The UK’s top trending wildlife and the best sites to spot them

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Fancy swapping the TV for something a little wilder? New data from Pitchup.com, the leading outdoor accommodation site, reveals which animals are capturing Britain’s attention and where touring caravan and motorhome owners have the best chance of spotting them this autumn.

Common toads and badgers top the list

Google searches for “nature breaks” have risen 240 per cent year on year, while Pitchup.com’s birdwatching filter has seen a 65 per cent rise in use. Common toads and badgers lead the rankings overall, though deer have picked up the most TikTok attention, racking up 14.1 billion hashtag views thanks to dramatic autumn rut footage and photogenic sightings at dawn.

The best sites for wildlife watching

Based on nearly 200,000 customer reviews, Norfolk’s The Wildings Elms Meadow takes the top spot. At this rewilded site near The Broads, deer, hares and dragonflies are regular sightings. Derbyshire’s Langley Wilding Campsite follows close behind, set within a wildflower meadow just 15 minutes from the Peak District.

Tips for spotting wildlife on site

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “Some of the best wildlife encounters in the UK happen not in a nature documentary, but on a Wednesday evening from a tent doorway.” His top tips include heading out at dawn or dusk when animals are most active, staying still and quiet near water or woodland edges, and packing binoculars rather than relying on a camera zoom.

Your next pitch could come with a front-row seat to nature, no documentary crew required.

Image credit: Unsplash

Auto-Sleepers celebrates 65th year with Made in Britain status

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Motorhome builder Auto-Sleepers has joined Made in Britain, marking official recognition of a commitment to British manufacturing that stretches back more than six decades.

A milestone anniversary

The announcement comes during Auto-Sleepers’ 65th anniversary year of designing and building motorhomes and campervans in the Cotswolds. Since its beginnings in 1961, the company has combined skilled craftsmanship with evolving design and manufacturing techniques, something that remains central to every Auto-Sleeper produced today.

What the Made in Britain mark means

Made in Britain brings together manufacturers from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland under a single, protected trademark, giving customers in the UK and overseas a recognised way to identify genuinely British-made products. For Auto-Sleepers, it’s a fitting addition to a name that’s been synonymous with British motorhome manufacturing for 65 years.

A proud moment for the brand

Geoff Scott, CEO at Auto-Sleepers, said: “We’re incredibly proud to join Made in Britain, particularly as we celebrate our 65th anniversary. British manufacturing has been at the heart of Auto-Sleepers since the very beginning. The Made in Britain mark gives us another way to celebrate our heritage, the skills of our people and our continued commitment to manufacturing here in the UK.”

As Auto-Sleepers looks ahead to its next chapter, the Made in Britain mark now sits proudly alongside a heritage built on more than six decades of British craftsmanship.

Photo credit: Auto- Sleepers

What motorhome buyers should look out for in 2027

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Choosing a new motorhome can be overwhelming, but the smartest buy in 2027 might not be the biggest or most feature-packed on the market. Motorhome Matt, in partnership with Ripe Motorhome Insurance, shares his thoughts on what’s changing and what genuinely matters when buying a motorhome.

Smaller motorhomes are getting smarter

Matt believes compact motorhomes deserve more attention than they usually get. He said: “There’s some really clever thinking going into compact vehicles now, with better use of bathrooms, more useful storage and layouts that give you a surprising amount of living space without needing a huge motorhome.” 

Lithium batteries, which offer more power and weigh less, are also becoming standard and Matt expects more manufacturers to follow, designing electrical systems around lithium from the outset rather than retrofitting it later. 

What to prioritise when buying

When looking at potential new motorhomes, consider these points: 

  • Layout matters more than specification, since you can’t easily fix a poor bed or shower layout later.
  • A good electrical system, including lithium, charging and heating, is worth prioritising early.
  • Payload should be checked carefully, as fully specced motorhomes can leave little capacity for passengers and belongings.
  • The dealer relationship, particularly for future warranty work or repairs.
  • Air conditioning is increasingly worth considering, given how hot motorhomes can get during UK heatwaves.

Picture yourself living in it

Matt’s advice is simple: get into the shower, sit on the toilet and picture where your bikes, chairs and everyday clutter will go. As he puts it, “you can upgrade a battery later,” but a layout that doesn’t work is much harder to change.

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Fineshade Wood campsite extends its season until the end of November

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Autumn touring just got a little easier, as Fineshade Wood campsite in Northamptonshire has extended its season until the end of November 2026, giving campers longer to enjoy the woodland as the colours change.

A successful first season

The campsite reopened in April as a Forestry England site, run by Camping New Forest. Since then, wardens have been on site, toilet facilities have been added and a new path now connects the campsite to Fineshade Wood Visitor Centre, home to a cafe ideal for warming up after an autumn walk.

A comfortable late-season base

Fineshade Wood sits between Stamford and Corby on the A43, once part of the historic Rockingham Forest and considered something of a hidden gem by locals. Its hardstanding and serviced pitches, complete with electric hook-up, make it a comfortable choice for touring caravan and motorhome owners even as the nights draw in.

Why now is a good time to visit

Denis Dooley, CEO of Camping New Forest, said: “We’ve had a brilliant first season here and it’s been lovely to see so many campers coming back since we reopened in April. Autumn is one of the best times to discover Fineshade Wood, so we’re delighted to keep the campsite open a little longer. With hardstanding electric pitches and our wardens on hand, it’s a cosy base for a late-season getaway and we look forward to welcoming familiar faces and first-time visitors alike.”

Book your stay

Campers can get 25 per cent off pitch fees for stays until the end of November using the code AUTUMNSTAY26. Secure your pitch at www.fineshadecampsite.co.uk. 

Image credits: Camping New Forest

Hamza Yassin buries time capsule capturing camping life in 2026

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Wildlife cameraman and TV presenter Hamza Yassin joined members of The Camping and Caravanning Club to bury a time capsule at Clent Hills Camping and Caravanning Club Site, marking the Club’s 125th anniversary with a snapshot of camping life in 2026.

A capsule shaped by campers

The capsule contains memories, pledges and mementos contributed by campers from across the UK throughout the anniversary year, alongside a commemorative book featuring pledges from three competition winners who joined Hamza at the ceremony.

Hamza, who is currently president of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “Camping has a wonderful way of bringing people together. What makes this time capsule so special is that it has been shaped by campers themselves, capturing not just what camping looks like in 2026, but the experiences of the people enjoying it today.”

Why Clent Hills was chosen

The site holds particular significance for the Club, having been dedicated in 1937 as a memorial to Thomas Hiram Holding, founder of the Club and widely regarded as the father of lightweight camping. Sabina Voysey, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said the contents offer “a fascinating snapshot of our community during our 125th anniversary year,” adding that while equipment may change, the reasons people go camping are unlikely to.

What’s inside

Alongside the pledges booklet, the capsule includes Club publications, camping memorabilia, a 2026 membership card, a staff uniform and a copy of Two Shillings a Day, chronicling Holding’s pioneering bikepacking journey. A commemorative plaque and a crab apple tree have also been installed at the site, offering a lasting home for local wildlife.

Image credits: The Camping and Caravanning Club

Brits rate UK campsites higher than anywhere else in Europe

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There’s no need to look abroad for a top-rated pitch, as new data from Pitchup.com reveals UK campsites are winning over British holidaymakers more than any European destination.

The UK comes out on top

Analysis of reviews left by UK-based customers this year shows British camping, glamping and caravan sites averaging 9.1 out of 10. That puts the UK ahead of the Netherlands (8.8), France (8.7), Italy (8.3), Germany (8.2), Spain (8.1) and Ireland (8.1), a full point clear of both Spain and Ireland.

The UK’s top-rated sites

The findings follow Pitchup.com’s 2025 Gold Awards, based on nearly 200,000 customer reviews. To qualify, sites needed an average rating of at least 8 out of 10 from a minimum of 20 verified reviews, and nine sites achieved a perfect score:

  • The Spinney Wild Camping, North East England
  • Owl Valley Glamping, South West England
  • The Wee Caravan Park, Scotland
  • Cosmos Camping, West Wales
  • Little Nash Woods Camping, South East England
  • Wimbleball Holidays, South West England
  • Little Thornham Holidays, South West England
  • South Ford Farm Camping, South West England
  • Tydd Gote Caravan Site, East Anglia

The Spinney Wild Camping took the overall top spot, with a flawless 10 out of 10 across 32 reviews.

Why home comforts win out

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “It’s no great surprise to us that Brits rate home comforts so highly –  our data shows UK holidaymakers are just as happy, if not happier, staying closer to home than heading abroad. Sites like The Spinney Wild Camping show exactly why: a warm welcome, a simple pitch and a proper night’s sleep go a long way.”

Photo credits: Pixabay

The motorhome upgrades worth your money and the ones you can skip

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With so many possible motorhome upgrades to choose from, it’s easy to spend on the wrong things. Motorhome Matt, in partnership with Ripe Motorhome Insurance, has shared where your money is genuinely well spent and where it isn’t.

Worth every penny

Automatic levelling tops Matt’s list. He said: “I love automatic levelling, it’s not the cheapest accessory, but I believe it’s worth every penny. You’ve got to watch the weight of the system and check that your payload can accommodate it, but once you’ve had it on a motorhome, it’s very difficult to go back. It’s not just about avoiding the levelling ramps either. You simply arrive, press a button, and the van levels itself out.”

Other worthwhile investments include:

  • A properly specified electrical system, rather than just the biggest lithium battery you can afford.
  • Air suspension, once you’ve weighed the vehicle and know it isn’t overloaded.
  • Decent 4G or 5G internet, essential for far more than streaming.
  • Layered security, combining a wheel clamp, steering lock, tracker and marking system.

Where cheap becomes expensive

Tyres are one area not worth cutting corners on. Motorhome tyres often age before they wear out, so it’s worth judging them on condition rather than tread alone.

Where you might save

An awning, generator and fitted TV are all popular additions, but not always necessary. Matt suggests travelling without them first, then deciding based on how you actually use the van, not what everyone else seems to have.

Keep these tips in mind when upgrading your motorhome to avoid spending unnecessary money.

Photo credits: Unsplash

UK’s biggest free caravan show returns to Shropshire

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Fancy a first look at next year’s models before anyone else? The West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome Show returns to Salop Leisure’s Emstrey headquarters from Saturday 26th September to Sunday 4th October, with around 10,000 visitors expected across the free nine-day event.

What’s new for 2027

Visitors will be among the first to see new 2027 touring caravans from Coachman and Swift, alongside motorhomes from Swift, Ace and RollerTeam. New holiday homes from ABI, Carnaby, Swift, Willerby and Victory will also be on display, along with a selection of lodges. This year also marks the arrival of Ace motorhomes, a Swift sub-brand new to the dealership.

A milestone anniversary

The show falls during Salop Leisure’s 60th anniversary year. Mike Harris, the company’s joint managing director, said: “The West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome Show is one of the biggest dates in our calendar, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming our customers back to Shrewsbury. There is a huge amount to see this year, particularly with the launch of the 2027 models and the arrival of Ace motorhomes at Salop Leisure.”

Something for everyone

Alongside new launches, visitors can browse pre-owned holiday homes, take advantage of show offers on caravans, motorhomes, accessories, awnings and tents, and speak to representatives from over 20 holiday parks about ownership options.

Weekends bring free family entertainment, including inflatables and a climbing wall, while Love Coffee, Love Ice Cream and Love Plants will be on site throughout.

Plan your visit

The show runs from 9am to 5pm daily, except Sundays when it opens from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free and visitors who register in advance can enter the draw for a £500 voucher to spend at the show. Register at microsite.salopleisure.co.uk/caravanevent.

Photo credits: Salop Leisure

Kent named the UK’s best seaside spot for a September getaway

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Just because summer’s winding down, it doesn’t mean your seaside days have to end. In support of this, new research from holiday provider Away Resorts has revealed the UK’s best coastal destinations for a September trip. With over half of Brits naming beach holidays their favourite, there’s plenty of reason to squeeze in one more before autumn sets in.

Kent takes the top spot

The research analysed the UK’s 20 most popular coastal destinations for sunshine hours, daytime duration, sea temperature and rainfall, and Kent Coast came out on top. With its white cliffs, sandy beaches and historic towns, Kent sees an average of five hours of sunshine a day and daytime highs of 19 degrees, the warmest of any destination on the list, alongside some of the fewest rainy days.

The rest of the top five

Close behind, the following destinations rounded out the top five:

  1. Solent and Hampshire Coast
  2. Sussex Coast
  3. Isle of Wight
  4. Norfolk Coast

The south-west still holds its own

Dorset and the Jurassic Coast, Devon and Cornwall also feature further down the list. Rainfall is a touch higher here, but strong sunshine hours and temperatures between 17 and 18 degrees make the south-west a solid choice for a family trip, particularly for anyone drawn to dramatic cliffs and coastal walks.

Why September is worth the trip

Kate Watts, spokesperson for Away Resorts, said: “September can be a brilliant time to enjoy everything the UK has to offer. With crowds beginning to disappear and temperatures still consistent and relatively warm, it’s a great opportunity to soak up the last of summer. 

“From coastal walks to reading on sandy beaches, a September trip can allow you to see the sights you want to see, without the chaos of peak summer crowds.”

If you’re touring the coast this September, there’s still plenty of sunshine left to catch.

Image credits: Pixabay

Goboony expands motorhome marketplace to the US, Canada and Australia

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If your next big road trip is to explore outside the UK, it might just become a little easier to plan. Goboony and Yescapa, Europe’s leading motorhome and campervan marketplace, have expanded their reach into the US, Canada and Australia, bringing their combined network to nearly 50,000 vehicles worldwide.

From peer-to-peer to a broader marketplace

Founded in 2015 as a peer-to-peer platform connecting travellers with local motorhome owners, Goboony is evolving its model overseas to include professional rental operators alongside private owners. The aim is to widen choice and availability while keeping the flexible, local feel the platform was built on.

The platform now serves more than 350,000 travellers a year across Europe, North America and Australia. In the US alone, over 3,000 vehicles are available across 20 cities, marking a significant milestone for a company that started life firmly rooted in Europe.

Goboony’s CEO, Sergio Branco, said: “This expansion is the next logical step in building a complete ecosystem around motorhome travel: years of perfecting the experience in Europe, now extended to the US, Canada and Australia. The world’s most iconic road trips should be as accessible as booking a weekend away in Scotland, Wales or Cornwall.”

What this means for touring further afield

For UK tourers eyeing a bigger adventure, this expansion could make renting a motorhome abroad much more straightforward.

Fancy trading Cornwall for California? It might be more within reach than you think.

Image credits: Goboony

Redline Campers to unveil nostalgic new model at the Motorhome & Caravan Show

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Redline Campers, the award-winning brand from Venture Caravans & Motorhomes, is set to unveil a brand new model at October’s Motorhome & Caravan Show, with a nod to one of its former bestsellers.

A milestone worth celebrating

With 2027 marking ten years since Venture Caravans & Motorhomes launched the Redline Campers brand, the Daventry-based company dug into its own archive for inspiration, reviving a feature first introduced in its earliest days. 

Full details remain under wraps until the show opens on 13th October 2026. The new model, based on the latest VW Transporter, will carry Redline’s signature safety credentials as an NCC Approved Manufacturer and VCA Whole Vehicle Type Approved converter.

Familiar features, exclusive materials

This model will feature Redline’s exclusive glass reinforced plastic (GRP) roof alongside a 100 per cent cotton roof canvas handcrafted by French tent manufacturer Cabanon, plus the brand’s much-requested Régis Rive bed, previously only seen on the Explorer.

The Explorer makes its NEC debut

Speaking of the Explorer, it will appear at the show for the first time, having quickly become one of Redline’s biggest sellers since launching earlier in 2026. Content creator Steven Aspinall, of Staycation Lifestyle, described it as a “headline-grabbing entry-level model” that “might just be the best value new campervan on the market”.

Updated Sport GT models and a focus on off-grid

Elsewhere, the Sport GT and Sport GT XS return for 2027 with new features, including a lithium leisure battery and an elevating roof bed platform. Redline will also showcase its Enhanced Off-Grid Pack, offering power without hookup, and demonstrate upcoming PHEV variants.

Visit Redline Campers in Hall 11, Stand 11.40, at the NEC from 13th to 18th October.

Image credits: Venture Caravans

The caravan and motorhome gear mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them

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Your first caravan or motorhome trip should feel like a breath of fresh air, but it can quickly turn stressful if you’re underprepared. Marcus Clarke, Founder at The Prepared Household, has shared some of the most common gear mistakes first-time tourers make, along with simple ways to avoid them.

Spending on the wrong things

It’s easy to splash out on eye-catching gadgets while overlooking the essentials. Marcus explains: “One of the biggest mistakes is choosing gear because it looks impressive rather than because it suits the trip. The right equipment depends on where you are going, the time of year and the conditions you are likely to face.” A reliable awning, proper levelling equipment and weather-appropriate bedding should always come before any extras.

Underestimating how quickly the temperature drops

A caravan or motorhome offers far more protection than a tent, but that doesn’t mean warmth is guaranteed overnight. A good sleeping system, insulated bedding and knowing how to use your heating efficiently all make a real difference, especially in the shoulder seasons.

Getting the packing balance wrong

Overpacking and underpacking are both common mistakes. A written checklist helps strike the right balance, making sure essentials like a first aid kit, torch and spare fuses don’t get left behind, without turning your storage into a squeeze.

Packing for one type of weather

British weather can turn quickly, so it pays to prepare for more than the day’s forecast. Pack layers, keep a waterproof outer layer to hand and bring dry spare clothing, since wet clothes left in a damp locker can leave you cold and uncomfortable later in the trip.

A little preparation now can be the difference between a miserable first night and a trip you can’t wait to repeat.

Image credits: Pixabay