5 thoughtful gift ideas for the caravan lover in your life

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Buying for someone who loves life on the road can be tricky, especially when their caravan already seems to have everything. Space is limited, tastes are often very particular and the last thing anyone wants is a gift that ends up in the shed. 

The best presents tend to be small, practical and a little personal. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, a retirement or the festive season, here are five ideas that will earn a spot in the van.

1. A personalised pitch sign

A custom sign with a family name or favourite saying adds a welcoming touch to any pitch. It makes a temporary space feel like home and it’s easy to hang from an awning.

2. A compact folding chair

Space is always tight, so a lightweight chair that packs away neatly is a winner. Look for a sturdy frame and a handy cup holder.

3. Rechargeable lighting

String lights or a rechargeable lantern make evenings outside far more atmospheric. Opt for solar or USB charging so no one has to worry about batteries.

4. A UK road atlas or scratch-off map

Dreaming up the next trip is half the fun. A large-format atlas or scratch-off map gives your caravan lover somewhere to plan and track the places they’ve already been.

5. A cosy throw and a flask

A soft fleece blanket and an insulated flask are perfect for chilly mornings on site. It’s a simple pairing, but one that will see plenty of use.

Whatever you choose, think about the space it will take up. In a caravan, the best presents are the ones that earn their keep.

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Slow travel by motorhome: why fewer stops can make a better holiday

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A holiday packed with too many stops can leave you more tired than when you set off. A new pitch every night, packing up every morning and hitting the road before you’ve finished your coffee soon takes its toll. Slow travel turns that on its head and a motorhome is perfectly suited to it.

What slow travel really means

It isn’t about driving slowly. It’s about staying put for longer, so a week away might mean two or three bases rather than seven. You get to know a place properly instead of simply passing through.

Why fewer stops work so well

Slowing down doesn’t mean doing less. Here’s what you gain by staying put:

  • Less time spent packing up, driving and setting up again.
  • Fewer miles, which means less fuel and less time behind the wheel.
  • More chances to find local cafes, farm shops and footpaths away from the crowds.
  • A calmer pace, which suits families and dogs alike.

Some sites also offer discounts for longer stays, so it’s worth asking when you book.

How to make it work

Choose a base with plenty on the doorstep, such as coastal paths, cycle routes or a market town. Explore on foot, by bike or on the local bus rather than moving the van each day. Keep a loose list of things you’d like to do rather than a rigid itinerary and leave at least one day with no plans at all.

Make time for the pauses

Slow travel is as much about the pauses as the places. Sit outside with a brew, watch the weather roll in and chat to your neighbours on site. These small moments are often the ones people remember most.

On your next trip, try booking one pitch for longer than usual and see how much more you notice.

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Why more Brits are buying UK static caravans

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Imagine a getaway that’s always waiting for you, with no booking to make and no scramble to pack. For a growing number of Brits, that’s the appeal of owning a holiday home. New research from Away Resorts suggests static caravan ownership is on the rise and owners say the benefits go well beyond a change of scenery.

Searches are climbing

Online searches for “static caravans for sale” now top 20,000 a month in the UK, up 53 per cent on last year. Away Resorts surveyed its owners for its Holiday Park Community Report to find out what’s behind the trend.

Why owners buy

  • 60 per cent wanted a guaranteed getaway whenever they fancied one
  • 57 per cent wanted a home away from home

Priorities shift with age. Among 45 to 54-year-olds, 68 per cent bought to escape everyday stress. Among over-65s, 44 per cent saw their holiday home as a place for children or grandchildren to enjoy.

The benefits owners notice

Nearly two-thirds say their physical and mental health has improved since buying, along with their family relationships. Almost a third (31 per cent) bought with retirement in mind and 80 per cent of those say ownership has helped their physical health. Owners also report better social lives and a healthier work-life balance.

A break from screens

Among owners with children or grandchildren, 72 per cent say screen time drops when they’re on park. Among over-65s, 45 per cent say younger relatives are off screens much more when visiting.

Kate Watts, spokesperson at Away Resorts, said: “With static caravans for sale across the UK, owners can find themselves a home away from home all year round without the hassle of research and booking. Having a place that you can call yours, no surprises and surrounded by loved ones is the recipe for a perfect holiday.”

Whether you tour or dream of a pitch of your own, it’s a trend worth watching.

Image credit: Away Resorts

7 dog-friendly UK beaches to visit this autumn

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There’s nothing quite like a brisk beach walk with your dog trotting happily beside you and autumn is the perfect time for it. Many British beaches relax their dog restrictions at this time of year and the sands are far quieter too. Away Resorts has picked out some of its favourite dog-friendly spots, and with a caravan or motorhome, any of them could become a relaxed weekend away.

Taking the dog along is nothing new for many families. Away Resorts’ own research found that 75 per cent of pet-owning parents with children under 12 feel guilty holidaying without their pet.

7 beaches worth the drive

Here are seven dog-friendly beaches to add to your autumn touring list:

  1. Daymer Bay, Cornwall: Golden sands stretch for miles at low tide, with Brea Hill’s coastal views and St Enodoc Church close by.
  2. Fistral Beach, Cornwall: 750 metres of sand, easy parking and plenty of dog-friendly cafes and bars.
  3. Rhossili Bay, Swansea: Three miles of sand beneath towering hills, perfect for a sunrise walk.
  4. Holkham Beach, Norfolk: Wide open space to run and famous for its sunsets.
  5. Durdle Door, Dorset: A famous limestone arch, with dogs welcome to explore.
  6. Lulworth Cove, Dorset: A horseshoe-shaped pebble cove on the Jurassic Coast where dogs are welcome, but must stay to the left of the slipway.
  7. Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire: A sandy cove with rock pools, cliff walks and village pubs and cafés.

Planning your trip

Rules can vary by beach and season, so check local signs before you set off. Larger vehicles can find parking tight at popular spots, so arrive early and check restrictions in advance.

Pack the lead, towels and a spare blanket, and head for the coast for an autumn break.

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Caravan and motorhome jargon explained for newcomers

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Step onto a campsite for the first time and it can sound like everyone is speaking a different language. But don’t worry, most of the jargon is simple once you know what it means. Here’s a handy guide to the terms you’ll hear most often, from the pitch you park on to the weights you’ll need to keep an eye on.

Types of vehicle

  • Tourer: A caravan designed to be towed behind a car and used for holidays on the move.
  • Static caravan: A holiday home that stays in one place, usually on a holiday park.
  • Twin-axle: A larger caravan with two axles, often offering extra space and stability.
  • Coachbuilt: A motorhome with a separate living area built onto a cab chassis, often with a bed above the cab.
  • A-class: A large, purpose-built motorhome with a wide windscreen and a cab that’s part of the living space.
  • Campervan: A smaller, van-based motorhome, often with a pop-up roof and compact living space.

Around the pitch

  • Pitch: The space you’re allocated on site for your caravan or motorhome.
  • Hook-up: A main electricity supply at your pitch, connected with a special cable.
  • Hardstanding: A firm gravel or concrete pitch that handles wet weather well.
  • Serviced pitch: A pitch with a water supply and waste drainage alongside electric hook-up.
  • Warden: The person who manages the site and can help with questions on arrival.

Water and waste

  • Grey water: Waste water from sinks and showers, emptied at a designated point.
  • Cassette toilet: A toilet with a removable tank, which you empty at a disposal point.
  • Elsan point: The disposal point for toilet waste, named after a well-known brand.

Weights and towing

  • MTPLM: Maximum technically permissible laden mass, the most your caravan can weigh when fully loaded.
  • Payload: The weight of passengers, belongings and fluids you can safely carry.
  • Motor mover: A remote-controlled device that helps you manoeuvre a caravan on site.
  • Noseweight: The downward weight a caravan puts on your car’s towball.

Kit and care

  • Leisure battery: A separate battery that powers lights and appliances when you’re off-grid.
  • Corner steadies: Legs lowered at each corner of a caravan to keep it stable.
  • Habitation check: An annual inspection of the living area, covering gas, electrics and damp.
  • Awning: A canopy that attaches to the side of your van for extra living space.
  • Gas locker: The compartment where your gas bottles are stored.

Keep this guide handy on your first few trips and the jargon will soon feel like second nature.

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5 smart tips for working remotely from your motorhome

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Swapping the spare room for a view of the hills sounds idyllic,and with a little planning it can be. Whether you’re working from the road for a few days or a few months, these five tips will help you stay productive without losing the joy of the trip.

1. Check your signal before you commit

Mobile coverage can vary hugely from one pitch to the next. Check your network’s coverage map before booking and keep a backup, such as a mobile router or a second SIM to use alongside campsite Wi-Fi, which isn’t always up to a video call.

2. Plan your power

Together, laptops, routers and monitors can require a lot of power. Choose pitches with an electric hook-up where you can, or make sure your leisure battery and solar setup can handle a full working day. A charged power bank is handy for emergencies.

3. Create a proper workspace

Your dining table can double as a desk, but a supportive cushion and a laptop stand make a big difference after a few hours. Position yourself to avoid screen glare and pack everything away at the end of the day so the space feels like home again.

4. Choose your sites carefully

Quieter sites with good reviews for signal and facilities tend to work best. It also helps to arrive the day before an important meeting, so you’re set up and connected well ahead of time.

5. Keep clear working hours

Working from a beautiful location makes it tempting to stay at the laptop all day. Set your hours, take proper breaks outside and save the walks and sightseeing for the evenings.

A little preparation turns your motorhome into an office with a view.

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What to do in your first hour on a new campsite

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The first hour on a new campsite sets the tone for your whole trip. Get it right and you can put your feet up with a brew, but rush it and you’ll be chasing small problems all weekend. Here’s a simple routine to follow from the moment you arrive.

Walk the pitch first

Once you’ve checked in, take a moment to walk your pitch before moving the vehicle. Look out for soft ground, slopes, low branches and the position of the electric hook-up. It’s far easier to plan your approach on foot than from the driver’s seat.

Park, level and secure

Position your caravan or motorhome so the door, awning and hook-up all line up sensibly. Then work through setting up the essentials:

  • Level it side to side and front to back
  • Apply the handbrake and use chocks where needed
  • Lower the corner steadies on a caravan
  • Unhitch only once it’s level and secure
  • Hook up and connect

Uncoil your electric cable fully, switch off at the bollard, then plug in. Top up your fresh water and turn on your gas as needed. Your handbook will have the details for each step.

Get your bearings

Before you unpack, find the toilets, waste points, water taps and reception. Check the quiet hours and any site rules too, so there are no surprises later. Knowing where everything is saves a lot of wandering around after dark.

Make it feel like home

Now for the fun part. Put up the awning, set out your chairs and put the kettle on. Follow this routine on every arrival and it’ll soon become second nature.

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Lagun launches new table system for compact motorhome living

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Anyone who has tried to squeeze dinner, a laptop and a brew onto one motorhome table knows every centimetre counts. Swedish brand Lagun, famous for its table leg, has launched a new range designed to make compact spaces work harder.

A stronger, more flexible leg

At the heart of the launch is the Pro leg, an evolution of the classic Lagun leg. It keeps the original’s strength and stability but adds a ridge profile along its length, opening up new ways to mount accessories. The new Tap mount slots onto that ridge, so a single leg can support two independently swivelling tabletops. It can also be moved without tools, letting your setup shift quickly between cooking, dining, working and relaxing.

Tabletops for every layout

Two new tabletops join the range:

  • Nomad: 550 × 330mm, is sized for two people and is easy to move and store, with solid bamboo, Swedish birch and HPL options
  • Crew: 825 × 495mm, has room for up to four people and is made from durable HPL, suitable for use indoors or outdoors

Both include an aluminium Interface ring, ready for future Lagun accessories.

Small details, big difference

The new Hidden compartment turns the end cap on the tabletop mounting plate into discreet storage for keys and coins. It fits all Lagun mounting plates, including those on existing tables, so current owners can upgrade easily.

Mattias Svensson, CEO of the Boat System Group, said: “Lagun is known around the world for its table leg system, and we’re incredibly proud of that heritage. We see a big opportunity in helping people make the most of limited space. This launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for Lagun, with more products, new categories and new possibilities still to come.”

With more products on the way, it’s one to watch if you’re planning a motorhome refresh.

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The cleaning mistake that could leave mould growing in your motorhome

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A deep clean before your motorhome goes into storage feels like a job well done, but a little too much water can quietly cause bigger problems. 

Nicolas Diez, Founder at Valetly, warns that moisture trapped beneath carpets is one of the most common mistakes made when cleaning a vehicle interior and motorhome owners can fall into it easily.

Why damp lingers

Carpets can feel dry on top while moisture sits in the fibres and underlay beneath. Close the vehicle with little airflow, and that dampness can linger and encourage mould. Mould can grow on any carpet, fabric or upholstery that stays wet.

How to spot it

  • A musty smell that won’t go away
  • Patches or spots on carpets or upholstery
  • Carpets that still feel damp when pressed firmly

Mould can irritate some people, causing coughing, wheezing and sneezing, and those with asthma or mould allergies may be especially sensitive.

How to dry out properly

  • Use as little cleaning solution as you can
  • Go over the carpet with a wet vacuum or extractor until very little moisture comes out
  • Press clean microfibre cloths firmly into damp areas to soak up the rest
  • Open doors and windows where it’s safe and use fans or a dehumidifier if you have one
  • Leave plenty of time to dry, especially in cold or wet weather

If carpets keep turning damp after drying, the cleaning may not be to blame. A leaking door seal, a blocked drain or water getting in could be the cause, so it’s worth tracking down the source.

Nicolas said: “A clean interior should also be a dry interior. The mistake is spending all your effort shampooing the carpets and then forgetting about the moisture you have just introduced. Use less liquid, extract as much as you can and give the interior enough airflow and time to dry properly.”

Dry it fully before you close the door and your motorhome will be fresh and ready for your next trip.

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How to get a reliable internet connection in your caravan

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From checking the forecast to keeping the kids entertained on a wet afternoon, a decent signal can make life on site far easier. Buyers are catching on too, with a 25 per cent rise in shoppers using a Wi-Fi filter when searching for a caravan. Getting online isn’t always simple though, so Uswitch broadband expert Max Beckett has run through the main options.

Your options for getting connected

  • On-site Wi-Fi: Free at many parks, but your caravan’s shell can block the signal. Pitch close to the source where you can and ask about boosters. Avoid sensitive accounts on public networks.
  • External antenna: A roof-mounted 5G antenna paired with an internal router helps beat the signal-blocking shell, though installation usually means drilling into the roof.
  • Mobile broadband: A SIM-based Mi-Fi device or dedicated 4G or 5G router links several devices without relying on campsite Wi-Fi, with pay-as-you-go and monthly plans available.
  • Phone tethering: Quick and needs no extra kit, but it can eat through your data and may run slower.
  • Fixed wireless broadband: Best for caravans in a permanent spot, linking to a nearby mast, though it needs a clear line of sight and possibly site permission.

Choosing what suits you

Max said: “If you only use your caravan occasionally, phone tethering or on-site Wi-Fi may be all you need. If you spend longer periods in your caravan or want to connect multiple devices, a dedicated Mi-Fi or 5G broadband connection could be a better fit. 

“Coverage can vary significantly from one location to another, so check the signal on your particular pitch before you pay for anything. A deal that looks great on paper is no use if you can’t get a bar.”

Test the signal on your pitch first and you’ll be online in no time.

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Summer 2026 staycation trends revealed

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Wondering what Brits were searching for while planning their summer breaks? New data from luxury holiday home manufacturer Victory Leisure Homes shows online searches for “staycations” rose 22 per cent year on year, while “caravan holidays near me” jumped 23 per cent. The figures point to a shift away from the traditional fortnight abroad and towards shorter, more spontaneous breaks closer to home.

Shorter trips, closer to home

Olivia Howard, experience manager at Unity Holidays, said: “On the day bookings are significantly more common than they were pre-Covid and this summer, we saw a lot of visitors really making the most of their weekends, arriving on Friday night and leaving on Monday morning, going straight to work.” 

Caravans getting a luxury upgrade

The humble caravan holiday is also changing shape. Net curtains and plastic picnic tables are giving way to wine fridges, king-size beds and dressing rooms as standard expectations rather than rare extras. 

Allannah Harraway-Bowe, head of design at Victory Leisure Homes, said: “Our interior design has stepped up massively in the last few years, due to customer demand for super luxurious accommodation. And this summer really highlighted how holidaymakers are now accustomed to luxury.”

A more flexible way to holiday

Jamie Kirk, commercial director at Victory Leisure Homes, said: “Brits don’t necessarily want one big holiday anymore. They want to be able to escape more often, more spontaneously, closer to home, without compromising on comfort.” He added that the traditional caravan holiday is becoming less of a once-a-year event and more of a flexible lifestyle choice, a trend he expects to continue into 2027.

For caravan and motorhome owners, that shift means more frequent trips closer to home, with little reason to compromise on comfort along the way.

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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.

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