Survey highlights top holiday priorities for dog owners

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It’s often said that the UK is a nation of pet lovers, and one of the great things about heading off in a caravan or motorhome is you can often bring your four-legged friend with you on your travels – which isn’t always the case if you’re staying in hotels.

Now, a new survey by DogFriendly Magazine and UK campsite operator WCF has sought to find out exactly what pet owners look for in a holiday destination.

It noted that more than three-quarters of dog owners (76 per cent) always travel with their pets, with 85 per cent happy to travel more than two hours to ensure they find the best dog-friendly destinations.

According to respondents, the three highest priorities when looking for a dog-friendly break are access to nearby walks, a safe, enclosed space for their pets to rest and play, and local pubs and restaurants that allow dogs.

However, many respondents to the survey also pointed out that there’s much more to being a dog-friendly destination than waste bins. For instance, it was noted that the biggest challenges include excessive charges for dogs and a lack of clarity on the rules, such as keeping pets on leads in case they react to other animals.

Executive chair of WCF Jo Ritzema said: “A recurring theme was the difference between dog-tolerant and dog-friendly destinations, with owners saying that some venues claiming to be dog-friendly in practice have strict rules around where dogs are allowed, and inadequate security such as low gates or fences through which dogs could escape.

While many camping and caravan sites in the UK welcome dogs, it always pays to do your research beforehand to ensure there are no unexpected charges or restrictions once you arrive.

James Waters, from DogFriendly Magazine, said: “It was also good to see that 76 per cent of dog owners always take their dogs on holiday and interesting that many are very happy to travel quite a distance to find the perfect break for their pups. Businesses that focus on pet satisfaction can be confident to get guests from all over the UK.”

 

Image credit: DogFriendly/WCF

UK’s best seaside towns revealed in new survey

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Bamburgh in Northumberland has been named as the UK’s best seaside location for staycationers in a new survey, beating well-known locations in the south of England.

Consumer advice site Which? polled almost 5,000 of its readers, asking their opinions on factors including beaches, food and drink, quality of tourist attractions, scenery and value for money to determine its ranking, with Bamburgh topping the table with an overall score of 86 per cent.

The location scored the full five out of five stars for its beach, seafront and peace and quiet, with visitors particularly praising its famous castle, the “wild, beautiful beach” and the excellent pubs, restaurants and cafes in the area.

Which? said: “For the fourth year in a row, Bamburgh, a Northumberland village with a population of around 400 people, can call itself the best seaside town in the UK, beating more than 120 other UK towns and villages to top our table.”

Second in the rankings was Portmeirion in north Wales. The holiday village, which was inspired by Italian towns such as Portofino and built in the 1920s by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, was noted for its architecture and picturesque location above a sandy estuary. It received top marks for tourist attractions, scenery and seafront for a total score of 83 per cent.

Which? noted that traditional seaside locations in Cornwall and the south-east of England were largely overlooked in the ratings in favour of quieter, less-crowded spots. Indeed, there were no Cornish towns in the top 15, while famous names such as Bournemouth and Brighton were also mid-table.

Instead, the five top-rated destinations were in north-east England (Bamburgh and Tynemouth), Wales (Portmeirion and St Davids) and Scotland (St Andrews).

However, if you’re looking for the best chance of catching some sunshine when heading off in your caravan or motorhome, Frinton-on-Sea in Essex was the top pick for weather.

 

Image credit: Unsplash/Benjamin Elliott

Camplify shows off latest unique camper

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Campervan rental firm Camplify has announced details of one of the newest additions to its fleet of vehicles – the latest in a series of unique campers for anyone looking for a taste of the vanlife experience.

Its latest offering is a one-of-a-kind former baker’s van that’s been lovingly converted by owner Guy over the past two years and is now available for rental from Bristol.

Called ‘Shaka’, the van is full of attention to detail, with features including beautiful stained-glass windows, hand-carved woodwork and a collection of classic vinyl records.

But the van isn’t all about style. There’s also a host of luxurious modern amenities, including a full-sized double bed, fully equipped kitchen, hot water shower and enough off-grid power to sustain renters for their entire trip.

Ann Jarvis from Camplify UK commented: “We’ve seen thousands of vans listed on our platform, but none compare to Shaka – it really is one of a kind!

“As road trips and van holidays continue to offer alternative escapes for those holidaying in the UK, this extraordinary conversion provides travellers with something completely different from what they will have experienced before, making for an incredible holiday wherever they decide to take him.”

Shaka sleeps two adults and three children (plus pets) and is available now for pickup from Bristol – or it can be delivered anywhere within 100 miles.

However, the unique ex-bread van is far from the only offering available for keen campers. Over 2,000 ‘van-trepreneurs’ list their leisure vehicles for rental via Camplify, helping make the vanlife trend accessible to all. Since expanding to the UK in 2019, Brits have spent more than 100,000 nights in the great outdoors through the platform.

 

Image credit: Camplify

Scottish caravan park named among world’s best for hospitality

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A caravan and holiday park in Scotland has been recognised with an award that marks it as one of the world’s best hospitality businesses.

Linwater Caravan Park, a family-run business near Edinburgh, has been presented with a 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award from review site TripAdvisor, the Herald reports. This is based on receiving consistently high guest feedback on the platform over the past 12 months and is only given to the top ten per cent of hospitality businesses worldwide.

Owner Katie Guinan said she was “delighted” with the accolade, which she said reflects the park’s commitment to offering a warm welcome, high-quality facilities and peaceful surroundings.

“This recognition means so much to us as a small, family-run business and it’s a real credit to the hardworking and dedicated team we have here,” she continued. “We pour our hearts into this place and it’s incredibly rewarding to know our guests value what we do.”

Linwater Caravan Park offers several accommodation options, with spacious pitches for caravans and motorhomes, as well as self-catering static caravans and lodges.

This year is set to mark big developments for the park, as in addition to the TripAdvisor award, the facility is set to complete a £200,000 investment in a new static caravan terrace. Due for completion in summer 2025, this is set to transform an unused area of the park into a stunning new accommodation space offering more options for visitors.

Linwater Caravan Park is far from the only highly-praised holiday facility in the area, with Edinburgh boasting some of the UK’s best-rated caravan and camping sites. This includes the five-star Drummohr site in East Lothian, just eight miles from the capital, which was awarded Campsite of the Year at the 2024 Camping Awards.

 

Visitors to the Scottish capital are clearly spoiled for choice when it comes to high-quality places to park up in their leisure vehicle.

 

Image credit: Unsplash/lucas Favre

New campaign promotes responsible caravanning in Donegal

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A new tourism campaign is urging visitors to Ireland to consider a camping or caravan trip to Donegal in the north of the country – but to do so in a sustainable, responsible fashion.

The digital campaign is being run by Donegal Tourism to encourage campers and caravanners to make use of the wide network of registered campsites and to adhere to a ‘Campers Code’ in order to protect the region’s natural environments.

Cllr Niamh Kennedy of Donegal County Council said the region offers an “unparalleled outdoor experience” for people looking to explore the beauty of Ireland.

She added: “This campaign is about ensuring that visitors can enjoy Donegal responsibly, protecting our landscapes for future generations, and respecting the communities that call this place home. By choosing official campsites and following our Campers Code, visitors contribute directly to sustainable tourism and help keep Donegal special.”

The key messages for caravanners to remember as part of the Code include:

Plan ahead and prepare: It’s important to book campsites in advance, especially during peak season.

Camp on durable surfaces: Visitors are encouraged to use official campsites and avoid fragile ecosystems such as beach dunes.

Dispose of waste properly: Use designated bins or take rubbish with you. Wastewater should always be disposed of in a responsible manner.

Leave what you find: Avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging property to help preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Minimise fire impacts: Barbeques should only be used where clearly permitted and visitors must ensure they are fully extinguished, especially in dry conditions.

Respect wildlife and farm animals: Nature should be observed from a distance, while visitors are reminded not to feed animals and keep dogs under control.

Be considerate of others: Campers and caravanners are urged to respect local communities, landowners and fellow visitors and keep noise levels down.

The campaign will follow the adventures of Donegal natives Noel and Micheal as they travel around the county, offering practical tips and links to registered caravan parks and campsites.

 

Image credit: Donegal Tourism

Don’t risk these 6 common caravanner fines this summer

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With summer getting nearer, people up and down the country are no doubt readying their caravans or motorhomes for the coming season. But whether you’re planning a trip within the UK or heading out further afield, it’s always important to remember to stay on the right side of the law when towing.

There’s nothing more likely to ruin a holiday than a fine from the police. That’s why Auto Finance has put together a list of the most common mistakes caravanners make that could land them with a bill and penalty points on their licence.

Steve Noga, campervan and caravan expert at the company, says: “It’s important to understand the rules of the road, not only to ensure you’re being safe, but also to avoid costly fines. This is particularly important if you’re a caravan or campervan owner, as there are several fines that apply specifically to these vehicles.”

He therefore highlighted six things to remember the next time you’re hitting the road.

1. Caravan speed limits

It can be easy to forget that speed limits in the UK are governed by the weight of your caravan. While smaller vans are subject to the same rules as cars, if your trailer weighs more than 3.05 tonnes or is longer than 12 metres, lower limits apply. In these cases, the limit is 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Failing to stick to these could land you a fine of up to £1,000.

2. Mismatched number plates

The plate on the back of your caravan must match that of the towcar and follow standard rules on size, colour and spacing. Fail to do this and you could again be liable for a fine of £1,000.

3. Weight limits

As long as the caravan you’re towing is under 3,500kg, you can tow using a standard UK driving licence – but this depends on when the licence was issued. Steve says: “For driving licences before 1st January 1997, you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250 kg. However, for any driving licences secured after this date, you can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg.” Beyond these limits and you will need a special category on your licence.

4. Unsafe towing

Fines for unsafe towing can reach up to £2,500, so it’s vital you take the time to secure your rig safely before setting off. Steve recommends always checking your brakes are in good working order. Suitable mirror extenders are also a must to ensure you have a good view of the road behind you. 

5. Parking

Wild camping – staying overnight outside of official sites – is legal in Scotland, but not in England, Wales or Ireland. However, even if you aren’t planning on camping overnight, it’s important to check local bylaws when parking up.

6. Overseas rules

If you’re taking your caravan to the continent, it’s important to ensure you comply with local laws, which may be different to the UK. For example, in France, you’re required to have certain items in your towcar, such as reflective clothing, while in Germany, there are recommended speeds and restrictions for larger vehicles.

 

Image credit: Unsplash/Izabela Mierzejewski

UK’s most Instagrammable campsite locations revealed

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When you’re planning the perfect UK caravan or campervan getaway for this spring or summer, you’ll want to head somewhere you can show off to your friends and family.

In fact, social media is playing an increasing role in influencing where people spend their holidays, with the most buzzworthy locations often enjoying a boost in visitor numbers.

Campsites are no different, with the most photogenic spots likely to attract attention in 2025. With this in mind, outdoor camping gear firm Lexrope has been scouring the web to find the most Instagrammed pitches in the country to help give you some inspiration for your next stay in a caravan, campervan or motorhome.

Founder of the company Andy Halliday said: “These Instagram numbers reveal significant patterns in how people select camping destinations today. Locations with strong visual appeal do more than just attract photographers – they see higher visitor numbers than equally good but less photogenic sites.”

The top five sites identified by the research are:

1. Dale Farm Rural Campsite, Derbyshire

With 3,967 Instagram posts over the last 12 months, this site in the heart of the Peak District offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside that naturally draw photographers. The site’s rustic charm and traditional working farm buildings – combined with luxury amenities for visitors – make it the top location for keen photographers.

2. Shottisham Campsite, Suffolk

Not too far behind, with 3,927 posts, this site’s surrounding woodlands and meadows make an ideal backdrop for stunning social media content, while close proximity to both the coast and the countryside offer even more opportunities for the perfect shot.

3. Balloch O Dee, Dumfries and Galloway

This off-grid campsite in the Galloway Hills is particularly well-suited for amateur stargazers. Its remote location, far from the lights of the city, creates spectacular opportunities for shots of the Milky Way at night. 

4. Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall

For those who prefer sea views, Wooda Farm’s dramatic location overlooking Bude Bay is the perfect place for panoramic seascapes, while also being in close reach of some of the country’s most picturesque beaches.

5. The Hideaway at Baxby Manor, North Yorkshire

For eco-minded travellers seeking something different from their campsite, The Hideaway’s quirky ecopods and bell pod accommodation options offer distinctive social media content. However, even if you’re bringing your own campervan, North Yorkshire’s stunning natural beauty still makes for an instantly-recognisable Instagram snap.

 

Image credit: Pixabay/LN_Photoart

Camping New Forest surprises with early opening

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Any caravan or motorhome enthusiast planning an early-season trip to the New Forest this spring will have more site options to consider, as Camping New Forest has announced that several of its sites in the area are opening sooner than expected.

Guests can now visit Ashurst, Roundhill, Hollands Wood, Ocknell, Holmsley and the adults-only campsite Longbeech, which are open for campers, caravanners and motorhomes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests back earlier than expected this year,” said Denis Dooley, chief executive of Camping New Forest. “This season marks a new chapter for Camping New Forest. Whether guests are returning regulars or first-time visitors, they’ll find even more ways to relax, reconnect, and make lasting memories in the heart of the New Forest.”

Visitors can also take advantage of a range of new offers and activities across the brand’s sites.

Among the new additions for the 2025 season is a £150,000 refurbishment of the Holmsley site, which is one of the brand’s most popular destinations. This has benefited from a full renovation of the on-site shop and takeaway area, as well as the addition of a brand-new children’s play area.

Meanwhile, Camping New Forest is also launching new ‘Camping Community’ events for this year, which will bring like-minded camping and caravan enthusiasts together for a curated New Forest experience with reduced pitch fees and discounted entry to local attractions.

The first takes place at Roundhill Campsite from May 12th to 16th and includes a guided walk, visits to Exbury Gardens, a scenic Beaulieu River cruise and access to the Beaulieu MotorMuseum.

 

Image credit: Camping New Forest

Easter motorhomers warned of dangers of overpacking

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With the long Easter weekend nearly upon us, anyone planning a getaway in a motorhome over the holiday has been warned to take care when loading up their van in order to avoid the risks of fines.

Specialist motorhome insurance provider Safeguard has reminded holidaymakers of the dangers of overpacking, which can lead to much more than just a cluttered and messy vehicle.

The provider noted that in fact, if you’re stopped by the police and found to have unsafe or unsecured loads, you could be hit with a £300 fine, as well as three points on your licence.

Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at Safeguard, warned that an overloaded vehicle could also invalidate your insurance policy, so it’s important to plan carefully when packing to avoid these risks.

“Ideally, you should aim to distribute the weight of your items evenly around your motorhome to prevent its handling and efficiency from being negatively affected,” he explained. 

“Once you’ve taken care of that, you’re ready to hit the road with confidence and can start planning your holiday.”

With thousands of motorhome and caravan enthusiasts set to hit the roads over the coming Easter weekend, Safeguard also offered a range of other tips to ensure any trips go as smoothly as possible.

These include performing a full inspection of your vehicle, both inside and out, before setting off, as well as researching all the rules of the road. This is especially important if you’re heading outside the UK, as there may be regulations, such as low-emission zones, you’ll need to comply with.

 

Image credit: Safeguard

New motorhome parking aims to boost Cleethorpes tourism

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Council bosses in north-east Lincolnshire are looking to encourage motorhome tourism in the area with the opening of a new dedicated site for overnight leisure vehicle parking in Cleethorpes.

At the moment, overnight parking is prohibited in all car parks operated by North East Lincolnshire Council, but the authority hopes the new space will tap into the booming demand for UK motorhome holidays.

The Thrunscoe Land Motorhome Parking site will allow visitors to stay for up to 48 hours at a cost of £12 per night and has capacity for up to ten motorhomes. 

While it will not have all the facilities that may be expected at a full holiday park, it does offer an Elsan disposal point for access to water and chemical toilet disposal. The council hopes the short-stay site will encourage more visitors to the resort, which in turn will contribute to the local economy.

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy, said: “The motorhome industry has grown rapidly in recent years and we are delighted to be able to offer motorhome enthusiasts somewhere to park overnight when they are visiting our resort.”

He added that this type of short-stay offering has already proven highly popular all over the UK and Europe by providing larger parking areas for motorhomes, while also freeing up spaces in car parks for regular vehicles.

Cleethorpes offers a range of attractions to visitors to the seaside resort, including its beach, Victorian pier and the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, which runs along the seafront.

 

Image credit: Unsplash/Lucas Favre

Caravan and Motorhome Club showcases best global road trip locations

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For fans of motorhome travel who want to explore beyond the UK and Europe, a self-guided fly-drive trip can offer the perfect way to see some of the world’s most enchanting locations. The Caravan and Motorhome Club has added some must-see destinations to its package offerings, with recommended itineraries that take in the best of North America, Africa and Australasia.

It has curated five new self-drive routes designed for independent travel. Booking via the Club will get you flights, motorhome hire and a one-night hotel stay on arrival – but everything else is up to you.

The Club can offer as much help as needed, such as finding the best campsite or excursions, or you can go your own way and explore the world’s finest motorhome destinations at your own pace.

USA – California 

A trip to the USA starting in Los Angeles allows you to explore some of the magnificent sights of the western states, such as California’s famous wine regions around San Francisco, the natural wonders of Yosemite or Death Valley National Parks, and the glamour of Hollywood.

Canada – Rocky Mountains

Further north, a trip to Canada’s Rocky Mountains from Calgary takes in scenic drives, hot springs, hiking and walking in some of the country’s most picturesque environments. A boat tour on Lake Minnewanka, riding the gondola to Sulphur Mountain and hiking around Burgess Shale to see ancient fossils are some of the highlights of this road trip.

Australia – Great Ocean Road

Famed as one of the world’s greatest driving routes, taking the Great Ocean Road westwards from Melbourne to Adelaide will let you enjoy vineyards, rugged coastlines and stunning national parks. A trip from Victoria to South Australia takes in fine cuisine, charming towns and nature such as Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade.

New Zealand – North and South Island

A two-week trip to New Zealand starting in Christchurch on the South Island gives you enough time to take in the best the country has to offer. The Club suggests visiting the city’s Botanic Gardens and whale-watching or swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura before taking a ferry to the North Island to visit Wellington, the nation’s capital, and ending in the biggest city, Auckland.

South Africa – Cape Town and beyond

The final itinerary recommended by the Club starts and ends in Cape Town, at the very southern tip of the continent. After enjoying the view from Table Mountain, try some award-winning wines at local vineyards (after you’ve parked up for the night, of course), explore the ancient Cango Caves and see the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. 

Image credit: Unsplash/Weyne Yew

Pack these must-have items to make camping with kids easier

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Packing up the kids into a caravan or motorhome for a family getaway is no doubt something many people will be doing as the Easter break approaches. But if you want to reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises, there are a few must-have tools and accessories you need – especially if it will be the little ones’ first time on a camping or caravan trip.

That’s why the experts at camping gear and accessories firm Lexrope have put together a checklist of must-haves for any family trip. Indeed, outdoor specialist at the firm Andy Halliday said he has seen countless trips cut short because families weren’t prepared for the realities of camping with kids.

He added: “The difference between a magical family memory and a camping disaster often comes down to preparation. Parents sometimes focus too much on the big items while overlooking the smaller essentials that can make or break a trip with kids.”

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, pack these essentials in your caravan or camper.

Plenty of weather-appropriate clothing

We all know the British weather can be fickle, so it’s important to not only have the right clothing for all conditions, but also to bring plenty of spares to replace wet or soiled items. Mr Halliday recommends packing at least double the amount of clothes you think you’ll need, especially socks and underwear. Bringing along individual ziplock bags for clothing items is also a good idea to help keep everything dry and organised.

First aid kit

An unexpected emergency can bring an early end to any camping or caravan trip, but with the right supplies on hand, minor issues can be dealt with quickly and easily to prevent tears. As well as the basics such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, tweezers and children’s pain relief, a camping-specific kit should include items like anti-itch cream for insect bites, burn gel for campfire accidents and a tick removal tool.

Lighting 

Having multiple light sources is essential, especially for camping trips, but even if you’re caravanning, having backups in the event of losing power in the van is a good idea. What’s more, things like headlamps for hands-free activities can also be hugely useful for any unexpected late-night trips outside.

Rainy-day activities

If you do find yourselves cooped up in your caravan because the weather isn’t playing ball, it pays to have a variety of entertainment options on hand. Mr Halliday recommends packing playing cards, travel board games, colouring books and battery-powered speakers for music or stories. Forget these and the combination of bored kids and small spaces can quickly ruin a holiday.

Comfort items for sleeping

Young children can often find it hard to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings. Therefore, bringing along the comforts of home, such as sleeping mats or air mattresses, familiar pillows and beloved stuffed animals or blankets, can give kids everything they need for a good night’s sleep.

 

Image credit: Unsplash/Ben Wicks