It’s not many years ago that camping, whether in a tent, a caravan or a motorhome, was viewed very much as a summertime-only activity. But that was in the days when sites were little more than landscaped fields, and – if you were lucky – there might be a couple of pitches with electric hook-up – all four amps of it.

Today, of course, there are countless campsites that are open all year round, with reliable and powerful mains hook-ups throughout. Plenty offer numerous hardstanding pitches, too, as well as luxuries like heated washblocks with free hot running water. So, very understandably, more and more of us are giving winter touring a go. And, for the most part, the results are very favourable. 

After all, popular locations prove to be so much nicer when they’re not heaving with other tourists. And it’s easy to overlook how many events are exclusive to the darker winter months, such as Christmas markets and fairs plus, in some cities, amazing festive lights and displays.

Ultimately, then, there’s a lot to be said for taking caravan holidays all year round. But touring in different conditions might mean you have to update your kit and go in search of some new caravan accessories. We’ve already reviewed a wide range of portable heaters and sleeping bags which will help to keep you toasty when the temperature drops, plus you can read our generator reviews. But here we have a rather special bit of truly 21st century caravanning kit that will add more than a touch of home-from-home luxury to your wintertime touring.

After a hard day’s sightseeing, your van should be a relaxing retreat, the perfect place to recover from the day’s exertions and to prepare for the next day’s adventures. But that’s only true if it’s warm and cosy, which many older vans – minus central heating or built-in space heating – can struggle to be. 

Danish company Outwell’s new Electrical Carpet brings the many benefits of underfloor heating to your caravan, such as silent warmth, a floor that’s pleasant to the touch, and no portable heaters taking up room or getting in the way.

The price we’ve quoted here, £80, is for the medium version of this carpet, and this measures 1 x 1.5m – the large version is 2 x 1.8m. Outwell suggests that they are best used under standard camping carpets or mats – provided that they’re rated up to 35C. Obviously, as this is an electrically powered device, the heated pads shouldn’t be used in predominantly wet areas either. 

If you’re serious about taking winter caravan holidays, this electrical carpet would doubtless inject a real dose of comfort. It features nice quilting on its top side, which is made of Oxford polyester and is also PU coated, and has anti-slip dots on its underside, to ensure it stays in place throughout your holiday. This product also has a 230V preattached plug and comes in its own neat bag, so it’s easy to store and to stow in your van – could this be the ultimate touch of hassle-free luxury for your next tour?