Festive freedom: Magical caravan and motorhome Christmas getaways

There’s something truly magical about spending Christmas on the open road, while others are battling crowded airports and train stations, you could be winding your way through frosty countryside lanes, fairy lights twinkling on your dashboard and the promise of mulled wine waiting at your next stop.

Touring at Christmas means bringing your home comforts along - your favourite blanket, your own bedding, and the freedom to celebrate Christmas your way. Whether you dream of browsing glittering Christmas markets in historic cities, waking up beside a snowy lake, or toasting marshmallows under a starlit sky, travelling by caravan, campervan or motorhome makes it all possible.

York

You’ll find the heart of York’s Christmas celebrations on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, as they transform into a festive market village with alpine chalets selling handcrafted gifts, local produce, and seasonal treats.

Take a well-earned rest and warm up by the fire in one of the Thor’s Tipi bars - situated at the Museum Gardens and The Milner Hotel Gardens (was Principal Hotel) to enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine. From Christmas afternoon tea at The Grand to festive street food in Shambles Market, York is packed with places to indulge.

York Minster’s Advent and Christmas Programme for 2025 includes festive workshops, carol concerts, traditional services, choir performances and the popular Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Staying at one of the city’s nearby caravan parks gives you the flexibility to explore the medieval walls, York Minster, and the famous Shambles without worrying about hotel schedules.

Lake District

The Lake District offers a tranquil and atmospheric Christmas escape - think snow-dusted hills, roaring log fires in country pubs, and serene lakeside views. Touring by caravan or motorhome gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, from bustling Ambleside to quiet corners like Ullswater or Buttermere.

The Keswick Victorian Fayre (usually on the first Sunday of December) is a charming festive fair with carols, crafts, live entertainment, children’s funfair and local food stalls. Space in the town centre usually fills quickly, if you’re travelling in a campervan or motorhome, check ahead for suitable parking.

Winter walks are aplenty, you can enjoy crisp hikes around Derwentwater or a snowy stroll up Orrest Head for sweeping lake views. Few places are better suited to caravan or motorhome travel than the Lake District, with its stunning scenery, welcoming campsites, and endless opportunities to explore at your own pace.

Edinburgh

Few places match Edinburgh for atmosphere at Christmas, from dazzling lights and music to the famous Hogmanay fireworks, it’s a brilliant mix of tradition and celebration, and staying in your motorhome or caravan keeps costs manageable in an expensive city.

The Edinburgh Christmas Market runs from November through to January, as Princes Street Gardens transform into a festive village with rides, markets and mulled wine. Don’t forget to ride the Ferris wheel to enjoy great views of the castle and city lights.

The Hogmanay Celebrations is an iconic New Year street party and torchlight procession, and Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are magical under Christmas lights - ideal for daytime exploring.

The convenience of touring means you can easily continue into the Scottish Highlands afterward, a trip in your motorhome or caravan to Edinburgh combines cultural richness with scenic beauty.

Manchester

Manchester has one of the UK’s biggest and best Christmas markets, spread across multiple squares and bursting with energy. They open mid-November and run to late December and host over 200 stalls across Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, and Cathedral Gardens. A new addition for 2025 is a 50‑metre high Ferris wheel in Albert Square providing panoramic views of the city centre.

The Skate Manchester at Cathedral Gardens is a popular covered outdoor ice rink with festive music. Christmas at Tatton Park is worth a visit, with magical illuminated gardens and Santa’s grotto nearby. The Trafford Centre’s Winter Wonderland is family fun with fairground rides and Santa’s grotto - the prefect break from your Christmas shopping.

With your motorhome or caravan as a cosy base, you can also explore the nearby Pennines or Peak District for additional day trips - the best of both city and countryside from one mobile home.

Bath

Bath oozes festive charm, from the quaint wooden chalets of the Bath Christmas Market to the historic backdrop of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, the welcoming atmosphere make it one of Britain’s most elegant Christmas cities.

The Bath Christmas Market kicks off mid-November and runs through December and hosts over 150 chalets lining Abbey Churchyard and Roman Baths, offering artisan goods, handmade jewellery, personalised decorations, and seasonal crafts.

The Bath Abbey carol services are a highlight of the festive season, combining rich tradition, uplifting music and a majestic setting. Not to be missed is the Thermae Bath Spa, soak in the rooftop open‑air pool with panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills.

Bath offers several motorhome-friendly sites and car parks that cater to larger vehicles. Many provide hook-ups, water refill, and waste disposal, giving you all the convenience of a campsite while staying near the heart of the city.

London

London at Christmas is a pure spectacle, with Christmas trees, ice rinks, markets, iconic department store windows and light displays that stretch across shopping streets, historic squares and neighbourhoods.

The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the UK’s largest seasonal attractions, opening from November to January and offers a huge Christmas market, rides & fairground attractions, the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, themed bars, food zones and entertainment shows.

From taking in the Covent Garden and Oxford Street lights whilst Christmas shopping to Christmas at Kew Gardens, a stunning illuminated trail through the botanic gardens. Battersea Power Station is transformed into one of London’s most festive destinations with dazzling decorations, an ice‑skating rink, Christmas markets, festive dining and unique shopping experiences.

During Christmas, London can be crowded and accommodation is booked out in advance, staying in a motorhome or campervan gives you flexibility to move, pick quieter locations, and gives you freedom from the high costs of inner-city accommodation.

Europe (if going abroad)

Taking a trip from the UK to European Christmas markets in a motorhome or caravan can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering flexibility, comfort, and a sense of adventure that traditional travel can’t match.

Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, France proudly wears the title of “Capitale de Noël” (Capital of Christmas) for its famous Christmas market that dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe.

The iconic Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany is one of the most famous and traditional Christmas markets in Europe, and pairing this market with nearby Bavarian towns would make a great winter road trip.

Bruges in Belgium transforms into a genuine winter wonderland during the festive season as the city’s medieval architecture, winding canals and cobbled streets host two major Christmas markets. You’ll find one at the main square (Grote Markt) and another at Simon Stevinplein, each offering a slightly different flavour of festivity.

The flexibility lets you chase the best markets, enjoy local traditions, and even bring back treats and decorations, all while travelling in comfort and saving on accommodation costs.

Tips for a smooth festive trip

In the run-up to Christmas, parks and campsites located in some of the more popular destinations such as London or York can fill up fast so try and book your spot well in advance. Many parks close or have limited spaces over the holidays so check winter opening times, and also confirm if electric hook-ups and water points are available.

Always watch the weather and road conditions, areas like the moors can be spectacular but changeable so keep an eye on forecasts so you don’t get caught out. Where possible, plan alternative routes in case of snow or flooding.

Plan for shorter days, where possible start driving earlier, and arrive before dark. Double-check your insurance covers winter travel and you have adequate breakdown assistance.

As always with any touring trip, check tyre tread and pressure, including the spare. Top up antifreeze and screen wash rated for low temperatures. Test your heating system before you set off and consider taking a spare gas bottle or fuel for heaters. Ensure your leisure battery is fully charged as cold weather can reduce capacity.

Drive safely and allow extra stopping distance on icy or wet roads, and try to avoid sudden braking or acceleration especially when towing.

Finally, don’t forget to pack the mulled wine to heat up on the hob!

Why winter is the perfect time to hit the road

Winter touring brings a calmness that’s hard to find in peak season. Most campsites are quieter, roads are less busy, and even the most popular destinations feel more personal.

Travelling in the off-season can often mean lower pitch fees, discounted ferry crossings, and deals on attractions. You can explore more for less, freeing up your budget for those extra little treats, like a nice meal out or a festive market visit.

Modern caravans and motorhomes are built for all seasons, with excellent insulation and efficient heating systems, there’s something wonderfully cosy about being tucked up inside with a warm drink while the world outside is covered in frost or snow.

Winter transforms familiar landscapes into something truly magical. Picture snow-capped hills, still lakes reflecting pale skies, and forests glistening with morning frost. Whether you’re into photography, walking, or just relaxing, the views are hard to beat.

With some forward planning, your caravan or motorhome can be the perfect festive getaway - complete with freedom, comfort, and maybe even a dusting of snow. Safe travels and Merry Christmas from everyone at Swift.