At Longlands Holiday Park, owning a holiday home in the Lake District is a wonderful lifestyle choice, offering our owners idyllic escapes to one of the UK’s most beautiful regions. But as Winter approaches, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your static caravan or lodge from the harsh weather. Proper Winter care ensures your holiday home remains in great condition and ready for your next visit when March rolls around.
At Longlands Holiday Park we support our owners in every way we can to help protect their “happy place” in Winter. Here’s a handy guide to looking after a holiday home during the colder months.
Drain Down Your Water System
The Lake District’s stunning Winter scenery often comes with below-zero temperatures. Frozen or burst pipes can be an issue, particularly in static caravans, during winter, so draining the water system is essential. A main drain down should be carried out when the holiday home is vacated during the closed season by means of a compressor, and the park can advise on suitable contractors who can do this on your behalf. To mitigate against any frost between visits or until the holiday home is drained down we would advise that you turn off the water supply, open all taps, and ensure your pipes and boiler are empty. Consider using antifreeze (available from the site shop) for extra protection in areas prone to freezing.
Our contractors offer all our owners a drain-down service, which can save time and effort. We also organise professional fitting of the Floe Drain Down Kit, a tool that removes water and bacteria from a water system to protect it from freezing and prevent the risk of infection. The Floe kit that can be installed by the park team, comes with training from park staff to allow holiday home owners to carry out your own main drain down to protect your holiday home between visits or even for the closed season.
Prevent Damp and Mould
Combat moisture build-up by leaving internal cupboard doors open and using moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers. If possible, ventilate your caravan on dry days to keep air circulating.
Secure and Protect Your Interior
To avoid frost damage inside your holiday home, allow all soft furnishings to air by bringing them away from the seating and walls and standing them where air can circulate around them. Ensure your fridge and freezer are completely emptied, defrosted, cleaned, and left open to prevent bad odours and mildew.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
Fallen leaves, twigs, and debris can clog your holiday home’s gutters and downpipes, leading to water overflow and potential leaks. Before winter fully sets in, inspect your holiday home’s roof and gutters, removing any blockages.
Consider Winter Insurance
No area in the UK is immune to storm damage or Winter flooding, so having a comprehensive insurance policy for your static caravan that covers Winter-related issues is common sense.
All year-round support
Even during winter, keeping an eye on your holiday home will help avoid unforeseen problems. At Longlands our expert staff are on-site all year round, including during our brief period of closure from 15th January to the 1st March. We’re happy to check in on your property during that time by prior request to make sure all is well.
Conclusion
Proper winter care for your holiday home in the Lake District ensures that it remains a welcoming retreat for you and your family. From preparing the water system to protecting against damp and ensuring security, these steps will help you avoid costly repairs and enjoy stress-free holidays when the warmer months return.
By taking the time to winterise your static caravan, you’ll ensure it weathers the colder months and stays ready for more adventures in the beautiful Lake District.
