The Caravan Club launches brand new booking app for UK sites

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by Joe Jeffrey

New smart phone and tablet looks set to change the way in which caravanners book their holidays forever

The Caravan Club has unveiled a new app for those looking to book their next UK caravan or motorhome holiday with ease.

The Caravan Club UK Sites app is available for free now in the Apple App store or via Google Play and can be used on iPads, iPhones and a plethora of Android devices.

Using the app is so simple that even the less technically savvy members of CaravanTimes managed to test book their favourite sites with ease, and the new app from the UK’s largest touring organisation allows holidaymakers to search The Club’s 200 sites and 2,500 privately owned places to stay in the UK, based on ‘location’ ‘sort by price’ and specific ‘site name’ with all options available on one booking platform. 

Caravan, motorhome and trailer tent enthusiasts can also base their search on key facilities that are important to them, including dog-friendly sites, sites with Wi-Fi, those with leisure facilities, electric hook ups, disabled facilities, adults only, and so much more, including sites close to beaches, specific towns and villages, or even sites that are open year-round. App users can also track and amend their bookings at any time including when out touring the UK.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing for The Caravan Club commented: “We have designed the app based on the feedback and input from our network of one million members to ensure that each of the functions make searching for a caravan, motorhome and trailer tent holiday as simple, quick and easy as possible. We know that for many UK holidaymakers, taking your dog with you, disabled access and Wi-Fi at sites are some of the most popular requirements and in response to this, we have developed an app that includes a wide range of easy to use functions based on these criteria.”

The Caravan Club’s director general, Nick Lomas, as well as The Club’s special guest, Matt Baker, also spoke about the new Caravan Club UK Sites app at its official launch at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016 earlier this week. Both were also on hand to put the app to the challenge in a head-to-head race to prove just how easy the app is to use, managing to book a pitch in just 90 seconds. To find out what both Lomas and Baker had to say, and to see who won in the race to book their favourite Caravan Club site, check out the video above.
 

The Caravan Club announces Birmingham as the ‘caravan capital’ of the UK in new video

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Caravan Club highlights the importance of the West Midlands to the leisure industry at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016

Birmingham has been crowned ‘caravan capital’ of the UK following on from research conducted by The Caravan Club which has revealed the West Midlands has more caravans and motorhomes per head of population than anywhere else in Britain.

The news, which coincides with The Caravan Club’s presence at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at Birmingham’s NEC, will come as no surprise to many caravanners and motorhomers in attendance at the show taking place now until 28 February.

Of the most popular places to visit within the West Midlands, many choose to head to the nostalgic north-west seaside town of Southport which is the most popular destination in the UK for caravanners, according to the research conducted by The Club.

Southport, famous for its 22-mile-long coastline and its historic pier, leads the list of Top 5 most popular caravan destinations in the UK, and is in good company with tourist hotspots York, Bristol, Bakewell and Castleton, both in Derbyshire, also among the leading lights.

Caravanners are renowned as the happiest of holidaymakers because of the number of holidays they take every year.  And it means that Southport is almost certain to be among the happiest places in the UK come summer.

Research carried out by The Caravan Club also found that 30 per cent of caravanners spend between 40 to 70 nights away in their caravan every year, with the community spending a massive £400M off-site in local tourism economies annually.

The research also showed that one in five caravan holidays in the UK involves children and more than one in every three caravan holidays (36 per cent) involves the family pet.

Importantly, once bitten by the bug, caravanners claim the cost is more than balanced by how much they save in the long term over the price of non-caravan holidays.  

The lifespan of a caravan is around 20 years with the average cost being £6-14k (includes both new and second-hand caravans).  Compare this to the cost of a package holiday for a UK family of four taking a two-week break abroad which has an average cost of around £4,792 according to experts – and these figures highlight how (even at the top end of the scale) caravanners get a far better deal, with a potential £80k saving over the lifetime of the caravan.

Consequently, The Caravan Club has also reported an overall 14 per cent increase in bookings year-on-year, demonstrating that UK holidays show no sign of waning when compared to European and long-haul sunshine getaways.

In 2015, almost one in every three UK holidays involved a caravan. Some 32 per cent of Great British holiday nights were spent caravanning or camping last year, according to The Caravan Club data.

And even the famously inclement UK weather doesn’t put caravanners off – in fact, 40 per cent claim to actually enjoy the unpredictability of the British weather.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing atThe Caravan Club, said: “We all know how great it is to be outside enjoying the UK countryside and coastline during the spring and summer months and it’s encouraging to see our members continuing to champion the staycation in 2016.

“There is no better getaway, than arriving at a little known campsite and discovering a hidden gem. The fresh air and beautiful surroundings mean that this type of holiday can be the most rewarding for many people in this country.”

Check out what else Harvey had to say in the video above.

Matt Baker welcomes visitors to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show courtesy of The Caravan Club

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by Joe Jeffrey

BBC celebrity Matt Baker makes sure The Caravan Club’s Club Day gets off to a flying start

The Caravan Club and celebrity Matt Baker have welcomed visitors to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Keen outdoors enthusiast, Baker, took to The Caravan Club‘s main stage to welcome guests on the The Club’s official Club Day, speaking on his love for the great outdoors and passion for everything holidaying within the UK has to offer.

On his relationship with The Caravan Club and the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, taking place now until 28 February, presenter of BBC’s The One Show and Countryfile, Baker, told a massive crowd gathered at The Caravan Club stand: “I love to come to places like this and meet all of you, and I find it incredibly inspiring, especially at this time of year when the year’s about to kick off and you’re planning all of your adventures and what you’re about to do. There’s a real buzz in the room at this time of year so, for me, it’s great to be here and to sense all of that excitement.

“I grew up in a world for me that was just full of adventure, and I could wander as far as I wanted to, climb anything, and I had a real practical upbringing,” Baker continued. “And so, for me, this show and The Caravan Club, and the ethos of trying to give a kind of protected environment that you all have with your caravans and your motorhomes or whatever it is and going out into that adventurous world, exploring the world around us really is something that I feel very very strongly about.”

Don’t worry if you missed meeting Matt Baker on The Caravan Club’s Club Day though. There’s still plenty to do and see on The Caravan Club stand and the Club will be on hand for the duration of the show to welcome visitors as always.

Make sure you check out the video above to see what else Matt had to say about his love for the great outdoors, and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Somerset caravan park’s canine 999 courses for dog lovers

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by Joe Jeffrey

Doggy first-aid course first of its kind at Old Oaks holiday park

A Fido-friendly holiday park highlighted in the media for being one of the most dog-friendly holiday parks in the UK is offering to turn owners into pooch paramedics if a medical emergency arises with a series of one-day canine first aid courses designed to equip owners with the skills to deal with doggy emergencies.

Old Oaks Touring Park, in Glastonbury, Somerset, has enlisted the help of professional pet care specialists to teach course participants how to respond in a range of emergencies dogs may encounter from insect stings and fight bites to drowning, heat stroke and swallowing a ball.

The park, which caters for dogs just as much as their human counterparts with various amenities including special hot water doggy showers, as well as free-range walking options thanks to a large securely-fenced exercise field with views across to the Mendips, has also teamed up with a local dog walking business which will take the lead when owners wish to venture out alone.

Dogs even have their own parking lot at the park: a safe area where they can be tethered outside the shower buildings while master or mistress go about their business inside.

However, it’s not just dogs which get the red carpet treatment at ten-acre park, for the Old Oaks has also been praised by botanist David Bellamy for its protection of wildlife.

The park, which lies just behind Glastonbury’s world-famous tor, was this year presented once again with Professor Bellamy’s Conservation Award at its top gold level.

Its initiatives include a butterfly walk planted with high nectar-bearing flowers, and a half-acre fishing lake which is a magnet for wildfowl, kingfishers, and dragonflies.

Husband-and-wife management team, James and Tara White, run the Old Oaks Touring Park which has been in the same family’s ownership for over 30 years.

According to Tara, the park – a member of the Best of British group – has always extended a warm welcome to visitors’ dogs, and says there is already strong interest in the canine first aid courses:

“We have long been popular with responsible pet owners, so it’s perhaps not surprising that many are keen to know how to respond if an emergency does arise.

“Possessing the skills to save a dog’s life are obviously valuable – but so is having the confidence to use them, and that’s also what this course will aim to provide,” added Tara.

We’re sure some people might consider this brand new initiative a bit barking mad, but we’re definitely up for seeing more of these schemes roll out across the country considering how many caravanners have dogs. What do you think?

Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2016 opens with a bang

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by Joe Jeffrey

Star-studded line-up opens NEC show, set to prove more popular with fans of the great outdoors than ever before

The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show opened its doors at the Birmingham NEC yesterday with a whole host of celebrities, including Chris Packham, Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury, on hand to start things off with a bang. The trio were joined by thousands of outdoor enthusiasts for the first day of the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, which takes place until 28 February 2016.

A guest of Camping in the Forest, leading wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham introduced the show to visitors in the Discovery Theatre alongside TV star and Caravan Club guest Matt Baker, who together gave an inspiring talk about their love for the great outdoors. Julia Bradbury, TV presenter and president of the Camping and Caravanning Club, also joined them and spoke of her passion for the British countryside and the camping and caravanning industry.

“The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show really encapsulates the love we all have for the great outdoors, and it’s brilliant to be at a show like this,” said Bradbury. “It’s great to be chatting to people about what they love and their favourite camping and caravanning experiences. When we are all in it together like this, it’s great!”

Exhibitors from all corners of the industry presented their latest products and services to eager campers, caravanners and motorhomers, including ABI, Bailey, Coachman, Elddis, Lunar, Swift and Trigano, to name but a few.

Yesterday’s highlights included the unveiling of the anticipated new Knaus Sun i on display at the Lowdhams Stand. Adria showed its new Compact SLS motorhome, Coachman displayed the latest addition to its caravan range, the Pastiche 470, while Vango pitched up its new Rivendale and Rhapsody tent models.

Andy Vaughan, managing director at NCC Events, said: “It has been a great opening day. It was buzzing in the halls and the stands looked amazing, so we are very, very pleased. The show represents the leisure vehicle industry with all the latest caravans, motorhomes and campervans under one roof. There are around 350 exhibitors, spanning five halls, so if you can get in here, look around and spend the time, you’ll come away with a really good understanding of the industry, starting from great value to ultimate luxury.”

Tickets for the show, which runs until 28 February 2016 at the Birmingham NEC, are still on sale here now, with the rest of the week offering lots to see and do. Celebrity guests at the show include Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins, gardener David Domoney, adventurers Sean Conway and Andy Torbet, and celebrity chefs Aldo Zilli, Glynn Purnell, and Ed Baines.

And there is fun for all the family in the Dog Agility Arena with Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey, a Guinness World Record LEGO brick caravan and new this year, the Glamping Village, brought to you by ‘Visit Pembrokeshire’, where you can plan that next luxury camping weekend away. There is also a themed country park supported by the Woodland Trust, with an opportunity for children to become Nature Detectives, along with free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring lessons.

Lunar returns to coachbuilt motorhome production

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by Joe Jeffrey

Three new motorhome models and one new entry model set to be unveiled at Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016

Lunar is set to make a welcome return to the coachbuilt motorhome market with the release of three new motorhome models and one new entry level model under it’s Venus brand.

All models will be on display for the first time from tomorrow (23 February) until 28 February at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016, taking place at the Birmingham NEC.

Lunar‘s new Selena range has been influenced by the company’s recent development with a significant European partner and an exciting business collaboration has been established.   

Lunar’s British based design team has worked closely with their European partners to produce a new range that blends the company’s renowned high standards of quality build and specification with coveted European design flair.

The Selena range consists of three models; the six berth 690B with twin bunks, the four berth 695G with twin singles and a large garage, and the four berth 740i with an island bed and mid washroom.

Based on the tried and trusted 130 Peugeot chassis (3.5T), the new range is equipped to ensure both the driver and passengers enjoy a comfortable journey to and from their destination as well as throughout their holiday.

Standard cab specification includes air conditioning, cruise control, ESP, hill start, swivel and height adjustable seats, electric heated door mirrors and DAB radio.

The innovative arch-shaped exterior also features painted bumpers and exclusively styled Selena decals, offering an aerodynamic look and feel.

Meanwhile, inside the living area, all models include luxurious upholstery, attractive gloss finish locker doors and a well-equipped kitchen featuring a Smev oven, 3-burner hob and a 149L fridge. Washrooms are spacious with a domestic style shower.  When it is time to call it a night, the 695G and the 740i feature an electric drop down bed.

The fourth new model to be revealed at the NEC Show will be the Venus 590HL.  This entry-level motorhome is the first to be offered by the brand and is aimed at newcomers, as well as those looking for a best-value-for-money coachbuilt.

The four berth 590HL offers a massive 6’ 6″ of internal headroom inside a smart living area.  It is equipped with stylish upholstery, cream gloss finished locker doors, a kitchen with 3-burner hob, Smev oven and 149L fridge, and an innovative wet room style washroom.

Prices for the Selena range start at £43,995 and the Venus 590HL is priced at £35,999.

Knaus to release new StarClass models in UK this month

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by Joe Jeffrey

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.

Introducing the all-new Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

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.

Introducing the Marquis Leisure Benimar range

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by Joe Jeffrey

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.

Personalising Peugeot’s coachbuilt range from Auto-Sleepers

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by Joe Jeffrey

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.

Swift to offer free upgrade to Alde heating on caravans

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by Joe Jeffrey

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.

To take full advantage of the offer, exclusively from Swift, find your nearest Swift dealer here, or get your tickets to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show by clicking here.

Caravan, motorhome and holiday home sales up ten per cent on last year

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by Joe Jeffrey

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.

Tickets for the show, supported by The Caravan Club
and The Camping & Caravanning Club, are available here now.