It is with a mixture of excitement and apprehension that caravanners start to plan their next tour after the winter break. In this first Freedom e-newsletter we explore where to visit in the new caravanning season.
The UK offers a wealth of counties and regions that are steeped in history. With so much to do, choosing exactly where to go can be a daunting task.
Here, we detail six of the best UK destinations and include details of one must-see attraction once you’ve arrived and pitched up.
So, book a site, hitch up your caravan and enjoy the new touring season. Happy holidays!
1. Northumberland: Home to Hadrian’s Wall, the area offers peace and tranquility far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Visit: Alnwick Castle – a medieval castle that was used as a film location for Harry Potter among others. It offers a range of attractions and some excellent facilities. Visit www.alnwickcastle.com
2. County Antrim, Northern Ireland: Forming the north east corner of Ireland, this area’s unique landscapes offer breathtaking beauty.
Visit: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – fisherman have used this bridge for more than 300 years as the only means of access to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Test your nerve and head for heights at this exhilarating coast path experience (open March to October). Visit www.northantrim.com/carrick_a_rede.htm
3. Norfolk: If the county is a good enough location for the Queen’s Sandringham country retreat then it’s certainly worthy of a visit by the rest of us mere mortals!
Visit: Holkham Bay – described as one of the finest sandy bays in England, its photogenic qualities were used as a backdrop for the film Shakespeare in Love. Visit www.holkham.co.uk
4. Scotland: A country that offers so much – from cosmopolitan cities to stunning views.
Visit: Isle of Skye – the most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides, visitors can explore its cliffs and caves and watch wildlife including the golden eagle, sea eagles and red deer. Visit www.skye.co.uk
5. Bristol: The city has always been adventurous and, in bygone times, explorers and merchant adventurers would set off on epic journeys from its harbour. It now boasts art, architecture and entertainment.
Visit: Brunel’s SS Great Britain – Last year’s Enjoy England ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ allows you to step back in time on board the world’s first great ocean liner. Explore the recreated first class dining saloon, steerage quarters and new engine room. Visit www.ssgreatbritain.org
6. Wales: With 750 miles of coastline, more than 640 castles, beautiful scenery and a passion for food and drink, Wales is a worthy contender.
Visit: Brecon Beacons National Park – spanning 519 square miles and established in 1957, the park contains some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in Europe. Website: www.breconbeacons.org
Please remember to carry out a few basic checks on your caravan before embarking on your next trip, particularly if it has been left unused for several months.
These include checking tyre tread depth and pressure, ensuring the lights work, checking the battery, running a sterilising solution through the water tanks and lubricating windows and door hinges for ease of use once on site.
If your caravan is a due a service, then book early to ensure it’s good and ready for the new season.
Thanks Liz,
Much improved positioning of date of original publication.
Thank you Liz – I found the date of publication where you said it would be, somewhat disconnected from the main article and in very small print. I suggest omit the first reference to publication date, and move up second reference from “Filed under…” and make the print size standard.
Thanks for responding so quickly,
Gordon
Thanks Gordon – we’re looking into this now.
Gordon, just to let you know we’ve made some changes to where the publication date is displayed following your feedback. Thanks for pointing it out to us!
The articles on the CaravanGuard website always end with:
“Details correct at time of publication but may be subject to change”, but there is no indication of the publication date of the article – not helpful.
Thanks for your comments Gordon. The publication date is at the bottom of the article, below the star ratings. We’ll look into making sure this is clearer.