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Caravan sites

There are thousands of excellent caravan sites throughout the UK, so whether you're looking for an active holiday or blissful relaxation, there is guaranteed to be something for everybody.

When you're deciding which site to choose, the main consideration will probably be location. When you are starting out as a caravanner, it's not a bad idea to begin with one or two short journeys - just to get used to things.

Once you've decided on your location, think about what you want from your caravan park. If you don't expect to spend much time on site, then you'll probably find most parks more than adequate. However, if you prefer to spend your days on-site, it maybe worth finding somewhere with more amenities - sports facilities, swimming pools and playgrounds for example.

If you have a young family, it may well be a consideration to find somewhere quiet. This isn't always an easy thing to identify from a web site or brochure - but look at the kind of facilities available. If there is a bar or disco on-site, it may not be the best place for getting an early night.

To help you find your ideal site, check out our directory of UK caravan sites. There are all kinds of sites available, from "adults only" to "pet-friendly", so whatever you are looking for you'll find somewhere for the perfect break.

Both the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club grade their sites according to facilities, location and price. This can be very usefeul in selecting a destination - and offers assured levels of quality that you wouldn't necessarily get from independent sites.

What can I expect from a caravan park?

Caravan parks vary greatly, with some big enough only for half a dozen touring caravans and others catering for more than 500.

Even the most basic caravan sites in the UK afford you a very comfortable holiday, with most offering toilet and shower blocks with hot water, and electricity points based near every pitch. In some places you will have to pay a small charge for your morning shower though.

There will also be conveniently placed waste disposal points and fresh water taps for you to top up your aquaroll. Most sites will also run their own small shop - so if you forget the milk for your tea all is not lost. Shops tend only to cover the basics - eggs, bread and milk etc - so make sure you're well stocked up on luxuries before you set off.

In addition to these basics, larger sites will often have a swimming pool, evening entertainment, sports facilities and restaurants. However, the extra amenities do come at a price - 'holiday parks' like these can charge around £20 per night for a pitch in high summer. Pitches at smaller, more basic sites, can be as cheap as £3 per night.