Category: Motorhome Advice

Here is a selection of some motorhome FAQs that we often receive here at Derby Motorhomes. Of course, if you have any questions or queries relating to your motorhome or buying one, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Will I be able to drive a motorhome on a standard licence?

The answer in many cases is yes – but that might depend to some extent on the specific motorhome you want to drive (specifically its weight) and also the date you passed your driving test.

The current driving licence requirements are clearly set out on the government website or complete the brief online questionnaire to find out what vehicles you can drive.

How easy are motorhomes to drive?

Modern, new, or well-maintained motorhomes are very easy to drive. If you can drive a car, then you should be immediately at home behind the wheel of this type of vehicle too.

Nevertheless, your motorhome is going to be bigger than the family car, so you might need to take a little extra care and practice with manoeuvres such as reversing and parking.

Even better, you might want to consider signing up for one of the motorhome driving courses organised either by the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Can I take my motorhome abroad to wherever I like?

There’s no technical obstacle to taking your motorhome to any foreign country you choose – provided you’re willing to abide by that country’s rules, of course.

Countries in the European Union should pose no issue whatsoever. You can also take your motorhome to the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey. Because of the limited space on the islands, though, you need to camp only at authorised sites and arrange a special permit in advance – either through the site at which you have booked your stay or directly to the relevant authorities on either island.

You’ll need to ensure that you have appropriate motorhome insurance cover for the countries you’re visiting or transiting. While there may be no physical barriers to your target destinations due to the motorhome itself, some insurance providers may exclude certain destinations outside of the EU that are perceived to be too high a risk.

Is it better to buy a motorhome for cash or take out finance?

We cannot provide financial advice about the way you choose to use your personal finances.

What we can say is that there are several funding options that may be open to you including Hire Purchase (HP). Some of these will be subject to your overall financial status – and we’d be more than happy to outline those motorhome finance options for you.

There are arguments for and against using cash savings as opposed to finance. If you’re uncertain as to the best way of financing the purchase of a motorhome given your particular personal circumstances, you may wish to do further independent research on the subject or consult an independent financial advisor.

Can I park up overnight in lay-bys?

Strictly speaking, this is likely to be contrary to local by-laws. Most such spaces are under the control of a local authority and typically they’ll prohibit overnight parking.

In purely practical terms, though, the rules and by-laws may be very difficult to monitor and enforce, particularly in very rural areas – so, you might be tempted to take your chances.

Remember, too, that your insurance policy might explicitly forbid overnight stops anywhere other than on an appropriately licenced and regulated campsite.

Is there a best-practice driving code for motorhomes?

There is nothing enshrined in law as such – although you might turn up some good and helpful guides, including those recommended by the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravan Club on the driving courses we have already mentioned.

How often do I need to empty the WC?

Questions on this subject are also regularly – usually somewhat shyly – raised in motorhome FAQs forums!

The answer, of course, depends on two factors:

  • the capacity of your WC’s storage; and
  • how often you use it.

If you’d like to ask, there are some rough guidelines we can provide. In passing, we’d just say that emptying the WC in modern motorhomes is typically fast, easy, and hygienic.

Setting off on your first journey in your new motorhome is an exciting event.

Even if you’ve owned one for some time the travel restrictions during the recent pandemic mean that it might have been a while since you’ve ventured on an outing of any duration.

So, if you’re preparing for that first trip as the proud new owner of a motorhome, or returning to the pleasures of your second home on wheels, here are a few travel tips from us here at Derby Motorhomes that you might find useful before setting off.

Practice your driving in advance

Practice makes perfect – it might be a truism but is no less relevant to learning or relearning your driving skills behind the wheel of a motorhome.

These vehicles are typically easy to drive but tight manoeuvring, reversing, and parking, will all benefit from a little more practice.

For the complete novice or someone wanting a thorough refresher course, the Caravan and Motorhome Club runs a range of practical tuition packages. Failing any such formal approach, even a few hours on a quiet Sunday in an empty local car park will be better than having to learn everything as you go along on your first outing of the year.

Don’t make your first trip an epic one

For similar reasons, break yourself in gradually when it comes to travelling any distance. It can take a little time to become fully familiar with your motorhome – particularly if you have no previous experience.

That might mean that a fairly local first trip, over perhaps a weekend, might be an excellent shakedown of your motorhome. You’ll learn a lot from it too and it’ll help prepare you for longer duration and longer-distance journeys.

Plan your route and remember you’re driving a motorhome

Picture the narrowest, twisty lanes you can imagine and just know that some very rural back roads are simply unsuitable for motorhomes.

In some cases, they may carry explicit prohibitions for commercial vehicles and motorhomes due to their size – but not all do. Make sure you’ve researched the route thoroughly and, until your experience levels have increased, avoid marginal or what might be considered challenging roads for larger vehicles.

Brush up on your driving codes for motorhomes

Be prepared for the fact that some other road users will seem to take exception to your driving a motorhome on the roads at all. If you are dawdling along – well below the maximum speed limit – on a single carriageway with no safe overtaking options, you’re certain to raise the frustration levels of other motorists. Motorhomes which block both carriageways whilst engaging in a doomed attempt to overtake a lorry or another motorhome on the inside lane whilst going uphill will be an even greater frustration.

Frustration on the road can be dangerous for everyone.

So, brush up on basic courteous driving techniques, as they apply specifically to motorhomes, then use them at all times.

Have you booked your site?

Mention of frustrations and there’s probably nothing worse than turning up at your destination only to find nowhere to park up for the night.

During the bank holidays and the peak summer holiday months, in particular, don’t just turn up in the hope you’ll be OK but spend that minute or two making a simple phone call to be sure of your pitch for the night.

Don’t forget your toolkit

You won’t be needing it for your suitably serviced motorhome, of course, but a toolkit could still earn its keep on any expedition into the wide world out there.

Since you’re about to experience the great outdoors, there might be dozens of times when you’ll wish you had a screwdriver to tighten that BBQ leg or an adjustable spanner to budge that tight nut on your bike rack.

A few basic tools will have proved their weight in gold.

Take all your manuals and appliance guides with you

Operating the cooker in your motorhome or its heating system isn’t exactly rocket science.

Still, the embarrassment of admitting you can’t work out how to do something as simple as switching on the power or coupling the gas is best avoided. Your manuals might help you get right to the business of enjoying yourself just that little bit faster.

Read your owner’s manual thoroughly and before departure

This will contain volumes of helpful tips, so it’s important to read through it at your leisure.

In it, you’re likely to find some advice about basic pre-departure vehicle checklists. Some of those might be obvious, such as checking tyre pressures but others less so – such as weight distributions and loading.

Be sure to run through the checklist carefully and rigorously before you leave.

Take a good torch

Finally, remember that some of the campsites you’ll be visiting will be very well lit – others may be less so – with more of that “back to nature” atmosphere about them.

A torch is likely to be invaluable.

The British public has confirmed its love affair with the staycation. 53% declared their intention of taking a holiday in the UK in 2022, said the website Pass the Keys on the 28th of January 2022.

For those who are looking for a mobile yet affordable, self-contained. and self-catering staycation, a motorhome represents the ideal choice – and that’s why sales of these leisure vehicles have grown by 15% since the lifting of pandemic restrictions, said a story in the Caravan Times on the 20th of December 2021.

There are any number of benefits attractions in motorhoming – and they are by no means restricted to staycations within the UK – but here are just some of those that appeal to our customers here at Derby Motorhomes:

The freedom to explore

  • Britain is a nation of explorers and every one of us is likely to have some inner yearning for the freedom of the open road and the sense of adventure to follow it wherever it leads;
  • motorhomes provide just that release – with a vehicle that may be nimble enough to manoeuvre even the most winding or narrow roads at home or abroad;

Home from home

  • but for all that adventure and exploration, you don’t need to sacrifice the creature comforts of home;
  • modern motorhomes are built to such a high standard that you have everything you need – the fridge, oven, flushing toilet, running water, and every manner of home comfort – right down to the proverbial kitchen sink;

Everything to hand

  • in a motorhome, everything is to hand;
  • there are no hotel bookings to be made and no restaurant tables to be reserved – still less the need to find a family-friendly eating place if you have the kids in tow;

The great outdoors

  • whenever you are holidaying in a motorhome, the great outdoors is ever-present;
  • all the fresh air you could need, all the natural wonders of the world, are right on your doorstep – providing a welcome and healthy getaway from the city-centred hotels you might otherwise be staying in;
  • the UK has some amazing countryside – some of it is off the beaten track and well away from the hectic hustle and bustle of daily life;
  • when you’re feeling confident to make those forays onto the European continent once again, your motorhome will open still more doors to an even greater outdoors;

Encounters with the unexpected

  • motorhomes give you the chance to ditch any rigorously planned itinerary and, instead, grant you the freedom to explore whatever you encounter along the way;
  • free of the constraints to meet hotel booking-in and checking-out times, feel free to expect the unexpected and awaken once again that sense of exploration, adventure, and wonder;

Social occasions

  • neither is motorhoming a solitary affair;
  • motorhomes make ideal family getaways in which you can enjoy some quality time;
  • membership of a club also links you to an even wider social network of like-minded souls – the Caravan Club, which claims more than a million members, changed its name just a couple of years ago to the still more inclusive Caravan and Motorhome Club;

Pet-friendly

  • how many holidays have meant the anxiety and pain of separation from your pets;
  • with a motorhoming holiday, you’ll avoid any such pain or heartbreak since your pets can come along too;
  • an increasing number of campsites are dog-friendly these days – and recognise that your four-legged companions are as likely to enjoy a holiday just as much as you do;

Economise

  • your bank balance is likely to be one of the major constraints on your taking more holidays and weekend breaks – hotel rooms and dining out every day make many of those trips prohibitively expensive;
  • once you’ve made that initial investment in buying a motorhome, on the other hand, your holidays and breaks in the future are likely to prove a fraction of the cost.

These are just a few of the benefits our customers have told us about. Set about purchasing – or upgrading – your motorhome now, and you’re almost certain to discover a lot more.

Although a brand new motorhome is expensive to buy, you will be pleased to discover that it holds its price well and you’re likely to get a good price for it when it’s time to sell. It is estimated that the average vehicle will have retained around 70% of its value after three years. Contrast this with the 50% or so valuation of your new car after three years, according to WeBuyAnyCar.com.

If you invested in a high-end motorhome, such as an Auto-Sleeper, it is even more likely to have held its value.

With such a combination of positive factors, your motorhome can become a prime subject for part-exchange whenever you decide it’s time to renew. So, here are some frequently asked questions on just that subject.

How can I be sure of getting a fair price?

A motorhome part exchange is intended to represent a fair deal for you, for the dealer who accepts it in part exchange, and for any customer looking eventually to buy it.

Although motorhomes typically hold their price well and depreciate at a slower rate than many other vehicles, they do depreciate over time. This needs to be taken into account when managing your expectations for the price you are offered by the dealer.

The more information – and the more accurate information – you can provide the dealer, the fairer the valuation is likely to be. And the fairer the valuation, of course, the better the price you might expect to be offered.

What determines the valuation?

In addition to your contact details – and in advance of the dealer’s inspection of the vehicle – there are several details on which any valuation is likely to be based, including:

  • the make and model of your motorhome – and as previously mentioned, the more reputable the marque, such as Auto-Sleeper, the more impressed any dealer is likely to be;
  • the registration number, age, and mileage of the vehicle;
  • whether it is diesel or petrol, the engine capacity, and the type of transmission (manual or automatic);
  • whether you have a full mechanical and habitation service history;
  • the overall condition of the motorhome – some indication of whether it is clean, average, or below average;
  • whether smoking has been allowed in the vehicle; and
  • whether your pets have travelled or slept in your motorhome.

Are the extras fitted into my motorhome also taken into account in any part-exchange valuation?

Extras, such as onboard entertainment systems or fitted appliances, may enhance the part exchange value of your motorhome.

To help ensure that you are receiving top price in part exchange, therefore, give as full a picture as possible of all the extras fitted, when they were fitted, by whom, and the individual service histories if these are available.

Once again, the more detail you offer, the greater the financial consideration is likely to be.

What if I’m dissatisfied with the part exchange price I’m offered?

With the best will in the world – on the part of both parties – there is always the chance that you consider the price you are offered for your motorhome to be underrated.

In those circumstances, there is nothing to stop you from arranging a private sale – and taking on the potential hassle and inconvenience of arranging viewings, allowing test drives, and negotiating a price.

If you manage to find a buyer, it is entirely possible that that person, too, is also interested in making a part exchange. If you put them in touch with the dealer from whom you are planning to buy your new motorhome, you might find that you have made two new friends – your buyer and the dealer from whom you are planning to buy.

Your motorhome gives you the freedom of the open road. And the less you need to spend along the way, the further you make your money stretch, the further you can travel, and the more you get to enjoy the adventures as you go.

So, here are a few tips and suggestions for making your money go further – so you can spend it on those things that make a holiday so truly memorable.

Go off-peak

If you are able to travel outside of the holiday periods, you’ll typically find that the roads will be quieter, but pitches, ferries and the Eurotunnel may also be cheaper:

  • if you’re after peace and quiet at your campsite, off-peak bookings are likely to involve fewer families with children;
  • the weather remains reasonably warm and dry during the so-called “shoulder months” of May and September;
  • you’ll probably pay less for your pitch – and have a greater choice and availability; and
  • many campsites remain open the whole year-round.

Motorhome breakdown cover

Spend a little to save a lot – that’s the secret to being prepared for emergencies and setbacks such as a vehicle breakdown. Spend a little on the appropriate breakdown cover and you could be saving yourself considerable expense if anything goes wrong.

If you’re touring, it’s a nightmare, of course, if you suffer a breakdown. If you’re touring in a motorhome the nightmare can only get worse because it’s not just your transport but also your overnight accommodation, cooking, and storage facilities.

So, don’t rely on whatever roadside DIY mechanical skills you think you might have picked up or the expense of unexpected recovery and vehicle repairs but invest in a policy that gives you peace of mind that you’ll keep on moving!

Planning

Motorhome breakdown insurance can certainly help you avoid major expenses if the vehicle breaks down – but a little forethought and planning can go still further than that.

By paying attention to the range and choice of campsites available you can choose those campsites that deliver everything you need – without it costing you an arm and a leg into the bargain.

The distinct advantage of your motorhome, of course, is that it is entirely self-contained. You do not have to rely on those more expensive sites offering 5-star amenities because all that you need is on your own four wheels.

The website Pitchup, for instance, markets its listings for motorhome sites in 2022 with prices that start as cheap as under a tenner anight.

Find cheap fuel

By signing up to an app such as PetrolPrices.com you will be able to find the cheapest petrol in your area – and, according to the website save up to nearly £500 a year on your super unleaded petrol.

For further fuel-saving economies and driving habits, you might want to take a look at the Money Saving Expert’s views of the 4th of March 2022 on the subject.

Bikes aboard

Your motorhome is perfectly equipped for each overnight stay and getting from A to B is as simple as sitting behind the wheel. But why not get further enjoyment from the great outdoors by leaving the motorhome on its pitch for a day or two while you take to the roads, lanes, and trails on your bikes – saving the wear and tear on your vehicle and, of course, the cost of fuel.

If there is room inside your motorhome to store the bikes, all well and good, but practically any motorhome these days will easily take a safer and more secure exterior cycle-rack.

Getting to know your galley

Eating out for the duration of your holiday is likely to prove expensive, yet your motorhome comes equipped with a galley – and using it need not be a huge chore:

  • casseroles, grills, oatmeal, and cereals take little time to prepare and are unlikely to tax the skills of anyone at the galley for a great length of time;
  • if you are feeling a little more ambitious, the Camping and Caravanning Club has even come up with a few recipes that are especially suited to cooking on the galley of your motorhome;
  • even just hitting the local supermarket for cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and the like means you can save money you would have spent out at a café;
  • don’t splurge at Starbucks – make your own coffee in your RV and you’ll potentially save a small fortune.

Saving money while travelling in your motorhome doesn’t mean scrimping and going without, it only takes just a little forethought, preparation, and planning.

Your motorhome is likely to prove great for enjoying the great outdoors, but don’t assume that it’s suitable only for trips into the wild and remote countryside.

On the contrary, many people love the versatility of a motorhome for exploring some of the fascinating and beautiful cities here in the UK – and in Europe, too.

Here are a few ideas from the team here at Derby Motorhomes about motorhome city breaks in the UK you might wish to think about.

Edinburgh

The historic capital of Scotland commonly features in any top-three listing of the most attractive cities in the UK.

The city is simply packed with things to do and see as well as having the additional benefit of being surrounded by some beautiful countryside to the south and north. Some of the coastal towns around the Firth of Forth are also well worth exploring if – however unlikely that’s going to be – you grow bored with Edinburgh’s attractions.

You might indeed struggle to find a campsite for your motorhome in the city centre itself, but there are plenty in surrounding areas that are serviced by good public transport links.

Do note that like many cities, Edinburgh now has major traffic restriction measures in place – so, you’ll want to make best use of the several park and ride schemes available.

York

With its Roman, Viking, Anglo-Saxon, and medieval past still very much in evidence, York is clearly an ancient city of northern England.

The cathedral is the focal point of the town but there are simply stacks of other attractions – notably, the medieval Shambles, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the historic, largely intact, city walls themselves.

You can also take in the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire coastline for some stunning scenery during day trips out from the city.

Stratford upon Avon

In the peak holiday season of July and August, this charming, but small, town can become a little packed with tourists. However, at other times of the year, it is much more manageable with space and room to wander around and about the wealth of historic buildings – many associated with one of the fathers of English literature, Shakespeare himself.

In the surrounding countryside, you’ll also find other Midland towns that are more than worth a visit including Warwick, Leamington Spa, and Kenilworth.

Manchester

Now, it’s perfectly true that Manchester doesn’t often score highly in terms of the picturesque quality of its city centre but that shouldn’t detract from its many attractions. The website Trip Savvy ranks Manchester in third place among the top twenty of UK cities for international visitors.

Here in the northwest’s powerhouse, there are some major galleries and museums – not to mention a vibrant and very trendy commercial life on display in the centre of the city.

The city is also well positioned to explore some of the industrial museums and heritage of towns in Lancashire to the north and Cheshire to the south.

Canterbury

The ancient city of Canterbury boasts some of the country’s finest medieval architecture, including one of its oldest cathedrals, and its place in literary history thanks to the Canterbury Tales written by Geoffrey Chaucer at the close of the 14th century.

The city makes a natural base for exploring the county of Kent – aptly called the Garden of England, with some stunning countryside and a breath-taking coastline just a short drive away.

Top tips for exploring city centres

Don’t forget that, particularly during the holiday season, good campsites close to city centres can be snapped up very quickly by eager motorhome owners. So, make sure that you book in advance to secure the pitch you’re after for that city break in your motorhome.

If you can, take some personal transport with you like bicycles. It’ll make it much easier for you to get around and you’ll be less likely to run into some of the traffic congestion that, however much you try to avoid it, can be a fact of life with areas surrounding major conurbations.

It might also be highly advisable to seek sites that are located within very easy reach of good public transport services into the city. Not all cities are necessarily equally well equipped in terms of the transport infrastructure, so a little internet research will be essential.

Wherever you choose for your city break, it’s probably always a good idea to avoid, driving your motorhome into the city centre. You might get lucky, but you won’t want to lose a lot of your precious exploring time simply driving around one-way systems while trying to find a car park suitable for motorhomes.

Above all, though, remember to have fun!

After saving some hard-earned cash and with countless destinations reopened after several years of Covid restrictions, your long-awaited motorhome has finally arrived. You took great care and not a little time choosing the vehicle of your dreams – and now it’s sitting in your driveway.

Taking your motorhome on the road for the first time, however, is bound to bring on a flush of the nerves and there are a few things to do to prepare yourself for that first outing – or, indeed, refresh your memory, if you’ve not driven the vehicle for a while.

1. Take stock

Before you go anywhere, just sit in the driving seat and familiarise yourself with the controls. You’ll want to know where everything is, especially in an emergency, but it shouldn’t be too long before your reactions become second nature – just as they should be.

2. Passengers

Your family members are just as likely to want to clamber on board to take that first journey in your new motorhome. But it will probably be less taxing on your nerves if you persuade potential passengers to wait at least until you’ve driven the vehicle around the block a few times.

When you are ready for passengers, you and your co-pilot, of course, will be in the seats facing forward in the cockpit. Eager children, however, may be fighting for seats behind you in the rear of the vehicle – and that’s where a degree of caution and common-sense may need to be exercised.

Guidance published by the Camping and Caravanning Club emphasises this general need for common-sense. It points out that any motorhome first registered on or after the 20th of October 2007 must have seatbelts fitted to “designated travel seats”.

The guidance goes on to explain that only forward and rear-facing seats are suitable as travelling seats – and will, therefore, have the necessary seatbelts appropriately anchored in place. Typically, of course, that rules out side-facing seats as safe travelling seats. Even if these are fitted to such side-facing seats, it is not advisable to use them at all when travelling, because of the danger of injury in a collision.

3. Preparing the vehicle

If you’ve taken delivery of a new motorhome, your supplier is almost certain to have performed all the necessary checks to ensure that the vehicle is in perfect working order.

It is your responsibility, however, to ensure that it stays that way and that everything is packed and stowed away safely and securely.

That means making sure that you know the maximum authorised laden weight of your motorhome and that you do not exceed it. An overloaded vehicle is unsafe since it is more difficult to control, and you are putting excess pressure on the load-bearing tyres. What is more, you face a stiff fine and penalty points on your driving licence if your vehicle is overloaded and you are stopped by the police.

Be careful in the positioning of the items you pack, putting the heaviest on the floor in the middle of the motorhome, other heavier items evenly spread across the remaining floor area and only lightweight items in overhead lockers and cupboards.

Secure everything to make sure none of it shifts while you are on the road.

4. Tyres

Tyre pressures are even more important on your motorhome than on many other vehicles.

The Camping and Caravanning Club suggests that you might consider using TyrePal which constantly monitors the pressure in the tyres and warns you of any pending problems. The Club also recommends the use of a rear-facing camera – especially when you are a novice at manoeuvring a larger vehicle in reverse.

We hope these four quick tips will help you feel confident when you first hit the road in your motorhome. Enjoy your trip!

Who doesn’t love to be beside the seaside? If it’s a motorhome holiday you’re interested in, that’s likely to be even more the case – and, thankfully, there are coastal motorhome parks aplenty to choose from.

It’s worth keeping in mind that being close to the coast doesn’t always necessarily mean close to the beach, of course. Some coastal locations can offer stunning views but little opportunity to get down and access the immediate shoreline and sea.

So, you might want to think carefully about what you are looking for in a break near the coast – and that’s likely to influence your choice of the coastal motorhome park that’ll suit you down to the ground.

Here is a selection of different coastal sites around the UK that you might find interesting – and certainly worth exploring:

North Somerset beaches

  • these quite rightly include well-known destinations such as Minehead and Ilfracombe;
  • there are some great locations around here where you can explore the coast on genuinely sandy beaches;
  • as an added bonus, a little drive inland and you will get to some of Somerset’s equally legendary inland attractions such as Glastonbury;

Scottish beaches

  • all around the east and west coasts, Scotland is blessed with some uniquely beautiful, fine, sandy beaches;
  • around Culzean, for example, in the west and Broughty Ferry in the east, there are some fantastic sandy beaches – and the same is true if you go down the Kintyre peninsula towards Campbeltown;
  • true, those scorching hot days on Scottish beaches are a comparative rarity but, in the summertime, the weather is often much better than you may expect;

Suffolk

  • the beaches around Lowestoft are hugely underrated and little-known other than to people who visit from the immediate vicinity – Suffolk is an incredibly beautiful county and has a magnificent coastline, though it is strangely often overlooked;
  • the upside of that, though, is that some of these locations may be much quieter than better-known beaches elsewhere;

North Yorkshire Coast

  • large stretches of this coast are perhaps more suited to coastal path walking and climbing, with care, on rocks near the sea but there are also some spectacularly beautiful little inlets and fishing villages such as Robin Hood’s Bay;

South Wales

  • here there are some beautiful sandy beaches and some stunning scenery;
  • yet again, for some reason, this area is often far less well known than North Wales and the Snowdonia National Park but for fun and sandy beaches, many would argue that the south wins hands down;

The Norfolk Coast

  • in Norfolk, you’ll find vast stretches of coastline that are just as nature intended – mainly wide-open beaches or marshes running down to the sea;
  • there are some great seaside fun type beaches such as Cromer and Great Yarmouth, but you can also find many areas that are relatively seldomly visited and, therefore, open to some great coastal exploration if you enjoy the discovery of beachcombing;

Northumbria

  • many would argue that Northumbria has some of the best beaches In the United Kingdom – again, there are huge areas that are little populated and which, therefore, offer the chance to explore the sea and coastline without stepping over sunbathing bodies;
  • just like Scotland, don’t necessarily assume that the weather here is always wet and windy because it simply isn’t, although this sort of beach holiday would probably be more typically suited to the explorer rather than those who want to soak up some serious rays on the sand.

There will be some excellent coastal motorhomes parks available in all of the above geographic regions. The UK is fortunate to have such an extensive and diverse coastline – so get out there and enjoy!

Now that the pandemic is retreating across most of Europe, it is time to dust off your old maps and fire up the GPS to take your motorhome further afield for any up and coming holidays.

Once you’re touring within Europe, of course, there are literally tens of thousands of destinations that would be well worth seeing – and the only downside is that you’re likely to be thoroughly spoiled for choice.

Our following top ten of places to visit is made in no particular order or ranking – since the last thing we’d want to engage in is the dangerous game of suggesting that one destination is any better than another!

So, let’s instead offer some very general ideas and suggestions.

  1. France – for an unrivalled all-round experience

France is far from ever becoming “old hat” and it’s often unbeatable in terms of broad-spectrum appeal. Here are just a few reasons why:

  • roads that are typically traffic-free;
  • a wide range of geography and climates;
  • thousands of great historical towns and cities to visit;
  • fantastic cuisine; and
  • it’s close to the UK.

It’s little wonder, says cross-Channel ferry company Condor, that France is the most visited country in the world.

  1. Northern Spain and the Basque country

If you like beautiful cities, Spanish food and some great historic sites, this area has it all – aplenty.

The advantage of this relatively undiscovered part of Spain is that the Basque country lacks the crowds and “internationalisation” commonly associated with large parts of the Mediterranean coast. However, be aware that even at the height of summer the weather here is not guaranteed to be sunny and hot.

  1. Belgium

This small country is sometimes overlooked. That’s a pity because Belgium has some truly beautiful cities and towns – many steeped in history – which are well worth visiting.

Noteworthy destinations in your motorhome are likely to include Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and, of course, Brussels.

  1. The Republic of Ireland

Dublin is one of Europe’s most attractive towns in terms of its architecture and culture.

True, the Emerald Isle is not a destination guaranteed to be great for the suntan, but the countryside is stunning and well worth seeing.

  1. Northern Italy

The region around Milan, Turin and to the north and west of those great cities is beautiful. Northern Italy has the Alps and lakes then further south, there are beaches and coastline. Italian cuisine also needs no introduction!

Virtually all of the towns in the area are awash with history.

  1. Bavaria and Southern Germany

Of course, people tend to know this region for its mountainous scenery and some great historical cities such as Munich.

These are all worth visiting but this is also an area with beautiful fairytale castles, great cultural traditions including some very good food and – dare we say it – some of the best beer in the world.

  1. Denmark and Southern Sweden

Copenhagen is a marvellous city and should be seen. There are also many charming towns in the southern part of Sweden too.

Scandinavia isn’t necessarily the cheapest part of Europe to visit but it’s a unique culture and you’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome – a definite plus is that English is widely spoken.

  1. Poland – Warsaw

It’ll be a rather longer drive, of course, but the capital of Poland, Warsaw, will be well worth the visit. It’s one of Europe’s main cultural centres now, having been almost totally rebuilt after the destruction of WWII.

  1. Northern Portugal

Avoid the crowds that flock south to the Algarve and, instead, try the area around Oporto. You’ll find Northern Portugal altogether greener, quieter and with some brilliant beaches – not to mention that special combination that comes with lots of history.

Again, the weather isn’t absolutely 100% guaranteed due to the Atlantic but it’s worth the risk.

  1. Holland

Don’t expect Alpine scenery! Holland is largely flat, but it does have some great recreational countryside and coastline. It’s all ideal for bikes, of course.

The country’s big attractions are its great historic towns like Den Haag (The Hague), Amsterdam and Leiden.

Wherever you’re heading off to, we all wish you the very best for the coming holiday season.

It can make for a rowdy and raucous time when children at play are doing what only comes naturally. They’re typically buzzing with energy and full of exuberance while running around, chasing, and making lots of noise. It’s all a wonderful part of a healthy approach to growing up.

But there’s also a time and place for such exuberance though and times when you crave a little peace and quiet.

Thankfully, that yearning for the quieter and more peaceful things in life is recognised by many campsite owners who offer adult-only camping and caravan sites.

These can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and some of them are located in some particularly beautiful surroundings. Here are some options:

Berwick Upon Tweed – The Chainbridge Touring Caravan Site

  • as the name suggests, this is located right on the border between England and Scotland – and in some beautiful countryside;
  • you have all the attractions of the River Tweed and its surrounding country pursuits;
  • there are also several historical sites well within reach – such as Bamburgh Castle, Berwick Upon Tweed itself, Lindisfarne and the Scottish border towns including places such as Jedburgh, Roxburgh, Hawick, and Peebles;

Somerset – Wells Touring Park

  • set in the rolling hills of the West Country, Wells is a beautiful city – the smallest in England – with an amazing cathedral;
  • it’s also close to a host of other attractions such as Glastonbury and its Tor, Avebury, Stonehenge and some of the great Devon and Dorset beaches;

Conwy (Conway), Wales – Tyddyn Du Touring Park

  • this is a beautiful campsite with some stunning views over the rugged North Wales countryside and the sea heading out towards the Isle of Anglesey;
  • if you looking to enjoy nature at its best, this is the place to come for a full range of rugged activities such as cycling, canoeing, hiking, etc;
  • there are many towns nearby that are all worth exploring including Conwy itself with its magnificent castle;

Oakham, Rutland – Greendale Farm Caravan & Camping Park

  • located in the heart of England’s smallest county, Oakham is an extremely attractive town and is surrounded by many others like it such as Melton Mowbray and Stamford;
  • the countryside and towns around here are very pretty and they’re often missed by tourists heading for the better-known attractions of Yorkshire in the other direction;
  • there are some nice facilities on this site, recently voted the best campsite for couples (without their children!) and great rural pursuits for those that love exercise;

Pickering, North Yorkshire – Overbrook Caravan Park

  • North Yorkshire is justifiably world-famous for its scenery and historic attractions;
  • the North York Moors are a must for a visit, as are some of the great ruined Abbeys – there are numerous castles and charming smaller towns, while the coastline should be considered a “must-see” in terms of its rugged beauty;
  • pitch up at Overbrook, a member of the coveted Tranquil Touring Parks group;

St Ives, Cambridgeshire – Stroud Hill Caravan Park

  • it is a complete myth that Cambridgeshire is entirely flat – there are some lovely parts in this county that are pleasantly rolling and that is partly why it was a much-visited and well-loved area for the artist John Constable;
  • Stroud Hill is another attractive campsite and while you are in the area, if you haven’t done so before, you must make the effort to visit Cambridge itself.

These are just a few general ideas and suggestions for adult-only campsites you might want to visit. Although the idea was probably overlooked for many years, the concept of quieter, more peaceful adults-only campsites has recently gained a lot of ground and with a little research, you should find that you have plenty to choose from.