Spooky caravan getaways for Halloween

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Halloween is fast approaching, so why not give yourself a break and explore one of the UK’s spookiest getaway locations to celebrate? 

The team at Ropers Leisure have come up with five scary hotspots to give the whole family fright. Whether you want to pitch up in a tent or a caravan, these bone-chilling destinations are home to plenty of caravan parks where you can rest assured the ghosts can’t get you. 

Whitby

If you’ve read Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic novel Dracula, you may be familiar with the Yorkshire town of Whitby. The seaside location and the dramatic Whitby Abbey are what inspired the author to write about the vampire. 

The town’s eerie atmosphere and towering ruins make it a popular destination during the Autumn season. Be sure to visit the town’s most famous landmark, along with St Mary’s churchyard, Green Lane and Bagdale Hall. 

Windmill Inn is a great campsite to pitch up at once you’re well and truly spooked. 

Warwick

Warick’s most iconic landmark, Warwick Castle, has a reputation for hosting some of the best Halloween events in the UK.

If you’re feeling adventurous this Halloween, why not try out one of the haunted tours or scare mazes? Kids can also enjoy trick-or-treating inside the castle grounds. Hatton Country World is a great spot to settle down for the night. 

Somerset

Somerset is home to one of the most exciting Halloween destinations: Wookey Hole Caves. This historic site has a hair-raising atmosphere with plenty of dark passageways to be explored. The caves are believed to be haunted by witches who are said to have spent many nights performing rituals in its depths. Do you dare? 

Once you’re sufficiently frightened, head to Bucklegrove campsite in Cheddar to park up for the night. 

Inverness

Scotland is often associated with ghosts, ghouls and strange goings-on and Inverness is no exception. 

The city was the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden and visitors can still see evidence of the event and even, supposedly, hear gunshots on the battlefield. 

Oh, and if you’ve ever heard of the Loch Ness Monster, why not try to spot Nessie while you’re in the area? 

Despite its terrifying, bloodstained history, Inverness was also recently chosen as one of the cosiest cities in the UK for autumn touring. Fortrose Bay is a great spot to pitch up in Inverness.

York 

This list wouldn’t be complete without York. Considered one of the most haunted cities in Europe, York has a rich history filled with murder, ghostly sightings and inexplicable events. 

There are countless creepy locations to explore in the city, such as the Shambles, a mediaeval street that’s meant to be haunted by more than 20 ghosts, and All Saints Church which is said to be a regular haunting ground for ghoulish monks and nuns.  

If you can sleep at all, we recommend turning in at the Robin Hood campsite. 

 

Image credit: Александар Цветановић / Pexels

 

Touring holiday popularity surges despite the rising cost of living

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Research carried out for the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has highlighted a surge in UK touring holidays and a growing interest in the outdoors. 

The cost of living crisis has put a strain on families around the country and many are considering swapping overseas vacations for motorhome or caravan trips closer to home. 

Time away with family or friends is essential for mental health, which is why – despite the rising price of expenses – many outdoor enthusiasts aren’t letting the current crisis dampen their enthusiasm. In fact, the number of Brits considering a touring holiday has increased by 20 per cent over the last two years, and interest in owning a leisure vehicle is predicted to grow by 43 per cent by 2030. 

There are many reasons for this growth in popularity, one of the main motivations being that motorhome or caravan owners feel much more in control of the cost of their holiday than other travellers. Moreover, almost one-third of those interested in the activity said that rising fuel costs haven’t deterred them. 

Those needing more incentive to invest in a leisure vehicle will be glad to know that people who embark on touring adventures are 46 per cent more likely to spend time with their family and 37 per cent more likely to have increased exercise levels. Furthermore, 75 per cent of mobile home owners or those looking to purchase one report feeling less stressed on holiday. 

Their research also pointed to the fact that touring holidays help people to digitally detox, with motorhome owners (78.9%) and caravan owners (77.9%) reporting they spend less time on their digital devices when on the road. This is likely due to the fact that caravanning offers the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. 

For those considering a holiday on the road, there are plenty of remarkable destinations that you can enjoy without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil staycation spot, you’d love to discover some of the country’s best wildlife trails or you simply want a cheap location to pitch up and relax – the UK has something for everyone. 

If you’re planning to invest in a motorhome or caravan, be sure to brush up on the rules around towing and the proper maintenance procedures to avoid incurring additional expenses while on the road. 

 

Image credit: Boudewijn Huysmans / Unsplash

The UK’s most haunted destinations for Halloween touring

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The days are getting shorter and the temperature is dropping, but there are still plenty of reasons to hop in your leisure vehicle and get out on the road.  

With Halloween just around the corner, why not give your next autumn touring adventure a spooky twist with a visit to one of the UK’s most frightening regions? 

The experts at PsychicWorld.com have uncovered which areas in the UK have the strongest paranormal presence. To do this, they collated a list of 11,700 ghostly sightings in 59 counties across the country to reveal which spots are the most haunted. 

Whether you believe in the supernatural or you’re planning a family road trip and want to give the kids a good scare this Halloween, a visit to one of these eerie locations will surely be a holiday to remember. 

The sightings they collected included various paranormal activities, such as phantom horses and riders, legends of folklore, fairies, headless ghosts, women in white, animal ghosts and more. 

Yorkshire was named the spookiest location in the UK, with over 797 hair-raising sightings to date. 

There are lots of creepy spots to check out including East Riddlesden Hall, a 17th-century manor frequented by the spirit of the Grey Lady who roams its halls in search of her lost lover. If you want to learn about the area’s dark history, the original “Ghost Walk of York” is a must-do. 

Once you’re sufficiently spooked, you can explore the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales before pitching up at one of the best caravan sites on the coast. 

Unsurprisingly, London was the second most haunted region in the UK with a reported 701 chilling sightings. Home to ghostly pubs and spectres such as the Red Lady, Jack the Ripper, and the Highgate Vampire – London is guaranteed to frighten even the most laid-back trick-or-treater. 

Although the spine-chilling capital is often considered too expensive for touring holidays, there are numerous spots to pitch up in the surrounding countryside. Head to Surrey, Kent, Hertfordshire or Canterbury and make London a day trip on your touring itinerary.

Essex snagged third place on the list with 507 spooky activities recorded. The county is associated with many ghost stories about some of its most iconic buildings such as Layer Marney Tower and Hadleigh castle.  

Other areas with a strong paranormal presence include Sussex, Dorset, Devon and Northern Ireland. 

The full results of their research can be seen in the infographic below.

 

Image credit: Rythik / Unsplash

Why canned food is perfect for caravanners

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One of the best things about going away in your caravan is enjoying a simpler way of life and that applies to food too.

Instead of planning complicated meals, you can whip up warming creations with just a few ingredients and pared back cooking appliances.

This is an ethos promoted by Canned Food UK, which is keen to show caravanners how easy it is to make meals based around store cupboard favourites.

Among the benefits of taking canned ingredients on your next caravan trip are:

  • Time saving, as produce is pre-prepared
  • Can be stored at room temperature – perfect if your caravan fridge is small
  • Long shelf life, so you can stock up your cupboards well in advance
  • Contents are protected in the tin

Canned Food UK offers advice on all sorts of recipes you can cook up in your caravan, including prawn tacos, herby potato cakes, salmon tagliatelle, mixed bean chilli, corned beef hash and tuna bean pasta.

It doesn’t have to stop there either, as it recommends cinnamon pineapple fritters as an easy camping dessert created from tinned goods.

If you’re keen to embrace this way of cooking, then why not start with cowboy stew? Here’s the recipe, which serves four:

Ingredients

1 tbsp of oil
1 onion, diced
2 sticks of celery, sliced
1 green pepper, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 can potatoes – 567g drained and diced
1 can of adzuki beans – 400g drained
2 cans of chopped tomatoes – 400g
1 can of sweetcorn – 200g drained
1 beef stock cube
1 can of beef in gravy – 400g
Cracked black pepper and salt to season

Method

  1. Heat the oil and fry the onion for five minutes.
    2. Add the celery, peppers and sauté for a further few minutes.
    3. Mix in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock cube, adzuki beans, diced potatoes, sweetcorn, and simmer on a low heat for around 15 to 20 minutes.
    4. Add the beef and heat through for a further few minutes.
    5. Season to taste.

The final word on cowboy stew goes to Canned Food UK: “Great served with crusty bread – and a glass of red wine for the adults – this is a hearty, high protein dish perfect for filling hungry campers.”

How to maintain your motorhome as the temperature drops

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With temperatures in the UK already dropping to -2°C, it’s important to start thinking about protecting your motorhome from the cold.

Keeping on top of maintenance tasks means you should be able to use your leisure vehicle comfortably for years to come.

Experts at We Buy Any Motorcaravan have identified the three types of jobs you should be carrying out at this time of year: preventative, scheduled and emergency, as well as how to tackle them.

While there are some checks you should do before every trip, like testing the lights and the tyre pressure on your motorhome, there are others more specific to the season. These include:

  • Clean your motorhome and remove food items to prevent a mice infestation
  • Remove moisture from the seals around the doors and windows
  • Empty the water system between trips to prevent liquid freezing in the pipes
  • Take bedding and blankets out of your motorhome when not in use to prevent them from becoming mouldy
  • Close curtains and blinds to stop the winter sun fading your interior
  • Unplug all appliances and turn off the main breaker switch if you’re putting your van into storage
  • Cover your motorhome with a tarpaulin to prevent winter weather damage while not in use
  • Use a dehumidifier in your motorhome regularly throughout the winter or place a large tub of silica gel inside to trap any excess moisture
  • Cover air vents to prevent insects entering your motorhome

Shane Malpass, managing director at We Buy Any Motorcaravan, said: “It doesn’t matter what size motorhome you buy – it will have been a huge investment on your part. So like any other major investment, it is important that you protect it, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of the road even more.

“Just like your car, you need to be willing to spend time carrying out motorhome maintenance and servicing in order to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Anton

UK named a top destination for wildlife trails in Europe

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Over half of the world’s population lives in cities and with the progression of urban developments and our reliance on technology, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to connect with nature. 

However, holidays are essential for mental health and it’s proven that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is beneficial for our overall health and well-being. 

With this in mind, the experts at LiveRugbyTickets.co.uk have done their research to find out which countries in Europe are home to hiking trails that offer the most wildlife sightseeing opportunities. So, why not plan your next touring trip around reconnecting with the natural world and admiring the creatures that inhabit it? 

The country with the most wildlife trails is Switzerland, which offers over 600 routes packed with all kinds of animals including chamois (mountain climbing goats) and bearded vultures. The Netherlands took second place, with 369 wildlife trails per 10,000 km² where you can see deer, wolves, foxes and more. 

If you’re looking for wildlife trails closer to home to combine with your next touring adventure, you’ll be happy to know that the United Kingdom snagged third place on the list. 

The UK is home to 336 trails per 10,000 km² that are ideal for spotting foxes, badgers, seals, birds and many other types of wildlife.

Some of the most popular wildlife hiking destinations in England include Castleton, Mam Tor and the Great Ridge Walk in the Peak District and Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. 

In Wales, there are plenty of trails to discover in Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Further north, the top trails in Scotland for wildlife enthusiasts include the Quiraing Circuit in the Highlands and the Ben Lomond mountain path. Combine wildlife hiking in Scotland with other hidden gems for a caravan or motorhome staycation to make the most of your trip.

There is also a plethora of wildlife hikes to embark on in Ireland, including the Glendalough Spink Trail in the Wicklow Mountains National Park which is great for camping, birding and fishing. 

Other countries that made the top 10 include France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria and Italy. 

No matter which wildlife trail you choose to hike on your next caravanning adventure, it’s important to respect nature and ensure you’re taking the correct precautions at all times. 

Be sure not to leave rubbish behind or disturb wildlife and their habitats and take nothing with you but pictures. It’s also important to remain aware of your surroundings at all times and to wear weather-appropriate gear.

 

Photo credit: Simon Wilkes / Unsplash

Cosiest cities to visit on an autumn touring trip

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The days are getting shorter, Halloween costumes are making their way onto shop shelves and there’s a chill in the air that can only mean one thing: Autumn is here. 

Just because the summer’s over doesn’t mean there are no more touring opportunities on the horizon. With October half-term fast approaching, it’s time to start planning your next adventure. 

To simplify choosing your next caravanning destination, the experts at LotteryCritic.com have come up with a list of the cosiest UK towns and cities to visit this spooky season. 

They decided to analyse general factors associated with cosiness, such as rainfall, sunshine hours, wind speed and the number of days with snow or frost. 

Out of the top 15 towns and cities, seven of them are situated in Scotland. Inverness snagged the title of the cosiest Autumn destination, with 168 mm of rainfall and 22 days with frost on the ground. East Kilbride took second place and Aberdeen, Livingston and Edinburgh also made the list. 

With a vast selection of events, activities and getaways to enjoy this Autumn, Scotland is a fantastic country to explore on four wheels regardless of the weather. Additionally, there are plenty of hiking trails, beaches and hidden gems to explore – just be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing. 

The third cosiest city in the UK is Carlisle, located in Cumbria, England which is expected to have 104 mm of rainfall and 82 sunshine hours – ideal conditions for cosying up in your leisure vehicle with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. 

Other cosy places to explore in your caravan include Cumbernauld, Bolton, Halifax, Huddersfield and Darlington. 

If you’re not ready to embrace the fall weather, then head to Sittingbourne in Kent. The town receives just 65 mm of rainfall and 121 hours of sunshine per month during the Autumn season. 

As the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, it’s a good idea to plan adventures that aren’t entirely dependent on outdoor activities. Consider a themed road trip and ensure you always have a backup plan that includes indoor activities to keep everyone happy. 

There are plenty of spots to pitch up throughout the UK that are open all year round. So if you want to plan a touring holiday before winter sets in, then head to one of these cosy locations in the UK.

 

Image credit: Fredrika Carlsson / Unsplash

Holidays are essential for mental health

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Holidays are an important part of looking after your mental health, according to new research, which found 74 per cent of people believe they’re essential to self care.

The travel insurance provider AllClear conducted the research against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, with 29 per cent of respondents saying it’s having a negative impact on their wellbeing.

While holiday plans may need to be more modest in light of increased financial pressures, a caravan or motorhome trip close to home can still provide mental health benefits.

It’s important to take a break from the challenges of day-to-day living and allow time for leisure and recreation activities.

Holidaying in a leisure vehicle is a great way to simplify life for a few days or a week, as the smaller living quarters lend themselves to a more straightforward routine.

Household chores are out of sight and out of mind, leaving more time to enjoy pastimes like getting out in nature.

New surroundings to explore offer up alternative activities, whether it’s exploring the local area on foot or two wheels, or discovering a passion for kayaking or foraging.

Chris Rolland, chief executive of AllClear Travel, said: “Here in the UK many of us live very busy lives. The holiday has, for a long time, served as an important period of leisure and recreation away from the responsibilities of day-to-day life.”

Among the benefits of a caravan or motorhome holiday in the UK is that it can be more cost effective, but also less stressful.

Spending fewer hours travelling and more time relaxing can be very beneficial and even driving just an hour away from home can be enough to put distance between you and your usual stresses.

Many camping and caravanning parks remain open until the October half term and others are extending their season further to accommodate the appetite for staycations.

When planning an autumn getaway, consider the challenges and advantages of the season to understand it will be different to holidaying in the summer but just as beneficial.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/ Ilya Pavlov

How to survive October half term in a caravan

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Caravanning can be a cost-effective way to take the whole family away this half term, but if you’ve only enjoyed the lifestyle in the summer months, the prospect of autumn can be a bit daunting.

Fear not, with some forward planning and a few adjustments, there’s no reason why you can’t make the most of your caravan as the weather gets colder and the nights draw in.

Pre-trip checks

Before setting off on your trip, make sure all your lights are working properly on both the towcar and your caravan so you can be seen on dark nights.

Check your tyres are in good condition and are fully inflated. It’s probably not necessary to fit winter tyres yet, but it’s important there’s good tread on your tyres and they’re not in need of replacing.

Be prepared

An autumn caravanning adventure is totally different to what you’d experience in the summer and as long as you embrace that, you’ll have a wonderful experience.

Pack the right clothes, focus on the beauty of the countryside at this time of year and have wet weather contingency plans and you’ll be prepared for anything.

Select the right site

Choosing where to pitch up in the autumn can have a big impact on the success of your half term holiday, as your criteria should be different from the summer months.

Select a site near a dark skies reserve to make the most of stargazing opportunities now the nights are longer, or a park with indoor communal areas to escape the caravan if it rains all week.

Accessories

Investing in a few additional accessories can make all the difference to your autumn caravanning trip. Here are a few to consider:

  • Grip mats to help get your caravan or towcar out of the mud
  • A big plastic box to throw everyone’s muddy kit into
  • A head torch to light the way to the amenities block in the night
  • Hot chocolate to warm everyone up and boost morale
  • Cards and board games to keep the family entertained
  • An awning to act as a porch and boot room

Post-trip maintenance

Unlike the summer months when it’s easier to get away with neglecting the caravan between trips, it’s important to fully clean and air out your leisure vehicle in autumn.

Making sure mud and moisture aren’t trapped inside is important to prevent damage and unpleasant smells from occurring.

Drain water systems to ensure no liquid freezes in the pipes and causes problems.

Charge the caravan’s battery every couple of weeks to prevent it from draining completely and becoming an issue you discover just before a trip.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Devon Janse van Rensburg

Don’t get caught out by these rules of the road on the continent

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If you’ve only ever used your caravan in the UK, it’s worth knowing there are additional rules to be aware of when taking it to the continent.

DFDS has teamed up with GOV.UK to ensure you’re not caught out on your next caravanning adventure overseas.

France:

  • You must be 18 to drive in France, unlike the UK where you can get a licence at 17.
  • A UK sticker must be displayed on the left-hand side of your registration plate. Don’t forget to get one for the caravan, as well as the car.
  • It’s illegal to have a satnav that alerts you to speed cameras in France. Being found with one can lead to a €1,500 (£1,344) fine.

Germany:

  • When taking a caravan to Germany, you must provide an inventory if it contains unusual or expensive items.
  • You must carry the following documents with you at all times: UK driving licence, proof of ID, insurance certificate and V5 registration document.
  • Towed caravans must not exceed must not exceed 3,500kg when fully laden.

Spain:

  • Campervans and caravans exceeding 12 metres in length must have one long or two short reflectors attached to the rear.
  • Drivers no longer require an insurance green card for taking their vehicles to Spain, but must take their car insurance certificate with them.
  • UK vehicles can be temporarily imported into Spain for up to six months in any 12-month period.

A spokesperson for DFDS said: “So, if you are taking your car or caravan over to Europe, make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations. Obeying the rules will ensure you do not end up with fines or your vehicle seized.”

DFDS is a European ferry company and has been transporting people to the continent for 155 years.

CampervanCo launches Toyota Alphard Pioneer II hybrid

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CampervanCo has launched its newest eco camper, with the conversion based on the Toyota Alphard Pioneer II hybrid.

This latest model has enhanced performance and lower emissions, meaning off-grid adventures can be even greener than before.

Long-term cabin connectivity without the emissions comes in the form of a lithium battery and the hybrid petrol-electric engine system delivers up to 50 MPG, making it one of the most efficient campervans on the market.

The 200-amp hours (Ah) lithium leisure battery supplies power to all 240v appliances, the cookerand the fridge for days without the need to access on-site hook-up.

That means more freedom to pitch up where you like and truly escape the idea of having to find a campsite or certificated location.

With normal use, there’s no need to recharge for a week, so wave goodbye to civilisation for a while.

A unique innovation by the CampervanCo is a 2,000-watt inverter to help you run the toaster and the microwave.

If and when the battery does run out, it can be recharged in just three hours from zero per cent, so you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Add to this the fact that the act of driving also recharges the battery and you’ve got a camper that’s versatile and more eco-friendly than most.

If that’s not enough and you’re looking for a back-up, then check out the roof where you’ll find a solar array capable of delivering 6Ah of power.

Gary Hayes, CEO and founder of CampervanCo, said: “We have created the Alphard Pioneer II so that it leaves no trace in ecologically sensitive areas.

“Its incredible leisure battery system and green power provide connectivity and zero emissions, recycling heat from the engine to provide support to the climate control, wherever you are. It is a real game changer in the eco-campervan industry.”

 

 

 

Photo: Peter Sandground

The winner of Towcar of the Year 2023 is…

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The winner of the 40th Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year (TCOY) awards is the ŠKODA Karoq Sportline 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4×4 SCR.

Having scooped first prize in the overall competition, the vehicle also triumphed in the 1400kg – 1500kg weight and family towcar categories, making it the one to beat for caravanners looking for a new car.

TCOY is the longest standing towcar testing competition in the industry and puts all the vehicles submitted through their paces during a week-long judging period at the Technical Union for the Automobile, Motorcycle and Cycle Industries’ (UTAC) Millbrook Proving Ground.

The judges were impressed with the ŠKODA Karoq, which has recently been refreshed to provide its 2023 edition with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, four-wheel drive, new styling and state-of-the-art technology.

This year’s winners:

  • Caravan weight under 1200kg: Volkswagen ID.5 Style 77kWh Pro Performance 204PS
  • Caravan weight 1200kg – 1300kg: ŠKODA Enyaq iV 80X Sportline
  • Caravan weight 1300kg – 1400kg: Volkswagen Golf Estate Alltrack 2.0-litre TDI 4MOTION 200PS 7spd DSG
  • Caravan weight 1400kg – 1500kg / Family towcar / Overall winner: ŠKODA Karoq Sportline 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4×4 SCR
  • Caravan weight 1500kg – 1700kg: Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin
  • Caravan weight over 1700kg: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 8-Speed Tiptronic S
  • Electric vehicle: Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor
  • Plug-in hybrid vehicle: Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6
  • Large family towcar: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan Style 2.0-litre TSI 204PS 7spd DSG

Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said, “This year’s Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year competition was notable for the number of electric vehicles competing, and the EVs performed well against established petrol and diesel offerings.

“Meanwhile, SUVs lined up against estates and pick-ups, and even a traditional MPV was fielded. Leisure vehicle holidays are more popular than ever, it’s important that the Club continues to provide qualified and unbiased information to help all those who plan to tow to find the right towcar for their needs.”

Dan Cartwright of CaravanTimes was one of the judges of this year’s competition. He said: “There were a lot of good towcars submitted this year and picking a winner was tough. For me, the overall combination of the proven 150 engine, DSG gear box, which we know tows well, and the 4×4 traction, coupled with the Karoq’s practicality, storage, accessibility and viability just gave it that all round appeal.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Joshua Golde