by Laura Hastings and Laura Diaz
Summer is the ideal season for discovering all that the great British outdoors has to offer, and CaravanTimes has handpicked some examples of activities available on and around caravan sites across the land
Beach days
A visit to the beach tops our list because this is something we only get a handful of days to do in the UK; well, if you want to sit out and sunbathe anyway. There are far too many beautiful beaches across the UK to list here, so we’ve chosen just two, adjacent to great caravan parks, to get you started:
Visit – Sennen Cove Beach, stay at – Sennen Cove Club Campsite
This beach is Cornwall’s most westerly surfing hotspot, and one of the most picturesque you could possibly find. The campsite is within easy reach of both the north and the south Cornish coasts, and boasts some fantastic facilities such as a childrens play area.
Visit – Cardigan Bay, stay at – Cardigan Bay Campsite
West Wales is renowned for its beautiful coastline, and is a nature lover’s paradise. Who doesn’t want to see dolphins while they’re out for a swim? Cardigan Bay Campsite is a perfect base for your adventures, complete with excellent shower and toilet facilities, and surrounded by lush countryside.
Stargazing
Take advantage of balmy summer nights and develop an interest in astronomy. It’s an ideal romantic activity in which to partake with your loved one. For this activity, you’ll need to be in a reasonably remote spot to avoid pesky light pollution. Here are some location ideas:
Visit – North York Moors National Park, stay at – Scarborough Club Site
There are a couple of ideal stargazing spots in this national park, at Dalby and Sutton bank. The former is an official Dark Sky Discovery Site and the latter has Dark Sky status. Scarborough Club Site is quite large, with 300 pitches, and is extremely family friendly with modern facility blocks.
Visit – Brecon Beacons, stay at – Rhandirmwyn
Brecon Beacons is a holder of International Dark Sky Reserve status, the fifth location in the world to receive such status. Its location, 1,100ft above sea level means stargazers can enjoy some of the most uninterrupted dark skies in the UK. Rhandirmwyn Campsite is situated in the beautiful Welsh hills, and is ideal for those looking to get back to nature.
Kids activities
The kids are off school for six weeks, and the big question is – how are you going to keep them entertained? Many caravanning parks can help you out with this, and offer a range of activities for all weathers.
Activity – Den building, stay at – Graffham, West Sussex
For this activity you’ll need somewhere surrounded by magical forests, with plenty of natural materials lying around so you don’t have to start tearing down trees. Graffham is a site within the South Downs National Park, and is a tranquil location ideal for kids.
Activity – Bike rides, stay at – Delamere Forest, Cheshire
This site is rated as a top site for cycling by the Camping and Caravanning Club, due to the network of paths and trails that wind out of the site and into Delamere Forest itself. Cycling with kids is a great way to stay active, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and have fun. The site is also a great choice for any budding photographers out there, due to the abundance of natural beauty.
Watersports
Many may not associate watersports with the UK; however, we have our fair share of locations to practice these invigorating activities. How nice it is to whisk away in your caravan knowing your destination will include watersports fit for both adrenaline junkies and for those who just want to bask under the sun in refreshing waters. Here are our humble suggestions for your watersports itineraries:
Visit – Hove Lagoon Watersports Centre, stay at – Brighton Caravan Club Site
Deemed one of the best watersports venues in the country, Hove Lagoon has activities appropriate for beginners, intermediates and experts. You and your family could spend the days windsurfing, wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. The Brighton Club Site is less than five miles away, making it a perfect location for your thrill-filled holiday.
Visit – Discovery Surf School, stay at – Modbury Caravan Club Site
Surf’s up, caravanners! Ever dreamt of surfing some of the UK’s best waves, but can’t hold your ground on a board to save your life? Well, fear not, surf hopefuls! The Bigbury-on-Sea location of Discovery Surf School is just a short five-mile drive away from the Modbury Caravan Club Site. This summer, maybe you could learn to surf the waves while on a caravanning holiday?
Picnics
Strawberries, Pimm’s, fresh salads. there are so many ingredients to choose from for a summer picnic. The weather is expected to stay pretty dry for July and August, so why not pull out the check blanket and hamper. There are endless fantastic, picturesque locations to choose from for your picnic, here are just a couple located near some great sites.
Visit – Lake District National Park, stay at – Braithwaite Fold
This site’s location on the Eastern shore of Lake Windermere means it is ideally located as a base for walks, fishing, and picnics. It is also a great place to visit for any Beatrix Potter fans, as The World of Beatrix Potter attraction – which brings her classic tales to life – is located in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Visit – The Cotswolds, stay at – Walton on Thames
The Cotswolds is an area known internationally for its beauty and visiting there is almost like stepping back in time, as you’re surrounded by cottages and greenery. It is however, conveniently located within the M25, and is very easy to reach. Squires Garden Centre, located near to the Walton on Thames site, sells all the fresh fruit and veg you will need for your picnic feast.
Sightseeing
We are fortunate to live in one of the richest sightseeing countries in the world. What better way to explore the scenic sights the UK has to offer than by caravanning through the country? Here are a couple of suggestions of caravan parks closely located to some of the UK’s most prominent sights:
Visit – Stonehenge, stay at – Salisbury Hillside Caravan Club Site
One of the world’s most iconic prehistoric monuments is right at our fingertips. If you desire to visit one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, then we cannot think of more conveniently located lodging than Salisbury Hillside. Its convenient location makes it perfect for those wishing to visit the prehistoric monument. Also, there are countless other sights in the area for you to explore.
Visit – Eilean Donan Castle, stay at – Morvich Caravan Club Site
Scotland’s picturesque castles have the magical ability to transport visitors hundreds of years into the past. The most spectacular of them is Eilean Donan Castle. Nestled at the point where three sea lochs meet, Eilean Donan is surrounded by amazingly scenic views. The Morvich Caravan Club Site is nearest to not only this great castle, but also to other Scottish architectural jewels.
Well, caravanners, we hope you keep our wonderful suggestions in mind. Just remember, UK summers can be much more enjoyable when you travel aboard your trusty caravans. If you find yourself in need of more convincing, take a glance at the pictures below, and imagine yourself caravanning through these magnificent sites.
