The best British touring roads

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By William Coleman

With the tumultuous year that we’ve had, it’s hard to get excited for the year to come with the amount of uncertainty surrounding us. Don’t let the New Year be all doom and gloom by trying to put some dates in the calendar for 2021. With foreign travel someway off being a sure-fire bet, IMD Pistons have come up with its favourite British roads and trips for bike, car, caravan and motorhome.

A39 – Somerset & Devon

Connecting the South West of England with the rest of the country, the A39, runs from Bath all the way down to Falmouth in Cornwall. The road takes in landmarks like the city of Wells, Glastonbury, and Tintagel Castle, all whilst giving you stunning views of Exmoor National Park and the Devon and Cornwall coasts.

For those looking for a long drive or ride, the sweeping bends and rolling hills will keep you thoroughly entertained. This is definitely a great option for a long weekend, with a number of places to stay and stop off depending on what you are after from your trip.

A2 – County Antrim

One of the must-travel roads in the UK is the A2, which takes in the majority of the Northern Irish coastline. Filled with spectacular views of the North Channel coast on one side and swathes of rolling countryside on the other, there are miles of road and views to enjoy.
With the road following the coast, and sometimes nearly in the water, you are bound to find stretches an absolute pleasure to ride, as well as the views.

B5289 – Lake District, Cumbria

This is one of the shorter routes that you can take and is ideal for a day trip or overnight adventure. The B5289 rings a large part of the Cumbrian Lake District and is a firm favourite with motor enthusiasts for its high peaks, snaking roads and spectacular views of nature and the quaint towns.

At just over 20 miles long you are not going to be travelling for days, but it is very much a must for anyone who finds themselves in the North West of England.

A470 – Wales

Ranging from North Wales, cutting through two national parks and finding yourself in the south, this route really lets you take in all that Wales has to offer. The road is a mixture of dual carriageways, winding country roads and modern highways, so it spells exhilarating driving.

With awe-inspiring views of the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Parks, plus the Elan Valley and the Aberystwyth Mountain Road, this trip is one that can take a whole week despite only being 186 miles long.

A57 – Peak District, Derbyshire

Another short and sweet route, the A57 links Manchester and Sheffield, but has a section that is a great hill pass road located between Glossop and Ashopton. The part we are looking at is known as Snake Pass and has been used as part of the Tour of Britain bike race.

As you may have figured out, this road cuts through the hills of the Peak District and lives up to its name, with winding, narrow roads, complete with hills and moorland to take in. Another one that will not take you more than an hour to drive but is not to be missed out on.

The North Coast 500 – Scotland

We finish with one of the longer and more famous roads in the British Isles. The North Coast 500 is more or less what it says in the name, 500-ish miles of northern Scottish coastline, all navigable by caravan or motorhome. The road starts and ends at Inverness Castle and takes you all around the northern Scottish Highlands with John O’Groats, Ullapool, and Durness amongst the highlights.

This is a route that you will want to take in, so plan ahead and make sure you leave time to stop and appreciate some of the more breath-taking sights in Britain.

200 trees face the axe at Skelwith Fold

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By William Coleman

A deadly fungus has reared its ugly head in Ambleside and is likely to lead to the felling of 200 trees. This heartbreaking news follows monumental efforts by the team at Skelwith Fold to keep the area clean and green.

A beat the clock the challenge is in place at Skelwith Fold as the team race against time to remove 200 infected trees ahead of the site’s reopening in March next year. This is the second outbreak at the park this year, which is leading to significant changes to the landscape of the park.

Henry Wild, Skelwith’s director, has said it’s vital that these trees are removed by March 2021 as the task will negatively impact the holiday experience of those staying on the site’s 450 touring and glamping pitches.

Not only will the removal of the trees change the site’s green appeal but it will also cost the Wild family tens of thousands of pounds to have the work done, not to mention the stress and heartbreak. Add to that the loss of business during the spring and November lockdowns, and it’s clear the Wild family have had a bit of a rough time in 2020.

The Forestry Commission found the deadly tree disease, which has been identified as Phytophthoras, from the Greek for “plant destroyer”, while going over the grounds during a routine check.

“We were devasted when their tree experts found the fungus, and we must now remove up to 200 specimens in order to stop the disease spreading,” said Henry.

“The fungus spreads from tree to tree in inclement weather, so the only solution is to axe the trees surrounding those which have become infected.

“It is a gigantic and costly task for which no financial aid is available – and we can ill-afford to sustain any more losses by not being ready to re-open in spring.”

Not being one to let a hard time get him down, Henry is determined to turn this grim saga around and have a positive outcome once all is said and done. He will be examining new ways to redevelop and restore the woodland to ensure it lasts for future generations.

“We are especially mindful of the wide variety of wildlife which this environment sustains, including the red squirrel colony we have been fostering for almost 25 years,” he said.

“The wellbeing of our wildlife is inexorably linked to the maintenance of a strong and healthy tree population, so that outcome will be our main priority.

“It’s ironic that we should be hit by two disease disasters in one year, but future prospects for tourism in Cumbria are excellent, and we want to be there for it!”

The Wild family’s care of the natural world and their many wildlife-friendly projects have this year won them the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

You can watch a video describing the tree felling task which lies ahead, narrated by Henry Wild, on YouTube now.

Caravan and Motorhome Club announces 2020 CL site winners

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By William Coleman

The judging has taken place and the results are in. The Caravan and Motorhome Club is proud to announce this year’s top CL locations who have taken home the gold.

At this time of year, the CaravanTimes team are usually dusting off our suits and polishing our finest shoes in preparation for an evening at the Houses of Parliament to be part of the CL of the Year Award. Due to current events, the award ceremony did not take place, but that has not stopped the Club from picking the winners.

For those who do not know, Certified Location (CL) sites are privately-owned, maximum five-pitch sites found across the UK, open exclusively to Caravan and Motorhome Club members.

To become a CL site you must meet certain criteria, such as being set in idyllic and remote locations such as farms, country estates and beside inns.

This year’s Certified Location of the Year Award went to Woody Kiln Farm. This picturesque spot is situated in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, and 2020 marks the second win for Woody Kiln, as the team also took the top award in 2016.

Coming in second place is the pristine Sorbie Primary School in Dumfries and Galloway. Third place went to Cholsey Grange in Buckinghamshire and the Best Newcomer accolade was won by Goodleigh Hill in Worcestershire.

Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “CL of the Year Awards celebrate owners who truly go above and beyond to give visitors the very best holiday experience. Our network of around 2,300 CLs provides Club members with opportunities to stay at unique locations throughout the UK.

“CLs are the jewels in the crown of our nationwide campsite network and we are delighted that over 80 new CLs have joined the network this year. I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and wholeheartedly thank our CL owners for their hard work.”

A word from the winners

The winning location, Woody Kiln Farm, has been run by Sharon and Dean Philpin since being opened as a CL location in August 2015.

The husband and wife duo opened the site on the ground where they tied the knot, which is now home to touring pitches. Before being rebranded a CL site, the farm was owned by Dean’s parents. Dean took over running things with his wife Sharon and daughter Eryn.

Following the news of the win, Dean and Sharon spoke with the Club. They said: “Our aim is for visitors to enjoy their holiday, relax and to be connected to all services within 20 minutes of arrival. Visitors tend to really enjoy the farmland, which can be accessed for a daily stroll or to exercise dogs and totals over ten acres, which are all lawned. This includes a large pond, which has ducks, moorhens and swans at different times of the year.”

The site’s touring pitches are flanked by paddocks where horses and sheep frolic and graze. On-site there is also a small orchard where guests are welcome to pick and sample the fruit when in bloom.

We have visited several CL sites in the UK and it is clear to see why these locations are so popular. They have limited touring accommodation and amazing scenery, which makes for a much more quiet and tranquil holiday experience.

Caravan Review: Swift Sprite Major 4SB

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By Willam Coleman

The brand new 2021 Swift Sprite Major 4 SB has had a complete revamp both inside and out to keep this multi-award-winning touring caravan in the best-seller category once again, but are the changes enough to fight off stiff competition?

This year, Swift brought seven Sprite models to the market, ranging from two- to sixth-berth options based across single and twin-axle vans.

For many years, the Sprite range has been extremely popular, with the sales numbers speaking for themselves. We are looking at Swift’s newest layout, which features a lot of changes and a modern feel that will surely lead to a lot of people opting for this versatile tourer.

Exterior

At first glance, this is unmistakably a Swift caravan. All the trademark signatures are here, with the addition of a new golden decal colour scheme. We were initially torn on the colour choice for the exterior; but when stood next to other leisure vehicles, it sits well without standing out for the wrong reasons.

The 4SB’s exterior length is 7.54m with a width of 2.25m, so it’s not the largest in Swift’s roster, but it is big enough to host four comfortably.

This caravan, like all Swift vans, comes with an AL-KO galvanised chassis with a solid Euro-axle.

Overall, the outside is very ‘by the numbers’ for what Swift produce, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less appealing.

Interior

Onboard is both spacious and practical due to the end washroom and good-sized bedroom with a transverse island bed. The separation of the living room, bedroom and washroom add a vast improvement to the daytime living space.

You’ll find French Oak effect doors and wall panels throughout the entire van – this makes the space feel a lot bigger and brings a warm, comfortable feel. Combined with the light grey fabric on the sofa, you really do have a smart-looking caravan.

The panoramic front sunroof, which features a surround incorporating recessed lights and speakers, lets in a huge amount of natural light, something that will make a big difference on those sunny days.

If you like those smaller touches, you’ll notice there are chrome sockets and switches throughout the van. Details like these make the caravan feel a lot more homely and less like your typical caravan.

Nighttime

Things could not be simpler aboard the 4SB when the sun goes down and bedtime rolls around. The island bed, which measures 185cm x 133cm, is the smaller of the two double beds and is extremely comfortable. The Duvelay Duvalite Apollo Luxe mattress will make the morning lie in an absolute pleasure.

The make-up bed system features solid slats that are retained on tracks, and you’ll need the end table to make the central frame for the mattress. Within a minute or so, you’ll have bed number two built and ready.

Washroom and kitchenette

With a central kitchenette and end washroom, you are presented with a lot more space for food prep and cooking. You tend to find there is a lot less space when the bathroom is directly opposite the cooking area, so this cooking space is great for cooking a full meal or just a light snack.

As you’d expect, you have all the normal kitchen gadgets you’ll need. The Thetford oven/grill combo features a three-ring gas burner hob, but no hotplate ring this time. There is an optional overhead microwave (which we’d advise getting), otherwise you get an extra overhead locker.

Worktop space is lacking somewhat, although the flip-up extension does add a bit more space, but you may feel it is still a tad small.

The washroom is a different story when it comes to size. Due to being at the rear, you benefit from a room that runs the entire width of the caravan.

The toilet, sink and shower cubicle are well spaced and they feel very separate from one another. The shower space is ample for a van this size too, but there is a lack of natural lighting that some may find a tad claustrophobic.

Verdict

With an MTPLM weight of just 1,442kg and a price tag of £19,850, the Swift Sprite Major 4SB will have mass appeal to younger staycationers out there. The combined weight of the van and smaller tow car should come well under the legal weight for towing, thus making it accessible to a lot more newcomers to the world of caravan holidays.

Toward the rear of the van, there is some natural light restriction but overall this is a comfortable and solid caravan.

At this price, you get Truma onboard and other top brands like Thetford, so it is a great van for the money you’ll spend.

When it comes to competition, there are a lot of vans out there that can rival this. However, Swift may just take the lead, offering some of the signature details only found in its range.

The essential items for a first-time touring staycation

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By William Coleman

It will be the new year before you know it, which means the new caravan season will be here in a blink of an eye. As we enter the 2021 season a lot of people will be choosing to stay home for their holidays, so let’s look at what the new holidaymakers will need.

We must admit that even we were taken aback by just how many newcomers have flocked to sites and dealerships across the country in search of their next staycation. The ongoing pandemic is likely to make people avoid flying, so the caravan industry is going to see another boom very soon.

This boom will bring even more waves of new blood to the touring world who may not fully know what is needed to ensure they have a pleasant and stress-free trip.

Kitchenware

When stocking the kitchenette you’ll need to think about the utensils and kit before your tea and breakfast foods. A lack of cooking kit will leave you hungry and somewhat irritated.

You need to look at your mobile kitchen the same way you would your one at home. What do you need to cook the meals you want?

Pots and pans- This is an obvious one but these are the things that often get forgotten. Any good camping accessory shop will have a touring set that has removable handles and packs down into a small carry bag. We use a set from Prima Leisure which has been around the world and is still good as new. It’s also worth packing a cullender.

Cutlery- We all know you need knives and forks but don’t overlook a chopping board and good kitchen knife. I would suggest a trip to IKEA to get a cooking set which includes a plastic spatula, serving spoon, tongs and a ladle. This will set you back a mere £5.

Thing to eat off- Dinner plates, bowls and cups. Always go plastic as it saves on weight and breakages. These can be found anywhere but we suggest Tesco or Sainsbury’s as they will not have that “camping tax” cost attached.

Boiling water- A portable kettle, gas or electric will do but you will save money with a kettle you boil on the hob. A steel kettle will use up gas and take longer to boil than an electric one. This one is down to preference but we always carry one of each just in case.

Outdoor kit

These items may be as important as anything else you pack. We’ve overlooked a few key outdoor items that you’ll need if you want to spend time outside the van relaxing and we’ve been left short on tour.

When you first start out you may not splash out on the larger expenditures like air awnings, but you can still enjoy the outside with a few small ticket items.

Reclining camping chairs- These alone can change your entire trip. Having nothing to sit on outside is a tad unpleasant, especially when the sun is shining. You can spend quite a lot of money on these items so make sure you do your research before spending hundreds of pounds. A good chair for £30-£50 will do the job, so there is no need to spend £100+ per chair.

Collapsible picnic table- All leisure vehicles come with a dining table which can be packed away, but they can sometimes only stand up using the fittings inside the van, rendering them useless outside of the van. Always check to see what type of table your van of choice comes with. Buying a separate table that can collapse and fold away will double up as more surface space inside the van and is perfect for dining alfresco.

Water and sanitary tools

They say cleanliness is next to godliness, so one must always have the right sanitary items when touring.

The aqua roll- This item will give you a running supply of fresh water to the van, so make sure this is one of the first items you buy and be sure to fill this up as soon as you’re pitched up. You will also need a water pump and hose to attach the carrier to your van’s water inlet.

Wastewater carrier- Dealing with ‘grey waste’ is never a task you rush to but it is an essential one. To take care of the wastewater you’ll need a water carrier to make the trip to the disposal area quick and clean.

Toilet chemicals- Chemical for the toilet is an absolute essential for washroom hygiene, so do not forget it. The right chemicals will help break down the waste and remove any odours, something you’ll need when inside the smaller space a caravan provides.

Park Holidays splashes out on £2m luxury pool

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By William Coleman

2021 is shaping up to be a very good year for the staycation industry as companies all across the UK are adding new features and attractions to their sites. One such notable addition will be a £2m splashdown in the form of a new swimming pool.

There are not too many sites with swimming pools and the ones that do have that extra edge over the competition. A pool can keep the kids relaxed while mum and dad soak up some much-needed sun. We all well aware that you cannot put a price on that!

Knowing just how valuable an asset a pool can be Park Holidays UK will be plunging £2 million into a state of the art luxury pool at the Dovercourt Holiday Park in Harwich, where staff are saying they are gearing up for “a staycation year like no other” in 2021.

The group is not stopping there as it has given the green light for investments in its 30-plus holiday parks as bookings for next year hit “stratospheric levels”.

Anticipating the busy season many months before it arrives, the teams at each site want to get a headstart on things. Tony Clish, Park Holidays UK director, says: “Make no mistake, Britain will be the place to be on holiday in 2021, and we are going to be ready for it.

“Families will be seeking out top-quality experiences in this country as a substitute for going abroad, and that’s just what we intend to deliver.

“The group will be investing heavily this winter both in its leisure facilities and in top quality accommodation such as luxury lodges.

“Less hassle, less cost, beautiful countryside and coasts, and so much more for kids to enjoy – the time is now right for Britain to play up to its greatest strengths,” added Mr Clish.

The ground was broken on the new pool at Dovercourt this month and the work is scheduled to be completed by next March.

There is the promise of “waters warmer than the Mediterranean” when the pool opens. It will feature a complex interior, which will be decked out in a nostalgic seaside theme, plus pool-side relaxation areas and cascading slides.

Located on Essex’s “Sunshine Coast”, Dovercourt Holiday Park adjoins an acclaimed Blue Flag beach and has already benefited from major investment in recent years.

Facilities include a sophisticated new entertainment venue kitted out with the latest showbiz technology, and which plays host to professional shows and acts.

Is a swimming pool something you look forward to when going away? Should more sites add pools? Sound off in the comments below and let us know how you feel about investments like this going toward pools.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club launches 2021-2022 overseas tours

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By William Coleman

The Caravan and Motorhome Club have launched new overseas touring holiday packages that can be booked with confidence thanks to its Covid-19 policies and worldwide protection.

We are all well overdue a break away in the sun or somewhere new where the most stressful thing we’ll face is picking what to have for dinner. Looking forward to the time when we can do this, the Club has put together an overseas programme featuring its most popular itineraries and destinations. There are also 15 brand new tours, including its first-ever escorted tour in Sri Lanka.

At the moment it seems as though the pandemic situation is not really getting better, but by the time the holiday seasons of 2021/22 roll around the world should be a much safer place to travel.

If you are looking to the future and want to start planning your next adventure the Club will ensure you book and travel with confidence thanks to its expanse of travelling knowledge and touring expertise. If you do book a trip with the Club you won’t face any cancellation or amendment fees.

European campsites

The CaravanTimes team have done some extensive continental touring and a lot of the destinations we’ve visited really do have to be seen to be believed. We have even travelled alongside the Club through Europe and Asia. It is great to have on hand for when things get tricky!

Club members can enjoy offers on over 300 campsites in 14 different countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.

Your Club membership will also grant you additional benefits, such as early booking discounts and free nights.

From next year, the Club is offering two new campsites in France – Les Portes-en-Ré on the ever-popular île de Ré and Domaine du Verdon situated by the Verdon Gorge in Provence. Pitches start from just £23.64 per night, based on two adults and two children under 9 sharing.

Customers can also book Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and ferry crossings through the Club, and it guarantees the best price.

The Club’s most affordable European tour (Dutch Bulb Fields & More) starts from just £765 per couple. To find out more about all the tours, visit www.camc.com/europeantours.

The Club worldwide

For years now the Club has been advocating and promoting holidays where you can take your touring vehicle across the globe and experience a new way of touring.

Each season the Club seems to add a new destination to keep its abroad options as varied as its UK Club network sites.

The Club now offers 27 tours in six regions: Australia, New Zealan, Canada, USA, Southern Africa, and brand new for 2021-2022, Sri Lanka. In addition to its 16 existing packages, the Club now offers these 11 new itineraries, which are a mix of independent and escorted tours:

26 days – Colours of New England, USA (Independent) from £3,799 per person
20 days – Florida and the Keys, USA (Independent) from £2,799 per person
21 days – Rhythms of the South, USA (Independent) from £3,199 per person
17 days – The Best of Alaska, USA (Independent) from £3,899 per person
26 days – Australia’s Northern Territory (Independent) from £3,699 per person
33 days – Reef, Beach and Mountains, Australia (Escorted) from £5,899 per person
25 days – The Great Ocean Road and Beyond, Australia (Escorted) from £4,999 per person
56 days – Ultimate New Zealand (Escorted) from £9,499 per person
21 days – Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka (Escorted) from £4,499 per person
24 days – Safari and Sea, Southern Africa (Escorted) from £4,299 per person
21 days – Cape Town and the Garden Route, Southern Africa (Escorted) from £3,499 per person

To ensure members are fully covered while on these tours the Club offers full financial protection for its worldwide packages. Flight-inclusive holidays are protected by the ATOL scheme, while non-flight package holiday protection is provided by ABTA. For more information visit www.atol.org.uk and www.abta.com .

CaravanCloud: A new way to getaway

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By William Coleman

With the current surge in site bookings, it could be hard to get your space reserved before they sell out. With CaravanCloud, you can find all the latest availability and more.

It is no secret that the average age of the UK caravanner is getting younger with each year that passes. Seeing this new trend, Connor Ennis saw an opportunity to rebrand his business to an online one-stop shop for all things camping and caravanning.

Following some recent market research Connor decided that it was time for a change which would lead his business into a completely new direction which would serve the touring industry in the UK well.

CaravanCloud will incorporate all things camping and caravan related, from buying and selling caravans to booking campsites.

The idea and site have been designed to appeal to a younger, eco-conscious audience. With luck, the new website will help further build the number of newcomers to the outdoor living world who want to become leisure vehicle owners.

The timing seemed to make perfect sense to Connor. Despite a lot of companies tightening their belts at the moment, he saw a silver lining to the global pandemic that would actually help boost his business. “Up until the Covid-19 pandemic our target customers for caravan and motorhome sales tended to be young families to retirees,” he says.

“However, since holidaying abroad has become more complicated, we have seen our usual target customer base broaden massively. Over the lockdown period, I have seen a large increase in younger people, young families, and wealthier middle-aged customers eager to buy caravans and motor homes.”

It’s no secret or surprise that Covid-19 has shown lots of people the value in a caravan holiday but Connor feels that it’s the modern design and improvements that have been a major factor in the renewed interest.

“I think that maybe ten years ago caravanning and motor homing may not have been considered as a desirable holiday option by the majority of the British public,” he says.

“However, in the last five years caravans and motorhomes have become so luxurious and have all the amenities you would find in a holiday home – and I believe that’s part of why they have increased in popularity. Holiday parks now have five-star facilities with spas and gyms and a lot more emphasis has been put on holidaying within the UK.”

Based in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Connor founded his site in 2015 when he was just 18 years old. He grew up in a family that is synonymous with the caravan industry: Ennis.

Ennis Caravans was founded by his grandfather in Llanelli and soon became the largest caravan dealership in Wales. It is safe to say that he has caravanning in his blood.

Having been working in the caravan industry since leaving Sixth Form, Connor wanted to create a tool that would make caravan sales easier, after looking at the sales process and how people book trips a light bulb went off in his head.

“As the job went on and I started to learn a lot more about the industry I also saw an opportunity for a new and fresh approach to making things easier for sales but also for camping holidays. It was from this moment on that the idea of CaravanCloud was born,” he said.

“CaravanCloud was created to bring all aspects of caravanning, camping and everything in-between in one modern and easy to use place, simplifying the buying and selling process of caravans and motorhomes and also making it easier to find a campsite, caravan park or glamping site.”

Does the industry need more online booking directory and rental sites? We see this as nothing but positive and love the idea of more people investing in this world to ensure there are enough vans and pitches to meet the ever-growing demand.

Salop Leisure adds a top brand to its line up

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By William Coleman

One of the largest leisure vehicle dealers in the UK, Salop Leisure, has just added another string to its bow by adding the ever-popular Coachman caravan brand to its sales floor.

Salop’s van line up already features the likes of Swift, ABI and static caravans from Willerby. It’s safe to say there is something for everyone at the award-winning dealership. This new partnership with Coachman will see Salop become one of the most diverse dealerships in the UK.

Seeing another staycation boom on the horizon, following the love increase for caravans post-lockdown, Salop Leisure confirmed the partnership with Coachman to strengthen its sales numbers and overall brand of being a one-stop shop for all things caravanning.

We recently visited Ed Glover at Salop Leisure and he explained the main issue the sales team has had this year is having enough vans in stock to fulfil the large number of orders they’ve received. Adding another top-selling brand with extensive stock amounts should help the company meet the ever-growing demand head-on.

Salop’s sales numbers rose by 52 per cent year-on-year in the three months from June to August 2020. Recent research has shown that an overwhelming 83 per cent of UK holidaymakers would rather stay home for the holidays than travel overseas by plane, train or automobile.

Another tactical move behind adding Coachman is the hope that Salop’s existing, and new, knowledgeable customer base will see the high design quality of these vans and swap brands.

Salop’s MD, Mark Bebb, said: “After a challenging start to 2020, we foresee pent up demand from caravan buyers to stay strong through the winter and into the 2021 season. As one of the largest and most loved caravan brands in the UK, we are confident that Coachman can help Salop Leisure to continue reflecting the tastes and preferences of our customer base, as they look for the dream holiday vehicle.”

Coachman is excited about this new partnership and Ben Parkin, Coachman’s sales director, said: “We are hugely excited to confirm this partnership with Shropshire’s premier caravan dealer, which will allow us to showcase the 2021 Coachman collection to a discerning customer base in the UK’s caravanning heartland.”

Park Holidays aims to boost Christmas food banks

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By William Coleman

The team at Park Holidays are getting the festive cheer started to support those most in need. Ahead of some potentially tough times, the company is aiming to top up food banks on the run-up to the big day in December.

It will be Christmas before you know it and there’s a large number of people out there who are teetering on the poverty line and a shocking amount who are actually under it. With more jobs potentially on the line, Park Holidays UK are urging members and staff to donate to food banks to try and take the pressure off those who are facing harsh times this winter.

Instead of a traditional advent calendar that dispenses a daily treat, the Bexhill-based company has created a “reverse advent calendar”. Each day, the advent calendar will reveal a suggested item you can donate to a local food bank.

This festive calendar features 30 advent windows and, by the 30th day, Park Holidays UK hope to have gathered a generous amount of essentials, ranging from instant coffee to biscuits, fruit and seasonal snacks like the classic mince pie.

Once all the donations are collected, they will be taken to the food bank in time for local volunteers to hand out just in time for Christmas.

Ensuring that they reach as many potential good samaritans as possible, Park Holidays UK has made this calendar available to its 1,000-plus employees, and as a download to the tens of thousands of annual visitors to its 31 holiday parks

“This has been a challenging year for everyone, but especially so for those who are struggling to feed themselves and their families during these difficult times,” said group director Tony Clish.

“That’s why we decided to turn the concept of the advent calendar on its head and to make it all about giving rather than receiving.

“Whether you gift an item hiding at the back of your cupboard, or add a product to your shopping basket at the local supermarket, no donation is too little,” added Mr Clish.

The calendar, featuring the park group’s cheeky mascots, also comes with details about The Trussell Trust, which supports a nationwide network of 1,200 food banks.

Families taking part in the calendar countdown challenge can go online to the trust to find the location of their nearest food bank, where the donations can be taken.

The Trussell Trust’s latest research suggests there will be a 61% increase in food parcels needed across its food banks this winter, compared with last year.

More information and a link to the downloadable calendar is available on Park Holidays UK’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/parkholidaysuk?. ?

Holiday review: Glamping at Love2Stay

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By William Coleman

Natural hot springs, glamping, wood fire pizzas, pools, jacuzzis, gyms, water activities, oh and then there is an award-winning campsite and dealership there too. Love2Stay is not a caravan site, it’s an all in one-holiday retreat.

The CaravanTimes team are usually found onboard a motorhome or towing a caravan, so it is safe to say that a luxury glamping lodge with a personal fire pit and hot tub is a far cry from the norm.

As the cold sets in and sites begin to close for winter, we decided to see what all the glamping fuss is about. Is it fun? Comparable to a caravan stay? Worth the cost? We would answer yes to all three of those questions.

Let’s start by saying that this review is very much about the glamping side of the amazing Love2Stay site, but we will touch on the overall site later on. So, where do we start when there is so much to cover?

Staff and hospitality

This resort has a lot going for it when it comes to design, layout and overall luxury. Where this site shines is in its staff members.

Upon arrival, the staff had their hands full with an extremely busy site and packed cafe/restaurant, all with social distancing measures being followed strictly. No matter what was asked of them, they were extremely polite, helpful and always smiling. They were genuinely happy to see you and help out however they could.

Shortly after arrival, we ventured into the main area, where the check-in desk is, to ask how far the local town is and what restaurants are open – lockdown rules are different across the UK, so we felt it was worth the ask. We were given all the local hot spots, where would be busy, where to avoid and then the front desk staff made our reservations and ordered our cab. This little bit of effort by them made a great impact on our night, as all we had to do was arrive for the cab, the rest was taken care of for us.

Every suggestion made by the team was perfect, especially the American smokehouse where we had dinner. All the site staff know, by name, the staff at the different bars and eateries they book for you. It is safe to say the local town very much knows and appreciates the Love2Stay site and business they provide. This team goes above and beyond to ensure you have as much fun both on and off-site.

Activities

The local town of Shrewsbury has a lot to see and do, but so does this holiday park. There is a huge range of activities for families to take part in, children of all ages will be able to take part in one activity or another.

If you want to hop in a canoe or try your balancing skills on a paddling board, you’ll be very happy here.

There is also an army assault course, archery, fishing, swimming and yoga available for those who want to stay active while staying. You can try your hand at den building and make your own woodland hideout.

The new gym is very well stocked too and has everything for beginners and fitness enthusiasts.

Facilities

Aside from all the fitness activities on-site, there are also a lot of things to do if you want to relax and simply put your feet up.

Throughout the day and evening, there is a cinema tent with lots of seating. They mostly show family films, so this is perfect for the kids during the day or the whole family of an evening before bedtime.

If you have packed your swimming costume, you can take full advantage of the freshwater pool and hot tubs that are located just outside the restaurant.

The food served onsite is made fresh and extremely tasty. We indulged on some pizzas and locally-brewed beers, which made an evening in the hot tub even more enjoyable.

During the summer, this poolside area is exactly where you want to be – a few feet from the food, with plenty of space to tan and swim.

Glamping lodge and village

The CaravanTimes team has spent a fair amount of time out in the wild under the canvas of a tent, but none of that compared to the luxury we found glamping at the Love2Stay resort. We’ve never quite been able to fit a range cooker into our four-berth tent before.

Within a few moments of being checked in, you are given a guided tour of your holiday accommodation, a walkthrough of how to operate the heating, where everything is located and how to safely operate the wood-burning heater. The wood burner makes it feel extremely cosy once you’re settled in.

Before entering the tent, not that the word ‘tent’ suits this accommodation, you are greeted by a fire pit and a comfy bench to use while stargazing of an evening. The night sky, and view during the day, is stunning.

As soon as you step inside, you will be blown away by just how home-like these safari tents are. Think more bungalow than a tent. The interior decoration looks like something from a John Lewis catalogue and all appliances are top of the line.

When you walk through the zip-up front, you walk directly into the main area, which is an open plan kitchen/living room and features a large six-seater dining table and a two-seater breakfast bar.

The kitchen is amazing if you enjoy cooking, you’ll have a great time with the six-burner Smeg range oven and the miles of prep space. We cooked several meals in the tent and used the dishwasher to clean up. This saved a lot of time when it came to getting things clean again.

In the living room, there are two large, very comfortable sofas (we had trouble getting off of them, truth be told, especially with all the throws and cushions provided). If you want to relax and put your feet up with a coffee, you will struggle to find a setting more comfortable than this.

Sleeping arrangements are perfect for families or friends and will comfortably sleep six, as long as people do not mind bunk beds. If the kids are coming, they will have plenty of space in the secondary bedroom and playroom.

The main bedroom has a king-size bed, wardrobe and a large chest of draws that will easily hold a week’s worth of clothing.

The one area that wowed us, because you usually do not see this level of detail, was the bathroom. From the heated flooring to the large walk-in monsoon shower, it was luxury and comfortable in equal measure. The large double bath was also great for relaxing in after a long day walking around town. Having soap and cosmetics from The White Company was a nice little touch too.

The glamping villages feel very separate to the rest of the site and look a little bit like the Shire from The Lord of the Rings. It seemed like it’s own isolated little community, which made the atmosphere a lot calmer and peaceful.

Each tent is very well spaced from its neighbour and is separated by a hedge for that extra bit of privacy. You can hear neighbours from time to time, but it’s usually the sound of fun and laughter, something we all need right now.

Of an evening, most neighbours have their fire pit burning and it makes the whole environment smell great, not overpowering or smokey. It is like camping in five-star accommodation with a hotel-spec bathroom 20 feet away.

Once you have had your day out and evening meal, you will very much want to take full advantage of the preheated hot tub. Quite a few hours were spent bubbling away with a beer in hand, while gazing into the night sky. It was a perfect end to a great day in Shrewsbury.

Setting and locality

We went into this trip with little knowledge of what to do outside of the site, so it was great that the staff were so helpful and knowledgeable of the local area. The research we did was based more on walking trails and the river system, rather than eating and drinking.

You could say we intentionally didn’t look too much into the town because we wanted to explore and organically find places to visit.

In town, it was amazing to see so many smaller independent eateries and bars open, as well as your typical Greggs and Starbucks. Food tastes better when it’s made with love and not mass-produced.

The town sits on a beautiful stretch of river, which had overflown due to rain (yes, we went for a paddle), and the autumn colours made the riverside look romantic; you simply won’t want to leave.

As it was one of our birthdays, we stumbled into a little cocktail bar to have some Halloween-themed drinks before heading back to the site. These little hidden gems make the area so fun, as you can spend so much time exploring.

We also found out that Shrewsbury is Charles Darwin’s hometown, not sure if that is common knowledge, but it surprised us.

Verdict

During our three-day trip, it was very hard to find anything negative to say about the experience we had in Shrewsbury, so this is going to be a very positive verdict.

Even if you are a keen leisure vehicle user, we would strongly recommend that you give glamping at Love2Stay a try, you will not regret it.

If we had to pick one negative thing, it would be that when the wind is up you can hear the tent section of the safari lodging flap quite a bit.

This is a five-star site because of its location and activities, but we will have to add an extra star for the staff and all their hard work that made this a trip we will be going on again.

Coastal area bans nuisance motorhomes

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By William Coleman

During a time where a UK-based holiday is one of the few options that many people feel comfortable taking, one seaside town has imposed a ban on visiting motorhomes that are seen as a nuisance.

The UK leisure industry has seen a lot of ups and downs this year, with many sites losing trade and dealerships having to adapt to a little to no contact sales approach, so now is not a good time for restrictions, bans or fines for motorhomes.

Following an already tough time, a campaign by some residents who live near The Beach in Walmer, Kent, has been successful in banning motorhome overnight visits.

The petition has seen to it that motorhomes and other touring vehicles will not be able to pitch up between 6 pm to 6 am. Signs have now been put up in the areas where this new ruling is being enforced.

The campaign, which was taken to the Kent County Council’s highway department, was started by former parish councillor Dr Alan Bailey.

Dr Bailey and other residents put together evidence, along with photographs, of camper vans and motorhomes pitched up along The Beach and have stated that they are causing issues all along this particular stretch of road.

Dr Bailey said: “It has been a long battle with several setbacks, but working with other people like district and county councillor Derek Murphy, we managed to carry on.

“Finally after jumping over interminable hurdles we’ve finally got to the finishing post.

“This is the result of a community effort and last Sunday, watching the bloke put the post up was rewarding.”

It seems that these actions have not been a flash in the pan idea, but are the result of a build-up of many issues spanning well over five years.

During this time, residents claim there have been incidents where foul water has been dumped directly into drains, anti-social behaviour, littering and noisy generators.

Fines have been issued for fly-tipping and there have even been fires due to certain visitors. Despite the fines, there are still many who stay overnight, leave a mess and face zero consequence.

With so many touring holidaymakers out there who follow the rules and leave destinations as they found them, it is a shame that a few can have such a negative impact and tarnish tourist hotspots. Now that this petition has made stopping here overnight a fineable act, where will tourists go?

Speaking to Kent Online, motorhome owner Sarah Hope said: “With councils banning overnight parking in their car parks it means people like myself have to find somewhere else to park.

“My suggestion is to ask councils to consider creating an area of some of their car parks for the specific use of motorhomes to park overnight. French call them Aires de Camping car. This would give a safe area for motorhomers to park.

“The majority of us are respectful to residents. There are a number of us that will collect litter, and most of us eat, drink and shop locally to help communities.”