Beach destinations to be popular this year

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A new study has found that UK beach locations may be even more popular this year.

According to the figures from consumer magazine Which? Holiday, two-fifths (40 per cent) of Brits enjoyed a trip to seaside destinations in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland in 2009.

Spokesperson Rebecca Leach predicted that the number may even rise in 2010, with the fine summer weather helping to boost visitor numbers.

“The reasons people gave for holidaying in the UK were that the locations were easier to get to, they preferred holidays in UK, or simply that they couldn’t afford to go abroad,” she explained.

Blackpool was found to be the nation’s favourite seaside resort of all time and offers a lot for families to enjoy while on vacation.

As well as its beach, there is also a theme park known as the Pleasure Beach and the famous Blackpool illuminations and tower.

Lets Stay UK recently noted that the number of UK tourists heading abroad during 2009 fell by 15 per cent.

Meanwhile, it recorded a 20 per cent rise in bookings for trips to Dorset.

Poolsbrook Caravan Club site welcomes mayor

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The Caravan Club recently welcomed a couple of respected guests to one of its sites in Derbyshire.

Poolsbrook Caravan Club had a visit from the mayor and mayoress of Chesterfield, with the pair surveying the newly-acquired park.

Around £1.9 million was spent on buying and upgrading the site, which provides more than 55,000 bed nights per year.

The development of the former colliery involved local tradesmen wherever possible and helps the local economy, with guests spending more than £470,000 per annum.

Aimed at being the greenest caravan site in the UK, Poolsbrook was designed to used energy-saving technology to limit its environmental impact.

“The mayoress and I found the visit to Poolsbrook Country Park Caravan Club Site extremely interesting,” said mayor Adrian Kitch.

He added that the caravans, facilities and atmosphere were most impressive and that he now understands the popularity of the site.

In other news, a ferry operator recently pledged to grant Brits free caravan carriage to Denmark and The Netherlands on selected days.

Brussels forces UK to place extra VAT on wide caravans

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Each summer over a million people in the UK take to the roads and enjoy caravan holidays, with 2009 a record year for numbers taking up the pastime. However after a change in the law yesterday, those wanting to invest in a larger caravan may find it costs a lot more – thanks to a ruling from Brussels.

The European Commission has taken steps to force the UK government to charge VAT (at 17.5 per cent) on all caravans under 2.55 metres wide, where previously caravans over 2.3 metres wide were exempt from VAT. HMRC accepted the ruling on 15 April and the changes came into effect yesterday (20 April).

The VAT increase is however part of a much wider programme of changes to legislations which lift limits on the width of trailers that can be towed on UK roads. Chartered accountants James Cowper believes the changes “are likely to be felt by all road users” as the wider vehicles begin to appear in greater numbers.

Terry Dockley is the VAT director at James Cowper and he explained the ruling further. “The European Commission has issued ‘infraction proceedings’ that will see an increase in the width of all trailers, including caravans, to be towed by cars on public highways, bringing the UK in line with the rest of Europe,” he outlined. “From 20 April, the width of towable trailers will increase from 2.3 metres to 2.55 metres, or 8.3 feet.”

“It is because the zero rating of VAT on caravans is directly linked to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations – the legislation that determines the width of towable trailers – that has triggered this change.”

Dockley believes however that the way in which the ruling was enforced was not commensurate with the subject matter of caravan widths. “It is also unusual to see that the European Commission has issued infraction proceedings over this matter; such proceedings contemplate the threat of legal action against a Member Country for a serious infringement, and it is difficult to see this matter as a serious infringement.”

The effect of the European Commission legislation will be felt across the caravan industry, but Terry Dockley believes it will resonate more with the touring community itself.

“The VAT on the purchase of caravans is not normally a subject that generates much interest, but the perception of an interfering Brussels in one of our national past-times is likely to cause much debate around caravan tables at sites across the country.”

Family starts two new caravan sites

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A brother and sister have founded two new caravan sites for Brits to enjoy after seeing the pleasure their parents derived from their new mobile home.

Ian and Wendy Todd bought a motorhome as a 40th anniversary present to themselves and their delight in the camper led son James Todd and daughter Sarah Lyon to take the step.

Both own land and decided to use it to create small campsites with help from the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Ms Lyon explained that she believed she could offer campers more than other sites she had visited by using a two-acre field to provide pitches.

She explained that the Greets Farm site has plenty of room and is just a mile from the “pretty village” of Welburn.

“My brother’s site, Mount Pleasant Farm, is a working farm, and offers pedestrian and cycle access to Dalby Forest,” she added.

Both facilities have been awarded Certified Site status, which is given to camp grounds with space for up to five caravans and additional tent pitches.

Brits may be encouraged to avoid the hassle of flying caused by last week’s volcanic eruption and opt for a short break at a campsite instead.

To book a pitch at Greets Farm, please call 01653 619453 or email sarah.todd@greetsfarm.co.uk.

To book a pitch on Mount Pleasant Farm, please call 01751 460337 or email J-Todd@btinternet.com.

Both sites can be viewed through the Club’s online system, siteseeker.co.uk

Dunster House offer virtual tours of Steath Caravans online

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Last year the caravan world was introduced to the Stealth, the first tourer from log cabin manufacturers Dunster House. Launched at International Caravan and Motorhome, the caravan instantly stood out from the crowd with its gloss-black nosecone and modern lines. Inspired by the world of penthouses and luxury yachts, the cream leather and gloss surfaces introduced a highly contemporary look to the market. (Click here for our in-depth video on the Stealth)

For those who were unable to make the shows this year, Dunster House have now provided the option of viewing their Stealth caravans online through a 360º Panoramic tour. With a full screen option and zoom facilities it bridges the gap for those unable to see it in person.

Unlike many caravan manufacturers Dunster House do not use dealer networks but instead sell direct to customers via their own network of sites. The firm believes there is no need to use traditional dealers; all issues can be handled by the dedicated manufacturing team, led by an industry expert and sales team that provide customer service.

Manufacturer Alex Murphy recognised the needs of customers and commented “Without a network of dealers, it can sometimes be hard for customers who in particular live in out of the way locations to see our caravans. It is well worth the trip to see us, even just for a coffee and a chat. But for those who can’t; our website is a great way to fall in love with Stealth.”

He was also excited about what the virtual tours could offer potential buyers. “A panoramic tour is great; it gives a great feeling of actually standing inside the ‘Stealth’ and seeing just what it is that everyone is talking about!”

The company have claimed “record sales” were taken at Boat and Caravan 2010 this year, offering “yet another assurance to everyone that Stealth Caravans are here to stay.”

To take a 360 degree tour of the Stealth online, you can visit the official site here

Parkdean: Cornwall a famous film destination

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Cornwall could be an attractive proposition for caravanners who like their movies, it has been suggested.

According to holiday site operator Parkdean, which runs 24 caravan sites around the country, the area has been used in a number of films over the years.

The most recent was Alice in Wonderland, which used Antony House in one of its opening scenes.

Described as “a perfect, pocket-sized mansion, something beautifully symmetrical, with intimate interiors, wide views and landscaped gardens”, the site is just 30 minutes drive from Parkdean’s Looe Bay Holiday Park.

Meanwhile, Holywell Bay Holiday Park is in close vicinity to where Pierce Brosnan had a famous car chase as James Bond in Die Another Day.

St Michael’s Mount also featured in spy spoof Johnny English, which saw Rowan Atkinson play a bumbling secret agent.

The site was used as the setting for villain Pascal Sauvage’s lair.

In other news, Parkdean recently suggested that St Michael’s Mount is a great place to visit due to the legend of Cornish giant Cormoran, who supposedly created the tidal island.

Park Holiday UK’s half-price caravan pitches

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Caravan enthusiasts looking for a cost-effective break this year may be interested in a new offer from Park Holidays UK.

The firm is offering half-price pitch deals for those who buy a holiday home at certain parks during 2010.

Those taking up the offer stand to save over £1,500, with pitches of various sizes available to take holiday homes of up to 30ft x 12ft.

Buying early means that there is still plenty of time left to enjoy trips away during 2010, the firm explained.

“With our low, low holiday home prices you could grab a real bargain,” it added. “Many holiday home prices listed on the site include full pitch fees – so the price you pay could be even lower.”

Examples of parks taking part in the offer include East Sussex’s Coghurst Hall in Hastings and Felixstowe Beach in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Meanwhile, Park Holidays UK is now offering platinum-rated accommodation at its Sandhills Holiday Park in Dorset.

Parkdean: See the Exmoor Zoo survivor

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Caravanners staying at Parkdean‘s Ruda Holiday Park in Devon have been encouraged to visit Exmoor Zoo, where a tiny critter has shown it has a big heart.

Simples the meerkat was abandoned by her mother and found with her two siblings by staff at the attraction.

She was named after the character from the comparethemarket.com adverts.

Weighing just 18g when she was born, Simples survived thanks to the care she received from employees at the zoo.

While her litter mates sadly passed away, the young meerkat showed her strength of will by fighting for her life.

She now enjoys a diet of chicken, fruit, insects and scrambled eggs and has a healthy appetite.

Holidaymakers staying at Ruda Holiday Park can visit her and the other animals by jumping in the car and making the 14-mile drive to the popular site.

Meanwhile, Parkdean recently suggested that Brits take advantage of the hot summer weather by enjoying a caravan trip this year.

Famous Welsh holiday park could be rebuilt

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A former holiday park site in Wales could be set to welcome caravan enthusiasts once more, it has been revealed.

Plans have been put forward to develop the former Butlins site in Barry Island into a caravan site with facilities that are open to the public, Barry & District News reported.

The national chain closed its Nell Point holiday park in 1990, with part of it being used for new housing.

However, Humberts Leisure is hoping to transform the 11-acre site into a caravan park that could also feature a restaurant, pub and playground.

Local businessman Pat Collins Jnr told the newspaper that traders want more holiday accommodation in the area.

“Everybody that comes down to Barry Island says, ‘Where’s the nearest caravan park?’ and we have to send them to Rhoose,” he explained.

Haven: Caravan breaks becoming more attractive

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A UK-based holiday park operator has suggested that caravanning holidays are becoming increasingly attractive.

According to Haven Holidays, a rising number of Brits are opting to holiday at home due to a combination of a poor exchange rate and chaos caused by airport strikes.

The site operator owns 35 parks around the UK, with many of them located in coastal areas.

It claimed that booking a vacation should be “all about value for money and choosing a stress-free holiday”.

The company offers a number of activities at its parks, such as boating lakes, indoor sports, climbing, cycling and a range of entertainment.

Families with their own caravans can stay from just £3 per person per night and benefit from free football coaching for five to 16-year-olds and free swimming lessons for kids.

Meanwhile, children under five can enjoy the Tiny Mites Music sessions, which introduce them to songs, rhymes and rhythm.

VIDEO: Part II of our interview with designer of Stealth Caravan

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The interior of modern caravans tend to conform to a few basic design rules – light browns and cream patterns in a hard-wearing fabric, complimented by light coloured woods to create a sense of space.

Which is why the cream leather, granite kitchen surfaces and indigo coloured doors found in the interior of all Stealth Caravans has taken some by surprise. Yet this is exactly what creator Alex Murphy hoped for as he set out to design a caravan inspired more by the world of penthouses and yachts than country cottages.

We stepped inside the Stealth and spoke to Murphy about the design, the testing process and dealer support and warranty. Click on the video image below to see the interview in full.

Caravan Club announces new Director-General

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Nick Lomas will succeed Trevor Watson as Director General of The Caravan Club and will begin his new role on 4th May 2010.

The new Director General is well equipped to take on the role of managing a large touring organisation and promoting caravanning to the public. He has worked at the Club as director of marketing since 2005.

The Caravan Club represents the interests of one million caravanners in the UK. In addition it operates the largest privately-owned network of sites in the country as well as 200 sites in Europe.

Nick Lomas commented “I see this as one of the best jobs in caravanning, and indeed the entire tourism industry. The Caravan Club is in its 103rd year and has a strong ethos of representing its one million members and providing them with quality products and services. I look forward to working with Club Committees, staff, industry colleagues and Parliamentarians to continue the work of The Club and drive forward this much respected cornerstone of the British tourism industry.”

Grenville Chamberlain is the chairman of The Caravan Club and was responsible for appointing Lomas. He praised his “extensive knowledge of The Club and the tourism industry” as well as his “enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism”. In addition he thanksed outgoing Director-General Trevor Watson “for his years of service and dedication to The Club”

Trevor Watson was himself full of praise for the appointment of Lomas. “The Caravan Club has experienced significant growth in recent years and Nick is ideally placed to build on the successes of The Club. I know Nick already has the full support of The Club staff and Committee Members and I am sure he will have the full support of everyone else in our industry.”

He added “I hope he finds his time as Director General as rewarding and enjoyable as I have.”

Watch Caravan Times interview Nick Lomas at International Caravan and Motorhome Show