- Blog
- Cheap Travel
- Quick Tips
- UK Breaks
- Posted: 14/10/2025
Your First Caravan Holiday | A Family Guide
Your First Static Caravan Holiday | A Family Guide
Before You Go on Your First Static Caravan Holiday:
Check What’s Included!
- Bedding: Some parks include bedding and towels, others don’t or charge a supplement. Check your booking to see what’s included.
- If not included, you will need sheets, pillowcases, duvet/sleeping bag and towels.
- Toiletries: Most caravans don’t provide toiletries, so be sure to pack your own.
Kitchen Essentials to Pack
Most caravans have basic equipment, but these extras will come in handy:
- Tea towels & dishcloths
- Washing up liquid
- Bin bags
- Tin foil/ cling film
- Salt, pepper & other condiments
- Cleaning spray
- Kitchen roll
- Scissors & bottle opener (not always provided)
- Sharp knife (optional as supplied items may be blunt/worn)
Tips for Food to Pack for Your First Static Caravan Holiday
- Take dinner for the first night – planning ahead for the first night means less stress feeding everyone whilst trying to unpack and explore your new surroundings.
- Bring breakfast basics including cereal, milk, tea, coffee & sugar.
- Don’t forget snacks, juice and packed lunch bits if you plan to go exploring.
- There is usually a small shop on the caravan site but prices can be high so try to shop before you go or find a local supermarket to keep costs down.
Clothing for Your First Static Caravan Holiday
- Comfortable layers for the ever changing UK weather
- Raincoats & wellies or walking boots
- Swimwear & towels
- Slippers or cozy socks – caravan mornings can be chilly!
Entertainment for Your First Static Caravan Holiday
- Board games/cards
- Books/magazines
- Bikes/scooters
- Beach toys
- Colouring books & pencils
- Dominoes
Toiletries & Cleaning for Your First Static Caravan Holiday
- Towels & Hand towels
- Toilet rolls
- Shampoo, soap, toothpaste
- Hand wash
- Antibacterial wipes/spray
- Washing powder (optional)
For the Kids:
- Nightlight
- Travel cot/bed guard (if not provided)
- Baby monitor
- High Chair (if not provided)
- Favourite toys & comforters
- Family first aid kit & calpol
Outdoor & Cxtras
- Camping chairs
- Picnic blanket
- Umbrella/parasol
- BBQ (if permitted)
- Torch
Arrival Day Tip
- Most caravans aren’t ready until 4pm so pack a picnic or plan a pub lunch nearby if you’re arriving early
- Have your booking confirmation, ID and payment cards ready for check in
- Don’t forget to pick up a parking permit/pass if required.
Now you’re good to go. The beauty of a UK caravan holiday is in it’s simplicity, so pack smart, get settled in and then go and make the most of what your park has to offer. Enjoy!
Your First Static Caravan Holiday – Overall
I hope you’ve found this guide useful! Caravan holidays can be a brilliant way to make memories on a budget, and being prepared can make all the difference,
To read an in depth review of a Parkdean Holiday Park or to view caravan holidays with our favourite providers, Parkdean and Haven, check out the links below!
RELATED ARTICLES
Keep up to date...
How many people get to say they’ve slept on a frozen lake under the northern lights?! 😮✨
These little cabins are very basic, maybe not ideal for anyone who wants luxury - but - they are on skis 😮 and each evening the owner drags you onto a frozen lake with his snow mobile. No light pollution, no noise, just pure peace (aside from the sound of occasional cracking ice, which is apparently normal 😅😆)
These cabins are with @lakeinarimobilecabins - it was a few years ago that we went. I think they get booked up quite far in advance now - but message the fella, it’s naturally cheaper to book direct 🤍
#thetravelmum #lapland #inari #familytravel #northernlights
Sep 23
How many people get to say they’ve slept on a frozen lake under the northern lights?! 😮✨
These little cabins are very basic, maybe not ideal for anyone who wants luxury - but - they are on skis 😮 and each evening the owner drags you onto a frozen lake with his snow mobile. No light pollution, no noise, just pure peace (aside from the sound of occasional cracking ice, which is apparently normal 😅😆)
These cabins are with @lakeinarimobilecabins - it was a few years ago that we went. I think they get booked up quite far in advance now - but message the fella, it’s naturally cheaper to book direct 🤍
#thetravelmum #lapland #inari #familytravel #northernlights
This is one of the best Eurocamps we’ve been to, particularly for families who love a waterpark! There are so many slides, splash areas and pools to spend the day exploring. On top of that you’re right by a beach, close to the gorgeous city of Venice and there’s even a fun fair!
If you want more information on this camp comment GUIDE and ill send you our Union lido review and guide 💛
This was a PR trip from 2025 but this post and guide were made independently as it’s one of our favourite camps ✨
#thetravelmum #familytravel #holidayideas #waterparks
Sep 22
This is one of the best Eurocamps we’ve been to, particularly for families who love a waterpark! There are so many slides, splash areas and pools to spend the day exploring. On top of that you’re right by a beach, close to the gorgeous city of Venice and there’s even a fun fair!
If you want more information on this camp comment GUIDE and ill send you our Union lido review and guide 💛
This was a PR trip from 2025 but this post and guide were made independently as it’s one of our favourite camps ✨
#thetravelmum #familytravel #holidayideas #waterparks
We’re giving away £500 this Friday! 💰💰💰
All you have to do is share your honest family experience of a hotel you’ve visited. Good or bad, we want families to know what you wish you had known before visiting!
For more information and the links to start sharing your reviews, comment WIN and I’ll send you what you need in a DM 💛
We will be doing different giveaways EVERY month, as a thank you to our community for building this incredible resource with us. Follow @familyapprovedhotels to stay in the loop!
#thetravelmum #familyapproved #familytravel
Sep 22
We’re giving away £500 this Friday! 💰💰💰
All you have to do is share your honest family experience of a hotel you’ve visited. Good or bad, we want families to know what you wish you had known before visiting!
For more information and the links to start sharing your reviews, comment WIN and I’ll send you what you need in a DM 💛
We will be doing different giveaways EVERY month, as a thank you to our community for building this incredible resource with us. Follow @familyapprovedhotels to stay in the loop!
#thetravelmum #familyapproved #familytravel
This would be a CRAZY good deal for the right family. If you want to escape to warmer weather and just CHILL, this could be perfect. There’s an indoor pool, spa, gym and you’re right by the beach. This includes all your food and drink, flights, luggage and transfers 😮
It’s during term time so this is one for the home educators or families with younger kids.
Comment DEAL and I’ll send you a link to this deal plus the link to the last minute deals page where you can find your own bargain 💛
Links we share are affiliate links - all the deals we share are from a variety of providers and are always found by us as a deal we would book ourselves.
#thetravelmum #budgettravel #cheapholidays
Sep 21
This would be a CRAZY good deal for the right family. If you want to escape to warmer weather and just CHILL, this could be perfect. There’s an indoor pool, spa, gym and you’re right by the beach. This includes all your food and drink, flights, luggage and transfers 😮
It’s during term time so this is one for the home educators or families with younger kids.
Comment DEAL and I’ll send you a link to this deal plus the link to the last minute deals page where you can find your own bargain 💛
Links we share are affiliate links - all the deals we share are from a variety of providers and are always found by us as a deal we would book ourselves.
#thetravelmum #budgettravel #cheapholidays
Unlock the perfect
Cheap holiday
Build a custom DIY trip in 30 seconds!