Accessible lodge to be showcased at the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

Posted by

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is set to take place next month, with one of its headline sponsors unveiling an accessible lodge.

Border Caravans will be at the SEC in Glasgow from February 6th to 9th, showcasing the bespoke holiday accommodation.

Designed in partnership with Love Holiday Homes, it’s hoped the accessible lodge will be a prototype for future builds at sites across the UK.

Features of the lodge include wider corridors and more spacious rooms, as well as a balcony with ramped access and sliding internal doors.

Jillyanne Glen, show manager at the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Border Caravans as our headline sponsor. Having collaborated with their team for years, we’ve consistently been impressed by their exhibitions at the show.

“Not only are their products of outstanding quality, but their team is also constantly innovating to bring something fresh and exciting to our guests.

“The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show celebrates flexible holiday-making for everyone, and the introduction of the new accessible lodge exemplifies true flexibility and inclusivity.

“As Scotland’s largest event of its kind, we are deeply committed to promoting inclusivity and hope the new lodge inspires others in the industry to prioritise it in their designs and exhibitions.”

Border Caravans’ accessible lodge aims to address a gap in the holiday market, which makes it challenging for those with additional needs to find suitable accommodation.

The manufacturer hopes to spark a movement towards more inclusive designs across the sector, making holiday parks accessible for all.

Border Caravans operates four award-winning sites throughout the Scottish Borders and is known as one of Scotland’s leading family-owned holiday park operators.

Its parks are Lilliardsedge Holiday Park at Jedburgh, Westlands Country Park at Annan, Riverside Caravan Park at Hawick and Mouswald Lodge Park at Dumfries.

They all boast a variety of accommodation offerings, including holiday homes for purchase and hot tub lodges for hire, while on-site facilities like bars, restaurants, live entertainment and clay pigeon shooting keep everyone entertained.

Fishing lakes, a golf course, tranquil surroundings and Borders Caravans’ very own music festival help to make the parks stand out from the crowd.

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show will be an opportunity for visitors to explore the newest leisure vehicles on the market and a wide range of accessories.

This year’s show will also feature a climbing wall and the return of the popular farmers’ market, showcasing delicious local produce.



Britain’s best motorway services to stop at on your next touring trip

Posted by

Taking regular stops en route to your touring destination is all part of a long caravan trip and we all have our favourites.

Now, Instarmac, with the help of TripAdvisor, has put together a definitive list of the best motorway services across Britain.

This should help you to plan your next journey to ensure you arrive at your campsite feeling rested and most importantly, get there safely.

Gloucester Services

Consistently appearing in the top-ranked service stations in the UK, Gloucester Services is Britain’s favourite according to TripAdvisor.

Its mantra of “bringing you proper food on the motorway” is reflected in home-cooked dishes, which are enough to tempt weary caravanners to take a break.

Add to this its authentic artisan feel and leafy green surroundings, Gloucester Services has become a firm favourite with travelling Brits.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “If only every motorway services was like this one!” High praise indeed.

Moto Hospitality Rugby

New to the services scene is Moto Hospitality Rugby, which opened to the public in 2021, so has relatively fewer reviews than others.

It was, however, named the best in the UK in Transport Focus’ 2022 customer survey, so we’re expecting it to keep up the quality as it becomes well known.

Among the reviews Moto Hospitality Rugby has attracted is a nod to how pet-friendly the new facilities are, making it a good stop-off point if you’re travelling with your dog.

Tebay Services

Located on the M6 near Penrith in Cumbria, Tebay Services is run by the same company as Gloucester Services and has an equally winning formula.

It stands out from other services for its commitment to working with local producers within a 30-mile radius.

These 70-plus suppliers stock its farm shop and restaurant, where children can enjoy a hot meal for £1 when purchased with an adult-sized dish.

Extra MSA Cobham

Cobham Services, which can be found between junctions nine and ten of the M25 in Surrey, is famous for being the first motorway services to ever hold a wedding.

The bride and groom were enticed by the food options on offer, including Greggs, Pizza Express and Leon, which are also great opportunities to refuel on the way to your caravan destination.

Cairn Lodge Services

Scotland’s Cairn Lodge Services on the A74, just over half an hour south of Glasgow is said to offer a similar vibe to the Gloucester and Tebay services.

Its name comes from the nearby historic 18th century gatehouse of the derelict Douglas Castle and continues to offer hospitality for travellers looking to break up their journey.

Roadchef Annandale McDonalds

This McDonalds north of the border has much to recommend it alongside just a Big Mac and fries, as it boasts a picturesque lakeside location.

As well as the panoramic views, users of TipAdvisor have commented on the excellent customer service, which elevates a typical fast food experience into something more memorable.

If you’re driving past Annandale near Lockerbie on your way to the Highlands or islands, perhaps, then tap into this little-known gem.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Joseph Pearson



Camping the Disney way: Fort Wilderness Resort

Posted by

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.

If you like caravanning and you’re a fan of Disney, then this one’s for you.

I recently went to Disney’s Fort Wilderness and it’s pretty spectacular. To be clear, this isn’t a theme park in the sense of Thorpe Park, with a defined area and a parking space. It’s more akin to a large town or small city. 

The different theme parks at Disney World, Florida require separate transport to get between them. There’s so many things to do, from Downtown Disney with its restaurants, shops and nightclubs, to golf courses and waterparks. On top of this, there are some very expensive Disney resorts, where you can stay within Disney World and access easy transport to all the attractions.

If money is no object, then being accommodated within one of these resorts is the most convenient and hassle-free way of experiencing Disney World. For the rest of us, there’s one of the most incredible campsites I’ve ever seen: Fort Wilderness.

An affordable alternative

Compared to Disney’s hotel accommodation, the campsite is affordable. However, depending on the time of year, prices will vary. You should also be aware of additional costs on top of the pitch, such as golf car rental to get around.

The site is on par with some of the largest sites I’ve seen in Europe, but incredibly well organised and properly well laid out. There are buses laid on to take you between the pitches, on-site facilities and various theme parks.

On-site amenities

It’s a 750-acre site set within a pine forest and I saw all kinds of wildlife there. The facilities are second to none, with plenty of recreation options inside the campsite, including pools with waterslides. It’s pet-friendly, so your dog can come too, if they’re travelling in the US with you.

Being Disney, decorating your pitch is encouraged, so there are lights and inflatable characters at every turn. I was there at Christmas and I didn’t see a single set-up that wasn’t complete with festoon lighting and recognisable faces from the franchise.

Working out the details

A 50-foot by ten-foot pitch (they do things bigger in America) can be priced between $82 (£67) and $200, depending on your needs. These can vary from having a simple tent to a caravan with electric hook-up. The time of year will also affect pricing, with a premium charged during the US school holidays. Going out of season is around 40 per cent cheaper.

If you want to explore Disney for a few days, everything is accessible from the Fort Wilderness Resort campsite. There’s a bus that goes directly to Epcot or a boat to the Magic Kingdom, as well as bars, restaurants and swimming pools on site. It’s also worth it to see how the Americans go all out decorating a campsite!

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Kin Li



2025 to be a year of escapism, says caravan chief

Posted by

More people will seek escapism by investing in a caravan holiday home, touring caravan or motorhome in the coming year, according to a caravan chief.

Tony Bywater, chairman of Salop Leisure, has made the prediction following a challenging year for the caravan industry in 2024.

He believes that there will be greater demand for leisure vehicles in 2025 after an uncertain year meant more people were cautious with their spending.

Mr Bywater pointed to the cost of living crisis, political uncertainty leading up to and following the general election and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East for slow sales in 2024.

He added: “It was a challenging year for a combination of reasons, not helped by the doom and gloom that has spread across the media.

“People consequently lost confidence in buying homes and making business decisions, which affected sales of caravans.

“We also had one of the coldest summers in living memory, but nevertheless our parks were very busy.”

With 55 years of experience in the industry, Mr Bywater is well-placed to make such predictions and thinks this January will see record sales, followed by a bumper year for caravans.

His colleague Mark Bebb, managing director at Salop Leisure, agreed with Mr Bywater’s sentiments, suggesting the caravan industry will bounce back in 2025.

He believes taking trips in a caravan is seen as a great way to escape the pressures of everyday life.

Mr Bebb added: “Our industry represents escapism from technology and stress, which are increasingly impacting mental health and anxiety. Our products provide an antidote like no other for individuals and families.”

It’s not just the traditional demographics that understand the benefits of staycations in a caravan or motorhome either, as younger generations are also enjoying the lifestyle.

Salop Leisure has sales centres in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, where prospective buyers can check out models they’re thinking of purchasing.

As well as the caravan and motorhome dealerships, Salop Leisure also owns the Love2Stay glamping and touring resort.

Located in Shropshire, Love2Stay is set within 22 acres of natural countryside, offering a wide range of activities, amenities and nearby attractions.



Celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen in Winchester

Posted by

If you’ve ever curled up with a good book on a rainy day in your caravan, you’ll appreciate the power of an author who knows how to craft compelling fiction.

Some 250 years after her birth, the city of Winchester is set to celebrate such a writer with events to recognise Jane Austen.

Austen lived in Winchester for a time up until her death, giving the cathedral city a strong link to one of the world’s most famous writers.

So, if you’re a booklover looking for a literary destination to explore in your caravan in 2025, add Winchester to your list.

Number 8 College Street

Austen’s final home, where she wrote her last poem three days before her death, will open to the public for the first time from June 4th to August 30th, with displays prepared by Winchester College.

They will explain Austen’s connections to the city, along with the story of her last days through artefacts that have never been on public display before.

Tickets for tours of the College Street residence are on sale now and must be booked in advance.

Winchester College Museum

A selection of items associated with Jane Austen will be on display at the Winchester College Museum Treasury from May until the end of the year.

These will include first editions of her novels and manuscripts written by Austen and other members of her family.

Eight of Austen’s nephews were pupils at Winchester College and the school is mentioned in some of her surviving correspondence.

Winchester Cathedral

Unsurprisingly, Austen’s final resting place will be taking part in the 250th anniversary events, with the original manuscript of her poem To the Memory of Mrs Lefroy going on display.

Interactive light and sound installations will be used for The Storytellers exhibition, which will honour Austen and other writers at the cathedral from March 11th to 15th.

The cathedral will also be hosting a Regency ball on May 31st, with guests invited to don their finest attire for an evening celebrating the customs and traditions that were often seen in Austen’s novels.

The Great Hall

Another Regency ball is set to take place on August 16th, but this time at Winchester’s Great Hall, where guests will be taught how to dance in the style of the period.

Anyone not sure what to wear for such an event could attend the Regency fashion show being staged on July 26th for some inspiration.

On September 5th, the Great Hall will host an audience with historian and best-selling author, Lucy Worsley, who will discuss the life of Austen in detail.

Councillor Lucille Thompson, cabinet member for business and culture at Winchester City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see so many attractions and businesses coming together to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.

“Winchester is fortunate to be home to significant moments of Austen’s history, and we are thrilled to be hosting such a variety of wonderful events and exhibitions.

“We are proud of our city’s heritage and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the globe to be part of these special celebrations.”

 

 

Photo credit: Gilbert Yates Photography

Falmouth events to enjoy with your caravan or motorhome in 2025

Posted by

Cornwall is a hugely popular place to visit with your caravan or motorhome and the region’s events capital, Falmouth, has released a schedule to ensure 2025 offers even more reasons to pitch up in the south-west.

So, if you’re planning your getaways for the year, think about coinciding them with one or more of these headline events.

Falmouth Spring Flower Show, March 22nd and 23rd

Looking ahead to the emergence of spring flowers is a nice way to get yourself through the dark winter months and celebrating them at a special show will ensure you truly appreciate the new season’s blooms.

The oldest spring flower show in Cornwall and one of the longest-running in the UK, this free event will captivate your senses with dazzling displays and beautiful scents.

WanderFAL, April 11th and 12th

WanderFAL is an enticing mixture of music played in venues across Falmouth and in a variety of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Cornwall’s finest local talent will be joined by some more well-known performers to bring the sounds of singing and instruments to every corner of the town.

Falmouth Food Festival, May 23rd to 26th

Calling all foodies! Make your way to Falmouth waterfront in May to try some delicious food, alongside a portion of live music.

The best food vendors from Cornwall will set up shop for the duration of the festival with chef demos offering plenty of inspiration for future caravan cook-ups.

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, June 13th to 15th

The largest free nautical music and song festival in Europe taps into Falmouth’s proud tradition of sea shanties, as the town was a safe port of call for deepwater sailing ships in the past.

Expect more than 80 groups from across the UK, Europe and further afield to be performing classic and contemporary shanties across Falmouth.

Falmouth Week, August 8th to 17th

Originally a local sailing regatta, Falmouth Week can trace its history back as far as 1837, but has now evolved into a major sailing competition.

It’s an opportunity for sailors and land lovers to enjoy a variety of activities on the water and by the sea, with the town experiencing a festive vibe.

Falmouth Oyster Festival, October 9th to 12th

Falmouth Oyster Festival is one of Cornwall’s biggest specialist food events, devoted to the mighty mollusc in all its forms.

The native Fal Oyster will be joined by other types of Cornish seafood, with four days of cookery demonstrations, feasting and festivities.

Harmony Choir, December 24th

Building on more than 100 years of tradition, the Falmouth Harmony Choir will once again fill the streets of Falmouth with festive songs to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

They’ll be joined by choirs from across Cornwall, all making their way through town, inviting crowds to join in with the Cornish songs and carols.



 

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay

Urgent care tips for your towcar in winter

Posted by

Continuing to use your caravan is the best way to keep it in good working order throughout the winter, as long as you take precautions to stay safe.

This also applies to your towcar, which is responsible for getting you and your trusty caravan to its destination.

With this in mind, Ellie Macsymons, consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes, has put together eight tips to help towcar drivers avoid any nasty surprises.

Check your tyres before setting off

Tyres are your towcar’s first line of defence against icy roads, which are common in many areas of the country at present, making proper grip essential for safety and efficiency.

Ensure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread for driving throughout the winter months and keep them inflated to the recommended pressures, as underinflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency.

Keep your battery charged

It’s a little-known fact that cold weather reduces your battery’s ability to hold a charge, which can leave you stranded midway through your journey to a holiday park.

Check your battery’s voltage before long journeys and if you’re unsure how to do this, many local garages will test it for you, often for free.

Keep fluids topped up

Low or incorrect fluids can cause damage to your towcar in winter conditions, but winter-grade screenwash can prevent freezing and improve visibility while towing your caravan.

Some towcars also benefit from winter-grade oil, so check your manual to see if it applies to yours. It’s cheaper to top up than deal with engine damage, so be proactive in your approach.

Protect your windscreen and wipers

Ice and grit can pose a threat to your windscreen and wipers, but be wary of quick-fix hot water solutions such as running a bag of hot water over your windscreen, as these techniques can cause damage by cracking the glass.

Stock up on de-icer sprays and use a scraper to remove ice and a soft cloth for any grit on your windscreen to stay safe.

Monitor fuel efficiency

Cold starts and longer idling times often lead to more fuel use in the winter, but there are ways to improve fuel efficiency.

One useful tactic is to keep your caravan as light as possible, as towing a heavy load uses more fuel, so try not to pack any unnecessary items.

Check your lights

Winter’s shorter days and foggy conditions make lights more important than ever for visibility and safety.

Check lights on both your towcar and caravan regularly to make sure they’re in top condition and clean them for maximum brightness, replacing any dim or flickering bulbs promptly.

Wash your towcar regularly

Salt and dirt thrown up from winter roads can corrode your towcar’s body and undercarriage, making regular washing, including the underside, a must-do.

It’s easy to think that the rain at this time of year will do the job for you, but there’s really no substitute for specialist products and some personal attention.

Plan ahead for MOT and insurance renewals

Check your MOT date and ensure your car is in good condition prior to inspection to avoid any unexpected bills.

Shop around for the best insurance deals before renewing and you might find a bargain on your next insurance premium.

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/Eveline de Bruin

Roadtrips to take with your leisure vehicle in 2025

Posted by

Having access to a caravan or motorhome offers the opportunity to go away on extended trips without blowing the budget.

A roadtrip enables you to fully explore an area and open yourself up to the possibility of spontaneous adventures along the way.

There are lots of potential roadtrips in Europe to undertake with your leisure vehicle in 2025, so which ones do we at CaravanTimes recommend?

Andalusia and Extremedura

Known as “the frying pan of Europe”, Andalusia is hot in the summer months and relatively warm throughout winter compared to other destinations.

Its historic cities, including Granada, Seville and Cordoba, are well-known as fascinating places to visit and easy to travel between in your caravan or campervan.

Extend your Spanish touring adventure beyond Andalusia and into Extremedura, which has long been unfairly overlooked.

This unspoilt, rural region of Spain borders Portugal and is steeped in history, wildlife and local cuisine, including Iberian hams, goats cheeses and chorizo.

Visit Monfragüe National Park, see the fascinating giant boulders in Los Barruecos and explore the walled city of Caceres.

The Norwegian fjords

Norway is a stunning country to explore with your leisure vehicle, with its impressive scenery and plentiful opportunities to pitch up.

Be sure to include the 15 km-long Geirangerfjord on your itinerary, as this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its deep blue waters is set against towering mountain peaks for dramatic impact.

Ferries depart from Harwich to Hoek van Holland, Hull to Rotterdam and Newcastle to Amsterdam, from where you can drive to Norway.

Plans to reinstate ferry routes from Newcastle to Stavanger and Bergen are slated for 2026, so you could start planning your Norway trip for next year.

Make sure your leisure vehicle is suitable for driving on the narrow and winding roads around the fjords, as well as in adverse Norwegian weather conditions.

Amalfi Coast and islands, Italy

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is an iconic roadtrip destination, not because of its size, as at just 50 kilometres in length, you could easily cover it in one day, but because of what it packs into that space.

Pastel-coloured fishing villages are dotted along sheer cliffs and hidden beaches can be found all along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula.

To make the most of having a leisure vehicle in this part of Italy, travel slowly and stop off at local trattorias for lunch and secluded swimming spots for a dip.

Then there’s the islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri to explore, each one with its own distinct personality and charm.

Plan your roadtrip to the Amalfi Coast to take in some stunning destinations on the way, with France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria all possibilities, depending on your route.

Escorted tours with the Caravan and Motorhome Club

If you’re new to the leisure vehicle lifestyle and want some extra assurance for your first trip to the continent, the Caravan and Motorhome Club offers escorted tours to more than 20 destinations in Europe.

These itineraries have been carefully put together by knowledgeable caravan and motorhome experts and give you the peace of mind that comes from having a tour host close to hand.

They’re a great way to gain confidence in this way of travelling before perhaps planning your own trip in the future.



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Stijn de Vries

Stargazing locations with the most campervan-friendly campsites

Posted by

The UK is home to some incredible stargazing spots, unspoilt by light pollution, offering unparalleled views of the night sky.

Due to the fact that they’re away from cities and often in national parks, they can seem inaccessible to those wishing to enjoy them.

This is where having a campervan comes into its own, allowing you to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and explore the cosmos.

So, which locations in the UK have good stargazing conditions and the facilities and amenities to make visiting them in a campervan easy?

Select Van Leasing has created a rundown of the places that should top your list, taking into account everything from Dark Sky status and expert recommendations to elevation and the number of campervan-friendly campsites in the vicinity.

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales

Leading the way with an impressive 70 per cent of its campsites catering to campervans is Eryri National Park, as 109 out of 155 sites offer facilities designed for campervan visitors.

Eryri was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2015 and with no fewer than 90 mountains over 2,000 ft, there’s plenty of opportunities to get up high to see the stars.

The Pen y Pass car park sits at an elevation of 1,180 ft, making it the perfect place to park up and watch the sky.

A representative from Select Van Leasing said: “Travelling in a campervan is a great way to explore Eryri, as it helps you discover all the different stargazing locations in just one trip.

“It’s not permitted to stay overnight in a car park in a campervan or motorhome, so booking one of the many campervan-friendly campsites is the best option.”

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park secured second place in the rankings of the best stargazing destinations in the UK.

The largest national park in the country covers 4,500 sq km of unspoilt countryside, with the Glenlivet and Tomintoul area among the best places to look skywards.

In addition to its Dark Sky status, which was granted in 2018, Glenlivet and Tomintoul is home to Britain’s only herd of reindeer.

The Cairngorm Mountain car park near Aviemore is located at the base of the ski lift, but is a great spot for stargazing and even watching the Aurora Borealis.

Overnight stays are permitted at the car park, with provisions for campervans and motorhomes in place.

Northumberland National Park, England

Located in the north, Northumberland National Park, along with most of Kielder Water and Forest Park, holds the distinction of being England’s first International Dark Sky Park.

It was designated in 2013 and remains Europe’s largest protected area of night sky to this day, making it a must-visit for any budding astrophile.

On a clear night, thousands of stars are visible with the naked eye, as well as the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy, which is located 2.5 million light years away.

Kielder Observatory holds events seven days a week, focusing on different areas, from relaxed astronomy to stargazing photography skills.

Lordenshaw Hill Fort car park near Rothbury is a good starting point to climb up to the Lordenshaw Rock ancient monument for uninterrupted views of the Cheviots and the night sky.



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Amy Gatenby

Why you should make caravan and motorhome New Year’s resolutions

Posted by

Research suggests most New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February, so is there any point in making them in the first place?

Here at CaravanTimes, we think New Year’s resolutions relating to your caravan, motorhome or campervan are a great idea and they don’t have to be as rigid as some people believe.

We’re not talking about vowing to clean your leisure vehicle every week or go to a different location each month.

For 2025, we’re championing smaller, more achievable resolutions, like taking more day trips in your caravan or always putting muddy gear in a large bucket when you return to your motorhome after a wet walk.

Owning a leisure vehicle gives you lots of opportunities to get out and enjoy nature no matter how busy your schedule gets.

So, with this in mind, the CaravanTimes team has some suggestions for micro-resolutions this year, which should help you get the most out of your caravan or motorhome.

Have more breakfasts in scenic spots

Your leisure vehicle is a kitchen on wheels, so you can drive it anywhere and brew a cup of coffee, warm up some pastries or cook a full fry up fairly easily.

If you haven’t got time for a weekend away or even a day out, breakfast in a scenic location not far from home can still be doable.

Croissants by the sea, coffee with a view of rolling hills or a bacon butty watching raindrops drip down the windows are all good uses of your caravan or motorhome.

Lend your leisure vehicle to others

Identify time when you’re not going to be using your van – like if you’re jetting off on holiday – and resolve to make it available for others.

This can have a number of benefits, such as letting someone who might not get a trip away experience vanlife or earning a little bit of extra money through a campervan sharing platform.

Either way, your leisure vehicle is better off being used than sitting on your drive and sharing is a great New Year’s resolution to make.

Meet more caravanners

The caravanning community is a very welcoming bunch and 2025 could be the year you get to know more of them.

Strategies to do this can vary, from joining an organisation like the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club, right through to signing up for towing skills training.

Sometimes, the best friendships come from asking for help on site, so if your vehicle gets stuck in the mud or you forget to pack a tin opener, use it as an opportunity to create new connections.

Expand your cooking repertoire

While it’s true that many caravan and motorhome kitchens are smaller than those most people have at home, they’re also often very well equipped.

It’s easy to fall into the routine of cooking the same dishes every time you go away in your leisure vehicle, but adding new items to your repertoire can be a lot of fun.

There’s lots of cookbooks designed especially for helping caravanners and motorhomers to innovate and make delicious feasts, so it might be time to invest in one.

Create a wish list

Instead of settling on one resolution and vowing to repeat it throughout the year, a wish list for the months ahead can be a great idea if you want to mix things up.

Settle on ten to 15 things you’d like to do with your caravan or motorhome this year and try to tick them off by January 2026.

Ideas should be personal to you, but could include visiting somewhere new, returning to a location you love, taking your leisure vehicle on a ferry or creating an accessory like curtains for your van.



 

Photo credit: Pexels/Pavel Danilyuk

Stay on the right side of the law when driving this winter

Posted by

Whether you’re driving a towcar or a motorhome this winter, it’s important to stay on the right side of the law, but new research shows one seasonal rule is often overlooked.

Motorpoint surveyed UK car owners about their attitudes towards de-icing their vehicle and driving in freezing conditions and found 42 per cent don’t fully defrost their windscreen before setting off.

Not only does having a partially iced over windscreen pose a safety hazard when departing for a trip in your motorhome or when towing a caravan, it’s also against the law.

Legally, all drivers must fully defrost their car windows and mirrors before embarking on a journey when it’s cold outside.

In reality, many people don’t leave enough time before their planned departure and only clear a portion of the windscreen to see out of.

According to the Highway Code, drivers must defrost the entire windscreen before attempting to go anywhere or risk a fine of up to £2,500.

Interestingly, the same research found 43 per cent of motorists know it’s illegal to start driving without visibility, but that doesn’t stop many from doing it anyway.

Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint, said: “Winter driving can be a daunting prospect for motorists, but there are some simple things you can do to help build your confidence and keep yourself and other road users safe. 

“The easiest thing motorists can do is to ensure they have full visibility and have taken the time to make sure they can see out of their windows and mirrors.

“I’d suggest giving yourself at least ten minutes to defrost your car and remove all condensation before setting off on cold mornings so you can be confident that your windscreen is fully clear and won’t risk refreezing.”

How to defrost your towcar or motorhome’s windscreen

As well as leaving enough time to properly defrost your windscreen before a journey, what are the best methods to do so?

Motorpoint has noted some people leave the engine running and turn up the heaters while they finish getting ready for a trip, which it points out is a very bad idea for environmental and potential theft reasons.

Here are some of the alternatives:

Use an ice scraper

Going old school and using an ice scraper is among the cheapest and most effective ways to clear ice off your vehicle.

Remember to wear a pair of gloves and to do the entire windscreen, as well as mirrors, lights and any driving sensors.

De-icer spray

Traditional de-icer is effective but the chemicals mean it’s not great for the environment, so it’s a good idea to make your own with a tablespoon of salt and two cups of water.

De-icer can cause your windscreen to fog over, so you need to factor this into the time it takes to prepare your towcar or motorhome for travel.

Dual method

Combining homemade de-icer and a scraper can be more effective than using one over the other and helps to cut how long you need to clear your windscreen.

Have both of these items to hand so you’re not scrabbling around trying to find them at the last minute while preparing for a journey.

Heated windscreen

If you have a heated windscreen, then this can be particularly helpful, but does require some time to work.

Don’t forget to defrost the side windows and the mirrors though, as you’ll still need these to drive safely.

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/Karolina Grabowska

Where to pitch up abroad in 2025

Posted by

If the stress of Christmas is getting a bit too much for you, then now could be a good time to start thinking about your caravan or motorhome trips in 2025.

Throughout the last 12 months, a number of international destinations have been gaining in popularity, making them good candidates for your next adventure abroad.

With this in mind, Pitchup.com has provided a rundown of the places that should be on your radar in 2025.

Portugal

Bookings to Portugal reportedly rose by 251 per cent, which is not surprising when you realise it’s the only European destination to have made it into the 2024 Holiday Money Report’s top five.

Offering plenty of bang for your buck, Portugal has a tempting climate, stunning coastlines and historic cities, providing everything you need for a great camping holiday.

Pitchup recommends Bubulcus & Bolotas Camping, which is located half an hour’s drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Évora.

This shining example of Portugal’s golden age was completely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1755.

Hungary

Combining Hungary’s stunning landscapes, thermal spas, rich history and lively traditions with the low cost of holiday essentials, it’s easy to see why bookings have gone up by 229 per cent in the last year.

Head to Lake Balaton to the west of Budapest for a stay at Balatontourist Camping Napfény for watersports and a playground for children.

Local attractions include Szigliget Castle and a winery just a 20-minute drive away. Make sure you don’t indulge in the produce if you’ve got to drive the towcar or motorhome back to the site.

One reviewer of the holiday park said it’s “sooooo beautiful and the campsite with everything around it is a dream”.

Montenegro

Croatia has long been a popular destination for Brits, but its southern neighbour Montenegro has only recently started to get the recognition it deserves.

With 217 per cent more bookings, caravanners and motorhomers have tapped into the beauty of its rugged mountains, medieval villages and Adriatic coastline.

Just 20 minutes north-west of the capital Podgorica is Purple Eye Estate, which is set within its own winery, meaning you don’t have to go anywhere to sample the local produce.

The site also makes a convenient base for exploring Oströg Monastery, built into the cliff face 900 metres above the Zeta Valley in the 17th century.

Belgium

If you’re a foodie and owning a leisure vehicle helps to facilitate trips to tantalise your tastebuds, then Belgium should be high up on your list.

The waffles, chocolate and beer it’s known for are among the reasons for a 108 per cent uptick in books to this culinary hotspot.

While still relatively close to the UK, Belgium is cheaper than France, thus stacking the odds even further in its favour.

Camping Houtum near Antwerp is “an incredible campsite surrounded by some of the most stunning cycling routes I’ve ever experienced,” according to one reviewer.

Austria

Alpine meadows and mountains have led to Austria coming in fifth position in the fastest-growing overseas destinations for the past 12 months.

The landlocked country in central Europe saw an increase of 78 per cent in bookings in 2024, making it a good bet for 2025.

Camping Resort Reigersburg is located in the west of the country and is a newly opened site, which is already impressing guests with its facilities.

Highlights include swimming in the lake and hiking up to the medieval Riegersburg Castle, which is within easy reach of the camping ground.