Planning your first touring caravan holiday

You’ve got the wheels, the surfboards are on the roof, and the sun is shining. What better time of year to take your first trip in your caravan? To make your first experience touring a trip to remember, check out our helpful planning guide, with tips for what to pack on your first touring caravan holiday and the best touring caravan holiday parks to stay at as you go.

How to plan a touring caravan holiday

Before you set off, let's make sure you have everything ready to make the most of your first touring holiday. Follow these three easy steps, and you’ll be setting off in no time.

Prepare your caravan

With big plans and plenty of miles to cover, you’ll want to make sure your caravan is in tip-top condition before you set off:

Book your annual service in early to ensure your car and caravan are ready to go
Check your tyre pressure and wheel fixings to ensure your caravan is road safe
Secure the cabin and ensure heavy items are secured so they don’t shift when you’re on the move
Make sure your headlights work and fit extension mirrors to your towing vehicle to make sure you have a clear view down both sides of the caravan
Test the smoke and CO alarms in your caravan. It’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on board too. If you’ve already got one, make sure it's still in date

Pack for your trip

What to pack for a touring caravan holiday can quickly turn into a game of Jenga as you stack your caravan full. At the end of the day, there are some essentials you will need, like camping gear, and some things you’ve packed specifically for the region you’re touring. If you’re not sure what to pack, follow our 15 tips on how to pack for a touring holiday.

Plan your route

Whilst you’ve almost certainly got some spots in mind, it’s a good idea to have your route planned out before you leave. Make a note of:

Travel times and distances
Stopping points for bathroom breaks and refuelling
Places to visit on the way
Alternative routes if there are roadworks or bad weather

Where to go on your first touring holiday

Lucky for you, the UK is home to some of the best regions to explore on your first touring caravan holiday. Here are our top 3 regions for anyone new to touring:

Cornwall touring holiday

Cornwall brings the very best of the English coastline to any touring holiday. It’s a great choice for first-timers, with plenty of stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, and exciting activities. Spend your days surfing in Newquay, exploring hidden coves, or indulging in a cream tea (just don't start a jam-first debate). With plenty of well-equipped touring parks and unforgettable scenery, it's a destination that keeps first-time tourers coming back for more.

Dorset touring holiday

If your idea of a perfect touring holiday involves seaside charm, breathtaking views, and a healthy dose of adventure, Dorset ticks every box. Home to the infamous Jurassic Coast, the county offers everything from fossil hunting on the beach to picturesque harbour towns like Weymouth and Lyme Regis. Touring here feels easy-going, with plenty of family-friendly attractions and scenic driving routes.

Scotland touring holiday

For a touring holiday, you'll be talking about long after you've unpacked, Scotland is hard to beat. Expect dramatic mountain scenery, lochs and castles, ready for you to discover. While the landscapes feel wonderfully wild, Scotland is surprisingly welcoming for first-time tourers, with plenty of routes to suit every confidence level.

Lincolnshire touring holiday

With endless rolling green countryside and charming villages dotted between them, Lincolnshire is the perfect place to experience your first touring caravan holiday. Offering just as much charm but less of the holiday crowds, touring in Lincolnshire is ideal for those who truly want to disconnect.

The best touring caravan holiday parks in the UK

To make the most out of your touring holiday, you’ll want to have a place to pitch up, recharge and enjoy the on-site amenities after along day. Here are just some of the best touring caravan parks in the UK’s most sought-after regions:

Caravan touring parks in Cornwall

St Ives Bay: Standard and electric grass pitches, just moments away from the beach. Park up, throw on your flip-flops, and head down for a stroll along the sand.

Nearby places to visit:

St Michael’s Mount - 30 minutes drive (via Marazion)
The Minack Theatre (Porthcurno) - 1-hour drive
Land’s End - 40 minutes away

Caravan touring parks in Dorset

East Fleet Farm: Fully-serviced grass pitches and hard-standing electric pitches set amongst the rolling Dorset countryside, on the shores of Fleet Lagoon.

Nearby places to visit:

Bournemouth Beach - 1hr drive
Corfe Castle - 50-minute drive
Monkey World - 40 minutes

Scotland caravan touring parks

Moffat Manor: Standard and electric grass pitches surrounded by the Scottish countryside. Pack your hiking boots and get ready to explore the wild magic of Scotland.

Nearby places to visit: