Caravan Sites with Farm Shops

How could you improve on a beautiful caravan site? Offer an on-site farm shop brimming with glorious local produce! Here are our tops picks. 

Kelsey’s Campsite

Kent

Kelsey's Farm 

Kelsey’s Campsite is spread over 35 acres in Kent and has been owned by the Kelsey family for over 60 years. Kelsey’s farm is perfectly positioned for easy access to the South Coast, with Dover just an hour away.

As well as the farm shop, the site offers EHU, welcomes dogs, and provides freshly prepared meals from Kelsey’s Kitchen.

The farm shop offers a huge range of home grown farm produce, meat and bread, not to mention supplies from Spitafields Market for more exotic produce.

Torworth Grange

Nottinghamshire

Torworth Grange

Torworth Grange not only offers a farm shop, but also camping, fishing and freshly cooked food, in the central location of North Nottinghamshire.

The farm shop stocks a great range of fresh produce, from meat and vegetables to bread and cakes, as well as showcasing specially selected ranges of local and national products.

The site is a Caravan and Motorhome Club CL Certified Site and is members only. All five pitches are serviced with EHU, water and waste and have beautiful views of the fishing lakes.

Perfect for a secluded getaway.

New Lodge Farm

Northampton

New Lodge Farm 

For over 100 years, the Singlehurst family have looked after New Lodge Farm. As well as the award winning farm shop, the site provides adults only plots for caravan and motorhomes. Facilities include EHU, hardstanding and grass pitches, heated facilities and no restrictions on pitching orientation.

Situated between the old market towns of Oundle, Market Harborough and Stamford, New Lodge Farm is ideal for exploring central England.

The farm shop provides good quality local produce as well as a range of delicious home cooked food to take away.

Bargoed Farm

Bargoed Farm

Wales

Bargoed Farm offers 50 fully serviced hardstanding pitches in the heart of Cardigan Bay.

The Moody Cow farm shop is fully stocked with a wide selection of local produce, as well as homemade cakes, pies, bread and quiches, and if that wasn’t enough, the onsite butcher supplies a range of different meats and cuts.

Facilities include an award winning toilet block (winning Loo of the Year in 2019), private hot tubs on selected pitches, a custom built dog wash and a washing machine for your use.

Denfurlong Farm Caravan Site

Cotswolds

Denfurlong Farm 

Chedworth Farm Shop sits amongst Denfurlong Farm Caravan Site in Gloucestershire. The farm shop offers local, seasonal produce, freshly baked bread, dairy produce and a range of free range meat.

The site is a dark sky site which means that there are no lights apart from by the shower block. This means that you get a spectacular view of the stars at night.

EHU is available, as are washing facilities, elsan disposal, and drinking water.  The site is pitch anywhere so you can choose exactly where you want to be.

The Mile Campsite

Yorkshire

The Mile Campsite

With beautiful views of the Yorkshire Wolds, The Mile Campsite offers camping for caravans and motorhomes on hard standing pitches with EHU, free Wi-Fi, washing facilities and chemical toilet disposal points.

The farm shop stocks all the essentials, plus specialist produce from around Yorkshire, and an extensive range of local gin and beers.

Easy Caravan Recipes

Winter Caravanning

With caravans now providing the heating systems and insulation needed for even Arctic conditions, caravanning even in the depths of winter is now far more enjoyable that it used to be.

Here are some tips to make the most of your winter caravan break:

GAS

Butane gas is ineffective in temperatures below 0^oC so you’ll need to use propane. Check that you’re using the correct regulator.

KEEPING WARM

Using an electric hook-up can be more economical in terms of heating, especially if you’re going to leave your heating on a low setting all day to keep the unit warm for your return.

If you don’t have this option, a small oil-filled electric radiator can be safely left on throughout the day to take the chill off – just beware of the extra weight this may add to your payload.

Caravans manufactured since 1999 should all comply with European Standards which apply to insulation. For winter caravanning, a unit that complies with Grade 3 insulation will make it easier to keep warm and maintain a fully functioning water supply.

WATER

In sub-zero temperatures, wrapping your Aquaroll with some insulation to make sure the water doesn’t freeze. Even a charity shop puffa jacket will do!

Keep the level of water topped up, as more water will take longer to freeze in very cold weather.

Overnight, when temperatures are at their lowest, it’s best to drain your external tank, and bring your submersible pump inside in case there is any water left in it which could freeze and cause damage.

WASTE WATER

Specialist caravan anti-freeze which is glycol-free can be added to the waste water container to prevent freezing. Don’t be tempted to use car anti-freeze, as this can’t be disposed of into the drainage system for environmental reasons. Insulating your waste water container will also help.

CONDENDATION

Whilst opening your caravan windows first thing in the morning may not be ideal in cold weather, allowing any condensation to evaporate will help to prevent damp.

It’s possible that condensation can also affect the underside of mattresses if they’re over an unheated locker. Wherever possible, lift up the mattress during the day to allow air to circulate.

TOWING SAFELY IN WINTER

During the winter, when roads are likely to be wet and icy, winter tyres should be used to provide better grip on the road. An alternative to winter tyres are all-season tyres, which provide higher grip in the summer than winter tyres would, but better grip than summer tyres in the winter.

A grip mat and shovel may be useful additions to your kit in case you get stuck in snow or mud.

• Clear snow regularly from underneath your caravan to ensure vents are kept clear.
• Don’t be tempted to block permanent vents.
• Make sure all moving parts on your unit – like corner steadies are well oiled, to prevent them seizing up in low temperatures.
• Site your caravan with vents and ducts are directed away from prevailing winds to avoid drafts as much as possible.
• Always carry a supply of fresh water to drink, just in case your pipes do freeze.
• Place your external water tank on a piece of wood to avoid direct contact with the ground & prevent freezing.

Caravan City Breaks - Caravan Sites near Cities

You don't need to be limited to the countryside when caravanning. How about a city break? These caravan sites are ideally located for trips into UK cities. 

Edinburgh - Drummohr HolidayPark

Just twenty minutes away from the centre of Edinburgh, and offering both sea and countryside views, Drummohr Holiday Park is the idea spot for a Highland city break.

Facilities wise, the park provides generously sized pitches, electric hook ups, laundry facilities and a children’s play area. Lothian Buses run regularly into Edinburgh from the nearby Preston Grange Mining Museum.

Whether it’s the Fringe Festival, the Tattoo, or just the city itself you’re visiting for, Drummohr provides a great touring base.

York - Nurseries Caravan Park 

A short hop will take you into the historic city of York from the countryside location of Nurseries Caravan Park. Set amongst 7 acres of private grounds, the family run park provides hardstanding and grass pitches all with electric hook up and access to heated washrooms, laundry facilities, site shop and children’s playground.

From the ancient city walls, and York Minster, to the National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. If you fancy something a little quieter, the North York Moors are right on your doorstep providing countless walking and cycling options.

Birmingham - Somers Wood CaravanPark

Whether you’re heading to Birmingham for the bi-annual Caravan Show, or just visiting the UK’s second largest city for its culture and shopping, Somers Wood is a fantastic adult only 5-star caravan site just 30 minutes away from the centre of the city.

The site is adjacent to a golf club fishing lake, and offers hardstanding pitches with electric hook up, heated shower block, disabled facilities and WiFi.

Bristol - Brook Lodge Farm

Bristol is the city of bridges, Banksy, and boats, and less than half an hour from the city lies Brook Lodge Farm, a family run caravan site completed with babbling stream, 5 acres of parkland, and 29 touring pitches all with electric hook up.

Facilities include a recently refurbished shower block, laundry facilities, free WiFi, fire pit rental, and chemical waste disposal point. The nearest village is less than a mile away and offers 4 pubs, whilst if you fancy heading into Bristol, an hourly bus service runs from a stop directly outside the site.

Cambridge - Highfield Farm Touring Park

The award winning Highfield Farm Touring Park is just 5 miles away from the historic university city of Cambridge, and offers hardstanding and grass pitches all with electric hook up.

Serving the quiet and peaceful site, there are four modern shower blocks, a well-equipped laundrette, chemical disposal points and small, well stocked shop.

A regular bus servic

e can transport you into the centre of Cambridge, or you could go further afield and explore the numerous picturesque villages, historic attractions and beautiful countryside of Cambridgeshire.

London - Crystal PalaceCaravan Club Site

For a trip to the Capital, Crystal Palace Caravan Club Site is the perfect option. Hop on a bus from the nearby bus stop and you could be in central London within the hour.

The site itself offers 71 touring pitches all with electric hook up, WiFi, washroom and laundry facilities and waste disposal points.

Should you need a break from the big smoke, Crystal Palace offers pubs, shops and restaurants all within easy walking distance.

Caravan Water Systems

A bit of background…..

Most caravanners will recognise the submersible pump that sits inside an external water container, like an Aquaroll and pump the water on board. They use a small 12-volt motor to drive the water through a pipe and into your caravan.

Traditionally, water pumps would be turned on and off by a switch built into each tap. Alternatively, pressure switching can be used – when turning a tap off, the pressure rises, causing the switch to operate and turn the pump off.

Heating water in a touring caravan can be done using mains electricity of LPG, or sometimes both. Water heaters sometimes heat water alone, but combination units are available which also provide space heating. Common heater brands include Truma, Whale and Alde.

Image via www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

You’ll need to sterilise your water system to make sure the water you’ll be using is safe, and to ensure grease and deposits are reduced.

Here’s how:

• Close all the taps and valves.
• Add a cleaning agent to your fresh water tank, then fill with water.
• Turn on taps starting with the one furthest away from your water tank. As the water runs through you’ll start to smell the cleaning solution.
• When this happens, turn off the taps and leave for up to 12 hours to properly sterilise the pipes.
• After 12 hours turn on the water again to run fresh water into the grey water (used water) tank.
• Repeat this step until you can no longer smell the cleaning fluid.
• Empty the grey water tank.
• You may also want to change your filters.

It’s also worthwhile cleaning your Aquaroll to ensure it lasts as long as possible. To do this, add 4tbsp of bicarbonate of soda and fill with water. After gently rolling it on its side, leave for 24 hours before rinsing thoroughly.

Another way to prolong your water tank’s life is to clean your toilet cassette regularly – around 2-3 times per year. You should always check manufacturers guidelines before performing any maintenance, but as a guide you’ll need to do the following:

• Pour 300ml of specialist cleaner to the toilet cassette, adding 5 litres of lukewarm water.
• Shake the tank back and forth several times then leave for at least 16 hours then empty.
• Rinse with fresh water.

Best Caravan Sites for Winter Escapes

For some, caravanning isn’t just for the spring and summer months. Exploring during the winter can bring a whole new dimension to touring; waking up to frosty mornings, discovering scenic winter wonderlands, and returning to cosy evenings in your caravan.

If you fancy some all year round caravanning, here are our top caravan sites to pitch up in.

Cornwall

Woodview Campsite in Cornwall is open all year and is located near Bude on the North Cornwall / Devon border.

The site features both hardstanding and grass pitches and have a newly refurbished shower block with under floor heating!

Explore the neighbouring National Trust beach of Sandymouth, or head over to the nearby South West coast path for a windswept walk.

Yorkshire

If golf and spa facilities tickle your fancy, Rudding Holiday Park near Harrogate in Yorkshire offers winter pitches with some added benefits.

Set in the grounds of Rudding Park Hotel with beautiful gardens and woodland, this award winning caravan site features an on-site pub and access to the hotel’s spa facilities and 18-hole golf course.

Grass and hardstanding pitches available throughout the year, including Christmas and New Year.

East Sussex

For a rural winter retreat, book some time at the adults-only quite site Idle Hours Owlsbury Park. Perfectly situated in Crowborough, this site is perfect for exploring the South Downs, and whilst shops, pubs and eateries are all within a mile, the site still maintains a secluded atmosphere.

Wales

Explore North Wales and stay at Islawrffordd Caravan Park, located at the southern end of Snowdonia National Park coastline in the village of Talybont.  

Islawrffordd boasts 75 fully serviced touring pitches, an indoor swimming pool, bar and restaurant, luxury shower blocks and direct access to the adjacent beach. And if that’s not enough, each pitch has its own TV connection the site’s own digital free-view network, so you can while away those long winter evenings.

Cumbria

Riverside Tourer Park in Millhouse, between Keswick and Carlisle, is an adult only caravan site, perfect for exploring the northern Lakes. The CL site is popular with Caravan Club members but also open to non-members.

Riverside is the perfect escape from it all, offering secluded hardstanding pitches, heated shower and toilet facilities, 4G and WiFi. What’s more, Riverside Touring Park is dog friendly.

Scotland

For spectacular highland scenery, try Castle Cary Holiday Park, just a short drive from Newton Stuart and Galloway Forest Park in South West Scotland.

This all year round site is located around a 16th-century baronial castle and features both hardstanding regular and super pitches. The on-site Lairds Inn offers a welcome retreat at the end of a cold winter’s day, and the heated pool is ideal if you fancy sheltering from the weather.

CaSSOA Member Spotlight - The Dorset Hideaway

We’d like to introduce you to one of our members, The Dorset Hideaway.

Based in West Dorset, near to Charmouth, Bridport and Broadchurch, Esther and Mike run their Gold award caravan storage site alongside a camping and glamping site.

Here’s our interview with The Dorset Hideaway, giving you an insight into the running of a caravan storage business.

How long have you been in operation: We opened in the summer of 2015, so will be coming up to our 4^th year this summer.

Have you always been in caravan storage: No. We became storage owners as a result of diversifying our former dairy farm into a campsite and glamping site.

What has been the biggest change in the caravan storage industry since you started?

The biggest change I’ve seen in caravanning in the last few years has been the number of people preferring not to tow anymore - young and old alike. They prefer to stay in an area for a season or two with someone else towing the van to & from storage or seasonal pitch sites and then the van being sited each time for them. They see the cost savings in downsizing their car and running costs and they tend to use their vans more as a result. 

Having an organisation like CaSSOA is helping to consolidate and regulate storage and make it more viable for both customer and business provider with more secure and better insured sites.

What do you find most challenging about caravan storage?

The most challenging thing is getting caravan owners to maintain their units. Once stored, they tend to forget they still need as much maintenance as when they’re in use. They need to be kept roadworthy for us to tow them in and out. Vans sitting up tend to get seized brakes and high spots on tyres like all things they are best used regularly! Thefts are a big issue for the industry but investing in CCTV and security are the best deterrents.

What do you like most about caravan storage?

For us, caravan storage means seeing lots of new faces on site, so getting to know a new family group is nice. It also uses an area on the farmyard to earn extra income from. 

We are a former dairy farming couple of 30 years. My husband’s family have farmed the Marshwood Vale for nearly 150 years! Diversifying has allowed us to keep our land but use it in a different way to earn an income. It has allowed us to stay and live out our later years in the area where we were born and have lived in for decades. It’s great to be able to share this stunning location with many thousands of people every year. With panoramic hills and fields as our backdrop, and the Jurassic coast less than 3 miles away, it’s no wonder people return year after year. 

We provide indoor and outdoor storage, caravan cleaning services, water, EHU in the storage areas, toilets, a site to stay on with fab award winning facilities, a spa with hot tub & sauna, and a fishing pond on site. We put up awnings for customers and we offer to fully set up the caravan for arrival so the only thing our customers have to do is take the beer/wine from the fridge and sit down in their warm caravan! We can even provide pet and babysitting services too! In addition, we have a petting farm and luxury glamping in 6m domes this year. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

We love the great outdoors, so anything countryside or rural or animal related. We own a menagerie of animals, dogs, 6 cats, 2 miniature Shetland ponies, pigs, goats and chickens. We love gardening and visiting gardens. We have a shared love of history and music and try to go to the cinema and concerts as often as possible. That’s us!

For more information about The Dorset Hideaway, visit the CaSSOA site listing, or head direct to The Dorset Hideaway website.

5 Caravan Sites for Autumn Escapes

Yes, we know it’s the height of summer, but there’s nothing wrong with a bit of forward planning, so how about an autumnal getaway to see some glorious displays of leaves that could rival New England.

1) Loch Lomond

Trossachs Holiday Park 

Head to Loch Lomond in Scotland during September to see swathes of browns, oranges, auburns, yellows and mustards. Loch Lomond is around an hour north of Glasgow and lies as the centrepoint of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Where to Stay: Trossachs Holiday Park

2) Wye Valley
Nestled along the border between England and Wales, the Wye Valley is home to the Cambrian Mountains and the picturesque River Wye. Renowned as one of the most dramatic landscape areas in southern Britain, the Wye Valley is the perfect place to take in the turning leaves.

Where to Stay: Forest & Wye Valley Camping Site

3) The Cotswolds
If you’re wanting a quintessential English experience the pretty villages of The Cotswolds fit the bill perfectly. Seeing the autumn leaves transition amongst cobbled streets and winding rivers provides the perfect end of season getaway.

Where to Stay: Cotswold View Caravan & Camping

Castlerigg Caravan & Camping Park

4) The Lake District
As leaves turn from green to gold head to the Lakes and explore wooded valleys, rolling hills and majestic lakes. Head over to Sizergh Gardens where autumn sees the harvest of apples, quince and damsons, or explore the Buttermere Valley to see the late summer light cascade over the lakes.

Where to Stay: Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park

5) Thetford Forest 

Thetford Forest Caravan Club Site

Covering over 50,000 acres, Thetford Forest is the largest lowland pine forest in Britain, and the perfect destination to view the golden hues of autumn. Travel 45 minutes west of Norwich and enjoy the numerous walking trails, mountain biking, horse riding, or just simply enjoying some late summer sun.

Where to Stay: Thetford Forest Caravan Club Site


And don’t forget, if this is your last outing for the year, search for a CaSSOA accredited storage site to keep your caravan safe and sound over the winter months.