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

GEM urges Government to take lead and save lives on the road

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by Joe Jeffrey

GEM hits out at Government’s response to rise in road fatalities

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is calling on the UK Government to take immediate and robust action to deal with the entirely unnecessary rise in road fatalities and serious injuries.

The call comes following the Department for Transport publishing its Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2014 Annual Report, which revealed a four per cent rise in road-related fatalities.

GEM chief executive, David Williams MBE, had strong words for ministers, saying: “To claim, as the Department for Transport has done, that a four per cent rise in fatalities is ‘not statistically significant’ is an outrage. Try telling that to the relatives and friends of the 1,775 people who lost their lives.

“To blame the increase on a rise in traffic levels is a monstrous abrogation of responsibility. The worst year for road deaths in this country was 1941, when traffic levels were just a fraction of what they are today.

“The Government needs to face up to its responsibilities and accept that a strong, robust lead in road safety is now a pressing priority.”

GEM has since suggested four specific recommendations for the UK Government, which are:

1. Bring back casualty reduction targets as an effective way of unifying and motivating everyone working in road safety.
2. Reverse the drastic reductions in traffic policing resources in order to get more officers back on the roads.
3. Commit to removing the most dangerous drivers from the road, through more consistent sentencing guidelines for courts.
4. Bring the recent graduated driver licensing proposal back out of the ‘long grass’ to become an urgent policy priority.

What do you think? Is a four percent rise in road deaths simply just a case of an increase in traffic as the Government seems to suggest, or something which needs to be addressed further?

Holidaymakers evacuated after sinkhole swallows caravan

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravanners evacuated after emergence of football-sized sinkhole

Caravanners have been evacuated from a picturesque coastal campsite after a vast sinkhole opened and swallowed vehicles including a caravan.

The sinkhole, estimated to be around the size of a football pitch, emerged at the popular campsite, located at Inskip Point in the state of Queensland shortly before midnight on Saturday, instantly swallowing a car, truck and caravan.

Around 150 caravanners were evacuated from the site, known to have had previous sinkholes, following a quick response from authorities.

One caravanner told Queensland’s Channel Nine news station: “There was lots of yelling and screaming and then a caravan went over the edge. It was pretty scary.”

Local towing company, Clayton’s Towing took to Facebook to explain how two employees also witnessed the sinkhole emerge, before fleeing for their lives upon hearing a noise described as being “like a storm.”

“On looking they realised the sand was rapidly disappearing into the ocean at a amazing speed,” a company representative said. “They only just got their 4wds and caravans out with seconds to spare as their campsite disappeared three metres down into the ocean. A 4wd, large caravan, camper trailer, tents etc on the site next to them all got swallowed into the ocean.”

It is thought the sinkhole, measuring approximately 450 feet long and 330 feet wide, could expand. Queensland’s Parks and Wildlife staff have since cordoned off the area to prevent vehicle and pedestrian access. Caravanners have been urged to avoid the area, with senior ranger, Dan Clifton, saying: “There is a real possibility the hole could expand with ocean currents, so people are urged to avoid the area. While we continue to assess the situation, our priority is public safety.”

The all-new, enhanced Swift Sprite range for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Swift’s Sprite range sees a series of enhancements for 2016. CaravanTimes went along to Swift to find out more

Remaining one of the most popular choices of caravans for both families and couples alike, Swift’s best-selling Sprite range sees a series of enhancements for 2016.

Following on from the introduction of the Sprite Freedom range for the new season, the Sprite range has, according to Swift, been elevated into the mid-level sector of the market, whilst continuing to remain great value for money.

As always, great attention to detail has remained paramount when it comes to the 2016 Sprite range. Finer details, such as twin curtain tracks, positive-locking catches on all locker drawers, an abundance of worktop space in the kitchen and an EcoCamel shower head in the bathroom add a touch of quality craftsmanship, whilst bringing the range into the new season with a number of modern enhancements, including Smart Plus construction.

Join us in our latest video to discover how Swift has made the Sprite range even more light and spacious than ever before, including inside the Sprite EW, featuring a comfortable L-shaped end lounge, as well as three front windows enabling an abundance of light throughout – the latter being a standard feature across all Swift Sprite models for the new season.

Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 to feature great cooking lessons

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by Daniella Almeida

The latest news for next month’s show has revealed a number of great chefs on site showing off their culinary skills

Food is an important part of any good holiday and the Motorhome & Caravan Show, set for 13 October until 18 October 2015, is no exception. A number of chefs have signed on to show off their culinary skills at the event including chefs Dean Edwards, Sean Wilson, Paul Da-Costa Greaves, and Ali Ray.

The event is the UK’s national leisure vehicle launch show and this show is set to be one of the largest yet as tens of thousands guests are already expected to attend.

Guests will be able to witness the aforementioned four top chefs giving it their at all in the Expert’s Theatre at the site. They will be demonstrating everything from delicious family curries to the best of British cuisine in the hopes of inspiring visitors to create amazing food whenever they’re on site in a caravan or motorhome

To commence the event, food and camping expert Ali Ray will be pitching up each day between the 13th and 15th. Ray is The Camping and Caravanning Club‘s “Eat Local” columnist and will be showing visitors how to cook using the best local ingredients to where you’re staying.

Ray wants campers to take in all of the surrounding area where they are holidaying by embracing great local produce. Ray surely knows her stuff as she’s spent five years travelling through the country to research for her first book “Pitch Up, Eat Local”.

Starting the weekend off is Master Chef of Great Britain Paul Da-Costa Greaves who will arrive on site on Friday 16 October. Da-Costa Greaves was born in Liverpool to an English mother and West Indian father so his cooking has consistently been unique.

The chef’s cooking has been described as like “a male version of Nigella Lawson” and he will be putting his originality to the test by cooking up some fascinating dishes.

On Saturday 17 October, Chef Sean Wilson will be on hand. Wilson is more famously known for playing Martin Platt in Coronation Street for over 20 years.

Wilson will be cooking up some great dishes using his own unique, hand-made Lancashire Cheese in his own quirky and fun style. Learn how cheese can be the basis for any dish prepared outdoors with the help of Wilson.

Visiting the show on Sunday 18 October will be Dean Edwards, resident chef on ITV’s morning programme Lorraine. Edwards will be cooking three easy dishes that any family can cook on a campsite. One of these dishes is a Thai beef and mango salad, but you’ll have to make it to the show to find out the other two!

In an effort to prove his believe that food doesn’t have to be complicated and can be incredibly delicious while also simple to make, Edwards will be using ingredients that are familiar to everyone. He’ll also be on site to sign copies of his new book “Feel-Good Family Food”.

The cooking is just one of the many activities that the event has to offer. Guests can also enjoy over 400 exhibitors, exclusive show only deals, new product launches each day, free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring lesson, and so much more.

The show is supported by The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club and takes place at the NEC in Birmingham.

To buy tickets in advance (from as little as £7.50 senior or £8.50 adult), head over to the show’s website here. Remember, kids go free!

Land Rover Discovery HSE LUX wins The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2016

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by Daniella Almeida

Land Rover Discovery receives top honours at The Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year Awards for 2016

This year’s The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2016 Competition’s testing took place in July at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. Taking home the title of Towcar of the Year 2016, along with wins in two other categories, was the Land Rover Discovery HSE LUX.

The Discovery was awarded the title while also winning the top model in two classes – for all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles over 1,800kg and for vehicles priced over £50,000.

At an awards ceremony at the RAC in London, judges gave praise for the model by mentioning its “rock solid stability, master-class hill start, and its electric parking brake, which holds really well and releases automatically when pulling away.”

For this year’s competition, 39 cars were tested by The Caravan Club and carried out by caravan journalists, national motoring journalists, and Caravan Club members. The purpose of this was to provide drivers with ample advice on all their towing needs.

Each car was assessed based on its towing abilities which included acceleration, braking, and coping with hill starts.

Taking home the top spot, and excelling in every category, was the Land Rover Discovery. The Discovery is available with Trailer Stability Assist to detect the presence of a trailer. The program also monitors the trailer when travelling above 37mph and uses selective braking of the appropriate wheels to help correct any problems that come up.

Towing Assist is also available with reversing aid, optional surround camera system, and it predicts the trajectory of the vehicle and trailer which provides aid when coupling a trailer. It also supplies a predicted path for the vehicle on the touch-screen when reverse is selected.

For the awards, manufacturers were invited to submit for testing any vehicle that was capable of towing a trailer over 750kg and would be on sale on 1 October 2015.

The future of towing looked a lot brighter when Land Rover previews its world-first Transparent Trailer and Cargo Sense research concepts earlier this month. Visibility is enhanced with the use of the Transparent Trailer which uses cameras that enable the driver to see-through rendering of the trailer in the rear-view mirror.

Cargo Sense, on the other hand, provides the driver with live data on the condition of storage or livestock during transportation. Details of movement within the cargo area are provided through pressure pads and temperature sensors.

Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover UK, Jeremy Hicks, has said: “2015 is proving to be another fantastic year for Discovery. It has been at the top of the judge’s lists of capable towing vehicles consistently for the last nine years.
“Along with our recent research concept announcements, we are demonstrating our strong ability to develop ground-breaking technologies that put the needs of our customers first.

“Innovation and capability are cornerstones of our DNA and Discovery continues to lead the way in these areas,” he concluded.

The cars entered were carefully judged to ensure that they conformed to the exact specification declared on the entry documentation. While there were many winners in a selection of categories, as reviewed by CaravanTimes, the Land Rover Discovery HSE LUX proved to be the best of the best for 2016.

The all-new Bailey Pegasus 4: comfort, quality and class all in one

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes takes a closer look at the all new Bailey Pegasus 4 to find out what’s in store for the new season

When it comes to choosing the right caravan for you, it’s not only the look of a caravan that helps make that all important decision, but also comfort. And Bailey of Bristol seems to have achieved the perfect result, with the introduction of the all-new Bailey Pegasus 4.

The fourth-generation range from Bailey sees a number of enhancements for 2016, including a brand new soft furnishing scheme featuring new domestic front lounge area, featuring higher backrests, new bed make-up system and so much more to enable enhanced comfort and, ultimately, a more relaxing holiday.

Using advanced technology to provide for a more comfortable experience all round, including super-soft domestic foam on all seats, as well as Dream Sleep fixed bed mattresses, featuring Ultimate Freshness technology and much more, you could be forgiven for thinking the aesthetics have taken a back seat – but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

For 2016, the popular Pegasus range has seen design enhancements both inside and out in a bid to appeal to a wider demographic, and Bailey might just have pulled this off. Providing for a premium ambience, a plush new interior, including ‘Mendip Ash’ finish, certainly looks the part, whilst raising the bar when compared to other mid-market caravans available today.

To find out more about the all-new fourth-generation Bailey Pegasus 4, check out our video above and let us know your thoughts below.

Downton Abbey inspired getaways with The Caravan Club

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by Daniella Almeida

Feel as if you’re on Downton Abbey by pitching up at one of the many Caravan Club sites located within grounds of country estates

If you have ever wondered what it’s like to feel as if you were on Downton Abbey, now is your chance. Feel as if you are on the set of the famous program with a stay at one of the many Caravan Club sites located within the grounds of some country house estates.

These sites offer guests with the opportunity to revel in the picturesque settings while also taking in the history of stately homes all across the UK.

Be sure to hit up The Sandringham Estate Caravan Club Site which is located in the heart of the Royal Estate and is considered as one of the most famous residences of the Royal Family. It’s even said to be one of the Queen’s favourites.

The site offers up an adventure playground, sculpture trail, and 142 hectares to explore. Guests can also visit the house, museum, and grounds in order to take in the rich history of the estate.

A caravan pitch at this site starts from £6.60 per pitch, plus £6.50 per adult and £1.70 per child per day.

Next up is the Chatsworth Park Caravan Club Site which is set in an old walled garden on the Chatsworth Estate. This estate is best known for its feature in the BBC’s adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” starring Colin Firth.

Guests can explore the gorgeously decorated rooms as well as visit the house, formal gardens, and the famous fountain. Be sure to explore the surrounding areas including the village of Baslow and the beautiful countryside.

A caravan pitch at this site starts from £7.30 per pitch, plus £7.10 per adult and £2.40 per child per day.

Finally, head over to the Tredegar House Country Park Caravan Club Site. The site is seven-acres complete with a lake, 17th century orangery, and woodland and walled gardens. Guests can take in all of the beauty located right on the site or visit Tredegar House.

Tredegar House is known as one of the architectural wonders of Wales and one of the most significant 17th century houses in the British Isles. Be sure to head out to the nearby city of Cardiff where you can visit the castle and National Museum.

A caravan pitch at this site starts from £6.00 per pitch, plus £5.10 per adult and £0.01 per child per day. Plus get 50 per cent off your pitch fee when staying Monday through Thursday night.

Members of The Caravan Club can take advantage of prices from just £11.10 per person, per night for stays at most of the country house estates. A non-member fee of £10 per night applies when staying on a Caravan Club Site so it might be worthwhile to become a member!

Join The Caravan Club by visiting their website here. To book any of these offers, contact the club directly on 01342 488713.