By William Coleman
Winter touring has many benefits and here is one more that should convert a few of you into winter caravanners. Get away and save money with winter with the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
For quite a few the winter period is the perfect time to get away and relax. The dark mornings can give you a nice lay in and the early sunset makes for warm winter evenings tucked up in the van.
To help spread the love for winter touring the Caravan and Motorhome Club are running a special promotion to get more out and on site when the cold sets in.
The Club has over 55 UK Club Sites and over 70 overseas sites that are open-all-year round, so you can get some winter sun in Europe or some winter festivities right here at home.
The Club sites that are open all year suit the needs of any and all tourers with prices at some of the UK’s festive favourites starting from £8.90 and winter sun destinations from just £18.18, a last minute winter break is accessible for all tastes and budgets.
UK Winter Sites
Many Club sites are open throughout winter and within easy reach of some of the UK’s best Christmas markets.
Birmingham
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a must visit for anyone who loves the festive season. The largest authentic German market outside of Germany itself, this sprawling market takes over Victoria Square until 23 December. Visitors can enjoy German glühwein, pretzels and bratwurst as they browse traditional alpine chalets. There is also plenty of entertainment courtesy of the ever-changing line up of bands on the Christmas Market stage, from traditional carols to jazz.
Chapel Lane Club Site is a wonderful base for a trip to Birmingham, due to its convenient location near a number of major motorways. The site is set in a peaceful open field flanked by trees. Birmingham city centre is a half-hour drive away, and there are a number of great museums and attractions such as Cadbury World close by. Prices start from £17.25 per night based on a standard pitch and two adults sharing, staying mid week.
York
York’s St Nicholas Fair and Christmas markets will be bringing festive cheer to the city until 22 December. With traditional fair rides at Kings Square, festive food and drink at the Yorkshire Barn and dedicated Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village, York’s festive markets will please even the grumpiest of Scrooges! Beyond the market, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, home to North England’s largest ice rink, is open until 5 January 2020.
York Beechwood Grange Club Site is set in rolling countryside just outside the historic city of York. It is perfectly located for easy access to York city centre and the Christmas markets. Beyond the festivities, visitors to York can enjoy the stunning York Minster, the JORVIK Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum. Prices start from £21.90 per night based on a standard pitch and two adults sharing.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Christmas market at East Princes Street Gardens is bursting with traditional stalls selling local wares, quaint Christmas decorations and delicious food. Little ones will love the nearby Santa Land, where they can pay a visit to the man himself, and also enjoy a range of child-friendly rides. Open until 5 January, tourers can tie in a visit to the market with the traditional Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations that take place to celebrate the New Year.
Edinburgh Club Site, situated on the Firth of Forth, is a wonderful base for tourers looking to enjoy Edinburgh in the winter months. The city centre can be reached in 20 minutes, and the site’s location near the coast makes it perfect for seaside strolls. Prices start from £17.30 per night based on a standard pitch and two adults sharing, staying midweek.
Euopean Summer Sun
Tourers looking to escape the chill at home can enjoy some winter sun in Spain or Portugal, where temperatures reach up to 20 degrees during the winter months.
Altomira, Spain
Nestled in the rolling Valencian countryside, the Altomira site is a peaceful spot that’s perfect for those looking for a quiet break in the countryside. Visitors looking to explore the stunning Spanish countryside will enjoy the many cycling and walking routes that are easily accessible from the site. Valencia, well known for its charming architecture and Spanish classic, paella, is just a train ride away. Prices start from £20.91 per night for two people sharing a pitch.
Villasol, Spain
The Villasol site in lively Benidorm is wonderful for a beachside break. There are a wide range of activities in the nearby area, with restaurants, markets and shops all easily accessible from the site. Beautiful sand beaches are just a short walk away – perfect for those looking for a relaxing time by the sea. Alicante, a short drive away, is home to beautiful castles and archaeological sites, and makes for a great day trip. Prices start from £20.91 per night for two people sharing a pitch.
Ria Formosa, Portugal
Settled on the doorstep of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, the Ria Formosa site is hugely popular with wildlife lovers. The site is also perfectly situated for exploring the popular resort of Albufeira, with its spectacular beaches and year-round sunshine. Warm weather means the on-site pool is open year round, and evening entertainment includes traditional Portuguese music in the restaurant. Prices start at £18.90 per night for two people sharing a pitch.
