Our Local Winter Touring Guide For 2019
Posted on November 25, 2019
Our Local Winter Touring Guide For 2019 #
It’s funny, a lot of people outside of the touring community associate a trip in a caravan or motorhome as being strictly associated with the summer months. Those who’ve owned a recreational vehicle and enjoy the thrill of getting away and discovering amazing new places for the weekend will know that the pleasure in doing so is not necessary seasonal! Given, it’s not always fun trying to level a caravan in a muddy field under a torrential downpour but there is beauty in every season so what better way than to experience the fresh crisp nights, wonderful colours and fresh mornings of winter than to get the motorhome out of the compound, fill it up and get going!
Getting The Basics Ready #
To get the best out of a touring weekend in the winter, you need to pack correctly but before we go into this, there are things you should square off before heading out regardless of season such as weight check, making sure you have appropriate first aid supplies, breakdown cover, tools and food for any eventuality. Evenings will set in much earlier so some good quality head torches and spare batteries will be essential. If for whatever reason you get back to your site after dark and need to adjust the electric hookup, or need to buy something from the pitch spot then a good head torch will light your path.
Clothes #
You should be prepared for anything that the courteous British weather decides to throw at you. Be sure to pack a pair of wellies or waterproof walking boots with an extra couple of pairs of socks. A good waterproof with a hood is also a must, along with a brolly and waterproof trousers just in case! Of course, temperatures tend to drop considerably in this season so scarves and hats go without saying. We’d also add that it’s a good idea to protect your eyes from the bright winter sun which leads us to make the rather ironic recommendation of taking a good pair of sunglasses alongside your waterproofs!
Westonbirt Arboretum #
Westonbirt Arboretum is located deep within the beautiful Cotswolds hills about three miles west of Malmsbury and is home to some 2,500 tree species from around the world. Autumn/winter is the perfect time to spend a day walking around the arboretum’s trails where you can view some of the most beautiful and dramatic seasonal leaf changes in England.
Wrap up warm and lose yourself in the swarms of blood-red and ochre leaves which splash over acres of forest like a colourful mosaic. We would highly recommend taking a walk across the STIHL trail, an impressive walkway suspended 13 metres in the air giving you Instagram grade treetop views. It’s not all about just taking photos, Westonbirt offers a range of activities such as running trails, nature courses and even play areas for the children.
The arboretum’s woodwork centre is a must-see. It’s one of the few places in the country to practice the art of “green” woodwork. The wood from dead trees is crafted into chairs and other objects by Westonbirt’s chief woodworker expert who even offers courses for those wishing to learn the intricate ways of green woodworking.
Whatever you decide to do, Westonbirt is definitely a day well spent in nature and you can enjoy a nice steaming mug of hot chocolate to warm yourselves up in the Arboretum’s cafe. In terms of pitch-ups, Westonbirt doesn’t have their own sites per se but a 20-minute drive north will bring you to Tobacconist farm, a family-owned camping spot complete with electrical hookup, shop, toilet block, laundry facilities and even a pub within close distance. What’s more, a single night’s pitch will set you back no more than £20!
Forest of Dean & The Wye Valley #
All rested and full of coffee, it’s time to head west on the A48 for about an hour which will bring you to our next destination. We could not recommend a list of picturesque local touring destinations without mentioning the enchanting Forest Of Dean. Situated next to the Wye Valley, the Forrest of Dean no more than half an hours drive from Newport and offers an amazing selection of trails for hiking, biking as well as many other family-friendly attractions.
The Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is definitely worth a visit and you can spend a fun-filled good afternoon seeing over 30 different species of beautiful butterflies all native to the region. That’s not all, the butterfly park is part of an overall cluster of attractions which includes miniature golf, laser tag and even a hedge maze boasting an entire kilometre of hedges! This is a great destination for either a fun-filled family or couples day out.
The Valley View motorhome and camping park is an absolute must for pitching up for the night. This homely, well-equipped complex contains cottages, tent and vehicle spots and is one of the few parks open all year round. You can find it 15 minutes south of Cinderford, just off the A48 and they even take online bookings. This is a great location from which to springboard to some of the Forrest of Dean’s other great attractions.
If you fancy lunch and have a penchant for seafood then we strongly advise a trip to the Severn & Wye Smokery. This local restaurant is based in the small village of Chaxhill and specialises in locally caught salmon and eel fresh from the river Severn. The restaurant often holds special open days where you can experience a guided tour of the smokery to see the fascinating process involved in producing the restaurant’s award-winning fish. Failing that, there is a shop where you can get your hands on an array of organic salmon products, wine, hampers and more.
Get Away No Matter What Season! #
Winter touring is thoroughly enjoyable if you prepare correctly and have a rough idea about locations, attractions, activities and motorhome parks. Our top tip would be to make sure that the motorhome park you plan on staying in is open as many tend to shut from October to April. Done right, winter touring getaways can be cosy, comfortable and refreshing which is great for reinvigorating the mind and soul from the dreaded winter blues!
Why not talk to one of our passionate specialists today! The Newport Caravans showroom is home to Wales’ largest selection of used and new caravans and motorhomes. Happy touring!