Static caravan holidays go hand in hand with long, family walks but we all know it’s hard to find the motivation during the cold winter months.
We know we’ll love a winter walk once we get out, but actually getting out the door is a different matter. Caravans are so cosy in the winter and the idea of dragging everyone out can feel like a mission. It’s cold, it’s damp and the sofa is calling…
Still, we all know that once you do get out, it’s wonderful.
Here’s everything you need to make those winter walks actually happen, without tears, tantrums or frozen toes!
CALL IT AN ADVENTURE
When you say the words ‘let’s go for a walk’ children (and some adults!) can look at you like you’ve just suggested homework. But if you can reframe it as a mission, a hunt or an adventure and suddenly they’re scrambling for their coats.
Keep goals realistic. You don’t have to march everyone on a three-hour hike as sometimes a twenty-minute stroll around the park or down to the beach is more than enough.
Celebrate the little wins here. If you’ve made it out in the cold, you’ve already succeeded!
…Winter walks during caravan holidays aren’t about distance, speed, or Instagram-worthy photos. They’re about togetherness as a family…
WRAP UP RIGHT
The saying ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’ seriously applies to a winter walk.
Layers are your best friend. Start with a thermal base layer (long-sleeved tops and leggings), then add a cosy jumper or fleece and a warm and waterproof coat. Water proof trousers are always a bonus too.
You’ll need wellies or waterproof boots and don’t underestimate the importance of good socks!
For the kids, mittens on clips are a lifesaver as well as hats that cover ears and snoods instead of scarves (safer and easier). For younger children, I really like an all-in-one snowsuit for ease and warmth.
Tip: Mountain Warehouse is a great place for affordable outdoors clothes at great prices.
…Keep goals realistic. You don’t have to march everyone on a three-hour hike…
LITTLE LUXURIES THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Sometimes, it’s the smallest comforts that turn “I’m cold, I want to go home” into “can we go further?”
• Hand warmers: Pop a couple in your pockets and suddenly winter feels manageable.
• Thermos treats: There’s nothing quite like sipping hot chocolate halfway through a walk. A flask of soup, mulled apple juice, or even just warm squash can be a pick-me-up when energy levels drop.
• Snacks: Pack flapjacks, dried fruit and biscuits to keep everyone going. Snacks don’t just fill you up when you get hungry, they’re the ultimate distraction for tired legs!
GADGETS AND GEAR TO KEEP SPIRITS UP
You don’t need to spend a fortune on kit, but a few clever extras can make winter walking a lot smoother:
• Head torches or lanterns: With shorter days, even late-afternoon walks can feel adventurous if everyone has a light. Kids love the novelty and it’s safer if you end up being out a bit longer than expected!
• Walking poles: Grown-ups might use them for support to make walking on slippery paths easier, but kids see them as explorer sticks. Instant fun.
• Wood fuelled camping stove:
Something my family love is a Kelly Kettle. It’s a portable stove fuelled by sticks, bark and pine cones which you can collect during your walk. You then light a small fire in the stove to boil water, toast marshmallows or even cook some sausages!
APPS TO KEEP YOU GOING
I’d love to leave screentime in the caravan but, you have to admit, these apps definitely make walks more fun and interactive.
• AllTrails: AllTrails is my favourite app to find new walks and use it for navigation and kids love to be in charge of navigating!
• Geocaching: Geocaching is a great app for family walks. It turns a normal walk into a treasure hunt as you hide and seek containers called geocaches. It’s like a modern day treasure hunt with GPS. Geocaches have a logbook inside that you can sign to prove you found it and some caches even have treasures inside!
• Birdwatching: Birdwatching apps to help identify calls and species can turn your stroll into a real nature lesson
• Plant identification apps: The plant and tree lovers will enjoy using Picture This to identify unknown plants during your walk.
• Star gazing apps: If it’s a night-time stroll I love a stargazing app to identify the stars, planets, constellations, satellites, galaxies and comets!
MAKING IT FUN FOR KIDS
The best way to keep children walking is to keep their minds busy. A few simple tricks work wonders:
• Scavenger hunts: Make a quick list before you leave with something spiky, something round, something red etc and let the kids tick them off.
• Nature bingo: Print a sheet of winter wildlife (robin, pine cone, squirrel) or save it onto your phone and see how many you can spot.
• Binoculars: Even a cheap pair makes kids feel like mini explorers. Who can spot the first bird’s nest or distant lighthouse?
WARMING UP AFTERWARDS
The real reward for a winter walk is the cosy return to your caravan. Make the “coming back” part of the tradition:
• Hot chocolates and a movie are always a favourite in our caravan.
• Have blankets ready to wrap around cold shoulders.
• Pop a stew or curry in the slow cooker before you head out, so the whole caravan smells amazing when you return.
ARE YOU READY FOR A WINTER WALK?
Winter walks during caravan holidays aren’t about distance, speed, or Instagram-worthy photos. They’re about togetherness as a family; laughing at slipping in the mud, sharing a flask of hot chocolate, spotting a robin on a frosty branch.
Yes, it takes effort to bundle everyone up and head outside when the sofa looks tempting. But those walks create the kind of family stories that get retold for years. With the right gear, some fun distractions, and a bit of planned magic, winter walks can become the best part of your static caravan holidays.
So grab those boots, fill the flask, and make it happen, you’ll be glad you did.
