Coachman announces price freeze on all 2016 caravans until March

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by Joe Jeffrey

Price freeze on all 2016 Coachman caravans announced

Coachman Caravans has announced a price freeze on its entire 2016 collection of ranges.

The move, which is pretty unprecedented within the caravan industry, sees every 2016 model purchased before 1 March 2016 benefit from the price freeze, whilst remaining in-line with 2015 prices.

Coachman’s latest collection, comprising of the entry level Vision, as well as Pastiche, Laser and VIP ranges, have all seen vast weight reductions for 2016, courtesy of the company’s Advanced Bonded Construction (ABS) technology. Not only does ABC enable lighter weights without compromising the quality of construction, but it also allows for more cars to be able to tow Coachman’s caravans, essentially offering more choice for the consumer. Ever thought you could tow a caravan in a Golf? Well, you can now.

Coachman will be in attendance at the Caravan and Motorhome Show at EventCity in Manchester all week until 24 January, before heading across the border to attend the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show in Glasgow between 4 and 7 February. Next stop will be Birmingham’s NEC, where the Hull manufacturer will be showing off all of its price-frozen ranges at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016 between 23 and 28 February.

To take a look at Coachman’s 2016 line-up and to find out more, click here.

Camping and Caravanning Club reports increase in visitors for 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Increase in site visits, as May Bank Holiday proves more popular than ever before

The Camping and Caravanning Club enjoyed a bumper year of camping in 2015, and celebrated a 4 per cent increase in the total number of touring pitch nights sold across its Club Sites network when compared with 2014.

Club Sites at Braithwaite Fold in the Lake District, and Hayfield in Derbyshire, were the star performers and each recorded a 9 per cent increase in bookings during 2015, compared with the same period in 2014.

Braithwaite Fold is located on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, and provides the perfect base to stride out and explore the delightful towns of Windermere and Bowness.

Hayfield Club Site is nestled at the foot of the dramatic Dark Peak area, and is increasingly popular with tent campers, who seek out peace and tranquillity here, just an hour’s drive from central Manchester.

Across the border into Wales, Bala Camping and Caravanning Club site is less than a two hour drive from Manchester. The site is located next to the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, and it too saw significant growth in 2015, with 6 per cent more pitch night sales than the previous year.

Bob Hill, club sites director, said: “We’ve invested significantly in our 107-strong club sites network in the last few years, and we’re delighted to see that the sites are proving a hit with campers.

“We’re confident 2016 will see further growth, with lower prices at the pump making it easier and cheaper for people to enjoy short camping breaks at one of their many local club sites.”

With online booking becoming increasingly popular, the club reported a 9 per cent increase in the number of pitch nights sold on its busiest online booking day during 2015 when compared to the same day in 2014.

Both dates fell during the late May Bank Holiday weekend, coinciding with the club’s annual National Camping and Caravanning Week campaign.

The Camping and Caravanning Club is an exhibitor at this year’s Caravan & Motorhome Show, held at Manchester’s EventCity from today until 24 January.

Travelworld receives top industry award for Hymer Van

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by Joe Jeffrey

Shropshire’s Travelworld scoops award for Hymer Van 314

Hymer’s largest UK motorhome dealer, Travelworld, is celebrating following the receipt of an industry award for the German manufacturer’s new compact motorhome, the Hymer Van 314.

The 314 won Compact Motorhome of the Year at the National Motorhome Awards 2016 recently, and has since been credited with answering a growth in demand for those who want a semi-integrated motorhome which doubles as a second car.  

The winning entry from Hymer is the smallest low profile model of its kind, measuring 2.22m in width and 5.45m in length, yet built on an AL-KO chassis with garage to the rear. The vehicle has received acclaim for its agility and its ability to be parked almost anywhere, providing a new breadth of freedom to modern motorhomers. 

Available space has been maximised via a two burner gas hob/sink and flip-up worktop with refrigerator beneath. There is a drop down basin by the toilet and a third bed is an option with the in-cab stretcher bunk, and still room for a nicely sized transverse double bed. 

Travelworld has already seen positive response from its customers. The company’s sales manager, Nick Barker, said: “Customers have been delighted with the new model and how the use of space has been cleverly considered. The 314 SL is the epitome of the everyday motorhome that everyone and anyone can use; having the Hymer stamp is a huge added bonus as customers know automatically there has been no economising on quality.” 

In addition to the winning model, Hymer has also recently launched three new models, in the form of the semi-integrated 374, similar to the 314 but with two single beds. The Hymer Van S range has also seen the addition of two new models with the S520 and the S500 models, both built on the Mercedes Sprinter 313 CDi. 

Ross Edwards, managing director at Travelworld said: “This award marks the beginning of what was always going to be an exciting year for Hymer. As a leading UK dealer, we are in the privileged position to see, first-hand, how pleased customers are with the 314 SL. Hymer has listened to what people want in a motorhome and has more than delivered on that.”

Katy Hill to celebrate glamping with Ready Camp at Caravan & Motorhome Show

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by Joe Jeffrey

Katy Hill to speak on importance of spending good family time together at show

TV and Radio presenter Katy Hill will appear at the Caravan & Motorhome Show, held at Manchester’s Event City from tomorrow (21 January) to 24 January, to promote glamping in the UK with Ready Camp.

Katy will take part in a Q&A session on Saturday 23 January at 2.30pm on the show’s Get Back to Nature stage. The stage is sponsored by Ready Camp, the glamping provider launched by The Camping and Caravanning Club in February 2015.

On each day of the show, the Get Back to Nature stage will host a series of talks with figures from the world of nature and TV, including presenter and marine adventurer Monty Halls, plus a falconry experience from Knutsford-based Gauntlet Birds of Prey.           

Katy said: “I’m delighted to speak at the show about the importance of getting kids camping, and the value of spending time together as a family.

“Glamping makes the prospect of an escape in a tent, away from home comforts such as your own bed, a little less daunting. There’s no need to pack your life into the boot for a few days away – the tent is pitched and ready for you, so you can concentrate on having fun!”

The Club’s Ready Camp network of glamping tents has expanded in 2016 to include more sites, in new areas of Britain. There are now 29 Ready Camp sites hosting 101 glamping tents, close to many of Britain’s best-loved tourist spots.

Each offers comfortable and hassle-free camping to people keen to camp without having to hitch up a caravan or pitch their own tent – all you need to bring is your own bedding, towels and a sense of adventure.

Washroom facilities are available on all Camping and Caravanning Club Sites, where holidaymakers are guaranteed immaculate facilities.

Bob Hill, the Camping and Caravanning Club‘s sites director said, “Ready Camp has surpassed all expectations in 2015 and it’s a great fit to sponsor the Get Back to Nature stage at the Caravan & Motorhome show. 

“Katy is clearly passionate about getting her young family to explore nature and Ready Camp is helping more and more families to do this easily and affordably.”

In a recent customer survey, Ready Camp proved to be popular for both new and seasoned campers. 94.1 per cent of respondents said that they would use Ready Camp again, with more than half of all Ready Camp bookings since launch made by non-members of The Camping and Caravanning Club.

To get your tickets for the Caravan & Motorhome Show, click here now.

Aldo Zilli brings culinary skills to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Italian-born Aldo will be showing how easy it is to cook a Sunday Roast on the BBQ at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show

TV chef and passionate Italian foodie Aldo Zilli will be joining the celebrity line-up at this year’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show. Zilli, who is a familiar face on TV, will be bringing his passion for cooking to the Birmingham NEC on Sunday 28 February.

Founder and chef-patron of Signor Zilli, Zilli Green, Zilli Café and Zilli Bar, Aldo is known for transforming the Soho Italian restaurant scene and has established himself as one of the country’s best known and loved celebrity chefs. In March 2012 Aldo decided to hang up the chef’s whites and embark on other ventures including becoming executive consultant chef to San Carlo Group and appearing on an array of TV programs.

Aldo will be creating three meals including a ‘Sunday Roast on the BBQ’ in the Discovery Theatre, demonstrating how easy it is to create flavourful dishes from the comfort of your leisure vehicle or pitch site whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner.
He said: “Cooking is all about having fun whether at home or on your travels. I am looking forward to sharing my tips at the show with the public.”

Half the fun on a camping and caravanning holiday is the cooking and at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show you can learn how to cook up some simple yet tasty dishes. Joining Zilli as part of the celebrity chef line-up is Michelin star chef Glynn Purnell.

The UK caravan industry is worth in excess of £6 billion to the economy and a whopping 44 per cent of Britons who go on a camping holiday tend to eat out whilst they’re away and 28 per cent say they’re bored of cooking on a camping stove, so the addition of Zilli is bound to be an added bonus.

To get your tickets for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, click here now.

Volkswagen reveals innovative Trailer Assist in new video

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by Joe Jeffrey

Will Trailer Assist provide the perfect answer for caravanners? Check out the video to find out

It goes without saying that driving with a caravan attached to your car is a skill that requires time to perfect and, to some, it is one of the main factors that stops them from taking to the great outdoors to enjoy exactly what we do with the help of our caravans.

Now, however, Volkswagen has unveiled its new Trailer Assist technology in a new commercial which shows just how easy it is to tow – even in reverse.

In the video featured below, which left pedestrians pretty astounded to say the least, VW took to the streets of Norway for the company’s latest stunt highlighting its Trailer Assist technology, using a trailer which not only seems to drive itself, but also responsible for pulling along a driverless car.

But how did they do it? Well, we hate to give the game away, but taking a VW Golf, Volkswagen engineers used its parts to create a self-propelled transportation box which was disguised as a trailer. Then, attaching the ‘trailer’ to a VW Passat Variant, they set off, to provide the impression that the Passat was towing the ‘trailer’ in reverse at full speed, encountering busy roads, roundabouts and tight-squeeze car parks for good measure.

It’s not just a publicity stunt though, and the video was produced to highlight VW’s true Trailer Assist technology, which can be seen in more detail in the second video below. Check it out and let us know what you think. Can all be forgiven for VW’s recent emission scandal, or do they have a lot more to do going forward to make you trust the VW brand again?

Caravan & Motorhome Show guide goes live ahead of Manchester show

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by Joe Jeffrey

Plan your visit now with Caravan & Motorhome Show guide

The countdown has begun and this Thursday (21 January) sees the grand opening of the Caravan & Motorhome Show 2016, due to be held at Manchester’s EventCity.

And now, to help you plan your visit, show organisers have released an online show guide preview so you don’t miss a thing.

The show promises to present a huge choice of the latest model caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes on display from over 200 exhibitors, as well as savings on essential season products and accessories, live shows, and plenty of inspiration to help you build your next holiday.

A number of new launches are also set to take place during the week, including the launch of the all-new 2016 Hymer ML-T 580 4×4 Edition, and the Terrier LUX-XL campervan.

There’ll be plenty more to see and do too, courtesy of exciting exhibits including the Back to Nature stage where you will be able to pick up great ideas for exploring the best of the British countryside in your caravan or motorhome, towing master classes, live shows and much more.

That’s not all though, and some topnotch special guests will also be on hand including TV presenter and New York Times bestselling author, Simon Reeve, TV and radio presenter, Katy Hill, and extreme sportsman and ambassador for Swift, Neil Greentree.

To access the guide and to plan your time at the show, click here.

Advance ticket sales are now open and can be purchased before 9pm on Wednesday 20 January, so if you’re looking for discount tickets, click here now. Alternatively, you can turn up on the day and get tickets at the on-site box office.

Proposed new drink and drug driving laws supported by motorist organisation

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by Joe Jeffrey

GEM calls for greater consistency in sentencing drink and drug drivers as new laws are proposed

Road Safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist has praised proposed government plans to charge any drink and drug drivers with manslaughter if they kill someone in a crash.

The move, reported over the weekend, is part of a proposed shake-up of criminal justice after MPs demanded harsher and more consistent sentencing of offenders.

The proposed new guidelines would involve greater use of the manslaughter charge, meaning that drink or drug drivers who kill someone in a collision could face life in prison.

At present, the highest sentence for death by careless driving under the influence is 14 years, increased from ten years in 2004. Causing death by dangerous driving can also lead to a sentence of 14 years.

GEM chief executive David Williams MBE said: “GEM has long been calling for greater consistency in sentencing, particularly in drink driving, where it is vital to send a strong message. The present reliance on individual judges to be either harsh or lenient with offenders is entirely inappropriate.”

“The act of driving a vehicle while intoxicated is serious enough in itself,” Williams continued. “If that then results in the death of someone unfortunate enough to be in that driver’s way, then we believe a manslaughter charge is right. This, we hope, should act as a strong deterrent to anyone willing to risk driving after taking alcohol or drugs.”

Powrtouch Evolution caravan mover voted Accessory of the Year in CaravanTimes Awards

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by Joe Jeffrey

Powrtouch Evolution grabs 35.8 per cent of vote share in Awards

To say the CaravanTimes Caravan & Motorhome Awards 2015 were a bit of a battle would be an understatement. And the Accessory of the Year category was no exception.

The Awards, which saw you – our readers – determining an eventual winner in each category, saw the largest number of votes we’ve ever received, along with the largest prize giveaway we’ve ever provided for Award purposes and it just goes to show the caravan community has no qualms when it comes to saying what we like and what we don’t.

The contenders for Accessory of the Year for 2015 were all worthy, but there could only be one winner. In reverse order, and in third place, came Outdoor Revolution Inflatable Awnings garnering 13.2 per cent of votes. Following on from this, and in second place, Alde’s Smart Control came up trumps, receiving 17.6 per cent of the voting pie. There could only be one winner though, and the accolade went to the Powrtouch Evolution caravan mover with a whopping 35.8 per cent of votes.

Designed and developed in the UK, the Powrtouch Evolution is said to make extensive use of lightweight alloy materials and an efficient gearbox, whilst ensuring a smooth roll and tight grip thanks to its innovative dynamic roller location mechanism and much more. And, that said, it certainly looks like a popular choice for when it comes to pitching up.

To take a look at a more comprehensive detailed breakdown of this category and others featured in this year’s Awards, visit our forum by clicking here.

Meanwhile check out a video of the time we pitted our biggest CravanTimes man-beast against the Powrtouch Evolution caravan mover here.

Caravan park sees £1m of damage caused by floods

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Caravans wrecked to the tune of £1m in recent Christmas floods as video footage emerges

The owner of a caravan park in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has said more than £1 million worth of caravans were destroyed in the recent floods.

Gordon Bruce, owner of Ballater Caravan Park in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, said 60 caravans were wrecked and 40 more had gone missing following the River Dee bursting its banks.

Bruce went on to describe how the toilet and shower facilities were also facing reparation with costs estimated to be in the region of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

He said: “There are around 60 caravans which have been destroyed.

“Around 40 are still in different parts of the River Dee – up banks and even in trees. We have more or less got a count of all of the owners of the caravans.”

Bruce added: “We have a lot of very big decisions to make to get up and running again.

“We have been in discussions with Aberdeenshire Council and other officials.

“The amount of damage is massive.

“It will be more than £1m worth of caravans that have been lost.

“And we are still costing the damage to the caravan park but it will be hundreds of thousands of pounds worth.”

Although most of the caravans destroyed were static, the touring section of the park, which is made up of 72 hard-standing and grass pitches was also hit hard, but it is hoped this section of the park will open later this year.

Take a look at the video below to check outage devastation caused by the flooding within the Ballater area and let us know your thoughts.

COMPETITION: Win tickets to the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Win one of ten pairs of tickets to the greatest show Scotland has ever seen

It’s a firm fixture on the calendar for caravan and outdoor enthusiasts and the great Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show is set to make a welcome return to the SECC, Glasgow from the 4 to 7 February.

Visitors can look forward to exploring the very latest models on the market in one destination with all the popular touring models on display plus an impressive range of holiday homes and luxury lodges. With all the major dealers present, visitors can take advantage of some fantastic show only offers.

There will be a number of holiday parks on hand so that visitors can discover the beautiful sites available across the UK, and both The Caravan Club and The Camping & Caravanning Club will be offering advice on the best options for your next break away.

This year the show will not only take over the entire SECC complex but includes an additional external marquee area where leading outdoor company PJ Outdoors will be showcasing a selection of 2016 tents from Vango, Outwell and Kampa.

Furthermore, motorhome retailer BC Motorhomes and Leisure will return as headline sponsor following their success at the show last February and will be showcasing their widest selection of vehicles to date. The sponsor will also be offering visitors the chance to win a motorhome for a year.

With an increasing number of families visiting there will be plenty to make sure the kids are entertained with free face painting, balloon modelling and an exciting new treasure hunt to find show mascot Beepy.

Other highlights include:

– Knaus will be bringing their UK spec Caravans to the show, offering visitors the first opportunity to see the models in Scotland
– Pathfinder will be bringing it’s very own grand design, Sunrise to the show – with a curved eco roof and luxurious interiors throughout
– New Family Camping area from PJ Outdoors showcasing a range of family tents from Vango, Outwell and Kampa and camping accessories
– Adventure Leisure Vehicles will be showcasing their latest models
– Go-Pods will be showcasing their 2 berth micro tourer caravans. Light enough to tow with even a small engined car & easily stored inside most garages
– More Caravans and Motorhomes on display than ever from all the major manufacturers and dealers
– Free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring sessions courtesy of The Caravan Club
– Free fun activities for children
– Farmers market

Tickets are on sale here now, but to try your luck and win your own pair for free, simply like our Facebook page here and complete the form below. Oh, and remember to check our weekly electronic newsletter on 29 January to see if you’ve won!

Good luck!

Competition rules:
The lucky winners will be picked at random at midday on 29 January 2016 and will be notified via the email address supplied in the entry form
Only one entry per person
No purchase necessary
No cash or alternative will be offered
This competition is open to new or existing CaravanTimes members and Facebook fans only
No employees of CaravanTimes or StantonPace Ltd may enter
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over

The Caravan Club launches its Great Savings Guide 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Find out how you can bag yourself a bargain below

The Caravan Club’s 2016 edition of the Great Savings Guide, sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors, has been launched.

The guide, exclusively available to Caravan Club members, is full of money-saving offers for exciting attractions throughout the UK and Ireland, including historic castles, museums, galleries and wildlife parks – offering plenty to see and do for everyone.

A number of great offers feature throughout the guide for 2016, including two-for-one entry to the famous Roman Baths in Somerset, providing visitors the opportunity to explore the remains of the finest Roman religious spa in Northern Europe. Additionally, there’s two-for-one fun to be had at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, as well as at the famous Ripley’s Believe it or Not! visitor attraction in London.

Discounts include ten per cent off a Tree Top Adventure at Go Ape’s various activity locations, where you and the family can tackle exciting Tarzan swings and zip wires, great for keeping your little monkeys entertained! Other discounts include money off activities including laser games, site seeing tours and even swimming lessons.

Caravan Club members can order a FREE Great Savings Guide from our Club shop by clicking here now.