Top Caravan Holiday Destinations This Winter

With our handy guide, the hard part is going to be narrowing down which part of the country you want to visit for your winter getaway. Read on for our top winter getaway destinations.

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Scientists and astronomers predicted that 2024 would be the best year to see the northern lights in over a decade due to high periods of intense solar activity.¹ So far this has proved correct, and Scotland has been blessed with the ‘Mirrie Dancers’ a number of times. With ample camping and caravan parks to choose from, head to the Scottish Highlands to see if you can check ‘see the aurora borealis’ off your bucket list.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Wrap up cosy and head to Scotland’s capital this winter. Pitch up in one of the many caravan sites sprinkled around the city and get ready to experience the magic this winter. Don’t miss Edinburgh’s Christmas Market (frequently ranked one of the best in the whole of Europe² and Christmas at the Botanics for some night-time festive fun.

If you have the opportunity, few places bring in the new year quite like Edinburgh, where the celebrations take place over three days before culminating in a fireworks display over Edinburgh’s iconic castle.

The Lake District National Park, England

The Lake District is a favourite for many people all year round. For nature lovers, the Lake District transforms into a Thomas Kincade painting with snow cloaking the mountain tops and a touch of frost on the ground. After a day meandering through the hills and villages, warm up by the log fire at one of the local pubs like The Mortal Man or The Drunken Duck Inn.

Yorkshire Dales National Park, England

Another cracking location for a winter getaway is the Yorkshire Dales, with its dramatic scenery and limestone cliffs. If you fancy a hike, there are 20 stunning waterfalls to choose from³ in this National Park, including the iconic Hardraw Force which is the highest single-drop waterfall in England⁴ .

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) fans will likely recognise the spot from the film where Kevin Costner bathes, but we’d suggest you don’t try to recreate this scene in winter. You’d definitely need to crank on the heating when you get back to your caravan after that nippy dip.

Norfolk Broads National Park, England

Another national park worth a trip this winter is the Broads in the Norfolk and Suffolk area. This location is perfect for any caravanners who would love an opportunity to get on the water. Even in winter, you can hire a boat for the day and travel along the beautiful waterways. Birdwatchers, keep your eyes peeled for the tens of thousands of birds that visit the RSPB Berney Marshes and Breydon Water estuary.⁵

The Cotswolds, Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB), England

If you’ve seen the film The Holiday (2006), you’ll likely have fantasised about spending winter in the charming Cotswolds already. Despite very little of the film actually being shot there, the reality is that the Cotswolds is particularly idyllic dusted in snow. Step back in time at super “instagrammable” Castle Combe and neighbouring villages adorned in twinkly lights. There are ample tearooms serving hearty meals and historic sites to keep you occupied.

Cornwall, England

If you want to go somewhere with a milder climate this winter, head southwest to Cornwall. Explore the jaw-dropping coastline peppered with fishing villages and white sandy beaches. Cornwall is a popular destination, but in winter you get to enjoy the history and culture without the summer crowds. Carbis Bay at St Ives is a beautiful place to partake in some cold-water swimming⁶ .

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Also known as Eryri National Park, Snowdonia is a photographer’s dream, especially in winter when you’ll feel like you have the whole park to yourself. Think winter wonderland, with frosted valleys leading to snow-covered hills. At sunrise, the parks feel particularly ethereal and when night falls it becomes the perfect place for relaxing under the stars.

Did you know that Snowdonia NP is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve⁷? On a clear night, you can even see the Milky Way – and we don’t mean the chocolate bar.

Sources:

[1] Why 2024 is the best year to see the northern lights | The Good Times by Intrepid (intrepidtravel.com)

[2] 19 Best Places to Go for New Year's Eve Around the World | Condé Nast Traveler (cntraveler.com)

[3] komoot.com/guide/504692/waterfalls-in-yorkshire-dales-national-park

[4] yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/hardraw_force/

[5] visitthebroads.co.uk/search/product-detail?listing=4&key=705221

[6] activeenglandtours.com/stories/top-tips-for-enjoying-the-cornwall-winter-weather/

[7]discoveryinthedark.wales/snowdonia#:~:text=Snowdonia%20National%20Park%20is%20the,and%20dust)%20and%20shooting%20stars.

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.