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



Listen to birdsong on your next caravan holiday to improve wellbeing

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Getting out into the countryside and hearing the sound of birds singing on your next caravan holiday could be beneficial to your wellbeing, according to research.

While the study found a 35 per cent decrease in stress levels among those who listened to natural soundscapes on their way to work, experts emphasise that the benefits of hearing birdsong extends far beyond commuting.

Maria Kincaid, the head ornithologist at FeatherSnap, said: “Listening to birdsong not only lowers stress but also promotes better sleep, enhances focus, and offers a range of other therapeutic effects.”

She went on to explain the key advantages to hearing bird sounds and some of the best locations in the UK to pitch up and listen to them on your next caravan trip.

What are the benefits of hearing bird sounds?

Birdsong has a strong association with reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels in the body, with the gentle chirping of birds having a calming effect on many.

If you live a fast-paced life and use your caravan getaways to relax, then choosing a destination where you’re likely to hear the birds could be an effective method for relieving stress.

Anyone suffering from anxiety and depression could also benefit from focusing on the sound of birds, as it provides a useful distraction for the mind.

Ms Kincaid said: “Their tunes can shift our focus away from negative thoughts, helping to improve our mood over time.”

Birds only sing when they’re free from danger, so naturally, we associate their tunes with peace and tranquillity, which might be why their chorus has been found to help some people sleep.

Birdsong with the most benefits

If you’re trying to get to sleep then the melodious sounds of blackbirds, nightingales and robins are the best species to hear singing.

Conversely, the complex and varied songs of mistle thrushes and song thrushes have highly engaging tunes, which can promote mindfulness and distract from anxious thoughts.

Where to hear birdsong

If you’re thinking about planning a relaxing caravan break in an area where you’re likely to hear birdsong, then pitching up near nature reserves and parks is a good idea.

Ms Kincaid recommends the New Forest, the Peak District and the Scottish Highlands as locations to increase your chances of listening to the birds singing.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be woken up in the morning by the sounds of the dawn chorus from your caravan, setting the tone for a restful day.



 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production

 

Ride a 1920s steam train this half term

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When deciding on a destination for a half term caravan break, it can sometimes be a good idea to base your trip around one standout attraction.

If you’ve got west Wales on your shortlist, then a family trip to Aberystwyth and a ride on the Vale of Rheidol Railway could be perfect this October.

The railway’s beautifully restored 1920s steam locomotives offer the perfect vantage point from which to view the stunning Cambrian Mountains.

Travelling the 12 miles from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, you’ll see some of Wales’ most pristine countryside as the driver and fireman do all the hard work.

Having been returned to their former glory, these steam trains are powered by vintage engines that make an unmistakable rhythmic noise as they travel.

The kids will be delighted by the sound of the whistle as the locomotive approaches crossings, while the onboard crew will be pleased to answer questions from inquisitive young minds.

Autumn is the ideal time to ride the train as the trees are changing colour and the leaves falling to open up the views.

The low autumnal sunshine sends long shadows over the landscape below and red kites, once threatened with extinction, fly overhead.

Exploring Devil’s Bridge

Upon arrival at Devil’s Bridge, disembark the locomotive to visit the waterfalls and find out more about the legend that gave the area its name.

Stop at Woodlands Tearoom to refuel with a Welsh cake or indulge at the award-winning Sarah Bunton’s Chocolate Shop.

Railway enthusiasts can use the stop as an opportunity to walk between the restored stations and get an even greater sense of stepping back in time.

Returning to Aberystwyth

Back in the seaside resort of Aberystwyth, you can visit the museum in the Engine Shed Display Building and see the Vale of Rheidol Railway’s extensive collection of historical narrow-gauge locomotives and rolling stock.

Spend the rest of half term exploring the castle overlooking the bay, riding the funicular to the top of Constitution Hill and playing at Aber Game Park.

There’s also Aberystwyth Museum, the Marina and the National Library of Wales to keep everyone entertained on your caravan holiday.

Where to pitch up near Aberystwyth

October half term is the last opportunity to stay at Nantcellan Barns, just a five-minute drive from Aberystwyth, before it closes for the season on October 30th.

Back-to-basics grass pitches make this family-run site on the Welsh coastline a great opportunity to enjoy nature and switch off from the pressures of the modern world.

Riverside Caravan Park is located in 14 acres of wooded valley landscapes, close to the beach and right next to the River Leri.

Its hardstanding pitches, with electric and awning space suit touring vehicles, with the site open until October 31st.

 

Photo credit: Andrew Simmonds



Full line-up of speakers for the Motorhome & Caravan Show announced

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As we gear up for the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC next month, a comprehensive list of all the speakers signed up to appear has been released.

Running from Tuesday, October 15th to Sunday, October 20th, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in everything leisure vehicle related.

While there’s plenty of opportunity to peruse new caravan and motorhome models, the show also boasts a number of other activities.

For the duration of the event, the Inspiration Theatre will host outdoor adventurers, bloggers, vloggers and lots of other familiar faces to share their experiences, tips and advice.

Headline speakers

TV presenter Matt Baker MBE, Springwatch’s Kate Humble and Race Across the World’s Betty Mukherjee have been announced as some of the headline speakers.

Visitors will also recognise former professional tennis player Annabel Croft, who is a Caravan and Motorhome Club member and campervanner.

President of the Camping and Caravan Club, wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin will also be in attendance, addressing the audience.

Destination-focused talks

Those looking for inspiration on where to travel next with their caravan or motorhome may want to attend one of the destination-focused talks.

Travel writer Marcus Leach will be presenting a talk titled A Journey Through Northern Spain every day of the show, while Scotland’s Best Road Trips & Hidden Gems will be hosted by highlands2hammocks.

There’ll be Crossing the Pond: Top Destinations, Road Trips, and How to Get There with FnA Van Life, and West Country by The Caravanning Mummy.

Cookery spots

Rustling up delicious meals in a caravan or motorhome requires extra ingenuity and the Campsite Cooking slot with Vanlife Eats should help you refine your culinary skills.

There’s a number of prize giveaways built into the schedule, including the chance to win a knife set from Magic Knife worth £145.

Tickets for the Motorhome & Caravan Show are on sale now for just £14 and will increase to £16.50 after October 14th.

Parking is included and children under the age of 16 go free. A booking fee of £1.25 is applied to all purchases made online.



Best tourist attractions for October half term

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It may feel like the summer school holidays have just come to an end, but parents are already looking at how they can keep their kids entertained during October half term.

If you’re a caravan or motorhome owner, you may be thinking of heading off with your brood for a low-cost staycation in the UK.

Even with your accommodation and travel sorted, there’s then the entertainment to consider and credit card company Aqua has analysed some of the options.

Head north for free attractions

The two best attractions recommended by Aqua – the Angel of the North and the National Museum of Scotland – are both free and located towards the top of the UK.

In fact, you could stop off at the Angel in Gateshead as you travel up to Edinburgh to visit the museum if you’re taking your caravan or motorhome.

Occupying a panoramic position on a hilltop just off the A1, Antony Gormley’s statue doesn’t require much of a detour on the way up to Scotland.

At 54 metres wide and 20 metres high, it’s hard not to be impressed by the Angel’s colossal wingspan, with the piece of public art attracting 150,000 visitors a year.

Continue up to Edinburgh and take the kids to the National Museum of Scotland for exhibits on everything from nature, science and technology to fashion and world cultures.

No matter how different your children’s interests are to each other, they’re bound to find galleries to spark their imagination and many of the exhibits are interactive.

Also making the list were the Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Castle, but both of these attractions charge a £20 admission fee.

Good old-fashioned fun

Blackpool Tower came in at number four on the list, despite costing £19 to get in. However, an affordable meal nearby is priced at £11, the cheapest of all the attractions mentioned.

Traditional British beach resorts like Blackpool are great places to take a family holiday with your caravan or motorhome – just be sure to pack appropriate gear if you’re visiting in October.

In tenth position is Brighton Palace Pier, which costs just £1 to get into, although strolling along and taking in the atmosphere is free.

Of course, you may need a bag of loose change for the kids to use on the arcade games, helter skelter and other classic seaside attractions.



 

Photo credit: Pexels/Mike Bird

Visit south east England’s historic buildings with your caravan

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Some of the most stunning and well-protected historical architecture in Europe can be found in south east England, making it the perfect place for a touring trip.

From Gothic churches to Regency buildings, it’s time to pack up your caravan or motorhome and discover what’s on offer in quaint market towns close to London.

The folks at The Heritage Window Company have collated data from Historic England to definitively rank the towns and cities in south east England to inspire you with where to go.

Southend-on-Sea

With its 62 listed buildings, Southend-on-Sea is a gem when it comes to historic architecture, but there’s one place that shines brighter than everything else in the Essex town.

South Church Hall is an intriguing fusion of Gothic and Tudor architecture, having been constructed between 1321 and 1364, and later extended in 1560 in the differing style.

The hall was home to farming families until the 1920s, extensively restored in the 1930s and finally listed in 1951.

Luton

Luton is mainly characterised by 1930s architecture, including a town hall, churches, cinemas and private residences all dating from this period.

The oldest building in the town is St Mary’s Parish Church, which is 850 years old, although people have been worshipping at the site for millennia.

Visit the largest medieval church in Bedfordshire and admire its original features and tasteful renovations.

Colchester

Colchester is England’s oldest recorded town and has the biggest Norman keep in Europe, Colchester Castle, as well as 382 listed buildings.

In the late 14th century a gatehouse was added to St John’s Abbey, which features two storeys, a battlemented roof, turrets at each corner and large pinnacles.

Don’t miss the northern-facing side, which is beautifully  decorated with flintwork panels and ornamented niches.

Canterbury

It’s not surprising that Canterbury has UNESCO World Heritage Site status since it boasts 1,880 listed buildings.

The Anglo-Roman design of the Church of St Martin makes it truly unique, as does its Saxon frontage, which was built with flint, Roman brick and rubble.

St Martin’s is the oldest parish church in England that is still used for its original purpose and there’s history everywhere you look.

Maidstone

Maidstone has been inhabited by Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans throughout its history, with all of them leaving their mark on the town.

The Archbishop’s Palace, Tithe Barn Stables and the College of All Saints are all examples of stunning architecture worth a visit.

Walking through the college’s gateway is particularly spectacular and has been described as like stepping back in time.



 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Hadyn Cutler

Julia Bradbury and Marcus Bean to appear at West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome Show

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Two celebrities have been confirmed to make appearances at the upcoming West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome Show.

Television presenter, author, nature advocate and charity campaigner Julia Bradbury and Shropshire celebrity chef Marcus Bean will be at the show on Saturday October 5th.

Ms Bradbury was formerly the president of the Camping and Caravan Club and despite stepping down from the role, maintains an interest in the industry.

She’ll be teaming up with Mr Bean to give cooking demonstrations using the latest equipment available from the Salop Leisure accessories shop.

Mr Bean released The Good Chicken Cookbook earlier this year, so visitors can expect this popular ingredient to feature in the recipes.

Ms Bradbury will be available to sign copies of her own book, Walk Yourself Happy, giving caravan enthusiasts a chance to meet her.

The free show is being hosted by award-winning caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure at Emstrey from September 28th to October 6th.

New ranges and big discounts

More than 200 new and pre-owned leisure vehicles will be showcased at the event, featuring models from Swift, ABI, Atlas, Carnaby, Willerby and Coachman.

There’ll be a chance to make savings on the 2024 ranges and see the new 2025 touring caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes and luxury lodges for yourself.

You’ll also be offered a ten per cent  discount on all awnings and accessories purchased at the show, so it’s worth having a good look if you’re missing something for your caravan or motorhome.

Mike Harris, Salop Leisure’s joint managing director, said: “It’s a great family day out and a chance to check out all the smart ideas, innovations and fresh designs on display.”

Step back in time

As Swift celebrates 60 years of building caravans, there’s a chance for real aficionados to see some of the historic models for themselves.

These caravans will be on display alongside the 2025 models, demonstrating the evolution of design, equipment, furnishings and comfort over the years.

Fun for all the family

Attendees who sign up for free tickets before the show at www.salopleisure.co.uk will be entitled to a complementary ice cream from the Shropshire Ice Cream Caravan.

Family activities will include a children’s bouncy castle and fairground organ, while the highlight of the show for animal lovers is likely to be the dog competition on Sunday, October 6th.

Holiday inspiration

If you’re looking for inspiration about where to head to in your caravan or motorhome next, then take advantage of Salop Leisure’s holiday park finder service, featuring more than 250 sites.

There’ll also be representatives from many of the parks in the Holiday Home Village, who will be able to talk to you about the attractions near their destinations.



Prepare for driving in fog and mist this autumn

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The caravanning season is longer than ever. In fact, many people now choose not to put their beloved leisure vehicle into storage over winter and continue to use it year round.

This is a great strategy for getting as much use out of your caravan and return on that initial investment as possible.

If you’re one of these all-season caravanners, it’s important to be prepared for the changes in driving conditions.

As well as getting darker earlier in the evenings, autumn also brings with it fog and mist, which can make visibility difficult.

It’s important to drive safely, especially when towing, so the experts at Select Car Leasing have put together some tips for travelling in these weather conditions.

Graham Conway, managing director at the firm, said: “Misty autumn mornings can look spectacular, particularly in rural areas where the fog clings to fields and lakes. 

 “But mist and fog can also be treacherous for drivers, as they’re hit with a sudden decrease in visibility that makes it harder to spot obstacles ahead. 

“Motorists can easily be caught out at this time of year when the weather begins to change after a relatively warm summer, so everyone should be mindful of the dangers.”

Adjust your lights

The best way to use your headlights in foggy weather is with dipped beams, as putting them on full will just result in the light being reflected back at you through the windscreen.

All towcars have rear fog lights, but not every one is fitted with them at the front. When visibility is reduced to 100 metres, make sure they’re switched on.

It can be tempting to put your fog lights on when conditions start to develop, but if it’s not actually that foggy, you could dazzle other road users.

Reduce your speed

Towing a caravan means you should be driving more slowly than usual, but when it’s foggy you want to be even more careful to ensure there’s plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front.

Drivers typically judge speed by what’s going on in their peripheral vision, with trees and buildings going by, so with a lack of visibility, there’s a higher risk of losing track of your speed.

Take care in fog-prone locations

Some locations can be more susceptible to fog and mist then others. For example, fog can often be found on elevated roads or collect in valleys, while a sea fret can make coastal destinations misty.

Less obvious places include industrial centres, where water droplets cling to pollution particles, leading to even worse visibility.

Many of these locations may have road signs warning of fog, so take notice and adjust your driving accordingly.

Enhance your other senses

When visibility is poor, it can be a particularly good idea to make use of your other senses, especially hearing when approaching a road junction.

The Highway Code recommends stopping and listening for traffic before you emerge. Turn off any music or podcasts, wind down the window and listen carefully for the sound of approaching vehicles.

Once you’ve decided it’s safe to move, do so with conviction and don’t hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of other vehicles.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Markus Spiske

How to see the partial lunar eclipse from your caravan

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Caravanning is a great way to get out and about to indulge your hobbies and if astronomy is one of them, there’s an exciting event coming up.

On September 18th, there’s due to be a partial lunar eclipse visible in the UK and the experts at Giants Causeway Tour have put together some tips on how to see it.

Top tips on seeing the eclipse

Timings

It’s going to be a late night or an early morning if you want to see the eclipse from your caravan, as it’ll be visible between 1.41am and 5.47am.

The maximum eclipse will occur at 3.44am in the UK, so find a dark spot to be at this time and you can expect to get the best views.

Caravanners can feel smug snuggling down close to their eclipse viewing position without having to drive home in the early hours of the morning.

Get up high

As well as scouting out a viewing spot that’s free from light pollution, it can be a good idea to get up high.

An elevated vantage point can give you an unobstructed view of the horizon, the sky and the moon.

Pack a good camera and some binoculars

Load your caravan up with any good photography equipment you have, including telephoto lenses and tripods to get some decent shots of the eclipse.

If you haven’t got a sophisticated camera then a quality zoom feature on a smartphone can also garner better results than you might think.

Remember to bring your binoculars along too, as these will enable you to get a clearer view of what’s going on in space.

Check the weather forecast

Before you go to the effort of driving your caravan to the perfect spot and camping out for the night, be sure to look at the weather forecast first.

If it’s scheduled to rain, then the chances are it’ll be too cloudy to see the eclipse. If you’re happy to have a little caravan adventure just in case, then you could still give it a go, but don’t get your hopes up.

Seek out an astronomy group

Joining in with a group of knowledgeable amateurs can be an effective way to get more out of your eclipse-viewing experience.

As well as giving you insights into what you’re seeing, a local astronomy club may also have equipment like telescopes that they’ll let you have a look through.

Bring snacks

Like most things that involve waiting, bringing plenty of snacks will help the time to pass more quickly.

It’s also a good idea to fire up the caravan stove and make hot drinks to keep you and anyone else in your viewing party warm as September nights in the UK can get chilly.



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Martin Brechtl 

Where to unplug for a mindful caravan escape

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Many modern caravans are equipped with the latest technology and numerous digital entertainment options, but the lifestyle still represents a good opportunity to unplug.

While you can now travel in the lap of luxury, there’s also a lot to be said for embracing the traditional side of caravanning, where you leave all mod cons behind.

Park Holidays has discovered that web searches for ‘how to unplug’ and ‘technology break’ have increased by 100 per cent and 150 per cent year-on-year respectively.

So, where are the best places in the UK to tow your caravan to and enjoy the relative peace and quiet of poor Wi-Fi signal and no 4G?

Dawlish Warren, Devon

The Devon town of Dawlish Warren topped Park Holidays’ research as a great place to escape the trappings of modern society.

An intoxicating mix of bad Wi-Fi, little-to-no mobile service and plenty of green space means the temptation to do anything apart from relax is removed.

So, if you’re not surfing the web, what might you be doing on a caravan holiday in Dawlish Warren?

For a start, there’s the vast, sand-dune backed beach, where you can kick off your shoes and listen to the sound of the waves.

Built in early Victorian and classic Regency style, the town is an attractive place to explore, while walkers, cyclists and golfers can enjoy their pursuits in peace.

Anglesey, Wales

The Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast, has similar credentials when it comes to trying to connect via Wi-Fi or mobile.

Instead, you could tackle one or more of the 12 clearly defined sections of the Anglesey Coast Path, which stretches for 130 miles around the island.

It’s possible to park up the caravan and make your way to starting points for each day’s walking by public transport, which promises to reconnect you with nature.

To truly relax and let all of your worries disappear, take a soak in a mineral-rich seaweed bath from the Halen Mon sea salt company.

Being an island, Anglesey has no shortage of beaches to discover, each with its own personality. Church Bay is particularly beautiful and secluded, making it a great place to escape the crowds.

Amble, Northumberland

Amble in the northern county of Northumberland was found to have the most publicly-accessible green space and is known as ‘the friendliest port’.

Head here in your caravan to find pastel-hued beach huts and gorge yourself on freshly-caught seafood as you take in the bracing air.

Around a mile out to sea from Amble Harbour is Coquet Island, which hosts nesting colonies of birds each year. Be sure to take a boat trip to see the puffins if you’re visiting in season.

Rockpooling at low tide is a fun family activity on Amble Beach and if you continue to walk, you’ll eventually reach Low Hauxley Beach, with its nature reserve close by.

Not far from Amble is Warkworth, with its namesake castle, which makes for a good day trip.



 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production