Storage and Seasonal Pitches for your Caravan

What is a seasonal pitch?

A seasonal pitch is a specially designated area at a touring caravan site where you can leave your caravan for months at a time. There are hundreds of seasonal pitch locations up and down the UK, so whether you fancy spending your summers near the beach or out in the countryside, there is a wide array of locations available to suit your taste.

The benefits of a seasonal pitch for your caravan

Towing and pitching your caravan can be a hassle, but when you book a seasonal pitch it means that you will only have to tow and pitch your caravan at the beginning and end of the season. Even if you’re not planning to use your caravan all summer, you have the flexibility of being able to stay there whenever the feeling strikes, and more time to devote to making great summer holiday memories. You can also leave your belongings on-site, so there’s no need to pack all your holiday necessities every time you want to visit as they will be ready and waiting for you at your pitch. However, you will want to make sure that your caravan is securely locked and an alarm is set while it is unoccupied, just as you would secure your home.

If you have a particular spot you enjoy taking your caravan to, booking a seasonal pitch can often work out cheaper than repeatedly towing and booking regular touring pitches. It may also mean that you won’t spend so much on petrol!

Some caravan touring parks offer exclusive benefits to customers who book seasonal pitches with them - make sure you take advantage of these while holidaying in your caravan. Perks can include discounts or free passes to local facilities and entertainment.

The disadvantages of a seasonal pitch

A seasonal pitch may not suit you if you wish to travel about with your caravan over the summer months - these pitches are best suited for caravan owners who are happy to stay in one location for long periods of time. If you bought your caravan with the intention of using it to sight-see around the UK, a seasonal pitch will likely not be of good value to you.

As people who book seasonal pitches may leave their caravans unoccupied for long periods, it is possible that when you turn up to your caravan for your holiday you may not see any other owners around! This can be a downside if you intend on socialising with other owners, especially as seasonal pitches are usually separated from the rest of the caravan site.

Finding a suitable seasonal pitch for your caravan

Websites such as UK Campsite and Campsites allow you to search for seasonal pitches across the UK - you can filter by location, date and available facilities. Looking for a seasonal pitch close to a pub, or one that provides a hot tub? You can make these selections to find the perfect pitching location for your caravan.

Winter storage for your caravan

While many seasonal pitch sites let you keep your caravan pitched there all year round, you may want to put your caravan into storage over the chilly winter months. Some pitch sites may require you to move your caravan over winter, and may or may not provide their own storage services. Whether you decide to store your caravan with the company providing your seasonal pitch, or choose to use another service, it is important to consider the differences between the types of available caravan storage.

 

Unsecured caravan storage

This type of caravan storage is not specifically designed for caravans, and as such tends to be the cheapest option available. You may be able to find unsecured storage on farms or other private land that is not primarily a caravan site - but bear in mind that this form of storage may lack the security and services of a site that is specifically designed for caravans.

It is also important to note that insurers such as Towergate will not offer cover for unsecured storage.

 

Secure caravan storage

For peace of mind when storing your caravan over winter, look for winter storage sites that have been accredited by The Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA). They have been inspected to ensure that they meet security standards for storing caravans, and often provide additional facilities and services. There are over 450 CaSSOA-approved caravan storage sites across the UK, and you can check if your preferred site is one of them by visiting their website. By moving your caravan into secured and accredited storage over winter, you can be assured that it will be sheltered from the elements.

If you choose not to move your caravan into storage over winter, you need to make sure you have taken the steps to prepare it for the cold. Take a look at our article on keeping your caravan warm for winter touring for more information.

Caravan insurance from Towergate

Whether you decide to spend your holidays towing your caravan around the country or choose to pitch it for a full season, it is vital to have the correct touring caravan insurance in place for peace of mind.

Our touring caravan insurance can cover you for accidental damage whilst towing, fire, theft, storm, malicious damage and third-party liability. For more information visit our touring caravan insurance page or call us on 0344 892 1413.

This is a marketing article by Towergate Insurance

About the author

Adam Summersby is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.