Read, Tour, Explore from the Caravan and Motorhome Club

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s new campaign, ‘Read, Tour, Explore’ is encouraging people to develop and expand their love of literature and visit campsites near to the locations of book settings.

Research by the Club shows that half of respondents said the locations in books inspired their choice of holiday destination and 83% said they read more when touring.

Books can inform, educate, inspire, transform your life, spark ideas, dreams and entertain you. They evoke memories and fuel your wanderlust to visit the areas they are set in.  Walk in the literary footsteps of the characters and protagonists in the books and immerse yourself into a literary other-world.

Further research by the Caravan and Motorhome Club highlights that 72% of members cite reading books and magazines as their top hobby and pastime and 71% say they love to explore and visit the local sights. These hobbies go hand in hand with the ‘Read, Tour, Explore’ campaign.

Matt Allwright, TV presenter and Caravan and Motorhome Club member said, “I really love reading. But when you’re busy it’s hard to find the time, space and peace to really commit to a book. That all changes when I’m out in my van, surrounded by nature, with a cup of coffee and something epic to read.  I can go through chapter after chapter without interruption, taking me away to another world entirely.  No other holiday gives you the freedom to do exactly that. Bliss.” 

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing and membership services at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said, “Staying at Club campsites enables you to follow in the footsteps of favourite characters and see for yourself the vivid landscapes and locations that were painted in words.  We want to encourage even more people to immerse themselves in a book and then go and enjoy the area for themselves.  We’ve put together a list of books, ranging from classics to popular modern-day works, and paired them with nearby Club campsites to make it easier for people to plan their very own literary tours.  We’ve also added books that are set in Europe and Worldwide and matched them with our overseas campsites and tours.  Happy reading, happy touring!” 

The Reading Agency commented, "Evidence shows that reading expands how people think, opens new worlds and perspectives.  It supports health and wellbeing, increases people's ability to learn new skills and it brings joy.  We want to get more people fired up about reading because everything changes when we read."

 

Book titles, locations, characters, and nearby Club Campsites: 

You can find all of our UK campsites here

The timeless classic, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, published in 1847, is set in the dramatic scenery of West Yorkshire.  The book follows two families of the landed gentry, the Earnshaws and the Lintons, living on the West  Yorkshire moors, and their turbulent relationships with Heathcliff, the Earnshaws’ foster son.  Nearby Club Campsites are Hebden Bridge Club Campsite, Bolton Abbey Estate Club Campsite, Knaresborough Club Campsite and Wharfedale Club Campsite.

The iconic 1984 by George Orwell, was published in 1949.  All the events in the novel take place in a fictionalised version of London at some unspecified time in the future.  In the novel, London is the capital of a province called Airstrip One, which is itself part of the fictional nation of Oceania.  Nearby Club Campsites include Crystal Palace Club Campsite (6 miles), Abbey Wood Club Campsite, Alderstead Heath Club Campsite, Wyatts Covert Club Campsite and Commons Wood Club Campsite).

The Year of the Runaways by Sunjeev Sahota, published in 2015, is set in Sheffield and tells the tale of the dreams and daily struggles of an unlikely family thrown together by circumstance.  Thirteen young men live in a house in Sheffield, each from India and in search of a new life.  The nearest Club Campsites include Poolsbrook Country Park Club Campsite, Chatsworth Park Club Campsite, Castleton Club Campsite.

The classic book from 1886 by Robert Louis Stevenson, Kidnapped, is set in Scotland just after the Jacobite rebellions and is narrated by the teenager David Balfour.  David, recently orphaned, leaves rural Essendean to seek a better life with his relatives, the Balfours of the House of Shaws.  Visit the following campsites to walk in the footsteps of the iconic characters, Melrose Gibson Park Club Campsite, Lidalia Caravan Club Campsite.

The much loved and timeless Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter from 1901 was set in the Lake District.  This classic story focuses on Peter, a young rabbit, and his family. Peter’s mother, Mrs Rabbit, goes shopping for the day and allows Peter and her other three children, Peter’s sisters, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail to go and play. She tells them they can go anywhere they like, but not to enter the vegetable garden of Mr McGregor.  Peter's three younger sisters stay away from Mr McGregor’s garden, but Peter does not.  Tourers can immerse themselves in this tale by staying at Troutbeck Head Club Campsite, Borrowdale Club Campsite, Englethwaite Hall Club Campsite, Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite, Kendal Club Campsite.

Bestseller Maeve Binchy wrote Circle of Friends in 1990, the book is set in Dublin, as well as in the fictitious town of Knockglen in rural Ireland during the 1950s.  The story focuses on a group of university students.  Nearby campsite is River Valley Caravan Park.

Published in 1939, How Green Was My Valley, by Richard Llewellyn, set in South Wales, tells the story of the Morgans, a respectable mining family of the South Wales Valleys.  The story is told through the eyes of one of their sons, Huw Morgan.   Huw's academic ability sets him apart from his elder brothers and enables him to think of a future away from the dangerous coal mines.  Campsites to visit to immerse yourself in the scenery and backdrop of this book include Tredegar House Country Park Club Campsite, Brecon Beacons Club Campsite, Aberbran Club Campsite, Pandy Club Campsite.

The iconic Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier, published in 1936, is a period piece set in Cornwall around 1815.  The book was inspired by du Marurier’s stay at the real Jamaica Inn, which still exists as a pub in the middle of Bodmin Moor.  The plot follows Mary Yellan, a woman who moves to stay at Jamaica Inn with her Aunt Patience and Uncle Joss following the passing of her mother.  Camelford Club Campsite, Trewethett Farm Club Campsite, Looe Club Campsite and Carnon Downs Club Campsite.

All European campsites can be found here.

The blockbuster by Dan Brown in 2003, The Da Vinci Code, set in Paris was a massive worldwide bestseller.  A dead body is found inside Paris’s Louvre museum, besides the corpse there are a series of baffling codes. It’s down to a Harvard professor and a French cryptologist to break the codes and unravel a mystery that goes back to the depths of time.  Nearby campsites include Camping de Paris, Huttopia Versailles and Maisons Laffitte.

Lucinda Riley penned The Moon Sister in 2018, set in Granada, Spain.  In the shadow of the historic and beautiful Alhambra, Tiggy unearths her connection to the fabled gypsy community of Sacromonte, who were forced to flee their homes during the civil war, and also to 'La Candela', the greatest flamenco dancer of their time. Tiggy follows the trail back to her own complex and exciting past. Walk in Tiggy’s footsteps and stay at Las Lomas campsite - which is only eight miles away.

Worldwide holidays and tours can be found here.

John Steinbeck - an icon of Americana literature - penned what he considered to be his magnum opus - East Of Eden, in 1952.  Set in California,  East of Eden is Steinbeck's legendary recreation of the biblical Cain and Abel story, told through two generations of brothers who betray one another yet find that forgiveness can be found.  Immerse yourself in the landscapes that provided the backdrop for this epic tale and take a Caravan and Motorhome Club Worldwide ‘California Calling’ Tour.  Discover the best of California on this tour of the Golden State, with a little bit of Arizona and Nevada thrown in.

The rich and descriptive writing of Alexander McCall Smith has given us The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency book series. Set in Botswana and featuring the wonderful character Mma Precious Ramotswe.  See for yourself the beautiful country that is so vividly written in this delightful book series and take the Caravan and  Motorhome Club ‘Tale of Three Countries Tour’ where you can venture off the beaten track and experience the diverse wonders that Southern Africa has to offer.

Not only is touring good for people’s health and wellbeing, it’s also great news for the economy.  Recent research from the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA) highlights the economic value and impact of the UK holiday parks and campsites sector and its important contribution to UK domestic tourism.  

• Holiday parks and campsites generate £12.2bn in visitor expenditure equating to £7.2bn Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy
• The sector’s GVA accounts for 5% of the tourism sector’s overall GDP (£214bn)
• The holiday park and campsite sector supports 226,745 jobs in the UK

• Holiday caravan owners and touring visitors staying in caravans or motorhomes spent on average just over £100 per day off site
• Visitors to UK holiday parks and campsites stay 82% longer and spend 12% more than the national tourism average

For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club or to book, please visit camc.com or call 01342 318 813.

 

Notes to Editors

About Caravan and Motorhome Club

Championing and helping its members get more from the great outdoors, whether glamping or touring, the Caravan and Motorhome Club represents the interests of over 1.1 million caravan, motorhome, campervan and trailer tent owners across the UK.  With over 116 years of knowledge and expertise, the Club has a wealth of experience and prides itself on offering great value and high quality campsites for tourers and glampers.

Caravan and Motorhome Club membership is just £63 per year and provides members with access to over 2,700 quality campsites across the UK and Europe. As the UK’s No. 1 rated touring club* it makes sure members get the most from their membership, saving them money with great value offers whether touring or at home.

The Club also offers a range of escorted European tours which are protected by ABTA.  Plus escorted and independent tours in Australasia, North America and Southern Africa which are also fully protected, either by ABTA or ATOL when a flight is included. All members can take advantage of expert advice, overseas travel services, cover and insurance and exclusive member offers and discounts.

For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, please visit www.camc.com  or call 01342 318 813.

*As rated on Trustpilot

About Experience Freedom

Experience Freedom from the Caravan and Motorhome Club provides glamping accommodation in some of the most beautiful locations in the UK. Experience Freedom offers a choice of glamping accommodation, motorhome hire and tent camping, all of which are available to non-members.  Motorhome hire, including some discounted hire schemes can be found here https://www.experiencefreedom.co.uk/motorhome-hire/

Experience Freedom is operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, a membership organisation with a wealth of experience in operating high quality campsites.

Caravan and Motorhome Club members can save up to 10% on glamping accommodation for themselves and their friends and family when staying at the campsite with them. It is automatically applied to the booking when the membership number is used. To book friends and family, simply call on 01342 777533 to make a booking with your Club membership card.

To find out more, visit www.experiencefreedom.co.uk

About UKCCA

UKCCA is an umbrella group comprising The National Caravan Council, The Camping and Caravanning Club, the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

 

Media Contacts:

For more press information, please email Nikki Nichol at the Caravan and Motorhome Club on nikki.nichol@camc.com or by calling 07771 834443.

Or contact the Four Communications press team, by emailing Victoria Eltis and Helen Coop at camc@four.agency or call 07891 423322.