The most crucial step for motorhome owners winterising their leisure vehicles

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Many motorhome owners now continue to use their leisure vehicle throughout the cold months, but if you winterise yours there’s one crucial step you mustn’t forget.

That’s according to the experts at Motorhome Protect, who have reminded motorhomers to empty their water systems as temperatures drop.

Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at the insurance provider, said: “Proper winterisation of your vehicle is important to prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures.

“Water left in the plumbing system can freeze, leading to ruptured pipes and damaged water tanks.

It’s something CaravanTimes’ own Dan Cartwright has touched on before too, with some leisure vehicle water systems automatically dumping their contents when they go below a certain temperature.

Draining your water system

Completely drain the water systems, including all tanks, pipes, valves and taps, with the vehicle parked over a suitable drainage point to allow water to drain away effectively

Owners need to open the outlets to the fresh and wastewater tanks, including the water heater, if fitted, as well as all internal taps and leave them open until they next use the vehicle.

If the vehicle features a shower, the showerhead should be removed and the supply hoses left to hang into the shower tray to drain, using a drainage accessory like a drain-down kit to ensure all water is removed from the system.

Finally, driving the vehicle a short distance with all drainage outlets open to shake out any remaining water is a good idea.

Winterising your motorhome

The whole point of winterising your motorhome is to ensure everything is in good working order when you come back to it at the start of next season.

That does involve putting in the hard work before your leisure vehicle goes into storage, completing a long list of maintenance and cleaning tasks.

Mr Sheppard said: “Additionally, the vehicle batteries, tyres and engine fluids require special attention during this time.

“Considering the expensive repairs that could arise from neglecting these tasks, winterising your motorhome is a wise investment in the long run.”

Winterising checklist

Consult this list to ensure you don’t miss any of the most important tasks when winterising your motorhome:

  • Empty the water system
  • Fully charge the leisure battery and check it throughout the winter
  • Inflate the tyres to the right pressure
  • Fill vehicle fluids to the optimum level
  • Clean all surfaces and stains
  • Vacuum the soft furnishings
  • Remove food from the cupboards
  • Look for signs of wear and tear to be fixed
  • Place moisture-absorbing crystals around your motorhome
  • Disconnect the gas

Beautiful streets for wintry city walks this Christmas

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Not all caravan or motorhome trips away this Christmas will be to the countryside, with many people utilising their leisure vehicles for city breaks.

Whether you’ve decided to escape all the usual excess of the festive period or are staying in your caravan or motorhome on a family member’s drive, there are beautiful streets to seek out in most cities.

From cobblestone charm to glittering seasonal displays, Leeds Locksmiths has put together a list of the most Instagrammable streets in the UK.

These thoroughfares are great as a backdrop to festive snaps or simply to enjoy on an after-lunch walk on Christmas Day.

London streets

The UK’s capital is always well-decorated for the festive period and the top six streets on the list can all be found in London.

Oxford Street has topped the hashtag count on Instagram with a whopping 1,020,700 tags on the social media site.

It is followed by Regent Street with 469,200, Carnaby Street at 425,000 and Portobello Road boasting 362,000.

While Bond Street and Neal’s Yard have 290,000 and 184,000 respectively, they’re particularly charming at this time of year.

Bond Street has previously been adorned with peacock Christmas lights and a display of crowns and tiaras celebrating the monarchy, while this year the spectacle has been sponsored by Chanel.

Edinburgh thoroughfares

Edinburgh is well-known for its Christmas vibes in the run up to the big day, so it’s probably not surprising that three of its streets feature on the list.

The first is Victoria Street, a winding cobblestone lane that’s said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.

With some 127,600 hashtags on Instagram, it’s the most photographed street in the Scottish capital and home to beautiful architecture and colourful shopfronts.

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Circus Row claim 22,600 and 20,000 hashtags respectively, with the Royal Mile forming a link between Holyrood Palace and the imposing castle on the hill.

Standout streets

Other streets across the nation you may want to visit if pitched up nearby during the festive season include Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent, which has racked up 56,600 hashtags, and The Shambles in York with 53,800.

Dorset’s Gold Hill, Lincoln’s Steep Hill and Ashton Lane in Glasgow all got an honourable mention, as did Newcastle’s Grey Street, which was designed by renowned architect John Dobson.

 

Photo credit: Magdanatka_Shutterstock via Leeds Locksmiths



Bakewell revealed as most magical market town for Christmas

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Where you want to spend Christmas can feel like a big decision. Do you go to stay with family or friends, invite them to you, or do you pack up your leisure vehicle and do your own thing?

If you’ve got a caravan or motorhome, you could have an entirely different festive period exploring somewhere you’ve never been before.

It turns out that searches for ‘the best market towns in England’ were up by 50 per cent over the past 90 days, inspiring Brits to discover these quaint corners of the country instead of a distant relative’s spare room.

Research from holidaycottages.co.uk found that Stow-on-the-Wold, Holt, Keswick and Bishop Auckland were among the top market towns to visit.

But there’s one result that came out above all the rest, Bakewell in Derbyshire, which seems to have the perfect mix of quintessential charm, sparkling lights, scenic winter walks and a Christmas market.

Shannon Keary, digital PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “Smaller market towns preserve a more intimate, rustic Christmas atmosphere, with historic buildings, local crafts and artisanal foods drawing visitors for a cosy festive experience.”

Bakewell’s Christmas offerings

Nestled in the Peak District National Park, Bakewell transforms into a winter wonderland at this time of year, with festive lights illuminating the historic streets and creating a magical atmosphere.

Caravanners and motorhomers pitched up nearby can enjoy a scenic winter walk along the River Wye or venture into the surrounding countryside for breathtaking snowy landscapes.

Bakewell is known for its eponymous tart, so stopping by The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop with its attractive window displays is an absolute must.

No fewer than 30 of the little town’s cosy pubs boast a real fire, offering the perfect opportunity to warm up with a mulled wine or festive ale as long as you have no plans to drive your leisure vehicle.

The lively Christmas market boasts more than 100 stalls, where local treats and artisanal crafts add to the seasonal cheer.

Where to pitch up near Bakewell

There are a number of caravan sites within easy reach of Bakewell, but just a select few remain open in December.

Brosterfield Caravan Park is located five miles from the market town and offers 50 pitches for caravans, motorhomes or campervans without electric hook-up.

Also around five miles from Bakewell is Beltonville Farm, where campervans are welcome and there’s an onsite cafe.

Farditch Farm Caravan Park is located around seven-and-a-half miles away and boasts a selection of electric hook-up and non-hook-up pitches.

Award-winning Longnor Wood is a little further away at ten miles from Bakewell, but the extra drive could be worth it after its success in the 2023 Camping and Glamping Awards.

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/muckypup



How to use your leisure vehicle to overcome seasonal affective disorder

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The unusually warm September and October in the UK this year has made the shift in seasons feel more abrupt, having a negative impact on those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), according to experts.

After weeks of sunshine and higher-than-average temperatures, the sudden arrival of cold, wet and dark days has amplified the symptoms of SAD in many.

Brian Clarke, wellness expert and owner of UK Saunas, said: “Normally, we experience a gradual shift from summer to autumn, which gives us time to acclimatise to shorter days and cooler temperatures.

“This year, the shift was so abrupt that many people feel caught off guard, which can heighten feelings of fatigue, sadness and anxiety associated with SAD.”

Add to this the cost of living crisis and the feeling of being overwhelmed that is often a symptom of SAD is only exacerbated further.

Get out and about in your leisure vehicle

Luckily, owning or having access to a leisure vehicle is a great opportunity to help you overcome SAD, as the lifestyle complements many strategies that have been found to help.

Maximise exposure to natural light

Exposure to natural light is among the most effective ways to combat SAD and getting away in your caravan or motorhome is conducive with this aim.

Leisure vehicle trips, by their nature, mean spending more time outdoors and can help break the cycle of being tempted to stay inside more during the colder months.

Prioritise physical activity

Many people use their caravan or motorhome as a way to help them enjoy their favourite activities, whether it be hiking, cycling or swimming.

Knowing there’s a warm place to retreat to after physical activity is a real motivator in the winter months and exercise is an effective mood booster.

Enjoy heat therapy

Promoting the release of endorphins through heat therapy has been proven to reduce stress, which is beneficial for overall wellbeing, as well as those with SAD.

A recent trend has seen mobile saunas pop up all over the UK, offering caravanners and motorhomers the opportunity to pitch up nearby and enjoy a session.

Escape the wintry weather

Of course, not all parts of the world experience such cold and dark conditions at this time of the year, so you may wish to escape the UK in your leisure vehicle for some winter sunshine.

Southern Spain, Portugal and even Morocco can all be reached by a combination of ferries and driving, making them viable options.

Practice stress management

However you decide to use your caravan or motorhome during the winter months, it’s an opportunity to reduce stress.

Getting away overnight or using your leisure vehicle as a base for a walk in the countryside can be enough to leave behind the everyday hassles and pressures of preparing for Christmas.



 

Photo credit: Pixabay/Siggy Nowak 

Debates around parking leisure vehicles in laybys or on public roads

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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.

Staying in laybys and public roads overnight in your caravan, motorhome or campervan is becoming a hotly talked about topic. Over the last four or five years and since the proliferation of vanlifers, the grey areas surrounding overnight parking have started to make things more difficult for the average holidaymaker, as councils change rules and regulations.

The legalities

You’re able to stop in your motorhome, campervan or caravan in a layby or on a small road, as long as you’re not obstructing traffic, but it’s a grey area as to whether you can stay overnight. There’s nothing specific that says you’re not permitted to spend the night in these spots.

Despite those being the rules that generally govern England, each local authority is able to make its own laws on top of them. Each particular area might have a blanket ban, stating you can’t stay overnight, or may have separate restrictions on carparks, for example. These may or may not be labelled.

Ultimately, wherever you are, when not on private land but on a public highway, including laybys, setback laybys and small roads, the police can request you to move on at any time. Remember that even if you’re in bed, with no intention to drive, you can be prosecuted for being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle if you’re over the legal alcohol limit to drive.

The consequences

As a result of the proliferation of people wanting to stay overnight in their leisure vehicles outside of recognised campsites and certificated locations, many councils are implementing bans. Beauty spots that once offered free parking to everyone are now restricted, with no overnight stays and monitored and paid-for parking.

Safety

Being parked on a public road or in a layby has a much higher risk of personal injury than being on private land or pitched up in a campsite. You’ve got no protection against road traffic accidents and you’re also lit up like a Christmas tree in the dark, drawing attention to yourself for anyone looking to steal or cause personal harm.

A big thing to consider is fire in a leisure vehicle, because of the nature of how they’re used. Some self-converted vans have log-burning fires, while in others it’s the proximity between the gas bottle, cooking appliances and soft furnishings that poses a risk. Campsites have distance between vehicles built into the design and fire breaks, but being in a car park can make it difficult to exit as everything is closer together.

Comfort

It’s true that battery technology means you can now live relatively comfortably off-grid. While you’re likely to be able to run lights and charge things, the chances of being able to put your heating on are slim. Whatever you do, if you’re in a campervan, don’t turn the engine on and go to sleep as it’s a disaster waiting to happen in terms of accidentally moving on its own.

There’s no possibility of having an end-of-day glass of wine or two, because you’ve got to be capable of driving at any point.  It’s also worth being aware that rules against setting up a campsite preclude things like chaining up your bikes or anything else you bring along outside your vehicle.

Environmental impact

Campsites and holiday parks are designed to be environmentally friendly. You have the facilities already set up to recycle waste and dispose of grey water responsibly. Many people who have stayed in vans overnight put mixed bags of rubbish in council bins, which is not an ideal solution.

Another thing to remember is that campsites are very good in terms of land usage. They’re green and often have shrubbery and homes for insects, with plenty of flora and fauna to enhance the experience and improve the environment.

People ruining it for everyone else

There’s a big difference between somebody doing a long journey, not knowing how far they’d get and just stopping in a layby for a few hours to break up the driving, and turning up at a beauty spot where the whole of the roadside and parking is taken up with leisure vehicles. Everyone is up at sunrise taking pictures for their vanlife profiles! This is when councils decide to create restrictions and force them to go elsewhere.

I appreciate that campsite fees can seem high when you’re living in a leisure vehicle full-time, but you need to plan. Make private arrangements to go off-grid with farmers or pubs to pitch up in a more respectful way. Houseboat owners have to pay mooring fees and the same should apply for those living in a van. You should expect to have to pay to park it somewhere.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tobias Tullius



Scottish family-friendly festive breaks in your leisure vehicle

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The run-up to Christmas can get hectic, especially when you have a family, but it’s important to enjoy the festive time together.

If you own a caravan, motorhome or campervan, then a getaway with your loved ones is a great way to escape all the present and party planning to keep yourself sane.

To give you a burst of inspiration, GO Outdoors has put together a list of the best family-friendly festive regions to discover in the UK.

Interestingly, the outdoor equipment specialist crowned Inverness the best place in the UK to spend Christmas, with Glasgow and Edinburgh coming in at the second and third spots respectively.

So, it looks like Scotland could be a great destination for a pre-Christmas getaway or even during the festive period itself.

Inverness

Northeast Scotland’s Inverness is an enchanting city to explore on a wintry holiday, as it boasts 4.23 restaurants per 1,000 people and an idyllic setting.

The landscape is often covered in snow at this time of year, offering an especially picturesque backdrop to cosy activities in the city.

Stop by the Clachnaharry Inn for a plate of fish and chips or meatballs by the roaring open fire, or take in attractions like the Brodie Illuminated light show and seasonal markets.

This year’s Eden Court pantomime will be Jack and the Beanstalk, with performances starting on December 4th.

Glasgow

Christmas comes alive in Glasgow when the city’s lights are officially switched on in George Square, which occurred earlier in November.

Now, the Christmas markets are in full swing and last longer than anywhere else in the UK – a whopping 58 days.

Escape the city centre and get out into nature with the Hogganfield Loch loop, which is a hiking trail suitable for even the littlest legs.

A particular highlight of a caravan or motorhome trip to Glasgow this year is likely to be the 35-metre-high Ferris Wheel, offering stunning views over the celebrations.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is famous for its Christmas markets, but is joined by a host of other attractions this year, including an ice rink and Polar Ice Bar, which serves festive drinks in ice glasses.

Make your way to St Andrew Square for the Christmas Tree Maze, complete with 450 illuminated trees to get lost in.

Head up to Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags loop from Holyrood for breathtaking vistas over the city and surrounding area.

Castle of Light also runs between November and January, with immersive displays bringing the defensive stronghold of Edinburgh Castle to life.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Anthony Camp



Safe touring this winter

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Despite the recent drop in temperatures and caravan and motorhome owners being greeted by frosty conditions, there’s no reason to stop touring this winter.

Careful drivers who make a few simple safety checks before setting off can continue to enjoy their leisure vehicles throughout the colder months.

Why continue touring in November, December and January?

Traditionally, caravans and motorhomes would be packed up for the winter and put into storage, so why has there been a shift towards touring year round?

We posed this question to Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at Motorhome Protect, and he gave us his take on the situation.

He told CaravanTimes: “You’d be surprised how breathtakingly beautiful and fun a wintertime campervan break can be. Less sunshine means fewer crowds, allowing you to experience peaceful, relatively empty campsites. 

“Renting space at a campsite is also generally cheaper, meaning you can take a longer trip than normal for a reduced price, all while getting some much-needed relaxation.

“Winter landscapes are completely different, taking in snow-capped mountains and forests, lakes glazed over by ice and stunning views. The air tends to be clearer too in the colder months.”

How to stay safe in wintry conditions

While there’s no reason you can’t use your caravan or motorhome in the winter, there are several safety implications to take into consideration.

Mr Sheppard said: “To ensure your trip is as enjoyable as possible, there are a few things to consider before you set off, including: make sure your mobile home is watertight and winter-proofed by looking for any gaps or cracks and getting them filled in before your trip.

“Check the heating system works properly, so you can stay nice and cosy during the night; bring an extra gas bottle or two, depending on how long your trip is; keep the water tanks almost empty at night to avoid cracked pipes; carry a supply of drinking water at all times; and bring plenty of nourishing food, thick blankets and warm clothes.”

Before setting off

The expert shared a checklist of tasks to carry out before setting off:

Tyres

While the legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, a minimum tread depth of 3mm is recommended before replacing your tyres.

Worn tyres can be particularly dangerous in wet, icy and snowy conditions, so conducting the 20p test, where you insert the coin into the tread grooves and check you can’t see the outer band on the heptagon, is a good idea.

Oil, coolant and antifreeze

The levels of these vital liquids should be checked every few weeks and topped up when necessary. If they seem to be disappearing quickly, you should investigate the source of the problem.

For safety reasons, it’s always best to check the coolant when the engine is cold, making sure it falls somewhere between the minimum and maximum guidelines.

Windscreen wipers and screenwash

You’re likely to use your windscreen wipers and accompanying screenwash more in the winter, so check they’re running smoothly, without causing smears.

Replace the wipers if they’re not performing properly and pack a spare bottle of screenwash into your towcar or motorhome.

Lights

Lights are so important to winter visibility, it’s crucial not to wait until the dashboard alerts you to a faulty bulb.

Physically check to see if all lights, including fog lights, are working properly and that lenses aren’t cracked or dirty.



 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Luke Porter

How to use your caravan or motorhome to make Christmas easier

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Now that summer is firmly in the rearview mirror and autumn is paving the way for the festive season, many of us are getting prepared for Christmas.

As well as using your caravan or motorhome to escape the chaos in the run up to the big day, you can also use your leisure vehicle for essential Christmas tasks.

Hiding presents

Your caravan or motorhome is a great place to stash gifts ahead of the festive period, with plenty of cupboards and storage areas available.

A great way to organise presents is to put unwrapped items on one side of your leisure vehicle, slowly transferring them to the cupboards on the other side once they’re wrapped.

This will ensure nothing gets missed and you can even dedicate a different space to each member of the family or friendship group.

Wrapping hub

Create a wrapping hub in your leisure vehicle that doesn’t need to be tidied away from the kitchen table every meal time.

You can set up the space with an assortment of Christmas paper, ribbons and tags, as well as a handy tape dispenser and simply go out to your caravan or motorhome every time you have a spare few minutes.

Handmade presents

Gifting handmade items offers a lovely personalised touch and you can keep them a secret by making them in your leisure vehicle.

Whether it’s homemade jam to go into a hamper or a messy craft, keep the disruption out of your home for a stress-free creative session.

Wreath making

If you like making your own Christmas wreaths or bringing seasonal foliage into the house, organise your haul in your caravan or motorhome first.

This means you’re not trailing in leaves and berries to the house, but the final product as if you’d just picked it up from the florist.

An extra fridge

When it comes to Christmas Day itself, no host ever has enough fridge space to accommodate all the ingredients and completed dishes.

Luckily, your leisure vehicle is fully equipped with an additional device to help you get organised. There’ll even be room for leftovers, if you need it.

An extension of your kitchen

For those hosting a large gathering, the number of hobs can often be the limiting factor in getting everything cooked for Christmas dinner.

Dispatch a helper to your leisure vehicle with instructions to create one or two dishes and they can use the oven and cooker there without using up valuable kitchen real estate.

They’ll also have all the prep space they could ask for, stopping you from tripping over each other.

A moment’s peace

Even if you don’t use the leisure vehicle sitting on your drive to complete Christmas-related tasks, it can come in useful as a place to give five minutes to yourself if your house is filled with guests over the festive period.



 

Photo credit: Pexels/Thirdman 

Love2Stay gears up for Christmas

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Luxury glamping and touring site, Love2Stay in Shrewsbury, has announced its itinerary for Christmas 2024, with lots of special events for visitors to enjoy.

Fully-serviced hardstanding pitches are available to book for caravan and motorhome owners, while lodges are on offer for those who don’t own a leisure vehicle.

Twilight Trail

Running from November 22nd to December 22nd, the park’s 400-metre Twilight Trail will be lit up between 4pm and 8pm each evening.

The twinkling lights will be accompanied by festive decorations and cosy treats from the Candy Cane Café.

Caravan and motorhome enthusiasts staying at the site can enjoy the chance to sit around fire pits, sipping hot chocolate and getting into the Christmas spirit.

Meet Santa and Santa Paws

Children and dogs are also invited to meet Santa and Santa Paws at the holiday park between November 29th and December 23rd.

Families of up to six can reserve a slot to meet the man in red and his four-legged equivalent to receive a special gift.

Christmas market

Love2Stay will also be hosting a Christmas market at its Love Plants shop, which can be found at Salop Leisure from December 6th to 8th.

There will be more than 30 stalls selling everything from gifts and charity Christmas cards to trees, with mulled wine and other hot drinks flowering.

On the Sunday, there will be a wreath-making workshop, giving you the chance to create a stunning festive centrepiece for your caravan or motorhome’s door.

Making your leisure vehicle part of Christmas

It used to be that caravans and motorhomes were packed away into storage for the winter months, but now they can be enjoyed year round.

They represent a great opportunity to get away from the stresses of Christmas and get into the festive spirit ahead of the big day with a seasonal retreat.

Many campsites now stay open into December, giving visitors the chance to experience frosty mornings and cosy evenings without the crowds of the summer months.

Planning a visit to Love2Stay

Set within 22 acres of countryside, Love2Stay is close to both the Shropshire hills and the Welsh border, offering plenty to entertain those who enjoy the great outdoors.

The medieval market town of Shrewsbury is a short bus trip away, with the castle and abbey well worth a visit.

On-site facilities include a natural swimming pool and adventure centre, where you can take part in a variety of watersports.



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Karine Germain 

The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show to return in January

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The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show will once again return to the north west in January when it will be held at Manchester Central from the 16th to the 19th.

Representing something to look forward to for caravan and motorhome enthusiasts in what can be a lacklustre period after the festive celebrations, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

On display will be a large selection of the newest motorhomes, caravans and campervans on the market, plus tents and essential accessories to elevate your 2025 touring.

It’s set to be the largest one-stop-shop you’ll find anywhere in the north of England, giving you the chance to stock up on all your outdoor gear.

Among the big names exhibiting will be Glossop Caravans, Emm Bee and ES Hartley, with everything from nifty, state-of-the-art campervans to six-berth caravans on offer.

Wandering around models in person is an effective way to see which features are important to you when making a leisure vehicle purchasing decision.

It’s a great chance to compare and contrast the options from different manufacturers and see whether the parameters you’ve set in your head seem right in real life.

If you’ve got a burning caravan or motorhome question, this is your chance to ask exhibitors, who can give advice on what’s the best vehicle or tent for you

Visitors will be able to check out layouts and view specifications from an array of top models and take advantage of show-only discounts from the region’s leading dealerships.

Essential accessories and gadgets for your trip, including BBQs, awnings, lights and cutting-edge AV equipment will be displayed by more than 150 leading brands, including Isabella, Dometic, Camp Tech and Cadac Dometic.

Ben Myatt, show manager at The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show said: “We can’t wait to welcome back thousands of caravan and motorhome enthusiasts through our doors. There has been so much change and innovation in the industry over the past few years and we are proud to showcase the very best the UK has to offer.

“Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for an upgrade or just thinking about caravanning, camping or motorhoming for the first time and looking for inspiration and advice, then this is the show for you.”

Tickets bought in advance of the show are free, but subject to a £1.95 booking fee, while those purchased on the day cost £7 for adults and children get in at no charge.



Top 2025 UK staycation spots revealed in AA Caravan & Camping Awards

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The AA Caravan & Camping Awards has revealed the UK’s best outdoor accommodation sites for 2025, offering inspiration for getaways next year.

From idyllic glamping hideaways to scenic caravan parks, these award-winning sites showcase the top destinations for a variety of needs and budgets.

The awards showcase 12 standout locations, each handpicked by the AA’s inspectors for quality, customer service and that wow factor that can’t quite be put into words.

This year’s winners take caravanners and motorhomers on a trip from Wales’ dramatic coastlines to Somerset’s tranquil retreats.

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said, “As local travel continues to grow and sustainable tourism gains momentum, we are excited to announce the best camping and caravanning destinations for the upcoming year.

“This year’s winners have demonstrated outstanding quality along with a strong dedication to eco-friendly practices and customer satisfaction, making them excellent options for UK travellers.”

The 2025 winners

  • AA Campsite of the Year for Wales and Overall winner: Tyddyn Isaf Caravan Park on the Isle of Anglesey
  • AA Campsite of the Year for Scotland: Witches Craig Caravan & Camping Park in Stirling
  • AA Campsite of the Year for England:  Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Cumbria
  • AA Sustainable Park of the Year: Old Oaks Touring & Glamping in Somerset
  • AA Glamping Site of the Year: Hadspen Glamping in Somerset
  • AA Most Improved Campsite of the Year: Park Foot Holiday Park in Cumbria
  • AA Small Campsite of the Year: Killerby Old Hall in North Yorkshire
  • AA Holiday Park of the Year: Trevornick in Cornwall

The regional winners

  • Heart of England: Longnor Wood Holiday Park in Staffordshire
  • North East England: Cote Ghyll Caravan & Camping Park in North Yorkshire
  • South East England: Concierge Camping in West Sussex
  • South West England: Woodovis Park in Devon

The Sustainable Park of the Year award is a new category for 2025 and reflects trends towards local and environmentally-conscious  tourism.

All of the winners feature in the 57th edition of the AA Caravan & Camping Guide, which is priced at £14.99.

New Volkswagen California hits the market

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The latest generation of the Volkswagen California campervan has hit the market, with orders now open for the new model.

Customers can choose from three specific trims – Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean – with prices starting at £63,376.

There’s also a choice of three powertrains: diesel, petrol or plug-in hybrid, giving owners the opportunity to purchase the one that would best suit their needs.

While the new California remains true to the spirit of its predecessors, a completely redesigned interior provides more space and sophistication than ever before.

It’s said to be the most versatile and innovative version yet, with two sliding doors, offering a three-zone concept when fully pitched.

There’s greater flexibility for cooking and outdoor eating, with an updated kitchen and an external folding table.

The kitchen supplied on the Coast and Ocean trims has a gas hob and sink right next to the sliding door, with the cool box accessible from both the inside and outside.

It’ss protected from the weather with the optional awning, offering the perfect set-up for living the outdoors lifestyle on summer trips.

Notable features of the new California

  • Extra space between the driver and front passenger seats with the removal of a manual handbrake, which is replaced with an electric alternative.
  • Adjustable front seats, with up to 180 degrees of rotation.
  • Two movable and removable seats in the rear passenger compartment providing space to transport long objects like surfboards.
  • Digital features and intelligent assistance systems including climate control in the passenger area, interior heating via the auxiliary heater and ambient light control.
  • All of these functions can be controlled through three touchpoints: the California app, infotainment display and the new camper control unit.

The California Beach camper

This version has five seats and four sleeping spaces, comes with a manually operated pop-up roof that opens at the front, a roof bed with spring plates and shading for the interior.

The California Coast camper

With four seats and four sleeping spaces, the Coast edition has a full kitchen instead of a kitchenette, an electro hydraulic pop-up roof and rear-view camera.

The California Ocean camper

Featuring four seats and four sleeping spaces, the Ocean offers LED Matrix headlights, a satellite navigation system and additional roof storage compartment.

The ever-popular California

The California was first introduced to the market in 2003 and, being based on the mid-sized Transporter panel van, proved a hit with buyers.

It was the first time Volkswagen had offered a campervan built in-house and the range has expanded over the years to encompass both larger and smaller versions.