It's Cold, Damp and Windy... and You Love It Anyway
You've pulled into a windswept site somewhere in the Lake District. Rain's tapping the roof like a drum solo, your breath fogs the window, and you're wondering why on earth you didn't just book a hotel. But here's the thing - cold-weather caravanning can be brilliant. If, and only if, you know how to stay warm without losing your mind or your toes.
What You'll Want to Plan For
Preparation is your best friend. Don't rely on hope and a thin jumper.
- Insulation - Check door seals, add thermal blinds or bubble wrap on windows (seriously, it works), and lay down thick rugs or foam mats.
- Heating options - Whether you've got a Truma, Alde, or a portable electric heater, make sure it's serviced and working before you leave.
- Layered bedding - Fleece sheets, hot water bottles, extra duvets. Cosy matters more than Instagrammable.
- Moisture control - Bring a dehumidifier or absorbent crystals. Warm and damp is a recipe for mouldy misery.
Things You'd Be Daft Not to Bring
- Slippers with actual soles (for trips to the loo)
- A kettle that doesn't trip every campsite hook-up
- Flameless heat pads or rechargeable hand warmers
- Windproof outdoor gear - because you'll still need to step outside now and again
Common Mistakes (a.k.a. Rookie Moves)
Even seasoned caravanners slip up now and then. Avoid the classic traps:
- Leaving roof vents permanently shut - you'll get condensation faster than you can say "soggy duvet"
- Relying solely on hook-up sites - some gems are off-grid, so bring a backup
- Using a cheap fan heater and blowing every fuse on site
- Wearing jeans inside. Honestly. Just don't.
Little Hacks That Make a Big Difference
It's not always about buying fancy kit. Sometimes, it's the old-school tricks that work wonders:
- Pop a hot water bottle under your top before bed - you warm up, your clothes stay warm
- Use tin foil behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room
- Warm up the bed with a hairdryer for 30 seconds (then hide it - no one needs to know)
A Quick Word on Caravan Insurance
Frozen pipes, cracked windows, storm damage - winter's not exactly kind to caravans. If you're touring year-round, make sure your insurance covers cold-weather claims. Some policies get a bit frosty when the temperature drops. Check the fine print before you're knee-deep in snow with no heating.
The Cold May Be Fierce, But So Is Your Kettle
Caravanning in a British winter isn't about suffering - it's about leaning into the elements, embracing the try-out, and knowing that once you're wrapped in a blanket, tea in hand, nothing beats the quiet of a frost-covered site at dawn. Just remember: dry socks are happiness.