or a patterned tablecloth can transform how a motorhome feels inside, without any real DIY skill required. It’s a small change that makes the space feel more like home.

A weekend, a few tools and a bit of enthusiasm are all it takes to make your motorhome feel brand new. Pick one project to start with and the rest can wait for your next free weekend.

Image credits: Pixabay

Caravan sales legend celebrated with 40 years’ service award

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Some careers begin with a single caravan holiday, just like George Harris’. A childhood trip to Prestatyn sparked a passion that would shape the next four decades and that dedication has now been recognised with a 40 Years’ Service Recognition Award from the National Caravan Council.

A lifelong passion for caravans

George’s love of caravanning started young, holidaying each year in a rented static caravan his parents could barely afford. At 14, he was given a small 1950s Penguin caravan of his own, hand-painted inside and out. Two years later, he left school and took his first job at a caravan dealership, working his way from the shop floor into sales.

Four decades in the industry

Since then, George has built an impressive career, including Salesperson of the Year awards from ABI Caravans in 1988 and Swift Caravans in 1996, plus a Sales Recognition trophy from Swift in 2019. He has been part of the sales team at Salop Leisure since 2007, where many of his customers have followed him from dealership to dealership over the years.

A well-earned tribute

Mark Bebb, joint managing director at Salop Leisure, said: “George is the Godfather of the touring sales world! Despite being very modest about his achievements, he is one of the most respected people in our industry, and this recognition is richly deserved. His knowledge is exceptional, his commitment to customers is second to none, and the relationships he has built over four decades speak for themselves.”

Still not ready to slow down

At 63, George admits he ought to think about retirement, but isn’t quite ready to let go. Given his passion for the industry, and the customers who have stayed loyal to him for decades, it’s easy to see why.

Image provided by Salop Leisure

The UK holiday spots that could pass for the Amalfi Coast

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Dreaming of the Amalfi Coast but not fancying the airport queues? New research from Travelodge suggests you might not need to go far to get that feeling. A poll of 10,000 UK holidaymakers has revealed the UK’s top “destination dupes”, home-grown spots that capture the look and feel of some of Europe’s most iconic destinations.

Cornwall tops the list

Port Isaac in Cornwall, best known for its starring role in ITV’s Doc Martin, has been named the UK’s number one dupe. Its dramatic cliffs, pastel cottages and turquoise coves have earned it comparisons to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with winding coastal roads adding to the resemblance. 

Cornwall also secured a second spot in the top five, with St Ives named for its white-sand beaches, pretty harbour views and relaxed coastal feel, likened to the Spanish town of Cadaqués.

Derwentwater in the Lake District took second place for its resemblance to Lake Como. Followed by St Ives, which feels like Cadaqués, Kendal in the Lake District resembling a Swiss mountain escape and Elgol on the Isle of Skye reminiscent of the Norwegian Fjords, which rounded out the top five.

Why Brits are looking closer to home

Rising costs and travel hassle are driving the trend, with airport queues and flight delays cited by many as reasons to stay in the UK. A Travelodge spokesperson said: “Why brave airport queues and flight cancellations when world-class holiday views are right here on our doorstep? From pastel coastal towns to dramatic alpine landscapes, Britain’s ‘destination dupes’ offer all the charm, beauty, and atmosphere of an overseas escape, without the travel hassle.”

Touring the UK’s best dupes

Many of these spots, from Cornwall’s coastline to the Lake District’s fells, are great for a caravan or motorhome trip, offering the scenery of an overseas escape with the flexibility of touring at your own pace.

Fancy exploring one for yourself? A caravan holiday might be the closest you get to Europe this year, minus the passport queue.

Image provided by Travelodge

Yorkshire named the UK’s best road trip destination

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Staycations are a great way to explore the UK with your motorhome or caravan, but deciding where to go is never easy. New research from LKQ Euro Car Parts suggests where you point the wheel matters as much as where you end up. The study ranked UK routes by traffic levels, EV charging access, petrol station availability and motorway services to find the most practical road trips for drivers this year.

The top five road trips

Here’s how the top five ranked, based on the study’s weighted score:

  1. Yorkshire (York, Harrogate, Skipton and Whitby) with a score of 85.7
  2. The Cotswolds (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire) scored 71.8
  3. Atlantic Highway (Somerset, Devon and Cornwall) with a score of 69.0
  4. Peak District (Bakewell, Buxton, Matlock, Castleton, Manchester and Sheffield) scored 65.8
  5. Lake District (Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick) with a score of 63.5

Yorkshire came out well ahead of the rest, thanks to strong motorway access, plentiful petrol stations and an extensive EV charging network. A good stop along the way is Malham Cove, a striking limestone cliff familiar to Harry Potter fans and a great spot for walkers and photographers alike.

Get your vehicle road trip ready

Before setting off on any of these routes, a spokesperson for LKQ Euro Car Parts advises giving your vehicle a quick check over. They said: “Simple checks completed before setting off can make a significant difference to both safety and reliability on the road.”

That means checking oil and coolant levels, tyre pressure and tread depth, and making sure lights and washer fluid are all in working order.

Whichever route you choose, a well-prepared vehicle and a full tank make all the difference. Pack the caravan, plan your stops and let the road trip begin.

Image credits: Pixabay

The UK’s best beaches, according to new research

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There’s something about the smell of sea air and sand between your toes that makes a beach day hard to beat, but not every stretch of coastline delivers the same experience. New research from Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks set out to find which UK beaches really live up to the hype, using independent Tripadvisor reviews to reveal the five most-loved spots and what makes them so special.

The top five

Here’s how the top five beaches ranked:

  1. Bournemouth Beach with a 4.5 rating
  2. Weymouth Beach with a 4.6 rating
  3. Fistral Beach with a 4.6 rating
  4. Woolacombe Beach with a 4.7 rating
  5. Scarborough Beach with a 4.4 rating

All five are sandy beaches and four of the five sit along the south coast of England. Woolacombe claimed the best average rating overall.

What makes a beach five-star worthy

The research looked beyond ratings alone, digging into what reviewers actually praised. Cleanliness came up most often, followed by easy parking and, perhaps unsurprisingly, good ice cream nearby.

Kevin Darvill, director at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, said: “Sandy beaches are clearly the nation’s favourite, but the data shows what really makes or breaks a summer beach day is easy parking, a clean beach and good ice cream nearby. Nobody wants to spend their morning hunting for a road-side space, or leave the beach feeling they need a shower to get more than just the sand off.”

Planning your own coastal trip

If you’re planning a caravan trip to the coast this summer, this is a handy checklist to use. Look for a beach with good parking, a reputation for cleanliness and a decent ice cream van nearby and you’re most of the way to a great day out.

Image provided by Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks

How to keep a caravan holiday stress-free when touring with kids

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Caravan holidays can be brilliant for families, but a small space and a change of routine can test even the most easygoing kids. A bit of planning goes a long way towards keeping everyone happy on the road.

Make the most of limited space

Space is the biggest adjustment for most families. Pack light and give each child their own small bag for toys and books, so they know exactly what’s theirs and where to find it. Fold-away furniture and storage boxes that double as seating can help keep the caravan feeling less cramped once everyone’s settled in.

Keep routines as normal as possible

Children tend to cope better with new environments when familiar routines stay in place. Stick to usual mealtimes and bedtimes where you can and bring along a favourite blanket, toy or bedtime story to help younger kids settle at night.

Plan entertainment for downtime

Not every hour of a caravan trip is spent exploring, so it helps to have entertainment ready for quieter moments. Card games, colouring books and a few simple outdoor toys take up little space and don’t rely on a screen or signal. For longer journeys, downloaded shows or audiobooks can be a lifesaver.

Involve them in the trip

Kids are often more settled when they feel part of the plan. Let them help choose an activity for the day or spot landmarks on the drive. Small things like this give them a sense of involvement without much extra effort.

Build in flexibility

Overpacking the itinerary is one of the quickest ways to tip a family trip into stressful territory. Leave room for rest days, unplanned stops and early nights, especially with younger children who tire more easily than the itinerary might suggest.

A little structure, a lot of flexibility and a few well-chosen distractions can turn a caravan holiday with kids into one the whole family actually looks forward to.

Image credits: Pixabay

How to budget for your first caravan holiday

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Caravanning has a reputation for being a budget-friendly way to holiday and adventure, but the upfront costs can catch first-timers off guard. Here’s what to actually expect, so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Caravanning has a reputation for being a budget-friendly way to holiday and adventure. For many families it genuinely is, once the initial costs are out of the way. But that first step in can be more expensive than people expect and it’s easy to underestimate what you’ll need before you even hit the road. 

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to expect, so you can decide with confidence whether it’s the right fit for you.

Buying or hiring

If you’re not ready to commit to buying, hiring a caravan for a trial trip typically costs a few hundred pounds for a long weekend, depending on the model and season.

Buying outright is a bigger step, with second-hand caravans starting from a few thousand pounds and new models running considerably higher. Don’t forget to factor in a suitable tow car or the cost of upgrading if your current vehicle isn’t rated for the weight.

One-off costs to plan for

Beyond the caravan itself, there are some upfront purchases most owners need:

  • A hitch lock and wheel clamp for security
  • Levelling and setup equipment
  • Basic kitchen and bedding essentials
  • Awning, if you want extra living space

Many of these are one-time costs, so they’re worth budgeting for in year one rather than spreading across every trip.

Running costs

Ongoing costs are where caravanning tends to stay affordable compared with other types of holiday. Expect to budget for:

  • Fuel, which increases when towing
  • Gas for cooking and heating
  • Caravan insurance
  • Breakdown cover, ideally one that includes towing
  • Storage, if you can’t keep the caravan at home
  • Site fees

Site fees vary widely depending on location and facilities. A basic touring pitch might cost £15 to £25 a night, while sites with pools, entertainment or premium locations can charge £40 or more. Booking in advance and travelling outside peak season can significantly bring costs down.

Is it worth it?

Once the initial outlay is covered, caravan holidays are often cheaper than equivalent hotel stays, especially for families or repeat trips. The key is being realistic about the upfront investment before you commit.

Start small, hire before you buy and build your budget around the trips you actually want to take.

Image credits: Pixabay

Yorkshire Dales named UK’s top stargazing destination ahead of the Perseids

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If you’ve never seen the Milky Way with your own eyes, this summer might be your best chance. The Yorkshire Dales has been named the UK’s top stargazing destination, according to new research from travel experts at Ski Vertigo, followed by Bodmin Moor in Cornwall and Stonehaugh in Northumberland.

The UK’s top three stargazing spots

Since the Yorkshire Dales gained International Dark Sky Reserve status back in 2020, the entire National Park has protected some of England’s clearest night skies, with roughly a third of the park falling within its darkest core zone. Head to Swaledale, the Rawthey Valley, Garsdale, Littondale or Wharfedale on a good night and you stand a real chance of seeing the Milky Way, planets, meteors and occasionally even the Northern Lights.

Cornwall’s own dark sky credentials go back further still. Bodmin Moor earned International Dark Sky Landscape status in 2017 and much of it remains open-access land, meaning walkers can wander freely into the protected zone and its two-mile buffer without needing to stick to a handful of official viewpoints.

For those who want stargazing without the faff, Stonehaugh in Northumberland is hard to beat. This Dark Sky Discovery Site in Kielder Forest has a purpose-built pavilion for shelter, sits within one of Europe’s largest expanses of protected night sky and has parking right next to it at the picnic site, so there’s no trekking involved.

Why now is the time to go

The 2026 Perseid meteor shower runs from July 17th to August 24th, peaking overnight on August 12th to 13th. A new Moon that night means darker skies and better viewing than usual, though autumn and winter offer longer hours of darkness for those who can’t make the peak.

Getting the most from your trip

Alex Dyer, managing director at Ski Vertigo, said: “Look for genuine darkness, but also check that the viewing point is publicly accessible, that parking is permitted and that your accommodation is not a long drive away on unfamiliar rural roads. 

“Check the cloud forecast and Moon phase before setting out, take warm layers even in summer and use a red-light setting rather than a bright phone screen. Your eyes need about 15 minutes to adjust and a poorly placed torch or car headlight can quickly spoil the view for everyone nearby.”

Image credits: Pixabay

 

Simple ways to make your caravan holiday more eco-friendly

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Caravan and motorhome holidays are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and with a few small changes, you can help protect the places you love to visit. Travelling more sustainably doesn’t mean giving up comfort. It simply means making thoughtful choices before and during your trip.

Plan to reduce fuel use

Careful planning can help reduce unnecessary mileage. Choosing a sensible route, avoiding heavy traffic where possible and combining nearby attractions into one outing can all help lower fuel consumption. Before setting off, make sure your tyres are correctly inflated, as this can also improve fuel efficiency.

Cut down on single-use plastics

Packing reusable water bottles, coffee cups, food containers and shopping bags is an easy way to reduce waste. Many UK campsites also provide recycling facilities, so take a few moments to separate your rubbish before leaving.

Respect nature and wildlife

Britain’s countryside is one of the biggest attractions for caravanners. Stick to marked footpaths, avoid disturbing wildlife and always take your litter home if bins aren’t available. If you’re travelling with a dog, keep them under control and clean up after them.

Save water and energy

Simple habits can make a difference, especially on campsites with shared resources. Turn off taps when they’re not in use, take shorter showers and switch off lights and appliances when you leave your caravan or motorhome.

Leave every campsite as you found it

Looking after the places you visit helps ensure they remain enjoyable for future holidaymakers. By making a few eco-friendly choices, you can reduce your environmental impact while continuing to enjoy memorable caravan and motorhome adventures across the UK.

Image credits: Unsplash

New research reveals the average Brit has visited just 10 UK counties

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Many of us enjoy exploring Britain in our caravans and motorhomes, but new research suggests we’re often returning to the same destinations instead of discovering somewhere new.

A survey commissioned by Ordnance Survey (OS) found that the average Brit has visited just ten of the 84 counties across England, Scotland and Wales. While 69 per cent of people describe themselves as adventurous, many admit they revisit the same cities, landmarks and holiday hotspots year after year.

Britain’s favourite destinations

England dominates the list of the UK’s most visited counties, with Greater London, Greater Manchester, Norfolk, North Yorkshire and Kent proving the most popular. Several Scottish areas, including Clackmannanshire, the Western Isles, West Dunbartonshire and Shetland, ranked among the least visited.

The research also found that holidaymakers would like to discover more of Britain’s hidden gems, with many keen to explore:

  • Coastlines they haven’t visited before (50 per cent)
  • Historic sites (36 per cent)
  • Lakes and rivers (32 per cent)
  • Less crowded destinations away from the tourist hotspots (30 per cent)

Why map reading still matters

For National Map Reading Week, Ordnance Survey encouraged people to use maps to venture beyond the usual holiday destinations and build confidence exploring unfamiliar places.

Olympic rowing champion Helen Glover believes basic navigation skills can help families get more from their time outdoors. She said: “It opens up much more of the British countryside by giving people the confidence to explore and spend more time outdoors, which is great for mental wellbeing and building connections with nature.”

For caravan and motorhome owners, choosing a different route or stopping somewhere new could reveal quieter campsites, scenic walks and attractions that many travellers overlook. Brush up on your map reading skills on OS Maps before exploring beyond the familiar.

Image credits: Unsplash

5 campsite rules every newcomer should know

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Your first caravan or motorhome holiday is an exciting experience, but every campsite has a few unwritten rules that help everyone enjoy their stay. Following basic campsite etiquette makes for a more relaxing trip and helps create a friendly atmosphere for all visitors.

1. Keep noise to a minimum

Most campsites have quiet hours, usually during the evening and overnight. Keep music, conversations and vehicle movements to a minimum during these times so everyone can enjoy a peaceful stay.

2. Respect your pitch

Stick to your allocated pitch and avoid spreading equipment onto neighbouring spaces. Keeping awnings, chairs and outdoor gear within your pitch gives everyone enough room and helps maintain safe access around the site.

3. Clean up after yourself

Whether you’re using shared facilities, cooking outdoors or walking your dog, always leave the area as you found it. Dispose of rubbish correctly and use the site’s recycling facilities where available.

4. Drive slowly around the campsite

Many campsites have low speed limits because families, cyclists and pets are often moving around the site. Driving slowly helps keep everyone safe and creates a more relaxed environment.

5. Be considerate of fellow campers

Simple gestures can make a big difference. Keep dogs under control, avoid cutting through other pitches and be courteous when using shared facilities. A little consideration goes a long way towards making everyone’s holiday more enjoyable.

Enjoy your stay

Every campsite may have its own specific rules, so it’s always worth reading the welcome information when you arrive. By following these simple guidelines, newcomers can settle in quickly, avoid common mistakes and enjoy everything caravan and motorhome holidays have to offer.

Image credits: Unsplash