Enjoy a winter break with the Club's year-round sites

Autumn is now upon us and with winter just around the corner, The Camping and Caravanning Club has suggested three sites that are ideally located to experience the changing seasons in your motorhome, campervan or caravan.

Blackmore Club Site, Worcestershire

Located on the edge of the Malvern Hills with the village of Hanley Swan just a mile’s stroll from site. Pitches from £12.80 per night (2 adults)*.

Chertsey Club Site, Surrey

Kew Gardens and Hampton Court are within easy reach of this pretty site, which lies on the banks of the Thames. Pitches from £21.55 per night (2 adults)*.

Scone Club Site, Perthshire

Situated in the grounds of Scone Palace, this pretty tree-lined site has great walks along the banks of the River Tay direct from the site. Pitches from £19.10 per night (2 adults)*.

Simon McGrath, Head of Communications at The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “The Club has 26 sites that will be welcoming campers throughout the autumn and into the winter and what’s more, 14 of these are open all year-round. As the nights draw in and the weather gets chillier, people can still enjoy pitching up on campsites especially in caravans and motorhomes, most of which are well-equipped with insulation and heating to keep you cosy. Why not banish the winter blues and even celebrate Christmas this year from the comfort of your caravan or motorhome?"

The following Camping and Caravanning Club Sites are open year-round: 

• Blackmore, Worcestershire
• Canterbury, Kent
• Chertsey, Surrey
• Conkers, Derbyshire
• Delamere Forest, Cheshire
• Devizes, Wiltshire
• Hertford, Hertfordshire
• Keswick, Cumbria
• Kingsbury Water Park, West Midlands
• Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway
• Oxford, Oxfordshire
• Tavistock, Devon
• Teversal, Nottinghamshire
• Theobalds Park, Hertfordshire.

And The Camping and Caravanning Sites with extended opening are:

• Bellingham, Northumberland: Closes for the season on 3 January 2021
• Bowness on Windermere, Lake District: Closes 2 January 2021 
• Cheddar, Somerset: Closes 4 January 2021
• Derwentwater, Lake District: Closes 4 January 2021
• Hereford, Herefordshire: Closes 3 January 2021
• Polstead, Suffolk: Closes 7 January 2021
• Salisbury, Wiltshire: Closes 4 January 2021
• Sandringham, Norfolk: Closes 4 January 2021
• Scone, Perthshire: Closes 2 January 2021
• Winchcombe, Gloucestershire: Closes 4 January 2021
• Windermere, Lake District: Closes 14 January 2021
• Wolverley, Worcestershire: Closes 5 January 2021.

Ian Hewlett, Technical Manager at the Club, has also compiled five top tips for caravanning and motorhoming this autumn and winter:

1. Complete vehicle checks: Checking over your unit is important in any weather but more so when roads risk being slippery or wet. Always check tyre pressures before setting off and check for uneven wear or signs of bulging or cracking. Don’t forget to check oil and water levels too.
2. Check the power: Most modern caravans and motorhomes come equipped with solar panels or as an optional extra. However, travelling in autumn and winter will mean you need to up your power game. Check your leisure battery is maintaining its optimum power level while in storage and before you head off. And why not make the most of your gas supply for caravans or motorhomes – it packs a lot of energy for its weight making it ideal for touring in colder months. 
3. Keep your eyes and ears on the weather: Your ’van might be cosy and warm, but the elements might have plans to derail your trip. Keep an eye on the forecast and if possible, try to avoid travelling in high winds or heavy rain. Call on ahead to the campsite if you anticipate arriving later than first planned.
4. Think about where you pitch up: Pitching under a tree is to be avoided where possible and never more so than in autumn when bird droppings and falling leaves might damage bodywork. Find shelter such as hedges, walls and other units, which can give protection from the elements.
5. Prepare your pipes: You rarely need to insulate your fresh water container in cold weather, however the inlet hose can freeze up. So if a frost is expected, draw off a bottle of water for drinks and then remove the inlet hose to store in the vehicle overnight. You just refit the hose in the morning. 

*Prices based on three-night stays for two adults between 5-8 October, 2020, and are subject to change.