The Bits You'll Wish You Had (Before It Starts Raining)
Caravan holidays in the UK are a delight - once you've got everything you may need. Too often, it's the little things that make the biggest difference. A missing cable. No corkscrew. That damp pillow because you forgot the awning mat. Sound familiar?
If you're heading off on a UK caravan trip, this list cuts through the fluff and gets straight to what actually makes a difference. No gimmicks. No gold-plated coffee machines. Just gear that works - and saves a lot of unnecessary grumbling.
The Stuff You Really Don't Want to Forget
There are things you can do without. These are not them. Forget these, and you're making life harder than it needs to be.
- Levelling ramps - Sleeping on a slope sounds romantic until your tea slides off the table.
- Long electric hook-up cable - Some pitches make you work for the power. Extra metres save the day.
- Water carrier and waste container - Go for the wheeled kind unless you fancy lugging 40 litres by hand. Twice a day.
- Collapsible washing line - Wet socks hanging from cupboard handles is a bit tragic, to be honest.
- Outdoor mat - Keeps the mud outside where it belongs. Plus, it feels fancy on your feet.
- Tool kit - Not a full shed, but enough to tighten, patch, or bodge as needed.
Creature Comforts You'll Be Glad You Packed
These aren't "really necessarys" in the survival sense. But they'll absolutely bump up the comfort and save you from minor meltdowns.
- Thermal blinds or window covers - Game changers for both hot and cold weather. Plus, a little privacy never hurt.
- Decent chairs - The kind you can actually sit in for more than 10 minutes without regretting all your life choices.
- Spare battery bank - For phones, lights, maybe even your dignity if the power goes out mid-toast.
- Windbreak - It's Britain. There's always wind. And it never blows in the direction you want.
- Board games or cards - Evenings get long when you've seen every tree from every angle.
What to Avoid (Unless You Love Regret)
Some gear seems clever until it's in your way or taking up half the boot. Learn from other people's mistakes.
- Giant kitchen gadgets - You'll never use the caravan waffle iron. You just won't.
- Too many "emergency" extras - Two spare torches? Good idea. Eight? Storage nightmare.
- Glassware - Plastic looks less posh, but won't break on a pothole.
- Massive coolboxes you don't use - That thing you thought would store gourmet cheese now just stores damp air and regret.
Don't Overlook the Insurance
You've got gear worth looking after - whether it's fancy tech or your trusty awning that's been with you since 2009. Make sure your caravan insurance covers contents as well as damage or theft. It's one of those things you'll be glad you didn't skimp on if something goes walkies or snaps in a storm.
Comfort Comes from the Details
It's not about having everything - it's about having the right things. A dry pitch, a comfy seat, hot tea, and maybe a book you've actually been meaning to read. Pack remarkable, skip the clutter, and give yourself space to enjoy the good bits. Like the view. Or the silence. Or just the joy of not being at work.