With the cost of living remaining high, many of us have less to spend on our non-essentials such as holidays. This means that staycations are remaining popular as people seek to save on transport costs, and domestic tourism expenditure is set to exceed £2.1 billion by 2034 due to this trend.
While the traditional image of a holiday for most UK residents involves azure sea and hot sunshine, you can enjoy an incredible break on the doorstep. There is a wealth of extraordinary destinations to discover, and while the weather can be unpredictable across the four seasons in the UK, you have a good chance of dry days and pleasant temperatures for exploring outdoors in the summer.
Let’s explore the benefits of holidaying close to home and why a caravan could be the perfect choice for your getaway, whether you’re drawn to the wild North Wales coastline or the peaks and valleys of the lush Lake District.
Why choose a caravan holiday?
Choosing to stay in a caravan can help you save further on your staycation as it’s more affordable than standard holiday accommodation like hotels – and you’ll find it much more comfortable than camping!
If you’re travelling in your caravan too – or driving a touring motorhome – you don’t have to worry about organising logistics, giving you more freedom with where you visit and when. Pet owners are also free from the burden of finding pet-friendly places to stay or organising care for animals at home.
If you don’t own a motorhome, you can still investigate the option of static caravans which are usually fitted with water, electricity and gas for cooking. You can reap the financial benefits and enjoy the same flexibility while gaining additional creature comforts that support a stress-free holiday experience.
Whether you opt for a static caravan or your own accommodation on wheels, the community spirit of caravan sites will bring joy to your holiday. You’ll find it easy to connect and make new friends should you wish to – and to keep to yourselves if not – and most caravan parks have plenty of entertainment options for children such as playgrounds.
Planning your perfect trip
First time holidaying in a caravan? Follow these top tips to plan your perfect trip:
- Ensure you’re covered with suitable licenses and insurance
- Check that your caravan is in good condition, including testing appliances
- Get training on how to tow a low trailer if you’re using a touring caravan
- Use special apps to find caravan-friendly roads for your journeys
- Book campsites well in advance, especially if travelling in peak season
- Pack a capsule wardrobe suitable for the changeable UK climate
- Prioritise comfort with quality bedding, camping chairs and toiletries
- Remember to bring portable entertainment for your leisure time
Supporting sustainability
A caravan holiday is a wonderful way to reduce your typical carbon footprint: no flights abroad, two-in-one transport and accommodation and the chance to celebrate slow travel and support local businesses. During your staycation, be conscious of waste, limiting your energy use and planning meals carefully. When you’re out and about, remember to follow the countryside code and leave no trace, taking all litter with you and closing any gates you pass through.
Top UK staycation destinations
There are lots of wonderful places to visit in the UK, so you’re absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to where to go. For unbeatable views and activities, these six destinations are guaranteed to be glorious whatever the weather.
1. North Wales & Snowdonia
Shore up in one of the static caravans in North Wales overlooking the ocean with the towering landscape of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) behind. Relax on the sands of seaside resorts like Llandudno and escape into the snow-capped mountains for challenging hikes and other thrilling adventure activities such as kayaking.
2. Cornwall and Devon
All about the beach? You can’t beat the beautiful south coast. Journey to the western corner for surfing and serene stand-up paddleboarding and to wander tiny fishing villages with a fascinating smuggling heritage and quaint cafés selling delicious cream teas. Further east is the Jurassic Coast, a protected World Heritage Site with a striking seascape and fossil-filled cliffs backing golden bays.
3. The Cotswolds
For quintessential English countryside, head to the Cotswolds. Vast swathes of lavender contrast with golden wheat fields across the farms which roll gently into the horizon, and markets selling fresh produce are hard to avoid in summer. Heritage sites are also in abundance, from the splendid Blenheim Palace and staggering centuries-old Gloucester Cathedral to the medieval village of Castle Combe.
4. North York Moors National Park
A perfect blend of seaside and countryside, the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire truly offers something for everyone. You can explore this magical landscape at your own pace, with options ranging from short accessible walking routes to multi-day mountain-biking paths. Whitby, with its clifftop abbey that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, is a highlight for all ages.
5. The Lake District
One of the UK’s most famous holiday hotspots, the Lake District is England’s largest national park and lives up to its reputation for breath-taking beauty. Vast glittering lakes sit in the valleys between the towering peaks, with small villages dotting the shorelines. You can choose to drive to viewpoints, hike or bike the hills or try your hand at kayaking and SUP on the water.
6. Scotland’s North Coast 500
Driving your own caravan? Experience the UK’s most popular road trip, the North Coast 500 in Scotland. This 516-mile journey takes you through the Highlands all the way up to John O’ Groats, the edge of Scotland’s mainland, and back down to Inverness. Escape the crowds on quiet roads which lead to hidden beaches and lochs, ancient castles and wild peaks imbued with local folklore.