It’s a record! World’s largest caravan built from LEGO unveiled at the NEC

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by Joe Jeffrey

World’s largest LEGO caravan unveiled at Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

The world’s largest caravan built with interlocking plastic LEGO bricks has been unveiled today at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 to celebrate 130 years of leisure caravanning this year. The LEGO brick caravan was certified the world’s largest by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator with celebrities Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty and Matt Baker laying the final bricks.

Built by a team of 12 LEGO Certified Professional Builders over more than 1,000 man hours, the 2.2m tall and 3.6m long model caravan features a full interior with working electric lights, sink with running water, fridge, simulated cooking facilities, a bed and seating – just like the real thing. It’s been decked out with plenty of items made of LEGO bricks that you’d find in a real caravan, including chess set, toothbrushes, frying pan, and even milk in the fridge!

The model is based on a ‘teardrop’ style caravan and, as part of a unique feature in Hall 12 at the show, will sit side-by-side with the real thing from today until 18 October 2015 at the NEC in Birmingham.

James Bissett, marketing campaign director for NCC Events, organisers of the Motorhome & Caravan Show, said: “We wanted to create something truly unique to celebrate 130 years of leisure caravanning and we are absolutely delighted with our record breaking model. Everyone that’s seen it so far has been amazed by the level of detail and blown away by how similar it is to the real thing, the interior is incredible.”

Bissett added: “Leisure caravanning has a wonderful heritage and is going strong today with many millions of families enjoying themselves in the great outdoors every year. The Motorhome & Caravan Show is evidence of how far the industry has come, while still staying true to its roots of freedom and exploration. We’ve got 400 exhibitors filling 11 halls with everything from motorhomes worth more than £250,000 to new family caravans, cool new campervan conversions, trailer tents and luxury lodges not to mention hundreds of accessories and destination ideas!”

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday also commented: “How better to celebrate 130 years of leisure caravanning than with a world record? Record-breaking is particularly fascinating when two worlds collide – in this case, the worlds of caravanning and LEGO building! LEGO is proving to be extremely popular with record breakers, so much so that we have entire spreads dedicated to it in the Guinness World Records 2016 Edition. We’re always thrilled to see the creativity, dedication and commitment of the people who aim high and look to achieve something spectacular – the level of detail in the caravan is phenomenal and I’m sure visitors to the NEC over the coming days will be just as impressed as we are.”

Check out the footage below to watch a time-lapse video of what it took to create this outstanding masterpiece brick by brick.

George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces features real-life hearse motorhome

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by Joe Jeffrey

Hearse turned into motorhome features room for four and pull out ‘casket-kitchen’

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: we here at CaravanTimes love a bit of innovation when it comes to creating bespoke caravans and motorhomes, as well as innovative ways to travel across the UK and further afield. But one man seems to have taken innovation and flipped it on its head, with the creation of a motorhome transformed from a hearse.

Following on from staring death in the face, after falling into a coma following contracting MRSA during a routine operation, Norman Crisp, from Shropshire, purchased a 1991 Ford Granada hearse online for the sum of £420, and soon after got to work, turning it into a four-berth motorhome.

As seen on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, Norman then set about modifying the vehicle, during which he provided more space by removing the hearse’s original roof and replacing it with one found on a VW campervan.

With a budget of £15,000, and the help of a skilled set of experienced, local restorers, Norman also added seating for two in the back, which transforms into a double bed, as well as a pull-out kitchen fitted with rollers, full-length cupboards and a drop-down double bed which rests within the modified roof.

Perhaps the pièce de résistance, however, is the kitchen, which has been incorporated into a metal coffin which Norman also purchased online.

Of the idea to transform his hearse into a motorhome following his scrape with death, Norman said: “It might be a way of saying to the reaper, ‘Up yours mate, you didn’t catch me this time.'”

To check out the transformation from coffin carrier to ‘his-n-hearse’ holiday home on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, click here – you can see it in all its gory, we mean glory, from around the 13-minute mark.

What do you think of this kooky motorhome? Is this something you’d want to spend the night in?

The Caravan Club explains reduced M6toll rates and additional benefits for Caravan Club members

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The Caravan Club has detailed a whole host of offers available, including reduced prices on the M6toll, money off at major attractions and more for members to The Club in their latest video.

Holidaymakers keen to beat traffic can make use of the M6toll to ensure a stress free journey and pay the same price as a single car whilst towing or driving their motorhome by simply showing their valid Caravan Club card before paying.

Caravan Club membership costs £46 per person per year and provides members with access to over 200 Club sites and 2,500 privately owned places to stay in the UK. It also offers a choice of over 230 sites across Europe.

Other member benefits and discounts include:

The Club’s Car Select programme in partnership with Lex Autolease offers Caravan Club members up to 25 per cent discount on over 6,000 new car models from over 29 manufacturers

Exclusive discounts at hundreds of attractions across the UK

20 per cent off English Heritage membership

45 per cent at Viking Bicycles

15 per cent off at Cotswold Outdoor

Harvey Alexander, The Caravan Club’s director of marketing, commented: “We encourage members to take advantage of all the benefits available. As well as the M6toll offer that cuts cost and travel time, members should also take a look at the offers available on equipment, days out and a wide range of vehicles.”

To find out more about The Caravan Club’s member offers check out the video above.

Former Top Gear host to unveil three new Wellhouse Leisure Ford Terrier campervans at Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Three new Ford Terriers set to go on display at this year’s Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

Wellhouse Leisure is set to launch three new models of its Ford Terrier campervan at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 this week – with help from a former Top Gear presenter.

Former co-host of the popular BBC Programme and campervanner, Chris Goffey, will be on hand to reveal Wellhouse’s latest Terrier Lux, Terrier 2 SE and Terrier M-Sport Camper models at 10am tomorrow (13 October).

Launched to coincide with the second anniversary of Wellhouse Leisure, based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, prices for the new Ford Terrier models start from £35,000.

The first of the three new models, the Ford Terrier Lux, is being introduced as a two-berth model with two fixed (non-travel) rear seats that convert to twin single beds, plus a rear kitchen with a SMEV glass-top two-burner hob and sink unit, a 42-litre Dometic compressor fridge, plus fresh and waste water containers, a wardrobe and a fitted Thetford cassette toilet to create a washroom area in the rear corner. It also has LED lighting throughout the vehicle, mains electricity, a 100A leisure battery and a swivel table for the front seat.

The model is based on the long wheelbase Ford Transit Custom (5.4m long), with a Ford high-roof as standard or an optional elevating roof. It is powered by a Ford 2.2 litre Duratorq, 100 PS engine with a six-speed manual gearbox.

High standard specifications include air conditioning, heated and swiveling front seats with armrests, parking sensors, cruise control, automatic headlights, DAB radio, Bluetooth, leather-trimmed steering wheel with remote controls for audio, and a heated windscreen. Options include a SMEV mini grill, Eberspacher 2.2kw blown air heating, Remis sliding cab blinds, a 95W solar panel, sat nav and alloy wheels.

Two years after its debut, and in the same year that Ford celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Transit, a new Terrier 2 will see a new interior makeover, including the addition of smooth and curved Italian-designed furniture from Tecnoform, the premium furniture manufacturer that supplies all the top brands of caravans and motorhomes in Europe.

Looking more like something found on a racetrack as opposed to a campsite, the Terrier M-Sport Camper is based on a luxury conversion of a Ford Transit Custom by M-Sport, the motorsport specialist that creates Ford’s World Rally Championship vehicles.

Features include a pop-up roof and, again, new interior furniture from Tecnoform, as well as a full body-kit, including lowered suspension, 18in limited edition alloy wheels, side arch extensions, new front and rear bumpers, a rear tailgate spoiler and quad exhaust system.

The interior of the cab has also received special treatment from M-sport, including white M-Sport limited edition dials, Nappa leather seats with M-Sport logo, blue seatbelts, and thicker sport steering wheel with full leather cover, blue stitching and M-Sport logo.

The new Terrier M-Sport Camper will have the high-powered 155PS version of Ford’s 2.2 litre Duratorq TDCi engine which delivers 385 Nm of torque via a six-speed manual transmission.

Commenting on the new Ford Terrier campervans that will be at the NEC show in October, David Elliott, managing director of Wellhouse Leisure said: “The Terrier has quickly established itself as a successful rival to the popular Volkswagen-based rivals. In fact it’s now one of the best-selling campervans made in the UK, but we can’t afford to stand still, so we’ve listened to feedback and are now delighted to be launching three new Terrier models offering more choice, quality and value for money than ever.”

Caravan floral arrangement takes number two in list of most unusual funeral flowers

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by Daniella Almeida

The Telegraph unveils top ten most unusual funeral flower arrangements with Romany caravan coming in at number two

Floral tributes are an integral part of funeral proceedings and a final way in which friends and family can bestow honour and gifts upon their loved ones. These floral arrangements can range anywhere from modestly tasteful to absolutely ridiculous depending on the taste of those involved.

And now, following a survey of 214 funeral directors to find the most creative funeral floral arrangements, a list of the Top Ten Most Unusual Funeral Flower Arrangements has been released – with a traditional Romany caravan coming in at number two.

Despite not being number one, ¼ scale
The survey, conducted by Wilcox Limousines, saw the ¼ scale caravan tribute being beaten only by a full model of television soap opera Emmerdale Farm which, we have to admit, is pretty unique as well.

Some other pretty wild and magnificent creations that made it onto the list included a model of Freddy Krueger, an oil rig and a floral pint of Guinness with ‘breakfast’ written on a ribbon at the front. We imagine that latter arrangement has quite the story behind it.

Wilcox Limousines spokesperson, Leila Wilcox, said: “We often see some very poignant tributes in our line of work that tend to relate to a person’s interests and passions or, quite frequently, their profession.

“For those working in the funeral industry it’s quite common to see some rather unusual examples. However, sometimes we see requests that manage to catch even us by surprise.

“Despite the sometimes unusual or seemingly random nature of some of the tributes that we see, it’s worth recognising that all of them are specific and special to the person that they are remembering.

“We see some fantastic tributes and people really do go to great lengths to try and capture the personality of the person being laid to rest,” Wilcox finished.

At Kirkham Florists in Plaistow, East London, floral tributes come in any form. Floral arrangements can come in any way that you like. Following is the list of the Top Ten Most Unusual Funeral Flower Arrangements.

A full model of Emmerdale Farm
1/4 scale traditional Romany caravan
Model of Freddy Krueger
Flora pint of Guinness with ‘breakfast’ written on a ribbon at the front
A British Airways Liveries Boeing 747
A snooker table with cue and pint on top
An oil rig
Blackpool Tower with lights included
A floral pacemaker
A half submerged crocodile on top of a coffin

This list just goes to show that mourning comes in all shapes and sizes, but our vote for the most unusual and unique has to go to the the traditional Romany caravan.

What are some of the most unusual funeral floral arrangements you’ve seen? Let us know in the comments below.

Warwick Davis’ Swift caravan stolen in Cambridgeshire

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by Joe Jeffrey

Actor Tweets for return of sentimental items stolen in caravan theft

Film and television star Warwick Davis has taken to social media in an attempt to track down his caravan, which was stolen in Cambridgeshire last week.

The pint-sized star addressed his 527,000 followers on Twitter following thieves callously taking off with his Swift/Archway Cranford 545 on the evening of 8 October from a caravan site in Yaxley.

Davis, 45, tweeted: ‘My touring caravan was stolen in Cambridgeshire last night even though it was locked up with hitch & wheel lock! I want to swear… #rotters’.

The actor, who has appeared in the Harry Potter movies, as well as Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and who is also scheduled to appear in the seventh installment of Star Wars, The Force Awakens, also took to Twitter to request the return of sentimental items which were inside his caravan at the time.

Davis has since received notification of sightings of his caravan on Twitter from some of his eagle-eyed followers, including one who claims to have spotted the Swift heading towards Farcet in Huntingdonshire.

At time of writing, Davis’ caravan has still not been recovered. Anyone with any information has been asked to contact Cambridgeshire police.

See the new Bailey caravans and motorhomes at the Motorhome & Caravan Show, help shape future models and more

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by Joe Jeffrey

Bailey to show off new caravans and motorhomes and more at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

Bailey of Bristol has announced it will be showcasing all its latest Alu-Tech caravan and motorhome ranges at The Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC, Birmingham from tomorrow (13 to 18 October 2015). There will also be the opportunity to take part in a new Bailey research project and help design future new models, plus daily entertainment, including cookery demonstrations by Monica Rivron, free manicures, face-painting and live music.

A highlight for those looking for new Bailey models at the show will be the debut of the new Pegasus range featuring enhanced, reconfigured interiors plus the award winning unique, new DreamSleep, domestic-style seating system that brings new levels of comfort to touring caravans, a video of which can be seen here. This new seating system also changes bed-making into a simpler process that can be done in less than a minute which will be proved by live demonstrations using a replica DreamSleep lounge unit.

All seven Pegasus models will be available to view, including three new models (Modena, Brindisi and Palermo) and the first opportunity to see the already-award-winning revised, five-berth Ancona layout recently named ‘The Best Tourer for Small Families’.

The new Pegasus also has the latest, fully programmable Truma Combi 6E dual fuel heating system. This has been tested to deliver record-breaking warm-up times, so hot water and heat is delivered faster when you arrive on site thanks to improved air circulation, all ducting kept inside the caravan and the superior insulation of the Alu-Tech bodyshell. This guarantees warm and cosy interiors for all-season touring.

The entry-level Pursuit and the latest, award-winning, top of the range Unicorn caravan models are sure to prove popular attractions, as well as all the latest Bailey motorhomes which will be on show, from the best-selling Approach Autograph range to the new, entry-level Approach Advance range launched earlier this year featuring 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.

In addition, to demonstrate or answer any questions about the latest Truma heating and hot water systems, or the WSL wheel bolts and tyre pressure monitoring systems, representatives from both companies will be on the Bailey stand throughout the show.

During the show, Bailey will also be hosting a range of entertainment, starting with live cooking demonstrations by caravanning chef, Monica Rivron, at 11:00, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:30 on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October, free manicures available at the ‘pop-up’ Bailey Pegasus Nail Bar on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 October, then the Bailey Fun Festival at the weekend with free face-painting and live music.

Nick Howard, managing director for 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.”

“We’re also delighted to be launching our innovative, new research programme to listen to the valuable feedback from visitors, no matter whether they are seasoned veterans, first timers or just looking out of interest,” Nick continued.

What are you looking forward to seeing at this week’s show?

Introducing the all-new Swift Conqueror and Sterling Elite ranges for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes went along to Swift to take a look at the new 2016 Swift Conqueror and Sterling Elite ranges. Watch on to see what we found out

Renowned for their high spec and quality offerings, the Conqueror and Elite ranges from Swift have seen updates for 2016. So when CaravanTimes was invited along to check them out for ourselves, we jumped at the chance.

It’s not just a revamped couple of ranges we should expect to see for 2016, however, with new layouts added for good measure. These include the single-axle Conqeuror/Elite 560, based on a motorhome concept with rear bedroom with fixed bed and centre washroom, whilst featuring two doors either side allowing for easy accessm but also privacy throughout. Additional standout features include large front lounge and fully equipped kitchen featuring a 134-litre refrigerator. A larger version, the Conqueror/Elite 650 is also available.

Another notable addition for 2016 is the four-berth Conqeuror/Elite 565, providing for a larger lounge with longer beds, as well as two fixed single beads at the rear – one of which is 6’3″ in length.

For 2016, the Conqueror/Elite ranges will also feature Swift’s SMART HT construction system, as well as ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain design with ‘Smoked Oak’ accents, newly designed kitchens, and many more enhancements for the new season.

Check out the video above to find out – and see – more.

Have you won tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015?

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by Joe Jeffrey

Keep reading to find out if you’ve won one of ten pairs of tickets the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

A few weeks ago, CaravanTimes launched yet another a competition for you to win one of ten pairs of tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015.

The show, which takes place next week, between 13 – 18 October, promises exactly what we’ve come to expect from organisers, NCC events, including a sneak peek at all of the new 2016 caravan and motorhome models from leading UK and European manufacturers – all under one roof.

The show, supported by The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club, will also feature every other type of leisure vehicle too, including campervans, trailer tents, innovative folding caravans, luxury lodges and holiday homes. There’ll even be a Guinness World Record attempt taking place, with show organisers planning on building the world’s largest LEGO caravan ever seen.

If that’s not enough to tempt you, undisputed World Superbike racing legend and current I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! king of the jungle, Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty will be in attendance to open the show in true style.

Well the results are in, and we’ve randomly selected ten lucky visitors to the site who have won a pair of tickets. The winners are:

Paul Dickinson, Colin Brocklehurst, Terry Hyke, Ian Lee-Maske, Chris Burnett, Charles Merilo, David Washbrook, Kevin Green, Norman Mansell and Paul Saunders.

Congratulations to all of the above named. We’ll be in touch shortly. And commiserations to those who didn’t win on this occasion. Fear not though! Tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 are still available to purchase here.

Coachman to give away free caravan movers at Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Coachman are certainly getting into the spirit of the show with a fabulous giveaway

Coachman will be giving away free Powrtouch caravan movers with every Coachman caravan sold at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, it has been announced.

The generous move comes in order to mark the launch of Coachman’s award-winning 2016 range, including the all-new five-berth Coachman Vision 570, featuring unique two-lounge-area layout, as well as the all-new two-berth Coachman Pastiche 470 with large front fixed double bed.

All single axle models will receive the Powrtouch Evolution single manual caravan mover and all twin axle models will receive the Powrtouch Evolution twin manual caravan mover (two wheel drive).

Perfect for taking the time, effort and hassle out of manoeuvring your caravan in tight spaces when pitching up or putting it away, Powrtouch are certainly the go-to guys when it comes to choosing the right caravan mover for you, and Coachman’s great offer is sure to influence many a decision when it comes to pulling your cheque book out next week.

For more about Coachman’s 2016 line-up and what to expect to see at the Motorhome & Caravan Show next week, click here.

What to expect at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 will offer thousands of people the opportunity to check out the latest leisure vehicles for 2016 and so much more

The UK’s most popular national leisure vehicle launch, the Motorhome & Caravan Show, takes place next week, between 13 and 18 October, at Birmingham’s NEC and looks set to be the best show ever.

Here, CaravanTimes highlights just some of the new and exciting products that will feature across the six days, all to browse and buy under one roof.

Caravans and motorhomes

Adria (Stand 20.77, 20.15)

To celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary this year, Adria will feature special edition Silver Collection versions of its UK best sellers at the NEC this autumn. This includes touring caravan models the Adora 613DT Isonzo and Altea 472DS Eden, as well as Matrix and Twin motorhome models. Adria will also showcase a new range of small coachbuilt motorhomes – the Compact range.

Auto Campers (Stand 11.110)

Auto Campers continues to expand its model line-up with the launch of a Hybrid model. The new, MRV (Multi Recreational Vehicle) is based on the short wheel base Transit Custom and offers twin side doors, with fixed O/S furniture and a suspended bed system.

Auto-Sleepers Group (Stand 6.55, 6.49)

Auto-Sleepers will have a number of new models on display. These include award winning special edition products available from Marquis, such as the company’s exclusive Benimar Mileo Range, enhanced for 2016 with a host of added features and two new layouts. Then there’s the revised 2016 Lifestyle motorhome and caravan ranges in a choice of award-winning layouts. Also, the Majestic Motorhome range, exclusive to Marquis has been increased to 14 all powered by the 150bhp Peugeot engine. Auto-Sleepers Van Conversions will reveal its new ‘Fairford’ model based on the Peugeot XLWB chassis, taking centre stage for its official launch at the show.

Bailey (Stand 19.28, 19.29)

Bailey has launched its new, fourth generation Pegasus touring caravan with a choice of seven layouts. The five berth single axle Pegasus Ancona has a redesigned layout including a dedicated rear children’s bedroom and a full width transverse end washroom. It will make its public debut at the show this October.

Bürstner GmbH (Stand 8.40)

The leisure vehicle powerhouse will reveal the first layout from its new 2016 IXEO range at the show. Called the IXEO IT680G it features a longitudinal double bed which disappears into the ceiling when stored and lowers to the level of the main seating when in use.

Coachman (stand 19.39)

Coachman will bring its 2016 models to the NEC in October, in particular its two new caravan layouts. These include the 5-berth Vision 570 and the 2 berth Pastiche 470. The latter is a single axle caravan with a full domestic size, fixed bed, luxury end washroom at a weight of 1295kg. The former is a versatile, single axle caravan with two large lounge areas and an optional sixth berth making it attractive to the family market.

Elddis (Stand 20.19 & 20.39 & 20.43)

New touring caravan layouts to feature at the Show include the Avante 554 with transverse bed and Whale Expanse underslung heating system as well as the new Compass Corona 576 six-berth and a new Buccaneer too. There are also new developments in the Elddis motorhome offering with two new models in the Encore range making their debut at the show, the 254 and 285.

Jerba Campervans (Stand 11.55)

This specialist VW camper producer from Scotland has been working on a new elevating roof design that includes an easy zip-out canvas – removable in under five minutes, it’s ideal for cleaning as well as making the most of the warm weather. It uses YKK zips and Ventile material that’s fully breathable as well as being watertight.

Lowdham Leisureworld (Stand 8.20, 20.45)

Lowdham celebrates 50 years in business in 2016 so will reveal its all new Swift Hi-Style range including Alde heating plus a special 50th anniversary pack, the latter also featuring on the company’s Freestyle SE range. Its Bailey Pegasus and Unicorn caravans will also feature the Lowdhams 50th anniversary pack. On motorhomes there’s the launch of the Knaus Boxlife van conversions with innovative sleeping systems, the Lowdhams’ anniversary edition Knaus SKY TI – plus an exclusive special edition Bessacarr Hi-Style.

Lunar (Stand 17.39 & 18.13)

Lunar will showcase its Lunar and Venus touring caravans including three new additions to the Lexon range. The Lexon 560 is a four-berth with a popular transverse island bed. Also a four-berth is the new Lexon 570, which features fixed single beds and an end washroom and for large families there is the new Lexon 580, a five-berth caravan with fixed bunks. Also on view at the NEC will be the new Delta RI, a four-berth caravan, and a refined Venus range of value-for-money tourers, including the new Venus 570. The full Lunar Landstar motorhome range will be on display too.

Pilote (Stand 9.10)

Pilot will have as its star vehicle for the UK on show, the new G650L A-class motorhome. It has large front lounge which can comfortably accommodate up to eight people and sleep four. A completely fresh bathroom layout with separate shower and dressing area, extra-large wardrobe and plenty of storage are just some of its other features.

Rapido (Stand 7.40)

On show this year, Rapido will have a 6 series version of its well-known 7065FF. The 665F will be a 7.4M vehicle with a rear bathroom and Alde heating systems as standard. To capitalise on British interest in twin-bed layouts, Rapido will also unveil a new 7m model, the 855F, with separate shower thanks to an innovative bathroom design. Not only this, but the company will launch two brand new ranges, the 80DF and a refurbished Distinction. Both will offer double floors and Al-Ko chassis. British special vans, 600FF, 9048DF and 9094DF will feature too.

Richard Baldwin Motorhomes (Stand 9.98)

The Halifax dealership will unveil its new and improved range of Special Editions, the Musketeer Range, featuring the D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos & Aramis. These will offer increased specification, new fabrics and new graphics.

Shire Conversions (Stand 11.50)

The conversion specialists will showcase its brand new van conversion, the FL Twin. Based on a Fiat chassis, it’s a 2 berth motorhome with twin bed, front lounge and a high specification.

Southdowns Motorhomes (Stand 8.16)

Southdowns Motorhomes, based in Portsmouth, will reveal two Concorde motorhomes seen on UK shores for the first time at the show, including the Concorde Liner Plus 990G and Concorde Credo 841L. The Laika Kreos 5 series range – with the Kreos 5009 – will also feature.

Swift (Stand 6.39, 6.34, 6.33, 6.31)

The company’s new Sprite Freedom range of caravans is sure to get plenty of interest at the NEC. These are positioned as entry-level caravans ideal for those looking to buy their first new tourer, featuring three popular 6 berth family models. There’s the Freedom 6, Freedom 6TD and Freedom FB. Swift will also feature a wide selection from its 2016 leisure vehicle portfolio, including new motorhome models. The sporty Rio range has expanded to feature two new models, the 310 and 325, with more traditional motorhome layouts and standard side entrance doors. The Bolero range also has two new models, the 612EK and 744PR. The former is a 2 seater, 2 berth vehicle with parallel front lounge and rear kitchen, with the latter a 4 seater, 4 berth model with U-shaped rear lounge, front travelling dinette and side seat plus side kitchen and washroom.

Webbs Motor Caravans (Stand 9.85)

Webbs will officially launch its exclusive partnership with French, hand-built, motorhome brand Fleurette at the show. For the last six years there have been no new Fleurette models stocked by UK dealers, so Webbs will be the only place to see the brand’s 2016 models, such as Mayflower, for the new season.

Wellhouse Leisure (Stand 12.85)

The popular dealership will have a host of new product launches at the show, including the Ford Terrier 2 M-Camper which features a full body-kit, alloy wheels and looks more like a racing van than a traditional campervan! It is part of the new Terrier 2 range with updated interior and furniture designed by Technoform, the Italian company that supplies many premium brands. It will be unveiled, by a special guest, on the second anniversary of the original Terrier’s launch at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2013. There’s also the Terrier Lux – a new entry-level Ford based model. Finally, there will be the new Moselle – based on the all-new Mercedes Vito van.

Trailer tents and folding caravans

OPUS Campers (Stand 12.105)

Opus will officially unveil an innovative folding camper with the ability to carry two motorcycles on its roof. The OPUS Moto is a brand new concept allowing motorcyclists to combine a family holiday, group getaway or romantic weekend with a biking break. Loading and unloading a motorcycle is simple, using the camper mounted crane, and takes just 20 seconds.

Trigano MDC (Stand 12.10, 12.05)

This year, Trigano will feature its Galleon model in a new brown colour and two new versions of its Odyssee model, one basic version and one “plus” with an easy access luggage system make opening the luggage compartment simpler.

Raclet (Stand 12.12)

Raclet’s Panama UP Xtrail product will be on view as well as its Solena, Safari, and Quickstop X-Trail models.

Holiday homes and lodges

Omar Park and Leisure Homes (Stand 9.120)

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Omar Park and Leisure Homes will be displaying the award-winning park home, the Anniversary along with its most long-standing signature home, the Colorado.

Swift

Swift will showcase holiday home models from its Bordeaux Escape, Burgundy, Chamonix, S-Pod, Loire, Biarritz, and Moselle Lodge ranges as well as two brand new models yet to be revealed.

Wessex Unique Lodges & Park Homes (Stand 9.120b)

Wessex will have its exciting new luxury lodge model, the Summerhouse, alongside the sleek and distinctive Contemporary luxury lodge.

Awnings and porches

Vango (Stand 17.36) will exhibit key models from its new 2016 collection, including caravan awnings Rapide, Varkala II and Kalari, including new annex addition as well as Idris II, Kela Deluxe and Galli drive-away awnings.

Outwell (Stand 17.81) will have its latest inflatable and pole drive-away awnings on show, with the Country Road SA from the Smart Air Touring Collection taking pride of place. There’s also the brand new Daytona Air from the company’s Air Crusing Collection and the new Darlington.

With so much to see and do, we can’t think of a reason not to go. So what are you waiting for? To buy tickets to the show and for more information, click here.

See what’s cooking at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Find all your favourite TV presenters, celebrity chefs and more all under one roof at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 between 13 – 18 October

It’s almost here. In just a few short days, tens of thousands of people will flock to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 to check out all the latest offerings from leisure manufacturers across the UK and beyond.

The show, which takes place between 13 – 18 October at Birmingham’s NEC, promises to be the most popular yet, not just because of all of 2016’s caravans, motorhomes, static caravans, holiday homes, trailers and so much more on display, but because of the number of celebrities lined up to welcome you once you arrive.

From World Superbike champion and King of the Jungle, Carl Fogarty, to BBC Country File’s Matt Baker, as well as Julia Bradbury and cyclist Dave Sims, the show – sponsored by The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club – will certainly see a number of household names come out in force to share in our passion of the great outdoors.

It doesn’t stop there though. And if, while you’re checking out the hundreds of exhibitors in attendance, your taste buds start to tingle it will certainly be for good reason, thanks to the vast number of celebrity chefs on hand to offer some culinary tips to help you cook up a treat on your next excursion. Those scheduled to attend include Sean Wilson, Ali Ray, Paul Da Costa-Greaves and ITV Lorraine’s Dean Edwards.

With so much to do and see, including a whole host of celebrities on hand, we’re certainly going to try and make the most of our time spent at the Motorhome & Caravans Show 2015 – what about you?

It’s still not too late to book your tickets, so what are you waiting for? Head on over to the official Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 to grab your tickets now.