Winter Campervan Touring in the UK: Where to Go

Winter touring is the UK's best-kept van-life secret: empty sites, dramatic light, log fires in pubs and prices a third of the summer peak. It also demands preparation. Done right, a January weekend in the van is more memorable than a June one.

Where to go

Coastal spots that stay milder — Cornwall, Pembrokeshire and the Gower — are winter favourites, with campsites open year-round and surf still running. Inland, the Peak District and the North York Moors offer crisp walks and cosy pubs, while the Scottish west coast is at its most dramatic and empty between November and March. The Isles of Scilly, reachable by ferry or small plane from Penzance, are genuinely mild in winter and virtually deserted.

How to stay warm

Gas and diesel heating are the essentials. Check the heater works before you go, carry a spare gas cylinder, and think about a small electric fan heater for sites with hook-up. A cheap insulated windscreen cover makes a bigger difference to overnight comfort than you would think. Condensation is the winter enemy: ventilate a little even when it is cold, dry clothes in a heated area, and open the windows for ten minutes every morning.

Water and the plumbing

Empty the water system fully before a hard frost, use a non-metal water container, and keep water somewhere heated overnight where possible. A winterised van with drained pipes saves you a burst tank and a ruined weekend.

Practicalities

• Book campsites ahead — fewer are open in winter and the good ones are genuinely full.
• Days are short: plan to arrive before dark and carry a head torch.
• Check the forecast daily and be ready to bail on icy side roads.
• Carry a small folding shovel for icy car-park exits.
• Winter prices are often a third of summer — some sites run year-round at £15 to £20 a night.

The rule of winter touring is simple: if the site has hook-up and a drying room, you will be comfortable. If not, choose somewhere with a good pub nearby.

Ready to try an off-season trip? Search for a winter-ready van on our search, or browse campervans for sale before you head out.