Let it snow, let it snow!

Pitchup.com presents its pick of the best places for sledging in the UK – and some great accommodation options nearby

The UK has seen its first smattering of snow and forecasters say there’s more to come, so that means only one thing – taking to the great outdoors for some wholesome family fun.

It might cause havoc for schools and transport, but the snow brings out the kid in everyone and people up and down the country will be itching to get out on the slopes and do a bit of sledging.

But where’s best to go? Outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com has put together a list of the UK’s best sledging destinations – and has suggested some fabulous accommodation nearby.

So for experienced, die-hard tobogganists with all the gear to ‘grab a bit of spare carpet…dustbin lid…old trash can...or nan’s best silver tray’ type sledgers, Pitchup.com has some fabulous options.

North Yorkshire

For the ultimate sledging experience, head for the highest moor in the area, Urra, which is famed for its sledging, with three different sledge zones allocated to sledge material (proper sledges, bin bags and ‘miscellaneous’). It’s also zoned according to level of sledger so is safe for kids.

There are several other options in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, such as the slopes at Cowling Back around Leyburn and near Bedale. Alternatively, try Knavesmire and Garrow Hill close to York, or the hills behind Moor Lane at Newby near Scarborough.

Where to stay:

Hillcrest Park in gorgeous Richmond has pods available throughout winter and into 2014. All pods have heaters, sheep’s wool insulation, electricity and a double-glazed window. Podders have full use of centrally heated showers, toilets, dishwashing and laundry facilities. Dogs are allowed in the pods and there is a dog-walking area on site.

Bring everything for a traditional outdoor holiday – apart from the tent!

What it costs:

Choose between a standard pod for two adults and two small (under 10) children from £30 per night, or a family pod for up to four adults, from £40.

Shropshire

The Stiperstones is an ancient fort and nature reserve that doesn’t get crowded for sledging.

Alternatively, for a really quiet area, visit Clunbury in south Shropshire. Just go past the village hall and over the gate – lucky visitors may even find they are the only sledgers around.

A final option in this region is Whinney Hill in Shrewsbury.

Where to stay:

Woodland Park is in a wonderful wildlife haven with huts set around a pond, that are a great option for families and older groups.  It’s also a working dairy farm, and visitors can arrange with the owners to take the kids along to see the cows being milked.

Campfires are allowed in the site’s firepits and barbecue areas and the owners hire out as an extra ‘holiday packs’ containing a gas stove, plates, bowls, mugs, beakers, cutlery, utensils, pans, kettle and a torch.

What it costs:

A four-berth hut starts from £35 per night, or for larger groups, seven or nine-berth camping huts are available from £60-70. No under 21s are allowed unless with parents and no groups of four or more under-25s.

Warwickshire
Head to Kenilworth – where Abbey Fields is said to be the best spot in mid-Warwickshire – and admire the views of Kenilworth Castle while sledging down a gentle slope. But beware – avoid Finham Brook at the bottom!

For those who prefer the Cotswolds, check out the sledging at Cleeve Hill.

Where to stay:

Wootton Park is in historic Stratford upon Avon, where visitors can also incorporate a bit of Shakespeare-based sightseeing along with the sledging.

Breakfast is available on site in the 500-year-old farmhouse and there are four wool-insulated pods to choose from. This option is great for people who like to travel light, as everything is provided, including hairdryers, bathrobes, beddings and towels. And the snug pods each have a lovely double bed – who said outdoor accommodation had to be a passion killer?

A woodchip path (fully lit at night) leads to a shower, toilet and washbasin in the Monsoon Pod steps away.

What it costs:

From £65 for two adults per night.

Brecon Beacons

There are many good spots around here, with different gradients good for both beginners and experts: for example, the Storey Arms in the heart of the Beacons, with steeper slopes near the peak.

Between Brecon and Abergavenny there is a popular sledging spot off the A470, alongside the road to Llangynidr.

Where to stay:

The Old Station Caravan Park, Powys, has two and three bedroom holiday homes available for seven-night stays. This site is ideal for pre-Christmas breaks as it closes for Christmas before re-opening on 1 March 2014.

Bedding and linen is provided, and the holiday homes also come with Freeview TV and DVD player, a fully-equipped kitchen, double-glazed windows, gas central heating and a gas fire in the living room

There are plenty of local pubs nearby, all serving good food – for example, the pub atRadnor village is just a short walk away. The site staff are happy to recommend other places to eat nearby.

What it costs:

Prices start at £300 for seven nights for up to six people in a holiday home.

Scotland

For something a bit different, the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre in Aviemore, at the foot of the Cairngorm mountain range, has a host of activities for the whole family, including sleddog trips and safaris, with visitors encouraged to be as much hands-on with the dogs as they like.

This area is also great for skiing, as is Glencoe, which has a large plateau area which makes the perfect setting for those new to snow sports.

Where to stay:

Braidhaugh Holiday Park on the banks of the River Earn is 10 minutes’ walk from Perthshire’s market town of Crieff with spectacular mountain and river views. The site has a camping pod, an en-suite camping pod (both heated) and a luxury two-bedroom lodge for weekly breaks. Braidhaugh also has hardstanding pitches for those bringing their own tourer or motorhome.

What it costs:

Prices for the pods start from £37 per night for two adults. Pitches start from £21.  The luxury lodge starts from £420 for seven nights, sleeping up to four.

For more information visit www.pitchup.com

ends

Media information:

Cass Helstrip, Samantha Marsh or Jardine Howlett at White Tiger PR

Cass.helstrip@whitetigerpr.com 07968 255464

Samantha.marsh@whitetigerpr.com 07711 265666

Jardine.howlett@whitetigerpr.com 07866 508737

Notes to editors

Founded in 2009 by former lastminute.com man, Dan Yates, multi-award winning Pitchup.com is a free guide to all types of outdoor accommodation in the UK, Ireland and France. The site provides users with a simple platform in which they can search and book an outdoor holiday with total ease. The customer experience from landing on the home page through to booking a holiday can be completed in as little as four pages. The site also goes beyond traditional searches by allowing users to search for accommodation based on more than 80 criteria, such as adults only and campfires allowed, and view nearby events, Good Pub Guide pubs and VisitBritain attractions. Users can also search on the offers page to find the best deals available. Pitchup.com features over 5,000 UK wide camping and caravanning sites/parks with France recently added into the equation. It enables users to search for all types of parks and sites from the major brands right through to one off campsites and unique outdoor accommodation options, which may not have previously had a web presence.