As this year has shown, the summer months are pretty short lived to rely on glorious weather and settled temperatures in which to escape with your caravan or motorhome.
As most modern vans have good heating systems and insulation, why not embrace the cold weather and have that adventure regardless?
Venturing out in your caravan or motorhome in the winter takes a little more planning than it does in the summer, but there's loads of reasons to pack up and head out.
Here's our top tips for caravanning in the winter months.....
Stay warm! Either use gas heating or an electric hook up if you're staying on site.
Pack warm! Pack extra layers, a winter duvet and plenty of blankets. Dry robes or a similar large coat are really handy for throwing on to head outside or down to the site toilets.
Don't let your water supply freeze - use an insulated jacket on your aquaroll, and also insulate the pipe that goes into the caravan. In really cold (subzero) temperatures it's best to drain any external tanks overnight, and bring the pump in to protect from frost damage.
Leave your waste water tap open too, so that doesn't freeze.
Insulate the windscreen to keep warmth in.
Never use your gas hob or oven as a source of heating.
And don't cover up or shut off safety vents - they are there for safety ventilation, even in cold weather!
If you're putting up an awning, make sure it's a winter ready one. Smaller is better, with pitched roofs to help the snow slide off. They'll also usually have very heavy duty poles.
Your caravan is a vehicle you use on the road, so ensure it's serviced annually to check tyres, lights and brakes.
Pack a grip mat and shovel in case of getting stuck on soft, wet ground or snow.
There are plenty of sites now open all year round, or at least until the end of December (like us!). If you can arrive at your site in daylight, then it's much easier and safer to set up. Hard-standing pitches will be much easier to access than grass ones.
But, once you are set up then there's no cosier feeling than enjoying a winter's evening in your little home from home. If it's a dry night, then what about a firepit and some star gazing (if the site allows). If not, then grab a blanket, snuggle in, open the treats and listen to the sound of winter outside.
See you soon!
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