New Bailey Unicorn – a close look at the modern new aesthetics

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By Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes speaks to Bailey of Bristol to find out more about the third generation Unicorn and how aesthetic changes have been made to enhance their flagship range

It’s imperative that when choosing a caravan to buy it looks the part. From the outside aesthetics to those on the inside, with so much choice on the market, many caravan manufacturers are choosing to stretch their design limits that extra bit more in order to aim for presenting their very own masterpiece in an industry awash with competition. And that’s exactly what Bailey of Bristol has done as far as the new Bailey Unicorn is concerned.

As Bailey acknowledge, with the Unicorn remaining at the forefront as their flagship range, it is of great importance that it looks the part both inside and out. So CaravanTimes has taken a trip to the Bailey headquarters in Bristol to find out more about what makes the new Unicorn stand out from the crowd.

Subtle, but significant changes have been made to the new Bailey Unicorn, in order to make it unqiue to its predecessors, whilst still maintaining that edge on the competition, including a softened profile on the outside and subtle changes throughout, such as a new wood finish, soft looking furnishing schemes and much more, not forgetting a new Truma 100w solar panel.

So take a look at our video to see everything that’s changed aesthetically and make sure you let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Swift announces new Black Edition Kon-Tiki range for 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

A more streamlined, modern Fiat cab has been announced for the 2015 ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki, ensuring Swift’s latest edition will stand out from the crowd

Following on from Swift’s ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki range for 2014, which was a complete sell-out, Swift has announced an even more stunning edition of ranges for the 2015 season, comprising of four four-berth models and two six-seaters.

A new Fiat cab comes top of the list for 2015, providing a more streamlined feel to the popular Kon-Tiki, complete with colour-keyed bumper complementing the black metallic cab, as well as stylish LED daytime running lights. Speaking of the daytime running lights, it looks as though Swift have thought at least one step ahead of the game in this instance as, from next year, all new motorhomes will have to come with this functionality in accordance to changes in UK law.

We’re not done there though. Inside the cab new ‘captain-chair’ style cab seats come with integrated headrest, wider backrest, improved side support and overall comfort, all of which are sure to make for a more enjoyable journey wherever you’re heading.

The dashboard looks pretty fancy too, with bronze trim and has all the things you’d expect to find with the ‘Black Edition’, including DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity for any important calls as well as enabling you to hook up your Bluetooth compatible devices. A mirror mounted aerial also allows a clearer reception.

Think that’s it? Think again. The instrument panel has been given more modern graphics and the handy gear indicator proves when you need to change gear and step it up a notch, whilst also helping to economise fuel – a great addition and coming as standard across all models.

SMART construction once again comes as standard as well as Swift’s timberless body frame known as PURe, comprising of strong polyurethane material tested to be impervious to water as proven with Swift’s stellar efforts previously.

Sticking to the same formula, all new ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki’s will also come with Alde central heating, AL-KO double floor chassis, cab air-conditioning, BBQ point, shower point, 120w solar panel, reversing camera and TRACKER retrieve. A Status 550 TV aerial has also been thrown in to boot.

Swift Group’s commercial director, Nick Page commented on the latest 2015 offering: “The Kon-Tiki is an exclusive range with most models built to order. Such was the success of the 2014 range more production slots had to be allocated to meet demand. The new ca, SMART construction and change of woodgrain are all added to the’Black Edition’ specification, which makes the offering the highest specification ever at a highly competitive price in this luxury sector.”

Guide to caravanning and motorhoming for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

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by Ingeborg Holba

Looking to have a laugh at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival but don’t know where to stay? CaravanTimes has had a little look for you
Friday saw the start of 2014’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival which will see thousands of performers descend to the Scottish capital to entertain in various forms; from theatre, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera and then some – there really is something for everyone.
Last year 45,000 performances took place in total, making it the largest arts festival in the world, and this year looks to surpass that figure. The Fringe provides a unique experience for everyone, including caravanners, and makes for the perfect family holiday.well, as long as you’ve got somewhere to pitch up that is.
So as to not take all the fun out of the festivities, CaravanTimes has done the hard work for you and compiled a list of five of the best places to stay if deciding to take off in your motorhome or with your caravan in tow. So read on folks and enjoy all that the Fringe has to offer.
The Edinburgh Caravan Club Site, run by The Caravan Club, offers an ideal location. Situated to the north of Firth of Forth, a city with easy access to Edinburgh. The site is open all year to members as well as non-members. It is the perfect place to stay if you want to visit the festival as well as everything Scotland’s most beautiful city has to offer.

Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park is an excellent choice if you want some time to relax in the evening within the surrounding landscaped parklands in-between shows or after a busy day in the city. On offer is a full range of touring pitches, self-catering, accommodation with central heating and some BBQ stands to throw some scrumptious food onto.

If you’re looking for a more secluded park, Drum Mohr Park is the place for you. It provides views of the northern aspect of the Firth of Forth and, if you love nature, you’ll love the 1,500 trees and shrubs that have carefully been planted around the park. Drum Mohr has five superior lodges, in a combination of two or three bedrooms, suitable for up to 6 people. Perfect for the family.

Another more tranquil site is Seton Sands. This holiday park is only a 20-minute drive along the coast from Edinburgh and provides some beautiful scenery. A great addition, if you are looking for a typical summer holiday, is the beach situated opposite the park. And for all of you golfers, don’t forget to bring your clubs as there’s a great course in close proximity too.

Finally, Slatebarns Caravan Park is just a 40 minute drive from Scotland’s capital. It’s a family run touring caravan park, which promises a great atmosphere. With several activities, such as golf courses, the Pentland Hills, skiing at Hillend artificial ski slope and horse-riding, this is the perfect place to bring the whole family – and for the adults there’s the friendly village pub.

Pitches are still available to enable you to join in with all the Fringe has to offer, but are filling up fast, so if you’re thinking of packing up and escaping to the annual event, rivaled only by good old Hogmanay, get moving and enjoy the show!

AA survey reveals 15 per cent of drivers are annoyed with caravanners

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By Ingeborg Holba

An AA populus research survey shows that slow-moving caravans came second on the list

A populous survey commissioned by the AA has revealed that 15 per cent of those surveyed concerning drivers’ biggest annoyances on the road have listed slow caravans as their main bugbear.

The revelation comes as the survey – mostly completed by individuals within the 45 – 54-year age bracket – also revealed the biggest annoyance was people throwing rubbish out of their windows when driving. Slow caravans came second.

The results of the survey are as follows:

  • Throwing rubbish out of the window 34%
  • Slow caravans 15%
  • Groups of cyclists 13%
  • Inconsiderate parking 10%
  • Dawdling/lost drivers 7%
  • Loud music with the roof down or windows open 7%
  • Sightseers stopping without thought or consideration 5%
  • Overloaded cars with no view to the rear 4%
  • Groups of motorcyclists 1%

Edmund King, AA president, said: “We’ve been enjoying some fantastic weather so far this summer, so hopefully these annoyances won’t stop Britain’s motorists enjoying the sun and having a brilliant few months.”

Well, it certainly won’t stop us, Edmund. In a way it’s nice to see ‘slow’ caravanners sticking to the correct speed limit which is what, evidently, many people surveyed had an issue with.

What do you think?

Stranded Woolacombe caravanners rescued by locals

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by Tom Walsh

Businesses and residents come to aid of holidaymakers in Woolacombe after being stuck following a collision

Whoever said chivalry was dead obviously hasn’t visited Woolacombe. Well, either that or us caravanners just have a certain je ne sais quoi about us that just makes people be nice.

Hundreds of caravans and motorhomes became stuck in lay-bys and fields in the Devon district after the roads around Woolacombe became gridlocked when two vehicles collided last Saturday morning (July 26th).

To make matters worse it was a ‘changeover day’ with large amounts of tourists coming in and out of the area.

Rather than just allowing them to sit it out, many Woolacombe business owners and residents came to the aid of the stuck caravanners and motorhomers, bringing them refreshments as well as ensuring they were comfortable, inviting them into local homes and businesses to sit it out.

Thanks to special efforts from local businesses and residents alongside the emergency services, the caravans were eventually released to go on their way.

Woolacombe is an extremely popular destination for caravanners at this time of year with many heading down to enjoy the coastal sights – if the sights are as nice as the locals, we can certainly see why.

The Caravan Club launches Easy Book

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By Ingeborg Holba

The Caravan club has just made our lives easier by introducing an easy new booking system called ‘Easy Book’ after receiving feedback from club members

Going on holidays is always the best part of the year. A break from work, a weekend away with your family – it’s what you spend the rest of the year working for. However, the planning of the holiday can get little tedious, and this is where The Caravan Club’s new Easy Book system comes in.

Launched Wednesday, The Caravan Club has designed a system that will book your pitch with just a few clicks. Made for those who know exactly when and where they would like to go, this member-only system will give all the details including: prices, availability for a specific site and it will also feature a short, three-step reservation process.

An interactive calendar will also allow you to select dates quickly without the hassle many caravanners face when it comes to booking a slot.

For those wanting to use the ‘advanced search’ icons on the website (if you are looking for more specific facilities, such as members-only sites), you will need to continue using their current Search and Book process. However, keep an eye out for further updates as The Caravan Club progresses with this exciting project.

This highly accessible and simple booking system is exactly what any caravanner wants – who wouldn’t? The Caravan Club would love to hear your thoughts on their new Easy Book system, so why not tell them what you think here

CaravanTimes guide to caravanning in Wales

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by Hayley McCrystal

Take a look at our guide of some of the best caravan sites Wales has to offer

Fancy visiting the Celtic wonder that is Wales this summer, but don’t know where to stay? We’ve rounded up our favourite caravan sites for your viewing pleasure. Offering lush valleys, coastal paradises and mystical landscapes, Wales truly has something for everyone. In no particular order then, here goes… our top 5 caravan sites. When we’re done, you’ll be dying to visit.

Erwlon Caravan and Camping Park

First off we have Erwlon Caravan and Camping Park. Set in the lovely market town of Llandovery, in Carmarthenshire, dog friendly Erwlon presents the perfect place to lay your head after a long day roaming the surrounding areas.

The site was started in the late 1950s by Cyril and Margaret Rees, and has remained a family business since. Erwlon prides itself on its ‘warm and welcoming’ atmosphere and boy do they deliver on this promise – just have a read of their reviews if you don’t believe us.

A host of activities await you inside the park, including fishing, while facilities within the park include wifi, childrens playground and barbeque area – perhaps for that big fish you caught earlier.

The possibilities are endless when you venture out of the site, with the quaint town of Llandovery catering for a wide range of interests. For the history buffs among you, the Llandovery Heritage Centre is the place to visit, along with the many local landmarks, all of which have stories behind them. For the more active, Llandovery offers the perfect location for touring, walking or cycling. For those nature lovers, Erwlon also provides access to green havens almost undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of the 21st Century.

For more information visit their website here where you can also download their brochure.

Brodawel Camping and Touring Park

Also family run – we’re seeing a trend here – Brodawel Camping and Touring Park is set in the countryside just outside Nottage Village. Far enough away to maintain the calm of your surroundings, but close enough that it’s no biggie if you’ve forgotten your toothbrush and need to pop to the shops.

Brodawel is a family oriented site and has a quiet policy from 11pm to 7am, making sure you can be well rested for what is sure to be a fun-filled next day. The surrounding area is packed with impressive landmarks, including breathtaking castles, museums and there’s also enough to get through if you decide to explore the local village.
This site is also perfect for a beach getaway as it is only a short distance from Porthcawl, home of gorgeous beaches – a popular spot for beginner surfers.

For more information, visit their site by clicking here.

Hendwr Caravan Park

Set in North Wales, Hendwr Caravan Park is the perfect stop for families. It offers amazing views of the Dee Valley and the Berwyn Mountains and also has a stream running through the park – we love a good water feature.

With a list of facilities as long as your arm – refurbished shower and toilet block, laundrette, refuse and recycling point, wifi and even a Sunday paper ordering service, to name a few – you won’t have to worry about a thing during your stay. Except maybe what to spend your days doing, as the list of potential activities is almost as long as the site’s facilities. The surrounding area offers the chance to fish, canoe, white-water raft, ride horses, visit castles and is even a short drive away from Snowdonia National Park.

Check out their site, here, for more information.

Faerie-thyme Camping site

Now time for a less conventional site. Faerie-thyme, Caravan and Camping site is an adult-only site but only for those willing to get imaginative. Looking like something out of a mystical fairytale, the site embraces the tranquillity of its natural habitat making this our first choice for caravanners looking to relax.

It is located only about 15 minutes from the birthplace of Merlin; pretty cool right? Only five minutes away, you will find a footpath leading you to Mynydd Llangyndeyrn, with its collection of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. You will also notice dream catchers and fire pits dotted around the site, just a couple of the idiosyncrasies that complete this quirky spot. You can really embrace the magic and legend of Welsh heritage while letting your inner hippy out.

To find out how you can have a Faerie thyme, click here.

Pen Y Bont Touring Park

Last but certainly not least, we give you Pen Y Bont Touring Park. Covering six acres of ground, this campsite is one of our favourites! Set in Bala, the “gateway to the epic Snowdonia National Park“, this site gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the wonders that the park has to offer, including the highest mountain in England and Wales as well as the largest natural lake in Wales.

Pen Y Bont offers the perfect location for a rural escape and accommodates up to 95 touring caravans, motorhomes and tent pitches – clearly everyone is welcome. Feel free to bring Fido along too as pets are also welcome here. Adding a little novelty, you also have a chance to stay in a traditional bow-top ‘gypsy’ caravan if you’re feeling a little eccentric. The site is also home to a supply store providing camping equipment, staple foods and locally made gifts.

Another aspect we love about this site is its environmentally friendly efforts. As well as encouraging campers to recycle, offering tips on their website, they also have a policy of using recycled paper, energy efficient light bulbs and push button taps in their showers and wash basins to avoid water waste. A round of applause for green living!

While staying here, you can spend your days engaging in activities ranging from white-water rafting and mountain biking, visiting the educational Slate museum and exploring the magical land that is King Arthur’s Labyrinth . You’ll certainly be spoilt for choice.

To get all the details on Pen Y Bont, click here.

So there you have it. The only thing left to do it pack a bag and hitch up the caravan… oh and choosing where to pitch up – we know that won’t be easy.

Siwrne saff!

Towing gone wrong

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By Ingeborg Holba

Remember our feature on the beginner’s guide to towing? Well, here’s what not to do

The video below shows what can only be described as a daredevil driver’s attempt to jump over a row of cars. Nothing unusual there, right? Well, actually, yes. The stunt car driver, aptly referred to as Caravan Knievel, attempts the jump while towing a caravan. Result? Well, let’s just say you shouldn’t try this at home. Ever.

One of our recent features regarding towing for the first time, advised never to overtake other vehicles unless absolutely necessary and absolutely safe to do so. However, the man in the video seems not to have taken our advice and, instead, decides to take overtaking to a whole new level.

One has to wonder how this daredevil decided that one car, one caravan, a row of other cars and a ramp would be the perfect combination, but it certainly provides us here at CaravanTimes with some entertainment, albeit it being slightly painful to watch.

Have a look for yourself and let us know what you think!

Marchi Mobile’s eleMMent Palazzo: the world’s most expensive motorhome

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by Hayley McCrystal

The eleMMent Palazzo has everything you could possibly need -and want – in a luxurious home – and it’s on wheels

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. there was the eleMMent Palazzo – at least it looks like it has been transported from distant, uncharted planets still unknown to mankind.

This funky looking bus was developed by Austrian based company Marchi Mobile. Looking more like a cross between a space shuttle and a yacht than a motorhome, this lavish vehicle sold for a mighty $3 million (approximately £1,771,125) in Dubai – the land of abundance.

It’s no surprise that the Palazzo resembles a crazy melting pot of vehicles with the official website declaring proudly, “The eleMMent palazzo unites characteristics from motor, yachting and aviation sports such as a sports car rear diffuser, the business jet gang way or the motor yacht flybridge.”

The luxury motorhome measures in at a massive 40 feet long and has two floors of pure indulgence. It includes a master bedroom, a living room – including fireplace and 40-inch TV set – and kitchen. Perhaps our favourite feature on this crazy construct, however, is the pop-up cocktail bar and retracting rooftop terrace – talk about fancy!

While some have criticised the motorhome’s peculiar aesthetics when previously featured on CaravanTimes, it’s not unfamiliar to other off the scale caravans and motorhomes we’ve stumbled upon previously and we here at the CaravanTimes would definitely not turn this down. if someone were to offer to pay at least. What do you think of this futuristic mobile mansion?

Click here to see photos of the eleMMent Palazzo

New Bailey Unicorn tested to the extreme in freezing cold test chamber

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by Joe Jeffrey

The third generation Unicorn is tested to the extreme once again as it faces its coldest challenge ever inside the cold chamber at Alde’s climate centre. But how would it react to temperatures of less than minus 15?

Grade three testing – seeing how a caravan or motorhome can or cannot cope with extreme temperature – has been part and parcel of Bailey of Bristol’s testing ethos ever since adopting their Alu-Tech design in line with the launch of their Bailey Pegasus range in 2009.

Since then, each and every caravan and motorhome produced by Bailey has been subjected to the same stringent industry standard testing in order to ensure all Bailey caravans and motorhomes are able to cope with extreme temperature as seen in our new Bailey Unicorn hot test video available here.

Join CaravanTimes as we pay a visit to the Alde climate centre in Derbyshire, where we watch the new Bailey Unicorn put through its paces by dropping the external temperature in the climate centre’s cold chamber to minus 15 degrees Celsius and beyond, to find out just how long it takes for the new Bailey Unicorn’s thermal system to reach a toasty 20 degrees Celsuius inside, despite the chilling environment in which it is placed.

So sit back, relax and watch the anticipation rise as the temperature falls, to see whether Bailey’s third generation Unicorn really does have what it takes to be a caravan for all seasons.

Pedal powered caravan

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by Hayley McCrystal

The inventive Housetrike could be the salvation of the homeless

This Housetrike was designed with a particular consumer base in mind: the homeless, refugees and urban nomads. Offering shelter, mobility and storage, the designers attest that this contraption will “solve most acute problems when living in the streets and enables its users an independent, healthy, safe and above all, dignified life.”

Sharing similarities with other foldaway bicycle add-ons, this is the first we’ve seen that caters specifically for the homeless.

The Housetrike is easily transformed into a bed, which can be locked from the inside – as well as the outside – to offer the user a comfortable and secure place to rest for the night. The box also has two portholes built in so that the user can look out during the night for added peace of mind.

This lightweight ‘caravan’ of sorts seems to be countering the recent trend in anti-homeless behavior, most notable of which was perhaps the ‘anti-homeless spikes’, which appeared at various locations across London outside private properties. Mayor, Boris Johnson, even took to twitter in June of this year to express his dismay at such offensive architectural choices saying: “Spikes outside Southwark housing development to deter rough sleeping are ugly, self defeating & stupid. Developer should remove them ASAP.”

It seems that the developer of this mobile home, Dutch artist, Bas Sprakel, has thought of everything that will enable the homeless to stop relying on others while helping the homeless to help themselves.

As well as offering a bed for the night, the trike can also be used to store and transport belongings in the box, which holds almost 500 metric litres, at no additional cost. As a result, the user has the opportunity to earn an income through making deliveries for instance.

It is estimated that the sale price will be around $1,500 (approximately £885) – a cheaper option than many alternatives, but a price still quite high for its intended market. However, for those unable to pay this, it is possible that an instalment or rental scheme will be set up to help ease this financial burden.

To view the Housetrike in action, click here.

National Parks improve broadband connection

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by Hayley McCrystal

England’s National Parks are on track for improved internet connectivity

Your caravan and motorhome holidays could soon become a lot more connected. In an ever-increasingly technological world, England’s National Parks are somewhat behind the times in terms of Internet connectivity. This is all set to change, however, as the parks have a new deal in place to improve mobile broadband connectivity.

The deal was signed with EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three and will mean the implementation of a “small number” of new masts, which would be carefully designed to minimise their environmental impact.

Discussions about improved connectivity came earlier this year after an agreement between National Parks England and the Mobile Operators Association who began searching for new ways to provide reliable 3G or 4G to rural communities.

In this day and age, a greater demand than ever before is placed on everyone to stay contactable for various reasons. This improved broadband connection is sure to be greatly beneficial to local residents and businesses in these regions. Having said that, we can’t help but wonder if this could be the beginning of the end for peaceful escapes to the country.

While this initiative is said minimise “any adverse environmental impacts”, the potential for environmental damage to some of England’s most beloved landscapes is certainly cause for concern.

What do you reckon readers – if this a good or bad thing?

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