Alde central heating system upgrade worth £749 offered with select caravans this month
Swift has turned up the heat for 2016, announcing a a free upgrade to Alde central heating on all purchases of the new 2016 Challenger or Eccles ranges worth worth £749.
The deal, which runs until 28 February, is currently available at all Swift caravan dealerships and will also continue to be offered at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016, taking place between 23 and 28 February at Birmingham’s NEC.
Designed and manufactured in Sweden to deal with the toughest weather conditions Mother Nature can throw at it, Alde’s hydronic heating offers true home from home comfort, heating every part of your caravan by way of heat circulated through pipes and radiators to ensure minimum intrusion.
The Alde Compact boiler provides both hot water and heating, with pipe work and radiators fitted discreetly against walls. This provides for more space in your lockers and, with a total of nine Kilo watts power, the system is capable of combining gas and electric power making it one of the most powerful on the market today – all at a low 12V power consumption.
NCC reveals impressive rising trend in holidaying in UK once again
The sale and dispatch of new touring caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes in the UK increased by 10.3 per cent in 2015 compared to 2014, new statistics from the National Caravan Council (NCC) have revealed. The figures reinforce the growing British preference over the last few years in holidaying at home, with trips in Great Britain rising by seven per cent to a whopping 105 million last year, whilst overall spend on accommodation in the camping and caravanning sector has increased by seven per cent year-on-year, the largest increase across all accommodation types.
In England alone, 38.9 million holiday trips were recorded from January to October 2015, an increase of five per cent compared to the same period in 2014. Trips have increased among all age groups, with the greatest growth of 11 per cent amongst 25 to 34 year olds. A nine per cent increase was seen amongst 16 to 24 year olds.
The statistics have been released ahead of NCC Events’ annual consumer exhibition the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 23 to 28 February 2016.
“We’re delighted to see continued growth in the UK leisure vehicle market and our members and exhibitors will look to encourage even more people into the lifestyle at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show later this month,” said John Lally, director general of the NCC.
“The flexibility and freedom a leisure vehicle offers is fundamental to the growth of the industry,” Lally continued. “Families and people of all ages enjoy caravanning and motorhoming. We’re also seeing increasing numbers of younger people choosing to holiday in the UK. With caravans and motorhomes equipped with all the latest technology and comforts, the industry provides the perfect solution for holidaymakers to enjoy a ‘home from home’ experience any time of the year.”
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the Birmingham NEC from 23 to 28 February features displays from leading UK and European manufacturers all under one roof. It is the show for those looking to get into the leisure vehicle lifestyle for the first time, with expert advice on getting started, free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring lessons and destination inspiration.
More than 86,000 outdoor lovers attended the show last year and at this year’s event visitors can browse over 350 exhibitor stands. But that’s not all though, and there will be plenty of fun to be had with a whole host of activities offered across the duration of the show, including a country park feature area supported by the Woodland Trust offering children the opportunity to become nature detectives. There’s even something for your four-legged friends too, with the return of the every-popular dog agility arena.
Anchor Point Motorhomes set to sell continental Benimar Mileo range
In a move which looks set to further enhance its network worldwide, Marquis Leisure is heading back to the Republic of Ireland after appointing Anchor Point Motorhomes as the sole Irish distributor of the Benimar range of motorhomes.
The award winning Benimar range benefits from GRP floors, walls and ceilings using an ultra modern and strong construction method that virtually eliminates the use of traditional wood. They have achieved NCC UK approval testing and Grade 3 cold climate certification. Unlike most continental imports, the Benimar range for Ireland has the habitation door on the UK side making things a lot easier for when it’s time to pull up and explore.
The new 2016 Benimar range will be available to view at Anchor Point’s Open Weekend event on 19 to 20 March in Co. Tipperary. Launch prices will start from ?70,995 and Marquis sales representatives will be on hand to offer their expertise on the Benimar product at the show.
Initially Anchor Point will focus on the Mileo 2 series range, which offers a line-up of five low-profile luxury continental style motorhomes. Layouts include:
The Mileo 201: 5.99m with a rear transverse bed over a garage
The Mileo 202: 5.99m innovative pull down ceiling bed over the forward lounge, large rear L-shaped kitchen
The Mileo 231: 5.99m with a French bed
The Mileo 243: 6.99m with a rear height adjustable bed over a large garage
The Mileo 264: 6.99m with separate rear bedroom with fixed single beds and large front lounge
The Mileo 286: 7.39m with a drop down bed above large front lounge which offers sociable dining for seven people
The Mileo 294: 7.39m the longest in the range, to allow for the island bed and entirely separate shower and toilet
James O’Keeffe, managing director of Anchor Point, said: “The high specification and close working relationship that Marquis have with Benimar was very important to us when choosing a partner to work with. It allows us to expand our product range but more importantly we can continue to deliver high spec motorhomes of superior quality and our customers should expect nothing less.”
South West holiday park adds to list of awards for 2016
Woodovis Park near Tavistock has been named as the West Country’s top destination for camping and touring guests in the 2016 South West Tourism Awards.
The park, set on the fringes of Dartmoor, beat almost 500 parks to the title when it was announced as the overall gold winner in the camping and caravanning category.
And there was a further triumph for Woodovis Park at the Exeter Cathedral awards ceremony as it was declared to be the South West’s bronze winner in the sustainable tourism category.
Now the next stop for the family-run park will be the national VisitEngland 2016 Awards in Blackpool in March where they will represent the South West.
Owned by John and Dorothy Lewis, Woodovis is located in 14 acres of tranquil countryside in the Tamar Valley – and is no stranger to awards.
As well as pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, the park also offers extremely popular glamping pods which provide comfortable and snug accommodation for couples.
Families can also rent one of the park’s luxurious and fully-equipped caravan holiday homes located in a secluded woodland area of the grounds.
All guests have use of the park’s heated swimming pool and spa, and this year it will once again be running a full activities programme aimed at both grown-ups and children.
Woodovis is a member of the Best of British group of independently-run parks, all of which have been audited for their consistent high quality and warmth of welcome.
Speculation mounts as The Caravan Club readies to make big announcement at NEC pertaining to new service
The Caravan Club has revealed it is set to make a massive announcement at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016, with news of a brand new service on the horizon.
The announcement of the exciting, new development is set to coincide with the opening day of the show, taking place from 23 to 28 February at Birmingham’s NEC, as well as the Club’s members’ day, and is said to concentrate on a new service consisting of a whole new way of booking Caravan Club holidays going forward.
The new service – although currently kept under wraps – will, according to The Caravan Club, enable members to book their holidays a lot easier, simpler and more conveniently than ever before – something we’re sure will appeal to all.
The question remains, however, what could this new service be? Only time will tell we guess, so roll on 23 February so we can all find out.
To get your tickets for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show and to find out for yourself as soon as the announcement is made, click here now! And make sure you let us know what you think the announcement will be in the comments section below.
Pegasus, Unicorn, Autograph and more to be on display at this year’s show
Bailey of Bristol has announced its full line-up of caravans and motorhomes set to be on display at this year’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham between 23 and 28 February 2016.
With a wide choice of specifications, style and value for money, the lightweight, entry-level Pursuit range with six models available from £13,190 will be on display, as well as the new, mid-range Pegasus models featuring enhanced interiors and unique DreamSleep seating system with seven layouts, available from £17,169. Making its triumphant return will also be the best-selling Unicorn with eight layouts and all the top-of-the-range luxuries, available from £20,415.
Bailey will also be showing their innovative motorhome ranges at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, including the entry-level Approach Advance range, with two models showcasing a new ‘Queensway’ upholstery option. The Approach Advance has a narrower 2.35m body width and maximum weights up to 3,500kg, so they can be driven without needing B+E driving licence entitlement, with four models and up to six berths, with prices starting from £38,515. In addition, all six models from the best-selling Approach Autograph range with the highest specifications and refinement available from £46,015.
As with previous years, to help visitors to the show find their perfect caravan or motorhome, Bailey will arrange each model by layout and number of berths to make it easier to see the variety available from Bailey and decide which specification and style suits you best.
Representatives from Truma and Alde on the Bailey stand will also be available to answer any queries about their heating and hot water systems, plus Belfied Furnishings will be demonstrating how the award-winning Dreamsleep soft furnishing system converts into a double bed in less than 60 seconds.
There is also a special feature area on the Bailey stand – the Bailey Fun Zone – where various activities will be taking place each day. These include a competition with the opportunity to win an exclusive LEGO brick Bailey Pegasus caravan kit, while on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday there will be free mini-manicures at the Bailey pop-up nail bar, and free face painting at the weekend.
Another highlight, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, will be the opportunity to ask a young caravan-loving, professional snowboarder and blogger couple, Simon Cudlip and Faye Young, about all-year caravanning as they are spending this winter in Austria in a new Bailey Pegasus Brindisi. They have already posted regular ‘Bailey Snow Season’ updates on the Bailey Blog here and on Twitter and Instagram using the #BaileySnowSeason tag.
The newly rebranded Bailey Owners Club is celebrating its new name and a new chapter in its 45-year history with a competition open to anyone who owns a Bailey caravan or motorhome who visits its desk on the Bailey stand. The first prize includes seven nights at a choice of Camp’Atlantique campsite in France for two adults on a full-service pitch, plus a DFDS Seaways ferry crossing from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. The second prize is seven nights at the luxurious Lakeside Touring Park in Lincolnshire, part of the Don Amott Parks group, which has a full range of facilities, including a heated pool complex, bar and restaurant. There are three third prizes of VIP tours of the Bailey production facility in Bristol for two people, including lunch with the directors.
Nick Howard, managing director at Bailey of Bristol, said: “There’s something for everyone on the Bailey stand, from entry-level to top of the range caravans and motorhomes, all with the reassurance of our patented Alu-Tech construction to make them stronger, lighter, better insulated and more resistant to the elements.”
Newport dealership awarded ‘Approved Dealership’ status after on-site assessment from industry body
Newport Caravans has been awarded ‘Approved Dealership’ status by caravan industry trade body the National Caravan Council (NCC).
The caravan dealership, based in – you’ve guessed it – Newport, is one of just a handful of companies to receive the honour for 2016, which focuses on the sales of touring caravans and motorhomes, meaning customers can buy with confidence from a network of quality dealers.
Crucial to Newport Caravans‘ success is a commitment to treating customers in a fair and honest way while delivering exceptionally high standards of service – something the NCC has recognised in awarded the dealership with the status.
The news comes following the NCC conducting a comprehensive, independent on-site assessment, in which Newport Caravans was found to meet all of the strict criteria governing the scheme.
Newport Caravans director Rob Lynch said: “We’re thrilled to have won this coveted award in recognition of Newport Caravans being a company that treats its customers with respect and deals with them in an open, honest and friendly way.
“The award is also just recognition of the unstinting hard work by every one of our committed and talented staff and the efforts that they all put in day after day to ensure our valued and loyal customer base consistently receives the absolute very best service.”
Newport Caravans, which last year saw a boost of seven per cent in caravan and motorhome sales and a 12.5 per cent increase in turnover, sells Swift, Sprite, Elddis and Buccaneer caravans alongside Swift and Bessacarr motor homes.
Frank Finch, NCC Membership Services Director, said: “The NCC scheme allows consumers to more easily identify dealerships that have committed to look after their interests. Newport Caravans has successfully demonstrated that it operates to the high standards of customer service that the industry recognises as its benchmark.
“NCC Approved businesses strive to provide customers with greater protection than is required by law and consistently aim to improve their offering by seeking and acting upon customer feedback.”
The NCC Approved Dealership is one of three consumer code initiatives developed by the NCC, the trade body for the UK tourer, motorhome, holiday and park home industries of which Newport Caravans are members. At the heart of each scheme is a consumer code of practice establishing the benchmark for how an NCC member business should undertake all relations with its customer base?
Newport Caravans attracts customers from across Wales and the west with people coming from and as far afield as Scotland to buy its caravans and motor homes. The dealership will be able to expand its retail sales area for the display of over 100 caravans and motorhomes.
Rob Lynch established Newport Caravans seven years ago with his business partner, Mark Massey. The business, which employs 33 people and recently opened a specialist body shop and repair center after a £550,000 investment, currently has a display with a combined value of some £3m with vehicles ranging in price from £5,000 for a caravan up to £80,000 plus for a top of the range motor home.
CaravanTimes extends its congratulations to Newport Caravans on a job well done.
New video released as more details of what to see and do at the NEC emerge
The countdown has begun and, in just over a weeks’ time, the doors of Birmingham’s NEC will will burst open to offer caravanners, campers and motorhomers the very latest in the world of recreational leisure for families, couples and singles alike at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016.
The show, taking place between 23 and 28 February, is an ideal opportunity for seasoned veterans of the great outdoors or newbies alike, and will enable those in attendance to find out more about holidaying in the UK abroad, upgrade your present leisure vehicle, update your latest camping kit, or even explore the exciting world of glamping. And, with over 350 exhibitors in attendance, you’re sure to find something that floats your boat – or caravan.
It will also be a game of spot the celebrity throughout the week, with an array of personalities including leading wildlife TV presenter and guest of Camping in the Forest Chris Packham; TV and radio star and guest of The Caravan Club Matt Baker, and TV presenter and President of the Camping & Caravan Club, Julia Bradbury, all appearing on the opening Tuesday. On the Friday of the show, ITV presenter Charlotte Hawkins will be swapping the Good Morning Britain sofa for ours, with two sessions in the Discovery Theatre.
Cooking up a storm on the Sunday will be TV personality and Italian-born chef, Aldo Zilli, who will be creating three delicious dishes including a ‘Sunday Roast on the BBQ’. Aldo has appeared on This Morning, The Alan Titchmarsh Show and Lorraine, to name a few. Appearing on the Saturday will be Michelin-starred Birmingham chef, Glynn Purnell who will whip up an array of culinary delights, including roasted curried monkfish tail with Indian lentils on the BBQ. Also joining the cooking displays will be Ed Baines, judge on ITV’s hugely successful Britain’s Best Dish alongside master chef of Great Britain, Paul Da Costa-Greaves.?
Elsewhere, the Discovery Theatre in Hall 3 will provide regular presentations from industry experts, outdoor adventurers and household names who will share their camping and caravanning knowledge, or culinary short cuts, so you can enjoy the great outdoors more. Leading brands such as Bailey, Elddis, Knaus, and Swift, plus many more will be displaying their latest products. If you are looking for that holiday with a difference, peruse the Glamping Village in conjunction with Visit Pembrokeshire or if you have a beloved canine friend, the Dog Agility Arena will return once again with even more doggy talent to enjoy with Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey. In Hall 1, the Woodland Trust will be hosting a woodland themed country park for families to get involved, and let your children become Nature Detectives for the day.
If you missed it the first time round, the Guinness World Record breaking life-sized LEGO brick caravan, featuring over 215,150 individual interlocking plastic LEGO bricks, will also be on display in Hall 2.?
Whether you are experienced or a newcomer, complimentary motorhome manoeuvring sessions are on offer to improve your skills and build your confidence, courtesy of The Caravan Club. For caravan owners or potential purchasers, Hyundai has joined together with the Camping and Caravanning Club to provide free towing lessons behind the wheel of the new Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe. Bring along a valid UK driving licence photo ID to participate and note for the towing experience you must be over the age of 25.?
A number of vast displays from Europe’s leading manufacturers of caravans and motorhomes will have the public contemplating their next purchase too. Bailey will be exhibiting its seven model Pegasus range including the spacious Ancona and the five-berth Palermo. Knaus is debuting the new generation Star Class range of caravans – with entry door on the left of the vehicle, perfect for UK roads. Coachman is back with the Vision 570, a luxury five-berth caravan and Swift will be promoting motorhome models, Rios and Boleros. In addition, Lunar will display the Landstar, an upmarket van conversion.
Furthermore, for the camper in you, Outdoor Revolution will be launching a new tent range including air framed products that inflate in just three minutes and deflate in less than five. Trigano Trailer Tents is launching three updated models; Alpha, Galleon and Odyssee and the Vango range of tents includes three new models. Quest Leisure will launch its new Performance Range, a collection of awnings with Advanced Air System (AAS); the world’s only system with single and multi-inflation all-in-one.
Thetford Locks will also be on hand to show off its latest development – a service door with a lock and magnetic knob to make emptying your vehicle waste easy and E+P Hydraulics return with the next generation Compact Levelsystem for stress-free levelling. Moto-Trek will also be in attendance, showing off their new Personal Access Lift (PAL) easy access to your motorhome.?
If that’s not enough, we’re not quite sure what is. To grab your tickets for one of the best events this year, click here. And while you’re at it, check out the video below to get yourself in the mood for exploring all the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show has to offer.
New Glamping Village to be unveiled at 2016 NEC show
With just under two weeks to go before the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016 opens its doors, it might be time to start planning what to see and do once you’re there.
Irrespective of whether you’re an avid caravanner, camper or motorhomer, with over 350 exhibitors under one roof come 23 February there will be something for everyone to enjoy under the roof of the NEC, as can be seen in the official show video here. From motorhome manoeuvering to accessories megastores, there’s something for everyone; even dogs can get in on the action with the return of last year’s dog agility sessions.
One other thing to check out, however, as the accompanying video (above right) will show, is the all-new Glamping Village. Whether it’s a getaway for the whole family, a romantic escape, or a bit of bonding with friends, glamping can provide you with the perfect excuse to escape to the country and do it in style. Who thought sleeping under the stars could ever be this glamorous?
So check out the video above and let us know: will you be checking out the all-new Clamping Village at this year’s show?
Swift Command heralds new era in caravanning technology
2016 is in full-swing and, as caravanners become more technologically savvy so do the caravans in which we tour. Swift understands this and the manufacturer’s current premium caravan and motorhome ranges for this season now include Swift Command – a brand new, innovative control system designed with the end user in mind.
Rolled our across the Elegance, Continental, Conqueror and Command caravan and Bolero and Kon Tiki motorhome ranges, Swift Command will enable caravanners and motorhomers to use an electronic control panel to control water, power and heating systems from inside the vehicle, with the added advantage of being able to access the same controls remotely via your smart phone or tablet wherever you are in the world.
The intuitive interface on the Swift Command app will also allow for a number of brilliant functions by way of its easy-to-use design, including checking how much power is left in your battery, the status of your solar panel, and even how much water you’ve got left in your tank. With the ability to also plan ahead and switch your heating on and off via an inbuilt timer, as well as track your caravan or motorhome using the built-in Google Maps function, this is one app that we had to check out.
With so much more on offer via Swift Smart Control, including the option to dim the lights of your vehicle, gauging the temperature inside and much more while on the move, we’d say this is a rather impressive app with great potential for 2016 and beyond. But don’t just read what we have to say – check it out in the video above and let us know your thoughts.
Check out our latest video to see why Auto-Sleepers’ coachbuilt Mercedes exude luxury and are built to last
To say Auto-Sleepers’ host of Mercedes coachbuilts offer a diverse and distinguished taste of luxury and refinement would be spot on.
With a number of layouts available on the Mercedes chassis, including the 2.35 metre-long Mercedes Winchcombe, offering plenty of room for added comfort, and the Mercedes Stanton, coming in at under six metres and offering drivers the ability to zip onto ferries in no time whilst remaining conscious of economic running costs, there’s certainly something for everyone.
It doesn’t stop there though. From four spacious long-wheeled models, perfect for those looking for an abundance of space, to the Boughton which is built upon a 3,500kg chassis, as well as a vast number of more options, it would be difficult to ask for more choice than is readily available.
In keeping with the premium nature of the Mercedes brand, Auto-Sleepers have included a powerful 163bhp engine, with the option of a three-litre V6 for even more power. A seven-speed fully-automatic gearbox also comes as standard.
When it comes to ensuring each Mercedes coachbuilt is built to last and withstand the elements, full GRP is used within the construction process, without compromising build quality. A full six-year water ingress warranty on full body construction and three-year warranty for the interior also comes as standard for peace of mind. In-line with all of Auto-Sleepers‘ motorhomes, all Mercedes coachbuilts comply with Grade 3 Thermal Insulation, meaning these are ideal for year-round use having been tested to ensure they are capable of remaining comfortable within temperatures down to minus 15.
Comfort has been optimised across the Mercedes coachbuilt ranges, with features including beech sprung slats on beds, reflex foam upholstery, prime fabrics and much more throughout.
CaravanTimes caught up with David Williams to find out more about why Auto-Sleepers’ Mercedes coachbuilts manage to deliver great craftsmanship, quality and drivability – all at an affordable price. Check out the video above for more.
If you’re looking for a motorhome with comfort, distinction and drive, our video here is certainly worth checking out
When it comes to motorhoming, it’s pretty important that choosing the right motorhome for you is based upon a number of factors, including comfort, drivability and design. And, we here in the CaravanTimes office think we may have just struck gold with the Lifestyle motorhome from Marquis Leisure.
Ideal for families or those looking to venture into the motorhome market for the first time, the Lifestyle motorhome is based upon the award-winning Swift Escape, famed for its SMART Plus Construction methods and providing for a strong timber-less body frame, with modern, aerodynamic, desirable looks, whilst remaining resilient to moisture.
Incorporating the latest generation Fiat Euro 5+ chassis cab with 130bhp/ 2.3 litre engine and daytime running lights, the Lifestyle drives impeccably, and the motorhome we took a look at didn’t fail to impress both inside and out, thanks to Marquis designing the Lifestyle to its own specification, including the addition of its impressive black metallic cab.
Elsewhere, traction control, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, reverse cameras, and a tyre pressure monitoring system all come as standard while, if it’s entertainment you’re looking for, Marquis have got that covered too, with a great entertainment system featuring built-in sat nav.
Marquis Leisure has also produced their own soft furnishings as well for that extra bit of luxury, providing for a warm but light feel from front to rear.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for reassurance that the Lifestyle lives up to its reputation for being an all-singing, all-dancing motorhome, the Lifestyle motorhome is one of only two ‘special edition’ motorhomes to feature in the Glass’s Guide alongside Marquis Leisure’s Majestic motorhome.
What’s more, if you’re thinking of taking the step of buying a new motorhome, life couldn’t be simpler with Marquis Leisure, thanks to the ‘Buy and Collect’ service made available at 11 Marquis branches, which includes the reassurance that – wherever you are in the UK – a Marquis Leisure branch will be happy to look after your needs whatever they are.
Check out the video we shot with Marquis Leisure’s Alan Buckwell to find out more – we’re pretty sure you’ll be as impressed as we were.
