Caravanners defy winter chill, as site occupancy for The Caravan Club site network hits a high for January

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by Joe Jeffrey
Seven per cent rise in bookings for January as figures suggest tourers are more relaxed than other types of holiday makers

Despite the cold spell we’re currently experiencing throughout the UK, it seems as though caravanners and motorhomers aren’t letting that put them off participating in their favourite pastime, if figures released from The Caravan Club today (30 January) are anything to go by.
The Club has reported an impressive seven per cent increase in occupancy across its UK sites network for January 2015.
Evidently, this increase is a sure sign of things to come, as forward bookings for the rest of the year also suggest that 2015 is set to be a busy one for those wishing to get out and about and explore the great outdoors.
Following releasing its pitches for booking for the forthcoming year last month (3 December), over 800,000 nights have already been booked.
Perhaps the figures released today reveal that it’ll take a whole lot more than a few snowflakes to stop us enjoying what we do best and that’s to simply unwind in our home from homes.
Further research from The Caravan Club has indicated that tourers are more relaxed than other types of holidaymakers, with the results of a previous survey showing that those who engage in caravanning and motorhoming are more likely to give a rating of one or less out of ten for feeling anxious – an impressive eight per cent lower than the national average.
Nick Lomas, Director General of The Caravan Club said of The Club’s findings: “We know that tourers are made of tough stuff and we often liken tourers to intrepid explorers. They like an adventure and are not put-off by the colder weather. With modern caravans and motorhomes, touring can be a year-round pastime and it is really wonderful to see that members fall below the national average when it comes to anxiousness.”
We couldn’t have out that better ourselves. Now, where did we leave that box of Camomile tea?

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015: what accessories will you find at the NEC for your next adventure?

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by Joe Jeffrey

Unsure where to find everything you need for your next adventure? The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 might just have the answer

The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015, which takes place in under three week’s time between 17 and 22 February, will undoubtedly provide you with your fill of the latest leisure and camping vehicles from all over the world, but it’s not all about caravans, tents and motorhomes you know!

With over 350 exhibitors set to show off their latest wares, accessories will also feature in abundance at the NEC in Birmingham and – with loads of them on offer – you’ll certainly be able to tick off all of those must-haves in order to ensure your next trip goes without a hitch.

From inventive outdoor cooking solutions, to caravan and motorhome security and everything else in-between, the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show will have the lot, with many accessories at low show-only prices.

Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it at the NEC, so make sure you’re a part of it by clicking here to buy your tickets now.

And remember, we’ve got some tickets up for grabs for the show in our latest competition, so if you’re feeling lucky, click here.

Rotherham Borough Council rejects green belt caravan plans

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by Alice Scarsi

Rotherham Borough Council describes new plans to add to touring caravan site “an inappropriate development”

Rotherham Borough Council has rejected the plans to build a touring caravan site on green belt land.

Caravan park owner David Hull requested permission to develop twelve more plots in Forge Road, Wales, Sheffield, where there are currently five pitches. The idea was to build them over a former fishing pond, revaluing in this way the soil itself, left to drain away over several years.

The planning documents in support of his project assured that the high demand would have made it quickly profitable, adding: “The caravan facility is heavily booked in the main season.

“The tourism offer is important to Rotherham and an expansion of the facility would bring benefits to the borough.”

Rotherham Borough Council, however, has rejected the application, following opposition to the plans by 23 entities as well as the Wales Parish Council which voices concerns about traffic, litter and pollution that would come with additional tourism in the area.

Rotherham Council said: “The site is within the green belt and the proposed change of use represents inappropriate development that would have a detrimental impact.

“No very special circumstances have been demonstrated to outweigh the harm caused by the inappropriate development”.

What do you think about this decision? Apparently Rotherham Borough Council has chosen to look only at the negative aspects of having more tourists in the green belt land, without paying much attention to the perks. Would 12 more plots unsettle the area so much?

Scottish Caravan, Motorhoming & Holiday Home Show 2015 competition winners announced

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes offered you the opportunity to win one of 15 pairs of tickets to the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show 2015. Read on to see if you’ve won

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show 2015 is amost here, and to say we’re excited is a slight understatement. We at CaravanTimes always love going north of the border and what better way to do it than to be met by the best of what 2015 has to offer as far as the great outdoors is concerned.

The Show, emanating from the SECC in Glasgow from 5 – 8 February will give visitors the chance to see all the latest models, accessories and lots more and CaravanTimes gave you the opportunity to join in and be part of the action in our latest giveaway, offering 15 pairs of tickets to the show.

To be in with a chance of winning we asked you to like our Facebook page here. And the winners are in. The lucky recipients of a pair of tickets for the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show 2015 are:

W Selfidge, Andrew Brown, Raymond Wood, Stewart Mcculloch, James Campbell, Elsie Nicoll, Mark O’Brien, Moira Meldrum, Colette Pryde, James Shaw, Pete Moor, Nan Wilson, Vicky Montgomery, Nan Brown, Mirren Begbie

Congratulations to those named above. We’ll be in touch shortly with information regarding how to get your tickets

Don’t despair if you didn’t win on this occasion, tickets can still be purchased from the show’s official site here.

Taking a closer look at the new 2015 Elddis Accordo

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes went to meet Elddis to talk about the new Elddis Accordo for 2015

Elddis has unveiled a new, updated version of their popular Accordo motorhome for 2015.

The Elddis Accordo, which is available in four models, all either two and three-berth, offers all you’d come to expect from a motorhome, but built within the size of a panel van.

With a plethora of features, from the cab to the spacious living room or bedroom at the back depending on the model, the Accordo certainly seems to have it all; from cruise control and speed limiter, swivel seats and DAB radio, to Ozio upholstery, well equipped kitchen and bathroom, as well as an abundance of light and space, it looks like the 2015 Accordo is going to prove a worthy successor to Elddis’ previous offering in the range – and for good reason.

CaravanTimes visited Hull to find out more for ourselves. Check out the video above and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 heats up as more guests announced

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by Alice Scarsi

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 guaranteed to be the best yet as it goes from strength to strength

This year’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show promises to be the best yet. Over 350 exhibitors will descend upon Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre to entertain tens of thousands of caravan, camping and motorhome enthusiasts arriving to see everything the great outdoors has to offer over the course of the six-day extravaganza (17 – 22 February). And now that ‘celebrity survivalist’ Ray Mears is no longer in attendance, what’s not to love?

Speaking of celebrities, there’ll be plenty more on hand to entertain the masses, including Ben Fogle and Matt Baker who will be on hand to open the show in the Expert’s Theatre on 17 February, which will also be the setting for an exciting blend of family friendly activities throughout the course of the show.

Comedic genius Rowland Rivron, soap star Debbie Arnold, daredevil TV presenter and world record holder Helen Skelton, Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell, rising surf star Melodie King and DJ/presenter Kate Lawler will also be in attendance to keep you entertained and speak about their love for the great outdoors.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The show’s agenda also includes an assault course, dog agility displays with regional clubs and charities, fun activities inspired by the new Shaun the Sheep movie, ‘Tourer Explorer’ family initiatives including a treasure hunt, and a packed programme of live sessions for you to get to grips with.

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

CaravanTimes has also got some tickets for the event up for grabs in our latest competition, so make sure you head over here to enter to win.

Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer set to take the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show by storm next week

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by Alice Scarsi

Scotland’s biggest caravan, motorhome & holiday home exhibition promises some great deals on Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer caravans and motorhomes to visitors to the show

If you’re headed to the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show at the SECC you’d better be ready for a superb line-up of caravans and motorhomes that will be on show, including exclusive limited edition retailer special ranges that come with unmissable show deals.

The exhibition, which will take place next week (5 – 8 February) in Glasgow, will host some of the biggest and best retailers representing the whole of the caravan, motorhome and holiday home industry and Elddis is no exception.

Several dealerships will be on hand for the duration, showing off the latest Elddis’, Compasses, Xplores and Buccaneers to name but a few exciting ranges, giving you the opportunity to see all the latest models and accessories and to compare them all under one roof.

The Scottish Conference and Exhibition Centre sure is the place where you can ensure some big bargains that will make your next holiday even more enjoyable and we’ve broken down a list of some of the best dealers in attendance, to save you having to do just that. So keep reading until the end to find out how you can win a pair of tickets for one of the best shows of the year.

Preston Caravans and Motorhomes
Freshly rebranded, Preston is the home of the Supreme Special Edition caravan and motorhome ranges by exclusive arrangement with Eddis. It also sells Buccaneer, Elddis and Xplore caravans, so make sure you check them out.

Kirkcaldy Caravans
Known for being Scotland’s specialist Compass retailer, Kirkcaldy Caravans promises to be showing an exciting line-up of the bestselling Compass Corona and Rallye models at SECC. If you’re after a new Compass, this is certainly a safe option.

Kimberley Caravans
Kimberley are proud retailers of the exclusive Kimberley Kensington special edition Compass range and, at the SECC, you will have the opportunity to see the latest four-model line-up, offering all the Compass Corona spec, with a long list of added extras and unique interior design.

Tyne Valley Motorhomes
This popular retailer will be on hand to offer you their great selection of top-value Signature retailer special motorhome ranges, built by Elddis and all featuring SoLiD construction throughout.

Cleveland Motorhomes
Cleveland Motorhomes, will also be at SECC in Glasgow with the full range of Elddis Autoquest, Accordo and Encore motorhome models. And to tempt you to splash the cash, the all-new Encore 275 will also be on show.

Perthshire Motorhomes
Perthshire Motorhomes will be representing Elddis at the SECC too and throwing some great show-only deals into the mix, Make sure you check them out so you don’t miss out on a bargain or two.

Tickets are now on sale for the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show 2015, with advance booking closing on 3 February. Get yours here now.
CaravanTimes is also offering you the chance to win a pair of tickets for the event, so make sure you head over here before it’s too late!

New caravan park opposed by Dorset hotelier on grounds of safety

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Hotelier on Isle of Portland warns of more road accidents if plans for new caravan and camping park approved

The manager of a Dorset hotel has warned of an increase in road accidents should plans for a new caravan and camping park go ahead.

Angie Mustill, operations manager at the Heights Hotel on the Isle of Portland, has objected plans submitted for the inclusion of camping and caravan pitches to an existing market site, which would remain open for ten months of the year (March – October).

In comments attached to the planning application, Mustill said: “This is a dangerous road junction and unless road calming is introduced accidents may happen with increased pedestrians crossing over from bus stops.”

Mustill further went on to say that the implementation of a caravan and camping site would impact the Height Hotel’s facilities, continuing: “The hotel’s overnight car parking facility would be abused, leaving no space for bona fide hotel guests.”

A target decision date for the application has been set for 12 February at which point an announcement as to whether or not plans for a new site will get the go ahead will be revealed.

We don’t know about you, but we’re not quite sure where the issue lies here. Surely those choosing to caravan or camp on the proposed new site would park next to their respective caravans or camping facilities?

What do you think? Is this is a case of being scared of a bit of friendly competition or does Angie Mustill have a valid point concerning road safety?

Lunar Caravans to unveil two new models at Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Lunar Caravans set to show new family focused Quasar and luxurious twin-axle Delta TS at NEC

Lunar Caravans will unveil a brand new family-focused Quasar 646 and luxurious twin-axle Delta TS at next month’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show.

The Quasar 646 is a six-berth twin-axle caravan, featuring fixed double bunks, corner end washroom with separate shower, a spacious central kitchen, front lounge and side dinette, offering plenty of room for a large family.

The Delta TS, part of the Clubman/Delta range will offer four fixed single beds, end washroom, a spacious near-centre kitchen and a large lounge.

The Delta TS looks to follow suit with the rest of the Clubman/Delta range, offering luxurious finishes including Montana Oak wood, premium fabrics and upholstery, chrome handles, deep pile carpets and LED mood lighting to add a little ambience, plus many more features which sets the range apart from the rest.

If you haven’t made plans to see these two new caravans, plus a whole lot more at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, which takes place between 17 – 22 February 2015, enter our competition to win tickets here now.

CaravanTimes member comments surrounding Ray Mears caravan controversy go global

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by Joe Jeffrey

Your comments following Ray Mears’ appearance on Room 101 have managed to travel further than you might think

Last week’s news surrounding Ray Mears’ appearance on Room 101 and the disparaging remarks made about caravans, ahead of his appearance at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015, certainly managed to make the headlines – and for good reason.

Mears not only assaulted our eardrums with his ill-founded opinions, including describing caravans as “hideous” and likening them to “mobile bread bins”, but also insulted the caravan community’s intelligence if he thought you – our readers – would take it on the chin and welcome him with open arms upon his appearance at the NEC next month.

A barrage of comments ensued off the back of the news story featured first here, with many members of CaravanTimes allowing their feelings to be known by way of our comments sections, forums and social media channels on Facebook and Twitter. But your comments didn’t just stay there. Oh no.

Various newspapers picked up on many comments made on CaravanTimes, including The Telegraph which linked to our story by way of a retweet from Inspired Camping. The Singapore News even weighed in on the action, featuring the story along with your comments too.

It didn’t stop there though, with The Mirror referencing CaravanTimes members’ comments too, including Mary Jones’ proclamation that “Justice has been served”, as well as member Chris Wright’s opinion that “We as caravanners don’t need to hear from him any more.”

Absolute Radio also weighed in on the issue, with Breakfast Show host Christian O’Connell offering to step in as Mears’ replacement following being fired from his position as guest speaker whilst also mentioning comments made from CaravanTimes members.

It really is no surprise Mears was stripped of his duties at next month’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show following the publicity the story and your comments garnered. It just goes to show how important your comments are. So next time you read something that you feel like commenting on, make sure you do. Oh, and make sure it’s a good one – you never now where it might end up!

If you haven’t booked your tickets to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015, make sure you click here. Alternatively enter our latest competition to win a pair of tickets by clicking here.

Coachman Caravans: quality construction under the microscope

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes visited Coachman Caravan’s factory to find out more about the company’s construction and build quality

As renowned as Coachman Caravans is for the company’s high levels of construction and build quality, not many people understand the time and effort Coachman puts in to ensuring that each caravan which rolls off the production line is made to the highest standard possible.

New for 2015, following five years of rigorous testing, all Coachman Caravans now come fully bonded, meaning there are no more screws in any of the sides on each and every single caravan that leaves Coachman’s production facility.

Another first for 2015 is the replacement of timber inside the caravan with polyurethane (PU), which helps prevent water ingress to ensure Coachman’s caravans stay dry inside no matter what the weather’s like outside.

We also take a look at what happens on Coachman’s production line, including the stringent quality testing which goes on behind the scenes to ensure each caravan that leaves Coachman’s production facility is produced and checked to the highest degree, ready to hit the road.

So join us as we speak with Alan Roberts, production manager at Coachman, and let us know what you think.

Man who travelled 8,000 miles towing caravan with tractor returns to UK

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by Joe Jeffrey

Peter Matheson returns following 8,000-mile trip towing an Elddis with a tractor alongside his pet labrador

A retired policeman who decided he would drive from Scotland to Norway by tractor whilst towing an Elddis Crusader caravan and accompanied by his dog has returned following an epic 8,000-mile journey.

Peter Matheson, who celebrated his 51st birthday whilst on the road with just pet Labrador Amber and his Massey Ferguson 135 tractor affectionately named Annie for company, braved freezing Nordic temperatures whilst travelling through Finland, Denmark, Calais, Dover and Lands End, before arriving back in the UK at John O’Groats – all the while travelling at an average speed of 10mph. If that’s not patience mixed with steadfast determination, we don’t know what is.

Peter’s barmy feat, or Tractor Bumble as it was known, was not done for the sake of it, however; it was done in order to raise money for two charities close to the Scotsman’s heart: UNCIEF and the Tom Bowdidge Foundation – a charity established in the memory of a 19-year-old family friend who died of an aggressive form of stomach cancer in October 2013.

The journey was not without its setbacks though, as Peter explained: “On one occasion I was hit by a massive storm when a lorry driving in the other direction lost control.”

“Luckily it was okay, and it only threw water up in the air to drench me. It was a steep learning curve!” Peter laughed.

On another occasion, Peter was driving through a Norwegian mountain range during high winds and had to cross a bridge with a steep drop on both sides.

“It was a horrible, horrible day,” he explained. “When I got there, there just wasn’t room to turn and this bridge was straight up and straight down. I put the tractor in gear, gritted my teeth and just went for it.

“Aside from that, minus 20 C was the only genuine low point. Looking back, it was an amazing experience. For every low point, there were so many highs, like the Northern Lights and all the amazing people I met.”

We at CaravanTimes salute you Peter. Congratulations on such an epic journey – and for such a great cause.

To donate to the Tom Bowdidge Foundation, click here.