Saving space in compact living

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By William Coleman

They say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. I respectfully disagree because no matter how seasoned you are in caravan living you never stop learning, something I think we can all agree on. Also if you are new to the outdoor living lifestyle you may also benefit greatly from these little hints and tips.

Once you get into the caravan or motorhome holiday life you learn a lot on your first few trips, very much a trial of errors until you’ve figured out what you need. One thing I was told when I first started putting together my list if things I would need was to make a list of literally everything you use at home over a weekend. Doing that will give you a pretty good idea of what you need for a weekend away in a caravan, camper or motorhome.

So here are a few pro tips to help you make the most of your living space and help those of you who may be newer to the leisure vehicle holiday.

Don’t Forget The Drying

Have you been to sites that just have a washing machine? Have you you noticed there was no dryer only after your washing is half way through the cycle? I have, and it never ever crossed my mind to bring a clothes line. You live you learn.

I have seen some very primitive variations over the years but as basic as they were they were 100 times better than not having one at all.

So take a ball of string, a chain of even lots of shoes laces tied together, poor attempt at humour. It will be much better than having all of your clothes and undies scattered around your pitch or taking up every bit of space inside the van.

Silly but a very worthwhile thing to remember when packing for your trip.

Make Storage Space Safer

There really is nothing more frustrating than opening the cupboard just to have a jar of coffee or tube of Pringles pouncing out at you like some sort of pantry dwelling ninja. Or going to grab a snack just to see that someone has overstuffed the cupboard and you have to take everything out just to find that back of chocolate digestives.

I have found a very clean, easy and cheap way of solving this issue, the small clear plastic box!

Have a barrier between you and the martial artist pack of PG Tips. Not only does a clear plastic container prevent thing from toppling out at you but you can remove the whole contents of that space and easily see what has been stored in there without spending an age removing each item one by one. Should help save on those dentist bills too.

The Inside Of Every Door Is A Potential Wardrobe

The hanging shoe rack can turn any door into a storage haven. For a couple of pounds you can double the storage capacity of your van within a matter of moments.

The good thing about the netting used to form the hanging shoe rack is that can fit pretty much any house house item in them. From bottles of bleach all the way to your heavy duty black bin bags.

How about investing in some hooks? You can safely secure small coat hooks to the inside of the doors inside the kitchen area. These are perfect for hanging your cooking utensils, which more often than not do not fit that well in the cutlery draw.

As well as being a good hook to hang your serving spoons you can use them as actual coat hooks as they also work very well inside long cabinets and doors in the bedroom for extra clothing storage.

It is a great space saver with a very minimal cost and best of all you can pop one by the front door and get into the good habit of putting your keys there. No more arguments about who had the keys last.

The Island Bed Storage Space

The drawns under the divan bed at home have always been great for monumental amounts of hidden storage. The island bed inside the caravan provides just as much storage for the things that you do not want cluttering up your living spaces.

If you are going to use the under bed space I would suggest getting some plastic boxes so you can keep order of the large items.

The boxes are perfect for storing pillows and duvets as well as smaller items that you can fill an entire box such as shoes and board games etc etc. The clip on lids make life easier as you can stack things on top of them and keep the weight even while towing.

Just be sure to regularly air out any bedding if you are storing the van for a while as things can get very stuffy if left for extended periods of time.

Collapsible & Folding Draw Storage

The longest amount of time I have spent in a caravan was 3 weeks. While planning for the trip there was one thing that I totally overlooked- how tidy can you be while travelling with three weeks worth of luggage while sharing the space with 2 other people?

While away the draw I was allocated for all my bits and bobs always ended up like that draw in the kitchen that always turns into a total mess no matter how clean you try to keep it.

So moving forward how did I combat this nuisance scenario? I went to Ikea and took full advantage of the in draw storage compartments.

Ikea’s SKUBB range are a total game changer! You can buy a set of 4 or one that has 5 different pre designed sections, all of which will fit into most draws in any caravan or motorhome.

In fact for most space saving solution Ikea always seems to save the day. I wonder how long it will be until Ikea rebrand their existing kit to appeal to the caravan market? I may write up a proposal, this time next year I could be a millionaire.

Get Creative

I am sure that a lot of people will read this and either have a light bulb go off in their head or would have already thought of these solutions. One thing I am certain of is that there will be a long list of ideas that I have not thought of so please feel free to share them with me.

Take a walk around the van with your thinking cap on and I am sure ideas will start popping up all over the place. Once you’ve had a scan round you will be able to triple your storage space at a very low cost.

Thumbnail credit: Pixabay / Pexels

In-text images thanks to Big4.com/au.

Three-quarters of Brits aspire to own a holiday home

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By Emma Dodd

From caravans to lodges, it turns out that owning your own place to escape to is high up the list of aspirations for Brits.

New research carried out by Park Leisure has found that three-quarters of the population would love to own their own holiday home.

This is no surprise when you consider staycations are front of the mind when planning holidays for 2021 among the uncertainty of the current pandemic.

Beautiful beaches and luscious scenery are among the priorities when deciding on a location to purchase a holiday home.

Of those interviewed by the holiday park operator, 21 per cent said they’d like to buy a place to get away to in Cornwall, followed by 13 per cent opting for the Lake District.

Heading northwards, nine per cent are dreaming of spending time in the Yorkshire Dales and a further eight per cent would choose the Scottish Highlands, given the opportunity to spend some time away.

On average, 77 per cent of Brits would like to own a holiday home, but among the 25 to 34 demographic, this rises to 88 per cent.

Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, said: “We are seeing a much bigger demand for UK holiday homes, with people looking to invest in their own space, where they can tuck themselves away and escape the worries of everyday life with their families.”

Holiday parks are currently closed to the public, as everyone is asked to stay at home to try and quell the spread of coronavirus.

It’s hoped that by the summer restrictions will be eased and visiting holiday homes and taking caravan trips will be allowed once more.

Ms Williams added: “When it’s safe to do so, we’re looking forward to being able to welcome our families, and their pets, to enjoy the wonders of their home away from home and explore all that the UK’s beauty spots have to offer.”

Winter Tyres To Help Extended Touring

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By William Coleman

By now I am sure you have seen or experienced the current cold snap the UK is in the middle of. As I sit here now it is -4 outside and a “risk to life” warning has been issues due to a 7 year temperature low. Is that going to stop you from waking up in the van to an amazing frosty morning? Of course not, just make sure you have the right tyres in place.

Winter is coming into full swing. With the Met Office issuing yellow warnings of potential heavy snow around the UK, the conditions on roads can become dangerous as the bad weather increases the risk of accidents. Now add another 2-4 wheels with a caravan attached to them and the risk gets a little higher.

To avoid going down a slippery slope this winter, it is recommend that drivers, especially those in or travelling to rural areas, consider fitting winter tyres for their cars, caravans and motorhomes. But what are winter tyres, when should they be used and how to properly store them are just some of the questions that many drivers and towing folk are asking.

Debra Williams, CEO at Motokiki, the UK’s first truly independent tyre comparison site, is here with the important information every driver needs to know.

What Are Winter Tyres?

This may seem like a silly question but we have a whole wave of newcomers to the caravan world who may not be overly clued up on details such as adding winter tyres.

Winter tyres are specifically designed for temperatures below 7 degrees centigrade that allow for improved performance on roads that are covered in ice and snow.

This is a result of the specially developed rubber that has high levels of silica that enable the tyres to stay flexible in colder conditions. This improves the cars handling and decreases the overall braking distance. Before doing the research I was not sure of the science behind it but you learn a new thing every day.

Winter tyres are best suited to drivers who travel to and through remote areas as the conditions of the roads there are likely to be poor and remain so for longer over the winter. To identify a winter tyre, look for the snowflake symbol that is visible on the tyre.

I am sure we have all come across these road surfaces quite a lot over our touring holiday careers.

When Should I Put Winter Tyres On My Car?

Although there is no set date to fit winter tyres, it would pay to be aware of the weather conditions, not that you can escape the updates at the moment.

Occasionally, there may be sharp drop in temperatures, however, this may not last long and winter tyres may not be necessary. Therefore, drivers should wait until the temperature has dropped below 7 centigrade consistently for at least a few days before fitting winter tyres.

The coldest times of the year in the UK occur between the months of November and February so drivers should be aware that Winter Tyres may be needed sooner rather than later.

These are also the months that we are now seeing a spike on “off season” touring. A lot of sites that open in the colder time of year are very much full up.

How Should I Store My Winter Tyres?

Winter tyres should not be stored outside or left on a vehicle that is unused for any period exceeding one month as this can negatively impact the condition and performance of the tyres.

Before storing the tyres, drivers should make a note of which tyres were on the front and rear of the vehicle so they can be rotated next year to ensure even wear.

It is also recommend that each tyre is cleaned with water and dried to avoid corrosion. To further protect your tyres, special protective bags can be bought and used for storage purposes.

Where Should I Store Winter Tyres?

The optimal conditions to store winter tyres is any area inside that is not in direct sunlight and is not in the vicinity of heat sources that can cause drying and cracking in the tyre.

When storing the tyres avoid from areas that are covered in corrosive substances such as grease and fuel that may cause the rubber to deteriorate.

What Is The Best Short Term Storage Solution?

For short-term storage, winter tyres can be stacked in piles up to 4ft and avoid placing the tyre directly on the floor to avoid corrosion. For a more long-term solution, it is advisable to store winter tyres on a rack that has a 4 inch gap from the floor and place them vertically to avoid contact with corrosive substances.

A First Time Buyers Guide

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By William Coleman

Owning a caravan or motorhome offers the ultimate in freedom and spontaneity. It’s great value for money and allows you to travel around the UK and further when you want and in your own comfort and style.

Whether you’re looking for a family home from home to start holiday traditions or hoping to discover the hidden gems of Scotland while on wheels, the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show has everything you need to plan your next getaway. With models in all shapes, specs and sizes, there’s a motor to suit all lifestyles and budgets.

Buying for the first time or as an upgrade is never easy, unless you 100% know from the get go what you’re after. So why not head to a caravan show and browse very brand all under one roof?

If you’re in the market for your very first caravan, the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show have compiled a list of things to help you choose the correct model for you:

Can You Tow It?

One of the main things to consider when buying your caravan is how you will tow it. There’s a balancing act behind the towing process, it all depends on the size of caravan and your size of car. There are a huge range of caravans to choose from at different weight levels to match your car – speak to your dealer and they will give you the best advice on what size of caravan is best for you.

If you have never towed a caravan before, the Caravan and Motorhome Club will be offering 20-minute towing taster sessions at the show with experts on hand to answer any of your questions.*

Shop The Market For The Necessary Accessories

For a comfortable trip, you’ll need to stock up on a few caravan accessories. You’ll most likely need a 12V leisure battery, waste water carrier, gas bottle and a mains lead. There are lots of affordable accessories on the market, so shop around to get the best deals. Some sellers now offer starter kits which cover the essentials – these are really cost effective and perfect for first time buyers.

Do You Have Space To Store It?

It may seem simple but think about where you are going to store your caravan. If you don’t have a big enough garage or driveway to hold your caravan, then there are storage facilities that will look after your caravan for you. For example, Glasgow Caravan Storage offers safe storage spaces and can even valet and service your caravan on site.

Where Do You Plan On Going?

The options for where your caravan can take you are endless! Whether you’re planning a trip to uncover the hidden gems of the Scottish Highlands or you’re hoping to explore the French Riviera on wheels, your caravan gives you the freedom to jump in your car and be off on your next adventure. If staycations are your thing, a lightweight model may be best for you or if the world is your oyster then a heavier, durable caravan with a built-in toilet will help make your trip as comfortable as possible. It’s great to keep in mind your intended destinations as this can help you in the decision-making process.

Take Your Time When Deciding To Buy

When it comes down to the purchase day, take your time when making your final decision and be sure to shop around. If you’re heading to the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show, you will get the opportunity to see the widest range of models in one place, so spend the day going around all of the exhibitors and ask as many questions as you can -, our exhibitors can help you find what models might be best for you.

To find out more about buying your own caravan, you can talk to a range of exhibitors at The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show coming to the SEC, Glasgow this February (7 February – 10 February 2019). For more information and to book tickets visit: www.caravanshowscotland.com

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Travelworld Announce Famous Faces At 2019 Opening Event

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By William Coleman

I have already said that 2019 is going to be a big year for the industry! With sales on the rise and more parks are set to open we will have more holiday opportunities than ever. One other big grand opening for 2019 is Travelworld’s brand new state of the art HQ.

Staffordshire-based Travelworld Motorhomes has announced details of a week-long Grand Opening event to mark the start of operations at Creswell Park in Stafford.

The event will run from Monday 18th until Sunday 24th February 2019. Monday 18th will feature outdoor enthusiast and TV presenter Julia Bradbury and renowned wine critic and TV personality, Jilly Goolden.

Ross Edwards, managing director of Travelworld Motorhomes said: “We are very excited to be opening our doors to everyone. Julia and Jilly will bring to life what it means to own a motorhome and the kind of fun and healthy lifestyle motorhome ownership brings.”

Julia will be talking about why walking and camping are good for us, not just physically but valuable for our mental health too.

Julia said: “The nourishing beauty of the great outdoors is available for everyone and motorhoming can bring you one step closer to experiencing some of the most spectacular walking routes in the UK and beyond.

“It’s great to see how much the motorhome and camping industry is growing and I’m looking forward to telling you more about my outdoor adventures in the UK and my exciting new travels around Australia for my new ITV series. I can’t wait to be part of this very special occasion for Travelworld.”

Jilly will be offering wines for guests to taste and sharing her knowledge of some of the best wine regions in Europe to visit in a motorhome.

Jilly said: “The brilliant thing about touring the Continent in a motorhome is you can head for some marvelous wine regions, explore, taste the wines and bring the wines back! I’m very much looking forward to steering you in the right direction at the Grand Opening, and to sharing with you a few wines you can look out for on your travels”.

Pro mountain bike racer, Scott Beaumont, nicknamed, ‘Boom Boom’ will be performing stunts and chatting to guests on Saturday 23rd February. Super car BAC Mono will be on display and interactive showroom tours will be conducted by Travelworld representatives every day during the event. Competitions and prizes for all the family will be on offer and guests can preview a host of new motorhomes. Refreshments will be served daily.

The event will take place at Creswell Park, located just off junction 14 of the M6, and situated on a five-acre site. The new glass fronted showrooms consist of a 25-bay workshop, extensive parking space, a large service centre to accommodate up to 25 large A-class motorhomes such as Hymer, Niesmann + Bischoff and Carado – brands Travelworld has become synonymous with.

In acknowledgement of the growth and expansion of Travelworld, the 40 year old family-run company and UK Erwin Hymer Group dealer received a ‘highly commended’ accolade for Fastest Growing Business at the Midlands Family Business Awards.

Ross Edwards said: “Our previous site in Telford served us well but as our award commendation indicates, we have grown considerably and recognised the need for a central location, Creswell Park is perfect for our continued growth and progress.

“2018 has been a tremendous year for Travelworld and we will start 2019 in the same spirit by welcoming all our valued customers and new visitors to what will be a must-see Grand Opening event.”

Interview With The Truma Marketing Coordinator

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By William Coleman

I am sure everyone has come face to face with Truma products, either in a van or at a show, probably both. They are more than just a heating and air con company, they are very much on the forefront new innovative tech within the industry.

When it comes to the marketing side of a caravan or motorhome you have so many tools at your disposal; the life style, freedom, layout and even different media packages. But what about the tech that goes into the van? How do you market that? And how do you make sure you stand out to the masses?

A lot of people buy a caravan based off of what technology is inside, we are very much in a tech driven age now. I wanted to find out more so I had a catch with Holly Clarke to ask how does one go about making a tech product so popular in the world of caravanning.

So Holly, you’re the Marketing Coordinator at Truma. How long have you been with the company?

Yes I am and loving it, I was offered the role in February 2016 where I had a one-day taster at the Feb NEC show where we launched the iNet. I was thrown in the deep end where I quickly realised what a close knit team they were which I think is so important. I started the role in March 2016.

During your time at Truma how much have things changed in regard to the rise of social media, and how the caravan world is slowly starting come around to the idea of using social media as a tool for advertising?

We’ve always tried to be friendly and engaging because we believe this is vital. Businesses’ like ours have used Social media for the last 10 years with a goal of increasing Likes and Followers.

We use it as a way of showing our friendly and engaging side putting a face to the company. Now social media is our most appealing channel for advertising and tapping into a wider more diverse audience who have the potential/means to buy a motorhome or caravan.

We make our content engaging and educational by posting inspirational messages, how they would benefit from our products to solve a problem they might have and to show them the lifestyle they can achieve all via this simple platform.

We now use social media as a tool for our customer service and technical too, we regularly receive technical questions via Facebook/Twitter as well as email, so we are able demonstrate a personal one-on-one level of communication and quickly too.

Facebook and Twitter has become a forum for caravanners to share their stories about “Life in their van” but to also transfer knowledge about the best products to buy and offer reviews to help each other make that all important decision.which in this industry is never on a whim, it’s not a cheap investment to buy a caravan!

Truma seem to have a very strong presence at all the shows you attend. We’ve seen you in both Germany and the UK and have been impressed with how interactive your stands are. What kind of work goes into putting Truma front and centre at the shows?

We start preparing for the shows around 3 months in advance, our head office and Marketing team in Putzbrunn plan the concept to run initially at the Caravan Salon, Dusseldorf in August and this is replicated at all shows around the globe for that particular year.adapting to suit each market of course.

Here in the UK, I customise the stand by using contractors and colleagues to meet our global standards. We use a digital agency to create the technical displays and have a very close relationship with them using them year on year and so trust them to set the displays up for us on build up, stay at the show for back up support and then break down on the last day.

We make sure that our displays are interactive to reflect the digitalisation of Truma and the connectivity we’ve made by our products working in unison, our Combi heating and Air con unit work together with clever automatic climate control to create a personalised climate.

Then there is our iNet system which acts as a central unit to remotely control the heating and air con and more recently to check the level of gas left in your cylinder! We are there to support our Dealers and Manufacturers too by placing members of our technical team and product displays on their stand so we’re on hand for their customers when making a purchase.

Not only do we attend the big shows such as NEC, Manchester and the Scottish show, we attend and support the Clubs at their Summer rallies too. These are less informal so we get time to chat with the customers and help out with any technical queries they might have but also to join in the activities run by the clubs.

In the past we have hosted Oktoberfest on the Saturday evening at the CAMC National where we provided entertainment, a Bavarian feast and personalised steins for guest to take home. It adds a sense of fun into the mix so we don’t come across as too technical. We are a family run company and like to show this whenever we can!

Marketing on board air-con and heating systems must take a very different approach to say caravans or motorhomes. How do you keep things fresh and different so as to stand out?

We design our products with the customer in mind and all the scenarios that a person may come across on their caravan or motorhome holidays. We put ourselves in their shoes and create a product that fits their personal journey.

Our lifestyle imagery creates an emotion that everyone can relate to and hopefully inspires them to “want to be that person”. For a real-life experience at the shows we bought a caravan and turned it into a demonstration space that could truly be their own. We take our time with customers showing them the roof-mounted and under compartment air con; feel it in operation, hear how quiet it is and to use the automatic climate control to set their own comfortable temperature.

The February show at the NEC in Birmingham is just around the corner. Does Truma have anything special planned you can share with us here at CaravanTimes?

We recently launched our brand new roof-mounted Aventa compact air conditioning system to add to our portfolio. Smaller in size to fit on roofs with limited space in between any solar panels, satellite dishes, skylights, roof racks etc you might have but still with the same cooling output for medium to large leisure vehicles. This show we will be introducing our Aventa compact plus which is the same size and style as its “Little sister” the compact but with an even higher cooling output.

You guys featured on Amazing Spaces on Channel for a couple of weeks back. That must have been a great experience and exposure for you guys?

Hmmmm we didn’t get a mention but we were filmed throughout the whole install of the Air con on the Silver Streak named “Priscilla” as well as our friend George Clarke carried out an interview with the couple going through all the benefits of the air con and iNet system (George sometimes attends the NEC show so I will be having words if I see him!).

He loved the product and tech aspect of automatic climate control and linking it to our iNet system but unfortunately, we didn’t make the cut. You can see the air con in the background though!

One last question, I promise. What can our readers expect from the Truma team in 2019?

Moving forward we are connecting even more with our retailers giving them value added services. We’ve seen a huge rise in demand for aftermarket fits such as our air conditioning systems, Solar and particularly our iNet system. To make sure we are offering a speedy reaction to these market demands we are setting up a team of Mobile Support engineers to provide our network of Dealers a fitting service and carrying out repairs as and when they need.

For anyone who has Truma products or want to find out more can visit them directly via their website, or contact them directly of Facebook or Twitter, and do not be shy as they are here to help.

Caravan And Motorhome Club Alderstead Site Review

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By William Coleman

This week me and the team got the chance to spend a day and a night at the Caravan And Motorhome Club Alderstead site where you can use multiple pitch types, camping and even some glamping.

At the Club’s Alderstead Heath site you would never know you were so close to the M25, which is actually very handy for getting in and out of major visiting locations in the South East.

When we arrived it was like we entered a winter wonderland of fog and mist, call me weird but it looked absolutely amazing. When a site is cloaked in fog it just feels like the perfect winter touring setting, some say snow it but that causes far too many dilemmas when towing and touring.

As you’d expect from a Club site things are very well kept from the generous sized pitches all the way to the spotlessly clean shower block. Despite the washrooms being almost perfect the deep clean still took place leaving the whole building smelling wonderful.

Even though we are in the dead of winter and the temperature is quite low, reaching minuses overnight, the site was still on the busy side. It just goes to show that keeping a location open during the “off season” can be worth it.

The site location is a hidden get away from the hustle and bustle of the M25 and local towns such as Croydon and Coulsdon. If you like your coffee houses there is also a large Starbucks a few moments down the road from the site.

If you do want to venture out by car or rail you a few minutes drive from Coulsdon South station that can have you in the heart of London within about 30 minutes or so, service depending.

If you want to take a drive you can pop over to Reigate where you will find a cinema as well as lots of shops and independent tea rooms, cafes and restaurants. And if you want some shopping or a lot more variety for places to eat you are about a 15 minute drive from central Croydon, where I grew up. Here you will find major rail stations, bars, shopping and in South Croydon you have a “restaurant quarter” which every cuisine you could think of.

For those who are looking for a more peaceful stay and want to make the most of the site you can take full advantage of the site’s surroundings. The location is flanked by lots of woodlands and walking trails that look amazing in both winter and summer, just bring your wellies if you are going in January.

The site is pet friendly so you can take your four legged friends out for a stroll across the North Downs or through Pilgrims Way which is a short distance from the site.

If you are a motorhome user or caravanner there are 181 pitches to choose from which are perfect for both vehicles as well as a camping area, 10 tent max capacity, with an electrical hook.

Another thing that has been added to the site are glamping pods. The Swift S Pods are great for a comfy overnight stay if you fancy something different, or if you want friends without caravans to come and join you for a weekend.

Our newest production team member Sion stayed in an S Pod overnight, his first time in any kind of glamping accommodation, was thoroughly impressed by his lodgings: “I had no idea it would be so comfortable. I thought glamping was just extremely nice tent stays. The S Pod is compact but spacious with its own washroom which means no cold walks to the wash block that is a bit of a distance from the pod, especially when it is that cold outside.

It is a great way to be part of the caravan community, despite not having a caravan myself. I think the Caravan and Motorhome Club have just opened up a lot of different holiday opportunities to a lot more people by adding their Experience Freedom brand to lots of sites. Next on the agenda is an Airstream weekend stay.”

The site has a long list of facilities for couples and families to ensure you have the perfect stay and features both a play area and playground for children.

Another great thing this site allows are BBQ, charcoal, gas and electrical. So when the sun comes back you can grill the nights away.

Overall this is a little gem of a site which I would recommend. It is well hidden from the world but close enough to be able to visit shopping areas and central London via a small commute.

To see just how foggy and mesmerising our morning there was click here.

Half Term Adventures Sorted By The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

School holidays are the one time where holiday companies and travel agents decide that the prices need to skyrocket just because they have the ability to do so. This is one such thing that you will not find in the caravan world as the Caravan and Motorhome Club have some top suggestions for the oncoming half term holidays.

If you plan on getting the kids or grandkids out over half term on a caravan holiday you will be spoilt for choice if you have a CAMC membership. From the depth of the Cornish Coast all the way up the stunning scenery in Edinburgh the Club have you covered.

With prices starting from just £15 per night and annual membership of the club starting from just £52, families can have a great break this half term and all year round without breaking the bank.

Families can also get more out of February half term with the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s ‘Kids stay for £1’ deal. Children aged between 5-17 years old can stay at a range of selected Club Sites across the UK from as little as £1 per night over the half term break.

Here the Caravan and Motorhome Club has handpicked its top five places to enjoy half term this February:

Cornwall

As the most southerly county on the English mainland, Cornwall is the perfect place to get away from it all this half term. Take the family on a great day out to the Eden Project; often known as the eighth Wonder of the World it’s the size of 30 football pitches, kids can explore the exotic plants that call the attraction home and find out where tea, rubber and sugar come from. Get close to nature at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Cornwall’s only seal hospital. Meet baby seals, walruses and larger seals, learn what they like to eat and even enjoy special VIP experiences. Carnon Downs Caravan Park is just three miles south of Cornwall’s only city, Truro. It is also a popular spot on the network for families with bike hire, a games room and play area available on site.

Prices start from £35 per standard pitch per night, based on two adults and two children sharing

Durham

Discover the North East’s great family attractions. Delve deep into the region’s history with a visit to Beamish Living Museum of the North; enjoy recreated experiences of life in the North East during Georgian times, the early 1900s and life throughout the 1940s. Visit Bamburgh Castle, which was once home to the King of Northumbria. Known as the ‘King of the Castles’, visitors can take a stroll through 14 state rooms including the stunning Kings Hall and Victorian bakery. The Durham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is located just a 12-minute drive outside of the picturesque city of Durham and features a children’s playground on site to keep the little ones entertained for hours.

Prices start from £21.50 per standard pitch per night, based on two adults and two children sharing

Edinburgh

Celebrate half term with a visit to the idyllic medieval Scottish capital. A visit to Real Mary King’s Close is a must-do for all of the family; the stories of Edinburgh’s underground forgotten streets come alive in special tours. For those with lots of energy to burn take a stroll along the Royal Mile and visit the Camera Obscura & World of illusions. As the oldest visitor attraction in Edinburgh, this place has been filled with puzzles, illusions and interactive experiences since 1835, not to mention one of the best rooftop views across the city.Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is situated along the Firth of the Forth and is only a short drive from the city centre. It is perfect for those wanting to combine the coastal scene with the city vibe. Dog walks and cycle routes surround the site, making it a great pit stop for those who also like to explore the outdoors.

Prices start from £22.80 per standard pitch per night, based on two adults and two children sharing

Derbyshire

Enjoy a very regal half term and explore the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Steeped in 400 years of history, Chatsworth House is one of the most iconic stately homes in England and has over 30 rooms waiting to discovered; visit the state Banqueting Hall or Waltz around the Grand Ballroom. No visit to Derbyshire would be complete without exploring the majestic landscape of Peak Cavern and taking a boat trip underground or walking through the twists and turns of Castleton’s caves in the heart of the Peak District. The Chatsworth Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is hidden in an old-walled garden on the picturesque Chatsworth Estate. It is the perfect stop to spot a deer or two, as well as enjoy the facilities of the Estate including golf and tennis. There is also a playground at the site to keep the little ones entertained for hours.

Prices start from £24.30 per standard pitch per night, based on two adults and two children sharing

Sites offering the Kids stay from £1 per night deal:

South East England

Abbey Wood Club Site
Alderstead Heath Club Site
Ashridge Farm Club Site
Black Horse Farm Club Site
Brighton Club Site
Commons Wood Club Site
Crystal Palace Club Site
Gatwick Club Site
Wyatts Covert Club Site

East Anglia and East Midlands

Burrs Country Park Club Site
Castleton Club Site
Chapel Lane Club Site
Chatsworth Park Club Site
Clumber Park Club Site
Ferry Meadows Club Site
Poolsbrook Country Park Club Site
The Sandringham Estate Club Site

Southern
Broadway Club Site
Hunter’s Moon Club Site
Moreton-in-Marsh Club Site

Scotland
Melrose Gibson Park Club Site
Strathclyde Country Park Club Site
North of England
Bridlington Club Site
Coniston Park Coppice Club Site
Durham Grange Club Site
Knaresborough Club Site
Meathop Fell Club Site
White Water Park Club Site
York Rowntree Club Site

ales & West Midlands
Chester Fairoaks
Lady Margaret’s Park Club Site

South West
Minehead Club Site

Win Tickets To The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

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By William Coleman

Who’s going the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show? We are going to be there and we want you there too! Hence why we are giving away 5 pairs of tickets FOR FREE! All you have to do in answer the below question correctly to be entered into the draw for the tickets.

Over 200 of the UK’s leading caravan, motorhome and holiday home suppliers are set to take to the SEC, Glasgow 7 February – 10 February 2019 for Scotland’s largest exhibition and we’ve got 5 pairs of tickets to give away.

Whether you are looking for a family home from home to start holiday traditions or hoping to discover the hidden gems of Scotland while on wheels, the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show has everything you need to plan your next getaway, from the latest caravans, to cool campervans and state of the art motorhomes, all under one roof.

The options are endless for where your next purchase may take you with the country’s leading manufactures and dealers on-hand to guide you with fantastic show only offers and discounts!

As well as the best selection of models, visitors will get access to the best advice with lots of holiday parks on site, as well as the major clubs and associations on hand to provide information on holidaying across the country.

Popping up within the show will be a range of outdoor tents and camping accessories for pitching-up at your next destination. The Accessory Superstore is the perfect destination for those looking for the must have accessories and awnings and there will be marine products on show including jet skis and dinghy’s.

For visitors who haven’t tried touring before, there will be everything you need to know and including information on Motorhome hire from show sponsors, BC Motorhomes, as well as free tuition for towing caravans and manoeuvring motorhomes with 20-minute taster sessions* – perfect for first-time tourers.

For more information on the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show visit: www.caravanshowscotland.com

*Driving licence required and must be shown

Terms and conditions:

  • Prize is one pair of tickets to the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show (travel not included)
  • Prize is only valid for one day and can be redeemed on either Thursday 7, Friday 8, Saturday 9 or Sunday 10 February 2019
  • The prize has no cash alternative, is non-refundable and non-exchangeable
  • The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show reserves the right to refuse entry without explanation.

Motorhomes Helping The Environment?

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By William Coleman

There are a lot of sites, parks and companies who are very conscious of what kind of carbon footprint their business causes and they do their best to try and reduce that. One park owner feels that motorhome owners are actually the unsung heroes of the nature conscious tourer. Is this fact or theory?

Certain destinations around the UK remain almost untouched, as much as possible in this day and age, thus meaning they are actually quite sensitive to outside elements like fuel pollutants. One such location is fragile area is the Lake District.

Henry Wild of Skelwith Fold feels that parks in the area should be doing all they can to entice motorhomers as he believes that they have a smaller impact on the environment. But why, they still use fossil fuels?

The belief is that motorhome users, based on his encounters with them on site, are a lot more likely to leave the site on foot and leave their motorhome pitched and ready to use as soon as they get back.

This is a very interesting point as my one bugbear of using a motorhome is the fact that you usually have to pack everything up every time you want to go somewhere. In an area such a the Lake District heading out on foot is a lot more doable as there are tons of walking paths, bike routes and these areas are much better seen on foot.

Buses, bicycles and two legs are the preferred ways of exploring Lakeland for many of Cumbria’s thousands of motorhome users each year, says Henry.

Due to the fact that motorhome users who visit the area much prefer walking, it positively impacts more than just fuel pollution, they also reduce congestion on roads which further diminishes the release of harmful greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

Last summer, Henry reports, motorhome visitors to his park grew by 8% compared with the previous year, and are fast gaining ground with many younger couple and families.

But despite their size, he believes, motorhomes should be hailed as green holiday heroes – as long as they opt for holiday park pitches and not roadsides or public car parks.

“Much of the tourism traffic seen on Lake District roads is likely to belong to people who have already checked in to their destination, and who are now enjoying the sights,” said Henry.

“By contrast, motorhomes will often spend the entire duration of their stay parked-up whilst their users find alternative ways to tour around and get to where they want to go.

“The same will apply in many other rural areas, and suggests that we should be encouraging motorhome visitors in parts of Britain where the countryside is deemed to be at risk,” added Henry.

Now the same argument can be said for a lot of caravan users. I know a lot of people who go on short breaks to sites and spend the entire time either on site or walking around the area they are staying.

I am not saying the number is the same as it is much more likely that you will use your car to get around if it is there to use.

Without trying to throw up an opposing argument in defense of caravan users I feel that Henry does have a point, less usage of vehicles will reduce pollution.

However, he adds the caveat that “wild campers” – those who prefer a roadside to a legitimate holiday park – should be discouraged, not least because of the visual pollution they cause.

Skelwith Fold is taking part in a national campaign, mirrored by many local authorities, to put across the message that a park is a much more practical and comfortable option for such vehicles.

In contrast to a decade ago when touring caravans were king, says Henry, motorhomes now occupy almost 50 percent of Skelwith Fold’s 150 touring pitches.

Motorhomes also bring in increasingly younger couples and families, he believes, thanks to the much wider availability of hire and their promise of a more adventurous holiday experience.

To help motorhome guests stay mobile, the park – just a short stroll from Ambleside – offers electrically powered bikes for hire, and provides information on local transport services.

It has also provided additional “super pitches” to accommodate longer length vehicles.

Skelwith Fold was crowned last year as Lakeland’s top holiday park in the Cumbria Tourism Awards, and is the current holder of the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

As well as touring pitches for motorhomes and caravans in its 130-acre grounds, the park provides luxury glamping pods, safari tents, and holiday homes to own.

A Century Of Towing

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By William Coleman

In the past 100 years the planet has changed dramatically, some good some bad. We saw a man land on the mood, the Internet, man learnt to fly and even pre sliced bread! This year also marks the 100th birthday of the first caravan towed by a car. But where did it all begin?

Following some earlier news regarding how big 2019 is set be for UK holidays it is very timely that we have been towing for a entire century. Over the past 10 decades a lot has changed in the world of towing, from technology to technique we really have come a long way.

If we turn the clocks back to the 1880s it seemed the need for living on the road was at a fever pitch and people were adapting trailers into a primitive form of caravan.

At its humble beginnings the caravan was actually a very good looking trailer that went by the name of “The Wanderer”. The Wanderer name has actually been adopted by the Caravan and Motorhome Club for their brand new series of onsite restaurants that only use locally sourced food in the kitchen. The first eastery of its kind is at their Knaresborough site which was one of the first stops for this pioneering caravan.

The original wagon was built by adventure writer Dr William Stables who was contracted by the Bristol Wagon & Carriage Works to build him an 18ft “gentleman’s caravan”. The Wanderer toured all around the countryside where Dr Stables wrote his book “The Gentleman Gypsy”.

Fast forward a few decades to just after the end of the world changing event that was The Great War and the UK was a very different place. The effects of the WW1 took quite the toll on the UK and the nation needed a jump start to get everyone back on track.

The Birmingham based Eccles Motor Transport company saw an opportunity to provide a new type or touring holiday home that everyone could enjoy, there was not too much air travel or European getaways at that point so getaways were few and far between.

Seeing that this type of vehicle was non existent they swooped in to fill the void. Eccles Motor Transport produced the first automobile pulled caravan.

Once it hit the market you had to shell out £100, which in today’s world works out to be slightly upwards of £5,000. What did you get for your money? A 9ft long and 5ft 7 wine 2 berth. Onboard it came equipped with a Primus stove and even a wardrobe. By today’s standards it looks pretty medieval but back then this was a dream for many people.

Simon McGrath, from the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “Early models were made of wood and often lined with hardwoods like mahogany, making them surprisingly heavy for such a diminutive size.”

How do you market a brand new concept to the masses in a post War era? Simple, you tell them that if holidays are a problem then this is the solution. It worked wonders!

From humble beginnings a 100 years ago to 5 star touring accommodation. The world of the caravan is massively divers and literally has something for everyone. Some of the vans I have been in make my house look like a hovel.

While chatting away at the show to one it was said that the NEC can generate millions and millions of pounds worth of business for the caravan industry over the 5 day it is on. The figure can differ depending on who you speak to but it always around the £100,000,000+ mark.

So the caravan world is serious business and the industry is estimated to be worth around £6 billion. From plastic plates to compact air conditions systems the last 100 years of caravan evolution has made modern day touring safe, secure and most importantly a lot of fun.

Simon McGrath said: “Since the first commercially produced towing caravan was launched in 1919, designs and manufacturing processes have evolved massively to make them lighter and real home from homes.”

Pictures- Andrew Jenkinson.

Will 2019 Be The Stand Out Year For The Caravan Holiday?

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By William Coleman

2019 marks the 100th anniversary of when the first caravan was hitched up and towed by a car, and how timely this is as a century on its seems as though caravan holidays are more popular than ever as 2019 sets to a marquee year for caravan tourism.

The caravan holiday is as British as a bag of chip and a cup of tea, and I think that is why we all love it so much. It is a pastime we have all taken part in and it seems that this year could be another huge bumper year for the leisure vehicle holiday.

Reports are pointing to a handful of factors that should positively impact the caravan, motorhome and campervan world this year. The main one being the B word, “Brexit”. Love it or hate it, there will be some outcomes that will get a lot of holiday makers opting for beach side caravan holidays instead of the all inclusive European destinations.

If you have ever spent time in the coastal towns of the UK you will know just how truly wonderful a week there can be. A lot of people may not be keen on the potential extra costs that a post Brexit world could provide, renewed passport costs and potentially paying to get into EU countries. Yes it is speculation at this point but it has not been taken off the table so it could possibly happen.

A family holiday can be quite costly without adding the costs of a visa type charge and new passports for the family. Add to that the feeling that us UK residents would maybe feel unwelcome and you have all the ingredients to go for a caravan or motorhome stay here at home in the UK.

More Access To Vans

2017 saw the sales of leisure vehicles skyrocket as thousands of people, couples and families across the UK decided that a “staycation” was the way forward.

According to figures from the NCC in 2017 there was an increase of 13.7% in the production of touring caravans within the first 6 months of 2017. With a staggering 44.7 million Brits taking domestic holidays in 2016, 10.4 million of those using caravans, motorhomes or camping as accommodation.

Travelling from site to site you can see the effect this has had on both touring parks and local tourism. Even in the winter sites are 75-100% occupancy!

Not only are there more vans being purchased there are also tons of different routes you can go down to get your hands on a caravan or motorhome for a holiday. The Caravan and Motorhome Club have introduced the their href=”https://experiencefreedom.co.uk/” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>Experience Freedom brand where you can rent a motorhome or even stay on site in an Airstream.

There is also Camplify who have been dubbed the “AirBnB of the caravan world”. They have hundreds of listings on their site from your normal touring caravan to the weird and wonderful like a converted fire engine.

All of this has been designed to get more people into vans and taste that sense of freedom that only a touring holiday can provide.

Long Summers and Great Weather

The Great British summertime of 2018 was bar far one of hottest I can remember. Due to the fact that the UK is getting warmer and warmer each year why would you spend thousands on going abroad when you can go away every single weekend of summer for a fraction of the cost?

Having a caravan, motorhome, camper or even renting a static is much more cost effective than going abroad. Due to the fact that you can wake up at 7am and be on a beach by 10am why wouldn’t you do this every week?

There are so many beach front sites that the biggest problem you will have is choosing which one to visit next.

Even if you cannot get a beach front spot there are a huge amounts of sites that are just a short drive away from the sea side.

Time Is Money

Unfortunately for those of us who have not retired or won the lottery there is a limited amount of time that you can spend on holiday. One of the biggest issues with going away is the time it takes getting to another country and the all the problems that can come with it.

So you wake up really, really early to then travel to the airport 3-4 hours before your flight. You then have to go through security control, which is enough to put anyone off of air travel for good, to then just sit in an airport and wait with your fingers crossed that your flight is not delayed.

One issue I have found, which really does grind my gears, is how a travel agent will consider the day you arrive and the day you leave as actual paid for holiday times. Due to not having much control over this your 7 day break in the sun actually turns into 5 days. Day 1 and 7 are basically a write off, flight time dependent.

With a caravan holiday you do not face such dilemmas, unless you decide to travel the length of the country. No passport control, not crying kids on planes and you get to decide when you leave and when you arrive. Freedom at its finest.

A fraction of the cost, more time, more control and if the weather is bad you won’t feel as bad having not spend £1000+ on a holiday. Mexico, 2016. Day 1 and 5 gone because of travel and it rained every day in between. Never again!

Youthful Investment

The cost of living is not getting cheaper and younger people are finding it a lot harder to maintain a good balance between work and social life when it comes to going on holiday.

With property value and rent prices soaring in certain parts of the UK some young people and families cannot justify the spend on going away. Does that mean they shouldn’t? No, far from it.

We all need a break away from reality now and then and that is where a staycation can come in handy. Taking the kids to a caravan site for a few days over a bank holiday costs nowhere near as much as a trip abroad, especially during half term time, so we are seeing a large influx of younger families opting for this over flying.

Younger people in their early 20s are opting to buy campervans as their primary method of transport as they can use it as a dual purpose vehicle. A practical driving vehicle Monday to Friday and the perfect escape van for weekends or weeks off work.

So as time goes on you are seeing a shift in who is buying what vehicle and what types are selling more than others. Motorhome and campervan sales are very quickly catching up to the caravan as a lot of younger folk are now buying into the idea of staying home for their holidays.

There are more sites popping up all over the UK, more vans being sold, younger people are staying home to take holidays, sites are staying open all year round now and access to vehicles is easier and cheaper than it has ever been before.

All of these factors will make this year’s season one of the best the industry has seen in a long while and I really cannot wait.