With the total flexibility to go where you want simply by hitting the road, here are six terrific 2014 “happenings” you might choose to pitch up nearby to and enjoy. Of course, each just happens to have the added benefit of being located in a scenic part of our beautiful countryside!

If the world is your oyster…

...then the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival will quickly send your taste buds into overdrive. Held annually in late-July and early-August, you’ll find a full week of events to enjoy. There are parades and beer festivals, challenges to be met – and of course the freshest oysters to be enjoyed. Full details can be found at www.whitstableoysterfestival.com.

On a musical note…

...Right at the other end of England, you can enjoy a week of all varieties of traditional music at the Alnwick International Music Festival. For eight days in early August, the streets are filled with colours and sounds from around the globe. Of course, you can also visit Alnwick Castle (scenes for Harry Potter were shot there) and Garden (with its stunning water feature) plus many other castles and sites of historical interest. You could even walk on Hadrian’s Wall! Details of the festival are here: www.alnwickmusicfestival.com.

To be a wild reiver…

...Just across the border, and earlier in the year (late-March), The Hawick Reivers Festival takes you back to the 16th century with a recreation of those turbulent times. You’ll find free demonstrations of archery and falconry, plus drama, song, concerts, guided walks, and much more. Full information here: www.hawickreivers.com.

The best in breed…

...One Saturday in the middle of June, Carlisle Racecourse becomes the home of an event that has taken place for 175 years now - The Cumberland Show. Kids can go free to the event, and adult tickets can be pre-purchased. Of course, having enjoyed a day at the show, it would be a shame not to take in the nearby lakes during a short early-season break. Further information about the show itself is here: www.cumberlandshow.co.uk.

The cycle of life…

...It’s known as The Grand Depart, but we might just call it the start of the 2014 Tour de France. This year it begins in Leeds in early July, takes in the glorious Dales and ends its first day with a sprint into Harrogate. Stage 2 then begins in York, so as well as seeing some of the world’s bravest athletes, you can tie this to a visit to one of the most historic and beautiful parts of England! More information here: www.letour.yorkshire.com.

A tasty treat…

...Later in the year during September and further to the east, at Snape Maltings in Suffolk, the gastronome (or foodie) in you will find pleasure at the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival. Around ten thousand folk deemed it the place to be last year with a huge (and tasty) programme of demonstrations, workshops and fringe events to be enjoyed. Complete details can be found here: www.aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk.

Whichever of the above, or any other places or events you decide to visit as you journey your way through 2014, please remember to make sure your touring caravan insurance is up-to-date and meets all the potential situations you might encounter. Then, the highway is surely yours!