The classic caravan holiday remains one of the most British pastimes. There are an estimated 16.7 million camping and caravanning trips taken annually. These contribute £12.2 billion to the UK economy. Of course, going abroad is great, but travelling around the UK can help you get to know some of the amazing beaches, landscapes, and sights. These are on your very doorstep, and you could save money, too.
The UK is full of some of the picturesque beaches for you to enjoy. Walk along the beach with classic fish and chips, have tasty Cornish ice cream, or relax as you watch Newquay’s gorgeous sunset. Caravanning gives you the freedom to go where you want and experience the great outdoors.
So, now you know what makes a caravan holiday so great, you’re probably wondering how you should prepare. In this blog, we explain all you need to know about planning the perfect trip so that you can get on with your holiday.
Choosing your location
Caravan sites can be found all across the UK, close to some of the most beautiful places around the coast. From sandy beaches to luscious moors, caravanning in the UK will leave you spoilt for choice. You’d be surprised by how many amazing locations there are in the UK.
Wales
Just across the bridge, Wales is studded with wonderful beaches and natural sights. These make it the perfect spot for surfing, walking, and relaxing. There are so many locations to choose from. These include Pembrokeshire, with its award-winning beaches, and the wonders of Conwy Castle. The sights are so beautiful that you may think you’re not in the UK at all!
Cornwall
Cornwall is home to quaint harbour villages, towering cliffs, and a number of family-friendly resorts. There’s something for everyone. This is whether you’re looking for a weekend full of activities or a place where you can energise and soak up the scenery. Why not set sail and take a trip on one of the many boat excursions in Cornwall, or bring your bike for a family cycle around sandbanks and grassy paths?
Devon
The sandy beaches and fossil cliffs that encompass Devon are enough to make you want to stay. Set up your caravan and enjoy the views from your window, whether you’re in Torquay, Dartmoor, or Ilfracombe. If you’re lucky enough to visit Devon when the sun’s out, you can experience the beautiful weather and amazing atmosphere of the place. Plus, if you need a little afternoon pick-me-up, Devon has full and delicious tea rooms for you to tuck into a traditional Devonshire cream tea. The English Riviera is admired all over the world. It perfectly captures some of the most quintessentially British things.
Dorset
Dorset is full of some of the most geographically wonderful places, such as Durdle Door and the scenic Isle of Portland. You may also recognise Dorset’s West Bay and the town of Bridport as the setting for ITV’s drama Broadchurch. A vibrant market town, there’s a lot to see and plenty to do in Bridport as well as the rest of Dorset.
Before you leave for your caravan holiday
Once you’ve found the perfect location for your caravan trip, you’ll need to plan all the other aspects, too. With a little organisation, you can eliminate any problems along the way and that dreaded feeling of leaving something behind!
Here we explain some of the things you can do before you set off.
Plan your route
Planning your route before you hit the road will make you feel more confident about the trip, especially if you’re the one driving. Winging it or leaving it to the last minute means you could run into unexpected problems along the way. Take a look at each route beforehand so you can find one that’s efficient, but you still feel comfortable with. This will also make you aware of any travel disruptions along the way so you can get there on time without any problems.
Check the weather
Make sure you check the weather before you set off. Rain, wind, and snow can make the roads more dangerous, but if you check the forecast, you can get prepared. A change in the weather can also alter your plans, particularly if you have a lot of outdoor activities planned. However, being in your caravan is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Preparing your caravan for travel
You also need to prepare the caravan itself to ensure it’s safe, or it may become unsteady on the road. Here we explain some top safety tips that you can follow.
Arrange caravan transport
Not everyone will tow their own caravan, as you must have the correct driving licence to do so. There are different restrictions depending on the weight of your caravan. Some of these need you to pass extra driving tests (known as B+E). If you don’t have what’s needed to tow your own caravan, you’ll need to hire a professional haulage service to transport your caravan.
Here at SG Haulage, we’ve helped hundreds of clients transport their caravans across the UK. You can rest assured that our professional team will take care of your caravan. We plan every route carefully and use specialist vehicles to haul your goods efficiently. Contact us today for more information.
Pack it properly
Packing your caravan in the right way will keep it safe throughout the journey. It’s a good idea to weigh heavy items such as bikes and portable TVs to ensure you’re not going over the maximum towing capacity. Overloading your caravan or packing it incorrectly can cause real problems while you’re driving. A heavy load can affect accelerating and climbing hills. Plus, the heavier it is, the more unstable it becomes.
To keep things safe, always pack the heaviest items as low as possible over the caravan’s wheels. Storing anything too close to the front of the caravan will cause unnecessary pressure on your car’s rear suspension. Medium-weight items should be placed within the middle of the caravan, and the lightest items at the top in overhead storage.
What should you bring?
Going on a caravan holiday means you have more control over what you do, but as a self-catering trip, you will need to bring some essentials with you. What you need depends on the facilities within your caravan and the campsite. Having a checklist will stop you from forgetting anything important. Below are some of the items you might need to bring:
Crockery, pots, pans, and kitchenware
Cleaning items
Towels and bedding
Food, snacks, and drinks
Entertainment (board games, tablets, a pack of cards, etc.)
Chargers
Caravan transport services you can rely on
Here at SG Haulage, we’re proud to be one of the leading boat and caravan haulage companies in the UK. If you’re planning a caravan holiday, then you may require transportation services to get your vehicle safely from A to B.
Our fleet of reliable haulage trucks is available in all sizes, so we can find the right mode of transport for your caravan. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, our dedicated team of hauliers will plan everything so you don’t have to worry. Get your holiday off to the best start, get in touch today and find out how we can help.