Scotland’s best beaches for the summer touring season

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Summer is fast approaching and there’s no better time than the present to start planning a touring trip around Scotland’s top beach spots. With 70 per cent of Brits agreeing they’d prefer regular UK breaks over annual overseas trips, Scotland has plenty to offer.

Scotland boasts an array of pristine beaches, sandy coastlines and offshore islands waiting to be explored. To help you choose where to pitch up this season, the team at VisitScotland have compiled a list of the best seaside gems to visit this touring season. 

Home to some of the cheapest pitching spots in the UK, there are plenty of sites to park your leisure vehicle or pitch a tent around Scotland, so you can take in all that it has to offer. 

First on the list is Portobello Beach in Edinburgh, a great spot if you want to combine a city getaway with the best that nature has to offer. 

Waterfront Place in Dundee and Aberdeen Beach are two more urban seafronts to snag places on the list.

For those looking to take the kids on a family road trip, there are plenty of options to choose from. Nairn Beach in the Highlands is especially popular, attracting visitors all year round but particularly in the summer months. You might even catch sight of some dolphins among the waves. 

Another family-friendly seaside location is Lunderston Bay near Glasgow, which offers sandy shores and rocky enclaves ideal for building sandcastles and rock pooling. Or head further south to Brighouse Bay in Dumfries and Galloway on the South West Coastal 300 route. 

For those with an adventurous spirit, check out Loch Morlich in Aviemore which, although technically not a beach, has plenty to offer by the way of sandy beaches and forests. Here you can take part in a variety of lakeside activities or get your adrenaline pumping on a mountain bike trail. 

If you want to relax and take in breathtaking scenery, Calgary Beach on Mull is surrounded by cliffs and offers exceptional views of Coll and Tiree. Balephuil Bay on the Isle of Tiree is a favourite spot for surfers and its turquoise waters and white-shell shores are why it’s known as the “Hawaii of the North”.

 

 

Photo credit: Petia Koleva / Unsplash

National Camping and Caravanning Week to coincide with the Jubilee

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This year’s National Camping and Caravanning Week (NCCW) is set to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Organised annually by the Camping and Caravanning Club, NCCW is designed to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy the great outdoors under canvas or in a leisure vehicle.

It has been running since 2001 and this year the events will centre around a royal theme as the nation is treated to an additional bank holiday to mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

The Club’s expecting to welcome thousands of visitors to its sites now that the touring season has officially begun.

Tea parties are to be held at a number of Club sites, including Sandringham in Norfolk, which is situated within the grounds of the royal estate.

Campers can join in with a barbecue and street party at the Cambridge Club site, while there’ll be a complimentary cream tea for guests at the Bala Club site in north Wales.

Michelle Jewell, partnerships and events marketing manager at the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “There’s still time to join in with our on-site Jubilee celebrations.

“Take a look at our website to find out what’s taking place at a campsite near you and to enter our fantastic competitions.

“We have exclusive National Camping and Caravanning Week competitions with prizes totalling over £1,400 up for grabs, plus there’s a chance to win a Swift Basecamp 6 and Vango RVA – two awnings worth £27,000.”

The Camping and Caravanning Club was founded in 1901 and has grown to encompass nearly 100 sites across the UK.

It has more than 700,000 members, who have access to exclusive campsites and other benefits, such as discounts, advice and support.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Hello I’m Nik

Hybrid working boosts demand for caravans and motorhomes

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New trends within the world of working have caused a huge shift in how and where people can work from, according to the Swift Group.

The caravan and motorhome manufacturer found ‘workation’ and ‘bleisure’ options are more widely taken up in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its consumer trends research noticed that demand for leisure vehicles is increasing as the hybrid working model allows employees to do their job from anywhere.

Touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans have been proven to be useful working from home spaces throughout the pandemic, but they also represent the chance to embrace blended travel.

While many leisure vehicles became makeshift offices parked up on people’s drives in recent years, now that restrictions have been lifted, some owners are enjoying working holidays in their vans.

If you don’t have to go into an office, then you can work from a more picturesque location in your caravan or motorhome, as long as you have an electricity supply and secure Wi-Fi connection.

Amy Archer, deputy managing director of the Swift Group, said: commented: “Lockdown gave many people the opportunity to experience a dramatically different way of life and a new work-life balance.

“As a result, people are finding new ways to work, including creating mobile office spaces in leisure vehicles that can function as both holiday vehicles and mobile workspaces with the comforts of Wi-Fi, a washroom, cooking facilities and heating.

“The joys of remote working means work can be done where and when you choose it to be.”

This has resulted in unprecedented demand for all types of leisure vehicle, with both new and used models being snapped up as soon as they become available.

John Lally, director general of the National Caravan Council, highlighted that at the end of 2021, sales of new touring caravans were up 23.5 per cent on 2020.

Most romantic honeymoon road trips revealed

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Road trips make a great honeymoon option, especially if you have access to a caravan or motorhome, but where to explore on your post-wedding holiday can be a hotly contested topic between couples.

New research from Confused.com has revealed that the German Alpine Road, which stretches for 326 miles, is the most romantic route to take.

With a romance score of 9.56 out of ten, the German itinerary takes lovers past the Linderhof Palace and the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle.

Coming in second place was Puglia in Italy, which received a score of 9.13, but came up short in terms of length at just 112 miles.

Two other Italian road trips were featured on the list, with the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany both featuring in the top five.

At just 38 miles, the former can be explored in a single day, while 193 miles of roads through the Tuscan hills could be enjoyed at leisure in your caravan or motorhome.

Closer to home, Scotland’s North Coast 500 made the list at number four and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way was voted in sixth position.

Other slightly less expected road trip destinations that secured a place in the top ten included Icefields Parkway in Canada and Norway’s Lofoten.

Aptly named Romantic Road in Germany came in at number ten, although by rights it probably should have bagged a higher spot.

Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “Taking a road trip, at home or abroad, can make for an unforgettable experience.

“And if you’re travelling along some of the most romantic or idyllic routes the world has to offer, take turns behind the wheel. This offers you both the chance to enjoy the scenery while avoiding tiredness.”

Long distance driving routes are becoming more popular, with everywhere from Iceland’s Ring Road to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula attracting newlyweds.

The cheapest pitching spots around the UK

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Planning a summer getaway but don’t want to break the bank? 

There are few spots across the UK where you can enjoy wild camping without spending a penny, while most places require a nightly fee to put your tent up or park your vehicle and use their facilities. 

The experts at Pitchup have you covered with their latest report identifying the cheapest spots in the UK to camp, glamp, tour or caravan at as the weather improves. 

Over 60 per cent of Brits are looking forward to travelling again after years of lockdowns and restrictions due to the pandemic. 

People are also more inclined to travel locally and reconnect with nature on their home ground rather than go overseas. 

The report compared average nightly prices for camping, glamping, touring, and caravan pitch prices in 20 regions throughout the UK. Some of the results might surprise you.

According to their findings, the cheapest spot to pitch up was Northern Ireland, with an average price per night of £15.69. 

If you’re looking for an affordable destination to take the family during the summer holidays – Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline and rolling, green countryside could be the perfect getaway location. 

Plus, at 23 per cent cheaper than the average price per night across the UK – it’s a bargain!

Coming in second place is the East Midlands, which costs, on average,  £15.73 per person per night. Home to numerous spots to pitch up your leisure vehicle or tent, there’s plenty on offer in this verdant region including the cities of Nottingham, Leicester and Lincoln. 

Other affordable locations on the list include West Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber, which cost 15.87 and £16.27 respectively. 

Although most of the destinations surveyed in the study were some of the UK’s top holiday destinations, the majority of locations cost, on average, less than £20 per night per person. 

So if you’re looking for a bargain holiday in the glorious outdoors, why not take advantage of the breathtaking and affordable British countryside that’s right on your doorstep? 

Take a look at the results of the full study in the infographic below and start thinking about which part of the UK you’d like to explore next.

 

cheapest pitching sites UK

 

 

Photo credit: Mac DeStroir/Unsplash 

DVSA launches new trailer accreditation scheme

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The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has launched a new scheme to help anyone who tows stay safe on the roads.

Aimed at both first-time towers and those who use trailers regularly, the new accreditation will be relevant for anyone who owns or rents a touring caravan.

From today (May 18th), drivers with plans to tow a caravan are urged to take a training course before their next trip.

Mark Winn, chief driving examiner at the DVSA, said: “With the summer holidays fast approaching, we know many families will be looking to tow a trailer or caravan so it’s vital you have the skills to do this safely.”

Trainers have been accredited under the new scheme in the last few months and are offering a selection of options for motorists to sign up to:

  • Towing for beginners
  • Returning to towing after a break
  • Towing larger trailers
  • Refreshing and formalising the skills of regular towers

All of the courses will follow the learning to drive a car and trailer syllabus, which has been developed by the DVSA with experts in the industry.

When seeking an accredited trainer, choose one that specialises in caravan towing and ask for a price upfront, as the course leaders will be setting their own prices.

To find a course, you can email the Safe Towing Scheme at info@safetowingscheme.co.uk.

Baroness Vere, minister for roads, buses and places, said: “Towing safely is an important issue and I urge drivers to access the training to help keep Britain’s roads safe.”

Towing a caravan incorrectly can lead to fines of up to £1,000, so make sure you’re up to speed on safety rules and best practices.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/JESHOOTS

Travelworld celebrates 10 years of Hymer franchise

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The Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld is celebrating a decade of being an official franchise of Hymer motorhomes.

To mark the occasion, it caught up with Alan and Gillian Cunnington, who were the first customers to purchase a vehicle from the dealership after it was accredited ten years ago.

Mr and Mrs Cunnington selected a luxury Hymer Exsis-i 674 to drive off the forecourt back in 2012 and have been creating memories in it ever since.

In fact, they’ve been so pleased with their purchase that they’ve opted to upgrade it over the years as opposed to trading it in for a newer model.

Mr Cunnigton said: “We had hired motorhomes in the past while in New Zealand and Canada and decided to take the leap and buy one.

“We looked at dozens at various shows before we went to Travelworld and met Ross Edwards [the managing director].

“We saw the Exsis-i and it was the exact spec we wanted and could be replated to 3500kg. The next day we bought it.”

Since then, the Cunningtons have toured all over the UK and parts of Spain in their beloved motorhome.

When they’ve looked at newer leisure vehicles, the couple have decided they don’t compare favourably to what they’ve already got.

So, when visiting a show and seeing an updated kitchen that suited their needs, they decided to have it fitted in their trusty Hymer instead of replacing the entire vehicle.

The Cunningtons have updated the motorhome’s technology features too, with 5G Wi-Fi, a reverse camera and an Oyster satellite system all fitted in the intervening years by Travelworld.

Now that travelling is opening up again in the wake of the pandemic, Mr and Mrs Cunnington are looking forward to holidays away in their motorhome, with members of the family joining in the fun in their own leisure vehicles.

Hymer credits itself as the inventor of the motorhome and has been producing such vehicles since 1957. Travelworld has the largest number of Hymer models on display in the UK.

Wild camping laws across Europe

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With 62 per cent of Brits feeling confident about traveling again after the pandemic, it’s time to start planning your next camping adventure. 

You might not be aware, but there are lots of rules and regulations about wild camping around Europe. 

It’s not legal to simply find a spot and pitch your tent in many places, and doing so can result in hefty fines that’ll put a damper on your holiday.

What’s more, many people don’t realise that wild camping usually refers to arriving on foot, so doesn’t tend to be compatible with caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

When you don’t incur a huge fee at the end, wild camping can be an incredibly liberating and memorable experience. 

Making sure you do it safely and legally will ensure your holiday isn’t ruined before it even begins.

Here’s what the law has to say about wild camping in some key European holiday destinations, as explained by the experts at Pitchup.

United Kingdom

As travel resumes, 70 per cent of Brits agree they’d prefer to take regular UK breaks over an annual overseas holiday. For any avid campers out there, it’s important to know the UK’s stance on wild camping. 

In England and Wales, wild camping is only legal with the land owner’s permission. Dartmoor National Park is one exception where the activity is permitted, but there are still restrictions in place as to where. However, there are plenty of nearly wild campsites to pitch up at. 

Further north in Scotland, right-to-roam laws are still in place. This means it’s legal to set up camp as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 

Italy

Free camping is not legal in Italy. You could face a fine of €100 (£85) to €500 if someone catches you. 

The local authorities regularly patrol key tourist areas, particularly along the coast, to enforce this rule. 

If you do want to camp in Italy, you’ll need to stay in a campsite, of which there are plenty. Checking out the listings of Italian sites on the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s website is a good place to start.

France

In France, wild camping is generally well-tolerated as long as you have the landowner’s permission. 

Be sure to stay away from tourist sites and don’t light fires, the locals won’t like that! 

Germany

Wild camping is prohibited in Germany, and authorities can slap a fine of €500 on you if you’re caught. 

This fine can be even greater if you’re found wild camping with a leisure vehicle. 

However, there are plenty of ‘nearly wild’ camping sites that offer the best of both worlds.

Portugal

A new law was put into effect in 2021 making wild camping (under certain conditions) legal in Portugal, establishing that overnight stays are allowed for no longer than 48 hours. 

The law states that outside protected areas, overnight stays are allowed “for a maximum period of 48 hours in the same municipality,” so moving just down the road won’t necessarily protect you.

Spain

Generally, wild camping isn’t allowed in Spain. 

It’s also important to know that it’s illegal to park in any wild place that isn’t an established campsite and take out a table, chairs, or an awning – as this counts as camping. 

If you do want to try your hand at wild camping this summer, be sure to choose somewhere that it’s legal or where there are plenty of ‘nearly wild’ campsite alternatives available.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Kevin Ianeselli / Unsplash

Best spots for pitching up on the Yorkshire coast

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The recently launched tourism initiative Route YC has put together a selection of spots it recommends for pitching up in your touring caravan or motorhome along the Yorkshire coast.

Choose the level of facilities you need, from sites featuring restaurants and swimming pools to car parks for self-contained motorhomes.

Fully-equipped holiday parks

Setting up camp at a holiday park is the most obvious option and Route YC has singled out Barmston Beach Holiday Park and Skipsea Sands Holiday Park.

Both of these sites have a wide selection of amenities including bars, restaurants and swimming pools, as well as sandy beaches close by.

Nature-focused sites

For those keen to get back to nature, but still want to have all the basic facilities they need, there’s Jacobs Mount Camping and Caravan Park, which is in the woods not far from Scarborough and Forge Valley.

Alternatively, head to Humble Bee Farm if you’re taking the southerly version of Route YC to enjoy open countryside and local produce stocked in the on-site cafe and shop.

Car parks for overnight stays

If your leisure vehicle has everything you need inside, including a toilet and a shower, then consider parking up at a pub for an overnight stay.

Both the Ship Inn at Sewerby and Filey’s Royal Oak allow caravans and motorhomes to pitch up in their car parks for the night.

Route YC is designed to help visitors make the most of Yorkshire’s coastline and exploring by caravan or motorhome is a great way to do it.

It suggests breaks of three to seven days and has recommended itineraries based around six locations. They are Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea, Scarborough, Whitby and Withernsea.

You can also ‘collect the six’ by planning return trips and really get to know the area covered by Route YC.

Heritage Caravans announces series of 1930s reproduction vintage touring caravans

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If you’re looking for a leisure vehicle outside the mainstream caravan market, or you have an affinity for anything and everything vintage, Heritage Caravans’ new series offers something different. 

The company will begin production of its 1930s vintage touring caravans, equipped with all the amenities of modern leisure vehicles, in Plymouth over the summer. It hopes to be in full swing by September. 

Each bespoke caravan is expertly handcrafted featuring shaped aluminium sheet bodywork and a Mollycroft/showman roof. The interiors are made from natural timbers, and sheep’s wool has been used for wall and cavity insulation for sustainability. 

To align with the iconic vintage look, the caravan bodywork is finished in the historic British Motor Corporation paint codes. You can view a palette of selected colours on the firm’s website.

Customers can choose their preferred fabrics and finishes to ensure each caravan is unique and personalised to their tastes. Despite their vintage look, each heritage leisure vehicle is equipped with all the modern features that caravan enthusiasts have come to expect. 

The company will produce three caravan models: Classic, Adventurer and Explorer. The Classic model is a two berth caravan, the Adventurer a four berth and the Explorer its most compact offering that sleeps two.

With unique vintage stylings and traditional craftsmanship, Heritage Caravans is an alternative to typical mass-produced white models that most people drive today. 

The Heritage Caravan Company was founded by a family of caravan enthusiasts with years of touring experience under their belts. 

They believe that over the years, caravan design has lost its charm in favour of functionality, and aim to revive the vintage stylings of 1930s caravans while providing all the modern features and amenities required for comfortable touring. 

 

62% of Brits feel confident to travel again

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The majority of Brits – 62 per cent in fact – are feeling confident about travelling now that the height of the pandemic is over.

That’s according to Fresh Relevance, which surveyed 2,000 people about their attitude to holidays in the wake of Covid-19.

It found that 30 per cent of respondents had already booked a trip for 2022 and a further 32 per cent are planning to do so.

What’s more, 25 per cent are prepared to spend more money on travel than they did before the pandemic.

So, what does this mean for caravan and motorhome holidays? After all, those who shelled out on purchasing a leisure vehicle while travel abroad was restricted will still be looking for a return on their investment.

Further to this, there’s also the shift towards staycations, which was brought about by the pandemic.

Many people have been converted to the idea of travelling more locally and enjoying the delights of the British seaside and countryside in a way that hadn’t been seen for decades.

Destinations like Bamburgh and the North Coast 500 have gained so much attention it’s hard to contemplate them not being on bucket lists for a long time to come.

But the beauty of owning a caravan or motorhome is the flexibility in where you take it and the continent is opening up as a possibility once again.

While there are issues with P&O Ferries’ Channel services, other operators, such as DFDS and Irish Ferries are continuing to transport holidaymakers and their leisure vehicles to France.

Another alternative is Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, which enables you to take your caravan or motorhome on the train to Calais.

Once there, Europe’s your oyster, as long as you have all the right paperwork in order. And you can even take your lockdown dog with you too.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Aurélien – Wild Spot

Three new caravan parks added to Park Holidays UK portfolio

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Park Holidays UK, one of the country’s major caravan park operators, has acquired three new sites, two in Scotland and one in Cornwall. 

The group is expanding its portfolio throughout Britain, and its new acquisitions means it currently has 43 parks ideal for family holidays. 

Tony Clish, director of Park Holidays UK, says these acquisitions will allow the company to provide more opportunities for family-friendly accommodations to meet the growing demand for domestic getaways in the UK. 

Mr Clish commented: “This is a quality-driven market which comprises both holiday home rentals and the sale of holiday homes in beautiful and well cared-for environments. 

“Our three new parks all meet the high standards we require, and we will now invest even further in their guest facilities, infrastructure, and holiday accommodation.

“We now enter an exciting new phase of our expansion in Britain’s most dynamic tourism sector, and will continue delivering first-class experience at an affordable cost.” 

The two parks in Scotland, Lossiemouth Bay Holiday Park and Burghead Beach Caravan Park, are located on the scenic Moray First near Elgin. This area has gained a reputation for itself as the “riviera of the north” due to its outstanding coastal beauty. 

Together, these holiday parks provide over 250 pitching spots, including spaces for touring caravans for curious campers who want to explore the region and smell the sea air. 

Nearby, campers will also find the Park Holidays UK owned Silver Sands Holiday Park, which features a new entertainment centre for holidaygoers to enjoy. 

Down south in the West Country, Waterside Cornwall is a welcome addition to the Park Holidays UK portfolio. The site provides approximately 70 holiday lodges, with plans to increase that number in the future. 

Situated near Bodmin, campers can enjoy almost 100 acres of countryside and even pay a visit to the nearby Eden Project, which is just ten miles away. 

But there’s plenty to enjoy at this holiday park itself, with fishing lakes and woodlands as well as a range of facilities including an on-site restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and gym. 

Mr Clish commented: “These three long-established parks have received substantial investment over the years by their previous owners who, like us, recognise the imperative of top standards.” 

“They will now benefit from additional investment by Park Holidays UK, though with sensitivity to their individual characteristics and identities which customers clearly enjoy,” he continued.

More information about these new acquisitions and the parks themselves can be found on the Park Holidays UK website.