Top caravanning destinations for 2020

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2020 has certainly been one for the record books! The coronavirus pandemic has meant that everything has been done differently this year and that many of the things we’d usually do have not been possible at all.

Luckily, restrictions have been lifted in recent weeks and from 4 July, campsites were permitted to reopen, with social distancing measures and increased cleaning of communal facilities in place. This will allow campers and caravanners to enjoy a few months of adventures should they wish to go.

Caravanning is the ideal 2020 holiday (and every year holiday actually!) as you are completely self-contained with your own kitchen and washroom facilities. There are so many amazing places to visit in England, many of which are right on our doorstep, so there’s really no need to travel abroad, particularly in such uncertain times.

With the coronavirus in mind, we have compiled a list of the top destinations for 2020 - so if you’re unsure where to go, read on! Aimed at caravanners in the Hampshire and neighbouring areas, we’d recommend staying reasonably close to home and avoiding any unnecessary public travel such as ferries. If anything changes with the COVID-19 situation, it would be good to know you could be home in a couple of hours if you needed to be.

Top caravanning destinations

South Downs

A range of chalk hills covering an area of about 260 square miles, the South Downs encompass many picturesque towns and villages throughout Hampshire and East and West Sussex. Must-see places include Arundel with its stunning castle and The South Downs Way, providing 100 miles of walks, cycle routes and even horse riding.

Dorset

Dorset has some of the prettiest villages you’ll find in England. Milton Abbas, Briantspuddle and Corfe are just a few of the picturesque villages in the county, each with their own things to offer. Country walks, bike rides and lunches in pub gardens are other ways to pass the time here.

Weymouth

The seaside town offers a lovely sandy beach, ideal for swimming and water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding if it’s warm enough! There are also lots of touristy attractions to choose from here too such as the Sealife Centre (ideal as a lot of it is outside), Nothe Fort and Sandsfoot Castle.The kids will love exploring these places, especially with an ice-cream or two along the way!

Swanage

A renowned camping and caravanning spot, Swanage has a lot to offer. Its beautiful surroundings mean that walking and cycling is popular here and Durlston Country Park is definitely worth a visit. You can also take advantage of the wonderful sandy beach - fingers crossed for a sunny week!

New Forest

The New Forest has much to offer, everything from outdoor pursuits to leisurely lunches, lush forest treks to calm coastal walks. Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Lymington, Lyndhurst and Milford-on-Sea are just a few of the places you should earmark to visit. Don’t forget your picnic basket!

Somerset

Somerset has it all - stunning beaches and rolling, green countryside including Exmoor and the Quantoc Hills. Cheddar Gorge, famous for its cheddar cheese and Glastonbury are both places of interest and be sure to enjoy a cream tea while you’re here too - jam or cream first?

Cotswolds

Packed full of quintessentially English market towns and villages built from honey-coloured stone, the Cotswolds are the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. Bourton on the Water, Bath, Castle Combe and Gloucester all have plenty to offer visitors, whether you’re looking for unique shopping experiences, beautiful scenery or a bit of culture.

Top tips for a hassle-free trip

• Research the campsites that are open and have availability in your chosen area. Websites such as pitchup and campsites.co.uk are great for finding little gems and they give clear information on availability.
• Double check what facilities are open this year - some sites are only opening in a limited capacity so if the shower block or laundry facilities are important to you, make sure the site you choose is offering these. The beauty of caravanning is that you can be completely self-contained with your onboard facilities, which makes social distancing doable.
• Once you’ve decided on your campsite, be sure to book to avoid disappointment. Sites are likely to be busier - or have less availability than usual this year if numbers are being restricted - so you will need to book to make sure you secure a space.

Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes stock a range of new and pre-owned caravans as well as motorhomes - book an appointment to come in and take a look. You can also browse our new online shop for your caravanning essentials or pop into our onsite shop if you’re after advice and guidance.

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