Butlins To Dabble In The Caravan World

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By William Coleman

Following some rather scathing news and reviews for the once great Butlin’s they have announced that they are planning on introducing 100 new caravans for staff members as part of their ongoing site development at their Minehead location.

This news follows checks done on current lodging that were deemed ‘beyond economical repair’. The current accommodation started to be demolished in May of this year.

At their Minehead site Butlin’s offer accommodation for guests within eight villages, one apartment block and one fully licenced caravan park.

Butlin’s also has two villages where staff stay during their time working on site. These locations offer 876 bedrooms of their 1300 full time and seasonal workers.

The famous holiday chain have submitted a planning application to Somerset West and Taunton Council to erect 98 three bed caravans to house staff.

This new development will be positioned on the eastern section of the site, Caribbean Quay Village, and should be able to serve 294 people.

A description on the design and access statement said: “The proposed development will see one empty land parcel arising from prior approval of demolition redeveloped to accommodate a replacement team village comprising 98 three-bedroom caravan units.

“Providing 294 bed spaces, each unit will be installed on a permanent base serviced with a network of utilities sufficient for proposed systems including LPG, water, date and electrical power, to meet the resort’s staff accommodation demands.”

The new leisure home will be positioned next to the Starfish Quay Village which is actually another staff site. Which also happens to be currently be under refurbishment.

An interesting note from the planning application states that these new caravans will not serve as permanent residential addresses but more as temporary location. We will see these caravans start to house guests who want caravan holidays?

While the plans state this will provide accommodation for 298 people, the overall total occupancy figure will be reduced by 498 people.

If approved, this will mean there will be 12,136 bed spaces across the holiday resort and 614 spaces below the resort’s maximum.

It is in my opinion that a lot of sites like Haven and Butlin’s will start to look at moving into the caravan industry as for them it is an untapped source of huge additional income.

As good as most caravan sites are they will find it hard to compete with some of the facilities on these sites should they start adding touring pitches.

If you could stay on a caravan site that has 2 pools, 4 restaurants, arcades, clubs, bars and large shops would you not jump at the chance?

I know a lot of what caravan trips are about is getting away from this sort of thing but there are a lot of people, especially with the newer and younger caravanners, who would love a resort bases caravan park. Just look at the Love2Stay site, that is doing amazingly well and is very much resort based.

Mid Winter Caravan Checks

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By William Coleman

The cold weather has very much set in and a lot of caravans and motorhomes are tucked up safe and sound on drives or in storage. Now that we are heading toward the end of the year and half way(ish) through the off season we may want to start planning a mid break checklist.

Lets face it, winter touring really is not everybody’s cup of tea and a lot of people opt to wrap the van up and take a break when the sun goes on holiday. If you are one of these it is almost the time where we need to get back in the vans and do some checks and maybe even another clean up to ensure they are surviving and thriving in winter.

I am in no way a neat freak but I do enjoy having a good clean up and clear out of the caravan. A great time to do this is when the van is taking a break. As you have not used it for a while you kind of look at the van through different lenses and you may be a bit more willing to get rid of things you may think you need. I mean how many bedding sets do you need?

Check For Water Ingress and Damp

Should there be any water ingress after an extended amount of time without using the van you will probably be confronted by the smell before anything else.

If you do jump aboard and there is no smell or any obvious signs it is still worth going round the van and having a check.

You can do this the old fashioned way by simply going round the van and check any part where a panel has been factory cut. So check all the windows, doors, sky lights, aircon units etc etc.

You can also get yourself a damp reader which can sometimes reveal things you may not be able to see just by looking. They are not that expensive and can save you a lot of time, hassle and money in the long run.

If you do find some damp patches get them cleaned and dry right away as it can spread and cause a lot of damage.

Air the van and then trace it back to the source and then call the repairman and wait for the bill, unless you fancy yourself a bit of a craftsman.

Clean The Upholstery

The upholstery is the one thing in the caravan that sees the most action, there is a joke there somewhere, so it deserves some extra attention and maintenance.

I give the seating and cushions a thorough clean before every new season and during the off season too.

After a while without using the air inside the caravan can stagnate a bit and then you’ll find the seating has this odd musk that is not overly pleasant. Think an old charity shop smell.

If you do not want to go to the effort of a full clean a good upholstery spray should do the trick but you have to do it a lot more regularly.

Give The Kitchen And Bathroom A Once Round

As much as you may clean the bathroom and kitchen after every use it is still worth doing it once more.

This where most, if not all, of your water sources are so it is where you may find damp, food, limescale or just general grime.

While doing this cleaning always keep some windows open to let out any fumes from cleaning products and a good gust of wind through the van will do a world of good removing any musky smells

Hoover Throughout

Once I have cleaned all the surfaces, cupboards, nooks, crannies, beds and sofa I give the entire van a thorough go through with a vacuum.

You do not realise until you’ve finished just how much dust and debris occurs when the van is left unused.

Exterior Checks

Now for the final check, and maybe the most important? Usually if you find something wrong inside you will go straight to the outside of the van and see where the issue is coming from.

In the event that everything looks good on board it is still worth giving the chassis a once over to see if there are any dings or dents that could lead to further issues down the road.

I always make sure I check the windows both in and out as they are a common place for leaks.

Once that is done I make my way around the lockers to make sure they are all intact as the key slots are not blocked with muck.

Also, weather dependant, give the van a quick clean so no dirt gets embedded on stains the van. If it is left too long without a clean the van can be a nightmare to get site ready come the new season.

A Very Bailey Christmas

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By William Coleman

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and the shopping trips are about to become hectic. Let Bailey and Prima Leisure help take some off the stress and expense away from this year’s Christmas list as they launch their ‘Bailey Big Christmas Countdown’.

It seems that each year Christmas shopping becomes ever more of a chore, bah humbug, but when buying for friends and loved ones it has to be done. In an effort to give gifts away this year Bailey are hosting a very special advent treat.

Bailey want to try and help the touring community celebrate the festive season by launching their new Bailey Big Christmas Countdown. Bailey have teamed up with Prima Leisure to create online advent calendar where Baley owners can win prizes by opening a window and answering a caravan and motorhome related question.

The competition will be running from now until the 12th of December. Each day a new window will be available to open where you stand a chance of winning a top prize from Bailey and Prima.

You really cannot help but get into the spirit of Christmas with a fun prize winning competition like this. I am just excited to see what each new window reveals!

To get some more Christmas gift inspiration visit Prims Leisure to see what you can fill your stocking up with.

Or if you really want to splash to cash and treat the whole family have a look at what Bailey of Bristol have on offer.

Park Holidays UK To Host Free holidays For Thomas Cook Staff

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By William Coleman

Park Holidays UK has invited more than 600 Thomas Cook staff and their families to enjoy a weekend by the seaside so that they can say “a proper goodbye”.

The holiday park group will pick up the tab for their accommodation in fully-equipped holiday homes for up to three nights, and will lay on free entertainment.

Scene of the huge reunion party will be Broadland Sands Holiday Park near Lowestoft which the group is opening up especially for the event on 8-11 November.

Park Holidays UK marketing director Geoff Barnes said it would be a chance for staff to swap memories and let their hair down after Thomas Cook suddenly went into liquidation in September: “The immediacy of the announcement meant that there was little time for many staff at Thomas Cooks’ Peterborough headquarters to say a final farewell,” said Geoff.

“As members of the holiday industry ourselves, we were also deeply saddened by the news and wanted to reach out to try and soften the blow in some way.

“We thought the best way to help would be to open one of our most popular parks, Broadland Sands, for a long weekend and to offer free stays to staff and their partners and children.

“Within one day of making the opportunity known to Thomas Cook staff, we were delighted to have taken bookings for all of the park’s 150-plus holiday homes.

“It means that we’ll be welcoming over 600 guests in total for between two and three nights, and we hope it will create a truly memorable experience for everyone.

“I’m sure there will be some nostalgic moments, but overall we simply want all the Thomas Cook team, and especially the children, to share a very happy time,” added Geoff.

As well as the free accommodation, guests will have use of all of Broadland Sand’s leisure facilities, including a recently opened £1.6 million swimming pool complex.

Charges will also be waived on some other activities usually paid for by holiday guests, such as the climbing wall, adventure golf course and Segway Scooters.

In addition, Park Holidays UK will be laying on a full no-cost entertainment programme in the park’s clubhouse featuring professional family-friendly acts.

Broadland Sands will be offering a subsidised food and snack menu to Thomas Cook guests throughout the weekend, and a range of drinks will also be discounted

It’s hoped that other businesses will also rally to support the weekend with donations of competition prizes or by providing free activities or pampering sessions such as nail treatments or massages.

Established almost 30 years ago, Park Holidays UK is one of Britain’s largest and fastest-growing holiday park groups with 31 holiday centres across Southern England.

Auto-Trail Factory Visit

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By William Coleman

Get a behind the scenes look at how one of the UK’s most popular motorhome brands put their award winning leisure vehicles together.

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a home on wheels? I have, quite a lot. Once I finally got to walk a production line that was churning out leisure vehicles I was shocked at just how “hand made” they are.

One of the things that struck me the most was just how fast and precise the operation was. It just proves what kind of feats human engineering can accomplish.

If you are interested in seeing how we put together motorhomes in the UK Auto-Trail will be opening their doors to the public for a factory tour.

You can see just complex the construction of the Adventure, V-Line and the Tracker, to name but a few, really is.

The tour will give a first hand and unique insight into the extreme care and attention that goes into each vehicle that Auto-Trail roll out.

All tours begin at 10am and lasts for around 90 minutes. The tour costs just £5 which Auto-Trail will be giving to our chosen charity for 2019, the Cleethorpes RLNI.

To book your tour visit Auto-Trail’s tour booking page here.

Wave Of Caravan Battery Thefts In Telford

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By William Coleman

Recently there have been a spate of thefts of across Telford of caravan batteries. Owners have been warned to take extra precautions to ensure they do not fall victim to these targeted crimes. What else can be done to keep your caravan, and it’s parts safe?

Like I have said many times before, the caravan will always be a target for vandals and thieves. I cannot give you an exact reason as to why this is but in my opinion I think it’s because they are seen as easy pickings. And maybe there are certain communities that are transient and dont mind rolling through a town and taking the opportunity to “relieve you” of some spare parts.

Whatever the reason we need to make sure we do all we can to prevent things like being pinched from our vans, something that seems to be happening far too often in Telford over the past few weeks.

Police in West Mercia have issued a warning to caravan owners regarding a spree of leisure vehicle battery thefts in Donnington. Something I am sure is happening all over the UK.

Officers said: “PCSOs have received reports of leisure batteries stolen from caravans on residential properties in Donnington”.

Police have warned owners to “Check your caravan is safe and secure,” following such a high number of break ins.

The leisure batteries are able to power 12V equipment in caravans and motorhomes so they are something that someone who doesn’t want to pay will target for theft.

Authorities have advised those with caravans, motorhomes or campers to ensure that they are kept secure and locked with the keys kept somewhere safe and secure.

I do not know too many people who keep their leisure vehicles unlocked, or keys anywhere other than inside their home, but it is always worth popping out and double checking. It could be the difference between having and not having a leisure battery.

Anybody with information about the thefts can call police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Keeping That Van Safe

When it comes to keeping your caravan safe there are a quite a few measures that can be taken to ensure no third party harm comes your way.

With that being said, if someone wants in, they will go to a lot of lengths to get what they want. There is only so much you can do, but the more you do the safer you are. I would always advise you to get some kind of insurance cover just to be on the safe side.

Here are a few reminders of what can be done to keep your leisure vehicle safe, especially during the winter when it is being kept in one place until it warms up again.

The Regular Check

I am a self confessed creature of habit who, for some weird reason, loves checking and rearranging things. So when it comes to the caravan I habitually go out and check it and move things around.

This is a good habit to get into when the van is not in use. A once round every week will take no time at all. It will be the one time you do not check where you’ll end up not releasing the door was left unlocked or a window wasn’t closed.

Alarms and Cameras

Exterior cameras watching the drive where the caravan was kept, interior alarm system with supporting cameras, GPS trackers and then the good old fashioned wheel locks. These are all great tools to deter or even stop a would be thief from gaining access to your van and pinching whatever he likes.

Never shy away from an alarm due to its price. With alarms you get what you pay for. If you have budgeted for a motorhome or caravan you should always add a little bit more for the after purchase essentials like alarm systems.

A motorhome, being part car/van, usually has an alarm in the cab. This does not always extend to the rear doors. So always check when purchasing what factory standard security the home as. When you go to store the home you can’t put a price on peace of mind.

You Just Can’t Beat A Cover

A caravan cover is such a simple idea but one of the most effective when it comes to protecting your van from the weather and vandals.

If the van is out of sight it is also out of mind. I urge anyone who does not have a cover to go out immediately and get one.

The other great thing about how the cover can be an extremely effective deterrent is the fact it takes a while to remove it.

The would be thief is probably want it to be a bit of an in and out job and wont like the idea of standing out in the open, removing an entire caravan cover.

Auto-Trail Adventure 65 Review

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By William Coleman

Auto-Trail have unveiled their newest addition to the already impressive line up to support the overwhelming love for all things that are camper vans. This impressive new 4 berth has been designed for adventure and really is quite impressive.

The new Adventure 65 is a new 2020 model and should make quite the splash for young adventurers and families who want to get out more without having to drive something as large as a motorhome.

With a rear lounge, with two rear doors, makes this model great for activities and keeping the van free of muck that will inevitably be brought in after a day trekking through the great outdoors.

This is a 4 berth van that also comes with 4 belted seats which makes this ideal for a family get away. I especially like how smart the pop up roof is, and just how comfortable it was even when 2 adults used it for a nights sleep.

Usually I am not overly keen on high top models, this one stands as 2.27m, but this outer design and colour scheme makes this camper stand out, in a good way. The decals are very modern and gives the overall appearance a sporty look, imagine a Fiat Abarth but the size of a high top camper.

As you’d expect this is built upon and trusted Fiat Ducato base with a 120 Multijet 6 speed engine, which for a cost can be upgraded to a 140/160/180 or a Fiat fully automatic 9 speed gearbox. So you do have quite a lot of options to choose from to help suit your needs and driving style.

One aspect of this van, that could fly under the radar, is the anti rattle dampers that have been fitted to the draws. I absolutely hate the rattly sounds when driving so this gets two thumbs up from me.

The driving side of this van is top notch. We took it through towns, busy A roads and off the beaten track down towards a lake to sit and have afternoon tea. The van handled well on all surfaces and was an absolute pleasure to drive. The fuel economy is not to be sniffed at. A full tank got a surprising amount of millage, even with 4 adults and their kit on board.

When it comes to actually living in the van, which lets face it that is not really what campers are for, there is room to move around even when there are 4 people aboard. I would not recommend hosting a party on board but the van makes for the perfect retreat after a day out.

The Adventure lives up to its name as it makes for the perfect vehicles to go out on action adventure weekends and see more of those rural spots that may be tougher to get to in a full size motorhome.

The interior of this brand new compact is very smart indeed, much like the rest of Auto-Trail’s 2020 range. The Salinas Oak wood colour inside gives it more of a hotel feel than a camper.
The large double pop up roof bed really makes this stand out and with the LED reading light it makes for a very comfy and cozy hideaway.

Overall there is very little in or out the van that can spoken about negatively. I can see where some traditionalists may not be keen on the colour, something I love, but when it comes to function and day to day use you can ask for more.

Travelworld Make Award Shortlist

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By William Coleman

It is pats on the back all round in Stafford at the Erwin Hymer Centre after making the much coveted shortlist for Service Recognition for a Regional Award.

Making the shortlist for the Midlands Family Business Awards for Service Excellence is not something that is easy to achieve and deserves recognition. Winning is even harder too!

The team at the Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld were chuffed to bits to make the list, and despite not winning they still see this as a major accomplishment that has validated all the hard work they have put in since opening their brand new facility in Stafford.

Ross Edwards said: “We wanted to enter the awards because service is something we have really committed to and invested in this year.”

The brand new site, which I have had the pleasure of visiting a few times, is a total one stop shop for all things motorhome. The facility is a state of the art building that has a service centre and is an accessory specialist, ranging products from Dometic and many others.

In 2018 they became a Centre of Excellence for alarms manufacturer, Sigma Scorpion. A new windscreen division, where customers can have their windscreens repaired or replaced either at the centre or at their home, was also established in May this year and the company has also forged new links with leading supplier of motorhome chassis, Fiat Professional by becoming an authorised dealer.

Ross adds: “Motorhome customers are looking more and more for a place where they can receive a number of different services under one roof.”

He adds: “Simply being nominated at the awards in this category was a great achievement for us, we were up against some of the most recognised companies in the Midlands.

We congratulate the ultimate winners, and we will use our own achievement of being shortlisted as motivation to keep on striving for excellent customer service in the motorhome industry.”

To have a good look at the brand new Erwin Hymer Centre take a look at a video we put together for them back in February of this year.

Better Than Black Friday Deal From The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

The Black Friday deals are about a week away but the Caravan And Motorhome Club are showing their hand a bit early for members and non members to get some Freedom at a reduced cost.

America are about to celebrate their national Thanksgiving holiday which mean the world is about to be faced with the Black Friday shopping deals.

Some love it and some loath it but there are some deals to be had, especially if you do not mind fighting the crowds.

If you are on the hate side of things and could not think of anything worse than crowd surfing at the shops then you may just want to take a look at an early offer the Club are offering both members and non members alike.

If you want to bag yourself a winter glamping getaway with the Experience Freedom brand and get £50 off the asking price then this deal is for you.

Use this discount to have a winter break in a glamping pod, safari yurt or an Airstream at a discounted rate from now until 2 December. With prices starting from just £59 per night, this means glampers can enjoy a festive two-night break from just £68.

Using code WINTER50, glampers can get £50 off their stay before 22 December at one of five incredible locations across the UK. Whether choosing to enjoy ice skating by the seaside in Brighton, wintery countryside walks in the stunning Surrey Hills or Lake District, Christmas shopping in London or quaint Christmas markets in the Cotswolds, Experience Freedom has sites to suit all tastes.

I have taken advantage of the Club’s Experience Offers before and stayed in an Airstream in Brighton and in a glamping yurt at their Daleacres site. Both trips were 10/10 for both location and accommodation type. It made a nice difference to be able to just pull up on site and not have to set anything up.

To find out more and book, visit the Club’s exclusive offer page.

Christmas In The Caravan

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By William Coleman

Is spending Christmas away in the caravan something you would do? As we get older we want to do less and less on Christmas, so why not take the ultimate freedom trip and get away in the caravan, or motorhome, for the festive period.

For me Christmas is a fun time but I do find myself spending most of it waiting on others, cooking and making sure everyone’s glass is full. Not that I mind but I do sometimes think about getting away and having some quiet time catering for just one or two people. This is where the caravan comes in handy.

Taking the van away would not be me escaping Christmas, it would be more about a change of scenery and spending some more quality, and quiet, time on site away from all the hustle and bustle. You can stock up early and escape the war that is the shopping centre and high street.

So how do we make a caravan stay as ‘Christmassy’ as possible without having all the rigmarole of a Christmas at home?

Don’t Forget The Decorations

There is a fine line between good Christmas decorating and overloading with sparkly clutter, a very fine line. So when it comes to putting up Christmas themed decorations in the van you need to be careful not to go OTT.

Inside the van you do not have a heck of a lot of space to put up the tree but you should have one. A small desktop sized one should do the trick along with a string across the front window with all the Christmas cards you’ve received.

Also to let everyone know you are feeling festive pop some Christmas lights up outside with a little Santa statue. You never know, St Nick and Ruldolph may just fly by.

Find The Right Festive Location

As much as I am a fan of sitting in the van I can get cabin fever quite quickly if boredom starts to raise its ugly head and when it comes to Christmas I can see myself getting frustrated if I am not out doing festive things.

It is always good to find a location that has a Christmas market or a good old country pub with an open fire. The imagine of sitting in front of a fire with a drink and your loved ones is exactly what goes through my head when I think of Christmas time.

If you do enjoy a seasonal day out there is one location that I would always avoid, London’s Winter Wonderland. Over priced, over crowded and more or a chore than a day out.

The Perfect Christmas Dinner, And Pudding

In today’s modern van being able to whip up a Michelin star quality meal with very little stress is very doable. The 3 ring hob, oven, microwave, grill and a kettle is all you need to prepare the veg and meat of choice.

If you really want to go all out you can use an external BBQ to make life easier and give you a lot more cooking and prep space. The good thing about having a BBQ like a Cadac or an Aquaforno is just how flexible they are, the Aquaforno in particular which is a BBQ grill, smoker, stove. The list really does go on with that handy bit of kit.

Using the BBQ to cook the meat frees up a lot of space inside for oven cooking veg, stuffing and more importantly the puddings!

When it comes to the “traditional” Christmas dinner it seems that is changes from household to household. Some think that you have to have a turkey dinner but for years we have chosen a cooked ham joint and some form of lamp, usually a shoulder. If anything I am against turkey as it really is not that nice to eat, but that is just my opinion.

Here are the items, for me, that make the perfect Christmas dinner:

The Veg-

Carrots and parsnips steamed then pan fried in honey
Brussel sprouts with pancetta bacon and chestnuts
Goose fat roast potatoes with with Everyday Jamaican seasoning, a real taste sensation!
Mashed potatoes with nutmeg
Sauteed red cabbage

Sides-

Pigs in blankets, and lots of them
Sage and onion stuffing, made fresh
Yorkshire puddings, frozen are the best as I cannot make them to save my life

Sauces-

Bread sauce with extra butter
Onion sauce using spring onions and shallots
Mustard mayo for the cooked ham and French mustard for the lamb

Meats

Honey roast ham joint, slow cooked
Lamb shoulder with spices or a mint and pistachio crusted lamb rack cooking medium with a pink centre. This is where I really flex my culinary muscles

Gravy

This is one I get a lot of flack on not making from scratch but you really cannot beat Bisto gravy granules. What I do is add the juice from the lamb and all the flavouring to give the gravy a real flavour boost.

Pudding

Black Forest Gateau
Vanilla Cheesecake
Christmas Pudding with deluxe custard
Traditional strawberry trifle

So these are all the ingredients you need to make your home away from home festive without the fuss. The only other thing I would add would be a good old Christmas jumper that is cozy enough to fall asleep in ones you’ve eaten to your heart’s content.

The Clubs Parliamentary Reception CL and In Bloom Awards

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By William Coleman

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons to find out who won the CL site of the Year and has the best Sites In Bloom for 2019.

Once a year the Caravan and Motorhome Club hold a reception, usually in the Churchill Room, to award both the CL site of the year and the best Site In Bloom. It is also a celebration of all things touring in which PMs address the importance of caravan tourism and just how much revenue it brings to local economies across the UK.

Sites In Bloom Award Winners

A site is so much more than just neat pitches, clean facilities and a friendly warden, you also have to think about the site’s “wow factor”. Two within the Club’s network are
York Beechwood Grange in York and Ashridge Farm in Hertfordshire. They have both fought off tough competition to take home the prize of Caravan and Motorhome Club’s ‘Sites in Bloom’ 2019 Award.

The displays were evaluated using criteria including layout and creative use of space, variety, innovation, flair and colour coordination, with particular attention being paid to economy and low maintenance.

The geographical location of the site is also taken into account by the judges and the fact that plant species are chosen to suit the local environment.

York Beechwood Grange took first place in the ‘multi-couple’ (a set of site wardens and a set of assistant site wardens) category.

This beautiful site is set in rolling countryside just outside the historic city of York. It is perfectly located for easy access to York city centre, home to the stunning York Minster, the JORVIK Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum. Hungry visitors can stop off at one of York’s many tea rooms or cafes.

A short drive from York Beechwood Grange, explorers will find the famous Moors, home to miles of walking, cycling and horse riding routes. Slightly further afield, renowned foodie destination Malton is a must visit for those looking to sample the very best local produce.

The charming seaside towns of Scarborough and Whitby both make for excellent day trips from the city too, each boasting great coastal views, beaches and buckets of history.

Located in the rolling countryside of north Hertfordshire, Ashridge Farm took first place in the ‘single couple’ category (one set of site wardens). Nestled in a wooded reserve but just a few miles from the A1, the site is perfect for those after a quiet break but are keen to explore.

The picturesque village of Ashwell lies just a short walk from the site, home to many quaint 15th century cottages and local pubs. The surrounding countryside is marked with footpaths for keen walkers, and the rolling hills make the area perfect for cyclists.

The university city, Cambridge, is an excellent day trip from the site. Bursting with ancient buildings, the stunning river Cam and cobbled alleys, visitors can spend hours exploring this historical city.

There are a number of quaint market towns also a short drive away, including Hitchin and Baldock. National Trust site Wimpole Hall, and the Duxford War Museum, are two other leading attractions near the site.

Edinburgh Club Site took second place in the ‘multi-couple’ category, whilst the Minehead Club Site in Somerset was runner up in the ‘single couple’ category.

Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “I’d like to thank all our incredibly dedicated site wardens who work hard to ensure that every site in the network has attractive grounds.

Every year we receive so many wonderful entries for the Awards, so huge congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who entered.”

The Sites in Bloom Awards were introduced in 2003 by Club Life Member, the late Alan Payne OBE, who wished to recognise the creative and horticultural skills of site wardens and volunteers, and to showcase their success in making their sites colourful and welcoming.

The Club Best Voted CL Site

CL sites are one of the Club’s best assets for those who are in need of some much needed rest and just want to get away from it all.

If you want a holiday with a difference on a site that has a maximum of 5 pitches then a Club Certified Location is for you.

These postcard picture locations are usually hidden away on private estates or farms and offer a very different break compared to your traditional Club site. I spent a few nights at the Paddock CL site at Catly Cross and it was perfect. Calm, quiet, picturesque and a great way to recharge your batteries.

This year the Club were pleased to announce Brunette Cottage as the Certificated Location of the Year 2019

Situated in the beautiful Welsh Borders countryside. Cherry Cottage in Dorset took second place and Marylands in Pembrokeshire came third. Best Newcomer was awarded to Barn Owl Meadow in Suffolk.

The sites entered for the CL of the Year Awards are nominated by Club members, recognising the very best sites and rewarding hard-working owners who pull out all the stops for guests.

The awards are presented at the House of Commons in recognition of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act (1960) which enables the Caravan and Motorhome Club to grant certificates to landowners to operate CLs.

Grenville Chamberlain OBE, Chairman of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “Our network of CLs provide our members with unique stays up and down the UK, and whilst each one is special, they unfortunately cannot all win!

The awards celebrate owners who truly go above and beyond to give visitors the very best experience. The nominations were extremely close – I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and thank all our CL owners for their tremendous work.”

Winner – Brunette Cottage

Brunette Cottage is situated just in North Wales, near the Cheshire/Shropshire border. It has been run by motorhome owners Paul and Helen Clarke for the past eight years, who set up the site to share their tranquil piece of the countryside with other Club members.

Alongside five hard standing pitches, each with its own water point and electric, the site boasts a washroom with underfloor heating, as well as an information room with fresh cakes and local jams. Paul and Helen strive to improve the site year on year, including introducing a mini croquet pitch last summer. There are two National Trust properties within 35 minutes of the site, as well as a range of exciting walking and cycling trails.

Second Place – Cherry Cottage

Cherry Cottage is located just south of Sherbourne, Dorset. The site opened in June 2019, when long term caravanner Lynn Pearcey turned her dreams of owning a site into a reality.

The site is comprised of a mixture of hard standing and level lawn pitches that are all positioned to maximise countryside views and beautiful sunsets. All pitches have electric and WiFi, and the site also has a toilet, laundry room and micro shop. The self-proclaimed prettiest town in Dorset, Sherbourne, is a short drive or bus ride away, and slightly further afield lies Dorchester, bustling with museums, shops and restaurants.

Third Place – Marylands

Marylands is nestled in the heart of rural Pembrokeshire. Site owners, Jane and Ray, have been Club members for over 30 years and have run Marylands for just over a year.

The site is made up of five hardstanding pitches, and has both a toilet and shower room. The site is well located for access to the lovely beaches and coastal paths of Pembrokeshire, and the nearby county town of Haverfordwest is bustling with shops, pubs and restaurants. To help visitors navigate the local area, Marylands is renowned for its useful welcome packs.

Best Newcomer – Barn Owl Meadow

Barn Owl Meadow lies in the idyllic countryside along the Suffolk/ Norfolk border. The site is owned by Roger and Pauline Dixon, who named it after the many barn owls that swoop over the meadow.

The site boasts an amenity building with two large bathrooms, one of which is wheelchair accessible. Each are fitted not only with showers, toilets and hand basins, but also hairdryers and shaving points.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club Caravan Design Awards

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By William Coleman

During the hustle and bustle of the October NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show the Caravan and Motorhome Club assemble a crack team of industry specialists to battle against the masses and review dozens of caravans for the Friday night award show. Now the dust has settled we have the results and a nifty little video.

Taking part in the Caravan Design Award testing is no small task. The grading starts on the Sunday before the show opens and the lucky judges stop have to get in, out and all round the vans until the Thursday of the show.

It is no easy task as the Club’s checklist for each category is extremely thorough to ensure that the right van takes home the win.

The awards are a major part of the show and is a great way for the public to get a real and, most importantly, impartial review of all of the top caravans and lightweight touring vehicles on the market.

For the second year in a row CaravanTimes’ very own Dan Cartwright has taken part to share his knowledge and love for all things caravanning. Dan was at the show at 8am and would end up back in his hotel for around 6pm, so it is a very full gig to say the very least.

Once all the results are in the Caravan and Motorhome Club spend an age in the back offices of the NEC correlating the results to find out who has won what category.

And your winners are….

Any Pop Top Caravan

WinnerEriba Touring Troll 530 Rockabilly
2nd Eriba Touring Troll 530 Ocean Drive
3rd Eriba Touring Troll 542 60 Edition

Any Caravan under £18,500

Winner Swift Sprite Alpine 2
2nd = Bailey Discovery D4-4
2nd = Xplore 586

Any Caravan £18,500 – £21,000

Winner Elddis Avanté 454
2nd Compass Casita 554
3rd Bailey Phoenix 640

Any Caravan £21,000 – £24,000

Winner Elddis Affinity 520
2nd Compass Capiro 550
3rd Knaus Sport & Fun Black Edition

Any Caravan £24,000 – £29,000

Winner Bailey Unicorn Black Edition Vigo
2nd Compass Camino 554
3rd Elddis Avanté 868

Any Caravan £29,000 – £34,000

Winner Knaus StarClass 565
2nd Bailey Alicanto Grande Estoril
3rd Elddis Crusader Supercyclone

Any Caravan over £34,000

Winner Knaus StarClass 695
2nd Buccaneer Barracuda
3rd BeauEr UK 3X

Any Family Caravan

Winner Bailey Pegasus Grande Messina
2nd Knaus Südwind 580 UE
3rd Adria Altea Avon 622DK

Any Large Family Caravan

Winner Elddis Avanté 868
2nd Knaus Südwind 580 QS
3rd Xplore 586

Any Two Berth Caravan

Winner Elddis Affinity 520
2nd Knaus StarClass 480
3rd Adria Altea Aire 492DT

Any Caravan over 8ft wide

Winner Knaus StarClass 695
2nd Bailey Alicanto Grande Sintra
3rd Adria Alpina Mississippi 623UC

Any Caravan with Dedicated Bed(s)

Winner Knaus StarClass 695
2nd Adria Alpina Mississippi 623UC
3rd Compass Camino 674

Two Berth Dealer Special Caravan

Winner Couplands Caravans- Bessacarr By Design 495
2nd Broad Lane Leisure Swift Fairway Platinum 480
3rd Glossop Caravans Coachman Festival 460

Three or Four Berth Dealer Special Caravan

Winner Couplands Caravans- Bessacarr By Design 835
2nd Glossop Caravans Swift Celebration 880
3rd Broad Lane Leisure Swift Platinum 850

Over Four Berth Dealer Special Caravan

Winner Glossop Caravans- Coachman Festival 630
2nd Glossop Caravans Elddis Chatsworth 868
3rd = Preston Caravans & Motorhomes
Swift Kudos 630FB
3rd = Preston Caravans & Motorhomes
Elddis Supreme 840