Twinkling Lights and Toasty Nights: Why Winter Touring is the Cosy Alternative to Christmas at Home

From fairy-lit forest walks and dazzling light trails to cosy pub lunches and Christmas mornings surrounded by nature, the Caravan and Motorhome Club highlights why year-round campsites offer a cosy home-from-home alternative to Christmas at home. 

(26 October 2026) Christmas on the road is emerging as a popular festive tradition, with around 30% of Caravan and Motorhome Club members planning to use their caravan, motorhome, campervan or roof tent over the festive period.  And it's not just about escaping the Christmas chores: 75% say a crisp winter walk is one of their favourite seasonal activities, while the same proportion enjoy the simple pleasures of a cosy pub with an open fire, hearty food and a local ale. 

With 50 Club campsites open over the festive season, holidaymakers can choose from a range of year-round destinations for a festive break. 

Far from being a summertime-only affair, modern caravans, motorhomes and campervans offer plenty of cold-weather comfort.  With central heating, double glazing, thermal insulation and fully equipped kitchens, today's touring vehicles can transform into cosy festive sanctuaries on wheels.  Picture twinkling fairy lights in the window, hot chocolate simmering on the hob, board games laid out and frosty countryside views right outside your door.

For those touring in a roof tent, winter touring offers a unique way to embrace the festive season, from waking up to crisp winter mornings and heading out to explore Christmas markets and light trails, to returning to warm, well-equipped campsite facilities before settling in for a cosy evening. Nearby village pubs and local restaurants provide the perfect spot for a festive lunch or hearty seasonal dinner after a day of exploring. 

Holidaymakers without their own outfit can still experience the magic through Experience Freedom, the Club’s glamping offering.  Featuring fully heated safari tents, snug cabins, and charming glamping pods across select year-round campsites, guests can enjoy all the romance of an outdoor winter retreat with the comfort and convenience of a cosy home-from-home. 

And for those looking to escape the festive crowds, more than half (56%) of Club members say they relish the chance to explore popular destinations without the crowds, adding to the appeal of winter touring as a quieter alternative to peak-season travel. 

Spotlight on Festive Campsites

• Hillhead Brixham Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite (Devon):  A South Devon base for crisp coastal walks, Christmas-lit fishing villages and hearty pub roasts, with sea views and fresh winter air on the doorstep. 
• The Sandringham Estate Club Campsite (Norfolk): Set within the Royal Estate's woodland, the campsite provides a base for exploring Norfolk's festive attractions, including the mile-long Luminate Sandringham light trail, Christmas markets and winter estate walks. 

The Magic of a Winter Touring Christmas

Andy Le Duc, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “Christmas doesn't have to mean spending days cooking, cleaning and entertaining at home. For many of our members, taking to the road offers a different kind of Christmas - waking up somewhere beautiful, getting outside for a winter walk, visiting local festive events and then returning to the warmth and comfort of their own space. With around 30% planning to use their touring vehicle over the festive period, it's clear that Christmas on the road is becoming an increasingly popular way to spend the festive season.”  

Whether it’s a quick pre-Christmas weekend getaway to visit regional artisan markets or a full festive week away for Christmas and New Year, the Club’s network of year-round campsites provides the ultimate winter backdrop.

To discover year-round campsites, explore festive glamping breaks with Experience Freedom, or book your winter escape, visit camc.com or call 01342 318 813.

 

ENDS 

 

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