Surf’s up for caravanners

Posted by

by Chris Malone

A great number of the UK’s coastal caravan sites are located just a short distance from some of the country’s best surfing spots.

According to the Daily Mail, Britain has some fantastic surf of its own and there is no need to “fly all the way to California to make like the Beach Boys”.

Travel journalist Jenny Coad wrote in the newspaper that the UK offers some “powerful waves” that are just waiting to be ridden and pointed to beaches in Cornwall, Devon, Northumberland and the north of Scotland as being excellent surf locations.

Having a touring caravan could be the perfect idea for surfers, who often travel for miles in search of the perfect swell or beach break.

Ms Coad tipped Cornwall’s Sennen Cover, Devon’s Croyde, Caithness’ Thurso East, Wales’ Hell’s Mouth, West Sussex’s the Witherings and Northumberland’s Alnmouth Beach as great spots to enjoy the surf.

Check out the top five caravan sites in Cornwall, from our roving Cornish reporter, Adam Shaw.

In other news, ABTA – The Travel Association has urged Brits driving abroad to make themselves aware of any differing regulations.

Caravanners could avoid costs by paying in cash

Posted by

by Chris Malone

Savvy caravanners already know that their way of holidaying is often more cost effective than travelling abroad.

However, they could save even more cash by being careful about using plastic to pay for goods and services.

Research from Which? Money found that using a debit or credit card can add as much as 200 per cent to the cost of a transaction.

It gave the example of buying a £1.70 ticket on thetrainline.com, which would see the purchaser pay an extra £3.50 in charges if paying by card.

Most retailers cite their own costs for adding surcharges, but the study found that the typical charges for credit and debit cards – five per cent and 3.5 per cent respectively – are much higher than the merchant service fees charged by banks, which are usually 0.8 per cent and 0.1p respectively.

Brits hate paying these extra costs, especially when they know that the retailer is actually profiting, explained Which? chief executive Peter Vicary-Smith.

“There can be no justification for high card surcharges as all too often they just seem to be an excuse for ramping up costs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Sun has revealed that EastEnders character Kat Moon is to get a fright this week when her caravan is lifted into the sky by a crane with her still in it.

Caravan drama in EastEnders

Posted by

EastEnders fans will soon see some high drama on the street involving a caravan, it has been revealed.

Loud-mouthed Kat Moon is back on Albert Square and living in a mobile home with husband Alfie.

However, viewers watching a week from today (September 28th) will see local nosey parker Zainab Masood take exception to Kat’s return, the Sun has revealed.

According to the newspaper, she arranges for the caravan to be taken away. However, she does not realize that pregnant Kat is still inside.

The mother-to-be is then hoisted into the air inside the caravan and looks terrified as she opens the door in her underwear, only to realise she is stranded in mid air.

Meanwhile, EastEnders has enjoyed a successful week after picking up six trophies at the Inside Soap awards.

Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, picked up the best actress gong, making it five in a row for the show.

Banwell caravan site welcomes tourism minister

Posted by

by Chris Malone

A small caravan site in the village of Banwell recently welcomed tourism minister and Weston MP John Penrose, it has been revealed.

According to the Weston Mercury, the government official was there on business as part of his study into the tourism economy.

Joined by Nick Lomas and Mark Betambeau from the Caravan Club, the MP chatted with Geoff and Lesley Stimson, who own Cottage Farm caravan site.

The five-pitch facility is located in Churchlands Way and Mr Penrose explained that he was “delighted to visit Cottage Farm”.

He noted that it is one of the area’s successful caravanning businesses and that he enjoyed seeing how well it was doing for himself.

“Caravanning is extremely important to Weston and the villages, contributing a significant amount of money to our local businesses and boosting our local economy and tourism industry as a result,” he told the newspaper.

In other news, the Northern Echo has reported that a local MP has backed residents complaints over changes to the Hazelgrove Holiday Park in east Cleveland.

Caravan owners voice concerns over park changes

Posted by

by Chris Malone

Residents at a northern caravan site are reportedly unhappy with plans to build 50 park homes and log cabins on what they believe is their recreational land.

According to the Northern Echo, more than 40 people at the Hazelgrove Holiday Park in Cleveland’s Saltburn area are upset with site owner Tingdene’s development plans.

They have managed to recruit the influence of local MP Tom Blenkinsop, who told the newspaper why he believed the residents are concerned.

He said: “The occupiers complain they are finding themselves living in the middle of what is effectively a large building site, and feel the dust, noise, and environmental nuisance that is being brought right up to their doorsteps is another way in which the owners are bringing pressure to bear on them.”

Caravan owners have told the newspaper that they are not being allowed to speak to the park owners directly about their concerns and have been told to send any questions in writing.

Tingdene hit back by stating that it has procedures in place to deal with such enquiries and has them there to help it interact with customers at its parks all around the UK.

In other news, the Weston Mercury recently revealed that the tourism minister John Penrose visited a local caravan park.

Nigel Mansell’s love for caravanning

Posted by

by Chris Malone

A British sporting legend has spoken of his love for caravanning, explaining how his family have been enjoying holidays at a Welsh campsite for five decades.

Nigel Mansell was giving a speech at a reception at Islawrffordd Caravan Park near Barmouth, BBC News reported.

The former motor sport star wrote himself into the history books by becoming the only driver ever to win the Formula One and Indy Car World Series championships in successive years.

He was at the campsite to help it celebrate being awarded five stars from Visit Wales and five pennants from the AA.

Mansell described how he loves to play golf at the nearby Harlech and enjoys going for walks and relaxing on the beaches close by.

“My family likes the total freedom that caravanning offers. You don’t realise the hustle and bustle in your life until you come to this part of Wales, which is so quiet and beautiful,” the BBC reported him as saying.

In other news, the Caravan Club has struck a deal with Roadchef that will see its members get a 20 per cent discount at restaurants around the country.

Camping and Caravanning Club shortlisted for award

Posted by

by Chris Malone

The Camping and Caravanning Club is celebrating after one of its campaigns was shortlisted in a prestigious contest.

Its New to Camping scheme is in with a chance of winning at the CIPR PRide Awards, which will take place in Birmingham’s Hilton Metropole on December 3rd.

The project is up for awards in the Not-for-Profit and Consumer Relations categories and has backing from TV personalities Julia Bradbury and David Bellamy.

The Club recently held a two-day event at Warwick Castle to help get Brits interested in camping and caravanning.

It also joined forces with Volkswagen to give away a £40,000 campervan on GMTV to promote the event.

PR manager Jon Dale explained that being shortlisted is great news for the Club.

“Our New to Camping campaign has been judged by leading PR experts to be amongst the best in the UK and that is a great morale-booster for our team,” he said.

In other news, the Club recently opened a new backpacker facility in honour of former director-general David Welsford, who sadly passed away in 2007.

Caravan Club strikes deal with Roadchef

Posted by

by Chris Malone

Caravanners around the UK are set to benefit from a new deal struck between an industry organisation and a chain of roadside eateries.

The Caravan Club and restaurant firm Roadchef have agreed a deal which will see the latter make its sites more accessible to those with motorhomes and tourers.

It has committed to providing safer access and parking, as well as offering Caravan Club members some tasty discounts.

With caravanners recommended to stop for a break after every two hours of driving, the deal could have reciprocal benefits.

Caravan Club members are to get a 20 per cent discount when using any one of the 19 Roadchefs across the country.

It can be accessed by downloading a voucher from the Caravan Club website and presenting it with a membership card when paying.

Club membership marketing manager Tony Lewis praised Roadchef for taking members’ concerns on board.

“It’s important to take a proper break when you’re on a long journey and we want to make sure wherever possible that Club members can do so in comfort and safety, so they return to the road refreshed and replenished,” he said.

In other news, the Club recently named the Skoda Superb Estate Elegance 2.0 TDI CR as its towcar of the year for 2011.

Caravan popularity reaches new heights

Posted by

by Chris Malone

The popularity of caravanning has increased dramatically in recently years, new figures show.

According to statistics from Visit England and pitchup.com, camping and caravanning is now 78 per cent more popular than holidaying in Spain.

Most of this figure was made up by those staying in caravans, lodges and motorhomes, rather than tents.

The statistics mean that the sector is now bigger than B&Bs, guest houses and self-catering accommodation such as cottages and houses combined.

Pitchup.com managing director Daniel Yates explained that the trend is just the start in terms of Brits taking holidays in the great outdoors.

“Whilst touring pitches, motorhomes and static caravans have always been popular, this kind of break has opened up to a much wider demographic so is now the way to holiday in the UK,” he said.

Mr Yates added that the burgeoning industry is made up of seasonal caravanners and those who take breaks all year round.

Meanwhile, Bourne Leisure, which owns Haven Holidays and Butlins recently paid out millions of pounds to its shareholders after a successful year.

VIDEO: 2011 Towcar of the Year Awards

Posted by

by Holly Tribe

Last week Caravan Times attended the 2011 Caravan Club Towcar of the Year awards at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

We had the opportunity to talk to overall champions Skoda, along with category winners Volkswagen and Range Rover, and asked them about the vehicles that won and their plans for the future.

Skoda had the biggest cause for celebration this year taking home the overall award and a further two class wins in the ‘Under £16,000’, and ‘£25,000 to £32,000’ categories.

Watch our video feature of the awards here

Last years’ overall winner Volkswagen missed the top spot but was awarded best car in the £20,000 to £25,000 category for the Golf Match 2.0 TDi. Range Rover also went home smiling after winning the All-Wheel Drive over 1800kgs category. Other winners included Fiat, Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi.

Click here for a full run down of the award ceremony and details of the class winners.

The competition this year attracted 35 entrants from 19 manufacturers. Each car was scrutinised by a panel of ten judges who assessed towing capability and practicality for every-day caravanning.

The short listed vehicles were put through their paces at the Millbrook Testing Ground in August, with Bailey Caravans providing a range of tourers to put each cars towing capabilities to the test.

VIDEO: 2011 Towcar of the Year Awards

Posted by

by Holly Tribe

Last week Caravan Times attended the 2011 Caravan Club Towcar of the Year awards at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

We had the opportunity to talk to overall champions Skoda, along with category winners Volkswagen and Range Rover, and asked them about the vehicles that won and their plans for the future.

Skoda had the biggest cause for celebration this year taking home the overall award and a further two class wins in the ‘Under £16,000’, and ‘£25,000 to £32,000′ categories.

Last years’ overall winner Volkswagen missed the top spot but was awarded best car in the £20,000 to £25,000 category for the Golf Match 2.0 TDi. Range Rover also went home smiling after winning the All-Wheel Drive over 1800kgs category. Other winners included Fiat, Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi.

Click here for a full run down of the award ceremony and details of the class winners.

The competition this year attracted 35 entrants from 19 manufacturers and each car was scrutinised by a panel of ten judges who assessed towing capability and practicality for every day caravanning.

The short listed vehicles were put through their paces at the Millbrook Testing Ground in August, with Bailey Caravans providing a range of tourers to put each cars towing capabilities to the test.

Preview: International Caravan and Motorhome Show – 2011 Caravans

Posted by

by Holly Tribe

As the biggest event in the leisure vehicle diary looms ever closer, we look at what will be on display at this year’s International Caravan and Motorhome Show in the first of a three part feature special.

With over 250 confirmed exhibitors over twenty halls, there’s a lot to see. This week we take a look at the new models on offer for the forthcoming 2011 season, in a bid to help you plan your route around Birmingham’s cavernous National Exhibition Centre.

2011 has seen wholesale change from many of the UK’s leading caravan manufacturers and the online community has been buzzing with rumour and speculation over what will be next years best deals. One of the most hotly debated topics has to be – out of all the new 2011 season offerings – which of the many new caravans on offer will best fit your individual requirements? International Caravan and Motorhome Show provides the perfect arena for caravanners old and new to come and have a good nose around before making the big decision.

It’s worth noting VAT is rising to 20 per cent in the New Year, so if you’re in the market for a new caravan this could well be the perfect opportunity to invest.

For your chance to win one of fifteen pairs of tickets, CLICK HERE

New for 2011

Last year Bailey Caravans unveiled their widely anticipated Pegasus range with its innovative Alu-Tech body construction. This year, Bailey will be there again showcasing the newest addition to the Alu Tech family – the three model Bailey Unicorn series which was unveiled as Bailey’s premier range earlier in the year. Hall:18 Stand:15-18

If you’re after a big family layout on a budget, it might be worth checking out Coachman Caravans Amara 655/6 model which houses a twin lounge six berth layout which has come down from the more expensive Laser to the lower priced range. Hall:19 Stand:19-40

Lightweight favourites Lunar Caravans will be at stand 18-34 in Hall 18 with a whopping twenty four models on display including two new models introduced for 2011, and the redesigned Stellar/Lexon and Delta/ Clubman offerings. The new layout in the 4 berth Clubman SI has been marked out for having one of the most innovative layouts for 2011, the cleverly configured bed leaves acres of internal space. Hall: 18 Stand:18-34

Another advocate of the lightweight caravan philosophy, Elddis Caravans‘ 2011 season updates are all approximately 50kg lighter than previous models. Hall 20 Stand: 20-55

The distinctive silver bullets from Airstream Caravans will be on display once again this year. The company will be showcasing three new trailers and visitors will be able to check out the Bambi, 532 and 648 models. Hall: 9 Stand: 39A

Brand new to the caravan industry, motorhome manufacturers Auto Sleepers will be diversifying into the touring market in 2011 with the release of their first ever range of caravans, cunningly named the ‘AS Caravan’. It will consist of three single axle models, all with rear end washroom layouts ranging between two and four berths. Hall:7 Stand:7-31


And the trip wouldn’t be complete without checking out the new offerings from Swift Caravans. Their exciting new ranges of Conqueror and Challenger and Sterling Eccles and Elite caravans will be on display – the design conscious panoramic sunroof marks a real departure from previous designs and is well worth a look. Hall:6 Stand:6-45

Leading folding caravan builder Gobur will be there, along with other specialist caravan firms Hobby, Bessacarr, Dethleffs, and Adria’s UK arm Adria Concessionaries. You can find more information at the International Caravan and Motorhome Show website.

Coming up next week

Check back soon for part two of our International Caravan and Motorhome Show guide where we’ll be looking at the array of caravan accessories and gadgetry that will be on display.

  • Where: NEC Birmingham
  • When: 12 – 17th October
  • Admission: £14.95 – £31.45

CLICK HERE to buy now and save £5. Don’t forget to enter the promotional code when prompted: CART01