Here is our pick of the top places to enjoy your winter break – have a caravan holiday with a difference this winter and take in stunning winter landscapes with Practical Caravan.
1. Walk woodlands in Scotland
Outdoorsy-types will love Coastal Kippford in Dumfries and Galloway. Walk in the site’s private woodland and see if you can spot a red squirrel, or take a 15-minute walk to Kippford village and the beaches on ‘Scotland’s Riviera’. Night-sky watchers are in for a treat as nearby Galloway Forest is the location for Europe’s original dark sky park.
Coastal Kippford
Web www.coastalkippford.com
2. Explore a national park in Wales
The mountains and lakes of Snowdonia National Park are right on the doorstep of this neat, level site, so you’re guaranteed a spectacular backdrop. Walking up Snowdon may not be on the cards if the weather is poor but there are forests and waterfalls to enjoy and castles to explore nearby. Take a ride on the picturesque Llanberis Lake Railway or visit the quirky Italianate village of Portmeirion.
Bryn Gloch Caravan and Camping Park
Web www.northwales camping.co.uk
3. Family fun on site in the borders
This big family-oriented site has everything you need to keep the children entertained but venture beyond its boundaries and you’ll find the western lakes, the Solway Firth and border country flanked by Hadrian’s Wall. Go birding on the Solway Firth, the winter quarters for geese, ducks, little and great white egrets and Bewick’s swans.
Stanwix Park
Web www.stanwix.com
4. A bit of culture
Big horizons, the beautiful cities of Cambridge, Peterborough and Ely, and ancient woodland can all be appreciated from this adults-only site in the heart of Cambridgeshire. The site has its own fishing lake and a great restaurant that’s open for New Year’s Eve. Check out the fixtures at Huntingdon racecourse.
Stroud Hill Park
Web www.stroudhillpark.co.uk
5. Pamper yourself in Buxton
Strolling around the beautiful spa town of Buxton is just one reason to visit Clover Fields adults-only site. Clover Fields has 25 pitches and all have electric and water hook-up, and you can have newspapers and milk delivered to your pitch. If winter walks are your thing, you will be spoilt for choice: this is the edge of the rugged, stunning Peak District.
Clover Fields
Web www.cloverfieldstouring park.co.uk
6. Pitch perfect
An all-weather pitch set in a neat landscape will be your base in the heart of Cheshire’s countryside but within easy access of the M6. This adults-only site is located between Knutsford and Holmes Chapel. Pack your hiking boots for walks through Cheshire’s Peak District and discover more about the night sky at nearby Jodrell Bank.
Royal Vale Caravan Park
Web www.royalvale.co.uk
7. Explore our heritage in Kent
A stay at Broadhembury in Kent this winter won’t be weather dependent. The site has indoor and outdoor play areas for children and the site is close to the towns of Ashford, Folkestone, Canterbury, Maidstone and Rye. The area is also studded with castles. Book at Broadhembury early and you will be able to enjoy some of the Christmas activities at stunning Leeds Castle, or get a fireside table for lunch at the Mermaid in Rye.
Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park
Web www.broadhembury.co.uk
8. Forest charm
This is a lovely, neat site with great facilities, surrounded by forest and close to the charming town of Wareham in Dorset. Enjoy winter walks in the woods and along the coastline and the Purbeck Hills, or head to Poole, Bournemouth or Dorchester for some retail therapy at the January sales. Athelhampton House, just a half-hour drive away, is open all year and will look stunning all winter long.
Wareham Forest
Web www.warehamforest.co.uk
9. Enjoy Somerset vistas
Bowdens Crest is a small site, 1.5 miles from the nearest village, with big views over the Somerset Levels from the site’s restaurant-cum-bar. When you’re not hiking through the winter landscape take a drive around Longleat or head to mystical Glastonbury.
Bowdens Crest
Web www.bowdenscrest.co.uk
10. Go wildlife spotting in Devon
Hidden Valley has its own shop, café and a stream, where you can do a bit of wildlife spotting. Take coastal walks or hop on a bus for shopping in Ilfracombe, Barnstaple and Bideford. Take your bike to Braunton and cycle the Tarka Trail.
Hidden Valley Touring and Camping Park
Web www.hiddenvalleypark.com
