The argument for caravans as trend towards motorhomes and campervans continues

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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 just returned from the Motorhome & Caravan Show, where he judged the Caravan Design Awards 2025, Dan has noticed a startling trend in the leisure vehicle industry. Caravans, which have been a firm favourite with families for decades, are falling out of favour to be replaced in people’s ideas of living the perfect vanlife with motorhomes and campervans.

Here, he speaks exclusively to CaravanTimes about why potential buyers should consider the trusty caravan when deciding on a leisure vehicle to purchase.

The trend towards motorhomes and campervans

When I’m at the show I like to talk to the customers in attendance and I’ve found that quite a lot of people entering the leisure vehicle world are purchasing motorhomes or campervans. These consumers are split into two groups – the younger ones who are purchasing van conversions and campervans; and retirees or older couples who are buying more expensive motorhomes.

Whilst caravans still remain the biggest seller in terms of volume, their popularity is decreasing and this is particularly the case with buyers who are newly entering the market. A lot of the people that I spoke to at the NEC show were first-timers looking to purchase a leisure vehicle or who had just bought one.

Most of these consumers had gone directly into buying an option with its own engine and ability to drive. This is probably the way that the industry is moving, but leisure vehicles to me are like puppies – you may have a favourite, but you like them all! There’s always compromise, but despite their individual quirks, they’re all great.

Don’t overlook caravans completely

My opinion is that a lot of people going into the market might actually find a caravan more appropriate for their needs if they looked into it in more detail. Motorhomes and campervans have become inspirational products, which are tied into the idea of what users want to do with them.

Retirees see themselves touring Europe for months on end and the younger campervanners imagine parking up on a beach in Cornwall and living a typical vanlife of enjoying the great outdoors. I worry that level of inspiration means they haven’t looked at the practicality of a caravan.

The Formula One test

Imagine you’ve been driving for a few hundred miles and you’ve arrived at your campsite in time to watch the Formula One. That’s two to three hours of TV viewing in your leisure vehicle. Most people think that when you pull up in a motorhome, everything is all set up ready to use, but this isn’t the case.

In reality, if your pitch isn’t entirely level, it’s harder to fix this problem in a motorhome than a caravan. Anyone who’s slept in a leisure vehicle at a slight incline or decline that’s barely noticeable during the day will tell you how awful it is during the night. Despite popular belief, pitching a caravan can be quicker than a motorhome in these circumstances.

The amenities are also not ready to use, as things like the water tank should be emptied before you drive. This is partly down to the payload, as a lot of motorhomes will be at capacity with your luggage and camping equipment on board, before you’ve added a full tank of water. This means you’ll have to fill up your caravan or motorhome on site, regardless of the type of leisure vehicle you’ve chosen.

Once inside, the comfort level of a caravan is higher than that of a motorhome. The seating area is nicer and you won’t be sitting watching three hours of motorsport in the exact chair that you were driving in for five hours. In motorhomes, the driver’s and passenger’s seats are simply moved to face in a different direction.

Driving around once you’re pitched up

After the initial set-up, caravans can be left at your campsite pitch while you take the towcar to the local shop or for a day out. Motorhomes, on the other hand, need to be battened down, with all of your possessions secured before you can drive off. Then you’re faced with the challenge of finding somewhere with appropriate motorhome parking.

Weighing up the cost

Campervans start in the high £50,000s when purchased new and motorhomes are between £60,000 and £100,000 at the lower mid-level. That’s a big investment if you’ve never experienced the lifestyle before or understand the compromises involved.

When you then go to sell a motorhome, it looks like the depreciation is low, but they’re difficult to market privately and get what they make on dealer forecourts. Typically, sellers must take a dealer’s margin into consideration, meaning they lose a fair amount of value when offloading motorhomes.

A reasonable caravan of the same spec, on the other hand, can be bought for around £25,000 to £30,000 and represents a much lower level of percentage loss when you come to sell it. Yes, you need a towcar, but there are many capable towcars out there and you probably have one sitting in your driveway.

I’m not saying don’t go and buy a motorhome if that’s your dream. My advice is to think about the practicalities of a motorhome compared to a caravan before you splurge £100,000 on a leisure vehicle. While a caravan is not seen as inspirational, it can offer a lower-risk alternative and a better overall experience.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Trevor McKinnon

Camplify gets McDreamy with Grey’s Anatomy-inspired Airstream

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It’s one of the most iconic leisure vehicles on TV and now you can spend a night in an Airstream trailer just like Dr Derek Shepherd’s in Grey’s Anatomy.

To coincide with new episodes of the medical drama hitting our screens, Camplify has made The Silver Whales Airstream available to rent on its platform.

Ready to be hired from its home in Whitstable, the vehicle sleeps four and is advertised as pet friendly for anyone looking to take their pooch on holiday with them.

In Grey’s Anatomy, Dr Shepherd, or McDreamy as he was affectionately known, lived in the trailer up until the fifth season.

Even after the fictional surgeon moved out of the Airstream, it continued to appear in the series, as several other characters lived in it at various times.

The Silver Whales Airstream comes complete with a fixed king-sized bed and pull-out double, a fully-equipped kitchen, an inside wet room and an outside shower.

Other amenities include a BBQ, solar panels, outside furniture, heating, plates and cutlery. Linen is also provided.

Rental is priced at £225 a night, with a minimum period of two days and delivery anywhere within 200 miles of Whitstable.

It’s a genuine vintage Airstream model having been built in 1974 and therefore celebrating its 50th birthday this year.

Over the years, Airstreams have become iconic within American culture, with the likes of Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey and Brad Pitt all fans of the silver-hued vehicles.

After growing accustomed to filming inside the trailer on the Grey’s Anatomy set, Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr Shepherd, had one installed at his Malibu mansion.

Flavia Robles Lorente, country marketing manager at Camplify UK, said: “We love helping holidaymakers experience some of the most exciting and unique accommodation, and the Silver Whales Airstream is no different.

“Fans of Grey’s Anatomy will recognise it instantly, and those not familiar will soon fall in love with the experience it offers.”

Camplify is one of the biggest campervan and motorhome sharing communities in the world, having started in Australia in 2015 and since expanded to other locations.

Its ambition is to make vanlife accessible to all and is a great way to give first timers a taste of the lifestyle before committing to buy their own leisure vehicle.

Camplify has helped van lovers across the UK enjoy more than 100,000 nights away from home and over 2,000 owners list their vehicles on the platform.



Walks to enjoy on a late season break

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As the nights draw in, it used to be the case that most caravan and motorhome enthusiasts packed up their leisure vehicles and put them into storage for the winter.

Now, more than ever, people are continuing to make use of their home-away-from-homes and keep touring throughout the colder months.

There are many advantages to taking a late season break – from cheaper pitch fees and quieter attractions to more opportunities to spot some of the UK’s most elusive wildlife.

Andy Torbet, actor, TV presenter and camping enthusiast, said: “Autumn can be the perfect time to visit a woodland site as the leaves morph from the spectrum of greens to the reds, yellows, browns, coppers, golds and purples.

“What’s more, the wildlife can be more visible as it becomes bolder in the face of feeding up before the winter.”

The Camping and Caravanning Club has shared a list of walks to enjoy from its sites this autumn to make the most of the season.

Castle Ring Fort walk, Cannock Chase

This route will take you along the tracks, paths and sections of The Heart of England Way, climbing up to Castle Ring Fort.

From the ancient iron age fortress, which sits atop the highest point on the Chase, you’ll be afforded great views of the south Staffordshire countryside.

Be on the lookout for the annual rut of the Chase’s ancient herd of fallow deer, which takes place in October.

Park up at Cannock Chase Club site, where pitches cost from £11.80 per night.

Old Pale walk, Delamere Forest

The Old Pale walk leads ramblers up to the summit and viewpoint of Old Pale and Pale Heights, where you’ll be rewarded with views across seven counties.

Dropping back down to the forest level, tracks and paths meander through the trees until you reach the Blakemere Moss lake.

Native species that can often be seen on the walk include the greater spotted woodpecker and the green woodpecker.

The nearest Club site is Delamere Forest, where you can pitch up from £11.80 per night.

Haughmond Hill walk, Shropshire

Descending to the ruins of Haughmond Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century, this walk is a woodland circuit of the flanks of Haughmond Hill.

It then offers a climb to the summit through deciduous and coniferous trees to a view out to the south Shropshire and Welsh hills.

Be on the lookout for migrating birds not normally seen in the UK, which are flying between their breeding grounds in the north to overwintering locations further south.

Ebury Hill is the most convenient Club site, where you can stay from £7.20 a night.

Sallochy Bay walk, Loch Lomond

The three-hour Sallochy Bay linear walk along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond from Milarrochy Bay Club Site follows the West Highland Way path.

Glimpses of the epic loch, which seems to go on forever, are offset by the low wooded hills between the water and the road.

Watch out for wildlife including osprey and the geese migrating from Greenland and Iceland at this time of year.

Starting from £10.15 per pitch per night, you can park up at the Milarrochy Bay Club site.

How the Caravan Design Awards 2025 winners were decided

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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.

The Caravan Design Awards 2025 has just revealed its winners and our very own Dan Cartwright is among the judges. He has given CaravanTimes exclusive insight into the process of deciding the models that will be triumphant and explained why the awards are a great resource for anyone looking to purchase a leisure vehicle.

How are the awards judged?

There’s a panel of six independent judges, plus one technical specialist from The Caravan and Motorhome Club, who are given the entry lists around three weeks before the Motorhome & Caravan Show. We all get assigned a particular area of interest on the caravans – mine was interior living and technology – as well as its overall specifications.

We then do what a consumer would do to research a caravan. We go onto the websites and look at the brochures, downloading information about their features, to carry out an online judging. This means rating and ranking each model, as well as looking for answers to our most pressing questions.

This is an important part of the process, because people won’t be able to look at ten or 12 caravans at the show and in an extreme amount of detail. So, we replicate the potential customer process of doing research online and one of the judges ranks the models for the availability of information.

Before the show starts, but once the halls have been set up, the judges then go and spend three days visiting each and every caravan entered for the awards. This is to ratify or change the results of our previous research in the flesh. We’re trying to emulate the process a buyer would go through when they’re looking to purchase a caravan, just in a lot more detail.

What’s the role of the technical judge?

The technical judge makes sure that all of the caravans featured meet British standard design specifications and that all of the safety features are present. Some of these are elements that can be hard to find out as a consumer, as the scrutiny for the awards goes into great detail.

 

A selection of this year's winners

Who are the awards for?

It’s the manufacturers that enter their models into different categories – size, weight, berths or family layouts – and some of them will be rewarded with awards. The real reason to go through the process, however, is to support the Club members and anybody who’s interested in buying a caravan.

Given our level of interaction with the leisure vehicles before we even start judging and the fact that we’re familiar with the makes and models of the caravans, we’re well-placed to assess them. This whole process, which takes weeks, is not practical from a consumer point of view, so we do it instead.

Even if you’ve narrowed it down to one or two categories or layouts prior to the show, a buyer wouldn’t be able to go into as much detail as we do during the event. The other thing is that dealers don’t stock every model, so anyone not visiting the show would have to travel the length and breadth of the country to see them all.

We’re not saying that you should always buy the winner of a category. After all, the specific needs of one consumer will be different to those of another purchaser, but we’re saying that the winners provide a good benchmark within the decision-making process.

Are the awards useful for people buying in the secondhand market?

What many people don’t realise is that there are hundreds of makes, models and layouts of caravans available in the secondhand market every year in the UK. With so many different variations on offer, it’s important that the information from the awards remains on the website for years to inform such choices.

Being able to see what the judges believed to be a good caravan five years ago in your layout is a good starting point for what to look for secondhand today. It really is a year-on-year resource that’s been building up for people wanting to purchase new or older models.



Motorhome enthusiasts approaching 70 reminded of little-known rule

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A lesser-known rule concerning driving motorhomes and minibuses over the age of 70 has hit the headlines in recent days.

Local media and some tabloid newspapers have published articles suggesting over-70s could be banned from driving their leisure vehicles upon reaching the milestone birthday.

While there is some truth behind the alarming headlines, those approaching the age of 70 can sit a simple test to ensure they are still fit to drive their beloved motorhome and keep everyone safe on the road.

When renewing a driving licence at around 70, specific freedoms no longer automatically apply, meaning individuals must seek permission if they want to drive larger vehicles.

The C1, which allows the driving of medium-sized vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, will be removed from licences, as well as the D1 minibus category.

Motorhome owners over the age of 70 who want to keep these privileges in place will need to take a medical examination to prove they are fit and healthy to drive such vehicles.

So, as long as you’re safe to drive there should be no problem in passing the test and retaining the right to drive your motorhome.

The only issue is that many people approaching 70 aren’t aware of the legislation and could be caught out when their licence expires.

If you have staycation or holiday plans in your motorhome, it’s a good idea to ensure you’ve contacted the DVLA and got your test booked in.

The Older Drivers Forum told the Express: “When you renew your licence at 70, many of the other entitlements to drive vehicles of other categories will be lost unless you apply for them.

“If you use the standard D1 or online renewal procedure your C1 entitlement will be suspended and you will no longer be able to drive motorhomes between 3,500kg and 7,500kg until you have passed a medical.”

There are a number of smaller motorhomes on the market that come in at under the 3,500kg weight limit, however, which could appeal to older drivers.

Swift, for example, offers various motorhomes in the category, including its popular Voyager, which can sleep four people.

Bailey’s Adamo model also comes in at below 3,500kg and is a spacious option, with five distinct layouts to choose from.

Hymer’s lightweight motorhomes include the Free Campus and Grand Canyon S, which have compact and easy-to-drive designs.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/planet_fox

The best pumpkin patches to visit this autumn

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During the darker days and nights of autumn, there are some flashes of colour, with the distinctive orange hue of pumpkins representing the brightest and most traditional for this time of year.

Carving a pumpkin is a great activity to enjoy on your next caravan or motorhome trip, but you’ll want to head to a pumpkin patch to get the best selection in terms of size and shape to choose from.

With this in mind, the houseplant experts at Beards & Daisies and writers at CaravanTimes have put together a list of the patches worth visiting on your next touring adventure.

Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Offering everything from full pumpkin day experiences to a UV nighttime pumpkin trail, Cotswold Farm Park will quickly get you in the mood for autumn.

A corn maze, spooky face painting and a chance to meet rare breed animals means there’s enough excitement to keep the whole family, including your dog, entertained for hours.

Tulleys Farm, Crawley, West Sussex

While Tulleys Farm is a fun pumpkin patch by day, it really ramps up the atmosphere in the evenings, where you’ll find twinkling lights and live entertainment.

If your leisure vehicle is safely parked up, then you can indulge in seasonal cocktails and an array of street food specialities.

Garsons Farm, Esher, Surrey

The expansive pumpkin patch at Garsons Farm is a pick-your-own paradise, where you can get your hands on a huge gourd for carving or mini pumpkins to decorate your caravan.

Themed displays made from pumpkins grown on the farm add to the experience and are sure to capture the kids’ imaginations.

Pumpkin Picking Village, Chelmsford, Essex

Pulling out all the stops is the Pumpkin Picking Village, where you’re sure to find the perfect specimen this October.

Expect hay bales, farm animals and pumpkin-themed games, as well as fields and fields of pumpkins just waiting to be picked.

Brockbushes Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland

Growing 90,000 pumpkins every year, Brockbushes Farm has every variety you could imagine, from the large white polar bear to the Hoargarth with its warty skin.

Pimp your pumpkin, get a spooky tattoo or toast marshmallows at the farm during your visit, as you try to decide which type of pumpkin to take home with you.

Balgone Estate, East Lothian, Scotland

Scotland’s biggest pumpkin patch can be found on the Balgone Estate, where they grow 70,000 gourds a year in 27 different varieties.

Pick your pumpkin, walk the haunted trail and visit the crooked cauldron for some Halloween surprises.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Inna Heasley



Redline Campers to debut new model at NEC show

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Redline Campers, which specialises in van conversions, is set to debut a new model based on the Ford Transit Custom at the Motorhome & Caravan Show.

Visitors to the event at the NEC in Birmingham from November 15th to 20th will be able to stop by Stand 40 in Hall 11 to see what the company has on offer.

With a starting price of £58,995, the new Redline GT will be based on the new Ford Transit Custom and orders can be placed immediately.

Key features of the new camper include:

  • Thermo-Shield construction with 8mm foil back foam and lightweight 25mm Dacron insulation.
  • Redline’s exclusive glass reinforced plastic twin-polycarbonate elevating roof with aerodynamic, noise-reducing front roof spoiler.
  • Premium roof tent with twin mesh ventilation windows and a large front window.
  • Lightweight furniture made using precision computer numerical control machine technology.
  • RIB Altair 112 ISOFIX seating and bedding system with an M1 certified fitting kit.
  • Pull-down upholstered double roof bed with a memory foam mattress and a safety net.
  • Dometic 12V fridge with space-maximising design and removable freezer compartment.
  • Dometic two-burner gas hob with a glass lid.
  • 45-litre onboard water tank with external filling point.
  • Bespoke power management system and wiring loom compliant with BS EN1648.
  • 110Ah AGM leisure battery.

The base vehicle options are:

New Ford Transit Custom Titanium 150ps 6-Speed Manual

  • SWB: From £58,995
  • LWB: From £60,845

New Ford Transit Custom Titanium 170ps 8-Speed Automatic

  • SWB: From £62,995
  • LWB: From £64,845

The new model will be available to view for the duration of the show, with Redline staff on hand to answer any questions prospective buyers may have.

Caravan shows are a great opportunity for anyone looking to purchase a leisure vehicle to actually see what’s available and refine their search.

With so many options available for caravans, motorhomes and campervans, it can be difficult to know what will suit your needs without having a look in person.

Redline Campers was born in 2017 as the dedicated campervan conversion brand from the award-winning leisure vehicle retailer, Venture Caravans & Motorhomes, which was established in 1971.

If you can’t make it along to the Motorhome & Caravan Show, you can register your interest in the Redline GT on the converter’s website.

How to spot blue green algae on your next caravan trip

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Spending time in, on and around lakes, reservoirs, canals and rivers is a lovely way to enjoy being out and about in your caravan, but these locations can be hotspots for blue green algae.

It’s important to be able to identify blue green algae, as it’s a type of bacteria, known as cyanobacteria, that can produce chemicals that are toxic to people, birds and animals.

If you like to combine caravanning with swimming or other watersports, knowing when it’s not safe to go in is crucial to staying healthy.

Swimming in, or drinking, water contaminated by an algal bloom can cause skin rashes, vomiting, liver and kidney damage, and could even be fatal, for humans and dogs.

Blue green algae – there’s an app for that

The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is asking members of the public, particularly people who use lakes, reservoirs and canals recreationally, to report sightings of blue green algae.

This can be done easily by downloading the Bloomin’ Algae app to your phone and submitting any pictures of suspected algal blooms, which will be checked by scientists.

A photo guide included on the app can also help you assess if it’s blue green algae yourself, while you can also opt in to receive notifications about confirmed blooms in areas where you’re holidaying.

Crowdsourcing information

The app has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and around 300 to 400 sightings are logged each year, but more people need to be involved if scientists are to get an accurate idea of the scale of the problem.

At present, the majority of the cases reported are in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but it’s a problem nationwide.

The Bloomin’ Algae app has a wide network of users across the UK, Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Lichtenstein.

There are also plans to roll it out in Kenya and Chile, so you can log sightings on trips overseas with your caravan or motorhome.

Dr Linda May, freshwater ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said: “Climate change is making algal blooms more common. So, it’s really important for us to be able to track when and where these blooms are occurring.

“The more data we collect through the app, the more this helps our research into algal blooms, including ways that we can control them and reduce health risks to people and animals.”

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Tom Fisk



3 tips to make your caravan more environmentally friendly

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Getting out and about in your caravan is a great way to enjoy nature and if there are ways we can help preserve it while using our leisure vehicles, then that’s even better.

The benefits of making your caravan as eco as possible extend to saving money and being more comfortable, so it’s a win-win situation.

With this in mind, the experts at Towergate Insurance have put together their three top tips for minimising your caravan’s impact on the environment.

Keep on top of maintenance

Maintaining your leisure vehicle well has a number of advantages for the environment, including:

Prolonged vehicle life

Keeping on top of small repairs helps to extend the life of your leisure vehicle and prevent the need to buy a new one.

The manufacturing process for new models involves metals, plastics, energy and water, so cutting down on the frequency of replacing your caravan can be very eco-friendly.

Of course, discarded caravans also need to be scrapped, which can mean waste going into landfill and hazardous materials like batteries and oil needing to be dealt with.

Fuel efficiency

Caravans don’t make it to their destinations on their own and the towing vehicle you choose can have a big impact on the environment too.

No matter what type of towcar you own, you can make the engine more fuel-efficient with regular care and frequent oil changes.

Maintaining the outside of your caravan by removing moss and any unnecessary weight can improve its aerodynamics and cut down on fuel consumption too.

Minimise fluid leaks

Checking for leaks and making necessary repairs immediately can prevent substances like oil, coolant and brake fluid from escaping into the environment.

Contaminated soil or water sources can damage local ecosystems and disrupt the balance of natural habitats.

All chemical toilet waste from caravans should also be disposed of properly to prevent spillage into the countryside.

Find alternative power sources

There are ways to reduce the amount of energy you use while caravanning, but it’s also worth considering where the power for your appliances is coming from.

Solar panels attached to your leisure vehicle’s roof are an effective way to power items like the kettle, fridge and toaster, as well as LED light bulbs and to charge phones.

Installing solar panels can mean an initial expense, but most arrays have a 30-year lifespan, making them a good investment.

Upgrade your windows

Single-paned plastic windows, which are often found in older caravans, can result in heat loss and drafts, as well as condensation.

Upgrade your windows to use less energy or put up heavy-duty curtains to prevent the warmth from escaping.

Make sure the seals around the windows are doing their job too, since replacing these can make a big difference as the autumn and winter months approach.

Gary Turner, head of caravan and equine insurance at Towergate, said: “These three helpful tips are great for caravanners who are trying to be more mindful of their impact on the environment. 

“These maintenance tips and caravan additions or upgrades could also help the insurance industry, as a whole, to price future premiums.”



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Mitchell Orr

From badger browsing to alpaca walking: The best animal experiences in the Lake District

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As caravan and motorhome fans, we’re all familiar with the stunning scenery of the Lake District and the calming effect it can have on people needing to take a break.

But what about the area’s furrier inhabitants? From spotting wildlife in its natural habitat to ready-made animal packages, there are plenty of opportunities to get up and close to the Lakes’ fascinating creatures.

Badger browsing in Haweswater

Despite being native to the UK, it’s hard to see badgers in the wild, as they are nocturnal creatures.

That’s why the RSPB has opened a badger hide in Haweswater, allowing visitors to see the animals going about their nighttime business.

Built in an area where there were already lots of badgers, holidaymakers are guaranteed to see the creatures from the hide without disturbing them.

Annabel Rushton, RSPB visitor experience manager at Wild Haweswater, said: “This is all about giving the public a unique nature experience with one of the UK’s most iconic but secretive mammals.

“To see these beautiful creatures up close – they can come within a metre of the hide – is a truly magical experience for people of all ages.”

Visiting the Lake District Wildlife Park

The Lake District Wildlife Park is a treasure trove of local, national and international animals, boasting more than 100 species.

There’s a lot of focus on conservation at the park and as well as seeing the animals up close, visitors can attend talks about how the meerkats, lemurs and red pandas are cared for.

Book the Ultimate Animal Experience package to prepare food for some of the creatures, including tapirs and lemurs, as well as finding yourself with meerkats climbing all over you.

Pony trekking in Ullswater

Exploring the Lake District fells by horseback is a wonderful way to pass the time and Park Foot Pony Trekking offers excursions for all abilities.

Open until mid-November, the riding experience offers unparalleled views across Ullswater and the surrounding countryside.

Park Foot Pony Trekking has been in business for more than 30 years, so you can be confident that you’re in experienced hands on one of their supervised excursions.

All safety equipment, including riding hats, are included and you’ll even get a waterproof to wear if the weather turns wet.

Alpaca walking

Known for their friendly nature and distinctive personalities, alpacas are great companions for exploring the local area.

Despite being native to South America, alpacas have been found to be quite happy in the UK and Armathwaite Hall is home to four of the beloved creatures.

Take a wander around the estate with the alpacas and benefit from the calming influence they have on their human companions.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Mateusz D



DFDS offering out-of-season deals for caravans and motorhomes

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If you like to get away in your leisure vehicle out of season, then there are a number of deals being offered by DFDS.

The ferry operator will only charge travellers taking a caravan or motorhome for a car on selected sailings between Newhaven and Dieppe in 2025.

Instead of paying extra, the standard vehicle rate will apply to Saturday night and Sunday morning departures from Newhaven between January 7th and April 30th next year.

It will also be available for autumn sailings between October 1st and December 15th. To take advantage of the offer, it must be booked by December 11th, 2024.

Tourist vans up to seven metres in length and campervans measuring ten metres or less travel for the same price as single cars, as per DFDS’ standard policy.

Sailing from Ireland

Travellers hitting the open road on a motorhome or caravan trip to France from Ireland this autumn can take advantage of 20 per cent off with DFDS.

It’s offering the discount on sailings between Rosslare and Dunkirk, as long as the voyage is taken before December 12th, 2024.

Fares on the route include a cabin and all meals on board and those booking by December 11th also get a free camping pitch in Rosslare the night before the ferry crossing.

Dieppe

Upon arriving in Dieppe, the whole of France and in fact continental Europe is open to you to explore in your caravan and motorhome.

Before heading off on a touring adventure, the fishing port on the Normandy coast is worth checking out.

Dieppe Castle boasts an impressive clifftop position and its museum tells the history of the local area, while the beach, quays and eateries make for great places to relax and unwind.
If you’re in Dieppe over the weekend, don’t miss the Saturday morning market to stock your caravan or motorhome with French produce for the rest of your trip.

Dunkirk

Unsurprisingly, many of the interesting sites to visit in Dunkirk are based around its maritime history, so why not start at the Dunkirk 1940 Museum, which documents Operation Dynamo when Allied soldiers were evacuated from the city’s beaches during WWII.

Going further back, the Duchesse Anne, a three-masted sailing ship built in 1901, can be found at the Port Museum and is the last remaining full-rigged ship under the French flag.

Half an hour’s drive from Dunkirk is the walled town of Gravelines, which was built in a star shape. Its ramparts, vaults and bastions can all be explored on foot.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Bernd 📷 Dittrich

Halloween at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

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The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is gearing up for October half term and Halloween with a series of events, making the attraction the perfect addition to a touring trip.

Families enjoying a caravan or motorhome holiday near Pickering, where the railway is located, may want to take advantage of the full calendar of activities between October 26th and November 3rd.

The award-winning heritage railway invites children and their parents to visit stations along the line, which runs to Whitby.

Spooky station stories

Pickering and Grosmont stations will be hosting a seasonal story competition for the duration of half term, encouraging youngsters to use their imaginations.

They’ll learn about the histories of these supposedly haunted destinations and can pick up a competition sheet from one of the station shops.

Wand making

Expected to be very popular are the drop-in wand making sessions at Goathland Station on October 28th.

Budding witches, wizards and sorcerers will find everything they need to draft a magical wand ready to cast spells on unsuspecting parents and grown-ups.

Storytelling with Hoglets Theatre

The actors from Hoglets Theatre will be gracing Pickering Station on October 29th for a day of captivating storytelling.

Bringing the mysteries of the Moors to life, these sessions are limited to 25 children each, so pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Owl crafts

All young fans of the wizarding world know that an owl is an essential companion and kids will be able to create their own on October 30th at Goathland Station.

Just in time for Halloween, each participant will have a feathered friend to take home with them after crafting it from the supplies available.

Potion classes

Do your kids know their eye of newt from their frog’s leg? Find out on Halloween itself as Goathland Station hosts position classes on October 31st.

The drop-in sessions will be held throughout the day and the best bit is your children won’t even notice they’re doing science along with all that magic.

Mini broomstick craft

Even after Halloween, there’s still time for your little ones to channel their inner witches and wizards with a mini broomstick making activity.

Head to Goathland Station on November 1st and get ready for your kids to fly away on their own broomstick.

Riding the railway

Of course, no visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway would be complete without a ride on one of its steam trains.

There are daily services seven days a week up until November 3rd, with the chance to ride the whole 24-mile route, hopping off at stations as and when you choose.

Alternatively, you should choose to travel between one or two stations at a reduced price. Only adults pay, as kids go free.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Andrew Jeffery