by Tom Leaning
Adventurer and TV personality Ben Fogle warmed up around the campfire before his appearance as a celebrity guest at the 2017 Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, heading towards Birmingham’s NEC from 21 to 26 February.
Mr Fogle together with his dog Storm celebrated the great outdoors with a caravan, a variety of tents and camping gadgets, motorhomes and even a glamping lodge in the woods, as he explained the appeal of such a holiday.
“Some of my best memories as a child are of camping. I remember the first time I was allowed to put up a tent and sleep in the garden, although I think I was back indoors by midnight! I also remember the freedom of taking an incredible motorhome holiday across Canada with my parents. Now, my young children absolutely love such holidays. It’s a great way for family members of all ages to come together and experience something new. Doing something entirely different from everyday life is what makes a great break.
“Everything, from cooking to managing everyday tasks such as fuelling a stove or stocking up on supplies takes on a different perspective. While a caravan or motorhome can be as luxurious as you like, living life simply is a great way to refocus, especially in an era where we generally live with every mod con around us. Without a doubt too, such a holiday will give you stories to tell and memories that stand out.”
Despite having camped in extreme conditions all around the world, from his Castaway TV debut on the Outer Hebrides island of Taransay in 2000, to exploring remote areas of the world in his recent Channel 5 show New Lives in the Wild, Ben advises newcomers to such holidays to start gently, and says the British Isles is one of his favourite holiday destinations.
“Don’t go somewhere too extreme or cut off too many comforts first time out. A motorhome or caravan holiday is comfortable while giving the freedom to roam. Great adventures are on the doorstep and Britain offers amazing destinations: I’m lucky enough to have seen so many beautiful places in the world, but Britain still has some of the most incredible landscapes. I have a special affection for the south west around Devon and Cornwall, but I also love the north. Taking my family to the Hebrides is definitely on my list of destinations.”
Mr Fogle joins other celebrity guests in the Discovery Theatre at February’s show, promoting their love of the great outdoors and the fun of leisure vehicle and camping holidays for all the family. Wildlife presenter Kate Humble, Blue Peter and CBBC presenter Barney Harwood, and TV personality Julia Bradbury are just a few of the celebrities attending. Baking banker Selasi Gbormittah and other celebrity chefs inspire outdoor menus with cooking demonstrations.
This year’s show is an outing for all the family to enjoy with children 15 and under going free. There are also plenty of free, have-a-go activities to try, from challenging the indoor assault course to climbing Visit Wales’ mobile mountain or tunnelling in the artificial caving feature. The much-loved dog agility arena returns as well as many new features for 2017, including the Bounce Zone featuring six-way trampolines and bushcraft workshops from Nature Rockz, where visitors can learn essential survival skills.
Located across five halls of Birmingham’s NEC, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show has over 350 stands showcasing new products including caravans, motorhomes, campervans, trailer tents, folding campers, tents, caravan holiday homes, camping equipment and thousands of accessories.
A hands-on towing and manoeuvring area offers expert tuition for those new to caravanning and motorhome holidays, as well as those who want to brush up on their techniques. Pre-booked leisure vehicle pitches are available for stays overnight at Birmingham’s NEC during the show.
Tickets are on sale now and can be ordered through the website: www.ccmshow.co.uk
Or to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the show on a day of your choosing, simply fill this form and answer the following question:
For more information about the show, please visit www.ccmshow.co.uk
Competition rules:
The lucky winners will be picked at random at midday on 9 February 2017 and will be notified via the email address supplied in the entry form.
Only one entry per person.
No purchase necessary.
No cash or alternative will be offered.
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The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over.
