Why caravanning is the ideal couples holiday...
blog / advice / autumn / holiday
While many people associate camping and caravanning with fun holidays for families with young children, they’re also great for couples too! Now that the kids are back at school, it’s the ideal time to head off and enjoy a quiet retreat in your caravan or motorhome...
September is a lovely time of year, often with mild temperatures and still-light evenings, making it a great time to take a break. With the school holidays over, caravan sites and places of interest will be quieter, meaning visits will be more relaxed and enjoyable. It’ll be easier to find vacancies and as it’s not ‘peak’ season anymore, things will be a little cheaper too.
Caravanning (and motorhoming) can be whatever you want it to be and it offers a freedom like no other! You can design your trip around your interests and it really can take you anywhere! Right now it may be easier to stay relatively close to home, but as things improve and continue to open up, there’s nothing stopping you enjoying breaks across the channel and beyond!
We’re lucky enough to have so many amazing destinations on our doorstep; from Hampshire and Dorset to Somerset and Devon, you’ll be spoilt for choice! If you’re happy to venture a little further afield, Wales and Scotland offer endless possibilities and a short ferry trip could even see you enjoying a break in Ireland, the Emerald Isle! Although these countries are all part of Great Britain, so many of us have never explored them - having a caravan will give you the perfect excuse to do so!
Check out just a few of our helpful blogs:
Across the borders: caravanning in Wales, Scotland and Ireland
Taking your caravan on a ferry
And… relax!
Getting away from your everyday lives for a week or two will really give you the chance to chill out and unwind. Caravanning holidays give you the freedom to do what you like as you’re essentially in your home away from home! You can come and go as you please and take it at the pace that suits you.
If you opt for a site in a rural or coastal location, you’ll be able to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and the fresh air! Imagine waking up and opening the curtains to trees or open spaces all round you - heaven! You could go for leisurely walks, perhaps stopping for a coffee, lunch or even a decadent afternoon tea along the way if you fancy!
Plan activities that help you relax, whether that’s gentle strolls with pit stops or days out and sightseeing, they’re all great ways to recharge the batteries! Whilst sunshine and blue skies are the hope, remember to pack your wellies, raincoat and umbrella just in case!
Ready, set, action!
If being more active and planning lots of energetic experiences is more your thing, great! Caravanning breaks are great for keen walkers, hikers or cyclists as many sites are situated in locations that provide good walks and cycle routes from the sites themselves, so take that into consideration when choosing and booking your site(s).
You could even take your kayak or paddleboard along with you if you have one; you’ll simply need to research the area you're visiting to discover the best places to take to the water! Paddleboards and kayaks can be used in lakes, rivers or at the beach, so there should be options wherever you are. Paddleboards are inflatable so can be easily transported and kayaks can be taken on your car roof rack as you usually would.
Many caravans and motorhomes come with a bike rack, or the ability to fit a bike rack (this is model-specific, so be sure to check this out if this is relevant to you and you’re currently looking to buy). You can also get bike racks for the roof of your car, so explore this option if you’re set on taking your bikes.
Many caravan sites allow well-behaved dogs so you choose to take your furry friend along with you! This would provide the ideal opportunity to enjoy lots of exciting new walkies for your pooch as well as yourselves!
Adult-only campsites
If you’re travelling as a couple, somewhere quiet and tranquil would be welcome - so choosing an adult-only site may help achieve that! Many caravan sites are full of children playing games, kicking footballs and riding their bikes, but if it’s just you and your partner on the trip, it might be nice to stay in a child-free environment to enjoy some quiet time. Tranquil Parks specialise in adult-only caravan parks, with sites available across England and Wales. Take a look to see where their sites are located and the facilities on offer.
Which caravans are best suited to couples?
Both of the main manufacturers we stock - Swift and Bailey - offer many caravans that would be well-suited to a couple. Swift‘s Basecamp is a great crossover camping/caravan model that is perfect for couples looking for adventures. Its compact size enables it to be towed by smaller cars and it has everything you need for a comfortable night at the end of a busy day.
Although two-berths are fine for couples, take the time to consider a four-berth as well. As the most popular berth size, there are a lot more models to choose from. A two-berth may cost less and will definitely offer you all you need for a great trip. The main advantage of a four-berth is the extra space it will provide; you’ll have a lot more living space as well as the option to go for a fixed bed that’s separate to the lounge area should you wish. You could also decide to take a couple of friends along with you on the odd trip, safe in the knowledge you can put them up in comfort. The choice is yours!
6 great places to visit…
The South Downs
A range of chalk hills covering an area of about 260 square miles, the South Downs encompass many picturesque towns and villages throughout Hampshire and East and West Sussex. Must-see places include Arundel with its stunning castle and The South Downs Way, providing 100 miles of walks, cycle routes and even horse riding.
The New Forest
Set in Hampshire on the south coast, the New Forest has much to offer. From outdoor pursuits to leisurely lunches, lush forest treks to calm coastal walks. Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Lymington, Lyndhurst and Milford-on-Sea are just a few of the places you should earmark to visit.
The West Country
This encompasses the most south western counties of England including Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. They offer stunning beaches and masses of countryside including Exmoor, Dartmoor and the Quantoc Hills. Be sure to enjoy a cream tea while you’re here too - but the big question is: jam or cream first?
Cotswolds
Packed full of quintessentially English market towns and villages built from honey-coloured stone, the Cotswolds are the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. Bourton on the Water, Bath, Castle Combe and Gloucester all have plenty to offer visitors, whether you’re looking for unique shopping experiences, beautiful scenery or a bit of culture.
Yorkshire Dales
Located in the north of England, the Dales comprise moors, valleys, hills and villages. Containing both a National Park and an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, the Dales are ideal for walking, cycling and caving.
Lake District
A National Park in Cumbria in the north west, the Lake District is known for its glacial ribbon lakes. As well as enjoying the stunning scenery, market towns Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick are also worth a look.
Check out our ranges of new and pre-owned caravans and motorhomes and discover the new 2022 ranges that are launching from September onwards! Pop in and see us to chat through your options and you can also browse our well-stocked accessory shop while you’re here - we’ve got all you need (and more!) for your next trip!
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