Caravanners and motorhomers can enjoy not only some of the most spectacular scenery and the best roads in the world, but also some of the best clubs and caravan rallies right here, in the UK. While some require you to have particular models or makes of motorhomes and caravans, others will accept any type of unit and welcome you wholeheartedly in their midst, offering every amenity imaginable for a small fee.
Caravanners are used to the idea of getting together for a motor show every now and then, but that's not where the fun is. If you, too, would like to mingle with like-minded caravan enthusiasts in a friendly atmosphere and in a setting different from those of salesy motorhome shows in 2017, here are some of the most popular caravan rallies in the country:
York Fun RallyThe
York Rally is due to be held on 24-25 June in Knavesmire York, and it promises rides and activities for the whole family. A cyclist's get-together, this event is almost entirely free, with cyclo-cross races, go-ride skills circuit, cycling church service, trade show and cycle auction. There's live music throughout, a free campsite and various motorist pitches for caravans and motorhomes. As caravan rallies go, it's more child-oriented, and parents are welcome to volunteer. There is a photo competition every year, and parents can spend their day bragging about their child at the licenced bar found on the premises.
The Lincolnshire Steam and Vintage RallyHeld in August, the
Lincolnshire Steam and Vintage Rally is a fantastic opportunity for caravanners to meet near Lincoln for its 32nd year, knowing that their money will go to several charities in the area. There will be a refreshments bar and over 1,500 fairground rides and exhibits, including vintage tractors and engines, miniatures, recovery trucks, international lorries, and vintage merry-go-rounds. The car park is free to use, which is not something you see often at motorhome rallies.
Chester Rally EasterMembers of the Caravan Club UK can enjoy various events across the country, one of which is Easter at Shays in Little Budworth. A heated marquee will be made available for attendees and the various social activities organized for them, and there will be a Bonnet Parade, an egg hunt, lawn games, and hot supper every day between April 13 and 17. Caravan rallies don't get much more fun than this.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta RallyThe largest balloon enthusiast meeting in Europe, the
Bristol Balloon Fiesta Rally is a fantastic opportunity to soak up the sun, enjoy some fairground rides, shop at the myriads of trade stands, and feast your eyes on some of the largest and most colourful hot air balloons in the world. This rally stretches across four days, August 10 through 13, and spectacular night glow and fireworks displays will be put together in the evening for your viewing pleasure. Its gates are open to all visitors, and there's only a small fee to pay for parking. It's one of those caravan rallies 2017 conjured up to take your mind and eyes away from the road and unto the skies.
Dorset Fun RallyThe
Dorset County Show will be taking place on September 2 and 3 in the year 2017. If this year's show is anything like its 175th anniversary edition last year, then you can expect to see show jumping, scurry driving, vintage tractors, terrier racing, hound parades, sheep dog displays, cookery demonstrations, horse shows, cow competitions, sheep shearing and a host of other scheduled exhibits. If you like your motorhome rallies to be country-themed, then this is the place to go.
V FestivalV Festival is due to take place between August 19 and 20 this year in the Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in South Staffordshire, as it has every August since 1996. Aside from being one of the biggest music festivals in the country, it's also a place where campervan and caravan owners come together in their hundreds. But it's not like the other caravan rallies 2017 will have in store for you. As it's a parkland rather than a campsite, there are no electricity points. It shouldn't be too much of a problem, though, since you're likely to spend most of your time away from the caravan and in front of the stage, where all the action is.
