Winter Motorhome Adventures

There is a widespread belief that motorhome holidays are strictly a summer affair — that once the clocks go back and the temperature drops, the motorhome should be tucked away until spring. We could not disagree more. At Heath's Motorhome Hire in Pontefract, we hire motorhomes throughout the year, and some of our most enthusiastic customers are the ones who head out in the depths of winter. The British countryside in the colder months has a beauty all of its own, and a well-equipped motorhome is a surprisingly cosy base from which to explore it.

Our motorhomes come fitted with efficient blown-air heating systems that keep the interior warm even on the coldest nights. You control the temperature from a panel in the living area, and the system distributes heat evenly throughout the vehicle — including the bathroom and the sleeping areas. On a frosty January morning, you can wake up in a warm motorhome, make a hot cup of tea in the kitchen, and watch the sunrise through windows that are clear while the world outside is white with frost. It is a deeply satisfying experience, and one that tent campers and caravan owners without central heating can only envy.

The hot water system operates independently of mains electricity, so you have hot water for washing and showering regardless of whether you are connected to a campsite hook-up. The gas supply that powers the heating, the cooker, and the hot water system is more than adequate for winter use, though we recommend keeping an eye on the gauge during longer trips and refilling if necessary. We will show you how to manage all of these systems during our handover, and the controls are straightforward once you have been through them once.

Winter landscapes in Northern England are spectacular. The Yorkshire Dales under snow are staggeringly beautiful — the limestone pavements dusted white, the dry stone walls creating geometric patterns across the hillsides, and the waterfalls frozen into curtains of ice. Malham Cove in winter, with icicles hanging from the cliff face and the surrounding fields blanketed in white, is a sight that stops you in your tracks. The walking is quieter too — the summer crowds have gone, and you may have entire valleys to yourself.

The North York Moors in winter offer a different atmosphere entirely. The heather has faded to brown and bronze, the skies are vast and dramatic, and the coast takes on a wild, elemental quality. Whitby in winter is arguably more atmospheric than in summer — the abbey ruins silhouetted against stormy skies, the harbour lashed by waves, and the cobbled streets quieter and more contemplative. The fish and chips taste better too, eaten in the warm glow of the motorhome while rain hammers on the roof.

The Peak District is superb winter walking territory. Kinder Scout and Bleaklow, the high moorland plateaux above the Hope Valley, are challenging in winter conditions and should only be attempted by experienced walkers with proper equipment. But the lower routes — the Monsal Trail, the walks around Dovedale and the Manifold Valley, and the paths through Padley Gorge — are beautiful in winter and accessible to most levels of fitness. The gritstone edges above Hathersage and Curbar catch the low winter sun in ways that photographers find irresistible.

Christmas and New Year are increasingly popular times for motorhome hire. Many of our customers use a motorhome to visit family over the festive period, providing comfortable, self-contained accommodation without imposing on the host household. Others use the Christmas break as an opportunity for a proper winter adventure — heading to the Lake District for frost-hardened fell walks, or north to Scotland for Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh. Some campsites offer special festive packages, with communal meals, carol singing, and decorated pitches that create a wonderfully festive atmosphere.

A few practical considerations for winter motorhome travel are worth noting. The days are shorter, so plan your driving for daylight hours when possible. Road conditions in the Dales and Moors can be challenging in snow and ice, so check forecasts and carry appropriate equipment. Keep the fresh water tank from freezing by using the motorhome's frost protection features — we will explain these during your handover. And dress in layers, because the temperature difference between a heated motorhome and the outdoors can be significant.

Campsite availability in winter is more limited than in summer, as some seasonal sites close for the colder months. However, many excellent sites operate year-round, and the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club both maintain networks of sites that stay open throughout the winter. With fewer visitors on site, you often get the pick of the pitches — including the ones with the best views.

Winter motorhome travel is not for everyone, but for those who embrace it, the rewards are immense. The landscapes are at their most dramatic, the crowds are absent, and the contrast between the wild outdoors and the warm interior of a well-heated motorhome is deeply satisfying. If you have only ever considered a summer motorhome holiday, we would encourage you to try a winter break — you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.