Winter Caravanning 

As the season draws to a close don’t let that stop your caravan trips. The best way to stop your caravan feeling the aches and pains of winter is to use it throughout the year. Lots of sites close over the winter months but there are sites that stay open for the hardened caravanners who like to brace the elements and battle the storms over the darkest months of the year. Keep your eye on the weather forecast before travelling and during your trip and be one of those caravanners, get out there, the weather’s actually not all that bad.

As far as the weather goes you may be fortunate and get an Indian summer as autumn approaches. You may also fall foul to autumnal weather earlier than expected. All in all, as long as you’re prepared, just get out there and enjoy it. While our summertime preference is for all-grass pitches we always seek out hardstanding pitches for the wetter, darker months, providing stable firm ground for both caravan and car, as grass can turn rather messy in a short period of ‘wet’ time.

We leave the awning at home for winter trips, there is no guarantee of a dry day to pack it away at the end of the trip and it is unlikely we would use it for anything more than changing our shoes. Perhaps a ‘Porch Awning’ would work better in this scenario if you have one. Once inside, the caravan heater does a great job at maintaining a comfortable temperature and keeping the water hot.

An insulated cover for your aqua roll is a must. We stand ours on a piece of wood and wrap it tightly in a hi-viz jacket, just the job to try to stop your water freezing. Just in case always have a fresh water supply in the caravan. Fill the kettle before bed, it’s impossible to function without your morning cuppa. It is unlikely your Aquaroll would freeze in UK temperatures but some of the narrower external pipes could be at risk, as a belt ‘n’ braces precaution in sub-zero temperatures we sometimes throw the Aquaroll and external Pump pipework into the car overnight, not advised if you have a bad back or a full Aquaroll though.

Pack clothes for all seasons. Your wardrobe needs to accommodate chilly early mornings and colder evenings, possibly with the chance of a warm spell somewhere in the middle. Layer up in the morning so that you can remove and add layers as the day progresses. Pack the thicker quilt or sleeping bag. A fleece blanket is great for snuggling under on colder evenings. Pack extra socks, just in case…you never know. Wellies are a must, they aren’t the warmest items of footwear so those extra socks may come in handy. Hats, gloves and waterproofs are essential winter caravanning items too. 

Not a single mention of snow chains or snow shovels, be sensible, if you need them, forget about the caravan trip. We are not advocating you become a survival expert or intrepid traveller, but remember, this is the UK and we do not get extreme weather, sometimes bad, but never extreme. As long as you avoid the occasional days of snow, when the country and media go into meltdown, there is no reason you can’t caravan in the UK in any month of the year. Plus, your favourite site will have available pitches too.

Get out there! Wrap up warm and make some winter memories.