TOURING DURING AUTUMN provides a wealth of experiences and adventures that are very different from those in sunnier months. And, as many may feel robbed of camping tours earlier in the year due to lockdown, here are 10 good reasons why you should take your caravan out of storage this autumn, kit it out for cold weather and go exploring.

1 It’s different

Most caravanners have seen the countryside when it’s bathed in sunshine, so why not see it when it’s covered in leaves? By doing something different from what you usually do, you’ll have the same thrill that caravanners experience before their first big trip. Challenge yourself and everything will feel like more of an adventure.

2 It’s beautiful

The British countryside can be exceptionally beautiful during autumn. Pitch your caravan on a campsite close to outstanding scenery to get the full experience, for example at Westonbirt Arboretum to witness the tree collection change colour in the autumn. Or you can experience coastal views like the sunrise at the Severn Estuary in Wales. This view will also take in 100,000 wintering wading birds – now that’s an impressive scene.

3 Great local food to cook

One of the best things about caravanning is being able to buy super-fresh ingredients from local farmers. Rustling up a warming stew will fill your tourer with delicious smells that will welcome home your weary caravanners after a day of exploring.

4 Great local food cooked!

Take a day off from cooking and find a cosy local pub or restaurant and try out its autumn menu – it will be full of comfort food. If you decide to continue touring into winter and around Christmas you can even book your Christmas lunch so that you don’t have to worry about carting food around for the big day!

5 It brings you closer together

Touring holidays bring the family closer together while maintaining social distancing from others. This is just as true during the colder months as in the summer. The close bond as a caravanning bubble you have on a touring holiday doesn’t compare to other types of holiday, so enjoy the time you’re going to share and plan your adventures together.

6 It’s romantic

Travelling with your significant other is always romantic. However, the autumn and winter months tend to bring that extra bit of magic into the adventure. The cold weather also means it’s actually necessary for couples to get closer! Make your caravanning trip romantic by planning to spend your evenings with a great movie, scrumptious food and a bottle of wine.

7 Less crowded

The colder months don’t draw the crowds that the summer months do. This means that pitches are less likely to get booked up as early and that you might end up having some of the British countryside to yourself. Having less people to deal with is one of the best reasons to caravan during these months.

8 Cheaper in the winter

With less demand for pitches during the autumn and winter, campsites tend to lower their prices. So you can enjoy your holiday at low-season rates and maybe spend a little more on having fun. Check out the Practical Caravan Top 100 Sites Guide, in your Van Live! goodie bag, for sites that are open all year.

9 Great local attractions

Depending on where you stay there are lots of great natural events that happen in autumn and winter. If you’re pitched anywhere near Cardigan Bay in Wales in November and December, for example, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive grey seal pups. In October, if you’re lucky, you might get to see Killer Whales near Pentland Firth and the Scapa Flow, Orkney.

10 Amazing sights

Get away from the hustle and bustle of cities to sites in the more remote parts of the UK to appreciate the brilliant, unpolluted by light, night sky. These sites are also likely to provide greater opportunities for social distancing, too. Places such as Kielder Water Park in Northumberland, the Brecon Beacons National Park and the North Yorkshire Moors National Park are renowned for their dark skies.

Before you travel, do check for any local or regional lockdown restrictions that may prevent touring in certain parts of the UK.

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