Two new StarClass models set to be unveiled by Knaus this month
German caravan manufacturer Knaus has announced the launch of a new range of touring caravans in the UK this month, comprising of two new models for 2016.
Two StarClass layouts will be made available – the StarClass 560 and StarClass 565 – with one featuring a double bed and one with two twins. Differing slightly from standard continental caravans, each model’s layout will feature lounges with centre-front chests of drawers, as well as shower rooms with separate shower cubicles, in a bid to appeal to those looking for a more traditionally British layout.
A four-burner hob, microwave and full-sized oven and grill will come as standard in the kitchen and heating will come courtesy of Truma blown air. Other nice touches include a television connection on the outside – ideal for watching television in your awning.
Additional spec on both the 560 and 565, both of which have an overall length of 7.5m, body length of 5.7m and width of 2.3m The new StarClass range is built upon a BPW chassis and will be equipped with BPW’s iDC electronic stability control system as standard.
Prices for the new StarClass range from Knaus are yet to be announced.
Watch our new video to see why the new Challenger and Eccles ranges are built with comfort and all seasons in mind
Swift has unveiled their brand new Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges for 2016, offering two quality mid-ranges set to appeal to couples and families alike.
Borrowing the very best elements from the Challenger Sport and Challenger SE model ranges, the Swift Challenger/Sterling Eccles certainly looks set to impress, whilst featuring a brand new exterior GRP, panoramic sunroof and more to provide for a seamless design. New LED clusters on the outside, similar to what has been featured on Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental in recent years, add to the modern feel of the ranges which is apparent inside and out.
Elsewhere on the outside new flush windows add an element of quality, whilst bike mounting bars come as standard for those looking to take in their surroundings and explore the great outdoors on two wheels.
Moving inside, upgraded features come as standard, including gloss locker doors, as well as the option of having a new Alde central heating system implemented to ensure a comfortable stay whenever you choose, wherever you are. Speaking of comfort, Swift have also introduced their new Airwave construction to seating and bedding, comprised of two layers of foam for more comfort and durability.
Aware that caravanning has become a pastime for all seasons, Swift has also included class-leading insulation within the Challenger and Eccles’ bodyshell, as well as the option of two heating systems, namely the standard Truma 6 combi heater and optional Alde central heating.
Also new for 2016 is the addition of SMART Plus, Swift’s latest enhanced intelligent construction technology designed to enhance roof and floor structure and enable better protection from the elements.
To see what else is new across the Swft Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges, watch our video above and let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Check out the latest addition to Marquis Leisure’s portfolio in our video here
Marquis Leisure is certainly known for its innovative and versatile approach when it comes to its vast collection of caravans and motorhomes on offer, and now the company has expanded its portfolio even more with the introduction of the all-new continental Benimar range.
The name Benimar may not be the first you think of when it comes to motorhomes, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. And the Spanish brand, described as “fresh, well-built and well constructed”, is certainly worthy of sitting up there with other more familiar motorhome brands across the UK – all for good reason.
95 per cent wood free, the Benimar range has been constructed to allay any fears surrounding internal damp repair, giving the customer peace of mind, whilst Marquis Leisure‘s Benimar range sees a strong focus on innovative family layouts, complementing other collaborations Marquis has with Swift and Elddis already included within the leisure vehicle purveyor’s large portfolio of motorhomes.
Working closely alongside Benimar to provide for the best possible customer experience, each of the seven models within the Benimar range feature a right-hand exit door – a first considering the Benimar’s continental origins.
Special edition motorhomes are at the core of Marquis Leisure’s business strategy and it certainly shows with the time and attention given in producing the Benimar range for the UK market. Available from all Marquis Leisure centres, as well as providing the option to buy online and collect, the Benimar is certainly worth checking out if you’re heading to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show between 23 and 28 February and held at Birmingham’s NEC where the range will be on display. In the meantime, checkout our video above and let us know what you think in the comments section below.
CaravanTimes finds out why personalisation is key with the new Peugeot coachbuilts from Auto-Sleepers
Auto-Sleepers’ Peugeot coachbuilts are a popular choice for those looking for something more customised to suit their specifications, and it’s easy to see why. For 2016, the range sees updated layouts, ideal for couples and families alike, but it is the sheer number of options that are available which seems to appeal the most.
The standard layout inside the Peugeot coachbuilt range features comfortable parallel seating, whilst the choice of rear travel seats for safety and security is also available. It’s not just the layouts that are important to Auto-Sleepers though, and the chance to personalise your very own Peugeot coachbuilt to your own specification is what makes the Peugeot coachbuilt range a popular choice. From a choice of furniture colours, to the option of adding double beds, roof beds, skylights and more, Auto-Sleepers certainly takes its customers’ requirements on a case-by-case basis seriously.
There are three versions within Auto-Sleepers’ Peugeot coachbuilt range, with low profile coming as standard. Built on a Peugeot boxer chassis incorporating a full GRP body to withstand the elements, each coachbuilt within the Peugeot range comes with a platinum exterior finish, making each coachbuilt more resistant to scratch marks. For 2016 the option of a Fiat Comfort-Matic cab is also available, enabling those who want to drive automatic to do so.
With much more on offer, including dual-fuel hobs, three gas burners, separate ovens and grills in the kitchen, and space saving washrooms featuring all the latest mod cons, it was obvious to see why the Peugeot coachbuilt range from Auto-Sleepers is so popular when we went along to Auto-Sleepers to check them out for ourselves. Watch the video above to find out more and see why for yourself – we’re pretty sure you’ll be impressed.
Alde central heating system upgrade worth £749 offered with select caravans this month
Swift has turned up the heat for 2016, announcing a a free upgrade to Alde central heating on all purchases of the new 2016 Challenger or Eccles ranges worth worth £749.
The deal, which runs until 28 February, is currently available at all Swift caravan dealerships and will also continue to be offered at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016, taking place between 23 and 28 February at Birmingham’s NEC.
Designed and manufactured in Sweden to deal with the toughest weather conditions Mother Nature can throw at it, Alde’s hydronic heating offers true home from home comfort, heating every part of your caravan by way of heat circulated through pipes and radiators to ensure minimum intrusion.
The Alde Compact boiler provides both hot water and heating, with pipe work and radiators fitted discreetly against walls. This provides for more space in your lockers and, with a total of nine Kilo watts power, the system is capable of combining gas and electric power making it one of the most powerful on the market today – all at a low 12V power consumption.
NCC reveals impressive rising trend in holidaying in UK once again
The sale and dispatch of new touring caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes in the UK increased by 10.3 per cent in 2015 compared to 2014, new statistics from the National Caravan Council (NCC) have revealed. The figures reinforce the growing British preference over the last few years in holidaying at home, with trips in Great Britain rising by seven per cent to a whopping 105 million last year, whilst overall spend on accommodation in the camping and caravanning sector has increased by seven per cent year-on-year, the largest increase across all accommodation types.
In England alone, 38.9 million holiday trips were recorded from January to October 2015, an increase of five per cent compared to the same period in 2014. Trips have increased among all age groups, with the greatest growth of 11 per cent amongst 25 to 34 year olds. A nine per cent increase was seen amongst 16 to 24 year olds.
The statistics have been released ahead of NCC Events’ annual consumer exhibition the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 23 to 28 February 2016.
“We’re delighted to see continued growth in the UK leisure vehicle market and our members and exhibitors will look to encourage even more people into the lifestyle at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show later this month,” said John Lally, director general of the NCC.
“The flexibility and freedom a leisure vehicle offers is fundamental to the growth of the industry,” Lally continued. “Families and people of all ages enjoy caravanning and motorhoming. We’re also seeing increasing numbers of younger people choosing to holiday in the UK. With caravans and motorhomes equipped with all the latest technology and comforts, the industry provides the perfect solution for holidaymakers to enjoy a ‘home from home’ experience any time of the year.”
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the Birmingham NEC from 23 to 28 February features displays from leading UK and European manufacturers all under one roof. It is the show for those looking to get into the leisure vehicle lifestyle for the first time, with expert advice on getting started, free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring lessons and destination inspiration.
More than 86,000 outdoor lovers attended the show last year and at this year’s event visitors can browse over 350 exhibitor stands. But that’s not all though, and there will be plenty of fun to be had with a whole host of activities offered across the duration of the show, including a country park feature area supported by the Woodland Trust offering children the opportunity to become nature detectives. There’s even something for your four-legged friends too, with the return of the every-popular dog agility arena.
Anchor Point Motorhomes set to sell continental Benimar Mileo range
In a move which looks set to further enhance its network worldwide, Marquis Leisure is heading back to the Republic of Ireland after appointing Anchor Point Motorhomes as the sole Irish distributor of the Benimar range of motorhomes.
The award winning Benimar range benefits from GRP floors, walls and ceilings using an ultra modern and strong construction method that virtually eliminates the use of traditional wood. They have achieved NCC UK approval testing and Grade 3 cold climate certification. Unlike most continental imports, the Benimar range for Ireland has the habitation door on the UK side making things a lot easier for when it’s time to pull up and explore.
The new 2016 Benimar range will be available to view at Anchor Point’s Open Weekend event on 19 to 20 March in Co. Tipperary. Launch prices will start from ?70,995 and Marquis sales representatives will be on hand to offer their expertise on the Benimar product at the show.
Initially Anchor Point will focus on the Mileo 2 series range, which offers a line-up of five low-profile luxury continental style motorhomes. Layouts include:
The Mileo 201: 5.99m with a rear transverse bed over a garage
The Mileo 202: 5.99m innovative pull down ceiling bed over the forward lounge, large rear L-shaped kitchen
The Mileo 231: 5.99m with a French bed
The Mileo 243: 6.99m with a rear height adjustable bed over a large garage
The Mileo 264: 6.99m with separate rear bedroom with fixed single beds and large front lounge
The Mileo 286: 7.39m with a drop down bed above large front lounge which offers sociable dining for seven people
The Mileo 294: 7.39m the longest in the range, to allow for the island bed and entirely separate shower and toilet
James O’Keeffe, managing director of Anchor Point, said: “The high specification and close working relationship that Marquis have with Benimar was very important to us when choosing a partner to work with. It allows us to expand our product range but more importantly we can continue to deliver high spec motorhomes of superior quality and our customers should expect nothing less.”
South West holiday park adds to list of awards for 2016
Woodovis Park near Tavistock has been named as the West Country’s top destination for camping and touring guests in the 2016 South West Tourism Awards.
The park, set on the fringes of Dartmoor, beat almost 500 parks to the title when it was announced as the overall gold winner in the camping and caravanning category.
And there was a further triumph for Woodovis Park at the Exeter Cathedral awards ceremony as it was declared to be the South West’s bronze winner in the sustainable tourism category.
Now the next stop for the family-run park will be the national VisitEngland 2016 Awards in Blackpool in March where they will represent the South West.
Owned by John and Dorothy Lewis, Woodovis is located in 14 acres of tranquil countryside in the Tamar Valley – and is no stranger to awards.
As well as pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, the park also offers extremely popular glamping pods which provide comfortable and snug accommodation for couples.
Families can also rent one of the park’s luxurious and fully-equipped caravan holiday homes located in a secluded woodland area of the grounds.
All guests have use of the park’s heated swimming pool and spa, and this year it will once again be running a full activities programme aimed at both grown-ups and children.
Woodovis is a member of the Best of British group of independently-run parks, all of which have been audited for their consistent high quality and warmth of welcome.
Speculation mounts as The Caravan Club readies to make big announcement at NEC pertaining to new service
The Caravan Club has revealed it is set to make a massive announcement at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016, with news of a brand new service on the horizon.
The announcement of the exciting, new development is set to coincide with the opening day of the show, taking place from 23 to 28 February at Birmingham’s NEC, as well as the Club’s members’ day, and is said to concentrate on a new service consisting of a whole new way of booking Caravan Club holidays going forward.
The new service – although currently kept under wraps – will, according to The Caravan Club, enable members to book their holidays a lot easier, simpler and more conveniently than ever before – something we’re sure will appeal to all.
The question remains, however, what could this new service be? Only time will tell we guess, so roll on 23 February so we can all find out.
To get your tickets for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show and to find out for yourself as soon as the announcement is made, click here now! And make sure you let us know what you think the announcement will be in the comments section below.
Pegasus, Unicorn, Autograph and more to be on display at this year’s show
Bailey of Bristol has announced its full line-up of caravans and motorhomes set to be on display at this year’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham between 23 and 28 February 2016.
With a wide choice of specifications, style and value for money, the lightweight, entry-level Pursuit range with six models available from £13,190 will be on display, as well as the new, mid-range Pegasus models featuring enhanced interiors and unique DreamSleep seating system with seven layouts, available from £17,169. Making its triumphant return will also be the best-selling Unicorn with eight layouts and all the top-of-the-range luxuries, available from £20,415.
Bailey will also be showing their innovative motorhome ranges at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, including the entry-level Approach Advance range, with two models showcasing a new ‘Queensway’ upholstery option. The Approach Advance has a narrower 2.35m body width and maximum weights up to 3,500kg, so they can be driven without needing B+E driving licence entitlement, with four models and up to six berths, with prices starting from £38,515. In addition, all six models from the best-selling Approach Autograph range with the highest specifications and refinement available from £46,015.
As with previous years, to help visitors to the show find their perfect caravan or motorhome, Bailey will arrange each model by layout and number of berths to make it easier to see the variety available from Bailey and decide which specification and style suits you best.
Representatives from Truma and Alde on the Bailey stand will also be available to answer any queries about their heating and hot water systems, plus Belfied Furnishings will be demonstrating how the award-winning Dreamsleep soft furnishing system converts into a double bed in less than 60 seconds.
There is also a special feature area on the Bailey stand – the Bailey Fun Zone – where various activities will be taking place each day. These include a competition with the opportunity to win an exclusive LEGO brick Bailey Pegasus caravan kit, while on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday there will be free mini-manicures at the Bailey pop-up nail bar, and free face painting at the weekend.
Another highlight, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, will be the opportunity to ask a young caravan-loving, professional snowboarder and blogger couple, Simon Cudlip and Faye Young, about all-year caravanning as they are spending this winter in Austria in a new Bailey Pegasus Brindisi. They have already posted regular ‘Bailey Snow Season’ updates on the Bailey Blog here and on Twitter and Instagram using the #BaileySnowSeason tag.
The newly rebranded Bailey Owners Club is celebrating its new name and a new chapter in its 45-year history with a competition open to anyone who owns a Bailey caravan or motorhome who visits its desk on the Bailey stand. The first prize includes seven nights at a choice of Camp’Atlantique campsite in France for two adults on a full-service pitch, plus a DFDS Seaways ferry crossing from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. The second prize is seven nights at the luxurious Lakeside Touring Park in Lincolnshire, part of the Don Amott Parks group, which has a full range of facilities, including a heated pool complex, bar and restaurant. There are three third prizes of VIP tours of the Bailey production facility in Bristol for two people, including lunch with the directors.
Nick Howard, managing director at Bailey of Bristol, said: “There’s something for everyone on the Bailey stand, from entry-level to top of the range caravans and motorhomes, all with the reassurance of our patented Alu-Tech construction to make them stronger, lighter, better insulated and more resistant to the elements.”
Newport dealership awarded ‘Approved Dealership’ status after on-site assessment from industry body
Newport Caravans has been awarded ‘Approved Dealership’ status by caravan industry trade body the National Caravan Council (NCC).
The caravan dealership, based in – you’ve guessed it – Newport, is one of just a handful of companies to receive the honour for 2016, which focuses on the sales of touring caravans and motorhomes, meaning customers can buy with confidence from a network of quality dealers.
Crucial to Newport Caravans‘ success is a commitment to treating customers in a fair and honest way while delivering exceptionally high standards of service – something the NCC has recognised in awarded the dealership with the status.
The news comes following the NCC conducting a comprehensive, independent on-site assessment, in which Newport Caravans was found to meet all of the strict criteria governing the scheme.
Newport Caravans director Rob Lynch said: “We’re thrilled to have won this coveted award in recognition of Newport Caravans being a company that treats its customers with respect and deals with them in an open, honest and friendly way.
“The award is also just recognition of the unstinting hard work by every one of our committed and talented staff and the efforts that they all put in day after day to ensure our valued and loyal customer base consistently receives the absolute very best service.”
Newport Caravans, which last year saw a boost of seven per cent in caravan and motorhome sales and a 12.5 per cent increase in turnover, sells Swift, Sprite, Elddis and Buccaneer caravans alongside Swift and Bessacarr motor homes.
Frank Finch, NCC Membership Services Director, said: “The NCC scheme allows consumers to more easily identify dealerships that have committed to look after their interests. Newport Caravans has successfully demonstrated that it operates to the high standards of customer service that the industry recognises as its benchmark.
“NCC Approved businesses strive to provide customers with greater protection than is required by law and consistently aim to improve their offering by seeking and acting upon customer feedback.”
The NCC Approved Dealership is one of three consumer code initiatives developed by the NCC, the trade body for the UK tourer, motorhome, holiday and park home industries of which Newport Caravans are members. At the heart of each scheme is a consumer code of practice establishing the benchmark for how an NCC member business should undertake all relations with its customer base?
Newport Caravans attracts customers from across Wales and the west with people coming from and as far afield as Scotland to buy its caravans and motor homes. The dealership will be able to expand its retail sales area for the display of over 100 caravans and motorhomes.
Rob Lynch established Newport Caravans seven years ago with his business partner, Mark Massey. The business, which employs 33 people and recently opened a specialist body shop and repair center after a £550,000 investment, currently has a display with a combined value of some £3m with vehicles ranging in price from £5,000 for a caravan up to £80,000 plus for a top of the range motor home.
CaravanTimes extends its congratulations to Newport Caravans on a job well done.
New video released as more details of what to see and do at the NEC emerge
The countdown has begun and, in just over a weeks’ time, the doors of Birmingham’s NEC will will burst open to offer caravanners, campers and motorhomers the very latest in the world of recreational leisure for families, couples and singles alike at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016.
The show, taking place between 23 and 28 February, is an ideal opportunity for seasoned veterans of the great outdoors or newbies alike, and will enable those in attendance to find out more about holidaying in the UK abroad, upgrade your present leisure vehicle, update your latest camping kit, or even explore the exciting world of glamping. And, with over 350 exhibitors in attendance, you’re sure to find something that floats your boat – or caravan.
It will also be a game of spot the celebrity throughout the week, with an array of personalities including leading wildlife TV presenter and guest of Camping in the Forest Chris Packham; TV and radio star and guest of The Caravan Club Matt Baker, and TV presenter and President of the Camping & Caravan Club, Julia Bradbury, all appearing on the opening Tuesday. On the Friday of the show, ITV presenter Charlotte Hawkins will be swapping the Good Morning Britain sofa for ours, with two sessions in the Discovery Theatre.
Cooking up a storm on the Sunday will be TV personality and Italian-born chef, Aldo Zilli, who will be creating three delicious dishes including a ‘Sunday Roast on the BBQ’. Aldo has appeared on This Morning, The Alan Titchmarsh Show and Lorraine, to name a few. Appearing on the Saturday will be Michelin-starred Birmingham chef, Glynn Purnell who will whip up an array of culinary delights, including roasted curried monkfish tail with Indian lentils on the BBQ. Also joining the cooking displays will be Ed Baines, judge on ITV’s hugely successful Britain’s Best Dish alongside master chef of Great Britain, Paul Da Costa-Greaves.?
Elsewhere, the Discovery Theatre in Hall 3 will provide regular presentations from industry experts, outdoor adventurers and household names who will share their camping and caravanning knowledge, or culinary short cuts, so you can enjoy the great outdoors more. Leading brands such as Bailey, Elddis, Knaus, and Swift, plus many more will be displaying their latest products. If you are looking for that holiday with a difference, peruse the Glamping Village in conjunction with Visit Pembrokeshire or if you have a beloved canine friend, the Dog Agility Arena will return once again with even more doggy talent to enjoy with Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey. In Hall 1, the Woodland Trust will be hosting a woodland themed country park for families to get involved, and let your children become Nature Detectives for the day.
If you missed it the first time round, the Guinness World Record breaking life-sized LEGO brick caravan, featuring over 215,150 individual interlocking plastic LEGO bricks, will also be on display in Hall 2.?
Whether you are experienced or a newcomer, complimentary motorhome manoeuvring sessions are on offer to improve your skills and build your confidence, courtesy of The Caravan Club. For caravan owners or potential purchasers, Hyundai has joined together with the Camping and Caravanning Club to provide free towing lessons behind the wheel of the new Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe. Bring along a valid UK driving licence photo ID to participate and note for the towing experience you must be over the age of 25.?
A number of vast displays from Europe’s leading manufacturers of caravans and motorhomes will have the public contemplating their next purchase too. Bailey will be exhibiting its seven model Pegasus range including the spacious Ancona and the five-berth Palermo. Knaus is debuting the new generation Star Class range of caravans – with entry door on the left of the vehicle, perfect for UK roads. Coachman is back with the Vision 570, a luxury five-berth caravan and Swift will be promoting motorhome models, Rios and Boleros. In addition, Lunar will display the Landstar, an upmarket van conversion.
Furthermore, for the camper in you, Outdoor Revolution will be launching a new tent range including air framed products that inflate in just three minutes and deflate in less than five. Trigano Trailer Tents is launching three updated models; Alpha, Galleon and Odyssee and the Vango range of tents includes three new models. Quest Leisure will launch its new Performance Range, a collection of awnings with Advanced Air System (AAS); the world’s only system with single and multi-inflation all-in-one.
Thetford Locks will also be on hand to show off its latest development – a service door with a lock and magnetic knob to make emptying your vehicle waste easy and E+P Hydraulics return with the next generation Compact Levelsystem for stress-free levelling. Moto-Trek will also be in attendance, showing off their new Personal Access Lift (PAL) easy access to your motorhome.?
If that’s not enough, we’re not quite sure what is. To grab your tickets for one of the best events this year, click here. And while you’re at it, check out the video below to get yourself in the mood for exploring all the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show has to offer.
