FEATURE: What to do this Christmas in your caravan

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by Jake Polden

More and more caravan parks are staying open all year round, and what with Christmas less than a week away, we thought we’d provide those festive caravanning folk with an idea or two to make this year’s Christmas one to remember.

As with everything, Christmas is what you make of it, and just because you are slightly confined to a smaller place, does not mean that you cannot enjoy the big day to its fullest.

In fact, we think that given the alternative experience you can have at a caravan park, those who have opted to stay at home may be tempted to reconsider next year.

Preparations

For some, preparations can be one of the most enjoyable things about Christmas.

From destroying the interior of your car with a six foot tree, as you transport it home from the garden centre before assembling it in your tidy front room, to draping it in dusty decorations you spent all morning trying to dig out of the attic, it’s great.

Jokes aside, the finished article and general aura of a tastefully Christmas-decorated living area, topped off with a roaring fire is a postcard photographers dream, and one that you can enjoy just as much in your caravan.

Yes your caravan is smaller than a house, but who’s to say a tree, in its natural habitat and all, would not look just as good standing in your awning?

You can drape it with lights and festive decorations just like you would at home, and best of all, as it’s outside, you won’t be pulling rogue pine needles out of your Heritage rug come January.

Additionally, the inside and (as more of a novelty) the outside of your caravan can be decorated with bunting, tinsel and flashing lights – just be careful not to overdo it with the lights and create a fire hazard, or indeed give the neighbours the sensation they are sleeping in a cheap neon-lit motel.

Activities

Despite the size restrictions of a caravan, it can be a great abode for cosy Christmas activities.

From curling up of an evening with a glass of mulled wine, to sending and receiving cards without having to lick stamps (after all, your neighbours are just a few short steps away), Christmas in your caravan can be as social or as private as you want it be.

For those who want to emulate the kind of Christmas they would be having at home, shut the door, get the oven going, and make sure the flue is clear of any debris because let’s face it, old St. Nick is going to have a hard time getting down it as it is.

And for those who wish to force their Christmas cheer on their neighbours, how about getting outside and speeding up the cooking process by BBQ-ing the not-so-succulent Christmas turkey?

By creating a feel-good vibe around your caravan, you can share drinks, food and fun with your family and friends and make this year’s Christmas like no other.

Seasonal Caravan Club activities are also great for the social bunch who want out of the caravan after dinner, before the arguments start.

Posted on the Caravan Club website are ten of the best sites to visit over Christmas, and who knows, you may already be planning to stay at one of the really great ones.

From mulled wine and mince pies to carol singers on tap, not to mention nearby Christmas markets, many sites this year have gone above and beyond to provide you with the perfect feel-good atmosphere.

If you’ve got young kids and you’re reading this thinking ‘why are we not caravanning this Christmas?’, then look into the Longleat Caravan Club Site for next year, which comes with a singing Christmas tree, a Santa train, and for the slightly older kids, an ice-skating rink.

For older groups, Durham Grange Caravan Club Site offers entertainment around the cathedral and castle, while Bridlington Caravan Club Site is showing a musical based on one of Charles Dickens’ best-loved stories A Christmas Carol.

Location, location, location

If location is important to you during your summer holidays, then it probably will be in your winter break too.

And for us, it’s something caravanning at Christmas definitely has over staying at home.

What could be better than waking up on a crisp December morning and going for a stroll through some icicle-laden wooded enclosure?

Okay, maybe that’s a bit too poetic, but there are some truly beautiful places to visit in the UK and the magic of Christmas will indeed make them that little bit more special.

Castletown Caravan Club Site in Derbyshire offers panoramic views of the Peak District National Park, while Burrs Country Park Caravan Club Site in Lancashire provides much untouched countryside and a river that will no doubt showcase the frost in all its glory, at some point.

Similarly to holidaying in the summer, all of the above headings can be adapted around whatever it is you want from a two-week escape.

We recommend having a look around online, see which sites are new to the ‘all-year-round’ malarkey, and which ones are seasoned festive season pros.

So to all those who are caravanning over this winter period, then Merry Christmas from CaravanTimes, and have a wonderful time.

And to those who aren’t, Merry Christmas to you too, but next year, get involved!

Honda Vezel: New SUV to go on sale in Japan

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by Jake Polden

Honda has unveiled its new compact SUV in Japan, which is likely to reach our shores in around 18 months time.

Said to boast the elegance of a coupe and the functionality of a minivan, the Honda Vezel is an example of next-generation transport set to be released in Europe in 2015.

Despite its compact exterior form, the car is deceivingly big on the inside. Large boot space and ‘magic seat’ technology makes for a 453-litre overall capacity – great for holiday packing.

Expected to have the highest fuel economy in its class in Japan, the Vezel will be available in petrol and hybrid variants.

Honda is particularly proud of their next-generation Hybrid System, which combines a 1.5-litre direct injection engine with a high-output motor to deliver power comparable to a 2.0-litre engine.

In terms of its towcar capabilities Honda is yet to release full engine and weight specifications. That said, even with Honda’s original Real Time All-Wheel-Drive option, the car will ultimately suit the smaller caravan.

Reliable and increasingly developed, the Vezel will come with an Electric Parking Brake and Automatic Brake Hold as standard.

In addition, owners can expect a refined and peaceful journey, with high-performance sound-proofing materials and dampers featuring inside the car.

Stylish and practical, the Vezel – which may or may not be called this by the time it hits European markets – will certainly offer a contemporary alternative to your average functional tow-car, although a lot will be left up to the price, which again has not yet been released.

If it is priced competitively, or perhaps comes with a surprisingly good kerbweight then it might just be the towcar for you.

For a look at the Honda Vezel in all its glory, click on the slideshow below:


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Lincolnshire caravanners ‘should contribute to sea defences’

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by Tom Walsh

A county councillor in Lincolnshire has said that caravanners should contribute to improving sea defences around the region.

Councillor Colin Davie believes that there a large number of holidaymakers in the area that contribute nothing to the upkeep and protection of the east coast, the East Lindsey Target reports.

As Christmas approaches the UK is set to experience adverse weather conditions with the country already having been battered with strong winds, torrential rain and localised flooding. It highlights the need for sufficient defences at coastal resorts.

Councillor Davie told the news provider that he wants caravans to be registered while they stay in the area which would mean that Lincolnshire receives a larger amount of funding from central Government.

“We need, in my view, about £1 billion in the next 100 years to fund sea defences on the East Lincolnshire coast. Quite clearly the view is that there is going to be a requirement for local contribution towards it,” Councillor Davie added.

Caravan MOT tests ‘looking unlikely’ after EU vote, says NCC

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by Chris Jefferies
European Parliament proposals to introduce compulsory MOT-style tests are “unlikely” to come to fruition, according to the National Caravan Council (NCC).
The industry body made this claim today (19 December), following recent developments in Brussels that saw O1 and O2 trailer categories removed from the European Roadworthiness Package.
This news will come as a relief to caravan owners and industry alike. Earlier this year the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club moved to oppose this development.
However, before we can all breathe a sigh of relief, the decision will have to be officially approved on 21 January.
Alicia Dunne, Deputy Director General at the NCC, said: “The NCC Directorate, with the support of both consumer clubs, has engaged in extensive lobbying of all UK MEPs, members of the TRAN committee, the UK Minister for Transport, and the Department for Transport to support the industry’s case against the introduction of MOT-style test for O2 trailer caravans.”
After a long and hard-fought battle, it seems like the end is in sight.

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FEATURE: Top tips for towing caravans in windy conditions

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by Ruchi Srivastava

Dangerously persistent and extreme wind conditions have the power to blow everything to pieces – especially caravans.
So why not have a look to see how you can best prepare yourself before the gentle breeze in your hair becomes a fully fledged gale force gust.

Travelling decisions

It may sound really obvious but the first thing to consider during windy conditions is whether you actually think it’s safe to travel.

Many sites will let you stay another night if it’s not too busy and it’s a good excuse to prolong your holiday.

However, if you do believe that you can brave the gusty winds and travel forth, then it is a good idea to tow your caravan to a less exposed location.

Also, if high winds are forecast, then the towing should be done nice and early before the winds are due to descend.

Other basic precautions include making your caravan more wind-resistant such as placing heavy items on the floor of the caravan to weigh it down and using storm straps to pin the caravan and awning down.

In order to prevent any damage to the caravan, the bodywork should be protected from the rubbing of the straps.

Batten down the awning

Awnings are incredibly susceptible to strong winds due to their shape and light weight canvas construction.

Once they become loose, awnings can cause considerable damage to your caravan and if dislodged from the caravan, they become a threat to other vehicles or structures.

Preventing any such damage therefore becomes imperative. In the case of light or moderate winds, an awning storm strap can be used.

This strap essentially hooks over the awning and is pegged in at either side to pin the awning down.

On the other hand, in cases of stronger winds, a full awning bag can function as an additional weight when placed on the centre of the caravan’s floor.

This succeeds in giving the caravan some extra stability.

Slow and steady driving

Generally the speed of towing will not affect the speed of the windy gusts which directly hit the side of your caravan.

However, the situation does become more complicated when the wind hitting your caravan is at an angle because but in such a situation, an increase in the driving speed also results in an increase in the speed of the wind.

Another important thing to take note of is that no matter what direction the wind is in, driving too quickly usually results in snaking.

This movement basically results in the caravan swerving dangerously from side to side, and is hazardous for all the surrounding vehicles on the road.

As a result, it is always advisable to drive slowly while on the road in windy conditions and to even pull over and let other motorists pass.

This makes life not only easier for you but also for everyone else commuting on the roads.

Stick to backroads

Attempting to cruise along the motorway with a caravan is not really feasible when you are required to drive slowly.
Therefore, it’s always best to avoid motorways whenever possible, since they will have an onslaught of fast-moving traffic.

Motorways also tend to be more exposed areas for winds to strike because they tend to cut a straight line through open land.
In comparison to minor roads, that usually twist and turn into smaller towns, motorways put caravans at more risk.

Another thing that caravanners should watch out for on motorways is the sudden change in wind speed that can be caused by large vehicles such as lorries overtaking you.

This buffeting affect can create serious problems as it often causes caravans to swerve.

Store it carefully

If extreme gale force conditions leave you with no option apart from parking up and staying in a bed and breakfast, then make sure that your caravan in stored in a safe and secure place.

For example, wherever possible, stay away from overhanging or nearby tree branches that could blow, swing into or fall into your caravan due to the weather conditions.

Technical solutions

Furthermore, apart from the safety tips that we have already listed, there is another excellent system to help you brave the stormy winds.

These days most caravans either come with, or can be fitted with, stabilisers and anti-snaking devices.

Electronic anti-snaking systems, such as the effective AL-KO ATC (Automatic trailer control) or the BPW iDC (intelligent drive control), are excellent for ensuring that your caravan is well-equipped to deal with difficult weather.

In fact, most new caravans have these fitted as a standard and even older caravans can have these devices retrofitted.

So before you hurry off and hitch up your caravan amidst the wind, take some time out to consider all your options.

Truma XT motor mover range to launch at 2014 Caravan and Camping Show

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by Chris Jefferies
Truma is planning to roll out its next generation of motor movers at the 2014 Caravan and Camping Show, it has been announced.
The company, which also makes caravan heaters and water systems, has named the new batch of motor movers the XT and XT2.
These models stand out from their predecessors as they weigh up to 20kg less than the equivalent SE R from the old Truma range.
The weight has been shed because the unique brushless DC motor doesn’t need such a large battery to power it.
Motor movers are an increasingly popular option for a number of caravanning situations, such as parking on a tight driveway or reversing onto a tricky pitch.
With this in mind, Truma has improved the directional stability and manoeuvrability of its new range of German-built movers.
A statement released by the company claimed that this new ‘Dynamic Mover Technology’ allows the caravan to “move straight ahead like it’s on rails and… easily [overcome] any obstacles without drifting from side to side”.
What’s more, the controls have been redesigned with separate steering and acceleration buttons to allow for greater precision.
A moveable feast
The two models available at launch offer both single and twin-axle solutions. The XT is suitable for single-axle caravans that weigh less than 2,300kgs and on gradients of up to 13%.
The XT2 works on twin-axle caravans of up to 2,400kgs, but has a lower gradient limit of 10%.
Both models feature a new LED display that can give brief error messages (such as ‘low voltage’), which should make servicing and repairs easier.
Speaking of repairs, Truma will be offering a five-year parts warranty on all XT and XT2 models.
Pricing and further details will be available at the 2014 Caravan and Camping Show, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC from 18-23 February.
Other Truma products on display at the show will include the new CP plus control panel for the popular Truma Combi boiler, and a new range of solar panels from 23w to 150w.

Welsh caravan site secures year-round opening times

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by Tom Walsh

Caravanners visiting Wales are now able to enjoy one site all year round.

Ogwen Bank Caravan Park in Bethesda has been granted permission to stay open 365 days a year by Gwynedd council, BBC News reports.

The controversial plans had been opposed over fears that it could have a detrimental effect on the Welsh language but the planning inspector dismissed these claims.

Ogwen Bank Caravan Park is normally closed for six weeks of the year but these new regulations will allow holidaymakers to enjoy the facility whatever the weather.

The site sits in North Wales and not only provides the perfect location for exploring the Welsh countryside but is also a short drive from the coast and the lively town of Bangor.

This news comes just after Glencote Caravan Park in Staffordshire was granted the same licence, ensuring that it can remain open during the Christmas period as well as the rest of the year.

Passengers confused by abandoned caravan at Paddington station

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by Jake Polden

Most people who use the Tube as part of their morning commute will tell you there is nothing more monotonous on the planet.

From pushing and shoving to being packed tighter than sardines, the only good part about getting the train is getting off the train.

So you can imagine the excitement commuters felt when they encountered an abandoned caravan at Paddington station’s main concourse on Monday (16 December).

Unassuming, as if it sneaked in during the night and got caught out when the station staff opened up for the morning, the caravan garnered much attention from sleepy-eyed commuters who probably thought they were still dreaming.

Put there to promote Temple Studios’ production of The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable, however, the caravan had a clipboard attached to the side, which provided potential audiences with an insight to the show:

“A bustling city station.
“Crowds of passengers, tourists, commuters pass through the central concourse.
“(Camera pans in)
“Through the chaos, something captures the stranger’s eye.
“A film studio trailer lies in the middle of the station.
“(Cut to close up)
“They glimpse a clipboard hanging from the trailer and carefully read a page of script. It dawns on them this trailer may contain a secret waiting to be discovered.
“They look through the window”.

For more information on the show, visit the National Theatre website.

FEATURE: Top-five caravan mini games to keep you going over Christmas

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by Ruchi Srivastava

This Christmas, after all the mulled wine, when you’re spread out on the floor, stuffed from all that turkey that you thought you could never possibly finish, how about livening yourself up through some light-hearted but strangely engrossing caravan games.

We can guarantee that it will make for a very entertaining time when you’ll feel like throwing something at your computer and will certainly wake you up from your post-Christmas stupor.

So without further ado, we present you with the top five caravan-related online mini games to keep you amused over the Christmas holidays.

Caravan racing

This game is ideal for nurturing the competitive streak in all of us…..or you could simply play just to have the satisfaction of beating the computer!

The game can be played with one or two players and gives you a chance to choose between canyon, city, park or volcano tracks. So get ready, set and go on ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.miniclip.com/games/caravan-racers/en/" target="_blank">Miniclip.com.

Caravan parking

We challenge you to even complete one level of this fiendish game. With its ability to make you want to pull your hair out, or to permanently damage your keyboard, trying to get your car and caravan to park in the reserved spot is a game that is practically impossible.

If you can manoeuvre the caravan in the allotted time and manage to get it parked in all three levels, then we’ll consider it nothing short of a Christmas miracle. Test your parking skills on ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.cargames1.com/play/caravanparkinggame.htm#.Uqg75vRdVik" target="_blank">Cargames1.com.

Match the caravan

Fancy yourself to be a caravanning connoisseur? How about testing yourself by matching different historical caravans with their respective cars?

You can even see if your knowledge matches the game master’s little fact file on each caravan.

The perfect game to soothe your nerves after the painfully hard caravan-parking game. Check it out on The National Motor Museum website.

Caravan parking and reversing

Another parking game that will cause you to seriously question your driving ability… well at least on the computer.
This game gives you six minutes to reverse, manoeuvre and ultimately park your car and caravan in a designated area.

Yeah, sounds much simpler than it is in (virtual) reality. Don’t believe us? Try the game yourself on ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.bigfreeguide.com/camping/page.php?id=game" target="_blank">Bigfreeguide.com

Stuff the sack

Getting into the festive spirit, Coachman Caravans has come up with a Christmas gift for this year that is designed to spread a lot of seasonal cheer.

In this mini game, you play as Santa, and you need to catch as many gifts as possible while avoiding the dreaded bombs and bags of coal.

Extremely fast-paced, we definitely recommend this game for anyone needing some excitement on the morning after Christmas. Find it on the Coachman Christmas mini-site.

These games will be enjoyed by all, especially those who long for their quiet, aloof caravans after all the Christmas hustle and bustle. After all, you can never feel too far from your caravan with these great caravan mini games.

EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Bluebelle vintage caravan pop-up tea shop

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by Ruchi Srivastava

When we came across Bluebelle, we fell in love with her (no, seriously).

And then when we realised that she was an integral part of a bakery that served a delicious and colourful array of cakes we fell in love a little more.

Bluebelle Bakery is a passionately run business that functions on the basis of hard-work and creativity.

This creative streak is obvious from the very idea of using a vintage caravan as part of the business, and this certainly sets it apart from the rest of the bakeries that we know.

Using the vintage theme as her inspiration, Sonja Sharkey told us that the caravan seemed to fit in perfectly with what she did and her love for all things vintage meant that she could combine her passion for baking with the flexibility of a touring caravan and create something truly different.

A mum to three young children, Sonja explained that although she had previously worked in optics, her passion has always been baking and cooking ever since she could remember.

The Bluebelle Bakery business was actually the best accidents of sorts as it was not planned and the business developed through a series of baking assignments for friends which lead to their incredible popularity on Facebook.

Trying to pinpoint an exact time reference for her business, Sonja said that the baking had started in December last year when she started baking Christmas cupcakes for friends and family.

Once she put the pictures of the cupcakes up on Facebook, there was an instant stream of messages from people who demanded more.

Speaking about the unbelievable response, Sonja said: “I think I must have made 500 of them last Christmas!”

Sonja believes that most ideas and inspiration for baking comes from these very customers and who they are as people, especially if Sonja knows them well.

However, it wasn’t until the summer that Sonja decided to take her business on the road by investing in a classic caravan.

Speaking enthusiastically about her inspiration for Bluebelle, Sonja explained that the bolt of lightning struck her as she was wandering around a food festival with her sister, on a sunny day, in August.

As she soaked in the atmosphere with the enticing aroma of food, Sonja said: “I saw all these pop up pizza ovens and other lovely things and started to think to myself ‘why not have a pop-up vintage tearoom?’

“I love all things vintage so I thought I could get myself a cute little vintage caravan and turn it into one.”

And that is precisely what Sonja did, after a lot of searching, when she finally found her perfect caravan. She proceeded to turn the caravan inside-out and after two months of hard graft, Bluebelle was ready for business.

Curious about the namesake of the caravan, we asked Sonja if the name had been inspired by anything in particular, since it seems be reminiscent of a very vintage feel.

Walking down memory lane, Sonja spoke about the long, arduous process behind the name choice.

She had already decided that she would paint her caravan blue as it was her favourite colour and ‘Belle’ is the name of her daughter and therefore it seemed like the perfect choice for a name.

But the thing that really clinched the name ‘Bluebelle’ for Sonja was “the discovery of bluebells growing wild in my garden as I was thinking of the name. This felt like a sign to me.”

Although Bluebelle has only travelled to one baking event so far, Sonja is hopeful that she will get to see a lot more of the country in the future.

In particular, Sonja is wishing for lots of bookings for the new year as she reasoned that it is only a matter of knowing where to advertise for Bluebelle.

Finally, we asked Sonja about the highs and lows of owning as well as running Bluebelle.

She explained that the highs for her are the reactions that she gets from people when they see Bluebelle for the very first time.

There are usually exclamations of how pretty the caravan is and it makes her feel like all the hard work was worth it.

Choosing not to focus too much on the pitfalls, Sonja did admit that she felt like “giving up a thousand times” when she came across caravan problems like damp and broken electrics.

However, ultimately, our touring baker is happy and relieved that she chose to go ahead with Bluebelle and let her grow and blossom.

We at CaravanTimes wish Sonja well and hope that the Bluebelle Bakery comes to a town close to you very soon!

Staffordshire caravan park to stay open all-year round

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by Tom Walsh

Caravanners visiting Staffordshire are set to benefit from a local site being open all year round.

Glencote Caravan Park in Station Road, Cheddleton, has been given permission by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to remain open for 12 months a year.

The facility was previously closed during January but councillors have approved plans to make it a year round attraction, Leek Post & Times reports.

Tom Burnside submitted the application to the local authority which will be able to accommodate up to 100 holiday units. This will include static and touring caravans, tents, motorhomes as well as space for a warden/staff unit.

“There has been increasing demand for opening in the New Year in recent years with many people wishing to take a holiday over the Christmas period running through into January or to celebrate the New Year away from home, but in affordable accommodation suitable for family use,” Mr Burnside told the news provider.

Glencote sits in the Staffordshire countryside and is only a short drive from the town of Leek.

Caravanners take twice as many holidays, says survey

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by Tom Walsh

The joy of having a caravan means you can simply travel to a different part of the country to experience a mini getaway.

And now, new research has found that caravanners actually take twice as many holidays as the average Brit, highlighting the ease with which people can up sticks and have a relaxing weekend break.

A report by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) found that that the typical British family has around three holidays a year but Shield Insurance found that 19 per cent of caravanners took up to ten breaks.

It is not just a case of sticking to staycations, as the insurance company found that 43 per cent of caravan owners ventured abroad for their holiday with the likes of France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland all being popular destinations.

As Christmas approaches there will be caravanners all over the country that will be planning that one last getaway before the big day arrives on the 25th.