A guide to sustainable caravanning and camping

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In the midst of COP27, and its increasingly crucial message of reducing our global impact on the environment, we’ve rounded up some simple yet often overlooked ways that you can do your part for the environment when camping whilst still enjoying a relaxing, luxurious break. 

Reduce your plastic

This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Instead of buying pre-packaged food which uses lots of unnecessary plastic, consider preparing your food at home in sustainable packaging such as beeswax parchment paper, reusable tupperware, or even ziplock bags (you can find great recipes to prepare at home on our blog about barbeque recipes). 

Use metal or reusable water bottles and eco-friendly cutlery instead of single-use plastic ones that end up in a landfill. There is a vast array of options to choose from, many of which are cost-effective when you consider the long-term use. 

Buy sustainable charcoal alternatives

If you’re planning on having a barbeque whilst on your camping trip, consider purchasing some sustainable charcoal alternatives such as eco-friendly coals made from coconut husks, or smokeless coals that use crushed olive stones thus creating less CO2. There are lots of new varieties available in the UK, including sustainable firelighters, so it’s worth taking a look to see what would be the most suitable for your needs. 

Install solar panels 

You may have already opted for the more eco-friendly choice of buying a second hand caravan, but if you wanted to take this a step further, installing solar panels is a great way of reducing your energy usage for appliances, though it is always worth checking with the caravan park if they have any rules on this or permissions needed. You will need to shop around for a quote, but you will be provided with an accurate estimate as well as an outline of the work involved. 

Use eco-friendly products 

If you’re on a longer holiday, you may find that you want to do your laundry on-site (Coombe Caravan has a laundry room with three washing lines) then why not opt for an eco-friendly alternative to chemical detergents? Some brands offer laundry tablets that are so small you can fit them in your pocket, making them incredibly accessible as well as sustainable. You can also do the same for multi-purpose sprays and other household cleaning if you’re staying in a static caravan or your own.

Bring a bike  

Riding a bike instead of driving to nearby attractions is not only a brilliant way of taking in the local flora and fauna, but it also significantly reduces your carbon footprint. There are so many affordable options to choose from, and you’ll be getting in enough daily exercise to make up for the smores by the campfire in the evening! Again, check out your local second-hand websites to grab a bargain whilst also increasing those environmental brownie points. 

Enjoy our bee-friendly flower display

Did you know that Brian plants over 7500 bedding flowers a year? This feast of the eyes and nose is not just for people, it also attracts some critically important bees to the gardens, which aid pollination and encourage biodiversity, many of which are declining to dangerously low numbers. Bring a deck chair and a cup of tea and bask in the natural beauty that the park has to offer. 

The Spooky History Behind the New Forest

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The New Forest is one of Wiltshire’s most historical landmarks, and just a 25 minute car drive from our caravan park.

it consists of over 26,000 hectares of crown land, bringing thousands of tourists to the heart of its heathlands every year. The park is rich in history, both factual and even paranormal.

So if you’re planning a stay at Coombe Caravan Park, then we highly recommend visiting the park to discover its spooky secrets for yourself! 

William the Conqueror

In 1079, William the Conqueror created this land as a means to hunt on, naming it the ‘Nova Foresta’ (literally translated in modern day as New Forest). He then enforced a law that stopped the local community from grazing livestock, erecting fences, forage or doing any activity that would otherwise hinder William’s hunting. 

After his death, the rights of the common people were restored in the 1217 Charter of the Forest; a document sealed by King Henry III. The charter was seen as a companion to the Magna Carta, one of which rests in Salisbury Cathedral to this very day. 

Even almost 1000 years later, the New Forest still retains its historic woodlands by the means of Verderers, Agisters, and Commoners. These are forestry officials, known as the Forestry Commission, charged with maintaining the law of the forest as set by William all those years ago. 

During WW1 and WW2

In the first world war, wounded soldiers were sent to Brockenhurst to be treated in makeshift hospital beds, where many of the soldiers sadly lost their lives.

The New Forest was also crucial for the strategic operations of British, US, and Canadian troops during the second world war. Brockenhurst, once again, was used as the central location for army generals, like Eisenhower, to have their meetings in preparation for D-Day. 

More information on how the New Forest was used during the war can be found on their website.

Add An Eye of Newt

Perhaps the most alluring aspect of the New Forest is its ties with the ‘otherworldly’. It should come as no surprise that people have reported hearing high-pitched screamings bouncing off the trees of the forest, where so many soldiers lost their lives. But there are even more stories of ghosts lurking in the shadows.

It is said that Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House are two of the most haunted places in England, with ghostly sightings dating as far back as the 16th century. Witnesses remarked on the appearance of monks, and Gregorian chants echoing over the vast ruins. 

Hurst Castle is also said to be haunted by the ghost of Charles I amongst other aristocrats who haunt the rooms of Breamore House.

If ghosts aren’t enough to put a chill up your spine then perhaps the village of Burley, which is said to have a history with witchcraft, will get your attention. Where ghosts can be found at Burley Lawn as well as the ghost of a cat that hangs around the Coven of Witches shop. 

Enjoy the Not-So-Spooky 

Talking to spirits might not be your cup of tea, which is why the New Forest is rich with possibility. Take your bikes down the well-trodden cycle route, or go for a stroll amongst the beautiful flora and fauna.

With the idyllic glades being a mere 25 minute car drive from our caravan park, you’re spoilt for choice. Don’t forget to pack a hearty picnic!

Easy and Delicious Meals to Make at the Campfire

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After a long day pitching the tent and exploring your new surroundings, nothing is better than sitting down by the campfire to enjoy a hearty meal. In this article we will be sharing some delicious and unique dishes that can be made easily with just a few pre-packed ingredients.

(Remember – it’s important you store your food below 5 degrees celsius and separate dry and raw foods to avoid any contamination.) 

Pizza

This recipe doesn’t require any kneading or preparing of dough. Just take a few English muffins, cut in half, add some pizza sauce and toppings, and grate some sharp cheddar or mozzarella on top.

Pop them on the grill until the cheese has become molten and the toppings are cooked all the way through.

If you want to go luxury you can buy a premade pizza dough and place it on a cast iron skillet along with the toppings. The heat retention of the cast iron will ensure the pizza is cooked evenly throughout. 

Veggie frittata

A recipe that works best on a fire that has low embers, this frittata brings inspiration from the mediterranean straight to your camp.

Whisk together 4 eggs and add salt, pepper, and a pinch of grated nutmeg. Add some double cream to the egg mixture and pour half into the pan.

At this point you can add any veggies you like for example rocket, spinach and chives. Once it starts to set, pour the remaining egg mix in and cover with a lid for approximately 15 minutes.

Serve with fresh bread (which you can buy from our farm store) and enjoy.

Grilled fish

Another impossibly simple recipe that requires a fillet of your choosing, tin foil, and some olive oil and a lemon.

Add a glug of oil to the fish whilst placed in the foil, squeeze some lemon juice on top (add a few slices to the top if desired), sprinkle with some seasonings and wrap fully.

The fish will be ready once the inside is opaque and piping hot. Serve up with some cooked veggies or a salad for a healthy but substantial meal. 

Chicken kebab skewers

This one is even more straightforward as you can do most of the prep at home.

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes and soaking into a marinade of honey, dijon mustard, salt and pepper.

Add to a freezer bag and let it marinade in the fridge overnight. At the camp, cut some onions and pepper and assemble your skewer evenly with the marinated chicken.

You can also add baby tomatoes straight on the skewer which creates a wonderful sweetness. Cook until the chicken is opaque and the juices run clear.  

Smores

Is it even a camping trip without the fabled smores being served as dessert? The great thing about this recipe is you can use whatever you want with it.

Get two biscuits of your choice (smaller ones like oreos, rich tea, or the Border biscuits that come in a twin pack are ideal) and add a piece of chocolate in the middle.

It’s probably better to have a semi-sweet chocolate as the sweetness of the biscuit and marshmallow can be a bit overpowering.

Get your skewers ready and pop one marshmallow on top before letting it slowly cook over the open fire until brown and gooey.

Remove from the skewer using the biscuit and enjoy (maybe wait a minute for the molten marshmallow to cool down).

Cooked apples

A healthier option but one that’s equally as delicious.

Cut across the top of the apple and remove the middle so that you’ve got enough space to fill with a fruit of your choice that’s been mixed with brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Wrap the apple in some tin foil, place on a griddle on the fire and cook for 10 minutes. If this feels a bit too healthy for you, you can serve with ice-cream or cream. 

If you forget anything on your trip, or want to skip the hassle of getting dessert ready you can visit our on-site shop for a variety of freshly made cakes and bread. We also have fridges available to rent for £2/night to ensure your meat and other perishable items are stored safely and securely. 

View from a holiday home at Coombe Caravan Park

Coombe Caravan Park Awarded The AA 5 Pennant Rating

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We are delighted to announce that our caravan park has been awarded the AA 5 Pennant Rating this month.

Caravan parks and campsites across the UK are regularly inspected and assessed on a number of factors including the quality of the facilities and the level of customer service visitors are given, and Coombe Caravan came out on top!  

The very best facilities for our guests

The AA’s pennants system offers a rating between 1-5, with 5 being the highest level that can be awarded. It means that the park is of an ‘extremely high standard’ and offers beautiful surroundings and landscaping.

Our facilities and customer care are also deemed exceptional, with our toilet and washing facilities rated ‘first-class’.

Our on-site shop and camper’s kitchen were also taken into consideration when receiving the award, which isn’t surprising as we make our very own freshly baked bread and cakes on the premises. 

Offering a unique experience  

You won’t be hard pressed to find a caravan park in the UK, however Coombe Caravan offers a truly unique experience which we believe is reflected in the rating we were given.

Opened in 1981, the caravan park has seen thousands of guests come and go, many of whom enjoyed visiting the numerous local landmarks whilst appreciating the on-site landscape; with hundreds of trees and shrubs surrounding the fields to give added privacy, and over 7,500 bedding plants creating a thing of beauty that visitors to campsites don’t often encounter. 

A positive impact on the local community

Receiving this prestigious award was only made possible by the efforts of our staff as well as the continued support and custom of our guests both local and international.

By supporting local businesses, you are directly responsible for creating a welcoming community that builds upon existing local links and allows us to remain in business; especially during these unpredictable times.

Just because we have been awarded 5 pennants doesn’t mean that we believe our work ends here. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our park remains in spotless condition, and that our visitors feel catered to and safe.

We have numerous holiday homes as well as pitches available to book with everything you need to guarantee you have a memorable holiday. 

You can find out more about the AA star ratings here: https://www.theaa.com/hotel-services/ratings-and-awards 

The History of Salisbury Cathedral

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Salisbury Cathedral is arguably one of the oldest and most grand cathedrals in southwest England.

Built in the 13th century during the tenure of Bishop Richard Poore, the Anglican cathedral has become one of Wiltshire’s most well-known buildings with tourists flocking from the UK and overseas to view England’s tallest spires and expansive land. 

Artefacts worth seeing

Its unique Early English Gothic architecture includes the world’s oldest functional verge and foliot clock. It was built in the late 14th century and originally residing in the bell tower before being restored in the 1950’s and moved to the West front of the cathedral. 

The other, perhaps most significant artefact located in the cathedral is a copy of the Magna Carta, of which only four copies have remained since the early 13th century, with Salisbury Cathedral’s being the most preserved.

The Magna Carta is a royal charter of rights agreed to by King John of England at Runnymede, and served as a peace treaty between the King and rebel barons that ultimately fell through resulting in the First Barons’ War. The other copies reside at the British Library and Lincoln Cathedral. 

Interestingly, it is one of only a few cathedrals that does not have a ringing bell; with Ely and Norwich being the other two. The mediaeval clock does, however, ring the time with bells every 15 minutes. 

Breathtaking views

As mentioned, Salisbury Cathedral has the largest cathedral close in the UK at 80 acres.

The close includes Sarum College – a centre for theological studies up to postgraduate level, The Salisbury Museum, Arundells, Mompesson House (as featured in the film Sense and Sensibility), and an array of cafes and eateries to be enjoyed en route. 

There are guided tours as well as self-guided walks for the more spontaneous travellers. Information on these can be found on the National Trust’s website. 

These beautiful views were also appreciated by Suffolk artist John Constable, who was commissioned by the Bishop of Salisbury to paint the cathedral in the early 19th century.

If you look closely, you will see the painting also includes the bishop and his wife in the bottom left corner to mark Constable’s respect and appreciation. 

Salisbury Cathedral present-day

The cathedral is a living church which means that services, weddings, and concerts still occur regularly.

Visitors to the cathedral can book a tower tour that offers panoramic views across Salisbury and the water meadows, as well as an aerial view of the inside of the cathedral.

It is approximately 5 miles away from our caravan park, and 9 miles from Stonehenge if you wanted to do two trips in one day. 

A beginner’s guide on what to pack and bring with you on a camping holiday

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Perhaps you’ve just bought your first caravan and are ready to embark on an exciting holiday, or maybe you want to relax in a static caravan or become one with nature by sleeping in a tent.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a family going on their biannual holiday, it’s important to know what to pack as well as some key considerations to make, resulting in you saving you time and money.

Keep your motorhome safe

If you’ve chosen to travel in a motorhome then, regardless of where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to take out travel insurance to keep you and your vehicle safe.

If you tow your caravan behind your car then you can take out something called ‘touring caravan insurance’. This means that you are covered for any damage that occurs to your caravan specifically whilst in tow. If you own a static caravan then you may have to buy static caravan insurance as part of the conditions of keeping it in a park.

It is important to note that you must take out motorhome insurance – this is not optional, and you will be breaking the law if you do not have a valid policy.

Think of it like car insurance where you can purchase either third party, third party and theft, or fully comprehensive insurance. The difference is a motorhome obliges the owner with accommodation and cooking/washing facilities so there are more things to consider when taking out a policy.

Pack securely

If you are driving a motorhome, you’ll want to ensure your belongings are stored securely so you don’t have to deal with falling debris mid-drive. Pack the heaviest items above the axle, whilst lighter objects like clothing can be stored in cabinets or, ideally, on the floor for safety.

As you’ve likely already got the bed, TV, and kitchen covered, the most important things to remember to pack for your motorhome holiday are toothpaste/toothbrushes, chargers and batteries, sun protection, and plenty of clothing.

If you’re staying in a static caravan, or camping in the wild and travelling by car or public transport then this of course won’t be an issue. However, it is recommended to buy a hiking rucksack (if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking) to ensure an even distribution of weight across your back to avoid any physical injury

A checklist for campers

Here’s a quick guide on what to take with you on your camping trip:

Tent
Tent pegs (you can also buy from our on-site shop)
Sleeping bag/mat
Towels
Mallet
Torch
Air pump
Batteries
Insect repellent
Toothbrush/toothpaste (available in our shop)
Kitchen cutlery and crockery
Tin and bottle opener

This list is non-exhaustive, however if you’d like to know more about what we have available at our on-site shop, you can contact us at enquiries@coombecaravanpark.co.uk or visit https://www.coombecaravanpark.co.uk/caravans-and-camping/

Take the pressure off

Organising a holiday can be a stressful time for individuals and families alike, so to take the stress out of planning and packing, why not book a static holiday home for your next break?

At Coombe Caravan, all of our static homes feature a fully fitted kitchen, bed linen and tea towels, a TV, and also a hi-fi to kick back and listen to some relaxing tunes.

Our on-site convenience shop stocks freshly baked bread and means no panicking because you forgot to pack a toothbrush or the tea!

We also provide a ‘Camper’s Kitchen’ where campers can use the electric hobs (on a £1 meter), microwave, and sink to prepare food in the event the weather decides to take a turn.

Our toilet block provides clean toilets and free showers and hair dryers. There are two private bathrooms for disabled customers to use.

Our barbeque area offers space for lunch and evening meals with plenty of covered seating for those bad weather days.

It can be difficult to remember everything you need to take with you on your next trip, and hopefully this short guide has given you some pointers on what to do once you’ve booked your trip. If you have any questions about pitching a tent or hiring space for your motorhome, then feel free to contact us on enquiries@coombecaravanpark.co.uk . We look forward to welcoming you to our park!

A Tourist’s Guide to Stonehenge

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It is argued that Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the UK. With over a million tourists flocking both nationally and internationally each year, the site, which is located in Salisbury Plain (10.5 miles/19 min drive from our caravan park), has been at the centre of both historical fact and conspiracy theories alike. But what is it about this particular structure that has created so much mystery and intrigue?

The history of Stonehenge

Stonehenge is thought to have been created some 5000 years ago in the Neolithic period, which saw the final stage of the Stone Age before moving to the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age. It comprises roughly 100 slabs of stone laid out in a circular pattern and what is really interesting is that some of the stones were made of dolerite bluestone, which was found to have originated in Wales, implying that the monument was in fact built in several phases. After all, how else would they have been able to shift tons of stone over 200 miles away?

Conspiracies about Stonehenge

Conspiracy theories ranged from old folklore which claimed Stonehenge was built by Merlin (yes King Arthur, Sword in the Stone Merlin), who magically transported the stones to Salisbury, to modern day theories of it being a landing site for alien spacecraft.

It’s clear that theorists fall into one of two categories; they either believe it to be a holy site or they believe that it was one of the first instances of a scientific observatory. Evidence suggests that Stonehenge was used not only as a burial ground, but also as a ceremonial site or a religious pilgrimage destination.

The formation of the stones

The formation of the stones also bears significance, with many historians and astronomers believing that it could have served as an astronomical calendar, though critics argued that our cloudy British skies would have made it fairly challenging to see much of anything!

And so, it seems that we have reached an impasse between the different theories surrounding Stonehenge and how it came to be. What can’t be argued is the sheer magnificence and scale of the monument, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Wiltshire plains.

Stay with us when you visit!

If you’d like to visit Stonehenge to see the archeological mysteries for yourself, but aren’t sure where to stay, we offer sites to pitch your tent or motorhome, as well as static caravans with all the technology and amenities that you could need for your stay. Contact us at enquiries@coombecaravanpark.co.uk or visit https://www.coombecaravanpark.co.uk/caravans-and-camping/

View from a motorhome at Coomb Caravan Park

The benefits of using a caravan for your next holiday

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In 2020 the number of overseas visits by UK residents was the lowest it had ever been since 1985. The pandemic forced holiday goers to rethink their plans and look closer to home for their much-needed rest and relaxation. 

With camping and caravanning holidays already on the up and many venues being fully booked months in advance, we’ve compiled the top benefits of using a caravan for your next holiday!

1. Less stress

We all know that feeling of booking the perfect holiday only to find you have to fork out additional fees on things like baggage, and earlier flight times. You rush to the airport making sure you’ve remembered to bring all the passports, paperwork, and children (!) Then when you arrive it’s sticking to the itinerary, dealing with the language barrier, and choosing the right places to eat where you won’t get price gouged. 

When you choose a caravan holiday you get flexibility on when you want to check in with no passports or extra paperwork required.  

2. Be amongst nature

Coombe Caravan offers the most beautiful views in all of Wiltshire. Visit nearby attractions like Stonehenge and The New Forest to get completely lost in nature and give your mental health a recharge.

Brian also plants over 7,500 bedding plants in the park each year to make it even more vibrant – perfect for when you want to while away the evening reclined on a chair, sipping wine and taking in the glorious display.

3. Greener

We are becoming increasingly aware of how our travelling habits can have an impact on the climate. By choosing to have your holiday in the UK, you’re massively reducing your carbon footprint that would otherwise be present when flying on a commercial plane which accounts for over 10% of all transport emissions.

In fact, saving on that one flight is the equivalent of 336 cars driving from Heathrow to Edinburgh, so you needn’t worry about the impact driving your caravan has for the environment!

4. Support your local business

There are so many benefits to supporting local businesses. For one, it has a positive impact within the community, creating a stronger bond between guests and local residents alike.

You also get the added benefit of the local knowledge on all the best spots to eat and lesser-known attractions to visit. Perfect if you’re in the mood for a spontaneous adventure without the fear of getting lost. 

What’s more, over 90% of caravans sold in the UK were in fact built in the UK which means you’re not only supporting local businesses, but also supporting the British workforce as well

5. Much needed family time

Finally, and most importantly, you’ll benefit from enjoying quality family time with your loved ones. Coombe Caravan is dog-friendly, which means you can even bring your most beloved pooch with you instead of forking out even more money to have them holed up in a kennel. 

The mental and physical benefits of bonding with your loved ones is plain to see and being within nature will elevate your mood, increase confidence, and create long-lasting memories that would otherwise be missed in the frenzy of a holiday abroad. 


Whether you’ve just bought your first caravan and are itching to arrange your first UK holiday, or you’re a seasoned staycationer but haven’t visited Wiltshire or the Dorset coast, Coombe Caravan welcomes you to our park.

Please get in touch to book a pitch or alternatively you can view our prices for camping and caravan pitches.