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Tiny island with UK’s smallest cathedral, Victorian promenade and white sand beach – just 8 minutes from the mainland

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Cumbrae is a tiny Scottish island that's just 10 minutes from the mainland

THE tiny Scottish island of Cumbrae has the UK’s smallest cathedral – and it’s just a eight-minute ferry journey from the mainland.

Located on the Ayrshire Coast in Western Scotland, Cumbrae, also known as Great Cumbrae, is just four miles long and two miles wide.

Cumbrae is a tiny Scottish island that's just 10 minutes from the mainland

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Cumbrae is a tiny Scottish island that’s just 10 minutes from the mainlandCredit: Alamy
Millport is the only town on the island

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Millport is the only town on the islandCredit: Alamy

It is perhaps because of its small size that Cumbrae is overlooked compared to other more well-known isles like Skye, Islay and Mull.

The island is home to just 1,500 residents, with day-trippers visiting Cumbrae from the likes of Glasgow in the summer months.

Despite its small size, Cumbrae is often regarded as Scotland’s “most accessible island” because it takes just 10 minutes to reach the island via ferry from the mainland.

Ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne operates a direct service between Largs in North Ayrshire and Millport, Cumbrae’s only town.

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The seaside town is home to the Cathedral of the Isles, which claims to be the UK’s smallest cathedral.

Designed by architect William Butterfield, the Cathedral of the Isles was built in 1851, with worshippers flocking there ever since.

Hidden behind a cluster of trees, the cathedral is just a seven-minute walk from the heart of Millport.

Holidaymakers can learn more about the history of Cumbrae at the Museum of Cumbraes, which has a mixture of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

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Located in Garrison House, entry into the museum is free.

Cycling is another key tourist activity, with visitors able to cycle around the entire circumference of the island in under two hours.

Four of Scotland’s beaches you have to visit

Visitors will be able to take in views of the North Ayrshire Coast and the Isle of Bute.

Cumbrae has a sandy beach that is popular with families, surfers and canoeists.

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A large painted, plastic, crocodile sits on a rock at the beach, which is considered to be a good spot for crab hunting.

There’s also Newton Beach – an award-winning beach that’s said to have fine white sand.

Wildlife-watching boat trips also take place around the island with daily sightings of Seals, Oyster Catchers, Gannets, Cormorants in the surrounding waters.

Holidaymakers who don’t want to get the ferry back to Largs on the same day will be able to stay overnight at a handful of hotels.

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Stays at the Millport Pier Hotel start from £90 per night, based on two people sharing a room.

There are plenty of other lesser-known islands to explore in Scotland.

OTHER ISLANDS TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND

Isle of Erraid

The tiny, and stunningly beautiful, Inner Hebridean Isle of Erraid is tidal island, just a mile square located just off the tip of the Ross of Mull.

For an hour or two either side of low tide, it’s linked to the mainland by a broad expanse of sand which you can cross.

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It’s been home to a small group of members of the Findhorn Foundation for over 40 years after they were given it by Dutch owners the Van der Sluis’ to look after, on condition that for one month during the summer, they would return to enjoy the freedom and adventure of the island.

A small group of intrepid members moved to the island, restored the cottages and started a spiritual community. But Erraid’s major claim to fame is its inspiration for the famous novel ‘Kidnapped’ by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Foula

The island of Foula really is remote. Found 20 miles west of the Shetland and 100 miles from the mainland, it was known in Roman times as ‘Ultima Thule,’ which roughly translates as ‘the edge of the world.’ In 1936, the classic movie of the same name was made there.

So what do you get in return for making the effort to get to Foula? It’s not big, at just five square miles, but it is dramatic, with one of the highest sheer sea cliffs in Britain, Da Kame, standing at an impressive 1,233ft.

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It’s home to around just 35 islanders, mostly crofters who make a living from farming the rare and colourful Foula sheep. Its old Norse name was Fugla-ey, meaning ‘bird island’’. It’s still a haven for sea and moorland birds, including Great Skua, which divebomb anyone walking too close to their nests, so be careful!

What’s it like to visit Cumbrae?

THEIR silky backs sparkle in the sunshine as they leap from the waters.

Dolphins are not a regular sight when you’re cruising the Scottish Isles, but here they were, literally out of the blue, dancing in the wake of our boat.

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The pod of four 8ft-long bottlenose dolphins were obviously showing the ropes to a smaller, paler calf.

Our skipper, Ted Creek, a marine biologist explained that the pod were usually spotted travelling up and down the west coast but had stuck around the Clyde Bay since the youngster was born last year.

Ted has been running Argyll Cruising since taking over the business last year, having previously ferried travellers from the bottom tip of South America to Antarctica.

Our home for the four-day trip around the isles of Bute, Arran and Cumbrae is an elegant, repurposed fishing vessel, a vintage 1950s trawler called Splendour.

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There’s room for just eight guests, offering an intimate opportunity to sail the stunning waters in style.

Ted gave us a safety briefing as we set sail from Holy Loch Marina, Dunoon.

While we sipped champagne and tucked into baked treats, he explained our route.

After the debrief, we were taken to our charming cabins with wood-panelled walls and porthole windows.

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There was also tartan pillows and blankets, as well as central heating and en-suite bathroom.

After a gorgeous meal cooked by the chef Tom Canning, we were gently rocked to sleep in the comfortable bed, with nothing but the splashing of water and surrounding wildlife to listen to, after docking next to Arran overnight.

In the morning, we headed to Holy Isle — a tiny island inhabited solely by residents of a Buddhist monastery.

They share the land with wild animals, including Eriskay ponies and Saanen goats.

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But it is perhaps most famous for its sea life, as seen in David Attenborough’s BBC documentary Wild Isles.

By Joe Davies

A Brit is the leader of a remote island in the middle of the ocean – and claims it’s the smallest country in the world.

Michael Bates became the leader of “Sealand”, a platform 7.5 miles off the Suffolk coast when his dad Roy died in 1991.

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The Cathedral of the Isles (pictured) claims to be the smallest cathedral in the UK

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The Cathedral of the Isles (pictured) claims to be the smallest cathedral in the UKCredit: Alamy
It takes just 10 minutes to reach Cumbrae from Largs on the Scottish mainland

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It takes just 10 minutes to reach Cumbrae from Largs on the Scottish mainlandCredit: Alamy

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I’m the world’s most travelled man – the best place to holiday in Europe is a country Brits rarely visit

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Kutaisi is one of Europe's oldest cities so is full of history

A MAN who’s racked up over 31,000 hours in the air has revealed a lesser-known holiday destination in Europe is one of his favourite places to visit.

Fred Finn, 84 is the Guinness World Record holder for being the most travelled man – his time in the air equates to one hour for every day he’s been alive – and among the lesser-known places in the world he recommends visiting is Georgia.

Kutaisi is one of Europe's oldest cities so is full of history

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Kutaisi is one of Europe’s oldest cities so is full of historyCredit: Alamy
Batumi is a beautiful city by the sea known for its beaches and casinos

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Batumi is a beautiful city by the sea known for its beaches and casinosCredit: Alamy

Having crossed hundreds of borders and flown in some of the most iconic aircraft of all time, including 718 flights on Concorde, the travel fanatic has a fair few recommendations when it comes to places to visit.

Fred’s travelled to all corners of the globe, but Georgia is one of the places in Europe he enjoys most.

He told Sun Travel: “People don’t really know about Georgia.

“Kutaisi has tremendous history and Batumi on the coast is like the Monaco of the Black Sea.

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“The food is good, the dancing they do is fantastic. It’s got the highest mountain in Europe, it’s got villages and lakes. It’s also very hospitable there.

“And it’s the oldest wine producing country in the world, they’ve been doing it 5,000 years.”

The Saperavi grape is a native Georgian grape variety that is used to make many of the country’s most well-known wines.

Fred explained its a red grape that’s red or black the whole way through.

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Not like grapes you get in the UK that are white in the centre.

Up-and-coming holiday hotspot has £2 beers, £30 hotels & is 3 hours from UK

He said: “This is what makes the wine superlative.”

Georgia also has a local drink called Chacha, a distilled white wine drink.

Fred explained: “It’s probably about 80 percent proof, but it’s actually quite pleasant.”

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Georgia is considered a budget-friendly destination with cheap food and low-cost activities, especially compared to Monaco.

Ukraine was another one of Fred’s favourite lesser-known places to visit before the war started.

He said: “I love it because of its tremendous history and my family are also from there.

“It’s lots older than its neighbour that’s causing it a war – it’s 700 years older than Russia – so the history there is fantastic.

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“Kyiv turned 1500 years old a month or so ago, I think it’s probably the most beautiful city in Europe. I love it.

“When Ukraine wins this war, it will be another nice place to go.”

Fred has now written a book called Sonic Boom where he shares the incredible journeys he’s undertaken over the years, as well as the evolution of commercial aviation and its impact on global culture.

The book is available for pre-order now here.

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Georgia’s must-see places

Tbilisi – Georgia’s capital city is known for its diverse architecture, history, and culture, as well as its natural attractions and nightlife. Tbilisi was a hub on the Silk Road, and its history and culture reflect its diverse ethnic makeup. And its Old Town is a picturesque area on the Mtkvari River, with Georgian and Armenian churches, mosques, synagogues, and the Leaning Tower of Tbilisi.

Kutaisi – it’s one of the oldest cities in the country. The city has impressive architectural monuments, including medieval cathedrals and a futuristic parliament building. The Kutaisi botanical garden features many beautiful trees near the Riono River. And you can take a ride on one of the four new cable car lines for great views of the town.

Batumi – a popular coastal destination in Georgia, Batumi has lush landscapes and orange groves make it a haven for nature enthusiasts.The Batumi Botanical Gardens are a must-see, with a great view of the sea at the top. 

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Fred also rates Ukraine and said Kyiv is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe

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Fred also rates Ukraine and said Kyiv is one of the most beautiful cities in EuropeCredit: Alamy

Former Chief Pilot and Director of British Airways, Al Bridger has shared how food on flights has changed through the years in his book Flavour of Flight: The Food and Drink of British Airways.

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KLM unveils measures aimed at boosting profits by €450 million

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KLM unveils measures aimed at boosting profits by €450 million

Plans include the optimisation of aircraft layouts, and the postponement of investment in a new headquarters

Continue reading KLM unveils measures aimed at boosting profits by €450 million at Business Traveller.

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Train journey that departs from UK crowned best in the world – with mosaic floor carriages and champagne afternoon tea

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The British Pullman A Belmond Train was crowned best train journey in the world in the Conde Nast Traveller awards

A LUXURY train company that offers day trips across the UK has been named the best train journey in the world.

The British Pullman is a fully restored 1920s train that was designed over a century ago to accommodate passengers accustomed to comfort and opulence.

The British Pullman A Belmond Train was crowned best train journey in the world in the Conde Nast Traveller awards

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The British Pullman A Belmond Train was crowned best train journey in the world in the Conde Nast Traveller awardsCredit: www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/belmond-british-pullman
Each carriage is decorated differently, with antique upholstery and vintage lighting

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Each carriage is decorated differently, with antique upholstery and vintage lightingCredit: Belmond British Pullman

And the train still oozes decadence today.

Its 11 carriages feature art deco-style interiors, antique upholstery, and vintage lighting.

Intricate artwork can be seen throughout the train, including magnificent mosaics on the bathroom floors.

Fine dining experiences are served up to guests and there’s a strict dress code to maintain its elegant atmosphere.

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While enjoying delicious food and admiring the train’s beautiful interior, passengers can enjoy views of the English countryside and coast.

The British Pullman A Belmond Train was crowned best train journey in the world in Conde Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The awards recognise all areas of the travel industry, from hotels and resorts to airlines, airports, cruises, cities and more.

Based in the South East of England, The British Pullman regularly departs from London Victoria and travels year-round to a wide variety of destinations, including Kent, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

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Passengers are welcomed onboard by a uniformed train steward and seated at tables adorned with crisp white linen and sparkling tableware.

They can then enjoy a variety of meals, including brunch, champagne afternoon tea, or a gourmet dinner. 

All Aboard the Scenic Express: Discovering UK’s Most Picturesque Train Routes

The train’s chef John Freeman has been part of the British Pullman team nearly two decades.

Having fallen in love with the challenges and fun of cooking onboard a moving train, John serves up food using British produce sourced from the very farms and fields by which the train passes. 

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Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

Destinations include Bath and Oxford, but there are also trips solely focused on afternoon tea and Sunday lunch.

Prices start from £400 per passenger on a table for two.

A British hotel was also a winner in the Conde Nast Traveller awards.

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Raffles London at The OWO placed 33 in the best hotels in the world list.

Sun Travel’s favourite train journeys in the world

Sun Travel’s journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.

Davos to Geneva, Switzerland

“After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.” – Caroline McGuire

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Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen

“Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too – as you’ll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way.” Kara Godfrey

London to Paris by Eurostar

“Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord.” – Sophie Swietochowski

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Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail

“From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond.” – Hope Brotherton

Beijing to Ulaanbatar

“The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city’s high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I’ve witnessed anywhere.” – Ryan Gray

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The train specialises in day trips to Kent, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey

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The train specialises in day trips to Kent, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and SurreyCredit: Alamy
Passengers can enjoy a variety of meals while on board, including brunch, a champagne afternoon tea, or a gourmet dinner

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Passengers can enjoy a variety of meals while on board, including brunch, a champagne afternoon tea, or a gourmet dinnerCredit: www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/belmond-british-pullman

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Marriott Hotels UK launches Winnow AI food waste reduction technology

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Marriott Hotels UK launches Winnow AI food waste reduction technology

Business Traveller attended a media event to see a demonstration of the Winnow AI technology which has been installed across Marriott’s UK hotels

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Quintessential British seaside town that’s my favourite spot for a caravan holiday in the South West

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A caravan expert has named Swanage as their favourite caravan spot in the southwest

SWANAGE has been named one of the best caravanning spots in the country thanks to its Blue Flag beach, colourful beach huts and steam railway.

Known as The Caravanning Mummy, travel expert, and mum-of-two, Rachel shares travel tips and destination guides on Instagram, including the best places to go on a caravan holiday in the UK.

A caravan expert has named Swanage as their favourite caravan spot in the southwest

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A caravan expert has named Swanage as their favourite caravan spot in the southwestCredit: Alamy
Rachel, who is known as the Caravanning Mummy, has been going on caravan holidays for the last five years

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Rachel, who is known as the Caravanning Mummy, has been going on caravan holidays for the last five yearsCredit: THE CARAVANNING MUMMY

Rachel purchased her caravan back in 2019, with her family spending the school holidays and weekends exploring the UK in their Bailey Of Bristol Phoenix 650 caravan.

The mum-of-two started holidaying in Dorset in the 1990s with her parents and has spent the last few years returning to her childhood haunts with her own kids.

And she recently named Swanage as her favourite caravanning destination in the southwest.

She told Sun Online Travel: “Swanage is the quintessential British seaside town. It’s got Punch and Judy shows, colourful beach huts, Blue Flag Beaches and Corfe Castle. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

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“Swanage is such a brilliant staycation location because it takes adults back to their childhood visits with old-timey beach attractions.

“I just think it’s a brilliant little place. While it’s not necessarily unknown, it is just a very special place.”

One of the top attractions in the coastal town is the Swanage Railway – a full-size steam train that ferries passengers from Norden to Swanage, passing sites like Corfe Castle.

Swanage Railway runs themed experiences throughout the year, including a Polar Express service and a Spooky service.

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Adult return tickets start from £18, with children’s tickets coming in at £9 for a return.

There are several beaches in and around Swanage for holidaymakers to visit like the Blue Flag Swanage Beach, which is known for its fine sand, cleanliness and amenities.

Best of British: The Sun’s Travel Editor Lisa Minot reveals her favourite caravan cooking tips

Other nearby beaches include Studland Beach.

Back by a wildlife reserve, Studland Beach is regarded as one of the finest beaches in the country.

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There’s also Chapman’s Pool, a small cove that’s similar to Lulworth Cove, and Sandbanks Beach.

Located in Poole, Sandbanks Beach has held its Blue Flag status for the last 35 years and is known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

Facilities at the beach include toilets, showers, a beach cafe, a mini golf course and a beach volleyball net.

Swanage Pier is another popular attraction in the seaside town.

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The pier is popular with divers because it’s one of the few sheltered sea diving sites on the south coast.

Rachel likes the sense of nostalgia in Swanage with its colourful beach huts and Punch and Judy shows

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Rachel likes the sense of nostalgia in Swanage with its colourful beach huts and Punch and Judy showsCredit: Alamy
Swanage Railway Line is a top attraction in the town

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Swanage Railway Line is a top attraction in the townCredit: Alamy

Entry onto the pier costs £2 for an adult, with a £5 charge for any adult who wants to dive under the wooden structure.

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Holidaymakers can hire equipment from Divers Down – the oldest diving school in the UK.

Other attractions include Swanage Museum, Prince Albert Gardens and the chalk hills on Purbeck Heritage Coast.

Even though it’s a village in its own right, Corfe Castle is another must for holidaymakers visiting Swanage, with Rachel adding: “Corfe Castle is brilliant for my boys – and kids in general – because they can run around the ruins of a castle and pretend to be knights.”

Located halfway between Wareham and Swanage, the skyline of the Dorset village is dominated by the remains of Corfe Castle.

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Built by William the Conqueror and partially demolished in 1646 during the English Civil War, Corfe Castle attracts visitors from all over the world.

Managed by the National Trust, entry costs £12 for an adult and £6 for a child.

There are loads of places to grab fish and chips in Swanage, including the Village Inn, the Fish Plaice, which has been running since the 1970s, Harlees Fish and Chips Swanage and the Hungry Shark, to name a few.

Swanage has plenty of pubs too like the Black Swan Inn, the White Horse Inn Swanage and the Ship Inn.

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Later this month, Rachel will be sharing more Dorset caravanning tips at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Rachel’s Favourite Campsites in Swanage

IN THE last five years, Rachel and her family have stayed at three campsites in Swanage – here’s what they’re like…

Haycraft Club Campsite
Located near Harmans Cross Train Station, holidaymakers can board a train on the Swanage Railway line to reach Swanage. The site is currently closed for refurbishment but is set to reopen in March.
Touring pitches start from £17 per pitch.

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Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite
Set in Wareham, Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite is slightly further afield with holidaymakers needing to drive to reach the seaside.
Touring pitches start from £15.60 per night.

Norden Farm Campsite
The family-run campsite is Rachel’s favourite place to bag a pitch in Dorset because it is also a working farm, adding a touch of rural and rustic charm. Located on the Wareham-Swanage Road just outside of Corfe Castle, the campsite is close to famous beaches like Studland and Sandbanks. The site is open until October 31 – depending on the weather. Touring pitches start from £23. 

Meanwhile, these are the top-rated holiday parks with on-site waterparks and pools.

And this holiday park has been named as one of the best in the country.

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Rachel and her family explore the UK in their caravan

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Rachel and her family explore the UK in their caravanCredit: THE CARAVANNING MUMMY
Swanage is home to Blue Flag Beaches

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Swanage is home to Blue Flag BeachesCredit: Alamy

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Whitbread to build 693-room hub by Premier Inn next to Charing Cross station

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Whitbread to build 693-room hub by Premier Inn next to Charing Cross station

The site off London’s Trafalgar Square had previously been earmarked for a Park Hyatt hotel

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