The Great British Winter Escape: How to Tour for Less This Winter Whether You’re Chasing Crisp UK Mornings or European Sun

• Britons prepare for the return of the post-summer blues after the glorious, record-breaking summer of 2026, with 35% saying their mental wellbeing is worse during the winter months, according to research published by the mental health charity Mind*.
• Consumer champion Matt Allwright and Caravan and Motorhome Club CEO, Harvey Alexander, launch the ultimate winter life-hack: how swapping the thermostat at home for a UK winter pitch or continental sun can boost your bank balance and your wellbeing.
• Caravan and Motorhome Club showcases how to "Tour for Less" this winter, with UK campsites open year-round for crisp, affordable local escapes and overseas long-stay pitches from just £8** per person a night.

(13 October 2026) As Britain braces for the inevitable winter comedown following the spectacular, record-breaking summer of 2026, a smart new travel trend is taking hold. Rather than facing winter energy bills and hibernate-at-home routines, Brits are realising they can "Tour for Less" this season - choosing between crisp, restorative UK winter breaks close to home or migrating south as part of The Great British ‘Sun-Bird’ Migration.

Whether you want to enjoy a budget-friendly UK winter getaway at one of the Club's year-round campsites, or feel the warm sun on your face abroad - staying active outdoors offers an incredibly cost-effective lifestyle swap. With energy and household costs remaining a key concern for many households, some long-stay holidaymakers are finding that spending part of the winter in Spain or Portugal can offer a cost-effective alternative, when the combined costs of heating, food and day-to-day living in the UK are taken into account.

With UK winter touring offering great-value local escapes on UK Club Campsites and overseas long-stay pitches available through the Caravan and Motorhome Club for as little as £8 per night per person (£16 for a couple); consumer champion Matt Allwright and the Club’s CEO, Harvey Alexander, are pitching up at the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show this October to show Brits how to enjoy the ultimate winter getaway for less.

New research from the Caravan and Motorhome Club suggests many Brits are already embracing the idea. Three quarters (75%) say a crisp winter walk is one of their favourite seasonal activities, while the same proportion are drawn to the simple pleasures of a cosy pub with an open fire, hearty food and a local ale. More than half (56%) also relish the chance to explore popular destinations without the crowds, highlighting a growing appetite for winter escapes that combine value, comfort and the great outdoors. 

For some, that winter escape is extending far beyond a weekend break. Around 30% of Club members plan to make use of their caravan, motorhome or campervan over the festive period, highlighting the growing appeal of spending Christmas and New Year on the road. The Club’s Overseas Winter Sun programme offers long-stay options of up to three months across 91 campsites in 12 countries, with prices starting from just £16 per pitch per night for two adults for a couple staying 61 nights or more. For 2026-27, the programme has been expanded with additional availability and new campsites, with more than 7,000 additional site nights available compared to last year, giving tourers greater flexibility when planning extended winter stays overseas.

For many Club members, the appeal of winter touring abroad is the flexibility it offers. Members say they enjoy returning to European destinations where family and friends live, exploring historic sites such as the WW1 trenches and enjoying the freedom that comes with knowing that once off the ferry, they can go anywhere. Others highlight the stunning scenery and variety of places to discover, with many simply valuing the sense of adventure that European touring provides. 

The Math Hack: Heat vs. Retreat Following the October energy price cap changes, turning the heating back on brings added financial dread. According to Office for National Statistics (ONS) Family Spending data*** UK households spend significant amounts on electricity, gas and other fuels, with energy spending increasing in the latest figures. With winter bringing colder temperatures and greater demand for heating, the cost of staying home can quickly add up.

By contrast, choosing to Tour for Less in the UK offers an affordable way to enjoy cosy, low-cost winter breaks. 

Beating the Winter Blues: It’s not just a financial win; getting outdoors is a massive boost for wellbeing. Spending time outside, staying active and connecting with others can all help people maintain a healthier routine through the darker winter months - whether enjoying a crisp winter walk on a UK Club campsite or taking in the continental sea air. 

Matt Allwright, Consumer Champion and Broadcast Journalist, comments: "After the incredible, record-breaking summer we’ve all enjoyed, the winter blues are going to hit harder than ever. But why hibernate indoors, watch your energy meter spin and let your health slump? Getting out on the road this winter is a brilliant, budget-smart life hack."

Harvey Alexander, Chief Executive at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, adds: "Winter touring is no longer just a holiday - it’s an accessible, affordable lifestyle choice for anyone looking to boost their wellbeing and Tour for Less. Whether you’re staying close to home on our open-all-year UK Club campsites or joining our vibrant long-stay communities overseas, touring offers warm welcomes and great value for less than the price of a fancy pub lunch. Whether you're chasing the continental sun or enjoying a crisp UK getaway, we want to show how easy it is to make the most of the great outdoors all the way through to spring."

For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club or to book, please visit www.camc.com or call 01342 318 813.   

ENDS 

 

* Source: Mind (2026), Sir Mo Farah Joins Buxton and Mind to support the nation, as over a third (35%) say their mental wellbeing this winter is worse than previous winters

** £16 per night for 2 people for stays of 61+ nights at Alannia Els Prats Winter holiday.

*** Source: Office for National Statistics (2026), Family Spending in the UK: April 2024 to March 2025 

About the Caravan and Motorhome Club       

With over 1 million members and 119 years of experience, the Caravan and Motorhome Club is the UK’s No 1 touring club - as rated on TrustPilot - and helps its members get more from the great outdoors, whether glamping or touring.       

• Membership: £69 per year       

• Access to 2,600+ campsites across the UK and Europe       

• Escorted tours in Europe, North America, Australasia & Africa       

• Expert travel advice and member offers       

• Visit UK holiday deals & offers to see the range of offers    

 

Find out more or join: www.camc.com | 01342 318 813       

More Ways to Stay: Experience Freedom       

Want to try glamping?        

Experience Freedom, from the Caravan and Motorhome Club, offers luxury stays in safari tents, glamping pods, yurts, motorhome hire, tent camping and more – across 11 beautiful UK locations. Open to both members and non-members, Experience Freedom combines comfort with the great outdoors. Operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, the brand benefits from decades of expertise in high-quality campsite management. Club members enjoy up to 20% off glamping stays for themselves and their guests.       

Find out more or join: www.experiencefreedom.co.uk | 01342 777533       

Media Contacts:     

Caravan and Motorhome Club - Nikki Nichol - nikki.nichol@camc.com | 07771 834443