Where are the best motorhome destinations this winter?
By Lancaster Insurance Services |
20th November, 2019
More and more people are choosing to go away in the winter, attracted by the idea of fewer tourists, less traffic and cheaper rates.
As a motorhome owner, you have complete freedom over where you go this winter. But, of course, you want to ensure you end up somewhere that’s going to make for a good time.
We’re here to help you find a destination that floats your boat, whether your idea of a welcome winter getaway is active or relaxed; secluded or shared.
Before you head off on your trip around the UK, however, ensure you’ve got adequate motorhome insurance cover.
The roads are obviously that bit more dangerous in the colder months – with ice and snow the principal hazards – so you want to know that your motorhome insurance covers you in the event of something going awry.
Chances are you’ll complete your journey without a hitch – but it’s always good to be prepared. Now, let’s focus the best motorhome destinations this winter.
For the surfers
If you don’t go anywhere without your surfboard attached to the back of your motorhome – and your wetsuit hanging in the wardrobe – then you don’t need to look any further than Cornwall.
Condé Nast Traveller magazine suggests setting up camp in Newquay, which has plenty of surfing sweet spots to choose from, whether it’s the legendary Fistral beach or protected Praa Sands, near Porthleven, where the northwest to northeast winds create hollow, fast waves.
You won’t be competing for space on the waves either, as winter surfing in Cornwall is crowd free apart from a handful of hardcore locals. And surfers riding waves while playing the guitar. As you do… Daft, but impressive all the same.
For the skiers
Or perhaps skiing is more your thing? You don’t have to venture out into Europe to get some snow under your skis – although you will have to trek up to Scotland for the best of the UK skiing trails.
More specifically, to the Cairngorms National Park, which ‘houses’ Cairngorm Mountain. The ski resort there has over 35 runs across a variety of levels from green/blue (easy) to black (expert), which total just over 20 miles or 30km of skiable pistes.
Once you’re done skiing, pay a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd that roams the mountains.
The Herd was first reintroduced to Scotland in 1952 by Mikel Utsi, a Swedish Sami man who travelled to Cairngorm on his honeymoon, and saw the potential to bring reindeer back to Scotland.
He saw many similarities between his home in Sweden and the Cairngorm Mountains and brought a small herd of reindeer over as an experiment.
For the Christmas lovers
You either love Christmas, or you don’t. For those that start indulging in festive activities season as soon as November hits – or even before that – you should head for the Illuminated Light Trail at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock in Oxfordshire.
The breath-taking Tunnel of Light twinkles with 100,000 pea-lights. Complete your walk under the stars with mulled cider, mulled wine or a hot chocolate, then gather around the fire-pit with the family to toast marshmallows.
It really does make for an enchanting stop-off. Before you leave, check out the new Alice in the Palace experience and soak up the festive atmosphere at the Christmas market on site (running from 22nd November 2019 to 1st January 2020).
For the nature lovers
Did you know that you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights in Ireland? Ireland is located between the 52nd and 55th latitudes which makes it the perfect place to see the edge of the Aurora Borealis.
Check out the Space Tourism Guide for the best places to see the northern lights in Ireland. Unsurprisingly, County Donegal, in the far northern part of the country, is the most ideal place to see the northern lights – but there are a few other spots from which you might see the aurora under the right conditions.
However, we must caveat that there are never any guarantees. If you don’t manage to see them, there are plenty of other sites to see. Ireland has some of the greatest, most unspoiled natural beauty in the world.
For the walkers
If you love to stretch your legs after a trip in the motorhome, there’s no better place to do so than the Lake District. Every year, some 15 million people pitch up to explore the region's fells and countryside, and it's not hard to see why.
Awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 2017, the Lake District is a wonderfully beautiful corner of our planet and easily one of the most scenic places in England.
Before you set about exploring Cumbria in all its finery, it’s well worth your while to choose a walking route that matches your ability and fitness levels. The last thing you want to do is run out of steam, miles away from your motorhome. There are hundreds of options for walkers from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain expeditions.
Check out The Walking Englishman website for a list of the walks alongside a description of how challenging it is.
What’s the best motorhome insurance?
Now you know the best destinations for a winter getaway in the UK (in our humble opinion, at least), you’ll want to ensure you’re getting the best motorhome insurance available.
Motorhome insurance can come with many different benefits to help you enjoy your holiday trip to the fullest, some of the benefits include:
· From 90 days EU cover. A 365 day option available for an additional premium.
· New for old replacement available if vehicle is less than one year old.
· Up to £1,000 audio cover.
· Windscreen cover included
· Personal effects cover – up to £5,000.
· Up to £2,500 cover for awnings, gas bottles, generators & camping equipment.
· Agreed valuation available if vehicle is aged 15+ years.
· Optional Breakdown Cover Available from £49.99
Speak to Lancaster Insurance today to get the policy that’s right for you.