Camping & caravan holidays: Expert warns against booking last minute amid staycation boom
The Camping and Caravanning Club detail virus safety measures
Camping and caravan holidays have proved to be popular options during the coronavirus crisis. Many savvy Britons have already got their holiday dates in the diary, leading to concerns campsites and caravan parks are filling up. How is best to go about booking a UK holiday this year as competition escalates?
Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to Harvey Alexander Director of Marketing and Membership Services at the Caravan and Motorhome Club to find out his travel advice.
He explained that while it’s correct that places are filling up, Britons will still be able to snap up holidays.
“Pitches are filling up quickly, but we have more than 2700 campsites to choose from across the UK and much of Europe so there is still plenty of availability and so no need to panic,” said Alexander.
It’s easy to book a break at the moment thanks to the flexibility so many holiday companies are offering.
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“Relax and get booking as the Club’s campsites can be booked without a deposit so you won’t part with a penny until you arrive on site, and there aren’t any amendment or cancellation fees if your plans or future restrictions change,” he encouraged.
As for when holidaymakers can get away, Alexander is “hopeful” holidays will be back on the cards “for the Spring.”
However, the expert advised against leaving booking a camping or caravan holiday until the last minute this year.
“It is normally possible to book some campsites quite last minute, but with touring holidays and staycations especially being so popular this year it’s best to book as far in advance as you can,” said Alexander.
“You can always check our website and app for availability, though.”
It’s also not necessary to stick to UK holiday classics such as Devon or Cornwall if you’re after an English break – the country is home to a great many idyllic spots.
“We currently have availability across the country so it’s still possible to book pitches in the southeast if that’s your preference, but the beauty of the touring holidays means you don’t have to limit yourself to one area or you can even just enjoy a quick break close to home.
“We have everything from large campsites filled with lots of facilities for families to five-pitch sites in rural locations and they’re all spread out across the UK, so there really is something to suit everyone.”
“Campsite holidays enable you to stay in your own vehicle or tent in a Covid-secure environment in the great outdoors, so it’s easy to maintain social distancing and they really are the perfect holiday option,” he said.
Here are just some of the sites that can be booked for the spring onwards – all prices are for a family of four:
Brecon Beacons Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite
This is situated near the foothills of the glorious Welsh countryside and it can lay claim to some of the best views of the central Beacons, with dramatic views of Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn and Corn Dufeatures. It features a plethora of facilities that include play areas for children, a circular dog walk that leads to a quaint stream and woodland area, where you’ll find an adventure course – fun for both kids and adults!
Touring pitches cost from £24.90 per night for members and £37.90 for non-members. Non-members pay an extra £13 per night per touring pitch – annual membership of the Club costs just £54
Tent camping pitches cost from £21.20 per night
Merrose Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite
In Portscatho near Truro, Cornwall, this is is in an immaculately kept, well-landscaped parkland location with a great feeling of open space and good views of the surrounding countryside. The campsite is also close to a scenic coastal path for the family to explore.
Touring pitches cost from £23.40 per night for members and £36.40 for non-members
Tent camping pitches cost from £18.70 per night
Longleat Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite
This campsite in Warminster is unique – where else in the UK or Europe can you hear lions roaring at night from the comfort of your bed? Set in beautiful parkland, the campsite is located in the midst of the lovely Longleat Estate, home to the famous safari park.
Touring pitches cost from £27.30 per night for members and £40.60 for non-members
Tent camping pitches cost from £27.20 per night
Forfar Lochside Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite
Forfar Lochside Club Site offers a picturesque parkland location on the shores of the loch within Forfar Loch Country Park. The beautiful country park is ideal for dog walking, cycling or a quiet stroll through the trees with fantastic views – for keen walkers it is possible to walk round the entire loch! This award-winning campsite is situated within a few minutes’ walk of the bustling centre of Forfar, the county town of Angus.
Touring pitches cost from £22.30 per night for members and £35.30 for non-members
Tent camping pitches cost from £19.50 per night
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