There are lots of great reasons for choosing to live in a residential park home. One major factor that entices Britons to swap bricks and mortar for a deluxe static caravan is money. Moving frees up cash so you can spend it doing the things you love. So whatever your passions, here’s our pick of residential park homes in the UK that will let you indulge in your favourite pastimes.

1) Best for … fish and chips

This year’s award for best fish and chippy went to Miller’s Fish and Chips in Haxby, North Yorkshire. Choose one of the prestigious park homes at Lower Dunsforth Residential Park and you’ll be only a few miles up the road from this hot spot for battered goods.

2) Best for … dog owners

If you’re planning on taking man’s best friend with you, choose a park that is perfect for pooches, like Organford Manor, in Poole, Dorset. This private gated, modern residential park has its own 2-acre dog walking and amenity field that is just for residents. And the beach is only a couple of miles ago, so salty sea dogs can take a dip in the water too.

3) Best for … fishing

Do you plan to spend more time sitting around on the water’s edge with a line in your hand? You’ll have a choice of three fishing lakes on your doorstep at Five Acres Park Homes near Doncaster. In the pretty market town of Bawtry, you’ll find a choice of pubs and restaurants for celebrating your big catch!

4) Best for … history buffs

If you’re looking to retire to a place steeped in history, why not take a look at Quarr Lane Park. Handily located within an easy walking distance of the historic town of Sherborne, Dorset, this retirement park is for ages 50 years+. In the town, you’ll find and ancient Abbey and castle, as well as plenty of tea rooms serving the best cakes for taking a well-earned break.

5) Best for … birdwatching

Crouch Park, Hullbridge, Essex is set on banks of the River Crouch. Several of the plots enjoy riverside views, making it the ideal spot for watching the thousands of water birds. You’ll spy a wide range, including Shoveler and Black-tailed Godwits that flock to the river each year. If you want to get on the water yourself, there are four yacht clubs within easy reach. It’s also only eight miles from the busy seaside resort of Southend, perfect if you want a quick dip in the sea.

Insuring your perfect residential park home

Spring is on its way. If your bike’s been parked up over the winter, you’re probably raring to get back out on the open road. Make sure you’re ready to hit the streets by giving your leathers a quick spring clean too.

How often do I need to clean my motorbike leathers?

Depending on how often you ride, you should consider cleaning them every three or four months. Washing them will help them to stay looking their best and can help them to last for longer too. Removing dirt is just part of the picture. The key is to keep your leathers in good condition, so they stay supple and strong for as long as possible. As well as saving you money (as you won’t need to replace them so often), it also makes your leathers easier to put on and take off and can help to make them more comfortable to ride in.

What is the best way to clean motorbike leathers?

You don’t need to send your motorbike leathers to the dry cleaners, but can keep them in good nick yourself at home. All you need are cloths, a soft brush, leather cleaner, and leather feed to keep your gear in tip-top condition.

Getting it clean

• First, you need to clean the leather with leather cleaner. Check the packet to make sure you’re using a cleaner, not just a leather feed. If you just feed the leather, you’ll trap grime and it won’t look clean.
• Use a soft brush with a little of your leather cleaner and gently scrub the surface to remove dirt and insects. Use small circular movements to avoid scratching and damaging the surface.
• Next, use a damp cloth or some kitchen roll to gently remove the dirt that you have loosened. You may need to rinse your cloth several times. Try not to let your leathers get too wet.
• It’s a good idea to tackle this job panel by panel, rather than trying to clean it and then wipe away the dirt and excess cleaner in one go.
• To keep zips clean and in good working order, brush away dirt using just a brush and clean water.
• Hang up your leathers somewhere airy to allow them to dry out. Don’t put them too close to a heat source, like a radiator, as this can cause cracking.

Feeding the leather to keep it strong

• When the leather is dry you’ll need to condition it with a special leather feed. This is just like moisturising your face and helps to keep the leather strong and supple. Use a soft cloth to apply the leather feed and be careful not to use too much or it could end up being rather sticky! It’s a good idea to follow the panel by panel approach, as per the cleaning stage.
• Finally, after waiting a little while for the feed to absorb, use a soft cloth to buff the leather to a shine.
• Follow the same approach to clean your leather gloves as well.

Insuring your motorbike leathers