Winchester Caravans' Blog
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, promotions and events with our very own blog. Updated weekly.
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Celebrate the 2024 season with a new CADAC BBQ…
Caravanning holidays provide the ideal opportunity to get the BBQ out! It’s a time when you’ll have plenty of outdoor space to do it and it’s also a great way to bring the whole family together and get everyone involved. Caravan kitchens are fully-equipped and great for cooking but BBQs give you that secondary option when the weather’s too good to stay inside!
CADAC is renowned as the caravanners’ gas BBQ of choice thanks to their compact size, high quality design and ease of use. There’s much more to CADAC than just BBQs; they also produce a range of cooking equipment, utensils and essential parts to keep your sausages sizzling!
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Great Christmas gift ideas!
With less than three weeks to go until the big day, if you’re still struggling for gift ideas, we might have the answer! If you have friends or family members that are into camping, caravanning or motorhoming, a camping-related accessory could make the perfect gift!
And - to celebrate the Christmas season, we’re also offering 10% off everything! Simply enter code WINTER10 at the checkout to claim the discount.
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Riverside caravanning
Riverside caravanning offers many benefits, not least of all the sense of tranquillity camping by a river gives you! The sound of flowing water and being close to nature is sure to provide an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
There are over 100 rivers in England; some of the major rivers include the Thames, Severn, Mersey, Tyne and Avon. Although when you think of the Thames, central London may spring to mind, it is actually around 215 miles long and flows through Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Greater London and Kent! The Severn is actually a little longer at around 220 miles; it originates in Wales and flows through various towns and cities, eventually reaching the Bristol Channel.
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5 great places to caravan in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is located in central southern England and known for its academic links, rich history and beautiful countryside. With a population of around 738,000 and an area of 2,605km2, it’s one of the smallest counties in England and borders Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.
Oxfordshire is home to the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The university's history dates back to the 12th century, and it has produced numerous renowned scholars, scientists, writers and leaders.
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Invest in an awning and get bags of extra space!
Awnings provide additional space which could make all the difference to your trip. They enable you to spread out a bit and avoid being on top of each other all the time! For those travelling with kids, an awning will provide a place to store all their stuff as well as space to play, which is particularly handy on rainy days!
Awnings are good for storage in general, and if you’re thinking of inviting some friends to join you for part of your trip, awnings make a great sleeping area, giving them their own space. You can even buy free standing bedroom pods for added privacy and they also do a good job of blocking out the light on those bright summer mornings.
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Great gifts for all occasions
If you have a camping, caravan or motorhome enthusiast in your family or circle of friends, our fantastic accessory shop is sure to make gift shopping a breeze!
You can pop into our onsite shop for a wander round or browse our brand new online shop if you prefer to buy from the comfort of your sofa! Right now, we’re even offering 5% off all online purchases - simply enter code WIN5 at the checkout.
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5 great places to caravan in Kent
Kent is located in the southeast of England and is known for its rich history, beautiful countryside and stunning coastlines. The county has a population of 1.85m and is bordered by the English Channel to the south, and by Surrey, Greater London, Essex and East Sussex to the north and west.
Kent is home to a wealth of historic landmarks and heritage sites including Leeds Castle, Dover Castle and Canterbury Cathedral, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Get comfy with Vango…
When starting out on your camping, caravanning or motorhoming journey, a great deal of thought, research and planning goes into kitting out your set-up. Having all the must-have items to help your trip go smoothly is essential as without them, and away from home, you could be at a loss.
Not having certain things can really have an impact on your holiday; all the little extras and creature comforts really make the experience enjoyable. If you’re without a few things that you really need, it can have a detrimental effect on your break, making it harder to relax and unwind.
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Handling your motorhome with confidence!
If you’re thinking about purchasing your first motorhome, there are many things to consider. Motorhomes are large vehicles and therefore provide a driving experience that’s very different to that of a car.
Once you’ve decided to go for a motorhome - or perhaps before you make the final decision - why not take a little time to explore and even experience the practicalities of owning, driving and manoeuvring a motorhome?
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Caravanning essentials
Whether you’ve been caravanning for years or you’re thinking about taking it up for 2023, there are some things that you simply can't live without as a caravanner.
As a newbie you’ll need to kit out your caravan with all the essentials to ensure your trips go smoothly and that you have all you need for an enjoyable break. Even experienced caravanners may sometimes utter the words “If only I had a xx!” Whatever the blank space - or thing you’ve forgotten - is, we’re sure to have it in our well-stocked accessory shop.
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5 great places to caravan in Berkshire
Berkshire has a lot going for it - located in southern England it enjoys warmer climes, it’s only an hour away from the beautiful south coast and a 45-minute train journey will take you into the centre of London!
It is one of the home counties and is one of only 11 without a city - its county town is Reading. With a population in excess of 911,400 it’s sometimes referred to as ‘Royal Berkshire’ due to its Royal links including the fact that Windsor Castle sits within its boundaries.
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Keep your leisure vehicle in tip top condition…
Buying a leisure vehicle is a big investment so once you’ve taken that leap you’ll want to do all you can to ensure it stays in the best possible condition.
There are many things you can do to make sure it’s well looked after, but nothing beats giving it an extra layer of protection! We’re partnered with Paintseal Direct, the UK’s leading supplier of paint and upholstery protection and highly recommend this course of action to protect your vehicle.
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Plan your perfect winter getaway
While many caravanners may prefer to stick to the warmer months for their caravanning adventures, winter getaways have become more popular in recent years thanks to advances in caravan design and heating systems.
What’s more, going away in the winter months is great as it’s a lot quieter and you’ll discover a whole host of different things to enjoy in the off-peak season.
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Sleep easy in your leisure vehicle…
Getting a good night’s sleep in your caravan or motorhome is essential to an enjoyable, relaxing break. Modern vehicles are already extremely comfortable thanks to all the creature comforts that have been added to the specs over the years, but there’s a lot to be said for getting the right sleep accessories too!
As well as choosing the right bed type and mattress when you purchase your caravan or motorhome, there are many other things to consider too. Your surroundings - both in and outside the vehicle will have a huge impact on how you sleep, and getting the right bedding is vital!
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5 great places to caravan in Surrey
One of the best things about Surrey is its location - close to London for commuting or enjoying city life, but not far from the south coast if you fancy blowing off the cobwebs with a bit of sea air.
Surrey is landlocked and borders five other counties - Hampshire to the west, West Sussex to the south, Kent to the east, Greater London to the north east and Berkshire to the north west.
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5 great places to caravan in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire borders Wales as well as six English counties and it truly is the English countryside at its best. The majority of the Cotswolds is located within its boundaries, as is the ancient Forest of Dean and the stunning Wye Valley.
If outdoor pursuits are high on your agenda, this is the perfect place for them. There are endless opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling and more, giving you the chance to explore the many stunning landscapes here. You could even venture into Wales and explore the Brecon Beacons if you fancied a day trip as they too are right on Gloucestershire’s doorstep.
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Stay switched on, off grid!
One of the best things about having a leisure vehicle is the ability to use all your electric-powered creature comforts even whilst holidaying in the middle of nowhere!
Most campsites have electric hook-up, but for those that don’t or for those of you who enjoy a little wild camping from time to time, solar panels are a great way to ensure you still have access to a power supply.
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Explore our VW accessories!
If you choose a VW camper, you’re choosing the lifestyle as much as the vehicle itself. VWs are cool, practical, comfortable and compact, making them the ideal leisure vehicle for those wishing to move around with ease on their adventures.
One of the key things to ensuring that your campervan trip goes smoothly is being kitted out with the most suitable equipment and accessories, taking space and usability into consideration. Not only do things have to be practical, they have to look good too, but rest assured pretty much anything VW-related ticks that box!
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Meet Mark Thomas, Accessory Shop Manager
Mark has just joined the team after 22 years working for another dealership and he is looking forward to a new challenge! Outside of work he enjoys motorhoming in the New Forest, birdwatching, DIY and gardening.
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Top 5 places to caravan in West Sussex
Famed for being the sunniest county in the UK, who wouldn’t want to visit West Sussex? With an average of 1,902 hours of sunshine per year, this county is your best bet for enjoying a bit of British sunshine!
West Sussex is great for many other reasons too! The South Downs National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, runs throughout the West Sussex region, providing beautiful landscapes abundant in wildlife. It offers great opportunities for keen walkers and cyclists and was awarded National Park status in 2011.
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Top 10 caravan security and safety accessories
Keeping your caravan or motorhome safe and secure is extremely important to protect it from damage, theft and vandalism, and to keep you and your family safe.
When you look at all the products on the market for leisure vehicle security, it can be overwhelming! There are so many items to choose from that it’s hard to know which are really needed and which offer the best options.
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Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee in style!
With the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations fast approaching, what better excuse to get away from it all and enjoy a bit of quality time with your loved ones? With two consecutive bank holidays (Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June) giving you a four-day weekend, if you haven’t got any plans yet, now’s the time to make some!
Hitch up the caravan or get the motorhome out of storage and head off to enjoy the long weekend - hopefully the weather will be kind! If you just want to make the most of the extra time off with a few days away, great! Or you could look into how you could really take part in the Jubilee Celebrations...
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Discover Isabella accessories!
Having the right accessories can really make your caravanning trip. Ensuring you have the correct awning can give you the extra space you need to spread out, picking suitable outdoor furniture will make alfresco dining a joy, and choosing that must-have cutlery will bring a smile to your lips every time you open the drawer.
When kitting out your caravan (or restyling it from time to time) it’s important to shop around and explore all the options to find the right items for you. We stock thousands of items from a wide range of great manufacturers so we’re sure to have something to suit.
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Get barbecuing!
One of life’s great pleasures is barbecuing in the great outdoors; cooking and eating outside is something we Britons relish in the summer months when the weather allows it!
Caravanning holidays provide the ideal opportunity to get the BBQ tongs out! It’s a time when you’ll have plenty of outdoor space to do it and it’s also a great way to bring the whole family together and get everyone involved. Caravan kitchens are fully-equipped and great for cooking but BBQs give you that secondary option when the weather’s just too good to stay inside!
Read more ›
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Top 10 most wanted accessories
Peak caravanning season is approaching and nothing makes a trip away more enjoyable than having everything you need to ensure your holiday goes smoothly!
If you’re new to caravanning you may not realise the extent of the accessories available, so be sure to pop into our onsite shop or browse online to see what’s on offer. Experienced caravanners may also benefit from an accessory refresh! Check out our Top 10 most wanted list to ensure you have those all-important items...
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Get equipped for the 2021 season!
2021 caravanning holidays are on! Sites are set to reopen from 12 April so it's time to prepare for the new season! As well as making sure that your caravan is ship-shape and ready to go, have you considered if you have all you need for a smooth, hassle-free trip?
Whether you’re new to caravanning or have been doing it for years, it's always good to check you have all you need ahead of time. There are a number of accessories that are essential to making your trips that little bit easier, as well as those that are just nice to have! Check you have all the vital things and consider if you’d like to update any of your existing items such as new homeware, towels or bedding.
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Our guide to caravan utilities
Utilities - not the most exciting thing in the world, but when you’re caravanning, they’re essential! They make all your creature comforts possible - drinking water, a hot shower, light, warmth and most importantly, a hot cup of tea!
If you’re looking to buy your first caravan, about to embark on your first trip or considering changing models, you’ll need to investigate the utilities in your caravan to make sure you’re happy with them and that you know how they work. It is important to do this before you set off on your trip to avoid worries or a stressful situation whilst you’re away.
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Camping furniture: get set for comfort
Having the right outdoor furniture makes all the difference for alfresco dining and lounging whilst on your caravanning holiday. Although it’s lovely to sit inside the caravan in comfort and enjoy your meals, it’s also nice to have the option to dine outside if the weather’s glorious.
Go into any outdoors or camping store looking for camping furniture and you may wonder where to start as there’s so much choice. What do you need? What’s comfortable? What’s good value for money? Which manufacturer is best? These are all questions that may run through your mind as you look around.
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Get kitted out!
James Mainwaring
17/08/2020
blog / advice / awnings / accessories / shop / summer / holiday / family, All
Now that the 2020 caravanning season is in full swing, it’s time to get that trip away booked! But before you go, make sure you have all you need to ensure a smooth trip with all the essentials on board.
You can visit our on-site shop at our Colden Common showroom or take advantage of our new online shop, where a good range of our products are available. You could be new to caravanning or a dab hand who needs to upgrade a few items - but what are the most important things to buy to make your caravanning summer holiday complete?
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Caravanning - the perfect family holiday
James Mainwaring
27/07/2020
blog / advice / new caravans / awnings / accessories / holiday / family, All
Caravanning is the perfect family holiday - it delivers everything you need for a great week or two with your loved ones. It provides a comfortable home from home equipped with all your creature comforts, coupled with that fun feeling that you’re camping - without the need to rough it!
A caravanning holiday is a particularly good idea for 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic has halted travel abroad and of the staycation options, caravanning is one of the safest as you are completely self-contained. With your own washroom and kitchen on board you won’t need to use the campsite facilities, (aside from the water supply and disposal) which will make social distancing a doddle.
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Are caravans the new cool?
In general, a high percentage of the usual caravanning clientele are older couples who may opt to caravan alone or alongside fellow caravanners. They may be retired with more time on their hands to get a good amount of use from their caravan on a regular basis.
But is the core clientele expanding? With holidays abroad off the cards this year for the first time ever, dealerships have seen more interest from families and younger couples as well…
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Our guide to towing
Towing for the first time can be extremely daunting. That’s why it’s a good idea to read up about it beforehand, making sure you know what to expect.
Learn about the process you have to go through to couple your car to your caravan and the safety checks you should complete before setting off. The more familiar it is to you, the more relaxed you’ll feel about actually doing it.
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Accessorise!
Kitting out your caravan is an exciting experience! It’s your chance to put your personal stamp on the holiday home you’ve worked so hard for. There are many things to consider, but your main priority should be ensuring that your caravan is equipped with everything you need to make each and every trip a great one.
There may be some regular items that you can make use of in your caravan, but others have been specially designed for caravan use and could be more suitable, so make sure you do your research and consider this when choosing your items.
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Caravan cooking tips
Are you the cook when it comes to trips away? Or do you like to sit on the sofa and give instructions? Perhaps your family lives on ready meals and takeaways when you’re away? Well no more! You’ve got a fantastically-equipped caravan kitchen to make use of!
There are loads of possibilities when it comes to caravan cooking! Most modern caravans come with hobs, ovens and even microwaves (and if not you can purchase one separately), so as long as you have electrical hook up, a leisure battery or gas bottle, you’ll be able to make pretty much anything you would at home.
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Ensure a good night’s sleep...
One of the most common things that people worry about when going on camping and caravanning holidays is whether their quality of sleep will be compromised by not being in their own bed. And while it may feel strange to begin with, caravans can be very comfortable and actually provide you with a great night’s rest.
The beds are very comfy and spacious and that teamed with lots of fresh air and getting away from life’s everyday stresses and strains, you may even find yourself sleeping better than you do at home!...
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Beginners’ guide to caravanning
Now that you’ve bought your first caravan, the big decision is done! Now it’s time for some smaller ones! Getting your caravan kitted out is an exciting time as you make sure you have everything you need for your first trip away.
Do you go for sleeping bags or duvets? Real glasses or plastic cups? These are choices that will make a difference to your caravanning experience, but there are some bits of kit you shouldn’t do without...
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Caravan covers: get ready for winter
Winter is on its way and what better way to protect your caravan from the elements than to get a cover for it? There are a few things to consider so take a look at all the options...
Caravan covers took off in the mid-1990s with the introduction of affordable, lightweight fabrics that are water-resistant and breathable. ‘Full’ covers that envelop the entire body of the caravan start from around £120 (hitch and top covers are less) so for relatively little investment you can keep your caravan protected during the winter and any other times you’re not using it.
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We are passionate about caravans, which is why we have created our very own Winchester Caravans blog. If you want to keep up-to-date with the wonderful world of caravanning and are always looking for tops tips and handy hints, then why not check out our regular blog posts?
What's more, our blog is the perfect opportunity to share your caravanning stories. If you have a story to tell, send us an email (marketing@winchestercaravans.com) and you could see yourself published on one of our blog posts. We want to hear about your journey!
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Ask a question ›News & Blogs
Celebrate the 2024 season with a new CADAC BBQ…
Caravanning holidays provide the ideal opportunity to get the BBQ out! It’s a time when you’ll have plenty of outdoor space to do it and it’s also a great way to bring the whole f...
25/03/2024
blog / advice / accessories / summer / holiday
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5 great places to caravan in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire has a rich history, diverse landscape, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a popular place to live as well as visit. With a population of 675,000 and covering an area of 1,236 sq km,...
18/03/2024
blog / holiday / family
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Upgrading your caravan
Upgrading your caravan can be an exciting task, but also one that will give you plenty to think about. Before you start your search you’ll need to have an idea of what you want, what you need...
04/03/2024
blog / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / holiday / family
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