How to stay safe when touring in the cold weather

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Winter is just around the corner and it’s a time of year when a disproportionate amount of road accidents occur. If you’re planning a cold-weather touring adventure, it’s important to make sure you’re taking the right precautions to avoid accidents when driving a caravan or motorhome. 

To help you stay safe, the team at ChooseMyCar.com have put together a list of tips for driving in cold weather conditions. Founder Nick Zapolski commented: 

“It’s really important to get yourself prepared for winter motoring, as half the battle is being ready. Breaking down in summer is a lot different to breaking down in the freezing cold weather, on an unlit road. Being aware and prepped for winter driving will give you some assurances before you make any journey, and help keep you and your family safe.” 

  • Get your car prepared for winter

Ensure your car is ready for the potential risks that bad weather brings. This includes equipping it with items like a warning triangle, water, warm clothing, a torch, a phone charger, and an ice scraper among other things. They will make sure you’re prepared in case anything does go wrong. It’s also a good idea to consider using winter tyres. 

  • Know what to do if you break down on an unlit road

If this happens, you’ll need to alert other drivers to the fact that you’ve broken down using your hazard lights. Once they are on, you can pull over in a suitable location, place a warning triangle 45 metres behind your car and caravan and wear high-vis clothing to ensure other drivers can see you. 

When you’re safely out of the way, call breakdown services to help or, if you don’t have any phone signal, flag down another car safely. 

  • How to proceed if your brakes fail

If your brakes fail, put your hazard lights on immediately and slow your vehicle down using your gears. Once you are at an appropriate speed, use the handbrake to come to a complete stop in a suitable place. 

  • Driving on snowy or icy roads

If you can’t avoid travelling in snowy or icy conditions, be sure to plan enough time for your journey and take it steady. 

Consider changing to winter tyres or keeping snow chains on your car. Additionally, ensure your car is prepared with items such as a de-icer, ice scraper, warm clothes and plenty of food and water in case you break down. 

When on the road, be sure to keep a safe distance from other vehicles. If you do hit any ice, keep the steering wheel straight and don’t hit the brakes suddenly. 

  • Driving in heavy rain or on flooded roads

In the winter, it’s more common for flash floods to occur without warning. If you are caught in heavy rain, it’s important to turn on your headlights and drive to higher ground as safely as possible. Leave twice the normal stopping distance between your vehicle and others on the road. 

 

Image credit: Oliur / Unsplash

7 things you should know about touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans

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CaravanTimes readers are no strangers to a bit of leisure vehicle trivia. However, the National Caravan Council (NCC) has put together a list of fascinating facts, shocking stats and even some figures which simply make you feel proud to be a part of this community. Let’s take a look at some of them below.

Halfway to a million

There are more than 550,000 touring caravans in use in the UK, which means over half a million adventurers head off in their leisure vehicles each year. Nine in ten of these caravans are manufactured here in Britain and are purchased by a broad spectrum of customers – from solo travellers to families and retirees.

Billion-pound industry

Whilst most industries have faced significant pressure in the face of economic challenges following the pandemic, motorhome manufacturers have recovered well and leisure vehicles are more popular than ever before. 2019 saw a record year for caravan sales with 15,324 registered – that’s over £1.1 billion worth of motorhomes.

Convenience? Check

Modern motorhomes are kitted out with pretty much any convenience you could want, including electric drop-down beds, USB sockets and wireless phone chargers, touchscreen TVs, Apple Car-Play, dimmable LED lights, cruise control… The list is seemingly endless. Some larger models even come with a garage!

Antiques roadshow

In September this year, what was labelled the world’s oldest motorhome was sold at auction by Bonhams for £63,250. A custom-built, 20ft-long, 1914 vehicle based on the Ford Model T chassis was designed and manufactured for the Bentall family, who founded the department store chain of the same name. The body was constructed by Dunton of Reading, famous for high-quality traditional travellers’ caravans.

Going green

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges are a top priority for businesses looking to empathise with their audiences. Fortunately, caravanning and motorhoming are already very ‘green’ choices for a holiday, especially for those who tour close to home. But it doesn’t stop there – newer additions like solar panels and fully electric vehicles mean our industry is certainly doing its bit to help out.

Going… to work?

Yes, you read that right. We already know and love the versatility of motorhomes and campervans when it comes to holidays. However, they also make brilliant workspaces. Particularly smaller models, as they can be easily parked in an appropriate, designated area and even double as a second car.

Towing power

In December 2021, when the Category B driving licence was changed, the B+E class was granted to anyone with a full driving licence in England, Scotland and Wales without a requirement to take any further tests. Now, eligible drivers can head out with a combined maximum allowable mass of 7,500kg – covering the majority of bigger cars and SUVs with most caravans.

It’s fair to say that caravan holidays of the past gained somewhat of a negative rep, with claustrophobic sleeping arrangements and noisy neighbours. Fast forward to today and motorhomes have become bespoke hotels on wheels. There’s no longer a ‘typical’ caravanner, but a large and constantly growing community of adventurers.

Photo credit: Matheus Bertelli / Pexels

Caravans vs motorhomes: Practicality, desirability and the snooker test

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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.

In the UK, caravans are sold more frequently than motorhomes. However, the latter is on the rise. The rate of motorhome sales is increasing much more, especially taking the pandemic ‘bubble’ into account. But which is better?

In this week’s edition of the Cartwright Chronicles, we’ll be talking about both in terms of general use rather than specialist. We know most of these vehicles are used for leisure purposes, stay within the UK for the majority of their lives and generally remain on-site for an average of three nights.

Motorhomes are often regarded as aspirational or desirable. Any new member of staff here at CaravanTimes wants to take one away for a test. They want to sample the motorhome lifestyle, while taking the humble caravan out for a spin is seen as less of a perk of the job.

Now, it’s true that many people think driving a motorhome is far easier than towing a caravan, but it’s not just about the journey. Your destination counts too, so don’t forget that. A few years ago, we devised something called the ‘snooker test’. Any time a new member of staff starts at CaravanTimes, we take them to a show or a dealership, where they see both caravans at motorhomes. Then, the snooker test begins. Let’s picture the scenario.

You’ve planned a day out, but the weather has turned sour. It’s only midday and already you’re soaking wet and freezing cold. Now, the rest of your day of adventure has been abandoned, so you’re heading back to your leisure vehicle to warm up. At this point, you realise 17 frames of the snooker final are on TV tonight. Brilliant! Time to nip to the shop to get enough food and drink to see you through lunch, dinner and into the evening in comfort.

It’s at this stage that we ask a simple question. Caravan or motorhome? Suddenly, the former might seem much more appealing for a few reasons.

You want to head to the shop quickly to grab enough supplies to last from lunch to bedtime. If your leisure vehicle is a caravan, that means you can simply drive the car into town. No problems parking, even in a small town. If you travelled to your holiday destination in a motorhome, you’re going to find nipping to the shops becomes more of an adventure than you bargained for.

Now, think about the amenities. Typically, fridges and cooking facilities are bigger and better in caravans, which means you can cook and store more food, keeping everyone’s appetite at bay throughout the afternoon and evening.

What about your comfort? A motorhome has to have seatbelts and travelling seats for passengers, often limiting the seating configuration. Would you really want to spend an entire evening with the driver’s seat turned around? Most of us would prefer a lovely long bench seat in a caravan.

Even the smaller things count, like the position of your TV. A caravan is essentially a box, with the only purpose of providing comfort and habitation – the space is used entirely for that purpose. This means your TV can be positioned wherever suits you best. Then think about cupboards, charging points and lights – everything in your caravan is designed to be in a convenient place.

Finally, you can’t ignore the cost. A caravan is significantly cheaper than a motorhome and, being a dedicated habitation device, is very practical. Most often, to get anywhere close to the comfort provided by even a cheap caravan, you’ll have to spend two to three times the money.

So, if you were thinking caravans are inferior to motorhomes – think again. Both have their benefits, but it’s definitely worth considering the advantages of a dedicated holiday machine without any compromise on comfort.

Photo credit: Loes Klinker / Unsplash

The real value of your second-hand motorhome

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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.

I’ve noticed there’s a general perception about motorhomes of people thinking they don’t devalue, but that’s not true. They certainly don’t depreciate as much as cars on a percentage basis, however many readers might be shocked by the value they can realise from their motorhome.

This article is important if you’re considering buying a new or second-hand motorhome and are tempted to extend the amount you’re willing to pay based on residual value, or if you’re a motorhome owner considering liquidating the asset.

While it’s true they maintain their value well, you need to look at where most motorhomes are purchased and why. Being a significantly large purchase and with so many makes, ranges, models, layouts and configurations available on the market, most customers want to go to a dealership and have a look around for a trusted buying experience.

However, the popularity of dealerships means that selling your motorhome privately can be challenging. There’s a smaller market for people willing to spend £30,000 to £50,000 on sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. As such, the value of your motorhome is likely to be based on what a dealership will pay for it.

But here’s where a lot of people go wrong. They look at the price of their motorhome in a dealership and think that’s exactly what it’s worth, but this isn’t the case. Let’s take a look at the example below.

On Facebook Marketplace, I came across this 2017 Bailey Approach Advance 665. It has a great description, one owner from new and low mileage, coming in at the price of £39,000. 

There’s a range of dealers with the same model and it’s roughly £8,000 more. But why? It’s because the dealership has to conduct a lot of work to sell your motorhome. Some of the factors causing the price to inflate are:

  • Inspecting the motorhome
  • Making any necessary repairs
  • Washing the motorhome
  • Promotion and marketing
  • Cost of sales
  • Paying dealership staff

One more point that’s worth noting is the cost of servicing the loan to buy your motorhome while it’s sitting on the dealership forecourt. Let’s say they buy your motorhome for £50,000 and they have it for six months and the loan comes with five per cent interest. This means the dealership will incur £2,500. On top of all of these things, they still have to make a profit. So, when you take your motorhome to a dealership, don’t expect to get a forecourt price for it.

When assessing the value of your motorhome on the second-hand market, always look at what you could buy it for on the private market first. This will give you a good indication of what a dealership might pay for it, although they will probably offer slightly less.

This is in no way meant to seem discouraging. If you’re thinking of buying a motorhome – it’s a fantastic idea. They unlock touring holidays that are unlike any other. But, take your time and do the research. It’s vital to understand how much depreciation you’re likely to experience and avoid overspending on the purchase.

Image credit: Kampus Production / Pexels

7 ways to keep your caravan safe this winter

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Some adventurers won’t be deterred by the winter weather this year, but many of us will be storing the caravan away during the colder months.

Data from the ONS revealed that 192,060 domestic burglaries were reported in the last year, with one house burgled every 164 seconds. Theft is more likely to occur in the winter than the summer as many caravan owners can’t make it to their second home during the period for various reasons. This means that many caravans are completely unattended for several months.

In the UK alone, the volume of in-use caravans is staggering. It’s estimated there are currently:

  • 555,000 touring caravans
  • 365,000 caravan holiday homes
  • 225,000 motorhomes

With over a million leisure vehicles on the road, there’s a prime opportunity for criminals to turn a profit. We’ll be taking a look at advice from Shane Spence, owner of Sell The Caravan, who has listed some of his best tips to make sure your caravan is safe and sound throughout the coming winter.

Mark and register valuables

Starting with a simple one, make sure any valuables you have are out of sight when your caravan isn’t in use. Potential thieves will be deterred if they don’t think it’s worth the trouble to attempt a burglary.

Fit an alarm

For another proven deterrent of intruders, install an alarm in your caravan. If someone does attempt to break in, the noise will be heard all over the holiday park, forcing most to stop and flee.

Window and door locks

It may sound simple, but it’s easily overlooked in a rush to get packed up and back home. Take care to close, lock and secure any windows, doors and roof lights on your caravan when you leave it. If your static home doesn’t have double glazing, it might be wise to have window locks installed.

Choose a reputable holiday park

Put in a bit of effort to research if a site is managed, has on-site security or even a watch scheme. All of these measures have been proven to reduce the amount of caravan-related crime, so it’s worth investing a bit of time and choosing a reliable holiday park.

Protect your belongings with insurance

Taking out a strong insurance policy is recommended when it comes to safeguarding your property. Not only does it offer you peace of mind, but if a thief did manage to steal items, you’ll be covered.

Pack outdoor furniture away

Leaving any furniture outside when nobody is there to watch it is a risk, although can easily be forgotten. Another simple way to keep everything safe is to pack it inside your home and lock it away before you leave.

Network

Whether you’re a social butterfly or an introvert, getting to know your neighbours and other people at your holiday park can be a blessing. They’ll be more likely to watch out for you and your property, keeping an eye on your home while you’re not there and letting you know if something’s not right.

Image credit: Yulia Gadalina / Unsplash

The best caravan parks in the UK to beat the winter blues

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As the days become shorter and the weather gets chillier, touring holidays are a great way to combat the winter blues. 

People who spend more time outdoors are more likely to report improved psychological well-being. A recent survey revealed that a third of Brits feel that caravanning or camping positively impacts their mental health. There are many reasons why getting away and enjoying the outdoors can make us feel happier, including enabling us to get more exercise, detox from our digital devices and nurture our relationships with family and friends.

The team at Pitchup have put together a list of the best campsites and caravan sites across the UK to improve wellness during the colder months. Whether you want to boost your mood with Wales’ stunning natural beauty or explore some of England’s best coastal regions – there’s something for everyone. 

Crowdecote Campsite

For anyone who wants to experience the breathtaking splendour of the Peak District, consider pitching up at Crowdecote Campsite, an adults-only farm site in Derbyshire. 

Tan Aeldroch Farm

Located in Gwynedd, Dolwyddelan is a great spot to stay if you want to explore Snowdonia National Park. Although the weather might not be hike-permiting, there’s still plenty to do in this stunning part of Wales. Explore the quaint towns or get cosy in a local pub over a pint of ale or two. 

Black Barn Farm

Just two miles from the Norfolk Broads, this adults-only caravan site is ideal for exploring the natural beauty of the area. On rainy days, you can check out the sights in Norwich which is just a 15-minute drive away. 

Beechwood Caravan Park York

Just 10 minutes from central York, this delightful caravan park is great for families and offers all the facilities you need to stay comfortable in the winter. From here you can visit the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Trebyla Farm

This peaceful farm site in Cornwall offers spectacular views of the sea and surrounding countryside. Just a short distance from the South West Coast Path, this is the ideal place to pitch up if you want to explore the best of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. 

Grove Farm Caravan Site

If you fancy heading to the Norfolk coast on your next touring escapade, Pitchup recommends staying at Grove Farm Caravan Site on the outskirts of Warham. If the weather is good you can enjoy sea views and seal spotting, but if it takes a turn for the worse the town of Wells-next-the-Sea is just a short drive away with many pubs and a charming harbour. 

 

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The best UK national parks for your next touring adventure

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Where should you go on your next motorhome tour? It’s a question that begs a lot of deliberation, but we’ve got some inspiration to help.

Cost & Country Hotel Collection has analysed Google reviews to see which of the UK’s national parks is the most popular among those looking for a fun family outing.

There are 15 national parks across England, Wales and Scotland. These protected areas with special qualities receive more than 100 million visits every year. Each is unique, with some boasting historic sites, others offering scenic trails and all being home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.

Northumberland claimed the top spot as the UK’s most popular national park. Nearby Bamburgh Castle has towered above the coastline for many thousands of years and attracts visitors en masse, yielding an average review score of 4.7 out of 5.

Alnwick Castle – another feature of the Northumberland park and famous for appearing in Harry Potter – received praise from visitors, with over 9,000 reviews. Other points of interest include Hareshaw Linn Waterfall, Kielder Observatory and Housesteads Roman Fort.

Second place was awarded to The Peak District, which gathered almost 50,000 unique reviews. Home to Baslow Edge and Froggat Edge, the national park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country.

Chatsworth House, which resides within the area and stands as one of the most notable landmarks in Derbyshire, claimed 14,600 independent reviews, with an average score of 4.7.

The bronze medal was awarded to the UK’s only natural World Heritage site, the Lake District. With almost 50,000 unique Google reviews highlighting its natural beauty, users were particularly impressed by the Aira Force Waterfall. The magical set of falls sits within beautiful woodland and boasts an average review rating of 4.7 from 3,900 users.

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What’s the difference between a campervan, panel van, semi-integrated motorhome and an A-class motorhome?

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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.

Having spent a week at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2022, I got the opportunity to talk with lots of people and noticed an influx of newcomers and individuals looking to move up from the canvas options.

Today, there’s a wider range of types and classes than ever before, which can be confusing for those just starting to look for their perfect motorhome. Unfortunately, there’s not always a clear industry definition to help people understand exactly what’s on offer.

This week in the Cartwright Chronicle, we’ll take a brief look at points of difference between the main terms you’ll hear when looking at motorhomes to highlight the key features of each type.

Campervans

A campervan is a van that has been built on a smaller shell or converted from one into a motorhome. 

People often think of old-school VWs or modern Californias when this term pops up, but there’s a huge volume of self-converters and motorhomes built on the VW chassis that aren’t manufactured by VW. In fact, we’re seeing more and more campervans based on Citroens, Peugeots and, very popular now, Ford.

Most people would define a campervan as ‘not having a dedicated indoor toilet, shower or washroom’, which is a good rule of thumb for those new to the scene. These motorhomes are generally under six metres in length, may or may not have a pop top and the rear bench travelling seats will usually let down into a bed, although not always.

Van conversions

Also known as a panel van, these are larger models like the Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit, where the interior has been converted into a motorhome, but the outside remains the same as the base van.

There are plenty of UK manufacturers producing these vans, with a wide variety of factory-fit options spanning a lot of price points.

With that extra room gained over the base model, van conversions typically benefit from an indoor toilet, shower and washroom. Often, they have better kitchen facilities and larger fridges.

Most of these motorhomes have dedicated seating areas. They can be two-berth or four-berth and with or without a pop top. In terms of length, van conversions generally start at roughly six metres, but extra-long wheelbase versions span up to seven metres.

Semi-integrated motorhomes

Motorhomes are sometimes referred to as ‘semi-integrated’. These are vehicles where the motorhome manufacturer builds the entire habitation aspect and the only parts supplied by the automotive manufacturer are the cab and the two front wheels.

Most UK motorhomes are built on an Alko chassis, then traditional coach-building methods are used to construct everything behind the cab. Typically, they have wider habitation areas than base model vans and are often higher.

These vehicles range from two to eight-berth, depending on size. Additionally, motorhomes can be anywhere between six to eight metres in length.

Extra features include electronic drop-down beds; above-cab beds; designated daytime-nighttime and sleeping areas; full central heating and hot water systems; onboard water carrying and waste facilities; as well as the infrastructure for gas and electric hookup.

A-class motorhomes

Also known as fully-integrated motorhomes, these are generally the most expensive of the different classes. With an A-class, the manufacturers build the entire exterior of the motorhome, while the only things supplied by the automotive manufacturer are the engine and steering components.

When you consider a dream motorhome, you’re probably thinking about an A-class. They feature twin rear wheels, front windows with huge, panoramic views and can be much longer than other types, ranging from six metres up to nine or ten metres on certain UK models.

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5 tips for driving safely in the dark

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It’s that time of year again when the days get shorter and the nights get longer. Although this shouldn’t stop you from embarking on a touring adventure, it’s important to remember that driving in the dark poses more risk than during daylight hours. 

With this in mind, the experts at Select Car Leasing have shared a checklist to help motorists ensure they’re taking the right precautions when driving in the dark. So if you’re planning an autumn or winter getaway in your motorhome or caravan, here’s how to stay safe once the sun goes down. 

Check and use your lights appropriately

The first thing to be sure of when driving at night is that both your front and rear lights are working properly. This is a legal requirement, so if you find a bulb has stopped working it’s essential to get it checked and fixed as soon as possible to avoid hefty fines. 

Turn your dipped headlights on about an hour before sunset and make sure they remain on an hour after sunrise. This way, you will always be visible to other road users. 

When driving on unlit country roads, use full beam headlights so you can see the roads properly. This will allow you to see any pedestrians or wild animals to avoid any accidents. Remember to switch to dipped headlights if you encounter another vehicle to prevent dazzling other drivers. 

Don’t stare directly at oncoming vehicles 

Following on from the previous point, be sure not to stare directly at oncoming vehicles with their headlights on to prevent temporary vision impairment. Instead, look to the left-hand side of the road and follow the line that marks the edge of the road as this will help you keep track of your position. 

Watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists and animals

During the autumn and winter months, vulnerable road users like children, cyclists and the elderly are at increased risk. When the sun goes down, pay extra attention when driving near schools and in residential areas to ensure you have plenty of time to react if someone or something steps out into the road. 

Cyclists should wear reflective clothing to make sure they can easily be seen by motorists. However, they don’t always do this so drivers must be careful and aware of their surroundings to prevent collisions. It’s also important to watch out for animals that may dart out in front of your vehicle, such as foxes or cats, particularly on country roads where there is lots of nocturnal wildlife. Keep to an appropriate speed and keep your eyes on the road at all times. 

Keep windows clean

In the colder months, a build-up of condensation on the inside of your vehicle’s windows and dirt on their exterior can impair your visibility of the road.

Windscreens are more susceptible to steaming up on the inside and heaters may blow dirty air at the glass which can increase glare from oncoming traffic.  With this in mind, be sure to clean all side windows and your windscreen before setting off. 

Don’t drive tired

Seasonal changes can affect mood and sleep patterns, which makes holidays even more essential for mental health. This can cause drivers to feel tired on the road. With less light during the evenings, melatonin levels can be impacted causing you to feel more sleepy than usual. When embarking on a long drive in your caravan or motorhome, be sure to take plenty of breaks and keep well hydrated to prevent you from becoming drowsy at the wheel.

 

Image credit: Vladimir Proskurovskiy / Unsplash

Discover Halloween half-term activities in Ireland

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Half-term is here and there’s no better destination for a Halloween-themed family touring jaunt than Ireland. 

Halloween’s origins can be traced back to Ireland, where pagans celebrated the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain to mark the beginning of winter some 2,000 years ago. If you want to get away with the kids in a caravan or motorhome for the half-term holiday and do some trick-or-treating further afield, the Emerald Isle has plenty to offer.

The team at Irish Ferries has come up with a list of the top Halloween-themed activities to enjoy in Ireland this spooky season. 

Tayto Park After Dark 

Tayto Park is a much-loved family theme park and zoo located a 45-minute drive from Dublin port. Head over in your leisure vehicle on the ferry and enjoy all of the fun-filled activities on offer. 

From October 28th to the 30th, the park opens its doors at nighttime so guests can experience a range of rides and roller coasters in the dark. If you’re travelling with young children, you’ll be glad to know that this is a “no scare” event – so you don’t have to worry about the kids being unable to sleep once you pitch up for the night. 

Bram Stoker Festival 

This four-day festival takes place in Dublin over Halloween weekend and celebrates the legacy of Ireland’s most famous horror writer, Bram Stoker.  

As part of the celebrations, visitors can participate in haunted tours, cinema viewings and much more before watching the Borealis at Dublin Castle, an immersive light installation inspired by the Northern Lights. 

Once you’ve had enough of vampires, you’ll be well-positioned to embark on a road trip to explore some of the best natural attractions Ireland has to offer, such as the Cliffs of Moher. 

Púca Festival

Every Halloween, Púca Festival celebrates the pagan origins of All Hallow’s Eve and takes place in some of Ireland’s most historic locations including the Hill of Ward, the village of Slane and Drogheda, one of the oldest towns in the country. 

Enjoy folklore, myth, music, food and installations as you steep yourself in fascinating history and explore the best of Ireland’s Ancient East. 

Hurloween at Croke Park 

Croke Park is bringing back its famous “Hurloween Tours” between the October 29th and November 4th. 

Ideal for Halloween-loving kids, the tour lasts for 90 minutes and includes a visit to Croke Park’s dressing room, a pitch-side stroll and a “Warriors and Hurlers Workshop” where kids can learn about Cú Chulainn, a mythological master of hurling and son of the sky god Lugh. 

If you’re planning a Halloween half-term trip to Ireland, rest assured that there’s plenty to enjoy aside from all the spooky activities on offer. 

Home to incredible natural wonders, fascinating culture and great spots to pitch up – Ireland offers some of the best destinations in the British Isles to explore in a caravan or motorhome. 

 

Image credit: Saad Chaudhry / Unsplash

Cumbria in Bloom awards for Lake District caravan parks

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Caravan holidays are a great opportunity to get inspiration for your own garden at home. You may want to include one of the UK’s grand stately homes on your itinerary to influence your green-fingered activities or you might even find some show-stopping floral displays at your holiday park.

The chances of that are increased greatly if you’re staying at one of the six sites owned by Lake District Estates in Cumbria. All of them have recently bagged accolades in an annual competition that sees hundreds of participants getting involved.

Hill of Oaks Park and Buck Yeats Lodge Park both took gold in this year’s Cumbria in Bloom awards for their stunning displays. These two sites are located close to the shores of Windermere, making them great places to be based if you enjoy outdoor activities.

The judges noticed that the shrubs and trees chosen for Hill of Oaks Park provided both interest and privacy for guests. They added: “The park has established a young and enthusiastic horticultural team which has worked hard to create colourful planting around the café along the waterside to good effect.”

Nearby Newby Bridge Country Caravan Park bagged itself the silver-gilt medal, while Woodclose Park in the vicinity of Kirkby Lonsdale, Waterfoot Park not far from Pooley Bridge and Clea Hall Holiday Park near Wigton all won silvers.

The awards are judged in person with inspections made of each of the parks and strict criteria applied to distinguish the very best planting. As well as the beauty of the displays, the environmental value of the choices made is also taken into consideration.

George Kemp, head of parks at Lake District Estates, said: “Everyone here is delighted that the hard work of our green-fingered maintenance teams and holiday home owners has been recognised in the awards.”

Lake District Estates is a family-owned business that focuses on providing connectivity to the great outdoors while preserving it for future generations. From touring pitches and glamping facilities to holiday homes, there are accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs.

The most picture-perfect stately homes in the UK

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Despite the weather getting colder, there are still plenty of reasons to hop in your caravan or motorhome and get away for a while. Holidays are great for mental health and they’re particularly important when vitamin D levels are low due to the lack of sun. 

As autumn trails into winter, it’s time to start considering the best locations for touring in the chilly seasons. 

The UK is home to over 3,000 stately homes that have played host to kings and queens, prime ministers, literary greats and other sorts of illustrious guests. But with so many options, choosing where to go can be a challenge. 

For this reason, the team at Stokemont have compiled Instagram hashtag data for over 50 famous stately homes in the UK to narrow down the most picture-worthy choices. When planning your next touring adventure, why not add one of these picturesque heritage sites to your itinerary as you explore the British countryside? 

Blenheim Palace – Woodstock, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace was rated the most Instagrammed stately home in the UK, with 186,777 hashtag mentions. 

Built in the early 18th century on the edge of the Cotswolds, this heritage site is where one of the UK’s most memorable prime ministers, Winston Churchill, was born. Now, it’s a UNESCO heritage site that’s home to various exhibitions and a wonderful park and gardens. 

Combine a touring trip through the Cotswolds with a visit to the UK’s most stately home. Explore the countryside on foot and visit quaint towns before settling down for the night at one of the many pitching sites available throughout the region. 

Chatsworth House – Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire

Ranked second overall, Chatsworth House amassed over 132,000 hashtags on the popular social media platform. 

This stately home dates back to the mid-16th century. It was built on the edge of the River Derwent for the Devonshire family and now houses a huge art collection and is surrounded by parkland and curated gardens.

If you’re planning a touring adventure to the Peak District, be sure to check out Chatsworth house and snap some photos for your Instagram account.  

Castle Howard – Henderskelfe, North Yorkshire 

The third most picture-worthy stately home in the UK is Castle Howard, which has accumulated over 60,000 hashtags on Instagram. Located in North Yorkshire, this 18th-century estate is home to many art displays and stunning gardens waiting to be explored. 

Yorkshire is one of the UK’s most popular touring destinations and offers an incredible coastline and an expansive national park ideal for a spot of hiking.

 

Image Credit: Simon Godfrey / Unsplash