Speeding remains largest motoring-related offence

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by Daniella Almeida

Figures obtained by IAM reveal that speeding has remained the biggest offence committed over the years

In figures obtained by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) from the Ministry of Justice, it has been revealed that, over the last decade, speeding is still the biggest motoring-related offence where the defendant is found guilty in court, with the numbers of those found guilty rising continuing to rise.

Those found guilty have risen from 115,935 to 148,426 (a 28 per cent increase) over the last 12 months. This has proven to be the highest number since 2005 with the sharpest increase within the last year. The figures obtained in 2014 were two per cent greater than those from 2004.

Following behind speeding as the next highest offence was vehicle insurance-related crimes. The difference can be seen with the numbers for this offence having actually fallen significantly since 2004.

The number found guilty in court for vehicle insurance-related crimes were only 118,254. Although this is a seven per cent increase from 2013, it is an overall 84 per cent decrease from the numbers received in 2014 (218,142 found guilty).

Also falling in massive numbers over the last decade are offences related to vehicle registration and excise duty as well as driving with alcohol in the blood above the legal limit.

Following is the top five list of offences where offenders are found guilty in court listed as offence/ 2004 numbers/ 2013/ 2014/ per cent change within one year/ per cent change within 10 years:

Speed limit offences / 146,161/ 115,935/ 148,426/ 28 per cent/ two per cent
Vehicle insurance offences/ 218,142/ 110,843/ 118,254/ seven per cent/ down 84 per cent
Failing to supply information as to identity of driver when required/ not applicable/ 50,687/ 54,372/ seven per cent/ not applicable
Vehicle registration and excise license offences/ 192,959/ 55,182/ 46,636/ down 15 per cent/ down 314 per cent
Driving with alcohol in the blood above the prescribed limit/ 74,055/ 40,683/ 37,853/ down seven per cent/ down 96 per cent

Some other offences with a large number of guilty verdicts include neglecting road regulations (16,951), using or causing others to use a mobile phone whilst driving (16,025), and driving licence-related offences (15,982).

Some new offences show the changing nature of motor related crimes such as causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

In lieu of the figures, Chief Executive Officer of IAM, Sarah Sillars, said: “We can see from these figures that as the UK comes out of recession traffic levels have risen, speeding appears to be becoming more prevalent and regrettably casualties are rising again.

“The government and police forces cannot afford to take their eye off the ball and more visible policing is, in our view, the key way to ensure that people don’t think they can get away with speeding.

“In addition, local campaigns must remain high-profile to make sure drivers don’t get complacent, or forget that speed can kill,” she finished.

Speeding is “one of the main factors in fatal road accidents,” according to the government’s THINK! campaign. In 2013, 3,064 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes where speed was a factor.

Sillars later added, “On a positive note, the joining up of databases across agencies and the increased use of number plate recognition cameras means some motoring crimes have fallen in big numbers.”

Wanksy-inspired artist highlights state of Surrey’s roads with penis potholes

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by Joe Jeffrey

Phallic imagery appears on pothole-laden roads in Surrey as protest begins

Earlier this year, CaravanTimes reported on a one-man crusade by an artist known only as Wanksy, in an attempt to highlight the issue of a spate of annoying potholes in the Manchester area by spray-painting phallic images of penises around them. And now, it looks like a copycat operation is underway in Surrey.

A road in Fetcham, named Cock Lane, has undergone a makeover by way of penises being spray-painted over a plethora of potholes – almost certainly in a bid to highlight the issue with the local council and get the road repaired.

Local resident, Polly Birkbeck, told local newspaper GetSurrey: “I drive down there every day on the school run and today I said to my daughter ‘hang on a minute, someone’s drawn willies on the road’.

“There are about 15 of them, I stopped the car and counted.

“I guess the council will just scrub them off but I’m surprised they haven’t fixed this bit of road, it’s been like that for years.

“It’s possibly a way to highlight the issue and galvanise someone into action.”

It may be, however, that the unknown artist’s work has been a waste of time, as work to repair the potholes is already underway.

A local council representative said: “The artist of these drawings will be cock-a-hoop to know that the road is due to be resurfaced as part of £100 million Operation Horizon scheme which is overhauling hundreds of miles of roads in Surrey most in need of repair.”

Introducing the customisable Barefoot caravan

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by Joe Jeffrey

New Barefoot caravan launched by Cotwswold company

A Cotswold company, more recognised for manufacturing motorcycles and sidecars has launched a new caravan following four years of development.

Watsonian Squire Ltd, based in the small village of Blockley, has unveiled the Barefoot caravan, the idea of which was conceived by managing director, Cathy Chamberlain and backed by fellow directors, Mike Williams and Ben Matthews.

Everything about the Barefoot is unique, from the curvy fiberglass body in a beautiful array of colours, to the free flowing interior and the specially designed galvanized chassis.

“We have gone to great lengths to make sure that the Barefoot caravan is beautifully styled, inside and out, built to the highest standards and light weight.

“We wanted to create the perfect travel companion that was stylish, luxurious and easy to use. We didn’t realise it would take us so long,” Williams said.

The Barefoot was unveiled at Chipping Campden’s Made in the Cotswolds event recently and the company expects a few orders to come from the launch.

Designed by Tom Buttigeig, Matt Cullis, Lewis Earle and Tom Ogen, from Coventry University who came up with the eye-catching, retro shape, the caravan will be fitted out individually by an experienced team at Auto-Sleepers, of Willersey, while the monocoque fibreglass body has been built by Cheltenham Laminating Ltd.

The overall length of the Barefoot is 5.8 metres – with a body length of 3.780 metres. Its overall width is 1.920 metres and it stands 2.360 metres high.

Inside, a generous seating area which transforms into a 6ft x 6ft bed, a Thetford gas hob and sink, shower with toilet and basin, kitchen area with wall units and solid oak worktops await. A 65 litre Isotherm fridge, Polyvision Eco windows with fly screens and blinds, hot and cold water, a Truma Combi 4e heating and hot water system, wardrobe and storage space and LED ceiling lights, reading lights and floor lighting also come as standard. There are also 12/24v sockets and USB port and 13-inch alloy wheels.

Enabling customers to have their very own bespoke caravan to their exact specification is certainly a major selling point, as well as a major factor in the development of the Barefoot, and allows caravanners to choose from three body colours (duck egg blue, Cotswold cream, or graphite grey) or even a custom colour to match their car, whilst they will also be able to choose their very own fabric for curtains.

The caravan retails at £21,950 on the road. For more information, visit Barefoot’s official website here.

If you could customise your own caravan, what would you do?

Half-term bargain breaks announced by The Caravan Club

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by Daniella Almeida

This half-term enjoy some family breaks where children under 12 can stay for just a penny

Get a head start this half-term on ticking off some of National Trust’s list of ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 and Three Quarters‘ with the help of The Caravan Club. A number of the club’s sites are perfect pitch-up spots for those looking to enjoy a few of the things on the list and some are even available where children under 12 can stay for just a penny per night.

Enjoy some of the exciting things on the list such as star gazing, flying a kite, and going on a really long bike ride before the half-term is up at any of these reasonably priced pitch-up sites.

Head over to Ferry Meadows Caravan Club Site where a plethora of Halloween themed activities are offered. The site, close to the Burghley House Sculpture Gardens, is the perfect place for families to search for hidden pumpkins on the garden’s pumpkin trail.

For those looking to complete number 44 off the 50 things to do, birdwatching, you’re in luck as the site is set in Nene Park where families can spend their mornings looking out for any of the many species of birds.

Families can also check off number 11 on the list by taking a really long bike ride on the 60 miles of off-road cycleway at the site.

To pitch up at this site, you’ll need to shell out £175.50 per week for a family of four based on two adults and two kids.

Next up is Trevedra Farm, a working farm and campsite with sea views overlooking Land’s End and Isles of Scilly. Gwenver Beach leading to Sennen Cove is just a short walk away.

At this site, families can look to complete at least three of the things on the list such as heading to the farm, number 23, head down to the beach to explore the rockpools, number 37, and maybe even catch a crab, number 29.

Pitching up at this site starts from £133.14 per week for a family of four based on two adults and two kids.

Finally, head over to The Woods Caravan Park to enjoy 180 degree views of Ochil Hill. In the autumn, the hills are covered in purple heather, creative picturesque landscapes anyone can enjoy.

Families even have the chance to see woodpeckers, roe deer, wild hare, and even red squirrels at this site as it is located close to the nature reserve, Gartmorn Dam Country Park. Children can complete number 12, making a trail with sticks, at this park as it provides three miles of path.

At this site, those under 12 can also tick off some more things on the National Trust’s list such as creating some wild art, number 18, and hunt for bugs, number 31.

Pitching up this site will cost you from £152.39 per week for a family of four based on two adults and two kids.

Be sure to enjoy the half-term with your kids at some of these sites and you’ll be helping them complete this list in no time!

When staying on any Caravan Club Site, a non-member fee of £10 per night applies so it’s worth it to sign up for membership as soon as possible. To book any of these offers and for more information on becoming a member, contact The Caravan Club directly on 01342 488713.

Caravan crashes into traffic light as towing with Land Rover goes wrong

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by Joe Jeffrey

Moment caravan detaches from jeep on road caught on film

We here at CaravanTimes can’t stress enough how important it is to know exactly what you’re doing when it comes to towing – we just wish one unlucky caravan knew it too, following the emergence of footage revealing the moment a caravan detaches from a Land Rover’s towbar before indiscriminately crashing into a set of traffic lights.

The incident, which occurred in a usually busy city centre street in Liverpool, begins by showing a Land Rover – ironically enough the same make of car (but not model as our eagle-eyed readers have pointed out) recently voted Towcar of the Year 2016 – steadily driving through Oxford Street with its caravan in tow and, within seconds, the drama unfolds as the caravan disconnects from the vehicle and veers into a set of traffic lights, crossing over into the main road’s opposite lane in the process.

Luckily, the street on which the accident occurred seems to have been relatively free of pedestrians and traffic travelling in the opposite direction at the time, otherwise there is no telling what type of catastrophe could have been caused.

It just goes to show that no matter what you’re towing with, it always helps to connect your breakaway cable to your towbar to prevent ruining your holiday and, more importantly, costing lives.

Check out the video below and feel free to provide your own towing tips in the comments below.

Caravan park raises nearly £2,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support

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by Daniella Almeida

Caravan park hosts Macmillan coffee morning to raise money for wonderful cause

A caravan park in North Wales has raised a small fortune after hosting a Macmillan coffee morning to raise money for the cancer support charity.

Black Rock Sands Touring and Camping Park, in Morfa Bychan, raised nearly £2,000 for Macmillan following hosting a coffee morning on Saturday 26 September, proving fun for all involved. With a variety of different stalls including food stalls as well as a bouncy castle and a raffle, the morning had something for guests of all ages.

A spokesperson for the park said: “It was great to see so many people from young to old helping out and taking part and raising money for such a good cause that touches so many of us.

“It was a relaxed fun afternoon with the sun shining down, it was also great to see the children playing the old fashioned games like ‘bob the apple’ and ‘hook a duck’ which many had never played before!

“Everybody enjoyed themselves and those who attended were already asking us if we are going to do it next year. The response was great as the day proved to be a small success on so many levels, we raised money for Macmillan, community spirit was shown in prize donations, and to our campers and friends of Black Rock Sands Touring and Camping Park who donated.

“We’ve started off small but hope to make it bigger and raise more money next year! So far we’ve raised £1150 and we still have more to come in – we’d like to thank everyone for their donations, time, effort, and for a truly splendid day,” they concluded.

For more information on this great charity and to find out how you can help, visit Macmillan’s website here.

Plans for Holyhead caravan site causes unrest with locals

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by Daniella Almeida

Holyhead Breakwater Park caravan site plan has been slammed by angry residents

Plans by Anglesey Council to create a 28 pitch caravan park at Holyhead’s Breakwater Country Park in a bid to boost the local economy and tourism have been met by protest from local residents.

The planning application, filed on behalf of the authority by landscape consultants Richards, Moorehead, and Laing has been revealed with hope to generate additional income, according to the council. The park was originally built in 1990 and new facilities would have boosted the appearance.

However, community leaders and residents have attacked the plans believing that these additions will ultimately ruin the park. This, coupled with the fact that there hasn’t been any information released as to how much income the park could generate, has caused residential unrest.

According to Holyhead councillor, Robert Llewellyn Jones the public has a right to know. He said: “I have been told by members of the planning department that the business plans are not in the public domain. But in my view, it’s essential that the public should know if the figures add up or not.”

“We are still trying to protect Penrhos Woods, Newry Beach, the town park, where is this all going to end? These all contribute to Holyhead’s heritage, I urge the council not to destroy it all for a quick buck.

“We are selling off our town’s family treasures at knockdown prices in order to balance the books and will have no play or recreation areas left for future generations,” Jones concluded.

In lieu of these concerns, Anglesey Council has said that they are trying their best to make sure the development does not ruin the site.

A spokesperson on behalf of the council said: “The application recognises the sensitivities of the Holyhead Breakwater Country Park; in terms of its wildlife; heritage and popularity with local residents and visitors alike.

“The pitches have therefore been sited in an area of the park not used by the public and in need of improvement. This facility would allow visitors to bring their own touring caravans to the park and enjoy its tranquility and scenic beauty.

“With local authorities across Wales facing financial challenges, this project, if permitted, would allow the authority to generate additional income to help sustain the financial future of the park and provide visitors with an opportunity to stay in the area and spend in the locality,” they finished.

Before final approval for the plans can be given, they will have to go in front of the planning committee.

Truma issues urgent gas warning for caravans and motorhomes

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by Joe Jeffrey

Truma customers urged to act immediately over gas filter safety concerns

Truma has issued an important safety announcement pertaining to a material fault in windows of filter cups for the Truma gas filter, which could allow gas to escape freely into the atmosphere via the cylinder box, a result of which could cause gas deflagration and injury, it has been announced.

The fault is said to have arisen as a result of faulty processing by one of Truma’s sub-suppliers.

The issue, which is said to affect all filter cups produced since January 2012, has led Truma to issue the following safety advice to those who have a Truma gas filter fitted in their vehicle:

1) Shut down the gas system immediately
2) Contact your dealer or Truma and order new filter cups free-of-charge
3) Old filter cups are to be replaced with new ones

Customers affected have also been advised to contact Truma online or at their nearest dealership or Truma service partner in order to replace affected cups free-of-charge.

To request a replacement filter cup online, click here.

To find your nearest dealer or service provider, click here.

CaravanTimes urges those affected by the above-mentioned issue to act immediately.

Ban on smoking in cars not top priority for police

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by Daniella Almeida

A new law coming into force tomorrow that makes it illegal to light up in cars with children is not on the top of police ‘to-do list’

Starting tomorrow, police officers will have the power to fine £50 on-the-spot to those smoking in vehicles whilst carrying children. However, this new law will not be enforced by police, as admitted by police chiefs. Instead, violators will be given a warning for first in an effort to educate rather than prosecute.

The new law, as part of the Smoke-Free (Private Vehicles) Regulations Act 2015, will make it an offence to light up in any enclosed vehicle that is found to be carrying persons aged under 18, and allows for officers to pull over anyone committing the said crime and fine them £50 if they are caught, with a fine of up £2,500 placed on drivers if they are taken to court. If the £50 penalty is paid within two weeks, it will subsequently be reduced to £30.

In cases where the passenger is the one who is smoking, both they and the driver will have committed an offence and will both be penalised.

For caravanners, the legislation bans lighting up in a caravan or motorhome only if it is moving, therefore smoking once hitched up should not be an issue. However, if driving in your towcar, you can be fined while the car isn’t in motion if you’re smoking with children in the vehicle.

It will not be a crime to smoke in a convertible with the top down as it is not an enclosed vehicle. A 17-year-old smoking while driving will also not be fined so long as there is no one else under 18 in the car. Electronic cigarettes are also not covered in the legislation because they do not emit toxic fumes. However, as it is impossible to tell whether someone is smoking a cigarette or an electronic version, everyone will run the risk of being stopped.

At least three million children are believed to be exposed to dangerous fumes in their family car and the law, in part, aims to lower this incredibly large number. This approach by police officers to dish out warnings rather than fines is a blow to the ministers who pushed through the legislation on the advice of health experts.

This approach, however, is to be expected as it is understood that private guidance given to chief constables urges them to give motorists at least three months to adjust to the new law so a change in the way the law is handled may still happen.

For now though, the law will be slightly ignored as a spokesman for the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) lamented: “Forces will be following guidance from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health by taking an educational, advisory, and non-confrontational approach.”

Officials do hope that the new law will gradually change the way people drive with smoking in a vehicle with children becoming as socially, and lawfully, unacceptable as drink-driving.

Government chief medical officer, Professor Sally Davies, said: “We want children to grow up free from harm and we need parents to understand why smoking in vehicles is so dangerous. 80 per cent of smoke is invisible so even if you think are being careful you cannot see where the smoke is going.”

What are your thoughts on this new law and the police’s approach to implementation of it? Let us know in the comments below.

CaravanTimes takes a walk on the wild(life) side

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By Claire Lawson

In our latest feature, CaravanTimes takes a closer look at the wildlife that awaits you at some of the UK and Ireland’s best caravan parks

It’s pretty true to say, almost anyone who enjoys taking to their caravans to escape from the hustle and bustle of cities and towns all have one thing in common: a love for nature. Whether it is getting out and about to take in the beautiful scenery, spending time becoming jealous of those who live on the rolling hills or seaside cliffs all year round, or simply taking in all that nature has to offer by exploring the abundance of wildlife which can be found in your vicinity, there’s pretty much something for everyone and we all love being outdoors. Here at CaravanTimes we share the same passion, so we thought we would put together a list of the top ten places in Ireland and the UK to experience the abundance of wildlife on offer on your doorstep. So come with us and let’s take a walk on the wild side.

England
England has a very big variety of wildlife, both on land and in the water. Puffins, seals, porpoises, owls, hares, bats, foxes, stoats. Even a few basking sharks if you’re lucky. There is so much to see that we have picked what we think are the best of the best in a few areas.

East Yorkshire



The mix of wildlife here is a combination of the two and four legged kinds coupled with panoramic seaviews and lush countrysides famous for its puffin population.

The Wold Farm Caravan and Camping Site in the Yorkshire area has so much to offer. A short walk to the beach will lead you to Bempton Cliffs Bird Sanctuary with perfect view points which can enable you to see the puffins and their burrows from a mere ten feet away.

Along other nature trails, you can spot deer, meadow pipits and maybe a weasel or two. It is worth the time to take in the amazing scenery along the coastline and wooded ravines.

The campsite has nothing more than the essentials meaning you can enjoy what is around you.

Park Rose Village is an East Yorkshire park with a wildlife twist. If you don’t want a holiday way out in the country, keep reading.

The campsite has its own little wildlife section dedicated to some exotic and interesting animals.

Bridlington Birds of Prey and Animal Park has a range of animals such as owls, hawks, falcons, meerkats, wallabys and alpacas. Make the most of the daily flying displays or have a hold of one of their small animals.

The rest of the park is just as impressive with a go kart track, café serving nice refreshments, crazy golf, and, of course, a caravan park with 18 pitches for motorhomes and touring caravans.

Somerset



Located in the Burnham-on-sea area of Somerset, Warren Farm Holiday Centre lies in the perfect spot between village life and the quiet countryside with a wide variety of places to explore for those special wildlife experiences.

On site there is an endless expanse of farmland and many trails down to the nearby beach. With a fishing lake as well, you can while away the hours relaxing on the campsite.

If you want to head out and venture further away from camp, you can head to one of the several parks for a wild time. Within 30 miles you can get to the SeaQuarium, Secret World Wildlife Rescue, Puxton Park and Noah’s Ark Zoo Park.

There is something for everyone, even the very brave, as the reportedly-haunted Wookey Hole caves are just 20 miles from the camp. Visit the spectacular local attraction and risk the chance of meeting the legendary witch said to be lurking in the shadows.

Norfolk



Nestled in north Norfolk, surrounded by 250 acres of woodland, Kelling Heath is one of the best places for a getaway and to get among all the wonders the area has to offer. The park even has captive red squirrels as part of a national breeding scheme in a bid to save the rare species.

The site is fully equipped with a range of pitches to chose from so everyone’s needs are met. Amenity buildings are second to none with hot showers, washing facilities and individual cubicles and extra heating is applied during those colder months.

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and near the coastline at Weybourne, you will get the chance to get close to nature with miles of woodland and heathland trails for strolling through at your own pace. If you would like to learn more about the scenery and the wildlife, there is the option of having a guided tour or doing trail activities if you really want to get your hands dirty.

Norfolk doesn’t just offer nature breaks in the woodlands, there is also a lot of beauty out by the coast.

Searles Leisure Resort offers all sorts of accommodation including level touring and camping pitches just yards away from the Norfolk coast. They suit caravans, motorhomes and folding campers with easy access to all pitches. The grounds are pet friendly and have children’s play areas as well as a communal barbecue and a supermarket on site. The list continues with a gymnasium, sauna, club house and even golf.

The main attraction of the park is the unique nature tour open to all. The Searles Sea Tours is a two minute drive from the park and will take you out on the world’s first seal safari on an amphibious vehicle. The sea tours are exciting and educational as you travel down the Wash with Captain Willie and the Wash Monster.

Northumberland



In a spot that is an hour away from Newcastle and the castles of Northumberland, Beadnell Bay Caravan Park is a great place to getaway from the hustle and bustle of life without needing to go too far to see the ‘hidden kingdom’ of Northumbria.

You can go for a relaxing walk along the beach or you can get involved in a countryside event. Head out to the Farne Islands to see the puffins, Arctic terns and the seals.

To get out and about into nature and experience a real rush courtesy of the vibrancy that nature brings, you can get in contact with Adventure Northumberland to take part in various outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, canoe tours and survival courses.

Scotland



The wildlife in Scotland is an exciting array of marine life including thousands of seals and puffins, but is also a place where birds of prey call home. The range of animals in Scotland is wonderfully diverse and will certainly entertain and fascinate the whole family; you never know – you might even learn a thing or two in the process.

Scotland is inundated with a huge range of birds all over the beautiful countryside. Maybe one of the most popular birds to find while out bird watching is the white-tailed eagle. With a campsite situated in the perfect spot to see these predators, why wouldn’t you head to the Sands Caravan and Camping site?
A breeding pair have made the area their local residence and are often out feeding or interacting with insects, crows and ravens.
The camp’s kayak hire is available to witness visiting dolphins, porpoises or seals if marine life is something you’ve always wanted to see.
The campsite itself provides everything you would need. Picnic tables, a games and TV room, a play area and cooking and dog walking areas – oh and highland cows to boot!.

Northern Ireland



The iconic Northern territory is home to a range of wildlife including waterbirds, barn owls, red squirrels and stunning insects. And, despite the country’s troubled past, it certainly is a very peaceful place which will allow for a wonderful time away – even enabling you to make some furry and feathery friends in the process.

One of the most tranquil places in Northern Ireland is the Lough Neagh area, where the Oxford Island Nature Reserve can be found.

The reserve houses many varieties of animals, birds and insects. And, if you look closely you may be able to find ravens, starlings, geese, shrews, mountain hares, badgers, otters, dragonflies and butterflies to name just a few.

Kinnego Marina Camping and Caravanning Site is within the nature reserve, making it the perfect spot to explore the grounds and see the wildlife. The camp itself allows dogs to stay, has a children’s playground and boat trips can be arranged from the park for further exploration.

Republic of Ireland



The Irish countryside is home to a whole host of exciting wildlife, just waiting to be spotted by adults and children alike. And, with stunning landscapes, friendlier-than-friendly natives and plenty of the black stuff to boot, what’s there not to love?

Killarney Flesk Caravan and Camping Park is a mere few minutes walk away from Killarney National Park. With trails that lead straight into the park, its best to keep your eyes open so you don’t miss any of the wildlife getting on with their day. Butterflies, stoats, eels, swans, billy goats, birds of prey including White-tailed eagles, squirrels and even a few ducks all make the Killarney National Park their home.

The camping park holds facilities such as a campers’ kitchen, a restaurant and take away shop, laundry, a taxi service and wet weather shelter. You could get lost in the woods everyday and still have a lovely place to sleep at night in the camping park.

It doesn’t seem possible that so many places can offer such different things to do but that is just another reason why we should all get out and about to see what’s right here on our doorstep. From puffins to butterflies, from eagles to dolphins, all can be found in quiet spots dotted all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. Nothing is set to a strict schedule so there is no rush to get from one place to another. The perfect kind of holiday you would want to get away into nature and maybe even learn a thing or two about our furry, feathered and winged neighbours.

New layouts and enhancements to Compass Rallye for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Compass Rallye 636 joins enhanced Rallye range for 2016

The award-winning Compass has made a triumphant return for 2016, with seven enhanced models, including a new layout by way of the Rallye 636.

Following the reintroduction of the Compass brand three years ago, this season sees what could be the best Rallye lineup ever, with the addition of the 636 – a six-berth caravan built with families in mind.

Comprising of a kingsize living area-come-bedroom for two at the front, additional bedding comes courtesy of the central side dinette and set of twin bunks towards the rear, resting just before the spacious bathroom spanning the rear.

Additional layouts include the three-berth Rallye 530, as well as five four-berth offerings, namely the 540, 550 and 554 – all with fixed double beds – as well as 574 and 644.

The lightweight Corona range weighs in from just 1470kgs, making each model in the new season’s lineup ideal for towing by most cars.

At a starting price of £21,399, the Rallye has been designed to provide for a real home-from-home experience and it shows, thanks to features including EcoCamel showerhead with Aircore technology in the bathroom, as well as craftsman-built cabinetry and comfortable Ozio bedding and upholstery throughout. A Skyscape panoramic lounge window allows for a bright and airy interior.

A Hobbit house at a Holiday Park is proving the place to be

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by Daniella Almeida

Herefordshire holiday park creates new fantasy pod a la Lord of the Rings-style

A Lord of the Rings inspired pod on a caravan park near Leominster in Herefordshire has proved popular for both Hobbit fans and romantically-minded holidaymakers alike this summer.

The pod, built beneath a grass-covered mound at Townsend Touring Park, is a five-berth dwelling complete with all of the enchanting and medieval charm of a Hobbit house from JRR Tolkien’s famous epic.

Despite the medieval appearance, the pod’s facilities are firmly rooted in modern times, complete with a digital TV, a fully equipped kitchen, heating, bathroom, and even some cozy duvets.

To add more comfort to the atmosphere, the pod comes with many hand-crafted timber features and stone flag flooring with a covered patio area with a barbecue and garden furniture just outside.

This charming pod isn’t the only thing the park has to offer, however. The five-star park, which features many more conventional pod accommodations, is owned by Geoff and Su Smith.

It is based on the stock-breeding farm run by Geoff’s family for almost 80 years. It first began welcoming camping and touring visitors back in 2002.

At the heart of the park is a fishing lake which helps to draw a wide range of bird species and other wildlife to Townsend, further adding to the charm of the 12-acre park.

Also at the park is a mountain bike trail, a high-octane pump track laid out in the park’s woodland, a children’s play area, and first-class washroom amenities.

Owner Su Smith said: “We have always attracted couples and families who are after a truly away-from-it-all experience in a relatively undiscovered but delightful part of the country.

“Some guests tell us that there is an almost magical quality to this area, so it seemed entirely fitting to build a pod which had an air of fantasy about it.

“It’s been a labour of love for us, and we’re delighted with the results – as are our guests who say the quality we’ve achieved is a perfect match for the surroundings,” she finished.

The new pod has welcomed so much success that two more units are now in production for installation early next year. Short breaks in the pod start at £89 per family or couple per night.

For more information about the park, head over to the Townsend Farm website here.

Be sure to add this one to your list of new holiday destinations