UK caravanners urged to have Crit’Air badge when heading to France

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The summer holidays are upon us, which means many families will be packing up their caravan or motorhome and heading for the sun. For those looking to venture a little further afield, the most popular overseas destination for Brits remains France.

However, drivers taking their own car, motorhome or campervan to the continent have been warned by one insurance provider to be aware of new rules that have come into force this year, as there are hefty fines for noncompliance.

Safeguard has alerted drivers to the requirement to display a badge in their vehicle called a Crit’Air sticker in order to enter low-emission zones throughout the country. It noted that failing to have this could land holidaymakers with fines of up to £350.

Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at Safeguard, explained: “At the start of this year, every city in France with a population of more than 150,000 introduced a low emission zone, or ZFE (zone à faibles émissions) to help reduce pollution.”

Having a Crit’Air sticker is mandatory if you want to drive into any of these areas, which include popular tourist destinations such as Paris, Bordeaux and Nice.

Stickers can be purchased in the UK from the French government website and cost €3.11 (£2.68) for a vehicle registered outside France, plus €1.80 for international postage. You’ll also need to enter details of your vehicle and upload a photo of your V5C registration certificate.

Safeguard explained there are six types of sticker, depending on how polluting your vehicle is, but you don’t have to know which category you’ll need as the website can work this out for you when you apply. 

“To successfully navigate French low-emission zones in your motorhome, plan your routes in advance and familiarise yourself with the designated low-emission vehicles and zones,” Mr Sheppard continued.

Separately, the insurance provider has also warned drivers of the importance of taking out appropriate breakdown cover when travelling abroad. The company revealed its customers report an average of 25 breakdowns a month when driving in Europe, with two of these vehicles needing to be repatriated.

 

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Drivers urged to be wary of rooftop tent risks

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One increasingly popular option for camping and caravanning enthusiasts heading on a staycation this summer is a rooftop tent. These can offer a lot of flexibility when you go on holiday, allowing you to enjoy many of the advantages of a campervan on a budget, while avoiding some of the issues of camping on the ground.

According to car insurance provider Tempcover, internet searches for these have increased by 164 per cent in the past three months, driven by growing demand for short summer staycations and road trips.

However, the company warned that prospective users need to do their research and make sure they understand the impact a tent box may have on their vehicle to avoid a few common problems.

For example, while they may seem lightweight, the addition of a rooftop tent can have a range of effects on a car’s performance, from increased pressure on its suspension to lower fuel economy. Being aware of these issues and planning accordingly is therefore important in order to stay safe.

Keith Moody, motoring journalist and former editor at HonestJohn.co.uk, explains: “Rooftop tents can really throw your car’s balance off – expect much more lean when cornering and longer braking distances, especially in wet conditions. You’ll also notice crosswinds more keenly.”

While looking for a roof box, it’s vital to check your car’s manual for advice. For example, a Nissan Qashqai has a dynamic roof load limit of 75kg. Once the roof racks and mounting gear are taken into account, this can leave less weight than you might think for a box.

Choosing a lighter tent that allows you to stay well below your limit gives you more flexibility. Some weigh as little as 33kg, helping keep your drive safer.

Tempcover also warned you need to consider any impact on your insurance. Adding the necessary crossbars or roof racks may be considered a modification, so it’s crucial to check with your insurer if you plan to attach a tent box to your vehicle.

Image credit: Unsplash/Rob Wingate

UK staycationers ‘playing it safe’ with return visits

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Do you have a favourite caravanning destination you return to year after year? If so, you’re far from alone, as a new study has revealed more than three-quarters of Brits (77 per cent) revisit places they’ve been to before when they go on holiday – with 71 per cent of those even booking the exact same accommodation.

This is according to research by the Camping and Caravanning Club, which also found four out of ten respondents said they do this because they like to ‘play it safe’ when they go on holiday.

Other reasons for returning to a favoured spot include revisiting beautiful scenery (37 per cent), bringing back happy memories (31 per cent) and going somewhere that feels like a home away from home (20 per cent).

Darren Whittington, deputy director general at the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “We can be creatures of habit when it comes to our holidays, but there’s so much to see in the UK.

“With UK holidays now making up 59 per cent of all the trips we take, there’s a lot of opportunity to discover new places and things to do, creating memories that will last a lifetime along the way.”

However, even if people are returning to the same location year after year, this does not mean they’re settling for a routine. The survey also found 86 per cent of Brits enjoy trying new things when they go away, such as discovering a hidden spot or picking up a new skill.

“Whether you’re drawn to the seaside, the mountains, the woods, or anything in between there’s something out there for you to discover,” Mr Whittington continued.

“It’s about time we break out of our routines and experience the full array of beautiful places and opportunities the UK has to offer.”

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Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show confirms return for 2026

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A popular caravan show in Scotland has confirmed the dates of its return for next year, with leisure vehicle enthusiasts urged to snap up discounted Earlybird tickets now to get ahead of the crowds and ensure their place at the country’s biggest travel and leisure event.

The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show will return to the SEC Glasgow from the 5th to the 8th of February 2026 and promises to offer a one-stop shop for anyone planning their next caravanning adventure. There will be up to 200 exhibitors at the event, showcasing the latest in caravans, motorhomes, campervans, holiday homes, e-bikes, marine gear and outdoor accessories.

This year’s event proved to be a huge success, with over half of attendees making a purchase. Attracting thousands of visitors from across Scotland and beyond, the show is a hub for trusted advice and insider tips on caravanning and motorhome holidaying, for both newcomers to the hobby and seasoned tourers alike.

Jillyanne Lamarra, show manager, said: “With 40 years under our belt, we continue to grow and diversify what’s on offer and I believe this year will be our best yet. Our Earlybird tickets always go fast, so set your alarms and follow us on social for more on the ticket giveaway this week.”

Those who hurry can pick up Earlybird tickets now for just £10 when they sign up for the show’s newsletter. What’s more, they can also enter a prize draw on the show’s Facebook and Instagram pages to win VIP weekend camping passes to this year’s Edge Festival, courtesy of headline sponsor Border Caravans.

This takes place on 30th and 31st August 2025 in Jedburgh and features performers including Olly Murs, Travis, Sister Sledge and the Vengaboys.

Dale Gifford, director at Border Caravans, added how much he is looking forward to the Scottish Motorhome and Caravan Show, which marks one of the biggest events in the brand’s calendar. He said: “The passion from both the organisers and visitors is unmatched – it’s the ultimate showcase for flexible travel in Scotland. Roll on 2026!”

 

Image credit: Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show

UK’s most underrated green towns revealed

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One of the best things about owning a caravan or motorhome for many people is the ability to hit the road and enjoy the great outdoors, as the UK offers a huge range of opportunities for connecting with nature. From the Scottish Highlands to the beaches of Cornwall, there’s always somewhere new to explore.

Spending time with nature is also great for mindfulness and improving your mental health. But you don’t have to head out into the wilderness to find this. In fact, there are many towns and cities that also allow you to relax and enjoy green spaces.

Some of the most overlooked of these have been named in new research by holiday homes provider Away Resorts. It looked at 182 UK destinations, using a series of wellness factors – including the availability of walking trails within 10km, the amount of green space per person and hours of annual sunshine – to draw up its top five underrated green towns.

Top of the list was Wokingham in Berkshire. The market town was described as a “hidden gem for outdoors lovers” by Away Resorts, which highlighted green spaces such as Rook’s Nest Wood Country Park and the Keephatch Park Nature Reserve. 

With 85.2 square metres of green space per person, it makes an ideal destination for those seeking to escape busy city life.

Travellers also won’t have to go far to take in the second-placed destination, which was Maidenhead. At under 15 miles from Wokingham, it could make a perfect stop for caravan and motorhome lovers.

Away Resorts praised its riverside walks along the Thames Path, as well as spaces like Grenfell Park, which are ideal for picnics and other outdoor activities.

Third on the list went to Stafford, which is home to plentiful walking and cycling trails in the likes of Victoria Park and Wildwood Park. The nearby Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve can let you get close to a range of wildlife, including peacocks and butterflies.

The top five was rounded out by Cannock in Staffordshire and Loughborough in Leicestershire.

 

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Edinburgh camping and caravan site named as Scotland’s best

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A five-star camping and caravan site on the outskirts of Edinburgh has been named as the best in Scotland at a recent awards ceremony, adding to a range of accolades picked up by the location in recent times.

Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site in Musselburgh, around ten miles from the capital, picked up the Camping Site of the Year prize at the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards. The ceremony took place in June and aims to celebrate excellence in the country’s hospitality industry by recognising outstanding businesses and individuals.

Angie Purves, site manager at Drummohr, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award, which reflects the team’s passion and dedication to creating a brilliant place for people to come and enjoy a holiday.

“The depth and range of the shortlisted businesses in these awards demonstrates the strength of tourism and hospitality in Scotland and we’re very proud to be part of that.”

Drummohr offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including grass and hard stands for caravans and motorhomes, pitches for tents, glamping pods and luxury lodges.

Other facilities available at the family and dog-friendly site include a large playground for the kids, a scenic dog walk and an indoor kitchen for use by visitors. Newly-refurbished amenity blocks have underfloor heating, free hot water showers, baths and an indoor laundry.

Situated on the banks of the Firth of Forth and with views over Arthur’s Seat, Drummohr is close to the beaches of East Lothian and Scotland’s golf coast, as well as the John Muir Way for walkers and cyclists.

 

Image credit: Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site

Leisure vehicle owners share their top security tips

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Keeping leisure vehicles safe from criminals is of course essential to protecting your most beloved property. And now a new survey has revealed what steps caravan, motorhome and campervan owners most commonly take to secure their homes away from home.

The question was posed by the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) and found that alarms were the most commonly-used security solutions among British leisure vehicle owners.

Three-quarters of respondents said they had such a device fitted, with half of these having them installed professionally as an aftermarket accessory, while 40 percent relied on an alarm fitted at the factory.

Less than six per cent felt confident to fit an alarm themselves, but worryingly, 25 per cent of owners don’t have one at all – which is likely to be leaving them at risk of break-ins.

To prevent theft, 57 per cent of respondents told the CAMC they have some form of wheel clamp, with Milenco and Bulldog being by far the two most popular brands. Meanwhile, 75 percent have a steering lock and 70 percent have a tracker installed.

The survey also asked respondents to share their top security tips. The CAMC said: “The most offered advice centred around ensuring as much of your security was visible to would-be thieves, making sure you engage all your security devices whenever you leave the vehicle unattended, no matter how short the stay, and adding an extra high-security lock on the habitation door of the vehicle.”

Having effective security measures isn’t just about protecting your property from thieves – they can also ensure you aren’t left out of pocket should the worst happen. The CAMC noted that as the value of your leisure vehicle goes up, many caravan and motorhome insurance providers will have more stringent security expectations, such as a requirement to have a working tracker. 

If you do fall victim to crime, not having these measures could result in a claim being denied, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any small print at your next renewal.

 

Image credit: Pixabay/Gadini

‘No plans’ to introduce campervan tax on NC500

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A member of the Scottish parliament has confirmed there are currently no plans in place to introduce any new charges for motorhomes and campervans touring one of the UK’s most popular routes.  

The North Coast 500 (NC500) has proven highly popular among leisure vehicle owners in recent years, with thousands of holidaymakers getting in their vans for a scenic trip around the 500-mile loop from Inverness. The journey takes in some of the most picturesque parts of the Scottish Highlands and offers many great opportunities for overnight camping.

However, due to its booming popularity, some people have suggested the introduction of a campervan tax for visitors could help address overcrowding and provide funding for improvements to the route.

But deputy first minister in the Scottish parliament Kate Forbes confirmed that this will not go ahead any time soon, the Herald reports, which may be good news for leisure vehicle owners looking to enjoy the sights of the Highlands this summer.

She said this week there are “no plans to introduce a campervan tax”, adding that the government has already been working closely with local authorities along the route to develop new facilities to reduce congestion.

Ms Forbes did, however, suggest that the local council could consider a discretionary approach that would encourage visitors to make a financial contribution to help with the upkeep of the route, which may help ensure it can continue to be enjoyed by motorhomes and campervanners for years to come.

 

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Caravan clubs join forces for new organisation to promote safe towing

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Caravanning groups including the National Caravan Council (NCC), the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Club have teamed up to form a new organisation to improve awareness of safe towing.

The Towing Safety Alliance’s first initiative is a comprehensive set of resources to equip drivers with the knowledge to ensure they are safe and roadworthy when towing, whether they’re pulling a caravan, trailer or horsebox.

Its initial campaign focuses on three key areas for drivers to check before they set off. These are:

Tyres: Towers are urged to ensure all tyres on both their towcar and trailer are properly inflated, have sufficient tread and are free from damage or safety concerns caused by the tyre ageing process.

Load: Check that loads are secure, evenly distributed and within legal weight limits.

Connectivity: Verify that breakaway cables, lights and electrical connections are secure and functioning correctly.

Simon McGrath, the NCC’s director of communications and stakeholder engagement, said: “Caravanning is a much-loved leisure pastime, and with more awareness and action, we can help make towing safer for everyone. We are urging all our members to embrace the campaign and share its key messages to help keep customers, families and other road users safe.”

The organisation has been launched in collaboration with the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) and is not limited to caravanners. Other bodies taking part in the initiative include NFU Mutual, the British Horse Society and Road Safety GB.

Executive director at PACTS Jamie Hassall said figures from National Highways and the DVSA highlight an “urgent need” to improve towing safety across the UK. He added that the new collaborative effort will give drivers the knowledge and resources they need to reduce the risks associated with towing.

 

Image credit: Pixabay/MemoryCatcher

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