Could an all-electric VW campervan be the best off-grid leisure vehicle?

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

People within the leisure vehicle industry are divided about the possibility of an all-electric campervan. A lot of work has recently been done on battery technology that could transform small vans into highly capable off-grid machines.

But when will there be an electric powertrain campervan in the near future? The proliferation of EVs has been huge, but that of vans hasn’t been as significant. There are some self-converted – and very niche – ones out there, but not the kind that you or I could quickly pick up and start using. I think that’s going to change very, very soon.

Having recently driven the VW ID. Buzz during the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year testing, it’s a vehicle that’s crying out to be converted into a campervan.

In my opinion, the race is going to be between whether we see a full-production campervan like the ID. California, or an innovative converter. Either way, I predict that we might even see one at the Motorhome and Caravan Show this October.

 

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz

 

Prior to the ID. Buzz, I thought it would be unlikely to see a mass-produced motorhome with an all-electric drivetrain and habitation within the next 12 months. However, I’ve since driven the vehicle and seen its range capabilities first-hand.

Yes, you’ll be adding a little bit of weight (although not a huge amount in comparison to its battery), but the prospect is very exciting for habitation and wild camping. 

The giant engine – which will take you 258 miles – could run all of the internal features you need, making it the most capable off-grid camper available today. It could power habitation features such as heating, hotplates, lighting, sound and anything else you could want, for days and days.

Photo credit: Volkswagen

Caravan theft and security measures

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Caravan theft has increased by seven per cent since 2021, according to new research from leisure insurance specialist InsureMy. 

The data also revealed that holidaymakers aged 60 and above tend to suffer the most expensive losses from theft, with the average value stolen being £6,135 – more than doubling the £3,064 figure of caravan owners aged between 20 and 40.

These numbers highlight the sad reality of caravan theft. Just 11 per cent of leisure vehicles stolen in 2022 were recovered and a mere two per cent of all reported crimes resulted in a suspect being charged.

Once a caravan has been stolen, it’s not easy to get it back. So, the best thing you can do to avoid losing your leisure vehicle is to take preventative measures.

 

Caravan security measures

According to the National Caravan Council, there are approximately 555,000 touring caravans in the UK this year, meaning the opportunity for theft is high.

When it comes to security measures, data from InsureMy showed that hitch locks and wheel clamps were the most common methods used by caravan owners to deter criminals, whilst trackers, microtags, anti-tamper devices and even Smart Water all featured in the responses, albeit far less often.

Older caravan owners appear to be more concerned about security, with an average respondent in their 70s implementing 35 per cent more preventative measures than those aged under 30.

In fact, more than two-thirds of caravanners aged over 70 have an alarm, compared to just 41 per cent of those under 30. While other measures exist to slow down criminals, an alarm draws attention and could force them to give up on your caravan before they get caught.

Jon Hatton at InsureMy commented: “Caravans may not seem like the obvious priority for a gang of thieves, but the value of a caravan itself and its contents, the fact they are built to be easy to tow and the lack of compulsory registration details that are required for motor vehicles means they can be a lucrative target.”

With that in mind, here are five tips to prevent caravan theft:

  1. Ensure your caravan is kept in a secure location that is difficult to access
  2. Use adequate preventative measures – a hitch lock and wheel clamp should be a minimum
  3. Don’t leave valuable items in your caravan
  4. If the leisure vehicle is parked on your drive, consider having the tow bar face your house to make it more difficult for thieves to steal
  5. Above all, make sure you have adequate insurance that covers you should your caravan be damaged or stolen.

Read the full InsureMy Caravan Security Report 2023 here.

Photo credit: Pixabay / Pexels

Budget-savvy ways to keep kids entertained on a camping holiday

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When research of 1,500 parents resulted in a list of the top 20 budget-savvy ways to entertain kids that put camping in the garden at number ten, we thought a camping trip could be a great backdrop to the other activities. After all, pitching up in a caravan or motorhome and playing pooh sticks go hand-in-hand when it comes to lots of people’s childhood memories.

According to Boundless, which commissioned the research, 56 per cent of parents recommend going on picnics, 45 per cent champion playing board games and 42 per cent are in favour of bike rides. It’s already reading like the itinerary for a great camping trip, with looking for shells on the beach, berry picking and climbing trees all also appealing options.

Some of the activities listed, such as swimming in lakes, are not easily accessible to those who live in an urban setting and a trip away offers the perfect opportunity to give them a go. In fact, nature is a great provider of fun ways to keep the children entertained, whether it’s making daisy chains or concocting perfume out of petals.

That’s until it rains, of course, then doing jigsaws and playing cards are the stuff that family caravan trips in Britain are made of. Anyone who camped as a child will have memories of sitting around the table while raindrops made their way down the window panes, being glad to be cosy indoors.

Darren Milton from Boundless said: “The research shows that British parents are having to scale back some of their summer holiday activities this year, embracing old-fashioned pastimes such as berry picking and tree climbing.”

The research also suggested kids complain of being bored an average 21 times a day during the school summer holidays. When combined with 82 per cent of Brits thinking of savvier ways to keep their kids engaged this summer, it’s time to get creative.

Some 56 per cent of parents said they were going to forgo eating in restaurants, while days out at theme parks were being cut by 55 per cent of those surveyed. Trips to the cinema were out of the question for 48 per cent of families and visiting zoos or safari parks were no longer on the agenda for 47 per cent.

Many of these activities can be adapted and reproduced in a fun way on a caravan trip. We’re talking about cooking up a storm on the barbecue and eating al fresco; getting hold of a smartphone projector and a sheet to watch films as a family; and petting animals at a local farm close to a rural campsite.

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production

Another reason to consider an electric towcar

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Before everybody laughs at me and starts mentioning range anxiety, charging points and the ethics behind battery production and green credentials, let me just start by saying that electric cars make fan-flipping-tastic towcars!

In last week’s Cartwright Chronicle, I talked about the benefits of towing a caravan in sports mode. Well, things such as rapid throttle response, instant torque and power are all found in electric vehicles.

EVs are generally heavy, so proportionally, the weight of the car is much more than you’d find in an engined counterpart. Moreover, the weight distribution is fantastic! Often, the heaviest bit – otherwise known as the battery – is built into the chassis, so it’s low and spread across the entire width of the car. In other words, this is the perfect way to carry weight in a vehicle.

But now there’s another reason to consider electric towcars and it’s all about money and the second-hand market.

EVs and depreciation

EVs are the fastest-depreciating cars in the UK. This means that picking up a two to three-year-old electric car could save you 20 to 30 per cent of its original price. This drops what are very, very good cars into the same bracket as your average family vehicle.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recently published statistics that showed the top ten fastest-depreciating cars in the UK in the first half of 2023, and every single one is electric.

Of the vehicles in this list, I have personally towed with half of them, including the Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Leaf, Jaguar I-Pace, Volvo XC-40 Recharge and even the Tesla Model X, which isn’t exactly designed to be a towcar, but that didn’t stop me!

So, that’s half of the top ten fastest depreciating cars in the UK, but I thought all of them were excellent towcars. Most of these were tested at Millbrook during the Towcar of the Year competition judging. 

For example, in 2022, the Volvo XC-40 Recharge topped its class of caravan weight 1,500kg to 1,700kg. To have bought that last year, you’d have been looking at between £50,000 to £60,000. Now the average used price is around £40,000 – and that’s only one year later. 

What an absolute steal of a car! Picking one up now would mean you enjoy a fantastic day-to-day driving experience and save money (with the right plan) compared to petrol. You’ll benefit from a highly dependable range, too. So, if you are looking for a one-year-old car for £40,000 there aren’t many better options, from a towing perspective.

Now, it’s fair to say the impact of towing on an EV’s range is still unknown. It’s so varied, according to wind speed and direction, resistance, throttle, air temperature, inclines, breaking and many other factors. You can’t really calculate, or even estimate, the average loss in range when towing.

However, it does give you another reason to consider these vehicles as towcars and maybe think about taking a slightly slower route, with a few stops.

Photo credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha / Pexels

How to keep cool in a holiday heatwave

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School’s out for the summer! It’s the holiday season and that means plenty of Brits will be packing up and heading off for a leisure vehicle adventure.

Those of us who planned a UK staycation might be somewhat underwhelmed by the abrupt ending to the glorious, sunny weather we’d been lucky enough to experience for the last few weeks.

However, for those heading abroad in their caravans and motorhomes, there is ample opportunity to experience the highs of the European summer.

So, during a touring holiday to a very warm destination, what measures can you take to keep yourself and your caravan, campervan or motorhome cool? Air treatment expert Chris Michael from Meaco recently shared his best tips to make your summer getaway as comfortable and safe as possible.

 

Keep rooms cool

The weather outside may very well be frightful, but there’s no reason not to feel delightful. Unless, of course, you’ve left your windows and curtains open all day, exposing your leisure vehicle to the harsh temperatures.

If you’re hoping for more fresh air, try to only open windows and doors when the air outside is cooler, or at opposite ends for cross ventilation. This will ensure you aren’t increasing the inside temperature.

Furthermore, switching off any unused electrical devices will reduce the amount of heat energy being radiated within your leisure vehicle.

 

Invest in a portable fan

Recent years have seen the rise of USB-charged portable fans. Think how good a cool breeze would feel on a long car journey in 35-degree heat – that’s where these gadgets come in very handy.

Because these devices don’t require a plug socket, they’re also a great companion if you’re heading off-grid in your leisure vehicle. Look out for Quiet Mark-certified products that aren’t noisy and could potentially make the difference between a poor night’s sleep and a good one.

 

Take advantage of air conditioning

If your leisure vehicle is equipped with an air conditioning unit, turn it on a few hours before you intend to go to bed for a more comfortable experience.

Some units – especially fixed ones – can be particularly noisy, but cooling the bedroom down before you sleep there means you can turn it off after a few hours and enjoy a peaceful night.

Remember to keep the bedroom door and any curtains or blinds closed to avoid losing the cool air or, conversely, inviting the warmer air back inside.

 

Prepare for a chilled sleep

Before you head to bed, take a warm bath or shower. This will allow your body to relax and cool down naturally, unlike a cold wash, which stimulates your blood vessels to dilate and increase your body temperature.

Don’t forget to keep a glass of (preferably ice) cold water nearby to keep rehydrated if you wake up in the night feeling hot.

 

Photo credit: gya den / Pexels

Epic waterfalls to include on an international touring trip

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The UK has some beautiful countryside waterfalls, which you may wish to include on your next touring staycation. But, if you’re planning an overseas adventure by caravan or motorhome, things have the potential to get epic when it comes to cascades.

Many of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls can be accessed as part of a road trip and the International Drivers Association has compiled a list of these beauties. So, if you’ve got Iceland, the Americas or even Africa in your sights, read on…

Niagara Falls, USA and Canada

Probably the most famous waterfall on the planet, Niagara Falls straddles the border between the USA and Canada. It makes a great stop on a wider road trip around the Great Lakes region, with three different cascades making up the world-renowned sight.

Gullfoss, Iceland

Iceland’s Golden Circle has become a classic road trip, as it’s a great way to tick off many of the country’s attractions. Chief among these must be the golden falls itself – Gullfoss – with tiers of water thundering into a deep canyon.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Make sure you factor in multiple days to visit the gargantuan Iguazu Falls on a South American touring road trip as the network of trails through the rainforest are enchanting. We recommend visiting from the Brazil side first to get an overview of the falls before getting up close and personal with them in Argentina the next day.

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘The smoke that thunders’ in the local Sotho language, Victoria Falls is another set of cascades found on the border between two nations. Thrillseekers can pause their road trip to bungee jump from its iconic bridge or white water raft on the Zambezi’s rapids in this jaw-dropping location.

Seljalandsfoss, Iceland

One of the benefits of tackling Iceland’s Ring Road in a caravan or motorhome is that you can take as long as you like and enjoy detours at your own convenience. Once such departure should be to Seljalandsfoss, which has a stunning approach worthy of the end destination.

Multnomah Falls, USA

Driving through the US’ Pacific Northwest will take you on the Historic Columbia River Highway from where you can easily reroute just a little out of your way to Benson Bridge. Here, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of Multnomah Falls.

Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia

Some fantastic touring holidays can be planned in Europe and any that takes you within the vicinity of Croatia should include a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The crowning glory of this turquoise-hued landscape is its waterfalls connecting the myriad lakes and pools.

Pictured Rocks Waterfalls, USA

You’ll be spoilt for choice while travelling Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in your caravan or motorhome, as the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore boasts multiple cascades. Must-sees include Munising Falls and Sable Falls, but you could visit them all.

Athirappilly Falls, India

Time your road trip in India with monsoon season to see the full force of Kerala’s stunning Athirappilly Falls. Combine your visit with nearby Charpa Falls and Vazhachal Falls for a trio that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Dettifoss, Iceland

If you’re ticking off the other Icelandic cascades on this list, you won’t want to miss Dettifoss, the largest waterfall in Europe. It’s not on the Golden Circle, but with the flexibility offered by your leisure vehicle, you could visit this and other Diamond Circle attractions during your stay.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonatan Lewczuk

Towing a caravan? Activate sports mode!

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Recently, I had the privilege of being a driving judge at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s annual Towcar of the Year (TCOY) competition. 

For those unaware, car manufacturers submit their latest towing vehicles and judges are given a week at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire to assess how well they tow caravans.

All of the caravans are fully scrutineered and weighted according to the manufacturer guidelines, before being put through testing on a hill route, high-speed bowl, zero-to-60 straight and general driving conditions.

This is all with the aim of simulating a variety of driving conditions, including winding country roads with tight hairpins, steep slopes up to a 26 per cent gradient, hill starts, motorway driving and low-speed manoeuvring.

My job, as a driving judge, is to fairly assess how each car behaves under the same pressures and conditions. Every year, I find myself amazed by the variety of submissions, how good these cars are at towing and, also, my inability to predict which ones will perform best or worst.

Forget the brand, fuel type, engine size or body shape – some cars simply tow better than others. But for anyone about to head off on a summer staycation, there’s one thing that I’ve noticed that makes the towing experience much better. Put your car in sports mode!

 

How does sports mode help with towing?

When I’m touring with my family, the second I press the sports mode button, my wife tuts, gives me a specific look and reminds me there are children in the car. However, I believe it’s a safer option whilst towing and here’s why.

When you activate sports mode, it stiffens your car’s suspension and tends to keep the revs in the engine slightly higher, giving you a better throttle response. But why is that important?

Imagine you’re approaching a tight bend in a winding country road. As you turn the wheels of your car, centrifugal force makes the outside half of your vehicle heavier, compressing the suspension on that side.

As you begin to move around the corner, your caravan is still travelling in a straight line behind you. To change that direction, a certain level of force is required and it needs to be applied by your towcar. Otherwise, your leisure vehicle will continue its original trajectory, causing instability, or even an accident.

Pressing the sports mode button will tighten your car’s suspension, meaning less body roll and improved traction. A faster throttle response will allow you to gently accelerate to change the direction of your caravan. Ultimately, this means that your car is driving the caravan, as opposed to your caravan pushing the car.

 

Which cars work best for towing?

SUVs tend to have larger suspension travel to facilitate off-road driving. Often, it’s quite soft for comfortable road driving, which prevents you from feeling the impact of potholes and bumps in the road. 

When cornering in a standard suspension setting, SUVs generally have a lot more body roll than other types of vehicles, like estate cars or hatchbacks. This exacerbates that hideous feeling during the apex of a tight corner, making the throttle response more important than ever.

There were a number of SUVs tested at the TCOY awards this year, where sports mode made the world of difference. This is especially true for automatic vehicles, where there can be a delay of a few milliseconds between pressing the accelerator and applying more speed to the wheels – although it often feels more like an eternity.

So, when towing a caravan, particularly with an SUV, please show your touring partner my article, press the sports mode button and drive along to the picture of a chequered flag.

Photo credit: Engin Akyurt / Pexels

The UK’s highest-rated campervan destinations

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The British population is becoming increasingly eager to swap expensive flights abroad for UK-based leisure vehicle staycations. In fact, three-quarters of adults said they’d prefer a domestic holiday in 2023.

Our summer weather may not have been everything we’d hoped for so far, but a spot of rain is no reason to forgo a holiday in your caravan or motorhome this year.

With that in mind, the experts at Select Van Leasing have ranked the UK’s most highly rated campervan holiday spots that you should consider for your next staycation.

 

Where are the best campervan destinations in the UK?

British tourers are somewhat spoilt for choice when it comes to campervan destinations. With such a plethora of breathtaking settings to choose from, it’s not a huge surprise that two leisure vehicle holiday locations shared the joint-first position.

Based in the stunning Highland Perthshire, Glengoulandie Camping and Caravanning in the Cairngorms National Park was awarded a perfect score – ten out of ten – for its five-star rating.

The family-owned site is situated just eight miles out of Pitlochry and Aberfeldy, backed up by a vast network of cycling routes, walking trails and water sports destinations on the doorstep. A truly special place to take in some of Scotland’s natural beauty.

Joining Glengoulandie at the top of the podium was Welsh campsite Hendre Mynach Camping and Touring Park in the National Park of Eryri, Snowdonia. Again, the site recorded a perfect score with another five-star rating.

Following in joint second place were adult-only site Cosmos Camping in the Brecon Beacons National Park and Westdown Farm Wild Camping and Caravanning Centre in the Dartmoor National Park, both of which received a commendable 7.7 out of ten and a 4.98-star rating.

Find out how other destinations ranked below.

Photo credit: Kevin Schmid / Unsplash

Top tips for embracing eco-friendly touring

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Whether you’re heading off in a motorhome with the family this summer or hopping in a caravan to embark on a solo journey, touring is a great way to explore the stunning landscapes of the United Kingdom.

However, in your pursuit of adventure, it is crucial to be mindful of your environmental impact and strive towards eco-friendly practices. 

Here are our favourite ways to reduce your environmental footprint during caravan or motorhome trips to promote sustainable tourism and responsible exploration. 

Choose a green caravan or motorhome

The foundation of eco-friendly touring lies in the vehicle itself. When purchasing or renting a caravan or motorhome, opt for models that are designed with this in mind. 

Look for vehicles equipped with energy-efficient appliances, solar panels for power generation and advanced insulation to minimise energy consumption. 

Practise responsible waste management

Proper waste management is a key aspect of sustainable caravanning. Always use designated waste disposal points at caravan parks, ensuring that recyclables are separated from general waste. 

Minimise single-use plastic by packing reusable water bottles, containers and shopping bags and, when possible, try to compost organic waste to reduce landfill contributions and benefit the environment.

Embrace sustainable driving practices

Efficient driving techniques not only save fuel but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help you stay safe on the road. 

Some techniques you can implement include maintaining a steady speed, avoiding rapid acceleration and reducing engine idling. 

Additionally, be sure to regularly service your vehicle to keep it in top condition and ensure it runs efficiently throughout your journeys. 

Use renewable energy sources

Leverage the power of renewable energy sources during your caravanning adventures by installing solar panels on your vehicle’s roof to harness the sun’s energy, allowing you to charge batteries and power small appliances sustainably. 

Support green caravan parks

Before booking your stay, research and choose caravan parks that prioritise sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Look for sites with environmental certifications or initiatives such as recycling programs, water conservation measures and renewable energy usage. 

Supporting green caravan parks encourages responsible tourism and reinforces the demand for environmentally conscious facilities.

Embrace eco-friendly activities

During your caravan trips, engage in eco-friendly activities that promote environmental awareness and conservation. 

Be mindful of the world around you when engaging in outdoor pursuits like hiking, wild swimming and sightseeing, and remember to leave nothing behind but footprints. 

If you want to make a difference, why not convince the family to participate in an organised beach or park clean-up or give your support to another conservation project?

 

Image credit: Sergio Martínez / Unsplash

How to pack like a pro for your next staycation

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If you’re planning a summer staycation, you’re not alone. The search term ‘best places to go on holiday UK’ has more-than-doubled in popularity on Google over the last three months as plenty of Brits are ditching flights abroad for a leisure vehicle break.

In fact, the ongoing cost of living crisis means that over half of us (56 per cent) are planning a British staycation this year, according to research from MoneyTransfers.com. 

We’re sure most of our readers would agree the best part of a holiday is… probably not packing for it! With that in mind, the experts at Pure Leisure have gathered together the top ten packing tips to help you get ready for your perfect summer staycation.

1. Consider the British weather

Summer in the UK might not live up to certain European destinations, but it’s still likely to be hot. Protect yourself with sunscreen, a suitable hat and a stylish pair of shades.

Similarly, pack adequate layers of clothing. A lightweight raincoat will never go amiss in our wonderful country, whilst an umbrella and some wellies could become essential items too. Additionally, orange survival bags (or bin liners) are highly recommended by our very own Dan Cartwright.

2. Pack light

A staycation in your leisure vehicle should be… leisurely. Don’t pack everything you own when preparing – any location in the UK won’t be terribly far from a shop where you can grab any items you might need.

3. Power banks

We live in a digital age, so when you head off-grid for a relaxing staycation and your gadgets all run out of battery, you might be rather disappointed.

Pick up a slim, lightweight portable charger to ensure your devices are always up and running. This is especially useful if you’re heading to a festival or for a camping holiday.

4. Pick an appropriate bag

For a short weekend away, you probably don’t need to bring a giant suitcase. Swap it for a rucksack or duffle bag instead to avoid carrying dead weight and, if you’re taking the car, enjoy the extra legroom you’ll benefit from as a result.

5. Smart suitcases

If a larger suitcase is a must, look out for one that has 360° wheels. This will really help with manoeuvrability across the board, from bumpy country lanes to public transport. A perk of leisure vehicle holidays is that you won’t have to worry about any size or weight restrictions, so you can feel free to choose any suitcase you fancy.

6. Coffee fix

Plenty of coffee addicts walk among us. When they’re stuck in a caravan park in the middle of nowhere, things can turn sour quickly!

To avoid needless caffeine cravings, why not invest in a portable coffee machine? These gadgets will brew your favourite drink perfectly every time and their small size means they won’t take up much space in your luggage.

7. Stack, stack, stack!

Just like property developments in crowded cities, the best way to utilise your leisure vehicle’s space is to build upwards. Try stacking your belongings in storage pots where possible. This will also minimise the risk of small items, like makeup or jewellery, from breaking.

8. Burrito time

Not barbacoa beef or pulled pork, but fabrics from your wardrobe. If you’re finding it difficult to get all of the clothes you want to bring into your luggage, try rolling them all up like you would when making a burrito.

If you’re an extremely organised person, you could even roll separate outfits into individual burritos, taking one out each day or as you need to change.

9. Start at the end

If you are a very organised person who can roll individual burritos for your staycation, this one’s for you.

Pack the things you’ll need on the final days of your trip first and the things you’ll need as soon as you get there, last. Essentially, this means you won’t have to tip everything out of your bag when you arrive.

For parents, this is also a fairly devious way of making older children exercise forward-thinking. Let them work out what they actually need and what they could do without for a while. You can even have them write down what they’re planning to wear if they need help visualising what to pack.

10. Happy kids, happy holiday

Families want to relax on holiday and when the children are unhappy, it’s incredibly hard to unwind. Let your little ones bring a toy and try to limit their clothes to easy separates that can be mixed and matched with another.

We’d advise you not to take anything your children are extremely attached to in case it gets lost, damaged or destroyed. However, if they refuse to leave their favourite toy or teddy behind, encourage them to write a letter or make a video for it, describing what they’ve been up to on holiday.

Photo credit: Craig Adderley / Pexels

Dream Destinations: Cotswolds

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The Cotswolds is a quintessentially English region that spans five counties and is renowned for its idyllic countryside, charming villages and rich history. It’s also one of the best places in the UK to visit in a caravan or motorhome. 

So, if you’re planning your summer touring adventure and want to stay closer to home this year, consider this delightful area of the country.

Today, we share a few tips for making the most of your Cotswolds getaway when travelling in a leisure vehicle. 

First things first, the Cotswolds boasts several caravan and motorhome-friendly sites, offering fantastic facilities and picturesque surroundings – so you won’t have a problem finding a spot to pitch up. Consider staying at popular locations such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden or Moreton-in-Marsh where you can base yourself and enjoy easy access to the surrounding areas. 

Embrace the Cotswolds’ enchanting villages, each with its own unique character and array of quaint galleries, craft shops and antique stores. Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, is a highlight with its bridges and charming boutiques. Don’t miss Castle Combe, often regarded as England’s prettiest village, and Bibury, home to the iconic Arlington Row cottages.

History enthusiasts will relish the Cotswolds’ wealth of historic landmarks. Be sure to visit Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and the majestic Sudeley Castle. Pay a visit to Cirencester, the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” and soak in the history as you wander its ancient streets. 

For nature lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and breathe some fresh air. Lace up your hiking boots and traverse the Cotswolds’ scenic trails, including the Cotswold Way, which offers a variety of routes. Head to the iconic Broadway Tower for panoramic views or hike up Cleeve Hill for stunning vistas across the region.

When it comes to places to eat, there are plenty of traditional pubs and eateries where you can indulge in typical English fare. We recommend trying hearty dishes like Cotswold lamb and Gloucestershire sausages. Don’t forget to reserve a traditional afternoon tea in one of the charming villages.

Finally, if you want to add a touch of luxury to your touring trip, be sure to pamper yourself at Cheltenham Spa, known for its rejuvenating treatments and tranquil surroundings. 

If you’re looking for the top spots to visit in a caravan or motorhome in the UK, the Cotswolds is a contender that combines natural beauty, history and charm. 

 

Image credit: Magda Vrabetz / Unsplash

How to beat the crowds this summer holiday

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School is out for the summer, which means families across the country will be gearing up to set off on their British staycation holidays. Despite a blip in the beautiful weather, we’re promised clear skies and warm days throughout August. 

The ongoing cost of living crisis has turned plenty of us away from expensive trips abroad in favour of caravan and motorhome holidays, which continue to become a more popular choice for Brits.

This interest in domestic travel means that roads and destinations in the UK are busier than usual, especially with the school holidays underway. If a busy staycation doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, fear not! The experts at Quirky Campers have shared four of their best tips for a more relaxed holiday.

 

1. Go remote

When it comes to planning your staycation, think outside the box and consider alternatives to the classic tourist hotspots. 

This could mean that instead of destinations like the Lake District and Cornwall, you take a look at what’s on offer in more remote locations, such as the North York Moors or certain areas of Scotland.

 

2. The Road Not Taken

Robert Frost may not have been talking about caravans or the M25 when he penned his famous poem, but there is a staycation-related point to be made. Some roads – major motorways in particular – will undoubtedly be more congested than others. 

So, be on the lookout for quieter routes, like the Great West Way, a 125-mile touring route connecting London to Bristol, all along ancient roads. Who knows, you might just stumble across a charming market town or a quaint village along the way.

 

3. Take it easy, stay a while

The clue is in the name. A *leisure* vehicle holiday doesn’t necessarily require you to clock up hundreds of miles. Sometimes, it’s a better idea to pick a region to explore and keep things local.

This is a brilliant way to find out what an area truly has to offer and it often means you avoid the heavy holiday traffic as well.

 

4. Opt for private camping

To guarantee your privacy during the busy holiday season, the ultimate way is to opt for a private campsite. 

Certain companies, like Wild With Consent, offer holidaymakers the opportunity to book wild camping spots directly with landowners. If you’re looking to head off-grid and away from the hustle and bustle, this could be the perfect staycation for you.

 

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