Winter caravanning can be a magical experience. Crisp mornings, quiet campsites and uninterrupted views are just some of the rewards, but cold snaps and damp conditions can quickly turn a trip sour if your caravan isn’t properly prepared.
Caravan winter preparation protects against frost damage and moisture and makes sure you’re warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.
In this guide you’ll learn how to winterise your caravan using simple, practical steps. We’ll also share why our Norfolk caravan park is an ideal base for winter stays, with pitches from just £24 per night (including electricity) and generous seasonal pass discounts.
Check your heating system
Your heating system is the heart of a cosy caravan. Before the temperature drops, give your built‑in heating a thorough check and have your boiler serviced. Modern caravans use blown‑air or wet radiator systems, and both need regular inspection to keep them efficient. If your caravan doesn’t have heating or you’re looking for extra warmth, portable heaters can make a big difference. Ceramic and fan heaters provide instant heat, although fans can be noisy, while oil‑filled radiators and oil‑free heaters are safe, quiet choices that retain heat well. Because gas appliances emit carbon monoxide, fit a carbon monoxide alarm and test it regularly. You can add further warmth by using thermal curtains, extra rugs and draught excluders — small items that dramatically reduce heat loss.
Protect against condensation and damp
Condensation builds up when warm air meets cold surfaces; in a caravan that often means windows, walls and hidden corners. Left unchecked, it can lead to mould and unpleasant smells. Keep roof and floor vents clear so that air can flow around the van, and leave locker and wardrobe doors open to let air circulate. Moisture traps or a small dehumidifier can capture excess humidity, but you should still wipe down windows and walls each morning to remove condensation. The Camping and Caravanning Club warns that mould thrives in dark, undisturbed, damp places and recommends regular inspections for damp. Good ventilation paired with vigilance is the simplest way to prevent problems.
Insulate your caravan
Even if your caravan is relatively new, a few extra insulating touches can make it much warmer. Thermal curtains or blinds reduce heat loss through windows, while draught excluders around doors and awnings create an airlock that keeps cold air out. Sealing joints around windows, doors and skylights with weather‑proof tape or caulking stops cold drafts. Thick rugs or carpets on the floor add another layer of insulation and feel cosy underfoot. These are all affordable, do‑it‑yourself improvements that pay off quickly during a long winter stay.
Look after your water system
Water expands when it freezes, so any liquid left in pipes or tanks can cause splits or cracked fittings. Draining down is “the best form of protection from frost damage,” according to the Camping and Caravanning Club. Open all taps (set mixer taps to the middle so both hot and cold pipes drain) and remove the shower head. Open all drain valves and remove any drainage plugs, including those on external heaters or tanks. If your caravan has an on‑board water pump, run it briefly to clear remaining water. Portable water containers should also be drained and dried. These steps take time, but they prevent expensive repairs and are essential for preparing a caravan for winter.
Prepare your gas and electricity supply
Gas cylinders and electrical systems need attention too. Check bottles and regulators for leaks or damage and ensure you know how to shut off the gas quickly in an emergency. Inspect electrical hook‑up cables and make sure all appliances are switched off when not in use. The Camping and Caravanning Club notes that hooking up to a 230‑V electricity supply allows you to power the heating occasionally and keep batteries charged during long storage periods. If the battery stays in the caravan, isolate it from all 12‑V equipment or remove plugs completely. For extra peace of mind, remove the battery and charge it at home. Checking these systems before winter ensures your caravan remains safe and functional all season.
Make it cosy
Winter caravanning isn’t just about preventing problems, it’s about enjoying the season. Soft furnishings, throws and thick bedding make a big difference on cold nights. Fairy lights or battery‑powered lanterns create a warm glow inside. Cooking hearty meals, like soups or stews, fills the van with comforting aromas and heat. When you’re well prepared, winter caravanning can feel like glamping: a comfortable retreat with the countryside right outside your door.
Local winter attractions in Norfolk
If you’re staying in Norfolk, there’s plenty to see and do between October and February. Horsey Gap is home to one of the UK’s largest and most accessible grey seal colonies. Over 3,000 seal pups were born along this stretch of coast in the 2024/2025 season, and seals give birth from late October to early February. During the breeding season you can watch hundreds of seals from roped‑off viewing platforms without disturbing them, creating a memorable wildlife experience.
Nearby Great Yarmouth offers peaceful beach walks and bracing sea air once the summer crowds have gone. In December, Canterbury’s Christmas Market becomes the biggest in Kent: more than 120 wooden huts fill three locations, from Whitefriars Shopping Centre to the Cathedral Precincts, and there are festive highlights like Santa’s Grotto, live music, VR sleigh rides and marshmallow toasting. Combine your winter caravan break with local events, from seal‑watching and beach walks to Christmas shopping and mulled wine under twinkling lights.
Conclusion and call to action
Properly winterising your caravan makes all the difference to your holiday. Regular servicing of your heating system, draining down the water, ensuring good ventilation, adding insulation and checking gas and electrics will keep you warm, dry and safe.
A few homey touches can transform a caravan into a cosy retreat, and Norfolk’s wildlife and festive events provide plenty of reasons to get away in the colder months. Our adults‑only park offers winter pitches from just £24 per night (including electricity) and seasonal passes with tiered discounts — the first two bookings get 30% off, the next two 20%, and the last two 10%, all backed by a free two‑night trial. Book now and discover how peaceful and magical winter caravanning can be.