Elddis 2020 Season Preview And Factory Open Weekend

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By William Coleman

Keep the 21st and 22nd of September free as Erwin Hymer Group, home of Elddis, Compass, Buccaneer and Xplore, will be hosting their Factory Open Weekend, so you, your family and friends can be the first to see what’s new for 2020 Season.

This event takes place once a year so make the most to see the leading caravan and motorhome manufacturer when they open their doors to the public.

The event really does offer a unique insight into what goes on behind closed doors and openly demonstrates what goes into the production of these multi award winning leisure vehicles.

This year you will also be able to feast your eyes the new 2020 vehicles from all these major brands and you will be the very first to see the all-new 2020 Season ranges, with tantalising offers should you want to beat the queue and buy at the event! Whether you are new to caravanning or are a fan already, this event promises some real treats.

AS well as being the very first public viewing of these new models there are also a lot of opportunities to bag yourself quite the deal with some special event package worth up to £1,195!

The event will be supported by Elddis’ approved retailers from all across the UK who will be at the event to discuss part exchanges for anyone looking to upgrade their set up ahead of the new winter season.

If you are in the market to buy your very first caravan or motorhome this event has quite the offer for you. First timers can speak with industry experts about how to get started and will benefit from receiving Starter Pack from their chosen Retailer ready for their first adventure.

Finance options are also available (subject to the usual terms and conditions), so upgrading to your dream caravan, campervan or motorhome could be easier than you’d imagine.

Take a factory tour and see how all these award winning motorhomes and caravans are built and fully-bonded with industry leading SoLiD Construction and talk to the designers, engineers and manufacturing team.

Elddis will also be supported by manufacturing partners, such as Whale, Alde and E&P Hydraulics, so you can get the low-down on all our latest gadgets and technology.

Entry to the event is free, but places must be booked online –www.elddis.co.uk/openweekend

  • Exclusive first view of all 2020 Caravan and Motorhome ranges – including Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer including unique and exclusive new layouts
  • Special show offers on all models purchased at the event worth up to £1,195
  • Factory Tours
  • Towing and Motorhome manoeuvring advice
  • Expert advice from The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan Club
  • Catering by Knitsley Farm Shop, plus pop-up Farm Shop

    • Salop Leisure Win Big At Swift Awards

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    By William Coleman

    Shropshire-based caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure completed a notable double at the Swift Group’s annual awards which are decided by votes from customers.

    The company, which has sales centres in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, won the large touring caravan dealership of the year for the second year running while touring caravan sales executive George Harris won the customer service recognition for sales.

    Marking the end of the third year of Swift’s Approved Dealer Programme, launched in September 2017, the annual awards recognise the accomplishments delivered by dealers. The programme is built around eight customer-centric key performance indicators which are monitored throughout the year.

    “It’s a fantastic accolade to everyone employed in the business, but as a dealership and industry we still have a lot to do to reach the increasing expectations of customers,” said Mark Bebb, Salop Leisure’s managing director.

    “We are committed as a dealership to investing in training in customer service and to work closely with the Swift Group to further improve standards.”

    He also praised Mr Harris for his award. “Having worked with George for more than 10 years, I am delighted that he has received this personal accolade. He is undoubtedly the most exceptional salesperson I have worked in terms of the way he looks after customers.”

    The company employs more than 20 staff in the service department, five of whom work at weekends when it’s more convenient for customers to have their caravans serviced or repaired.

    Mr Harris, whose office at Salop Leisure is filled with ‘thank you’ cards and postcards from customers, said he was “delighted and overwhelmed” to win the award. He felt that all his hard work and attention to detail, when looking after customers, had been recognised.

    “The award is the result of the comments my customers have submitted to Swift over the last 12 months about the way they were looked after,” he said. “To have this feedback is really wonderful.

    “I love my job and am passionate about customer service. I love helping customers with their caravans not just as a salesperson but as a friend.”

    ABI Team With Cornwall Park To Champion Fair Pay

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    By William Coleman

    Living wage campaigner and Cornwall park owner Patrick Langmaid has sealed the deal on a £600,000 contract he awarded this summer to a like-minded supplier.

    Patrick, who owns Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park in Padstow, paid a visit to holiday home manufacturer ABI in July to inspect some of the 25 luxury caravans he has ordered.

    The firm, based in Beverley near Hull, recently became the first Living Wage accredited manufacturer of leisure homes in the UK.

    The decision to buy from ABI, said Patrick, was prompted entirely by its commitment to paying its 550 employees a fair wage.

    Patrick has been a Living Wage employer since 2015, and earlier this year was presented with a special campaigning award by the Living Wage Foundation charity.

    It celebrates his tireless efforts to promote the benefits which organisations, both large and small, can enjoy as a result of adopting the Living Wage.

    “I firmly believe that those who work hard and show loyalty should be rewarded with a fair wage, and this produces clear advantages for employers,” he said.

    “I know from our experience that these dividends can be read into the balance sheet because we save on recruitment and re-training costs by retaining staff for longer.

    “A committed workforce also goes the extra mile to ensure that customers enjoy the best possible experience, and that in turn encourages repeat bookings,” said Patrick.

    Welcoming Patrick to ABI’s factory was CEO Richard Jones who said he hoped that by becoming a living wage employer the firm would help set new standards across the industry.

    The real Living Wage, which is based on the actual cost of living, is a step up from the Government’s National Living Wage, which was introduced in 2016.

    It means that all of ABI’s employees, and those at Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park, receive an hourly rate of at least £9.00.

    The beachside park provides caravan holiday homes, both privately owned and for hire, plus touring pitches. There is more information about the park at www.motheriveysbay.com.

    Free and Dogs Go Free At Caravan and Motorhome Club Sites

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    By William Coleman

    With the summer holidays now upon us, there is no better time to get away with the whole family. Kids under 5 and four-legged friends stay for free at all sites, and many sites offer stays for just £1 per night for children between 5 and 17.

    Plus the Club offers great discounts of up to 49 percent at family attractions such as Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland Windsor. You can check out more in their Great Savings Guide.

    Here are the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s top sites for kids and dogs this summer:

    Explore Wild Somerset

    The stunning Exmoor National Park is the perfect destination for families with a sense of adventure, from exploring the rolling moorland or searching for the infamous Exmoor ponies. Wimbleball Lake is Somerset’s top spot for water sports, and people of all abilities can enjoy fishing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding.

    Stay at the Exebridge Lakeside Club Site and enjoy stunning Somerset on your doorstep. Prices start at £33.30 for two adults and two children, for a standard pitch awning. Nestled amongst rolling green hills, the site is perfect for little ones and furry friends alike. An on-site play area and playground are great for small kids. Dogs benefit from a fenced dog walking area close to the site, and the site itself is rated 5 out of 5 paws in our Paws of Approval dog-friendly ratings.

    Hit The Seaside At Southport

    From the thrilling kitesurfing and land-boarding at Ainsdale Beach to the natural beauty of Formby Beach, the sweeping coastline of Southport truly has something for everyone. Southport itself has a range of fun child-friendly attractions including Southport Pleasureland, Lakeside Miniature Railway and Botanical Gardens. Further afield, nature-lovers have easy access to the stunning beauty of both the Lake District and the Yorkshire Moors.

    The Southport Club Site is a great spot for fun-loving families. Prices start at £31.20 for two adults and two children, for a standard pitch awning. There are a number of lovely walks based in the local area, including Formby beach itself, which is great for dog walking.

    Take It Easy In The Cotswolds

    The unspoilt beauty of the Cotswolds makes it the perfect spot for a break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With miles of lush countryside broken up by honey-coloured villages and castles, there’s plenty to explore. Visit some of the best country pubs in the UK and enjoy the local produce, wander through ‘wolds’ or enjoy pottering through lively market towns. There’s also plenty to keep little ones busy, from Cotswolds Wildlife Park to Chedworth Roman Villa.

    Stay at the Burford Club Site. Prices start at £33.00 for two adults and two children, for a standard pitch awning. Children between 5 and 7 stay for just £1 a night. Sleepy Burford is an excellent base for families to explore the local area, with Bourton-on-the-Water a stone’s throw away. Here you can explore the wonderful Motor Museum and Bourton Model Village.

    Enjoy The Lincolnshire Coast

    The Lincolnshire coast has buckets of seaside charm that both kids and adults alike will enjoy. Enjoy a stroll along the Sutton-on-Sea promenade, hit the Pleasure Gardens or simply explore it’s sandy Blue Flag beach. A short drive inland lie the Lincolnshire Wolds, where you can explore the midlands natural beauty by foot or bike and stop for cake at one of the many quaint local tearooms.

    Stay at the newly refurbished Sutton-on-Sea Club Site. Prices start at £31.60 for two adults and two children for a standard pitch awning. Children between 5 and 7 stay for just £1 a night. The roads have been re-tarmacked and pitches resurfaced, as well as the introduction of a dog and bike wash area and extended play area. The site is perfectly located for easy access to plenty of activities, including bowling and tennis facilities, and a paddling pool for kids.

    Swift Celebrate Their Dealer Network With Award Ceremony

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    By William Coleman

    All across the UK caravan and motorhome dealers work 7 days a week to ensure they are on hand to answer questions, deal with enquiries and then ultimately help you buy the best van for your touring needs. To celebrate this backbone of the leisure industry Swift have awarded the greatest in their network.

    The ceremony took place during Swift’s 2020 Product launch and recognised individuals and dealership achievements across areas such as Business Development, Learning and Development and Customer Service Excellence celebrated.

    The event marks the end of the third year of the Swift Approved Dealer Programme. The awards event recognises the incredible accomplishments that have been delivered by dealers during the year.

    Nick Page, Swift Commercial Director, said “Swift’s Approved Dealer Programme continues to strengthen our partnership with the dealer network, continually enhancing the customer experience.

    “We are proud of our Dealer Network and believe it is the best in the industry. We are keen not to rest on our laurels, and with this in mind we are continually looking at new ways to advance skill sets, with bespoke training packages supporting dealership development through the Swift Academy, while monitoring progress throughout the year.

    “We have been delighted by the positive impact of the Approved Dealer Programme and it was a pleasure to recognise accomplishments with the awards evening.”

    The event was opened by Managing Director James Turner, who welcomed guests from the dealer network along with key partners, suppliers and finance houses. The awards were split into several categories across customer service, business development, and learning and development, culminating with the prestigious Dealer of the Year Awards, the winners of which were:

    Motorhome Dealer of the Year Swift turnover up to £1.5m: AEG Motorhomes

    Touring Caravan Dealer of the Year Swift turnover up to £1.5m: Davan Caravans Ltd

    Motorhome Dealer of the Year Swift turnover between £1.5m and £3.5m: West Country Motorhomes

    Touring Caravan Dealer of the Year Swift turnover between £1.5m and £4m: Tamar Towing & Caravans

    Motorhome Dealer of the Year Swift turnover above £3.5m: Lowdhams Nottingham

    Touring Caravan Dealer of the Year Swift turnover above £4m: Salop Leisure

    During the evening Swift also celebrated with dealerships, suppliers and employees as they recognised the businesses which have gone above and beyond to give the best service and experience. Those recognised were:

    Customer Service Recognition Award for Sales: George Harris at Salop Leisure

    Customer Service Recognition Award for Service: Jackie Hague at Torksey Caravans (Sheffield Caravans)

    Best Mystery Shop: Gary Rigby at Broad Lane Leisure

    Best Mystery Shop: James David at Sussex Caravan Centre

    Online Swift Academy Learning Award: Stan Laing Jnr at Glossop Caravans

    Onsite Swift Academy Learning Award: Jason Oakley at AEG Motorhomes

    Profit Max Programme Engagement Award: Lowdhams Caravans and Motorhomes

    Supersure Rising Star Award: Broad Lane Leisure Group

    Overall Customer Satisfaction Award: Homestead Caravan Centre (Homestead Caravans)

    Rising Star of the Year (Touring Caravans): Sussex Caravan Centre West

    Rising Star of the Year (Motorhomes): South Hereford Motorcaravan Centre Ltd

    Rising Star of the Year (Combined dealers): Spinney Motorhomes and Caravans

    Overall Training Award: Yorkshire Coast Caravans

    Business Development Award (Touring Caravans): Teesside Caravans

    Business Development Award (Motorhomes): Brownhills Motorhomes

    Business Development Award (Combined dealers): Preston Caravans and Motorhomes

    The New Bailey Discovery- Dare To Be Different

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    By William Coleman

    Following the announcement of their luxury 8ft Alicanto Grande range Bailey have now announced their all new Discovery range. Bailey want you to dare to be different with the newest most compact caravan.

    After announcing the high end 8ft van Bailey decided it was time to head in the opposite direction and focus their attention to entry level caravan, and dare we say new breed of compact lightweight caravan for everyone.

    The Discovery range has been designed for first time buyers and newcomers to the industry that may not have £30+K to splash on a van. With these new 3 models being extremely lightweight it will remove some licence restrictions for younger drivers and they will also cater to a much larger range of tow vehicles. Which should bring a lot more people to the caravan world.

    Once thing Simon Howard of Bailey wanted to stress is that the Discovery is very much a caravan in the same vein of the Phoenix or Unicorn, they are just a smaller version. The models will feature everything you’d expect from a larger caravan and is not just a crossover camper.

    On board you will find a full spec kitchen with a Thetford Triplex oven and grill with a 3 ring burner, 103 litre Dometic fridge and all the soft plush furniture fittings you’d expect from a Bailey product. They have fully managed to blend compact and comfort with this fab little tourer.

    The newest, and possibly most intriguing feature in this range is the curved wrap around design. Each van features this as well as a totally new shape and design to really make it stand out from its bigger brothers and sisters. The curve shape is aerodynamic and will help with towing habits as well as better fuel consumption for your tow vehicle.

    The body of the Discovery has a striking duo tone Alu-Tech shell in ‘Polar White’ and a ‘Slate Grey’ GRP skin. Inside you will find the Truma Combi programmable heating system.

    The exterior is actually really smart and I particularly like the slate grey alloy wheels and signature Bailey full length Skylight.

    The 3 new models are the D4-2, D4-3 and the D4-4. Each coming with their own respective layout to suit different holiday needs.

    The Discovery D4-2

    This model is the classic 2 berth with an end washroom and parallel front bed lounge.The length is coming in at 12ft 9″ with a width of 7ft 4″. The MTPLM is coming in at 955kg and will have an RRP of £16,199.

    The Discovery D4-3

    This is your 3 berth option which features a totally new layout not seen before in any van. On board you will find a lounges at each end of the van with kitchen and washroom in the centre. Each end of the van features your fold out double bed.

    The MTPLM is a little higher on this model, 1082kg and has a length of 14ft 4″ with a width of 7ft 4″. RRP £16.999.

    The Discovery D4-4

    The D4-4 is the largest of the 3 models and has the largest MTPLM, 1206kg. This 4 berth has a french island bed with the double fold out in the lounge. It also features a transverse end washroom and central kitchen.

    The length of this one is 17ft 9″ with a 7ft 4″ width. RRP £17,999.

    Bailey have produced this video of the Discovery for you to feast your eyes on. We hope you enjoy.

    To find out more about the range you can have a read on ob Bailey’s website, Click Here.

    Has The Boris Factor Boosted The Caravan Industry

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    By William Coleman

    The current Prime Minister is a lot like Marmite, you either love him or hate him. But has Boris Johnson had a profound and positive effect on the world or caravanning? One leisure industry chairman seems to think so.

    The chairman of a multi-award winning Shropshire leisure company believes the ‘Boris factor’ is rubbing off on the caravan industry just days after the new Prime Minister was appointed.

    Tony Bywater, from Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, is convinced that Boris Johnson has given the country a very much needed confidence boost after months of political uncertainty.

    “It may be a coincidence, but we noticed an upturn in business straightaway after Boris’ appointment,” said Mr Bywater. “Customers now seem more confident about buying our touring caravans, motorhomes, caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges. They are keen to do business.

    “I think most people feel that Boris is making things happen and the country is moving forward after six months of stagnation and uncertainty. His appointment really seems to have shaken up the population.”

    Here at CaravanTimes we do our best not show a political side or agenda. But what we will do is report on things that are clear and not motivated by opinion. It does seem that whatever happens with the Brexit the leisure industry will me impact, in some way positive and in other ways negative.

    A lot of companies have existing trade deals with companies throughout Europe that we here in the UK directly benefit from. In the event of a ‘no deal’ or if tariffs are introduced we may seem some price increases which will have a knock on effect to the consumer.

    On the positive side, which I feel we are already starting to see, a lot more people are staying home for their holidays. Rentals, second hand and new sales are on the increase and tourist hot spots all across the UK are starting to report boosts in income. So we may be at the beginning of a very good few years.

    Caravaning To Be Welcomed On The Moors

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    By William Coleman

    It seems that despite some long term strategies that are in place to preserve the landscape national park bosses have made it very clear that caravans will not be banned from using national parks.

    Having caravan tourism can produce huge income for a local economy, so factoring your existing sites into your future plans is something everyone should make a point of priority.

    This is something that Paul Fellows, the head of strategic Policy at the North York National Park Authority, is ensuring will happen.

    Mr. Fellows has told committee members that the draft of the ‘Local Plan’ that was submitted to Government features some changes to policy to static caravans, rather than the beloved touring caravan.

    On the national park grounds you will find a few caravan sites, which include very popular ones at Rosedale Abbey, Ugthorpe and Ladycross Plantation.

    Mr. Fellows was putting out flames of concern over some of the points in the Local Plan that were raised by the authority’s planning committee chairman, farmer David Hugill, who is also a North Yorkshire County and Hambleton District Council.

    Each year the authority receives between 700-1000 different planning applications to develop on the land within the national park. Each one is looked at and then the decision has to be made based on the effects it will have on the area and its surroundings.

    A point was made to look into what the proposal to find out what it intended to do with caravans. The Local Plan, which has now completed examination, with the resulting outcomes to take place from October, did have some impact of the caravan world.

    During the examination there had been quite a lot of speculation that there could be some rulings that may prohibit the caravan parks or areas in which you can use your leisure vehicle.

    It seems as though the future is safe for caravans in the 554sq mile park as it is understood they are putting “a break on development” rather than stopping caravan usage.

    According the Mr. Fellows the policy featured amendments that would prevent any new static caravans or the conversion of existing caravanning sites to static only locations. The main reason behind the ruling was concern over the visual impact of more static vans.

    The forthcoming ban on new static caravans followed a finding that almost 75% of caravans and chalets in the park are not actually available for public hire and are actually being used a people’s main homes or prolonged holiday rentals. So you can see why this sort of activity would put a stop to any further development.

    After the meeting Mr Hugill said, “There was a perception that caravans were no longer welcome in York Moors National Park. That is definitely not the case.”

    When the Local Plan was being drafted the authority found that recreation and tourism, despite not being a huge provider of jobs, brought in around £647m of spending, 7.93m visitors and provided around 10,900 full time job a year.

    It also found accommodation services is the biggest type of employment within this sector, and touring caravan and tented campsites make up the largest proportion of accommodation.

    Mr Hugill said, “Caravans are very important to the local economy. Many caravan owners enjoy setting off from different parts of the country to visit the North York Moors.”

    Charity Challenge Saw £8500 Success

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    By William Coleman

    North Wales parks boss David Thornley Jnr has pedalled to victory in his bid to raise much-needed funds for a children’s hospice appeal.

    David, a director of Thornley Leisure Parks, led a group of seven amateur cyclists this summer in a gruelling 186-mile sponsored ride which was completed in a single day.

    Now, thanks to the team’s efforts, Hope House Children’s Hospices will shortly be handed a cheque for £8,500 to help support its vital care for young sufferers.

    The donation brings to a remarkable £170,000 the total that Thornley Leisure Parks has raised for the UK-wide hospice charity over the years.

    David’s epic ride began at Green Pastures Holiday Park in Abersoch and followed mostly minor roads before finishing at Gallaber Holiday Park in the Yorkshire Dales.

    The two parks are among the nine multi-award winning holiday centres now owned by the Thornley family’s business which was established over 55 years ago.

    The group’s connection with Hope House Children’s Hospices, said David, goes just as far back:

    “It was my grandparents Dorothy and William who opened our first park, Craiglwyd Hall Caravan Park in Conwy, which we still own today,” he said.

    “They both became supporters of the charity from the outset, and it’s a tradition which my family has been very happy and proud to continue to this day.

    “Many of our park staff are also enthusiastic fundraisers for Hope House, and take part in a wide range of events and challenges to swell our donations.

    “Our most recent cycle ride was an amazing experience, and we also met our own personal target of making it to the park before the bar closed for the night!

    “We owe a big debt of thanks to all our sponsors for their fantastic generosity,” added David.

    His father, David Thornley Snr, has also been responsible for raising thousands of pounds – and has taken part with David Jnr in a number of activities, including a zip-wire challenge.

    Among those joining David on the charity cycle ride were Thornley Leisure assistant park manager Chris Darbey and maintenance team member Andy Bunce.

    Hope House Children’s Hospice area fundraiser Beverley Bradley said that the charity couldn’t thank the Thornley family enough for all their marvellous support over the years.

    The First UK Niesmann+Bischoff Event By Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld

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    By William Coleman

    It was just this week we were at the brand new Erwin Hymer Centre in Stafford having a look round at some of their new stock, and what a lineup they have. Following up on their recent successes Travelworld will be holding the first ever event dedicated to the Niesmann+Bischoff brand.

    From the 12th – 18th August you will be able to get an exclusive look at the luxury Niesmann+Bischoff motorhomes.

    Once you’re at their Stafford HQ, Travelworld will give you unlimited access to the full motorhome range including the Flair and Arto, both of which feature a new modern line interiors and new brown leather option, with the addition of the Arto with face to face lounge option also on display. All of these, including the sporty Smove will be viewable in the centre’s state-of-the-art showroom.

    Guest will be welcome to climb aboard these models and get a genuine feel for comfort and quality that had made this brand so popular within the industry.

    Visitors are also invited to pose their questions to EHC’s Niesmann+Bischoff experts who will be on-hand throughout the week-long event will be.

    EHC sales manager, Nick Barker said: “It’s difficult to match the style and class of an Niesmann+Bischoff motorhome and there’s so many unique and clever features, it’s easy to miss some – that’s where our knowledgeable staff step in! N+B is all about ‘experience’ which is why we want our visitors to see for themselves the genius design, build quality and attention to detail of this motorhome brand.”

    Travelworld will also be treating guests to an ‘event only’ N+B branded gifts and goodies and refreshments will also be available during the event.

    Ross Edwards, managing director of Erwin Hymer Centre said: “This is the first time we have put on an event exclusively for Niesmann+Bischoff, we wanted to do it to celebrate and showcase the craftsmanship and innovation that puts this brand in a class of its own.”

    Bailey 2020 Product Launch- The All New Alicanto

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    By William Coleman

    Bailey have topped themselves once again as they introduce an all new 8ft caravan that goes by the name of “Alicanto”. We got to spend the day looking at the vans and even have a specification video that we can share with you to give you more of an insight into what you will find aboard the new 8ft’er

    Last year Simon Howard, Bailey’s marketing director, made it very clear that his aim for the company was to create a diverse portfolio that would feature caravans and motorhomes that would be able to tick the boxes for all consumers.

    By introducing a premium entry level caravan in the Phoenix, the new and improved Unicorn and an all new 8ft range in the Pegasus Grande they certainly showed how dynamic the brand can be. But how are they going to top last year’s showing?

    Bailey of Bristol have developed a brand new 8ft van, based off of the huge success of their Pegasus Grande range. What separates this van from the herd is its high level of luxury and finish. According to Simon Howard this caravan is “the most luxurious caravan we have ever built”.

    The Alicanto range comes with 3 different layouts; the Porto, Estoril and Sintra. Each caravan comes with an additional 10% extra floor space as a result of having an 8ft shell. There are both single twin axle options available throughout the range.

    Each van is lightweight for its size and has a high performance GRP skinned Alu-Tech body shell which matches up well to a lot of different tow vehicles. The MTPLM for the Estoril is 1596kg, 1624kg on the Sintra and 1779kg on the Porto.

    After asking customers directly for feedback on what Bailey do well, badly or what could be improved it was clear the consumer wanted more kitchen space to work with. So following this all important feedback Bailey have added an L-shaped kitchen to allow for a lot more counter top work space. The kitchen also features the large Dometic 10 Series 153 litre fridge that opens from both sides. Something that still impresses me every time I see it.

    The Sintra layout comes with a transverse island bed and features an end washroom. The Estoril has a twin fixed double bed with rear washroom and the Porto features a longitudinal island bed and centre washroom.

    A new curved italian design has been added to the door lockers and they do look really smart. The overall finish of each van is very impressive and the new grey fabric gives it a very modern feel.

    One thing to be aware of is that the Alicanto is a maximum 4 berth van, so no 6 berth option this time round.

    For a larger high end van they are very competitively priced when compared to what else is similar on the market. The Sintra will start at £28,499, Estoril £28,499 and the twin axle Porto will start at £29,999.

    There are optional extras for each van such as the Portobello alternative upholstery, extended warranty and bedding sets all of which come with their own price tag.

    Overall these caravans are at the higher end of the quality that Bailey provide throughout their entire portfolio. It did seem like a gamble to reintroduce the 8ft van back into the market but it is one that seems to have paid off, despite a lot of naysayers.

    To find out more on the new Alicanto Grande range you can Click Here

    Keep Cool And Caravan On

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    By William Coleman

    As I am sure you’re already aware it is going to reach 39 degrees centigrade here in London today, a record breaker! Seeing as we’ve never faced weather quite like this before, let us give you some tried and tested tips to enjoy the monumental heatwave.

    Heatwaves are usually quite welcome here in the UK as we usually have some ok to bad weather for the majority of the year, but 39 with no clouds or wind is something unheard of here.

    All the site owners I have spoken to are happy as can be as the warm weather is causing the masses to flock parks and sites booking them to capacity. But this heat can make a caravan holiday a little bit undesirable. So here are our go to methods to keep you cool, calm and collected during record breaking weather.

    Keep Hydrated The Right Way

    The temptation to fill a pint glass of ice with a splash of water is very real on days where the sun is pounding down like hell fire. But super cold drinks can sometimes have an adverse effect on the body.

    Once you swallow freezing cold water the core of your body will think that you’re cold and then start to warm your body up. Which will then lead to you sweating and that will just cause further dehydration. So room temp water is a good idea as is a cup of tea or coffee. Warm drinks cool the core as my dad says.

    There is also a rather tasty way to keep cool, oh and it’s actually a healthy option too. You will need to pre-plan this but it will be well worth it. Get yourself a large watermelon and cut it up. Once the melon is in small enough slices chill it in the bottom of the fridge for a minimum of 24 hours.

    The body will digest the melon slower than cold water. This will lead to your body temperature regulating lower stopping you from overheating. Who doesn’t love a good slice of watermelon on a scorching hot day. You will also stay hydrated without having to drink pints and pints of water.

    Air Con

    This is an obvious one, but it is the best. Some vans have pretty good air con on board so you should be living in bliss once you’re set up.

    The iNet system by Truma can control the air con remotely so once you’re back from a day out you can step into a very comfortable van without opening the door to an oven like setting.

    There are also portable units that are quite pricey, but renting them is an option. The only issue with these are that they are quite large and not the quietest of items.

    The Desk Fan

    Not all of us can afford aftermarket air con units or flashy £400 Dyson fans that are as silent as a nat’s fart. So here is an idea, not the best but it does work.

    First of all you are going to want to get yourself a decent plug in fan, I’d recommend a free standing but a table top one will do the job.

    Once you’ve set your fan up fill a large bowl with ice, and about a half pint of water. And just like that you have yourself a working man’s air con unit. The downside to this is that you will go through a lot of ice and you run the risk of knocking over a large bowl of water, which is never ideal.

    Use The Insulation To Your Advantage

    Insulation is not just for the winter months, as some would think. It also works to keep the cool air within the van. When it’s warm outside you’re more than likely going to spend most of your time outside cooking, relaxing and enjoying the heat.

    So while you’re outside use your cooling method to keep the internal temperature low. Just make sure that all your doors and windows are closed.

    Use The Shadows

    Shade is the world’s best natural protection against the sun, and subsequently the heat. So when you get to site do your best to pick a pitch surrounded by tall trees. This way you can knock off a few degrees and stay a lot more comfortable.