Comfort is also important, and that was the rationale behind our first caravan purchase. Not having to erect a tent was a huge bonus (especially in the rain), and the combination of a comfortable bed, shower, kitchen, and heating is essential when pursuing hobbies across the UK and beyond.

Technology helps, too, as having an online presence is becoming increasingly important for many hobbyists. Fitted Wi-Fi systems allow 24/7 access to the internet, and should you find yourself miles from the neared electric hook-up point, solar panels and lithium leisure batteries will enable you to extend your stay. And should you have a sense of direction as poor as mine, a sat nav can be preprogramed with your destination details, plus the length, width, height, and weight of your leisure vehicle.

Each weekend, caravanners cross the length and breadth of the UK to enjoy numerous hobbies, from dog agility and cycling, to water sports and motorsports. The following is a brief list of hobbies and activities we’ve enjoyed as a family. I’ve also listed relevant campsites and organisations should you wish to try a particular hobby.

I was nine years old and clearly remember being taught how to ride a motorcycle. This feeling has never left me, and before writing for various caravan-related titles, I used to write for several motorcycle magazines. Bikes remain a big part of me, and as I tow the Bailey Phoenix GT75 762 caravan with a Vito, I often take motorcycles with me.

One such trip was to Belgium, where an event for pre-1940s bikes promised to turn back time at a castle neat Gent. Another saw Charlie & I in Normandy, cruising between the landing beaches on a 1944 ex-War Department Despatch Rider’s motorcycle.

I’ve enjoyed many motorcycling weekends with numerous clubs and organisations. If you have a motorcycle and want to see what events are available, the VJMC and the VMCC are great places to start. Both clubs have local and national events, with some offering basic campsite facilities.

Being a bulldog, our dog, Max, is neither fit nor light of foot, so the world of dog agility remains undiscovered. However, I live close to a venue in Dorset that holds many agility events, all of which are incredibly well-attended.

The agility course is a work of art and seems to tire out the owners more than the dogs. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that caravans are a popular addition to the dog agility scene, as a spot of rest and relaxation is a must between competitions.

The showground is packed with caravans, many of which are towed by VW Transporters, Mercedes Vitos, and SUVs that have plenty of room for dog crates.

The Kennel Club is a great place to begin your dog agility journey.

On a surfboard, I have all the grace of Bambi on ice. Over the years, we’ve had many surf lessons as a family, and my children took to it like ducks to water. Poppy remains a keen surfer, which the surfboard on her bedroom wall perfectly underlines.

Our caravan has been pitched close to many surfing beaches. The large front window—a signature element of many Bailey caravans—can be opened wide, allowing surfboards to pass through. This eliminates the need for a roof rack, as the surfboard fits in the Vito for the final part of the journey, from the campsite to the beach car park.

Surfing is a very cost-effective family activity. We scoured various wetsuit retailers until an end-of-season sale brought the neoprene onesies within our means, and boards came from Facebook Marketplace.

Our favourite surfing campsites are Modbury (close to Bigbury-on-Sea, which is great for beginners), Godrevy (close to Gwithian Towans Beach), and Treamble Valley (near the surfing mecca of Newquay). These sites can be found on The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s website.

An inflatable 2-man kayak has accompanied us on many caravan holidays. It’s been deployed in the English Channel, the Bay of Biscay, the Irish Sea, and various lakes and rivers across the UK and Europe. It was £80 well spent.

Occasionally, we’ve taken a ‘normal’ kayak with us, which was passed through the large front window to be transported inside the caravan. Of course, the weights, including nose weight, were checked before our journey began.

Exploring towns from the waterways is a great experience. A favourite memory is the time Charlie and I went on a croissant run from a campsite near Reims.

Campsites like Lucksall Caravan & Camping Park allow guests to launch kayaks from slipways on site.

A fishing rod lives under one of the bunk beds and has been pressed into service on many occasions. Day permits can be purchased in Swanage which allows fisher-folk to cast off from the pier. When feeling brave, we’ve fished from our inflatable kayak, which always feels like a Darwin Award waiting to happen. Thankfully, we’ve yet to piece the kayak with a hook.

Many campsites, including CL sites at fishing lakes, allow caravaners to pitch at the water’s edge to enjoy the hobby comfortably. The Camping and Caravanning Club produced a guide to sites that are close to fishing locations. It can be found here.

The rally scene offers outstanding value for money with per-night fees that are often less than new attendees expect. We’ve enjoyed many rallies over the years, from winter events that include a trip to the theatre, to owner’s club rallies with the Bailey Owner’s Club.

One of the Bailey Owner’s Club’s largest events combines a trip to Bristol with a tour of the Bailey factory. They’re a friendly, welcoming bunch that can be found at baileyownersclub.org.

In summary, caravans offer a unique combination of mobility, comfort, community, and access to nature, making them ideal for enabling a wide range of hobbies. Whether you’re a solo traveller or enjoy group activities, the flexibility and convenience of a caravan can greatly enhance your hobby experience.