The UKs First Erwin Hymer Centre First Birthday Celebration

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By William Coleman

They say time flies when you’re having fun. Never had this been truer for the team at the UK’s one and only Erwin Hymer Centre celebrate their new site’s first birthday in February.

I still cannot believe just how quick 2019 went! It feels like only yesterday I was at the grand opening of Travelworld’s brand new Erwin Hymer facility in Stafford. Fast forward a year and here we are celebrating once again.

Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld is looking forward to celebrity TV chef, Sally Bee fronting its first anniversary celebrations held in association with 2020 UK charity partner, Heart Research UK.

Sally will be making her appearance at the Stafford-based showrooms on 17th February, the first day of the week-long celebrations lasting until 23rd February.

On site Sally will be cooking up a storm with some exquisite outdoor camping recipes as well as sharing some handy tips on how to make good food choices following her own personal experience living with a rare heart condition.

The author of six best-selling cookbooks, regular chef on ITVs This Morning and Lorraine, and also an ambassador for Heart Research UK, Sally believes passionately that the way we approach life, the way we think, feel and treat ourselves has the biggest impact on our future health. She says that making good food choices in all aspects of life, and mindful positive thinking keep her healthy after she suffered three major heart attacks in 2004 and two further heart attacks in 2016.

Erwin Hymer Centre managing director, Ross Edwards said: “We are thrilled to have Sally to help us celebrate our first anniversary event and share her fantastic cooking skills, as well as her remarkable personal journey. We think our guests will be left very inspired by Sally and armed with some fantastic new outdoor tips and recipes.”

Sally added: “Family time is crucial when taking care of your health and wellbeing – that’s why I’m delighted to be supporting Heart Research UK and Erwin Hymer Centre, Travelworld event. Family time, fresh air, good food and good times, the perfect combination to a happy and healthy life.”

On the day guests can meet and chat with Sally and join in the fun with a champagne reception, free refreshments and spend time in and out of the latest industry leading Hymer models. One of the best parts of the Travelworld’s open days are the vehicles they have on display. They are the perfect getaway vehicle that are designed for both short and extended stays.

Ross added: “It’s been a fantastic year for Erwin Hymer Centre since our official opening in 2019. This year, we wanted to focus our celebration on supporting Heart Research UK, as we feel it has a cause which touches all of us. We are pleased to be supporting them in 2020 when we will be planning further activities.”

Heart Research UK’s Midlands Regional Executive, John Lloyd said: “We think visitors are in for a real treat at the first anniversary event. Sally has a truly motivating and moving story to tell, her energy and enthusiasm for everything she does is captivating and she is also incredibly knowledgeable about leading a healthy lifestyle which we think motorhome owners and enthusiasts will thoroughly appreciate.”

We had an amazing time last year at their grand opening, which you can take a look at in the above video. Fingers crossed we get a chance to get there again this year.

If you are interested in being part of the birthday festivities you can book tickets via Eventbrite where there is also an option to donate to HRUK.

Caravan And Camping Club Owner Satisfaction Awards

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By William Coleman

Winners of the 2020 Owner Satisfaction Awards have been announced at this year’s annual Camping and Caravanning Club industry dinner.

This marked the fifth annual Owner Satisfaction Awards and the fourth set of awards the Club has run in partnership with Practical Motorhome and Practical Caravan magazines. In total, 22 awards were given out at the event, where Club President Julia Bradbury was on hand to present trophies to the worthy winners.

As previously, results came from thousands of Club members, together with readers of Practical Motorhome and Practical Caravan magazines, who completed the 2020 Owner Satisfaction Survey, which ran from April to October 2019.

The 2020 Awning Owner Satisfaction Survey was new for this year and followed feedback from both customers and industry alike who want more insight into the awning ownership experience. Awards were given for the best manufacturer of small porch, full and drive-away awnings, based on findings given by hundreds of owners.

This year’s Motorhome Satisfaction Awards features a new category for Best Van Converter (Direct Sales), which counts those businesses which manufacture and sell direct to customers, and also sell pre-owned models directly to customers.

The 2020 Caravan Owner Satisfaction Survey was completed by more people this year – the number of responses increased 14.7%, with 67.8% of respondents sharing feedback on new caravans. Findings from the 2020 Tent Owner Satisfaction Survey reveal a high satisfaction score of 8.9 (based on a scale from 1-10), representing a high level of general satisfaction. The score is also consistent with scores from previous surveys.

Sabina Voysey, The Camping and Caravanning Club Director General, said: “We’re thrilled to have hosted another successful awards evening and presented the latest set of results.
“We continue to share reports on the surveys with manufacturers after the event – this means those responsible for the design and manufacture of new products can have access to real feedback from our members, and their customers, to improve and develop their offering. Ultimately this helps consumers shop smarter and buy better – and it’s of assistance to manufacturers too.”

Sarah Wakely, Editor-in-Chief of Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome at Future Publishing, said: “We’re delighted to team up with The Camping and Caravanning Club once again to deliver this important survey of caravan and motorhome owners – our brands are all about helping people get the most out of their passion for caravan or motorhome travel and to buy the best kit to help them do that.

“This survey is an invaluable tool, both for readers keen to get insight from other owners, and for the industry to help them continue to deliver great caravans and motorhomes and the highest levels of service for their customers. Congratulations to all of the award winners; it’s great to see such high standards being met across the industry.

“It’s testament to the strength of our brands and their position in the market that this year we received such a large number of responses, and we continue to develop the surveys and our presentation of it to best reflect the changing markets we operate in.”

The Full List Of Winners (categories and brands)

Tent Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Budget Tents under £300: Hi-Gear
Best Mainstream Tents £300-£999: Outwell
Best Premium Tents over £1000: Karsten
Best Backpacker Tents: Quechua
Best Family Tents: Zempire and Hi-Gear (two winners)
Best Traditional Pole Tents: Quechua
Best Inflatable Tents: Karsten

Trailer Tent Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Folding Campers: Pennine and Opus (two winners)

Awning Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Small Porch Awnings: Vango
Best Full Awnings: Isabella
Best Drive-Away Awnings: Vango

Caravan Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Manufacturer New Caravans: Adria
Best Manufacturer Pre-Owned Caravans: Coachman
Best Supplying Dealer New Caravans: Winchester Caravans
Best Supplying Dealer Pre-Owned Caravans: Peter Roberts Caravans and Motorhomes
Best Caravan Manufacturer (UK New and Pre-Owned): Coachman

Motorhome Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Van Converter (Direct Sales): Murvi
Best Manufacturer New Motorhomes: Dethleffs
Best Manufacturer Pre-Owned Motorhomes: Bürstner
Best Supplying Dealer New Motorhomes: Todds Motorhomes
Best Supplying Dealer Pre-Owned Motorhomes: Peter Roberts Caravans and Motorhomes
Best Motorhome Manufacturer (UK New and Pre-Owned): Auto-Sleepers

CAMC & Alan Rogers Announce Campsite Awards 2019 Winners

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By William Coleman

The Caravan and Motorhome Club and Alan Rogers have announced the winners of their annual Campsite Awards, which were held in Utrecht on Thursday 16th January. The awards recognise the very best from their extensive overseas campsite network consisting of over 340 Club approved campsites in Europe.

The Campsite Awards, which are held each year at the Vakantiebeurs travel and tourism fair, recognise campsites for their progress, friendliness and innovation, amongst other qualities that ensure Caravan and Motorhome Club members can pick the best ones to suit their needs. Winners are chosen by taking into account comments from campsite assessors and the head office team, as well as members and readers.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite of the Year Award

Camping Château de Chanteloup is an attractive and peaceful campsite located close to Le Mans in France, making it ideal for quiet stays, stopovers and motor racing enthusiasts. Set in the park of a 19th century château and run by the welcoming Souffront family, it’s no wonder that the campsite is so popular with members and has scooped this prestigious prize.

The campsite offers well-maintained facilities including a pool, bar and restaurant, and open and shaded pitches, some of which overlook a small fishing lake. Tours of the grounds by pony and trap can also be arranged, while those who prefer a faster pace are just 30 minutes’ from the famous Le Mans race track.

The Alan Rogers Campsite of the Year Award

Camping Turiscampo is an exquisite campsite with a beautiful Algarve location, offering an indoor heated pool, modern gym, sauna, hammam and beauty treatments*. Plus, it has an outdoor swimming pool complex surrounded by a terrace with a bar, and its restaurant has a varied menu including a snack-bar, bistro and a-la-carte, meaning there is something to please all diners.

While there’s plenty to occupy families at the award-winning campsite, the pretty seaside village of Luz is well worth a trip and Lagos and Sagres can both easily be reached by a bus that stops just outside the campsite. The campsite is also surrounded by many golf courses that offer lovely views of the open countryside, vineyards, and coastline, making it a great spot for keen golfers.
*A charge is payable to use the gym and spa facilities

The Progress Award

Camping Le Pin Parasol is a large, family-orientated campsite overlooking the beautiful Jaunay Lake reserve in the peaceful Vendée region of France. This popular five-star campsite has recently added an impressive range of new facilities and has created two distinct zones on the campsite – one for families with a great new children’s play area, and another more relaxed one offering a new indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and a new restaurant. This means the campsite is now certainly one of the very best in the area.

The campsite is within easy reach of the glorious sandy beaches of the Vendée and bustling harbour towns such as Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. There are lots of family attractions within driving distance too, such as the Puy du Fou theme park and the Parc Zoologique at Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Runner up – Huttopia Chardons Bleus – Ile de Ré, France

The Welcome Award

Eifel-Camp is an ideal spot for nature lovers, situated next to Lake Freilingen near Eifel National Park in Germany. Club members have frequently commented on the genuinely warm welcome that is provided by the multilingual staff, and the excellent advice they offer on how to get the best out of their holiday.

This superbly-run campsite offers great amenities, stunning views and a very safe environment for children. Germany’s Nürburgring is just a short drive through the forest; with its own indoor theme park, it’s perfect for car lovers of all ages.

Runner up – Camping Au Clos de La Chaume, France

The Dog Friendly Award

Camping Fornella is located on the shores of Lake Garda and offers stunning mountain views. The campsite has a great track record for innovation, and members and assessors alike have been particularly impressed by what it has to offer dogs and their owners. The campsite has a beach where dogs are welcome, dog showers, dog friendly rental accommodation and an area where dogs can run freely, off their leads. It also has a dedicated page about its amenities for dogs on its website.

Two-legged guests can enjoy the lagoon-style swimming complex, which includes a Jacuzzi and paddling pool, and entertainment in high season, not to mention all that the lake itself has to offer. The campsite’s rural location means nature walks and bike rides are popular activities, or you can enjoy a tour of the biggest island on the Lake, Isola Del Garda or explore nearby Verona.

Runner up – Camp Kovacine, Croatia

The Seaside Award

Les Criques de Porteils has a dramatic clifftop location overlooking the Mediterranean and offers direct access to private beaches and secluded coves. An impressive five-star campsite, it has three sets of stairs* leading to quiet private coves which are never busy, plus a watersports centre where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards. The campsite also has a great swimming pool complex and attractive restaurant.

The resort of Collioure is just a 30-minute walk away and the lively resort of Argelès-sur-Mer is just a little further, while an hour’s drive to the south will take visitors to Figueres with its café-lined rambla and Dalí Museum.
*This campsite is not recommended for those requiring accessible facilities as it is steep in places.

Runner up – Camping Zaton Holiday Resort, Croatia

The Country Award

Resort de Arendshorst is located in a tranquil and beautiful nature reserve in the Vecht valley, making it perfect for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. A delightful tranquil campsite run by a friendly family and located on the banks of the River Vecht in the eastern Netherlands, it has miles of walking and cycle routes close by and is also an ideal base for a leisurely fishing holiday.

The campsite has a children’s petting farm and offers generously sized pitches arranged around large fields, all of which are level and grassy. Dalfsen, with its lively market, and Vilsteren are both within cycling distance, while children will enjoy a trip to the Wildlands Adventure Zoo. Rechteren Casle – the last of the province’s remaining medieval castles – is just a 30-minute drive.

Runner up – Camping Peña Montañesa, Spain

The All Year Award

Vilanova Park is a large and attractive campsite located midway between Barcelona and Tarragona. Guests are welcomed all year round by the friendly multilingual team and the reception is open 24 hours a day. The campsite has a wealth of high quality amenities including a pool complex, wellness centre and Catalan restaurant, and offers numerous social activities.

The campsite is well-placed for visiting Barcelona, which can be easily reached via the frequent shuttle bus service. Visitors can explore Gaudí’s famous cathedral and Park Güell, as well as the various art galleries and the bustling street of Las Ramblas. Historic Tarragona is also within driving distance and is worth a visit no matter what time of year.
Runner up Camping Caravaning La Manga, Spain

Salop Seller Event Announced For 2020 Holiday Boom

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By William Coleman

Set to make the most of the upcoming year and predicted staycation boom the Shrewsbury based Salop Leisure are planning a first time buyers’ event for caravan, motorhome, holiday homes and luxury lodges.

The Emstrey-based company is inviting prospective buyers to explore caravan holiday homes and luxury lodge ownership at the event on January 25 and 26.

Seventy-five holiday homes and lodges, priced from £34,995, will be on display and Salop Leisure will have full details of more than 250 parks across Mid Wales and the Heart of England best suited to the requirements of buyers.

Holiday homes and lodges purchased will be ready on site for the new season, which begins on March 1.

“Within nine weeks of the new year beginning, holiday home parks will be opening for the new season,” said Tony Bywater, Salop Leisure’s chairman.

“We have some fantastic deals on holiday homes and luxury lodges for first time buyers.

“The general uncertainty surrounding Brexit in 2019 has been very destabilising for everybody in the UK. However, following the December General Election result, it’s great that a decision has now been made that we are going to leave Europe in 2020.

“I think it’s going to be a great boost to our business and to people from all walks of life. I predict that 2020 is going to be a tremendous year for this country as demand for holiday homes and staycationing in the UK increases.”

I have heard about 2020 having a caravan boom, similar to 2017, and a lot of people feel that it is due to the efforts put in by holiday professionals all across the UK. Parks and sites have seen what they need to do to reach a much larger audience and it looks as though all that work will pay off this year.

The Caravan World Comes To The Aid Of Australian Fire Victims

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By William Coleman

The Australian continent is on fire and may continue to burn for another 5 months. Holiday areas, camps, sites and leisure companies have been devastated by these wildfires. Yet, despite all this loss the caravan community is pulling together to help those in need.

As I am sure you’re aware Australia is going through some extremely rough times at the moment. As of right now it has been estimated that over 1 billion animals have been lost due to these fires and over 80 people have sadly lost their lives.

The fires have burned a surface area that is equivalent to 21,309 New York Central Parks and in this huge space there have been thousands of people’s homes and businesses lost.

One area which has seen some significant losses is the caravan sector. All across the most affected areas caravan parks, with both holiday and permanent accommodation, have been totally wiped away.

Despite suffering some major losses the touring community have come forward to help house people whose homes have been taken by the fires and those who have been evacuated due to the smoke and other fire related issues.

All across Australia parks that have not been affected are opening their doors to people that need temporary accommodation while the fire rages on.

People from the private sector have also come forward to help both people and wildlife as their respective homes are reduced to ash.

People from the Northern beaches have been working flat out to help out and provide shelter for as many people and residents as they can. Katy Young from Palm Beach has donated her beloved retro caravan, named Dorothy, to a group who own a kangaroo sanctuary that has been lost due to fire. So now kangaroos will be joining the touring community.

“On New Year’s Day I was so distressed over the bush fires so I decided to donate my caravan called Dorothy and the Facebook post went viral,” Ms Young said.

“I said if someone needed a roof over their head, I was giving her away and it got shared 55,000 times.

“A man phoned me about a woman who had an animal sanctuary and she needed the caravan to be on site so she could treat the animals. He told me it was the second time she’d been wiped out and I thought she was a brilliant recipient.”

She said she knew Dorothy had “a greater purpose in life”.

“I wasn’t using her so I decided to sell her but on New Year’s Day I saw the news about the fire truck that drove through the fire storm and I decided to give her away.”

The caravan was named Dorothy after her favourite movie, the Wizard of Oz. It’s a 1985 Viscounts Ultralite.

Another caravan owner, John Parry, 67, who lives thousands of kilometers away wanted to do his part to help. Not having the funds to send cash he instead donated his 1970s era caravan to provide a roof over the heads of those in need.

The caravan needs a bit of a wipe down and some air in the tires but it is a perfect 4 berth van that could make a world of difference to a family in this trying time.

There are just a few examples of touring folk who have come forward all across Australia in a desperate time of need, support and charity. It makes you proud to be part of such an amazing and charitable community.

Member Benefits With The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

Caravan and Motorhome Club members saved more than £3m in 2019, thanks to the wide range of money-saving deals the Club offers.

Many people know that Caravan and Motorhome Club membership offers access to over 2700 quality sites in the UK and overseas. However, not everyone is aware of the range of offers specially created to reduce the cost of the ultimate holiday adventure that are included in the membership fee of just £54 per year.

The Club is constantly launching new offers, covering a wide range of interests and activities, and one of the most popular offers in 2019 was a Fuel Card that saved members over £240,000 helping drive down the cost of touring. The Club also has some exceptional car offers with a number of manufacturers inspiring members to embark on their next road trip with the very latest make and model.

Here are just some of the great deals to choose from:

Save on average £5,598 on brand new Volvo vehicles including Towcar of the Year winners XC40, XC60 and V60

Save over £5,600 on a brand new Hyundai Santa Fe Premium SE Automatic

SsangYong offers a free fixed towbar and electrics on selected models and for a limited time only is offering up to £3,000 off the popular Korando which was the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2018 winner (in the under £24,000 category)

Save up to 24% off the stylish Jaguar XE and XF, plus up to 10% off capable towcars Land Rover Discovery and Discovery Sport

Other examples of the Club’s offers include:

Save 10% on a caravan motor mover. Witter Towbars and Westfalia Automotive UK have partnered with leading manufacturer Purple Lines to offer this discount to Club members

Purple Lines’ enduro and e-go caravan motor movers come with a five year warranty and are fitted to the highest standard by a professional installer

Members receive a free remote control worth £200 when purchasing a motorhome kit from E&P Hydraulics. The self-levelling system enables you to get your motorhome perfectly level and stable at the touch of a button

Save up to £40 on a TyrePal Tyre Pressure Monitoring System which continuously monitors the pressure and temperature of your tyres whilst you are driving and gives clear visual and audible alerts should anything start to go wrong

Outdoor adventurers can re-style their holiday wardrobe and save up to 15% off with both Cotswold Outdoor and Mountain Warehouse

Save up to 10% on car hire with Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Save 10% on Raleigh bikes

Save 25% off your final bill Casual Dining Group restaurants Belgo, Bella Italia and Café Rouge

Save 4% with Sainsbury’s Everyday Shopping Card

Save an exclusive 20% at Roadchef including Costa, Fresh Food Cafe or Restbite

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “We are delighted that our members saved more than £3m in 2019 and we’re proud of the wide variety of great deals that Club membership offers people access to for just £54 per year.

“From helping members get out on the open road with the Fuel Card and average savings of £4,247 on new cars to offering money off clothing, equipment and food, membership of the Caravan and Motorhome Club enables people to have amazing and affordable outdoor experiences.”

See The World With Tours From The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

With both escorted and independent worldwide tours including motorhome hire, pre-booked campsites and personalised road books packed with local travel tips, there has never been an easier time to enjoy an international road trip with the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

USA

The Club has recently launched three new tours in the United States. Each tour covers some of western America’s very best national parks, highways and cities, with different tour lengths meaning that there is something for everyone.

The Big One sweeps through California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah, cruising along some of the US’ most iconic highways, including Route 66 and California Highway 1. This 38-day independent tour covers some of the USA’s best-known natural attractions, from the infamous Yosemite National Park to the incredible Grand Canyon.

Kick things off in glamorous Los Angeles before winding down through some of the world’s best national parks – Joshua Tree for stargazing and the epic Grand Canyon. The route then travels through the desert to Lake Powell, a shimmering man-made reservoir that cuts through the landscape. Continuing the exploration of canyon country, the tour crosses Bryce Canyon National Park and Boulder Mountain and on to Zion National Park, the oldest national park in Utah.

After exploring the beauty of Zion, it heads to the bright lights of Las Vegas before venturing back to nature to explore the giant trees at Sequoia National Park and monoliths of Yosemite. The trip finishes with three nights in San Francisco to check out the Golden Gate Bridge, before cruising through one of the world’s most scenic driving routes – the Pacific Coast Highway and the Big Sur, known to many now as the home of Big Little Lies.

As it’s an independent tour, holidaymakers have the flexibility to choose their stops between sites – from stopping at the awe-inspiring Antelope Canyon, laid back Santa Cruz or the wineries of Santa Barbara.

Prices start from £4799 per person, with departures between April and October 2020 and 2021.
California Calling is perfect for those looking to explore the very best of the Golden State and beyond, but have a little less time to explore. This 25-day independent itinerary winds through Californian highlights, with a little time exploring Arizona and Nevada for good measure. As with the Big One, holidaymakers will hit all the top spots, including the stunning nature at Joshua Tree, Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, and the thrilling cities of Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

Prices start from £3599 per person, with departures between May and October 2020 and 2021.
Those who are seeking more time with nature will prefer America’s National Parks, a 22-day independent tour starting in Las Vegas. Following a similar route to the Big One, the tour passes through some of the USA’s greatest national parks. Stops include the Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.
Prices start at £3179 per person with departures between April and October 2020 and 2021.

Canada
The Maritimes is a 23-day long independent tour across Canada’s Maritime Provinces, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, taking in some of the very best of Canada’s coastline.

This Canadian adventure begins in Halifax to check out the Citadel before taking the Lighthouse Route past beautiful beaches and rugged coastline, stopping at The Old Town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The route then moves through some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes, firstly through the wilderness of Kejimkujik National Park, to the National Historic Site, Fort Anne and then Five Island Provincial Park. The trip then heads over to Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island. After exploring this quaint island, the route winds across the Ceildh Trail, with the chance to stop and go whale watching, then on to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park for moose spotting.

The tour finishes off with visits to the historic sites the Fortress of Louisbourg and Sherbrooke Village, before returning back to Halifax.

Prices start at £3999 per person with departures between May and September 2020 and 2021.

Australia

The Club has launched two new Australian itineraries for 2020 and 2021.
Tasmania – The Wild Island State is a new 24-day independent tour around Australia’s smallest state, Tasmania.

Starting in the capital city, Hobart, to visit the unique MONA gallery the tour then passes through Tasmania’s picturesque east coast to Freycinet National Park. After taking in the stunning wildlife, the drive continues to St Helens with its many parks and dunes – an ideal spot for walking.

Looping round into Launceston, known as the garden city, visitors can explore this beautiful valley before heading to Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, with wallabies, potoroos and parrots all to be found.

The itinerary finishes back in Hobart after a stop at the lush Tasmanian rainforest at the South West World Heritage National Park.

Updated itineraries for 2020 and 2021

The Club has recently updated some old favourites to include new stops:
Vancouver Island & the Sunshine Coast is a 20-day escorted tour exploring Western Canada. Building on the popular Vancouver & the Sunshine Coast itinerary from 2019/ 2020, this itinerary now includes stops in Nanaimo, Ucuelet and Sechelt so that adventurers can see the very best of Vancouver Island.

Highlights also include driving along the Sea-to-Sky Highway along the Pacific Coast to Whistler and Burnaby, with stunning fjords, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes as far as the eye can see.

Prices start from £3899 per person, departing on 11 September 2021.

New Overseas Tours With The Club In 2020

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By William Coleman

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is proud to be offering its members more options for overseas adventures than ever before, with the addition of 16 new campsites taking the total number of its European campsites to more than 340.

The new campsites are located in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain. They offer something for everyone across Europe, including a campsite in a beautiful valley in Ireland, a lakeside campsite in Belgium, seaside campsites in France and campsites in the very South of Italy in beautiful Gallipoli and in the hills of Sorrento for the more adventurous.

Plus, a number of existing campsites in France, Germany and Austria have been renovated, with many revamping outdoor facilities including swimming pools, aqua parks and gyms – perfect for a break during the summer months.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “We are thrilled to be offering even more great European campsites to our members. It’s also wonderful to see a number of our current European sites upgrading their facilities, ensuring that we’re maintaining the Club’s high standards no matter where our members choose to stay.”

Members travelling to the Club’s European sites can also take advantage of some great combined deals and ferry offers. The Club works with all major ferry operators – Brittany Ferries, Stena Line, DFDS and P&O – to bring its members discounts on combined deals throughout the year and great value rates across popular holiday sailings including Dover to Calais, Hull to Rotterdam and Portsmouth to Caen.

Current offers include 10 percent off Stena Line economy fares, with caravans going free on selected routes, as well as 10 percent off Dover crossings with P&O all year. Members can also take advantage of discounts of 10 percent off fares from Folkestone to Calais with Eurotunnel. All offers are subject to availability.

For members who haven’t ventured across the channel in their caravan or motorhome vehicle before, the Club can give them confidence to become real pioneers with its ‘First Time Abroad’ guide, which includes a three-step process for planning an overseas trip with a caravan or motorhome including where to stay, booking a ferry and getting insurance.

Tips include scheduling your arrival time to be before or after lunchtime, as many campsite receptions shut for two hours from midday. Other advice includes packing toilet roll, as some campsites don’t supply it, and bringing extra cash as many campsites don’t have an ATM.

Members of the Club (membership costs £54 per year) can also purchase a range of quality cover and insurance policies designed with touring in mind including motoring and personal, single-trip, annual multi-trip and long-stay cover options, as well as breakdown roadside assistance, vehicle and passenger repatriation, continuation of holiday travel and/or accommodation, medical and ski cover.

Experience Freedom In 2020 With The Club

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By William Coleman

Experience Freedom from the Caravan and Motorhome Club offers glamping, camping and motorhome hire for all and new motorhome pick up location opening in London in March 2020.

Experience Freedom from the Caravan and Motorhome Club offers a choice of glamping accommodation, motorhome hire and tent camping, so there are options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Experience Freedom currently has glamping units in the Cotswolds, Brighton, the Lake District, London, the Surrey Hills and Kent, and it is planning to announce further locations later this year. The units range from glamping pods and Airstream caravans to yurts and camping pods, and prices start from £39 per night.

Experience Freedom also offers camping at over 50 campsites plus motorhome hire via its partner Swift Go. Customers can currently start their motorhome hire adventure from Manchester or Edinburgh and from March this year they will be able to pick up their motorhome from London too.

Motorhome hire starts from just £100 for three nights and customers have access to over 2,700 quality campsites in the UK and Europe via the Caravan and Motorhome Club along with exclusive discounts on ferries.

You don’t have to be a Caravan and Motorhome Club member to book an Experience Freedom break, but members and their friends and family do receive a 15 percent discount on motorhome hire plus free collision damage waiver. Members and their friends and family also receive a 10 percent discount on glamping bookings.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club Paws Of Approval Scheme

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By William Coleman

Over 23,000 dog-owning Caravan and Motorhome Club members have taken part in the Club’s Paws of Approval scheme so far, with 92% rating Club campsites as ‘excellent’, ‘very good’, or ‘good’ for dog friendliness and facilities when surveyed over a six-month period.

Two of the three highest rated campsites with a score of 4.7 out of 5 are in the West County and these sites are the Treamble Valley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Truro, Cornwall and Ilfracombe Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Devon.

The other highest rating site is Thetford Forest Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Norfolk. All these sites were praised for the number of good dog walks from the site, a good dog exercise area and welcoming staff, as well as facilities such as dog bins.

Three other campsites that are snapping at the heels of the top scorers are geographically well spread, each with a rating of 4.6 out of 5. These are Rookesbury Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Hampshire, praised for its agility equipment and accessibility to the adjacent forest.

Stamford Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Northamptonshire was praised for its dog shower and proximity to the woods while Yellowcraig Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in East Lothian is popular due to the nearby forest, beach and dog wash area.

Harvey Alexander, the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s director of marketing, said: “Dogs stay for free on all our campsites and with forty percent of our members owning dogs, it is important that we provide the right facilities.

We know that being able to travel with the family pet is a major motivator for many of our members and thousands have responded to our survey; it is great to see that so many of our campsites rate very highly with accessible dog walks, facilities and exercise areas.”

The Caravan and Motorhome Club launched the Paws of Approval scheme early in 2019, asking members to rate campsites on dog friendliness and facilities.

With some forty percent of Club members owning dogs, the Club was keen to get their opinion on the facilities available at its campsites. The Club was also keen to recognise those campsites that go the extra mile and ideal and make it easier for members to identify the most suitable campsites for a holiday with their dog.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club Site Investments

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By William Coleman

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is delighted to announce exciting redevelopments across four campsites on its UK network this year. The redevelopments include a number of new facilities at some of the Club’s most popular campsites, as well as a new selection of glamping units at one campsite, making it easier for Club members to bring friends and family to the great outdoors.

Cayton, North Yorkshire

Cayton Village Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is currently in development to produce an incredible multi-million pound transformation. The updates will see a brand new, high quality campsite kitted out with two new large facility blocks, play areas and equipment, and new pitches, including some with electric vehicle charging points.

The campsite will also be home to a number of new glamping units – perfect for Club members with extended families who want to stay in this wonderful seaside location but don’t have their own leisure vehicle.

The site will be re-opening in August 2020 and will stay open until January each year.

Penrhos, Anglesey

Penrhos Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Anglesey is in the second phase of its half million pound redevelopment. New serviced pitches were introduced to the campsite in the winter of 2018, and the Club is building on these developments to add more new facilities for the 2020 touring season.

The campsite’s redevelopments will include a new accessible facility block including an accessible bathroom, as well as dish-washing area, laundry room and family washroom. The site reception is being redesigned and a new information room is being built that will help provide guests with plenty of facts about Anglesey and the surrounding area.

A new motorhome waste point will be put in a convenient location, and finally, there will also be a small number of additional pitches added to the site, so that even more guests can enjoy the area. Work is due to be completed by July 2020.

Brighton, East Sussex

The popular Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is currently undergoing a project to de-compact the hardstanding pitches it has available, so that visitors to the site are able to peg in awnings. There will also be an additional 23 serviced pitches introduced to the site, so that even more visitors can enjoy all that Brighton has to offer.

Brighton remains open whilst re-developments take place. The works will be completed by the end of March 2020.

Battle, East Sussex

Battle Normanhurst Court Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is undergoing work to improve and preserve the historic retaining walls at this former grand estate. In addition, essential work to improve some of the roads is taking place, a new style motorvan waste point is being introduced and some playground equipment is being replaced.

Some new serviced pitches are also being installed while some grass pitches being converted to hardstanding. The works will be completed in time for the main season starting again in March 2020.

Many other sites across the network will also be undergoing smaller scale improvements over the winter period to ensure that the sites are in great condition ready for the 2020 touring season.

Caravan and Motorhome Club Launches Its 2020 Professional Driving Courses

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By William Coleman

For new caravanners and motorhomers, or those who feel they need a refresher in
driving their leisure vehicles, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has launched its 2020 practical
training courses across 13 locations in the UK.

The Club has over 40 years’ experience running training courses that have been designed specifically to give tourers additional peace of mind before they head off on their adventure.
Running from February to October, each training course provides professional safety instructions and techniques.

Sessions include:
– Manoeuvring advice
– Hitching and towing safely
– Straightforward safety checks
– Understanding the laws that affect caravanning and motorhoming
– Practice in manoeuvring an outfit forwards and backwards
– Understanding loading and how it affects towing

The training courses are split into: Practical Caravanning; Caravan Manoeuvring; and Motorhome Manoeuvring. The caravan and motorhome manoeuvring courses both take under seven hours, whilst the Practical Caravan Manoeuvring course for people who are completely new to caravanning is completed within 10 hours split over two days.

The Practical Caravanning Course was devised in co-operation with the Road Transport Industry Training Board. Each training centre is staffed by professional instructors and the courses are designed to be as enjoyable as they are informative.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said; “We are delighted to be able to offer these important courses to tourers. The courses provide excellent value for money and mean that people have the confidence to relax and enjoy their touring adventure with real peace of mind.”

The courses are priced as follows:

– Practical Caravanning Course – £185.00
– Caravan Manoeuvring Course – £155.00
– Motorhome Manoeuvring Course – £185.00

Participants also benefit from the opportunity to save five percent on Club caravan cover, motorhome insurance and car insurance for a new policy or at the next renewal – evidence of course completion is required. They also receive the Club’s Essential Guide to Touring for free, which is jam-packed with plenty of useful information and normally costs £16.00.