Swift Group to offer 0% finance at Caravan and Camping Show

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by Tom Walsh

2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Swift Group and the company is celebrating by offering customers zero per cent finance on selected models at the Caravan and Camping Show.

Up until the end of the show on 23 February, people can order selected Swift, Sterling and Sprite caravans with interest-free credit finance.

The 0% deal is backed by Black Horse finance and means no extra cost for caravanners who want to order a brand new caravan without paying everything up front. Orders can be made on the Swift stand at the show or in your local Swift dealership.

Swift has already announced that it will be launching a new Loire holiday home range for the coming year with details expected to be released at the show.

Show visitors will also get to see the unveiling of Swift’s Smart HT project, which was teasered last month in a cryptic video.

Highlands End Holiday Park awarded gold South-West tourism award

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by David Weston

Highlands End Holiday Park in Bridport, Dorset has picked up a gold award for holiday park of the year in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

Wooda Farm Holiday Park in Poughill, Cornwall and Cofton Country Holidays in flood-affected Dawlish, Devon picked up the silver and bronze awards respectively.

Sixty-six awards were presented in total to businesses in the south-west at an awards ceremony in Plymouth.

Highlands End Holiday Park is located on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast overlooking Lyme Regis and Portland Bill.

Caravans and motorhomes are welcome from March to November at Highlands End and the site has a wide range of pitches available.

The Wooda Farm Holiday Park, which recently became affiliated with the Caravan Club, stands right on the border between Cornwall and Devon with some pitches offering a TV aerial connection point for improved reception.

You can book a pitch any time from March to 1 November with prices from as little as £12 a night.

Finally, bronze-award winner Cofton Country Holidays near Exeter in Devon can be visited all year round where you can enjoy the scenery used in Steven Spielburg’s War Horse movie, and for an added extra, visitors can choose a pitch which includes a WiFi access point.

The award-winners will now go on to represent the region at the National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in May.

Alistair Handyside, chairman of the judges, said: “Once again the entrants have surpassed themselves in showing that investment, innovation and creativity remain at the heart of the visitor economy in the region.”

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Comedian Mick Miller to appear at UK Spring Motorhome & Caravan Show

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by Tom Walsh

Veteran actor and comedian Mick Miller will be providing the laughs at the upcoming UK Spring Motorhome & Caravan Show.

Miller will be bringing his unique brand of comedy to the Newark Showground event over the weekend of 22-23 March, but that is not all for visitors.

The fun kicks off on the Friday evening (21 March) where people arriving will get to enjoy some top class entertainment as well as a day full of exhibitions of new and used motorhomes and caravans.

Visitors will be able to enjoy Tina Turner tribute act ‘Taste of Tina’, Motown band Motown Magic and stand up comedy from Tank Sherman.

Miller will be performing on the Saturday (22 March), and many showgoers will remember the “bald guy with long hair” from his 1970s show The Comedians alongside Roy Walker, Stan Boardman and Jim Bowen.

Weekend camping is priced at £45 per pitch in advance or £55 on the day with exhibition tickets priced at £5 in advance or £7 on the day.

Caravanners warned as Manchester tops UK burglary hotspots poll

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by Tom Walsh

Manchester’s M21 postcode has been highlighted as being the UK’s top burglary hotspot in a recent poll.

The Chorlton district of the north-west city was found to have the highest number of burglary claims per 1,000 people (45.2) than anywhere else in the UK.

Moneysupermarket.com compiled a list of the top ten burglary hotspots across the country and despite Manchester coming out on top, London also dominated the rankings.

Carvans and motorhomes can make easy targets for thieves so owners are being advised to make sure they fully secure their vehicles, especially if you live in one of the top 10 locations.

Seven of the top ten areas were in the English capital and highlights the need for people to be extra vigilant when it comes to safeguarding their home and caravans, as the latter can be an attract proposition for thieves.

Kevin Pratt, home insurance expert at Moneysupermarket, said: “Places affected by higher rates of burglary insurance claims tends to mean higher annual insurance premiums for those who live there, typically premiums are 24 per cent more expensive on average.”

Outside of London areas such as South Hetton and Easington in the north-east as well as Elgin and Inverurie which were also named as burglary hotspots.

Kon-tiki Black Edition motorhomes launched by Swift Group

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by Tom Walsh

‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/Swift/">Swift Group has announced it will be launching two new layouts in the Kon-tiki Black Edition motorhome range at the 2014 Caravan and Camping Show.

The 625 and 635 layouts are both low-line designs, with the former boasting twin single beds while the latter includes an island bed configuration.

The company hailed the host of enhancements that have been added to the motorhome to make it the ultimate Kon-tiki range, which the firm also says has been set at the best price ever.

Alde central heating, an AL-KO double floor chassis, cab air-conditioning, a comprehensive lighting and power system, and a full length awning all come included in the package.

Swift Group commercial director Nick Page stated that most of the models are going to be built to order, adding to the exclusive feel.

He said: “Sales are already indicating that this exclusive package is very tempting and hard to beat.

“The interest has been so high that we have just introduced two new single axle models to expand the offering.”

Motorhome fans wanting to get a first glimpse should head along to the Birmingham NEC between 18-23 February and make a beeline for the Swift stand.

DFDS Seaways launches ‘caravans go free’ offer on ferries to France

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by Tom Walsh

DFDS Seaways has announced it will be offering caravan and motorhome owners new deals.

Those who travel between Dover and France on off-peak sailings can book travel from as little as £29 each way, which is the cost of taking a standard sized car on board.

Travellers will get to take their caravan for free on overnight sailings and DFDS Seaways added that caravanners and motorhomers can save as much as £36 each way by doing so.

However, caravan owners will have to book before 27 March in order to take advantage of these fares.

Offers are valid from Dover from 4pm on Saturdays until 11:50pm on Sundays, as well as on all departures from Dunkirk or Calais on Fridays or Saturdays.

The deals will give caravan and motorhome owners the chance to explore Belgium, which is only 35 miles from Dunkirk.

DFDS Seaways operates routes including Dover to Calais, Portsmouth to Le Havre, Newcastle to Amsterdam, Copenhagen to Oslo and Harwich to Esbjerg.

Swift Group confirms new Loire static caravan range ahead of NEC launch

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by Tom Walsh

‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/Swift/">Swift Group has announced a new range of static caravans, with the models to go on display at the upcoming Camping and Caravanning Show at the NEC.

The company announced that the family orientated Loire will be launched at the exhibition, which is taking place in Birmingham from 18-23 February.

Nick Page, Swift Group commercial director, stated that the Loire range is being launched in response to the increased demand for a well specified entry-level holiday home.

He said: “Buyers can expect the same high standards of design and construction provided throughout all of Swift Group’s holiday home ranges.”

Swift Group added that the Loire range will be ideal for either private use or rental holiday accommodation, while users can add options such as a vanity unit and shaving socket in the bathroom to create their own tailored holiday home.

The new Loire is designed to be a stage up from the Soleil, with the company announcing that prices start from under £23,000. It will be available in a 35′ x 12′ two-bedroom and 35′ x 12′ three-bedroom layout.

Lotus Formula 1 team go for a bumpy ride towing an Airstream

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by Thomas Waddingham
Formula 1 and caravanning: not two hobbies that you would normally associate with one another.
However, the bright sparks down at Lotus thought they would throw a tow bar into the mix and see what happens. Add the sport’s two most crash-prone drivers and you’ve got yourself quite a nice little recipe for disaster.
With the launch of Lotus’s E22 just around the corner, fans are eagerly anticipating the new design and style of this year’s model.
In the mean time, Technical Director Nick Chester entertained fans with this short little video introducing the new partnership of Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado alongside Frenchman Romain Grosjean.
It is well known that the two are, unfortunately, a little prone to crashing their desired Formula 1 cars.
In this short clip the Frenchman takes Maldonado for a little spin in his Airstream caravan and keeps his cool as he inspires general fear into the 28-year-old Venezuelan by towing with last year’s F1 racecar.
And given that the Lotus E21 weighs around 630kgs and an Airstream weighs the best part of two tonnes, we wouldn’t recommend trying this at home, with your own Lotus E21…
Romain said: “Never in my wildest expectations did I expect to drive a Formula 1 car in the manner I did for the teaser video… It was a unique experience and something I hope we can develop further.” Somehow we don’t quite think Pastor felt the same.
To see the humorous video, which features some rather shameless product placement, click on the video below:
.

Wellhouse Leisure to launch Volksleisure All Star campervan at NEC

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by Thomas Waddingham
This year’s Caravan and Camping show will see the launch of Volksleisure’s new campervan range – the All Star, which combines all the qualities of Volkswagen and Wellhouse Leisure in one new, slick and comfortable motor.
The new brand will officially be launched at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, with the stylish model on show to the general public from 18-23 February.
Managing director of Wellhouse Leisure, David Elliot, said: “We’ve always been Volkswagen campervan enthusiasts… as a business we’ve tried to offer as broad a range of affordable campervans as possible to suit every customer and budget.”
Volksleisure campervans are designed on the basis of the Volkswagen Transporter (T5) base vehicle for those caravanning and travelling enthusiasts that are looking for a comfortable and stylish Volkswagen campervan with a touch of Wellhouse Leisure class about it.
The prototype of the Volksleisure campervan was revealed in 2012, and after much feedback and development the All Star has now been produced with special edition models; White Star and Silver Star, both of which will be available for viewing over the course of the show.
Those of you eager to see the All Star series will notice the practical appliances that are included in the vehicle’s production.
The classic side kitchen layout is a must with the Reimo elevating roof and enough capacity in side to seat five people. With a varied choice of interiors, mood lighting, heating and a 240v mains connection point, the All Star series offers its passengers a comfortable and relaxing journey.
With an engine choice of 102 PS and 140 PS, prices start from £41,000 ranging to £43,000. For this price, you will get a choice of alloy wheels, leather upholstery, Thule awning with LED awning lighting, and rear parking sensors.
You can add plenty of optional extras, like Bluetooth connectivity for all the latest gadgets and a solar panel for charging the battery on long sunny days.
For more information on the All Star series and the latest news on the Volksleisure launch, head to www.volksleisure.com.

Caravan & Camping Show competition closed and ticket winners revealed

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by Chris Jefferies
One of the UK’s biggest caravan shows is just around the corner, and the excitement is building.
All the biggest names in the industry will be there, along with ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/news/caravan-shows/ncc-spring-caravan-and-camping-show/britain-s-got-talent-winners-ashleigh-and-pudsey-to-perform-at-nec-show-$21383797.htm">a host of celebrity guests and plenty of family-friendly activities and inspiring travel stands.
As always, the Caravan and Camping Show will coincide with school half term, so families from all over the country are expected to flock to the Birmingham NEC from 18-23 February.
Advance tickets are on sale now at the bargain price of £8 for adults and £7 for seniors, but 25 CaravanTimes readers won’t have to pay a penny.
That’s right, in our latest competition we’ve got 25 free tickets to give away to this caravanning extravaganza.
So without further ado, the 25 lucky winners are:

Ian Blackwell, Lees Donaldson, Paul Kelly, James Evans, Hellen Jordan, Gemma Mills, Chris Buchanan, Nick Doy, Margaret Ross, Angela Woolley, Alan Clare, London Hartstill, Cliff Davis, Nigel Blackham, Frank Smyth, Gerald Plaxton, Mark Ager, Tony Clear, Lawrence Mills, Will Clay, Alice Matthews, Andrew Myerscough, Lauren Brimson, Christine McLaughlan and Lisa Wells

Congratulations to you all, we will be in touch via e-mail to arrange delivery of your tickets.
Comisserations to everyone else who entered, but do keep checking back with CaravanTimes for more exciting competitions soon.

Top five things to see and do at the 2014 Glasgow caravan show

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by Chris Jefferies
There’s no caravan show quite like the Glasgow show. The SECC comes alive with excitement every February as families and couples flock to see all the latest caravans and motorhomes.
And the 2014 event is the biggest Scottish show yet, with around 200 exhibitors and more than £10million worth of tourers and holiday homes on display.
CaravanTimes has snooped around all five halls of the SECC to bring you our must-see show highlights:
1. See the latest models, fresh off the production line
At the heart of the show is the very latest in 2014 caravans and motorhomes. All the major manufacturers are represented by their local dealers and many are offering show special offers and discounts.
2. Get a glimpse at some brand new towcars
As well as motorhomes and caravans, there are numerous towcars on display, including the Kia Sorento and the stylish new SsangYong Rexton W, which has been creating quite a stir amongst towing experts.hn
3. Fill your arms with accessories
In Hall 2 there are accessories as far as the eye can see, so there’s no excuse for being underprepared on your next trip. And after all that shopping, you’ll no doubt be hungry – luckily the Farmers’ Market is right next door, with plenty of tempting local treats.
4. Take to the water for an aquatic adventure
Not many shows think to couple boats with caravans, but the Glasgow show has a great variety of fishing boats, jet skis and much, much more in Hall 1.
5. Treat the kids in the Family Fun Zone
New this year, the Lomond Auditorium plays host to the Family Fun Zone, which is a treat for kids and big kids alike, with fairground rides, rock-climbing and bungee trampolines to wear them out at the end of a long day and make sure they sleep in the car all the way home.
The show runs until Sunday (9 February) and tickets are available on the door, so make sure you don’t miss out.
For more of our Glasgow show highlights, click on the slideshow below:

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BMW unveils pictures of new-look X3 compact SUV towcar

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by Damien Sharkov
For a so-called ‘luxury’ manufacturer BMW’s products are rarely self indulgent. Although stylish, the BMW X3 is very rightly renowned for its practicality. And now, the Bavarian SUV has now returned with a 2014 facelift.
Looks are a strong point for the X3 SUV as BMW has not made a habit of designing ugly cars. The X3 is a perfect balance between the angular and boxy Mercedes G-class and the loafer looking Porsche Cayenne.
Its LED front twin headlights with fog lamps are among the minimalist accented features on the otherwise classic, compact body. We’re in no doubt that the X3 is a beautiful car.
Its main drawback is its unimpressive speed, mustering just 190hp from its standard two-litre engine, compared to the Audi Q5 two litre’s 211hp and the Range Rover Evoque diesel’s staggering 240 hp.
Thanks to the new Twin Power Turbo diesel engine, the X3 is capable of impressive fuel efficiency of 60.1mpg, while retaining CO2 emissions at 124g/km.
Once again the X3 gives Audi a reason to be envious, with the Inglestad manufacturer’s Q5 counterpart managing 154g/km at the least.
This may bode well for towing however, as a lot of BMW’s time and money has gone into improving fuel efficiency and comfort.
The interior is highly customisable with four different upholstery colours and four new interior trims. In terms of elegance it might just have the edge over the towing favourite Nissan Qashqai.
As for towing performance, the weight is yet to be confirmed, but if previous incarnations of the X3 are anything to go by we are looking at a kerbweight in the range of 1,660 kg – 1,850 kg. By comparison, the heaviest Qashqai does not exceed 1,518 kg.
This means that the new Beemer would be able to tow at least 1,400kg (based on an 85% match), meaning most single-axle caravans will be fair game.
Fans of the BMW X3 will have to wait until June to find the compact SUV in dealerships. Prices start at £30,990.
In the meantime, for interior and exterior pictures, click on the slideshow below:

Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

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