For those who are already winter caravanning converts they will tell you there is nothing like it. However, the fun quickly disappears if you are not prepared for keeping cosy should the temperatures plummet. The following offers some information on how to heat a caravan as well as a few hints and tips. These will hopefully help you decide which choices are best for you and your needs so that your winter caravanning experience is snug instead of being an endurance exercise.

Factory fit heating options

All caravans will have some form of heating as part of their fixtures and fittings but depending on the age of your caravan and the type of heating offered, this may not be entirely suitable on its own to meet your winter caravanning needs. Most caravans offer either gas powered heaters or those that can use either gas or electric.

Gas only – this may get rather expensive. Your consumption will be high due to the fact that you will have your heating running more frequently and also that gas is utilised less efficiently in lower temperatures. Butane is not suitable at all for very low temperatures as it will not perform. Gas alone is rather impractical for winter usage as you will need to constantly replace used up cylinders and, depending on your set-up, even risk running out completely.

Gas with electric option heaters – these can be powered by gas alone, electric alone or a combination of the two and are generally better than the gas only option if you are on a camp-site which offers electric hook-up. The ability of the factory-fit heaters to keep you cosy will depend entirely on their output and efficiency which may vary considerably.

Some very new caravans are incorporating alternative heating systems to the traditional ones listed above, due in part to manufacturer’s recognising the rising popularity of off-season caravanning and the need for better caravan heating in lower temperatures. Such new designs are also available as retro-fits and accessories (see below).

Retro fit options

Unless you are lucky enough to have a shiny new top of the range caravan which incorporates the latest in heating innovations, then most winter caravanners opt for some kind of retro-fit heating device or accessory.

Free standing halogen heaters– these heaters, which come in a wide range of sizes, are very popular as they are safe (automatically cut-off if knocked over), have an immediate heating output, are typically energy efficient and are usually small and unobtrusive.  Additionally, of all the options, they are the cheapest to buy and easiest to use with no installation required.

Gas or gas with electric option – many older model caravan owners invest in these either to upgrade their original factory-fitted heater or to replace a unit which has failed a safety test/ceased working. Alternatively they are bought as an additional heating source to supplement the fitted heating appliance.  Again, as mentioned previously, they are not always the most suitable option for winter caravanning but it will depend on the model you buy.

Diesel powered heaters – many of these heaters which store the fuel in the caravan’s usual gas cylinder compartment, have the useful option of switching to power by electric. This option is gaining some popularity and there is some talk of certain new caravan makes factory fitting such systems. One major bonus of a diesel powered heater is that it can be operated while the caravan is being towed meaning you arrive with a toasty caravan.

Under floor space heaters – the latest of the caravan heating technologies to hit the market, under floor space heating is now being incorporated into several new build models. The heater itself is fitted beneath the caravan in a weather-proof cover, can be powered by either gas (propane or butane) or electricity and claims to reduce caravan heating costs by 25% due to its innovative energy efficiency design. However, these heaters currently come with a rather hefty price tag – around the £550 mark – so, although they are convenient, efficient and ideal for winter caravanning, they are not an option for everyone.

Bedding

This may sound obvious but the bedding you require for winter caravanning will be very different to what is used the rest of the year.

The superior thermal properties of wool make it an excellent choice for keeping cosy (paradoxically wool is also able to keep you cool in hot temperatures) so investing in a high quality wool blanket or two is a good idea.

You may also want to swap your traditional bedding for a good quality sleeping bag(s). This is a vast subject in itself but with the right sleeping bag you will find it far easier to keep warm in bed than with sheets and blankets or duvets, even if these are winter strength.

Preventing heat loss

There are many places through which air and therefore heat can escape in a caravan. It doesn’t help that the shells themselves are often paper thin and don’t conserve heat well (some newer models have better insulation). It is of course vitally important that your caravan has adequate ventilation and this becomes even more essential depending on how you are heating your caravan and powering such things as your fridge.

However, not all of the places through which heat can escape are made that way on purpose and you may be able to take some steps to raise your caravan’s ability to hold the heat which in turn helps with fuel efficiency.

Check door and window seals – these do perish over time and may need replacing.

Check roof light seals – as for windows

Caravan doors – these are notoriously bad for inexact fitting and inadequate seals. It can help to put up a thick curtain over the inside of a caravan door.

Keep doors closed – if you have separate ‘rooms’ in your caravan and each is independently heated then do keep the doors closed at all times to help with heat conservation.

This is by no means an exhaustive list for caravan heating and a quick browse round any caravan accessory shop will show you a few of the options you have. Additionally, new innovations and products are being introduced all the time, each aiming to make the caravanner’s life a little more comfortable.

The decision you make for how best to equip your caravan for winter warmth will be up to you and will depend on when and how you use your caravan, the age of your unit and the budget you have available to make any improvements.

Nore Valley Park

Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny, Ireland

www.norevalleypark.com

The working farm, in which this 60 pitch family orientated camp site is set, provides the main focus of the park and is understandably one of the main draws for those customers who return year after year.

All camp guests have free access to the farm and are actively encouraged to help with small farm tasks and feeding the animals, which of course appeals enormously to children of all ages. There is a wide range of activities on offer – mainly of the outdoors fun variety and include straw play areas, go-karts and a giant chess set. Some of the activities attract a small extra charge.

Nore Valley Park are proud holders of an impressive set of tourism industry accolades bestowed through the ‘Failte Ireland Awards’ scheme which include ‘Best Family Friendly Site’, ‘Best 3 Star Park’, ‘Environmentally Friendly Award’ and an ‘Ambience Award’.

Facilities: Toilets and showers, electric hook-up, children’s play area and straw play area, giant chess, pool room, sand-pit with diggers, crazy golf, go-karts, trailer rides, animal feeding, 3D maze, small shop, home baked bread/scones/pizza/quiches and continental breakfast available

Open: Beginning of March to end of November

Cost: Per night charges – caravan pitch €12/motor-home pitch €11, adults €4, children over two €4, electric €4

Hidden Valley Holiday Park

Rathdrum, County Wicklow, Ireland

www.irelandholidaypark.com

Located at the edge of the Wicklows Mountains National Park, the Hidden Valley is surrounded by a wealth of attractions of both the natural, historical and modern man-made variety. However, without even stepping off the site there is so much to occupy holiday makers that many won’t feel the need to tear themselves away and explore further afield.

There is lots and lots of entertainment, both organised and otherwise, laid on for children and adults of all ages but it is rather more of the earthy variety than that often associated with holiday parks. Many of the activities centre around the Avonmore River which flows through the park and a private lake. The river has its own sandy beach and is gently flowing and shallow enough to make it safe and fun for swimming and beautiful enough for generally lazing about.

Kayaks and rowing boats can be hired from the site, while for something a little less serene but rather more fun try one of the bumper boats (think dodgems on water) complete with water blasters.

If you fancy something a little less wet then go exploring on one of the walking trails which lead directly from the park where wildlife and bird-life abounds.

If, as a parent, you dread the words ‘I’m bored’ then rest assured this will not be an issue here. If, on the other hand you have no kids in tow then this is a site which will equally appeal. In fact, there truly is something for everyone here.

Facilities: Electric hook-up, choice of hard standing and grass pitches, super pitches available with individual water supply and waste disposal, toilets and showers, laundry room, camp kitchen with dish wash and cooking facilities, kids’ outdoor adventure fun park, café serving hot drinks and cakes, fishing, kayak and row boat hire, bumper boats, football coaching and organised matches, cinema nights, family bingo, kids’ disco, walking trails, kayak lessons and certification, camp-fires allowed at river

Open: 16TH March to 30TH September and October bank holiday

Cost: Per night charges – pitch+unit per night – from €10, each adult €6, each child (aged 2 – 15) €4, electric €4

Lough Key Forest and Adventure Park

Boyle, County Roscommon

www.loughkey.ie

Lough Key is not so much a camp site as its own little kingdom complete with such things as a fairy bridge, follies, souterrain, lake, viewing tower, a network of 19^th century servants’ tunnels and gardens. That is because it is part of a vast estate of parkland, forest and woodland and home to an activity centre – the type of place which children’s dreams are made of.

The natural world, wildlife and walking trails amid beautiful scenery sit cheek by jowl with 21^st century entertainment options giving campers and caravanners easy access to the best of both worlds. Action packed and exciting or laid back and lazy – you choose.

One of the highly unusual features of Lough Key is its Swedish boda borg, a 2 storey, 47 room building which alone could keep every member of your party occupied for the holiday duration. If you remember the TV show the ‘Crystal Maze’ then you might be able to picture the concept.

Boredom will not be an issue here – but trying to fit everything in before the holiday draws to a close might be.

Facilities: Electric hook-up, toilets and showers, launderette, recreation room, outdoor play area, lakeside café, shop, gift shop, forest and park walking trails, tree canopy walk, observation tower, adventure play kingdom, boda borg, 19^th century servants tunnels, bog gardens

Open: March to November

Cost: Per night charges – €22 per pitch, €5 per adult, €5 per child, €3 electric

Wave Crest Caravan Park

Caherdaniel, County Kerry, Ireland

www.wavecrestcamping.com

This is one of those sites which has all the must-have facilities as well as a few extras but still manages to retain that small, friendly and informal camp site feel.

The number one thing going for Wave Crest is its location – bang smack on the shore front but with the advantage of a slightly elevated position meaning that the beaches, coves and mountains which surround this site can be viewed in all their splendour. Basking sharks, the gentle and majestic giants of the ocean, as well as pods of dolphins are regularly seen cruising the waters of the bays and bird-life abounds so nature lovers will be satisfied. It is little wonder then that this site was voted ‘Best Coastal Site’ by the ‘Irish Caravan and Camping Council’ in 2009.

As could perhaps be easily guessed, much of the entertainment here comes in the form of water based activities so boating, sailing, fishing and swimming are all hugely popular while the area around Wave Crest has a host of attractions from every category – historical, cultural, archaeological, sporting and 21^st century family entertainment.

Facilities: Electric hook-up, showers and toilets, dish wash area, laundry, TV room, children’s play area, shop and deli, fishing supplies, café, games room, Internet access

Open: All year

Cost: Per night charges – €19 per pitch, €2 each adult, €2 per child, €4 electric

Acton’s Beachside Caravan and Camping Eco-Park

Claddaghduff, Clifden, Connemara, County Galway

www.actonsbeachsidecamping.com

Acton’s Eco-Park, part of an organic farm, is the ideal camping base if you love the idea of wild camping but don’t want the inconveniences it entails. It’s also the perfect choice if your vision of the perfect holiday involves days spent surrounded by natural beauty, gazing across Atlantic seascapes over a white sand beach and spending starlit nights around a camp fire (which isn’t just allowed here but encouraged).

There are times when it can feel like there is no-one else here which is partly thanks to the way the site owners have set out the pitches amongst sand dunes and machair to make them private and secluded.

As if all this wasn’t enough then rest assured that you can camp here knowing that while you holiday you are helping to do your bit towards conservation and all things eco-friendly. Acton’s is totally committed to operating on a sustainable, green, environmental and ethical basis. Some of it is obvious such as the recycling and electricity supplied through wind power while some things are rather more subtle and behind the scenes.

If playing at the beach or ocean gazing won’t keep you stimulated enough then check out the many things to see and do in the area which range from the low impact such as bird-watching, exploring ancient remains, walking to the tidal island of Omey or scuba diving to high energy and thrill packed options such as surfing.

Facilities: Electric hook-up (supplied by wind power), toilets and showers, laundry, fishing points, dog friendly site (no charge), eco-friendly fire pits for camp fires, fully enforced child protection policy, recycling, shop service, boat mooring, Wi-Fi, scheduled events calendar, free telephone calls to UK and Ireland

Open: All year

Cost: Per night charges – €10 per pitch, €5 each adult, €3 each child, €4/5 eco-tricity

Consider our list as offering a little taster for everyone looking to visit Scotland for an outdoor holiday– from those with a wild camping heart to those looking for something to keep the whole family entertained.

Camusdarach

Arisaig, Inverness-shire, PH39 4NT

www.91.186.160.184/camusdarach-campsite.html

This award winning, eco-friendly camp site is a stone’s throw from white sand beaches and stunningly clear blue sea – a sight familiar along Scotland’s west coast but one which is usually associated with rather more exotic locations.

The camp site’s aim is to provide its guests with a beautiful natural place in which to rest and relax whilst maintaining a commitment to all matters green. From the reed beds which filter and detoxify the shower block run-off thus avoiding environmental contamination, to the toilet block constructed from renewable softwood sources, the watch words are sustainability and low impact camping.

The views from here are all about the ocean and the Hebridean islands of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Skye which sit on the horizon. There are various options for boat trips to any of these islands as well as wildlife cruises and island tours. Sea kayaking is another popular choice for holiday makers and campers who want to get out on that impossibly blue water.

There is a great deal of things to see and do in the local area, of both the land based and ocean going variety but for those who love the outdoors, beach and dune playgrounds and the natural world they are going to be in seventh heaven.

Facilities: electric-hook-up, toilets and showers, disabled facilities, dish wash area, laundry, dog friendly, Internet access, some hard standing, twice weekly mobile shop, direct access to beach.

Open: March to October.

Cost: £21 per pitch per night for unit (caravan/motor-home) and 2 adults.

Port Ban Holiday Park

Nr Kilberry, Knapdale Peninsular, Argyll and Bute, PA29 6YD

www.portban.com

This is the perfect choice for those who want to escape urban chaos and every day hustle and bustle but still want all the comforts of modern facilities and 101 things to keep the kids occupied.

Port Ban Holiday Park sits right at the ocean’s edge and so offers the natural playground of the beach complete with rock pools for those who want to make their own entertainment. Fishing, cycling, walking and canoeing are also popular choices in an area rich in wide open spaces and beautiful, natural surroundings. However, should you like something a little more organised then this holiday park offers an incredible variety of things to do and join in with – from kids clubs to quizzes and from ceilidhs to crazy golf.

Additionally, there are many day trips and tours on offer by local companies including boat trips to the islands of Jura and Islay which are part of the panoramic ocean view here.

Most of the organised activities on-site are available in high season only which means outside of school and bank holidays this holiday park is somewhat quieter. Whether you are old or young, a couple or a family, looking for an active holiday or just want to relax, Port Ban has something to suit every taste.

Facilities: electric hook-up, toilets, showers, laundry, payphone, shop, café, games field, tennis court, crazy golf, bowling green, volleyball court, children’s play park, mountain bike hire, games hall, lounge with library, organised schedule of activities and entertainment (ceilidhs, barbecues, youth nights, kids’ club), dog friendly.

Open: March to October.

Cost: per night – standard pitch £8 – £10, adults £3, child (age 6 to 15) £1, electric £2, dog £1 – there are discounts and offers available for week bookings and longer.

Resipole Holiday Park

Resipole Farm, Loch Sunart, Acharade, Argyll, PH36 4HX

www.resipole.co.uk

Scottish camp sites seem to have rather a monopoly on stunning locations and Resipole is no exception. Picture a loch-side camp site, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, with a back drop of majestic mountains and surrounded by ancient woodland and you are starting to get the idea.

This little oasis of calm is particularly popular with those hardy outdoor types of the mountain biking, hard-core hiking or climbing variety but is also well beloved by nature lovers, fishermen and bird watchers or anyone in fact looking for tranquillity and serenity.

The 19 mile long, highly sheltered sea loch is naturally a focus for many with boating, kayaking and canoeing all possible, while boat trips which take you out seal, whale and dolphin watching are also on offer. However, without budging an inch from your camp site you may spot otters, red deer, badgers, foxes and a wide variety of bird-life, all of which call Resipole home.

Facilities: electric hook-up, hard-standing, showers and toilets, disabled facilities, dish wash area, laundry, dog friendly, payphone, motor-home service point, reception area (selling milk, bread and newspapers).

Open: all year.

Cost: per night, hard standing pitch including electric £13, adults £3, child (age 5 to 16) £2.

Noah’s Ark Caravan Park

Newhouse Farm, Western Edge, Perth, PH1 1QF

www.noahsarkcaravanpark.co.uk

Visitors to this rural ‘gateway-to-the-Highlands’ camp site will get the mountain vistas they might expect in Scotland while being situated just a stone’s throw from urban Perth and all the 21^st century conveniences this offers. Skipping between the two worlds is easy but should you not want to stray too far then Noah’s Ark Caravan Park has an impressive menu of facilities which are guaranteed to keep everyone occupied and happy.

The surrounding area provides the perfect playground for those who are into walking, climbing, horse riding or mountain biking while on-site options include karting, bowling, and a golf driving range.

Facilities: electric hook-up, toilets and showers, laundry, disabled facilities, dog friendly, book library, Wi-Fi, barbecue area, outdoor activity centre, children’s play barn with restaurant, karting, bowling, golf driving range.

Open: March to November.

Cost: £20 to £22 for pitch and 2 persons per night including electric, extra person £2. Various discounts and offers available including pensioners’ midweek specials.

Glenbrittle Camp Site

Glenbrittle, Carbost, Isle of Skye, IV47 8TA

For caravanners and motor-homers, enjoying the splendours of the Inner and Outer Hebrides is not impossible but it can be tricky and ferry prices make it unaffordable for many. However, the Isle of Skye is an exception thanks to the (now) toll-free bridge which arcs from mainland to island.

A short drive over to the rugged western coast of the island will bring you to one of the best located camp sites anywhere in the world – a serious claim but totally justified. Here you can watch the sun rise over the awe-inspiring Black Cuillin mountains, which this camp site nestles at the foot of, and then watch it set over the ocean as you sit on the shores of Loch Brittle. The star studded sky which emerges as night descends is probably unlike anything you have ever seen.

And the magic is not just reserved for on-site. Just down the road from Glenbrittle is a series of almost impossibly coloured natural pools known as the ‘Fairy Pools’. Looking like a scene from ‘Lord of the Rings’ these pools are perfect for wild swimming (often with not another soul in sight) but should you take the plunge be prepared for icy temperatures as the pools are fed from chilly  mountain rivers and streams.

Another extra-special treat is the Glendale Toy Museum where playing with the exhibits is not just allowed but positively encouraged. The museum may be small but losing whole days here is not uncommon and constant cries of ‘I had one of those’ fill its rooms.

However, all this aside, this is not a camp site for those who want holiday park facilities and laid on entertainment. Staying here is all about the quiet, the beautiful and the natural and, with the exception of a few modern conveniences, is more akin to wild camping than your usual caravan holiday.

Facilities: electric hook-up, hard standing, toilets and showers, washing up area, small shop on-site, dog friendly, fishing on site, direct access to loch/beach.

Open: April to September.

Cost: per night, adults £7, child £4.50, electric £6.

What to look for in static caravan insurance

One of the main risks you should insure yourself against is theft. If you are using your static caravan as a holiday home, the chances are it will be left uninhabited for long periods at a time. It may also be situated in quite a remote area.

You should therefore look for an insurance policy that covers your contents whilst you are not resident in the caravan. Make sure also that you have all the necessary security devices and locks that your insurance policy demands.

You should also consider how you plan to use the static caravan. If you are planning to rent it out during the year, you need to ensure that your insurance provides protection against theft, flood or other damage even if it’s not you that is living in the caravan at the time. If you don’t, you may find your insurance is invalid if it is not you living in the caravan at the time of a claim.

Most policies won’t cover you if you are living in the caravan as your permanent residence. Make sure you are specific with the usage and select the most appropriate cover.

Benefits of static caravan insurance

Good quality static caravan insurance can offer you all the peace of mind that your holiday home is protected. For example, caravans are generally covered on a ‘new for old’ basis in the event of damage caused by fire or flood. The cost of disconnecting services and transporting your static caravan to be repaired are also covered.

Most policies also include cover which provides a cash sum for you to pay for alternative accommodation if your static caravan is rendered uninhabitable. The loss of hiring charges can also be covered to protect you if a booking you had taken for the caravan has to be cancelled due to it being uninhabitable.

Your contents can be covered against theft or accidental damage and most policies also provide a high sum of third party liability insurance cover.

Static caravans can be purchased for reasonable prices but there is a significant amount of variance in the prices. As you would expect pre-owned static caravans can be a great way to get value for money, if you are after the luxury end of the new market you should anticipate paying a lot of money for your static caravan.

There are a number of things to consider if you are going to buy a static caravan. Static caravans are designed to stay in one place, they can be moved but it will be a costly and time consuming exercise. With this in mind the first thing to consider is location. Make a short list of the places that you are happy to go to time and time again. Consider not just the caravan park itself but the local area.

When you have decided upon your preferred location you need to think about where in the park you would like to be situated. Perhaps your would prefer to be at a quiet end of a park or maybe you would rather be in the midst of the buzz, right near the facilities. Choose wisely, as your placement within the park will have a significant affect on your enjoyment of your static caravan.

Budgets for static homes need to include running costs, they are more expensive to run than standard towed caravans. You will have to pay rent and possibly money to a park residents association / towards the upkeep of the park, your caravan will also be connected to mains electric and fresh water so do not forget to factor those in to your budget projections.

Some people choose to use their static caravans as permanent residences. If you choose to do this then you need to check that permanent residence is permitted. Planning permission is necessary if the caravan will be used permanently. Recently a caravan site in Aberystwyth has run foul of the council because they do not have planning permission for 44 out of 68 caravans. They are now applying for retrospective planning permission, if it is not granted then the residents of 44 of the caravans may be homeless for six weeks of every year. They claim that the council were completely aware of the situation over the twenty year period, a charge the council deny. Ultimately this case highlights the need to fully check out the status of the site before you commit to it.

If you are not looking to have a permanent residence then you may want to rent out your static caravan when you are not using it. This can significantly contribute towards the running costs of your caravan particularly if you are only going to use it for a few months of the year.

Buying a static caravan can be a great way to own a holiday home. But make sure that you do a lot of research so that your static caravan will always be the perfect retreat.