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 Fire Safety

It’s easy to forget about fire safety in your caravan whilst you’re enjoying yourself on holiday, but some simple safeguards can help to keep you safe should the worst happen.

FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

SMOKE DETECTOR

Fit a smoke detector. All NCC approved dealers and manufacturers are required to fit smoke detectors in all new and second hand caravans, but it’s worthwhile making sure that this is the case.

FIRE BLANKET

It’s easy enough to fit a fire blanket in your caravan. Ideally, it should be somewhere between your cooker and your caravan door. These can be picked up for as little as £5.00, but make sure it conforms to BS EN 1869.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

A fire extinguisher should be in everyone’s caravanning kit, but it should only be used once everyone’s out of the caravan and safe. You should also know the type of extinguisher you’ve got and how to use it effectively.

Whilst dry powder fire extinguishers are effective at putting out most fires, they’re not recommended for use in small spaces like caravans. A fully charged water or AFFF foam fire extinguisher is ideal for use on small fires.

For more information about the different types of fire extinguishers please click here.

GENERAL FIRE SAFETY ADVICE

· When you arrive at your campsite, look out for Fire Points located around the site.

· Turn off appliances when not in use – unplug phone / device chargers

· Don’t leave clothes to dry on heaters.

· Be aware of pressurised containers (aerosols) stored in cupboards next to overs / heaters.

· When pitching up on a campsite, it’s recommended that 6 meters is allowed between each caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading.

· Don’t block air vents.

· Never leave a cooker unattended when preparing food.

· Turn off gas cylinders when not in use, and keep outside your caravan.

· Never use a barbecue or camping stove in your caravan or awning.

And finally...

Should the worst happen and there’s a fire in your caravan, don’t attempt to tackle the fire yourself, and don’t attempt to start moving or unhitching a caravan. Your primary concern should be to evacuate the area to ensure yours and others safety.

Call the Fire & Rescue Service on 999 as soon as possible, giving your location and nearby landmarks to help them to find you.

Summer Touring - Caravan Sites near the beach

Dove Meadows

Marazion, Cornwall

Overlooked by St Michael’s Mount, Dove Meadows is a peaceful campsite less than 5 minutes’ walk from the beautiful beaches of the Cornwall coast.

Dove Meadows has pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, with electric hook-up points, showers and a twice weekly fish and chip delivery!

With the lovely town of Marazion just a few minutes away and Penzance and Land’s End within easy reach, this site is the ideal location to explore Southern Cornwall.

Nethercourt Touring Park

Ramsgate, Kent

Situated less than a mile from the beach and town centre of Ramsgate, Nethercourt Touring Park provides all year round touring pitches with electric hook up and free shower facilities. 

There are no less than 7 pubs within walking distance, and the site is perfect for trips to Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate, or if you’re feeling energetic, the Viking Cycle Trail is less than half a mile away.

Rhosson Ganol

St Davids, South Wales

As a small, peaceful campsite, Rhosson Ganol is perfect for a relaxing getaway by the sea. 

The site is situated on the tip of St Davids peninsula, just a 5 minute walk away from a blue flag status beach, and offers 35 grass pitches for touring caravans, campers and tents.

If relaxing isn’t on your agenda, coastal adventures include walking, climbing, sea kayaking, all within easy reach.

Seacroft Caravan Club Site

Cromer, Norfolk

Seacroft Caravan Club Site is a fantastic location for a coastal getaway, being within easy walking distance to the beaches at Cromer. The recently refurbished site also offers an outdoor heated swimming pool, bar and restaurant and is ideally located to explore the nearby towns of Sherringham and Wells-on-Sea.

Camusdarach

Arisaig, Scotland

Sitting on the West coast of Scotland this family run campsite has easy access to 3 beaches which regularly feature lists of top ten beaches in the UK.

The campsite itself offers panoramic views of the sea and provides free Wi-Fi, a modern toilet block and eco-friendly waste disposal facilities.

Camusdarach is the perfect spot to explore the Highlands of Scotland, and perfect if you’re a wildlife lover with the wealth of birds, seals, dolphins and whales to see.

Springhill Farm

Seahouses, Northumberland

Nestled in the Northumbrian countryside and less than a mile away from the coast, Springhill Farm provides 70 touring pitches all year round. The site offers hand standing pitches with electric hook up points, free WiFi access, shower and laundry facilities. 

When you’ve explored the windswept beaches, head over to Bamburgh Castle, do a spot of birdwatching at the Farne Island sanctuary, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery of the Cheviot Hills.

Gibraltar Farm Campsite

Silverdale, Lancashire

Voted best coastal campsite in the Northwest, Gibraltar Farm is 10 minutes away from the beautiful views of Morecambe bay. With a raw milk vending machine, homemade ice cream and 10 acres of ancient woodland, this campsite is a haven in the North of England.

When you’ve had enough ice cream, walk through the National Trust woodlands, try some sea fishing or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby 18-hole golf course.

Caravan Manufacturers Explained

The majority of caravans you’ll see on the road in the UK will have been made by one of 5 British manufacturers (*), although European caravans are becoming increasingly popular.

Let us guide you through the main players in the caravan market.

Adria

Adria Mobil produced their first caravan in Slovenia in 1965 and have gone on to become one of the leading European manufacturers of caravans, motorhomes and mobile homes.

Having won 9 caravan of the year awards, 14 owners satisfaction awards and 5 European innovation awards, Adria Mobil provide 5 caravan ranges including the compact Action and the luxurious Alpina.


Bailey*

With over 70 years of experience, Bailey of Bristol is one of the largest caravan manufacturers in the UK. They’ve been at the forefront of innovation and production technology, and introduced the Alu-Tech construction system which is widely regarded as the most significant development in caravan production development in the last 30 years.

Models range from the 2 berth Unicorn Seville to the 6 berth Pegasus Grand 8ft wide Palermo.


Caravelair
Originally an aeronautical manufacturer, this French company diversified into motorhomes in 1962, becoming the French market leader now producing over 10,000 caravans and motorhomes per year.

Caravelair has 5 ranges all offering chic French style at affordable prices. 2019 season models are lightweight, compact and easy to tow.


Coachman*

Coachman Caravans

For just over 30 years, since late 1986, Coachman have been building caravans from their base in East Yorkshire, Having undergone a series of expansions, the family run company now produce a range of caravans all designed with customers’ feedback in mind.

Four ranges include the affordable and versatile Vision, the spacious and stylist Pastiche, the ultimate luxury, comfort and stylish VIP and the luxurious flagship range the Laser.


Elddis*

Elddis boast 3 caravan ranges, 4 motorhome ranges and a campervan range and include the Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer.

The company is the only UK manufacturer building full-bonded touring caravans with SoLID Contruction. This technology combines strength and rigidity, whilst providing a lightweight tourer with superior protection from water ingress.


Eriba
Eriba caravans started life in the late 1950s and have now become the German standard known for consistent innovation, customer satisfaction and supreme comfort and quality. In 1980 the company merged with Hymer to form ERIBA-HYMER GmbH.

With key features including a lifting roof and round body shape, Eriba offers 8 caravan ranges, including the Eriba Touring with its cult status, the Eriba Feeling with lifting roof, and the Eriba Nova SL with supreme comfort.


Knaus
Another quality caravan builder from Germany here. Knaus caravans started in 1961 with the production of a small, compact caravan. The company expanded steadily, and began manufacturing motorhomes in 1988.

With their iconic shape, Knaus caravans are regular award winners, scooping 3 Caravan & Motorhome Club design awards in 2019.

Models include the compact Sport & Fun, the delux Starclass, and the family friendly Sudwind.


Lunar*

Originally inspired by the 1969 mood landing, Lunar manufactures caravans with an emphasis on lightweight luxury. Lunar produce 3 caravan model ranges, a motorhome and a campervan, and have recently been awarded an ISO certification for their focus on quality.

Caravans include the 8ft wide Alaria, lightweight Quasars, and the Venus, ideal for short getaways.


Swift*

Swift sold their first caravan for £289 in 1964 and have gone on to become the UK’s largest manufacturer of tourers and motorhomes via a number of brands including Sterling, Sprint, 

Swift Caravans - Eccles Lifestyle 

Bessacarr and Autocruise.

All Swift tourers are suitable for use down to minus 15 degrees centigrade and export models worldwide.

With over 40 caravan models available Swift have a design for every budget and lifestyle.



The English Caravan Company*

Something a bit different here. The English Caravan Company are a highly experienced duo who design and build custom Teardrop caravans, as well as refurbish and repair classic vintage caravans. Whilst not on the same scale as the larger companies we’ve mentioned, their love of caravanning and passion for creating the perfect tourer is second to none.

Models include the Classic 2 berth Teardrop, and the larger Number 4 which sleeps 4.

* British Manufacturers

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.

Whilst your caravan is in storage, it’s really important that you properly maintain your leisure battery, to ensure it’s ready for your next trip out.

Despite what you might think, you shouldn’t just forget about your caravan battery once it’s fitted – it’ll require some attention to make sure it doesn’t slowly discharge and deteriorate. So, if you’ve invested in a good quality battery, and take good care of it, there’s no reason why you’ll need to fork out for a new one next season.

• Check if your battery is charged by taking a voltmeter reading monthly. Avoid doing this immediately after use – leave it to settle for a few hours. You can buy a voltmeter for around £20. Always remove the negative terminal first when disconnecting a battery.
•  A fully charged 12V battery would show a voltmeter reading of 12.7V. 75% charged would read 12.5V, 50% would read 12.4V and a reading of under 12V would be fully discharged.
• If you’re putting your caravan into storage for the winter, your leisure battery should be fully charged.
• If you store your caravan at home, you’ll be able to plug it into the mains supply and recharge that way.
• For periods when your caravan is in storage, you can buy a maintenance charger to keep the battery fully charged.
• Mains operated maintenance chargers provide a low trickle charge for keeping batteries fully charged. However, new technology uses circuits that are reactive to the battery and deliver tailored charging patterns – e.g. when the battery reaches full capacity, the charger will switch off.
  
• When in storage, you may want to remove your leisure battery from the caravan so that you can attend to it more easily at home. However, removing the battery may disable an alarm or tracker which may invalidate your caravan insurance and leave your tourer vulnerable.
• For maintenance, caravan batteries should be recharged as soon as they fall short of 50% charged. This should be done as soon as you return home or to storage from a weekend or holiday.
• Turn off small electrical items in your caravan which could drain your battery.
• Use high quality clamps and ensure their contact areas don’t rust.
• Letting a battery lose all charge will make it pretty much impossible to fully charge again. Leaving a battery discharged will result in white deposits forming on the battery plates. When this happens, the battery can’t be used again.
• If you’ve got a ‘wet’ battery, you’ll need to check the battery regularly to see whether the electrolyte liquid is covering the top of the lead plates inside. If it’s not, add de-ionised water to top up the level.
• There are a range of battery chargers on the market – most battery manufacturers recommend that lead-acid batteries charge best when given a 14.4V input. 

Always remember – Please read individual manufacturer guidelines prior to any maintenance work, and do not attempt in the vicinity of naked flames or cigarettes. 

How to buy a Caravan at a Show

There are a number of caravan and motorhome shows throughout the year, taking place at locations across the country. These events see new model launches, great offers and the opportunity to view a huge range of caravans and motorhome all in one place.

If you’re looking for a new caravan, one of the shows could be an ideal time to make your purchase. Here are our tips for getting the most out of a show, and hopefully making the right purchase for you.

Make a shortlist of caravans you want to see.

Do some research prior to visiting the show, so you’ve got an idea of which types of caravans or motorhomes you’re looking for, and which brands and dealers you want to visit. Exhibitor information will be available on the event websites prior to the show, so you can 

plan your day.

Don’t forget to check that your car can safely tow the caravans on your shortlist. Use an online caravan and tow car match tool to find out and make sure you won’t have to buy a new car too!

Dealer Specials

At shows, dealers will often offer a number of special edition versions of standard caravans. 

These special editions will be more expensive than standard models, but the value of the extras will represent excellent value for money, then it’s worth considering these.

Caravan Magazine have an handy comparison list printable to help you compare caravans when you’re at a show.

Special Offers

Dealers will be competing for your business at shows so there should be some excellent deals to be had. However, the best price for your ideal caravan may be from a dealer based miles away from your home. You’ll need to consider that if there is an issue, how easy will it be to tow your caravan to the dealership to get it repaired under warranty? This could also be the case for annual servicing.

Remember that you don’t have make a purchase there and then, unless it’s the last day of theshow and a show only offer. Take a coffee break to mull over your options, or better still, sleep on it.

Finance options should be available at the shows, but it’s worth considering this in advance, if you’re planning to make a credit purchase.

Insurance & Storage

Before you make the final decision, don’t forget to consider how much it will cost you to insure, and where you will store your new tourer – you may not be able to park it on your driveway. CaSSOA has over 400 secure storage locations across the country.