Is there anything more quintessentially British than a caravan? Those iconic holiday parks allow us to take a well-deserved break and take in some of the nation’s most picturesque spots.
It’s estimated that there are currently over one million leisure caravans in the UK today, with 365,000 of them classed as static. But it’s not as simple as packing a bag and heading to your nearest caravan site, you need to plan out your getaway to get the most out of your break.
If you’re new to caravanning, there’s no need to worry. We’ve compiled our top tips for staying in a static caravan so you can make the most of your holiday.
Static caravan tips for beginners
1. Choose the right location
With over 2500 static caravan parks to choose from in the UK, you’re spoilt for choice when planning your holiday.
And though it may be tempting to choose a location based on convenience or the views, it’s important to make sure you’ve done your research before settling on a park.
Does your location have a kids club to keep the little ones entertained? Is it dog-friendly? Is it accessible for those with disabilities or the elderly? These are all things to take into consideration to make sure you’re not hit with any nasty surprises when you arrive.
2. Plan your journey
Once you’ve settled on your dream destination, do your research to make sure you know how to reach it. Sat navs have made travelling to new locations effortless, but it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with your route before setting off.
Find out if any areas suffer from heavy build-ups of traffic or are in the process of roadworks. It’s also a good idea to carry a hard copy of your route for emergencies, just in case your battery dies or your sat nav is being temperamental.
3. Limit your packing to essentials
As I’m sure you know, it can be very easy to overpack when going on holiday. A couple of outfits can quickly lead to a boot full of suitcases. Unlike hotels, however, caravanning doesn’t offer an abundance of extra space to store your bags.
Think carefully about what you need for your holiday. If you can do without it, don’t pack it.
4. Think of the weather
Have you thought about how you’ll be spending your time while at your caravan?
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, make sure to check the weather! British weather can change at the drop of a hat, so waterproof clothing and wellies are a must if you’re going on a lot of walks.
If you’re lucky enough to be spending your holiday in the sun, don’t forget to protect yourself with suntan lotion and UV resistant sunglasses.
Packing tips
1. Use a soft-sided bag – They’re not only less bulky than a suitcase, but they’re much easier to store in your caravan once you arrive.
2. Roll your clothes – You may be used to folding your clothes at home, but rolling them before packing them in a bag saves tons of space.
3. Use the space – Rather than just chucking everything into bags, place them strategically to make the most of every inch of space. Don’t forget the side pockets!
4. Use ziplock bags – If you’re only away for a few days, opt for ziplock bags instead of bulky makeup and wash bags. This way you can save space and stick to the essentials.
5. Cling-film open bottles – No one wants to be faced with dreaded shampoo leaks all over their clothes. Remove the caps of your open bottles and wrap with cling film before replacing them to prevent any spillages.
6. Pack a bin bag – Bin bags are great for storing dirty clothes and used towels. This way you can keep wet and muddy clothes separate from your clean ones and makes it easier to know what to wash when you get home.
7. Don’t over-pack – Plan out your days so you know how much to take with you. Do you really need a fresh outfit for each day? Fight the temptation to pack your whole wardrobe and instead reuse the clothes that you can.
8. Make a list – By writing down everything that you need for your trip, you can properly plan out what you’ll need and stick to it. It also means you won’t forget to pack anything essential.
Static caravan essentials checklist
If you’ve never been caravaning before, you might not know what you’ll need to take with you on your holiday. To make sure you don’t forget something you’ll need when you get there, we’ve created a checklist of essentials for your static caravan holiday:
– Crockery and glassware
– Cutlery and utensils
– Washing up liquid
– Bin bags
– Groceries
– Bedding (if needed)
– Towels
– Medicine/first aid kit
– Toiletries
– Toilet roll
– Clothing
– Swimwear (if needed)
– Suncream
– Sunglasses
– Wellies/walking boots
– Insect repellent
– Disposable BBQ
– Deck chairs
– Indoor and outdoor games
– A torch
Safety tips
The last thing you want when you’re on holiday is for someone to have an accident, especially when it could have been avoided. We’ve compiled a list of caravan holiday tips to ensure you stay safe while you’re relaxing:
1. Buy a torch – Most static caravan sites are far from the light pollution of big cities, which means you might struggle to adapt to the darkness. Make sure you’ve got a torch handy for whenever you’re walking around outside when the sun’s down.
2. Fire safety – You should always have a minimum of one smoke alarm and a fire extinguisher in your caravan at all times. A fire blanket is another good piece of safety equipment to invest in, in case of a kitchen fire.
3. Gas canisters – Most static caravans are heated by propane gas cylinders. Always make sure that your gas connection is secure and that any canisters are fixed in a safe and secure position. It’s also advised that you get a professional to perform a gas fire and boiler check annually.
4. Keep your doors and windows secure – It’s crucial that you keep your doors and windows locked for your own security. Make sure all locks, handles and hinges are in good working order and aren’t stiff or jammed.
If your static caravan has seen better days, our expert engineers can help with caravan window repairs. We can repair failed double glazing of any shape and size, and can even perform lock, handle and hinge repairs. Get in touch with your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today.
