Over the last couple of years, there has been a revolution in holidaying in the UK and more and more people are taking a staycation.  Although a staycation has been traditionally thought of as a holiday in your actual home with perhaps a few day trips, this phrase is now widely being used to refer to travelling all over the UK instead of going abroad. With the rise of a staycation then the sale of motorhomes has boomed. Let's have a look at the benefits of buying a motorhome, and specifically a Bailey of Bristol motorhome. This is an advertorial in conjunction with Bailey of Bristol.

The Boom In Staycations

The boom in staycations has seen many people holidaying in the UK. So why has this happened? This has happened due to restrictions on travelling abroad due to the pandemic. Is it something to be sad about though? The UK is a beautiful and green island and these restrictions have meant that many people are exploring the country that they live in and really getting to know it, rather than going abroad. This has meant that motorhome holidays have been more popular than ever before, but what is a motorhome?

What Is A Motorhome?

A motorhome is a recreational vehicle, a home on wheels which has self-contained living. 

The Benefits Of A Motorhome

There are many benefits of a motorhome. Let's have a look at what they are.

Of course, the main benefit of owning a motorhome is that you have a home with you. No need to book a hotel or bed and breakfast anywhere you travel. You park your motorhome in a designated park and you have everything you need. Modern motorhomes have toilets and showers in the vehicle as well as cooking facilities and have high specifications 

Another benefit is that, after the original outlay, you have a cost-effective way of travelling. If you are a remote worker or are retired, you can be in a different place every day. Great for those of us that like to explore.

Even though I talked about staycations in the UK, you can also take your motorhome abroad, just drive onto the ferry or take the Eurotunnel and you can explore Europe in your motorhome and have a little of your home comforts with you.

Motorhomes are great for impulse breaks too, so if you fancy a weekend away just take your motorhome and drive it to the nearest touring park. No need to book a hotel, although in high season you may need to check that there is space available at a site. 

Motorhomes are really great if you have pets too as you can take them with you, without the need for getting a pet sitter or putting your cat in a cattery or dog in a kennel. 

Why Buy From White Arches

When buying a Bailey of Bristol motorhome, there are a number Bailey Approved retailers, such as White Arches. White Arches sells caravans and motorhomes from their base in Northampton. Established 50 years ago in 1972, this family-owned company has grown and established itself as one of the best caravan and motorhome companies in the UK. 

As well as Bailey of Bristol caravans and motorhomes,  they sell Adria Motorhomes and the brand Auto Trail. If you are looking for a bargain check out their range of used motorhomes from well-known brands too. With finance available and backed by Black Horse Finance, this independent retailer can help you purchase your dream motorhome too. The White Arches philosophy is to provide a friendly and professional approach and provide the best advice to ensure that their customers are matched to the right vehicle.

Bailey Of Bristol

If you are looking for a new motorhome check out the 360-degree virtual tours to have a real feel of how luxurious the new Bailey of Bristol motorhomes are.  This is a good way to check out the layout and see which motorhome will fit into your lifestyle. I personally love the Autograph 81-6. This motorhome is top of the range, with a Peugeot sat-nav system, Italian design overhead curved locker doors, a combined oven, grill and hob, and pre-wiring for Wi-Fi (2022 onwards), you know you will travel in style.

Keep up to date with the Bailey of Bristol caravan and motorhome news on their website where you can find blog posts, events and travel inspiration.

Let me know, where would you travel if you owned a motorhome?

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Dorset, a county in South West England is a stunning area with many beauty spots, hidden coves and sandy beaches perfect for day trips. As well as the beautiful Jurassic Coast, it has castles, islands and many National Trust properties too and is a great area to explore on your own, as a couple or with your family.  Check out accommodation options in Dorset if you are thinking of staying in the area. 

Let's have a look at 5 of the most interesting places to visit in Dorset according to me! This post is in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own. 

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch part of the Jurassic Coast, an area of Dorset running from Exmouth to Studland Bay and known for its fossils. It's a free natural outdoor attraction owned by the Welds Family who own 12,000 acres of Dorset coast. It is accessible by car or bus and accommodation options nearby include independent cottages as well as holidays parks such as the Durdle Door Holiday Park. Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre is worth a visit, where you can learn more about the geological features of the Jurassic Coast, and after go fossil hunting.

Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour. Owned by the National Trust and managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, it's a wildlife sanctuary and a great place to see red squirrels and a huge variety of birds including peacocks and terns. There is also an outdoor centre, where Baden Powell started the scouting movement, which is a cool place for camping and activities like archery and orienteering.

Corf Castle

Corfe Castle and the surrounding village is worth a visit if you are into history. A National Trust property, the castle is over 1000 years old and was built by William The Conqueror. The village and castle stand over a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. The village has a number of independent shops, cafes and pubs as well as accommodation options. Admission to the castle is £10 per adult and £5 per child with family tickets being available too at a small saving.

Portland Bill 

Portland Bill is a narrow promontory (or bill) at the southern end of the Isle of Portland. It's famous for its lighthouse, which you can visit, built to protect ships from the rocky coast since 1906. Portland Bill is a great spot for spotting wildlife such as dolphins and seals as well as birds of prey amongst other birds. It also is home to over 28 species of butterflies and lots of beautiful wildflowers.  Admission to the lighthouse is £7.50 for adults, £5.50 for children, family tickets at a reduced rate also available.

Highcliffe Castle 

There are a number of reasons why you may want to consider a staycation at the moment. Restrictions on travel due to the world situation are one. Many of us have decided to stay in the UK due to travel limitations whilst some of us may not want to fly. There are many beautiful and interesting places to stay in the UK too. This is where a caravan or motorhome can be a great choice for your next trip. This is an ad.

Why you should buy a caravan or motorhome


Buying a caravan or motorhome is a great idea as you can take your accommodation with you as you travel. This can either be as a trip around the UK or Europe. Even if you didn't want to fly you can still travel to Europe in a caravan or motorhome by going on the ferry or through the Eurotunnel (remember to check UK travel guidance and restrictions at the time of your trip). 
Another benefit of owning a caravan in the current climate is that you also don't have to worry about the standard of cleanliness if you stop in a hotel. Only you and your family will use the caravan so you have no worries about hygiene. 

Of course one of the main reasons people love caravan holidays in the freedom they feel being able to drive anywhere it will take them, with their home on their back so to speak. If you invest in a caravan or motorhome for the long term it can be a surprisingly cost-effective investment for future holidays, especially if you can take the time to travel frequently.

So if after reading this you have decided to buy a motorhome or caravan, you may need some recommendations. Let's have a look at a respected caravan and motorhome seller - Chipping Sodbury Caravans and the motorhomes and caravans they sell. 

Chipping Sodbury Caravans


Chipping Sodbury Caravans are a motorhome and caravan seller in Chipping Sodbury, not far from Bristol. They sell a number of new and used motorhomes and caravans including Bailey Of Bristol caravans and motorhomes, as well as Elddis, Lunar, and Adria motorhomes and caravans. They also offer caravan servicing and repairs from City and Guild's approved engineers. 

They are a family concern and have been established over 30 years, delivering knowledgeable and friendly advice and expertise to both caravan experts and novice users.

Bailey of Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes


Chipping Sodbury Caravans are also experts on caravans and motorhomes, selling the complete Bailey of Bristol range including the Advance, Alliance Silver Edition and Autograph range of motorhomes as well as the Discovery, Phoenix, Pegasus Grande and Alicanto Grande range of caravans. Baileys have a Virtual Showroom too that you can see the current range of vehicles through a 360-degree tour.

The current Bailey range is state of the art too, with Alu-Tech construction. Alu-Tech is a completely new approach to the construction of caravans and motorhomes. This unique aluminium shell is much more hardwearing, durable and robust than it's competitors making caravans and motorhomes that are insulated and tough, being warm in winter and cool in summer. They also provide superior resistance if involved in a crash. If you want to read more on Bailey of Bristol check out their blog here.

The Cotswolds is an area of England, famous for its picture postcard villages and bustling market towns. Full of chocolate box cottages, lush green countryside, and charming local pubs, it's what tourists typically think of as 'England' and it's no worse for that. 

It's a surprisingly large area of 800 square miles and covers five counties. Defined by its golden building and rolling hills, otherwise known as the 'wolds', it's well worth visiting to experience a slice of idyllic middle England.

Let's look at 5 Cotswold towns and villages you must visit on a trip to the area.

1. Bourton-on-the-Water



Bourton-on-the-Water is often called the Venice of the Cotswolds, as the River Windrush flows through its main street.  Although small, the town has various family-friendly attractions which are part of its appeal. You can visit Birdland, the Cotswold's Motor Museum, a maze and a model village.

During peak season it can get very busy with coach parties so be sure to visit mid-week if you don't want to be fighting to get a seat in a cafe.

2. Broadway



Broadway at the base of the Worcestershire hills is an affluent historic village. Ancient honey-coloured limestone period buildings with orderly horse chestnut trees line the grass-fringed verges of the historic 'broad way' High Street.

When I visited recently I enjoyed strolling down the high street, watching the people in the cafes and seeing the expensive cars parked outside. I spotted two Mclaren cars, a Lamborgini and a Ferrari! Broadway is much quieter than some of the other Cotswolds villages too such as Bourton-on-the-Water so it's a great place to visit even on the weekends.

3. Cirencester




Cirencester is a lovely market town, in East Gloucester, known as the Capital of the Cotswolds. In Roman times, it was the second largest town only to London.

There are lots of markets in the town and regular markets are held Monday and Fridays. There is the parish church of St John The Baptist to visit as well as the Corinium Museum of the Roman past. Cirencester Park, situated to the west of the town, this is a superb example of a forest style garden and is well worth a visit.




Woodstock is a little market town 8 miles away from Oxford. With antique shops, and art galleries, it's a wealthy little town and a lovely spot to stay when visiting Blenheim Palace.

Blenheim Palace is the major tourist attraction in the area and this English Country House with gardens is the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. It's definitely worth the £24 admission price to experience the ostentatious interior and the beautiful gardens. 



If you want to tour the Cotswolds in style it's worth considering a chauffeured tour for a little luxury. You will certainly be travelling in style in a Mercedes whilst being able to admire the scenery from the passenger seat.

Tell me, have you been to the Cotswolds? Are there any towns and villages in the Cotswolds you can recommend?

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Bring some home comforts

Whilst you don’t want to be carting everything from home on holiday with you, bringing some home comforts for the kids can keep them entertained. Perhaps take along a couple of their books, colouring pencils, some puzzles or perhaps even their tablet. You probably won’t even need to use them to keep the kids entertained but it is handy to have them if needs be.

Make sure to visit kid friendly destinations

The more I travel, the more I look for alternative methods of travelling. There is definitely something to be said for staying somewhere different and taking your (travelling) home with you as you explore the world. Us Brits think so too, with more British people than ever going on 'staycations' in the UK. So without further ado, these are my reasons why you should invest in a caravan this Summer. 



It's easy to get away more often

When you buy a caravan you have portable accommodation available at any time, so you don't have to plan ahead and can just go on an impromptu trip when you fancy it. Perfect if you are not a planner. Also, many caravanners go away frequently as it's so easy to get away anytime, perfect for a weekend or mid-week break.

It's a fuss-free way of travelling

No having to book a hotel, plan where to eat (if you are happy to cook on board), or book flights. In fact, if you are afraid of flying, it's a brilliant way of travelling and you can still explore further afield if you are happy to get on a ferry.

You can take your pets.

A caravan holiday is a holiday for all the family including your pets. Rather than put your dog in kennels you can take him with you, thus saving you money and also worry. You could even take your pet rats, gerbils or mice.
Modern touring caravans are amazing

Gone are the days where you would have to trek to the shower block in a caravan site as modern touring caravans are so well equipped these days, with toilets and washbasins as standard and many with solar panel TVs, a kitchen with oven and fridge, and sleek well-designed showers.  They are very comfortable and can even be quite luxurious.

It's a cost-effective way of travelling

With a used caravan costing not much more than a second-hand car, it can be a surprisingly cost-effective way of travelling. This is one of the main reasons a caravanning holiday appeals to families and groups of friends as it saves money when the alternative is booking a number of hotel rooms.  Of course, you do have to factor in site fees and petrol but when you compare it to hotel accommodation there is no competition on price after the initial outlay.

It's a great way to have a holiday and stay in touch with nature.




Caravan sites are often in the countryside or near the seaside so it's a great way of having a holiday and keeping in touch with nature. Many are even on farms which is especially great if you have kids, or national parks and National Trust properties. 



So these are my reasons why you should invest in a caravan this Summer. Have you ever taken a caravan or motorhome holiday? 

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The UK has some beautiful areas so it is not surprising that staycations are becoming increasingly popular. As the pound weakens you don't have to worry about the exchange rate, the hassle of taking a flight, and concerns about security overseas. One of those up and coming tourist destinations that may not be on your radar is Eastbourne - a secret gem on the south coast of England.

A seaside town with culture


Eastbourne is a large seaside town and borough with a vibrant cultural scene. As well as the lovely beaches recommended in the Good Beach Guide it has lots to see and do for people of all ages. 
The town itself has no less than 5 theatres showing everything from West End shows to local comedians and the award-winning Towner art gallery has a range of events for all the family. Kids are looked after with the Eastbourne miniature steam railway, the Redoubt fortress military museum and the Treasure Island adventure park, which has indoor and outdoor adventure areas as well as pirate-themed mini golf. Aha me hearties!

Superb places to eat

If you are like me and always look for great places to eat on holiday you will be spoilt for choice as Eastbourne has some wonderful restaurants. From casual beachside dining with a touch of class at The Beach Deck on the picturesque seafront to fine dining in the Mirabelle restaurant at the Grand Hotel, recently voted one of the 50 best restaurants in the UK by the Independent newspaper. 
One of my favourite places is Season's brasserie, a restaurant, deli and wine bar. Check out their wine tastings throughout the year and their live music events for a great evening of entertainment.  Of course, you also have the option to get a tasty bag of fish and chips from the many fish bars and restaurants along the prom too or a delicious ice-cream from one of the many vendors.

Great places to drink


Did you know Eastbourne has some great food and drink events throughout the year as well? The Beer and Cider By The Sea festival is on the 26th to the 28th of May this year and the Eastbourne Beer Festival is on the 5th to the 7th of October. At both of these events, you can try lots of delicious hearty real ales as well as listen to live music and be thoroughly entertained.

If you love a glass of wine only a few miles from Eastbourne town is Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston where they produce the outstanding Sussex sparkling wine. You can visit Rathfinny for a wine tour or tasting or visit the historic Flint 
Barns on the estate to enjoy coffee and cake, brunch or Sunday lunch. Cheers!

Around the Eastbourne area
If you want to venture further afield, only a short drive from Eastbourne town is Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, and the South Downs National Park with beautiful countryside and pretty little villages like Alfriston, only seven miles away.

The Eastbourne holiday guide

So as you can see Eastbourne is a great place to visit. I hope I have whetted your appetite with this guide to Eastbourne and if you would like more information about the area, check out the online Eastbourne Holiday Guide. The guide is extra special as it is full of great attractions, brilliant places to stay and superb places to eat as well as exclusive offers. Go on, have a peek!

Win a stay in Eastbourne



Today on my blog I am giving you the chance to win a lovely prize - a 2-night stay with breakfast and vintage afternoon tea at the Lansdowne Hotel Eastbourne! Entry is easy through the Rafflecopter application below, for full terms and conditions check out the information on the Rafflecopter app. Good luck and I hope you get the chance to visit Eastbourne soon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There is a reason we are given annual holiday leave from our demanding jobs, it gives us time to catch up on our rest, recuperate from the strains and pressures of everyday life and, most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to spend quality time with those we care about.

On the whole, Brits are hard, determined workers, and a remarkable one-third of all British employees fail to utilise their full holiday entitlement. If you are one of these ambitious but overworked employees, consider the effect that your dedication to your office life is having on your romantic life. When was the last time you and your partner went on holiday? When was the last time you had a stress-free, uninterrupted day to enjoy together? As clinical psychologist Lisa Blum points out, the most enduring and strongest relationships take hard work. It's important to make the time for romantic getaways with your spouse. They don’t have to be expensive, but every relationship requires time and commitment to thrive.

Can your relationship survive a holiday?