I’m a fan of setting off on a tour out of season – after all, quieter campsites, cheaper pitches and the ease of creating a cosy interior in our vans have never made the prospect of winter caravanning more appealing.
I understand it may not be for everyone. Some of you will probably be storing a caravan instead – that is, if you haven’t already got your tourer in hibernation mode. However, before you reach for the best caravan cover, it’s worth thinking about the many benefits of touring during the colder months. For instance, the roads are quieter, it’s simple to create a warm and cosy van, and you’re less likely to have to queue for facilities at your chosen site. Then there are the many wonderful sights of the season to think about too.
If you’re still in two minds about whether a winter tour is for you or not, I’m sharing 19 reasons why I think a winter tour is well worth embarking on this year.
1. Your caravan may well be warmer than your home
Modern caravans combine amazing Grade III certified insulation and state-of-the-art Truma, Whale or Alde heating systems to create warm and cosy environments, even in the coldest weather Britain can muster. Tourers from the best makes of caravan, such as those from Swift, Coachman and Bailey are rigorously tested to ensure they are comfortable inside, even when outside temperatures hit -15°C. Given the current cost of domestic heating, your caravan may well be warmer than your home!
And if that’s still not enough, you can always reach for the best caravan heater to get a portable electric option to add some extra warmth to proceedings.
2. Modern technology has made our vans very cosier
There’s nothing quite so pleasant as returning to a cosy van after a day out in the hills, on a windswept beach or walking your four-legged friend at a dog friendly caravan site. Today, most modern vans have heating systems that are compatible with phone apps. This means you can fire up the heating and hot water remotely, on your way back to the campsite, and you’ll arrive to find you have a toasty tourer.
3. It’s incredibly easy to enjoy a hot shower
If it’s icy cold outside, you can have a steaming-hot shower when you get back to your van. Whale, Truma and Alde water heaters deliver plentiful hot water in minutes. And with the heated towel rails in many tourers, it won’t be a shock when you exit the shower cubicle.
4. You’ll save money on your domestic heating in the process
Turn down the heating at home to 12°C and head out with the caravan, smug in the knowledge that you’ll be saving a small fortune on domestic heating while you’re away enjoying a break! And remember, a winter tour will be just as warm, and perhaps even more comfortable than staying at home.
5. Campsite pitches are cheaper
Although the choice of campsites will be smaller than in peak season, those that do stay open will often offer pitches at considerably lower prices after September. Instead of paying, say, £30 to £40 a night, it may well only cost you £15 to £25 per night – even less at a Club or independent small site.
6. Better pitches are easier to get
That site you couldn’t even get on to in August suddenly has its very best pitches (offering the finest views) available in winter. Plus, as sites are always quieter, there’ll be no queue for the showers or facilities.
7. Campsites are (generally) more peaceful
Out of season, you’re less likely to encounter noisy children, and you may well find you are several pitches away from your nearest neighbour. Peace will reign!
8. The roads will be quieter
Getting to tourist hot spots such as Cornwall, Devon or the Lake District will be much easier with fewer vehicles on the roads. This could just be the time to head to the best caravan park in the Lake District, if it’s been on your bucket list for a while…
9. Enjoy the benefits of a winter stroll
A beautiful blue-sky winter day takes some beating. Stick on a sweater, hat and scarf, make up a flask and enjoy one of the best winter walks. In many ways, for active caravanners, it’s better than a hot and humid summer trip.
10. You’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of autumn
If you’re touring in September, October or November, don’t miss out on the awesome autumn colours to be enjoyed in Britain’s lovely countryside.
11. It’s a great time of year for bird watching
Autumn and winter are also the best time to see many of our rarer birds. It’s prime time too, for one of nature’s greatest displays, starling murmurations. These occur when vast numbers of birds fly together in perfect synchronicity, creating ‘dancing clouds’ in the sky.
12. You’ll get some amazing photos
Keen photographers will find the winter light much more photogenic, and less hazy, than blazing summer sunshine. Plus, the Golden Hours – the best time to shoot spectacular landscapes – happen much earlier in the evening, and at a far more civilised hour in the morning!
13. Enjoy the peace and quiet at more popular destinations
Popular walking routes and beaches will be much quieter if you set off on a winter tour, especially in Britain’s amazing National Parks and coastal areas.
14. Cyclists will have less busy roads
Cyclists will find the roads less busy in all of the popular tourist regions, while mountain bikers will have great mud to ride through – there’s nothing quite like it!
15. Coarse river fishing will be available
Anglers will avoid the close season for coarse river fishing (from 15 March to 15 June in England and Wales).
16. Less busy roads, more simple manoeuvres
Manoeuvring in town and parking will be much easier out of those busy high-season periods, especially if you’re towing a caravan.
17. There are plenty of enjoyable events around the country
Seasonal activities to be enjoyed could include regional festivals and events. Here are six of the many taking place around the country:
- Jorvik Viking Festival, York, February
- Chinese New Year, Manchester, February
- Durham Christmas Festival, December
- Longleat Festival of Light, Wiltshire, November
- Broadstairs Blues Bash, Kent, February
- Burning the Clocks, Brighton, 21 December
For more information, check out visitengland.com/things-to-do/events-in-winter
18. Use your caravan to embrace the Christmas spirit
Christmas events and markets will get you in the festive spirit, from magically illuminated stately homes to Glühwein (mulled wine) and Wurst (hot dogs) at a Christmas market. Pitch nearby and take the bus! You may even find the ideal present for the caravanner in your life – although if you need some inspiration, our gifts for caravan owners guide is bound to help too.
19. Touring over Valentine’s Day
And don’t forget a romantic Valentine’s getaway on February 14 – which handily is on a Friday in 2025! Why not cook a delicious dinner in your amazing caravan kitchen?
Whether you choose to tour during the colder months or are waiting for the start of the new season, it’s important to be aware of the technical mistakes that can occur in your van. To help you, our experts are rounding up the 23 technical errors you’ll want to ensure you avoid making when in your caravan.
Lead image: Getty
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances and skill level. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.
