2020 changed the world as we know it. I, like many of us, hoped that by the time 2022 arrived, everything would be back to normal. How wrong we were! However, it isn’t all doom and gloom! Travelling locally, whether that is in your own town, county or country, is a wonderful opportunity to explore your own backyard, especially by camping! Over the last couple of years, I have really enjoyed travelling around the UK camping in Mabel the Motorhome, and I am looking forward to seeing more this year – here’s why you should too!
This post is sponsored by the Caravan and Motorhome Club
Moving Forward – Slowly
When restrictions do allow, travelling abroad is an absolute joy! I am definitely looking forward to visiting new countries and destinations, and I am sure I’m not alone – after so long of lockdowns, false starts and new regulations the chance to travel again will be a huge relief.
However, things won’t go back to “normal” for a while longer. We will need to adapt to the changes and change our outlook too. Where before I used to jet off abroad at the first opportunity, concerns over safety and constantly changing rules has certainly made me more wary about taking a flight to a foreign country. When foreign travel is more complicated, I am more than happy to stay closer to home and focus on travelling locally.
What I will do while travelling will also change. I used to love staying in hostels, joining in group tours and activities and getting to know as many people as possible. I am sad that has had to change, but I’m not quite ready yet to get right back in there, so I will be spending more time outdoors, and enjoying the solitude of my own campervan.
Why Camping is the Answer
Having my own campervan last summer was a life saver. I am very glad I was able to buy Mabel and enjoy some of the treasures of England that I hadn’t seen before. Camping – either in a campervan, motorhome, caravan or a tent offers a unique opportunity to explore the countryside, while being able to stay socially distanced and as self-contained as possible!
Think about it, you bring your own bed with you, use your own cooking equipment, your own glasses and cups to enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and if you have your own toilet facilities onboard you don’t need to share facilities with anyone!
Every campsite now has strict protocols in place. The Caravan and Motorhome Club sites, for example, have a Covid Secure Commitment and they changed some procedures on their Club Sites to ensure they keep members, guest and staff, safe and well whilst touring with the Club.
If you don’t own your own van, then renting a campervan is the next best thing. I am sure there will be a very high demand this year for hiring campervans, tents and other camping equipment, so don’t miss out!
Want More Campervan Tips?
Check out these blog posts for your campervan adventures!The Benefits of Camping
Aside from the benefits of camping relating to COVID, I have fallen in love with camping for many more reasons. These are just a few of the things that I love about camping, and why I plan to continue camping long after the pandemic has gone!
You Get Close to Nature
A few years ago, the only way you’d get me into a tent was for a music festival (I’m looking at you Glastonbury!), and while I much prefer the warmth of my campervan, I still love waking up in the morning in the middle of a field.
You can hear the birds tweeting, you might see a rabbit hopping around, and the fresh air seeps into every cell of your body. At home I love a lie-in, but outdoors there is so much to see and do that I can’t wait to get out of bed!
There is a Close-Knit Community
My goodness campers are a friendly bunch! There is a sense of camaraderie among campers that you just don’t get in hotels, as we gather together by the water tap to fill up in the morning, we can’t help but talk about the weather (a must for any English person), discuss the best places to walk nearby or where to find a bacon butty and fresh bread for breakfast.
If you need anything, your fellow campers will come through for you – you forgot a mallet? No problem. Need some help putting up your tent? No worries. Got stuck in a muddy field after torrential rain? There is always someone willing to help.
And that’s just the guests – the campsite staff are always on hand as well, as they go about their daily business cleaning the facilities, mowing the grass and welcoming new arrivals.
The Freedom
One of the best things that I’ve discovered about having Mabel the Motorhome is the freedom she gives me. I am not used to having my own transport, so being able to hop in the van and drive to all of the incredible places I’ve visited is an incredible opportunity.
Freedom to decide that tomorrow you can go somewhere else. Or book to stay another night at a lovely campsite. Freedom to drive across the country, stopping off whenever you spot something beautiful. Freedom to park up and enjoy a cup of tea and a sandwich while admiring the view. And freedom to be able to stay nice and warm in the van if the weather is horrendous!
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My 2021 Adventures and Plans for 2022
If all of that hasn’t managed to convince you of the benefits of camping, perhaps my camping plans will help persuade you. I cannot wait to get out and about again in Mabel, so here is what I’ve got planned for when lockdown lifts!
I also made a video for the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Club Week which you can watch here:
In 2021 my goal was to drive around the whole of England’s coastline, getting as close as I could to the coast, and finding some fabulous places to camp along the way. I missed being by the sea, so touring around England’s seaside towns and coastal areas was just what I needed!
While I didn’t make it all around the whole of England’s coastline, I did spend a lot of time by the sea! The Caravan and Motorhome Club gifted me a membership to their club so stayed in some of their sites as they are in some fabulous locations and were perfect for my coastal adventure! Next year I’m also keen to take advantage of more of their member offers and discounts on attractions!
I started at the closest point to where I live now, which was where the River Severn meets the Bristol Channel and flows out to meet the Atlantic Ocean. I remember going to Weston-Super-Mare for family holidays when I was little, so I called there to see what changed. Hurn Lane Caravan Club Site was nearby and gave me a good chance to stroll down memory lane.
From there, I headed down into Devon and Cornwall to walk part of the South-West Coast Path and to try some incredible Cornish seafood. Some of the places I stayed include Trewethett Farm Caravan Club Site which is perched on a clifftop near Tintagel with fabulous sea views and Merrose Farm Caravan Club Site in the Roseland Heritage Coast area which was absolutely gorgeous. And that was just for starters!
I was away for several months, although had to break my trip several times to come back home for vaccines and other appointments. During the summer I was worried about how popular Devon and Cornwall were going to be, so while I wanted to see it for myself, I went there in the spring then continued my trip to discover some of the lesser-known coastal regions of England too. I carried on my journey along the South Coast, and made it to the Isle of Wight before finally heading back up North in the summer.
I didn’t have chance to complete the route, but in 2021 I would love to head up to Scotland, and then head back along the coast to the North West of England, through the Lake District and south through Lancashire to where I grew up, near Southport. Staying in Southport Caravan Club Site would be a fitting end to my year’s adventure – going back to where it all started!
My plan to explore the whole of the English coast was pretty ambitious and while I didn’t success, along the way I spent as much time in nature as possible, and visiting some of England’s historic sites to learn more about where I come from.
During lockdown I got really into bird watching, so with my trusty binoculars, I learned to spot some of our native birds and animals.
And as for our history, I joined English Heritage and The National Trust to really make the most of the year. As I continue my travels around the UK in spring 2022, I hope you will follow me along on my adventures, to explore more of our beautiful country. No matter where you are in the world, consider getting outdoors this year and going camping. You won’t regret it!