Merlin magic to light up Midlands caravan trips

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners planning on visiting the Midlands this summer have another reason to stop-off at Warwick Castle, as the historic tourist attraction has opened a special interactive experience based on the hit BBC TV show Merlin.

Families visiting the castle can expect sorcery, swords and swashbuckling adventures at Merlin: The Dragon Tower, which features a chance to experience the magic of Arthurian legend first hand.

The main attraction is a magical mirror, which will allow visitors to interact with the ferocious Great Dragon.

Tim Harrison-Jones, general manager of Warwick Castle, said: “This will be an exceptional visitor attraction, completely in keeping with our reputation as Britain’s ultimate castle and designed to wow visitors young and old.”

Other attractions at Warwick Castle include the Castle Dungeon, and families on caravan holidays can see this as well as the Merlin experience by buying a Kingdom Ticket, which costs £26.88 each.

New Carlight Caravans roll off production line once again

Posted by

by Holly Tribe

It has been almost a decade since the last Carlight caravan rolled off the production line, but thanks to renewed interest in the badge from a mystery investor, brand new models will be returning to the sales rooms once again.

The marque has received a new lease of life after a successful local businessman and long-time Carlight enthusiast purchased the trade name, patterns, moulds and plugs, putting this iconic British brand back in business.

A new updated range of Commander models is already in production; details of which are not yet available, but a spokesperson from the firm has confirmed that traditional hand-built methods will still be at the heart of the business: “Tradition means that solid oak beads are used on all the locker doors, and as the new lockers are bowed, each curved-end bead needs making by hand.”

The new owner has expressed a desire to keep the business true to its roots in Lincolnshire, and the sales operations will initially run from Heath Farm, near Sleaford, but as production levels increase a new Lincolnshire site will be sought. The operation will be run by a skilled team of caravan builders, including involvement from former Carlight employees.

The new owner has been a committed fan of the brand for over four decades, and owns a large private collection of Carlights which he intends to display in a dedicated museum section of the new factory.

Details of production methods and modernisation plans are not yet available, but check back soon for more information.

What’s in store for Airstream Caravans in 2011

Posted by

by Holly Tribe

Love them or loathe them, Airstream Caravans are an integral part of US touring history, and since their European launch in 2006, they have been making serious in-roads on the British touring scene.

So, what can we expect from this iconic brand for the 2011 season? In short, there’s a new southern showroom, a new Series 2 model 684, a new range of trailer tents and a new name!

Airstream & Company’s southern showroom

The new sales and service centre will be based in Andoversford, Gloucestershire, bringing a retail outlet for these ‘silver bullet’ trailers to the south of England for the first time. In conjunction with the branch opening, the firm is undergoing a rebranding exercise and will change its name to ‘Airstream & Company’.

Sales director Michael Hold commented: “These are exciting times for the team and we are looking forward to busy years ahead. We’re delighted to be opening up a base in the south.

“The new name not only reflects the breadth of services the company provides beyond sales and servicing, but was also brought about by the introduction of other cool camping trailers which it will sell alongside the iconic Airstream range”.

New imports

Along with providing a design, import, service, sales and repair centre, the new showroom will be the first in the UK to stock a new range of camping travel trailers from Dutch innovators Holtkampers (pictured).

These compact yet stylish vehicles are well suited to Airstream’s strong design ethic. “The camping trailers are lightweight, cool and stylish and a perfect fit for us because, like Airstreams, they not only look great but offer exceptional design, build quality and longevity,” added Michael.

Airstream & Company will be holding two open days; one at their existing showroom in Tebay, Cumbria from May 13-15; and a second at their new Gloucestershire centre from June 3-5. Along with a selection of Holtkampers, the all new Series 2 Airstream 684 DB twin axle travel trailer will also be unveiled.

For more information, visit the Airstream & Company website here.

Caravan tourers offered Yorkshire picnic hamper

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Food lovers looking to get a taste of Yorkshire on their touring caravan holiday can get a selection of the region’s best produce in a new hamper, which is being offered by the local tourist board. Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) is offering the Pick up a Picnic hamper to encourage people to make the most of the outdoor eating spots across the area.

Caravan owners and other touring holidaymakers can choose from three different packs, including home-baked bread rolls, East Yorkshire strawberries and fresh cream truffles.

Also included in the hamper is a free family ticket to several local attractions, including Stewart’s Burnby Hall & Gardens, RAF Holmpton, Cruckley Animal Farm and Sewerby Hall – the two-time winner of a national picnic destination award.

Janet Reuben, chief executive of VHEY, said: “East Yorkshire is a fabulous destination for a picnic: its superb local produce, spectacular scenery and fascinating attractions are the perfect ingredients for a great day out.”

The picnic hampers can be ordered online for £25, including one family attractions ticket.

Used Caravan of the Week: Introducing The Wedge II

Posted by

by Holly Tribe

This week’s Used Caravan comes from a similar design stable as Little Guy trailers. While its pint-sized form is light enough to be towed behind a Mini, Yaris or Fiesta, this bespoke two berth caravan still has enough space inside for luggage and food supplies for short breaks away.

The custom-built Wedge II features a double bed with overhead storage to the rear and a small galley up front. A small unit on the far-side features more another overhead locker, a worktop useful for food prep on rainy days, and beneath this – a small cupboard houses the electrics and provides a dedicated storage area for a portable toilet.

Click here to see an image gallery of The Wedge II

Equipment is basic, but the vendor is including a Fiamma branded sun canopy and a brand new Porta Potti in the sale. Windows to the front and rear, along with a roof mounted skylight provide light and ventilation.

This might not have the same level of kit as some Little Guy or Teardrop trailers, but it does feature a decent level of internal space. The starting bid is £1,999, and as the seller points out, similar options in the Lightweight Caravans category frequently cost over £4,000 from new.

History

The caravan is described as ‘barely used’ by the current owners who purchased it from new last year. Excluding one weekend away in the Brecons, have stored in a garage for the duration of their ownership.

Kit & Caboodle

The caravan is designed around al-fresco living with outside seating and shade provision. An external table clips onto the side of the van, and comes with its own dedicated internal storage space and two folding chairs are included in the price.

A front-facing double bike carrier, wheel clamp and Fiamma Caravanstore sun canopy which attaches to the side of the ‘van are also included in the sale, as is a brand new Porta Potti.

The internal electrics and plug sockets are powered by standard 240 volt hook up, and the internal lighting can be powered from a 12 volt battery which comes with a solar trickle charger.

  • Starting bid: £1,999
  • MTPLM: 500kg
  • Width: 1.8m
  • Length: 3.4m
  • Berth: 2
  • Height: 1.7m

Get it while it’s hot on ebay



Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Ospreys deliver special Easter egg near caravan site

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Nature lovers at a Welsh caravan site have been treated to a special Easter gift from a family of ospreys, who have nested at a nearby nature reserve. The breeding pair arrived at the site, on Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s Cors Dyfi Reserve, near Machynlleth, earlier this month and have now produced their first egg.

This has caused great excitement at nearby five-star caravan site Morben Isaf Holiday Home and Touring Park at Derwenlas.

Jayne Hollingworth, one of the site’s managers, said: “It has been a long time coming and we are keeping everything crossed that it all works out for the ospreys. We are all very excited about the prospect of having osprey chicks next door.”

Project manager Emyr Evans added that ospreys have not been known to breed in this area for more than 400 years.

Caravan owners staying at Morben Isaf Park can visit the bird sanctuary and watch live footage of the ospreys on a large screen between 10am and 6pm every day.

Caravan sites get ready for Royal Wedding

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies and Holly Tribe

Caravan parks and retailers up and down the country are getting ready for the most talked about event of the year. Whether you’re planning to watch the Royal Wedding or take advantage of the extended bank holiday weekend with a trip away, there is no denying the convivial mood currently sweeping the nation!

Live Broadcast

In Shropshire, Salop Leisure will have big screen televisions broadcasting the Royal wedding on the opening day of their West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome Show.

“We want to make sure that our visitors get the best of both worlds by being able to attend the show without missing the Royal wedding,” said Salop Leisure’s marketing manager Scott Higgins. To join in the celebrations, and find out how to download free tickets to the ten-day show click here.

Flying the flag

Meanwhile, caravan lovers looking to celebrate the main event in Northamptonshire may be glad to learn that Billing Aquadrome caravan park has lifted its flag ban for one day only.

The caravan site, which is open 11 months a year, normally prohibits the flying of flags to avoid offending other campers, the Northampton Chronicle reports. However, with a tide of patriotism sweeping the site, the owners have decided to loosen their rules for this historic day.

Peter Angelides, business development manager at the park, said: “We will make allowances for the special day. We will also be putting up bunting to make the place look more festive.”

Whether you’re planning on laying out the bunting in preparation for Will and Kate’s big day, or looking to get away it all – let us know what you’ll be up to this bank holiday weekend in our forum topic here.

In the meantime, whether you’re a royalist or not, we thought this entertaining skit by the guys at T-mobile might amuse!

Police report caravan hitchings theft in Oxfordshire

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners have been warned to be on their guard in the Oxfordshire area, after a pair of thieves made off with several caravan hitchings. The suspected pair struck at a caravan centre near Thame, stealing a total of 51 ALKO-branded hitchings, which were carried away in a trolley before being loaded into a vehicle, the Oxford Times reports.

Police are currently studying CCTV images to identify the culprits, who are believed to be in their late teens or early twenties.

The offence, which will come as a warning for anyone considering cutting corners on their caravan insurance, was reported to have taken place in the early hours of Thursday April 21st.

Popular caravan parks in Oxfordshire include Bladon Chains, Burford and Four Oaks, all of which are certified Caravan Club sites.

Earlier this week, caravan owners in Cambridgeshire were warned to be vigilant after a spate of caravan thefts in the Fenland and Huntingdon area.

Seabird Spectacle for touring twitchers

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Caravan lovers are encouraged to pack their binoculars this summer, as the Seabird Spectacle is returning to RSPB Bempton for its second year. The popular bird-spotting course, which is organised by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, will be offered on six weekends in May, June and July.

Visitors can start their day on board the MV Yorkshire Belle, which takes you in amongst the swooping and diving birds off the north east coast.

This is followed up by lunch at popular local restaurant, Rags, before a visit to the eco catering facility at RSPB Bempton.

Avid twitchers can expect to see more than 200,000 birds gathering here, including gannets and guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes, as well as the ever-popular puffins, all of which will provide great opportunities for budding nature photographers.

Caravan lovers looking to book onto the Seabird Spectacle days out are advised to reserve in advance as places are expected to go quickly, following a recent BBC Countryfile feature on the bird sanctuary.

REVIEW: 2011 Elddis Avante 554, layout, pictures and price

Posted by

Last year, Elddis Caravans re-launched its popular mid-range Avante series. After ten years of successful production, the range was completely overhauled for the 2011 season.

The designers made over forty major improvements including three brand new layouts; the five berth 515 and two new 4-berth options, the 564 and 554.

Deeper lockers, longer beds and increased headroom have improved the interior space with more room for living and luggage, and its makers have justifiably dubbed the Avante range ‘the definitive family caravan’.

Here we take a closer look at the Elddis Avante 554 – a brand new layout for 2011.

Space & Practicality

The 554 is the result of the Elddis ‘Design a Layout’ competition and is unique to this range. It features four berths, two of which are spacious fixed rear bunks, and a sizeable corner washroom which works well for growing families.

Two substantial wardrobes, one between the kitchen and washroom and a second between the fixed bunks and rear washroom, provide a realistic level of storage space for longer trips away.

There’s a multi purpose storage unit/ dresser on the nearside, which is the logical place for a TV with plenty of surface area left for food prep.

Space throughout the range has been increased and made more user friendly; the 554 boasts 6’5″ headroom, and the lockers are 50% deeper than in the outgoing design…

Click here for part II of the Elddis Avante 554 review, including further pictures, price, weights and layout details.

ROYAL WEDDING: Last minute weekend caravan deals and events

Posted by

by Holly Tribe

From last minute getaways and motorhome rentals to an extraordinary caravan repair discount; we bring you the best deals going before, during and after the bumper Royal Wedding bank holiday weekend.

Last minute pitches:

If you were inspired by the glorious sunshine last weekend and have your heart set on a last minute getaway – there are still a number of number of deals to be had.

Family favourites Haven Holidays UK still have limited availability at some of its 23 coastal touring and camping parks across the country.

Blue Dolphin in Yorkshire, Orchards near Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, Golden Sands in Lincolnshire and Perran Sands in Cornwall all still have pitches available over the long weekend, currently being offered at £57 for three nights – saving up to £114 for the long weekend away. To browse alternative destinations, or make a booking, click here.

A right royal knees up:

However, if you would rather be closer to the action, campers are being invited to pitch a tent on Clapham Common right in the heart of London. A big screen will broadcast the wedding live to the assembled masses, alongside a programme of live music and traditional village fete stalls set up to entertain the whole family.

Three nights accommodation from 28th April – 1st May will cost £75 per person, (kids under 12 go half price) Please note – no caravans allowed at this one, canvas only. Head to camproyale.co.uk for more information.

Last minute discounts:

If you fancy getting a taste of the touring lifestyle on a last minute holiday, Motorhomes2go are renting out a Swift Escape 664 4 berth motorhome from 30th April to 7th May for £497 (down from £595) but you’ll have to be quick – the offer is strictly first come first serve. The firm will arrange insurance and set up with you during the telephone booking. For more information please call 01270 737260.

Discounted caravan repairs:

Here’s one to enjoy after the bumper holiday period has come to an end: Caravan repair specialist M.J.P. is offering a 20% discount on any caravan repair job booked in before the Royal Wedding. The Manchester based firm cover the North West region and can carry out on-site repairs, subject to the job required. To take advantage of this one-off discount, head to mjcoachbuilders.com.

Free tickets:

Catterick Caravans will be hosting the Great North Caravan & Motorhome Show from its eight acre site in Yorkshire starting on the 30th April. Over two hundred ex-demonstrator models are being sold off at rock bottom prices and there is a fun packed programme of family entertainment planned during the eight-day event. Download free tickets to the event here .

Cambridgeshire caravanners warned after thefts

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Caravan lovers planning on heading to Cambridgeshire as part of their extended Easter break have been warned to be on their guard against opportunist thieves.

Local police told the Peterborough Evening Telegraph that seven caravans have been stolen in the Fenland and Huntingdon area since the beginning of the month.

Thieves are thought to have been encouraged by the warm weather, resulting in the spate of crimes at South Lake Water Sports caravan site as well as half a dozen private residences.

A spokeswoman for Ferry Meadows Caravan Club in Peterborough urged caravanners to remember to secure their vehicles when leaving them unoccupied.

“All the caravanners know how to keep their van safe. It is important to lock the caravan up and use wheel and hitch locks. We have not had a problem with caravans being stolen here but a lot of security is basic common sense,” she said.