Dan Cartwright’s leisure vehicle bucket list

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Being a part of the CaravanTimes team as a leisure vehicle journalist has afforded me some amazing experiences that I’m incredibly grateful for.

I’m acutely conscious of how privileged I am to be a judge for numerous Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) staples, like the Towcar of the Year and Caravan Design Awards. On the job, I’ve travelled to far-flung destinations, tested the latest and greatest leisure vehicles and been on international tours. Don’t get me wrong – I know I’m a very lucky man.

But just like you, I have dreams. Unlike many people though, my dreams involve Arctic trailers and smashing land speed records. If you have any leisure vehicle bucket list items, I’d love to hear them.

But for now, here are four things I’d love to achieve. Some are more realistic than others and people may doubt me, but you can’t stop a man from dreaming.

1. Self-convert an Arctic trailer

Honestly, I’d just love to see the space available and what you could do with it. I think it would be heavenly to spend a year in my garden with the tools, just making it exactly how I want it to be.

I don’t know if I could afford the towcar, which would probably need to be an articulated lorry. But I could afford the trailer, so that’s a start. Although, I’m unsure if many campsites would let me in.

2. Beat the land speed towing record

This currently stands at 140 mph and is owned by an American, which to me, feels wrong. Additionally, that speed feels tantalisingly possible. Of course, this would require a lot of preparation and an appropriate runway, but with modern EVs, I think it’s becoming more realistic.

My understanding is that you’re not allowed to modify the caravan in any way and you must drive a production towcar. But, to bring a land speed record back to the UK would be a dream for me and the wider leisure vehicle industry.

3. Tour Europe all summer long

I want to spend an entire summer holiday touring Europe with the family. We’d use the CAMC site network to take advantage of places with expansive swimming pools and huge slides. Hopefully, there’ll be something for the kids too.

My children are five and seven years old, so realistically, I’ve only got about eight years left to achieve this bucket list item. In theory, it seems quite reasonable, but taking six weeks off from work suddenly makes breaking the land speed towing record seem easier.

4. Pass down my T25

I intend to keep my 1982 Volkswagen T25 in working order so that I can pass it down to my daughter as her first vehicle.

Whilst it doesn’t have airbags, it can only do about 40 mph anyway, so I always feel safe. Also, she’ll have to learn how to fix it, which is a very smart way of ensuring she’ll visit her parents regularly, as I’ll inevitably have to do it myself.

Having translated this from a thought in my head to an article on CaravanTimes, I realise that some of these are certainly more achievable than others, but that’s what a bucket list is for!

Photo credit: derwiki / Pixabay

The best autumnal walking trails in the UK

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With more than 60 million views under the #hikinglife hashtag on TikTok and a 200 per cent increase in searches for the term ‘hiking holidays UK’ in the past 90 days, there’s no doubt that Brits want to make the most of the season by lacing up their walking boots and hitting the trails.

Hiking often goes hand-in-hand with caravan and motorhome holidays. There’s nothing quite like taking in the great outdoors in all of its glory. With that in mind, the experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have highlighted some of the best autumn walks, with a mix of those more suited to the #softhiking group and some highly challenging trails.

Sarah Pring, PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “Britain has fantastic walks at every corner, that suit a range of needs and abilities. We wanted to create a helpful tool where people can enter a postcode and see all nearby walks to their holiday accommodation.”

To use the interactive map, simply head over to the website and enter your postcode to see trails near you, with the option to filter based on distance, difficulty and other factors.

1. Heddon Valley, Devon

From the wooded valley to rocky beaches, this trail’s diverse landscape makes it a perfect walk for an autumn day. On the easier side of the scale, this two-mile stretch is ideal for beginners, or for more experienced walkers looking for a casual stroll.

2. Tintern Abbey and Devil’s Pulpit, Wye Valley

This moderately difficult, 7.5-mile path takes visitors through the breathtaking ruins of the 12th-century Cistercian abbey. When the leaves scatter throughout the grounds, it makes for a superb sight for experienced hikers, or beginners looking to push themselves a bit further.

3. Beatrix Potter Walk, Lake District

For fans of literature as well as hiking, a stroll around Windermere and the villages of Near and Far Sawrey and Hawkshead will transport you into the world of Beatrix Potter.

At 13 miles, this walk is ideal for those who would like a challenging hike on a brisk autumn day, while learning more about the history of one of Britain’s most celebrated authors.

4. Blakeney Freshes, Norfolk

Set against views of the stunning Norfolk Coast Path, this is a straightforward, three-mile walk with stunning scenery across the sea, marshes and Blakeney National Nature Reserve.

Bird lovers might be particularly interested in this one, with an abundance of wildlife waiting to be spotted. On a cold autumn morning, you’ll notice the mist rising and some lucky hikers will see the golden plovers.

5. Corfe Castle, Dorset

The National Trust’s Corfe Castle is one of the UK’s most iconic remnants of the English Civil War and makes the list of Britain’s most photographed sites. The beauty of walking here is that your route can be adjusted to suit however long or short you’d like it to be. 

For a longer stroll, head from Corfe Castle Square up to Kimmeridge Bay on the South West Coast Path. If a shorter hike is what you’re after, you can simply walk around the village and up to the castle.

Photo credit: Tatiana Syrikova / Pexels

Escape the crowds with these alternative Spanish attractions

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As the UK transitions into autumn, it can be tempting to head abroad in your caravan or motorhome looking for warmer temperatures. Spain, especially the south, is a good bet for some late sunshine, as well as plenty of fascinating attractions to discover.

Many of Spain’s cities have campsites within close proximity, meaning you can pitch up then head into the likes of Seville or Barcelona to explore. Even after the busy summer months, many of the headline sights can feel overcrowded, so it’s worth making your way to some alternatives instead.

With this in mind, Spain-Holiday and Holidu have put together a list of attractions to swap in for some of the more famous ones. So, forget the Sagrada Familia and the Alhambra and check these out on your next touring trip to Spain.

Swap Paseo del Prado for El Escorial

Madrid’s Paseo del Prado is an iconic promenade lined with historic buildings and museums. It’s been an important thoroughfare in the Spanish capital since the 16th century and as such has been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO.

Instead of facing the crowds on the Paseo, head to El Escorial just outside of Madrid. This monastery and accompanying gardens are just as impressive as the city centre attraction. Explore the chapel and library, as well as the green space that once grew vegetables for the monks, but now is an expansive botanical garden.

Skip the Sagrada Familia in favour of Palau de la Musica Catalana

Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, has become synonymous with a trip to Barcelona and received nearly four million visitors last year. Its enduring allure may in part be due to the fact that on each visit tourists can see the progress that’s been made towards its expected completion in 2026.

Just as spectacular in terms of architecture but often overlooked is the Palau de la Musica Catalana. Lluis Domenech i Montaner’s art nouveau masterpiece features world-class stained glass and is open for both guided tours and musical performances.

Pass up the Alhambra for Medina Azahara

The high demand for tickets to the Alhambra and the need to book in advance are testament to the popularity of Granada’s hilltop Moorish palace. Its decorative arches and elaborate tilework have become iconic, while meandering around the formal gardens is an intrinsic part of the Alhambra experience.

Why settle for a Moorish palace when you could explore an entire city? Pack up the caravan or motorhome and head for Medina Azahara, just outside of Cordoba. Dating back to the 10th century and with a stunning backdrop of the Sierra Morena mountain range, the ruined city is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Replace Cathedral de Santa Maria de la Sede with Archivo de Indios

Seville makes up the third corner of Andalucia’s Golden Triangle, along with Granada and Cordoba, so a road trip between the trio is popular. Also appealing is the city’s gothic cathedral with its towering Giralda bell tower, which when scaled, offers unparalleled views of Seville and beyond.

Skip the queue at the Giralda and spend a day at the Archivo de Indios instead. Here you’ll find renaissance architecture, as well as historic tapestries, artefacts and documents telling the story of Spain’s exploits across the world.

 

Photo credit: Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie via Flickr

TCOY results and what it’s like towing with a £250,000 Bentley

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Once again, I’ve been given the huge privilege of being a judge at the Towcar of the Year (TCOY) Awards. 

This is vital for learning about the latest vehicles, as you can’t test how a car tows without towing something and you can’t take your caravan to a dealership and see how different towcars perform.

Each year, there is significant variation between the best and the worst. Other than previous category winners, predicting which models will come out on top is incredibly difficult.

You can view the full list of winners at the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) TCOY awards here, whilst the announcement video can be viewed below.

Rather than list each winner in every category – which you could easily view on the CAMC website or in the video – I’d rather share some of my thoughts on this year’s awards. So, here are some of my top points from being a specialist driving judge for five days of testing.

The overall winner was the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Platinum Edition

The Porsche Cayenne has won its category every time it’s entered in the last two years. This includes different engine configurations – both pure internal combustion and hybrid. It’s a fantastic towcar and, it feels strange to say as a man from Doncaster, but I feel very uneasy about saying you should go and buy a Porsche.

The Porsche Cayenne

 

However, it really is that good. I think the association with the Porsche badge has potentially held it back from being the overall winner in previous years, where the panel had its reservations about telling people the best towcar is a luxury sports vehicle. Frankly, it is.

I can’t believe I’m making a practical case for the Porsche, but have a look at the price difference between a Cayenne, Landrover Discovery, Audi Q9 and Volvo V60. Even new, it’s minimal.

Compared to the competition, the Cayenne is priced very reasonably in the new market. Even better, they make a fantastic second-hand purchase. You can pick up a 2009 or 2010 model, with a full service history, for around £5,000 to £7,000.

So… yeah. I can’t really believe it, but the Porsche is a brilliant choice, practical and a very, very good towcar. It’s a lot of fun to drive without a caravan too!

What was it like to tow in a Bentley Bentayga?

There’s no way I wasn’t going to talk about this! To tell you the truth, towing with the Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase was fantastic. Not everybody has a quarter of a million pounds lying around for their next towcar, but if you do, you won’t be disappointed.

The Bentayga in action

 

While the Bentayga is obviously designed to carry rear passengers in not just comfort, but abject luxury, with a champagne fridge and matching glasses, the driving experience is phenomenal.

It has an amazing throttle response, an engine that sounds like a 1980s Formula 1 car and an incredible level of stability, even at high speeds. No matter how close a lorry comes alongside the Bentayga, you won’t even notice. Much like the Porsche, it’s very fun when not towing as well!

The judges’ award

This year, we introduced a judges’ award category. The winner was well-deserved and a vehicle that didn’t win its own weight class – the Ford Puma ST-Line 1.0 Mhev 155ps 6-speed manual.

With the Bailey Discovery in tow, the Puma was an absolute joy. In a world of huge SUVs, diesel big blocks and pure electric outputs, we never thought a one-litre, mid-range Ford would be such a capable and pleasurable drive, but it really was.

The Puma towing

 

In its class, it was up against the all-electric VW ID. Buzz, which is weighted to tow a small caravan and, as you’d guess, coped incredibly well. However, the Ford truly deserved a mention and, being a car that anyone could have on their drive, we were all very impressed.

So, if you own a Puma and haven’t towed with it before, go out and have some fun.

Power source developments

Over the last few years, we’ve seen pure electric and hybrid vehicles become more and more prevalent in the TCOY awards. What’s really pleasing is they’re now entering heavier weight categories.

For example, the second-heaviest category (1,500kg to 1,700kg) was won by the Polestar 2.

Of all the winners this year, we saw an even match when it came to power sources, with four internal combustion, four pure electric and three hybrid vehicles. 

To me, this says EVs are really taking the caravan market seriously. I’ve written previously about what makes them so good and, aside from range issues, the electric towcars that won this year really do stand out as luxurious, practical and comfortable.

Pick-up trucks

Pick-ups are very close to my heart, having used them a lot over the years. Recently, the TCOY winner in this category has always been the VW Amarok, which is a very nice truck and a great towcar.

This year, however, it was pipped by the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak. These are incredibly popular on UK roads and the 2023 model is an extremely capable towcar. Most importantly, it was really nice to see some variation in the category.

The Ford Ranger

 

Full disclosure: I own a 2022 Ranger. Unfortunately, it’s the two-litre bi-turbo model, which was the only one available when I bought it. This is a much less capable towcar.

My recommendation for anyone looking to purchase a Ranger is to go for either an older 3.6-litre or the newer three-litre.

One other worthy winner, in my opinion, was the Nissan ARIYA 87kWh Evolve e-4ORCE. This shocked all of the judges, not only for its towing ability, but also because of its beautiful interior.

The towcar has a very well-put-together feel about it, with an amazing power train to boot. If you’re in the market for an EV, Nissan was previously doing well with its Leaf, but may well have surpassed expectations with its new ARIYA.

Photo credit: Caravan and Motorhome Club

How to steer clear of hefty caravan fines

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Caravan holidays have soared in popularity in the UK since the pandemic, with no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Brits enjoyed 3.7 million caravan holidays in 2019, a number which rose to 4.3 million in 2022. Recent data suggests that by now, almost a quarter of the UK’s adult population has been on a staycation.

Although most of us would agree that summer is the ideal time to get away, the autumn months offer lower costs and a wider range of options. So, if you’re looking to steer clear of crowded campsites and heavy traffic, a September or October adventure should be on the cards.

With that in mind, Russell Ferreira, towing expert and owner of Diamond Trailers, has summed up the possible fines and penalty points you could accumulate when towing a caravan, as well as how to avoid them.

Overloading

One of the most common reasons caravanners are hit with fines is overloading. Every vehicle has a maximum weight limit and exceeding it can lead you to trouble, both financially and for safety reasons.

Overloading fines vary depending on the extent to which you have surpassed the caravan’s limit, but you could face a penalty of up to £300 for minor violations. So, make sure to check the weight, as well as its distribution, before you set off.

Speeding

Speeding while towing a caravan is another offence that you could accidentally commit, as the legal limit is lower than it is for cars. On motorways, you must not exceed 60 mph, whilst on single-carriageway roads it’s 50 mph.

Getting caught speeding could land you a fine of up to £1,000. Familiarise yourself with speed limits whilst towing and always stick to them when you’re heading on a caravan holiday.

Overtaking

Caravan drivers should always be aware of overtaking restrictions. If you attempt to pass another vehicle by travelling across a solid white line, you could end up with a fine of up to £1,000 and penalty points on your licence.

The combined length of a caravan and towcar means that if you are in a position to overtake legally, you must always exercise caution and patience, as it will likely take longer to pass than you think.

Incorrect number plates

Your caravan must display the same number plate as the towing vehicle. If not, you could be hit with a fine of up to £1,000. Ensure that your caravan complies with the regulations, which include the size, font and spacing of the characters.

Inadequate towing equipment

Towing a caravan without the proper equipment is not only dangerous to yourself and others, but also could leave you with a hefty penalty. Make sure your rig meets safety standards and is appropriate for the weight and size of your caravan, or you could find yourself paying up to £2,500 in fines.

Photo credit: Kampus Production / Pexels

Wet weather driving tips that could save lives

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The UK is braced for heavy rain and strong winds from this week, as Storm Agnes makes its way across from the Atlantic. Some areas of Britain are forecast to suffer from gusts as strong as 75 mph, whilst the majority of the country has been issued a Yellow Warning for wind.

Whether you’re towing in a car or driving a motorhome, cold and damp conditions require you to alter your habits on the road. Luckily, Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has highlighted some of the most important tips when it comes to driving in wet weather.

Demist your windows

Cleaning your windows can be tedious, especially if you need to be somewhere in a hurry. However, wet weather causes them to mist up, which can be hazardous to yourself and other drivers on the road.

To combat this, ensure your heater is set to blast warm air against the windscreen and remember to activate the demist button for your back windscreen. Your air conditioning system is a great help too, as it removes moisture from the interior of your vehicle.

Slow down at junctions

When the roads are slippery, it’s easier for your vehicle to skid. So, be gentle with your accelerator when pulling out of junctions or roundabouts, and allow for additional braking distance when slowing down.

Avoid the big coat

Alongside the wet weather, we’re also set to see a significant drop in temperatures soon. Of course, that means the winter jackets will be coming out of storage, but avoid wearing a puffy coat whilst behind the wheel.

A big, bulky jacket can impede your movements while driving. This is set out in the Highway Code, which states that you must ensure “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.”

Drive defensively

A turn in the weather should mean that every road user operates their vehicle with more caution. Well, we all know that isn’t the case, so at least ensure you’re playing your part.

If it’s pouring outside and rain is splashing up off the road, drive slower than you normally would and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

Turn your lights on

Rule 113 of the Highway Code states that you “must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced” and if you fail to do so, you could be looking at a fine of up to £1,000 as a result.

Additionally, when visibility is “seriously reduced” to 100 metres or less, it might be appropriate to switch on your fog lights. Avoid using these unless you find yourself in extreme weather, as they can dazzle other road users and create a hazard.

Photo credit: Sinitta Leunen / Pexels

Tour the best UK cities for book lovers this September

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There is a certain feeling associated with opening the pages of a new book. Whether fresh off the press or pre-loved and second-hand, we wouldn’t blame you for quickly finding yourself swept up in a world of fascinating stories and characters.

September is Read a New Book Month and represents the perfect chance to inspire a different type of adventure in your caravan or motorhome. While many owners will be familiar with cosying down in your leisure vehicle with a book on rainy days, we’re talking about exploring real-life literary destinations.

To mark the month, Aura Print has put together a list of the best cities for book lovers in the UK. So, get ready to wander in the footsteps of Jane Austen and JK Rowling, and discover bookshops to stock up on volumes for those autumn evenings in your caravan or motorhome that are on their way.

York

York took the top spot as the best UK city for book lovers, boasting the highest number of reading spots per 100,000 people among all cities analysed. Home to 20 libraries and 33 highly rated bookshops, check out Minster and King’s Manor Libraries, as well as Grimoire Bookshop and Fossgate Books.

Bath

It’s hard not to think of Jane Austen as you wander around the Regency architecture of Bath. In fact, the city hosts a festival dedicated to the author every September. Why not head to Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights and treat yourself to a new copy of Persuasion to enjoy in your caravan?!

Belfast

Take your leisure vehicle on the ferry across the Irish Sea to Belfast and discover its 18 libraries and 55 charming bookshops. Author CS Lewis was born in the city and the square bearing his name is full of sculptures from characters in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Getting up close to Aslan is an absolute must-do for fans.

Bristol

Bristol secured fourth place on the list, thanks to its treasure trove of independent and secondhand bookshops. In fact, there are 17.41 bookstores per 100,000 people who live in the city. Get your hands on Angela Carter’s Bristol Trilogy – Shadow Dance, Several Perceptions and Love – to enjoy while exploring the city and lookout for local landmarks like Cabot Tower, Bristol Museum and Arnolfini, which feature among their pages.

Edinburgh

The Scottish capital is awash with locations associated with literary figures. We’re looking at you JK Rowling and Sir Walter Scott, whose monument looms over the main shopping street. Not far from the reminder of the great novelist and poet is Topping & Company, a bookshop complete with 70,000 titles on its handmade shelves, accessed by rolling library ladders. Check the schedule of events before a visit for book signings, talks and book groups.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Thirdman

Tips for buying a second-hand campervan privately

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

If you’re looking to buy a second-hand campervan from a private seller, this article is for you. This week, I’m going to be talking through the trials and tribulations of picking up a camper directly from its previous owner, as well as everything you need to look out for.

But first, let’s consider two scenarios:

Scenario one

The first scenario involves Chris, who works in our office. 18 months ago, he bought a self-converted 2006 VW camper which he’d found on Facebook Marketplace. It had clocked 200,000 miles and he paid £16,000 for the vehicle.

Since then, it’s had a new intercooler, fan sensor, alternator, central locking system and immobiliser. Additionally, Chris has had to change the sliding door hinge mechanisms and seals, replace a handful of batteries and take care of a few more consumable parts and habitation issues on top of that.

Scenario two

In March this year, I picked up a 1982 VW T25. It’s bright green and those familiar with Vanny Adams will know it’s become an important part of the Cartwright family.

Initially purchased as a test vehicle, it’s been used daily on both long and short trips and has proven especially trustworthy on school runs, as well as other journeys to the coast and camping.

To be fair, I did take it straight for a major service upon buying it, which included all of the belts. But apart from needing a new tyre, there have been no issues at all.

Decisions to make before buying second-hand

This is a good time to clarify that I’m not talking about how much better I am at picking a second-hand campervan than Chris. There’s always a lot of luck involved. You can’t check out every aspect of the leisure vehicle before buying and sometimes consumable parts wear over time.

However, there are a few tips I can offer when it comes to selecting campervans to view, as well as some things you should inspect thoroughly when you see them.

Make, model and layout

Before you even open eBay, Autotrader, Facebook Marketplace or any other website that shows second-hand campervans for sale, take the time to decide what model you really want. Figure out if you want to have a pop top or high top and don’t compromise on the habitation layout. 

Essentially, consider the overall style you want and start to set a clear budget. There are lots of places to help with the valuation of a campervan, such as Parkers or Autotrader. This will be based on factors like mileage, the quality of the vehicle for its year of manufacture and, of course, the model.

Purpose-built or converted?

Now, it’s time to decide whether you want a campervan that was purpose-built, a professionally converted vehicle with work carried out by an accredited company, or a self-conversion.

This is a big decision to make. The first two options, on the whole, are less of a risk in the second-hand market. When it comes to self-conversions, however, you could open the door to plenty of issues.

Whilst somebody could be a fantastic carpenter, electrician, plumber or mechanic, successful self-conversions require an individual with experience. This means knowing the most specific and intricate details, like how every intercomponent part works in conjunction with the battery and electrics.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t look at self-conversions. Some people, of course, have the skills required to complete this kind of work. However, I’d highly recommend a purpose-built or professionally converted motorhome, as even the smallest of electrical issues can lead to massive, expensive repairs. Just ask Chris!

How to pick the right second-hand campervan

Now you’ve sorted out the preliminary decisions, it’s time to start the search for your private sale campervan. Keep your list of what is reasonable to you close at all times and stick to your choices. Most importantly, don’t be distracted by something just because it’s cheaper, or has a fancy paint job.

When looking at listings, particularly on sites like Facebook Marketplace, make sure any vehicles that pique your interest are priced closely in line with the actual value. If a camper is too cheap, or too expensive, don’t pursue it.

Take your time and visit a few options. Most models are abundant, so go and view some at the top and bottom of your price bracket. Remember not to panic and think you have to buy one immediately after viewing it.

By viewing several campervans, you’ll start to understand what the differences are between various motorhomes in your price range. Something that I’d always pay for is a full service history from a reputable dealership, which you should scrutinise to see what has been done at each level. This will tell you how well-maintained the campervan is and if things have been replaced before breaking, that’s a very positive sign.

When it comes to any second-hand marketplace, take the time to communicate with a seller before going to see a vehicle. A lot of the time, listings don’t tell the full truth and if you need to spend half a day driving to a van you’re interested in, it’s best to be sure it’s the real deal. 

If there aren’t enough images, ask for more. Make any enquiries you want, from how the seat mechanisms work to where the fridge is, if you can’t identify this from the pictures. For professional conversions, ask about who did the work, then check out what models they have, if they’re still in business and whether or not you can get information about all the components through the handbook.

The checks you need to make before buying

When you’re viewing a campervan for the first time, do the same things you’d do for any other vehicle. 

First, make sure it isn’t already warmed up before you start it. If the engine is already warm, walk away and try to return another day at short notice to see how it starts from cold.

Ask the seller to take you for a longer runout, then make sure you do a little bit of driving yourself. This will help you to clearly understand how the leisure vehicle runs.

Habitation checks

Having already decided on the type of layout you want, the habitation area is where you should get very touchy-feely. Open and close every locker, slide the seats and move all of the mechanisms. 

Basically, try out anything that moves to ensure that each component is in working order. These things can all break and some of them are a pain to fix. This means it’s best to physically see the gas running, too. It’s no good saying “we don’t have a gas bottle” – bring your own, rig it up, test it out.

Damp testers cost around £20 and that’s money well spent if you’re viewing leisure vehicles with the intention of buying. It’s unlikely that you’ll actually have damp or rot in a conversion, but still check and especially focus on the flooring, which is often plywood, as this can become rotten.

I’d recommend a good 45 minutes to an hour in the habitation area trying out everything you can think of. If anything is broken, you need to know what it is and how to fix it before you pay for the campervan.

Aesthetics

My wife and I often go back and forth over this one and the only way to get around it is to quantify it. How much are aesthetic factors such as the colour, alloys or ‘go faster’ stripes worth to you?

This is coming from a man who drives a bright green T25 (that the wife loves!). You need to place a value on these aspects and, perhaps most importantly, don’t compromise on the habitation, service or anything else just because a motorhome looks beautiful.

The functionality needs to be taken care of first and that often means waiting longer or paying a little more to get those desirable elements on top, but the wait will be worth it.

Service your new campervan

Finally, once you’ve decided to purchase a leisure vehicle, I’d always budget an additional £500 for an immediate major service. Even if it’s recently had one, it’s ideal for your own peace of mind when spending thousands of pounds.

So, drive it directly from wherever you’ve picked it up to a reputable dealership or garage and book it in for a major belt, filters, oil and fluids service. At least if anything goes wrong after that, you know you’ve done everything you can and it’s just a case of bad luck.

Photo credit: Ricky Esquivel / Pexels

Budget-friendly UK cities for your next touring holiday

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Plenty of Brits have felt the squeeze of the ongoing cost of living crisis. Consequently, holiday budgets have been revised and reduced, with lots of us switching flights abroad for a staycation in the UK.

Despite this, high inflation means that even a short break at home can become expensive. Luckily, the experts at Savoo have researched the most affordable, must-visit cities for a UK city break.

Those planning an autumn touring holiday who aren’t sure on a destination should look no further for inspiration. With cities across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland featuring, there’s certainly something for everyone.

For each city, this list factors in the number of free attractions, the average cost of a coffee and meal, the price to park your vehicle for a day and even how ‘Instagrammable’ it is – or in other words, how many hashtags it’s garnered on the platform.

The UK’s most affordable city staycations

Coming in first place is the hometown of The Beatles – Liverpool. The city topped the chart based on its plethora of museums and art galleries, making up a whopping 100 total free attractions.

While this is less than second-place London’s 186 free attractions, the Merseyside city’s average parking cost of £9.66 is a lot more appealing than in the capital, where dropping your leisure vehicle off for the day could set you back £51.39 on average.

Taking the bronze medal is Derry and, if parking is your biggest concern, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s no charge here! Northern Ireland’s only fully intact historic walled city is small and walkable, packed with things to see and do that don’t require you to splash the cash.

Notable additions to the top ten list include Wells, Nottingham, Stirling and Manchester, with the latter boasting over 18 million Instagram hashtags – the second highest of all studied, making it a top destination for tourists looking to take some great pictures.

Read on for the full list of the UK’s most affordable city staycations.

City Number of free attractions Cost of a coffee Average cost of a meal Cost to park your car (daily) Number of accommodation options £100 and under Number of Instagram hashtags
Liverpool 100 £2.88 £15.00 £9.66 97 16,463,627
London 186 £3.47 £20.00 £51.39 102 158,467,876
Derry 11 £2.32 £10.13 £0.00 5 516,981
Wells 47 £3.00 £10.00 £4.14 34 351,068
Nottingham 95 £3.13 £12.00 £12.99 35 3,791,319
Stirling 56 £2.75 £12.00 £3.84 3 580,346
Durham 80 £2.75 £13.50 £9.42 11 3,116,201
Stratford-upon-Avon 73 £2.75 £13.50 £13.25 8 452,827
York 34 £2.92 £14.00 £22.19 55 4,978,588
Manchester 53 £3.24 £15.00 £28.72 70 18,361,398

 

Image credit: Miroslav / Pexels

Easy entries to the leisure vehicle world

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Every year, as the evenings grow darker and the temperature cools down, there’s an influx of people looking to sell their leisure vehicles, rather than keep them over the off-season. However, for some, this poses a perfect opportunity to pick up a bargain.

This week in the Cartwright Chronicle, I’m going to be talking about exactly that and showing you some of the best deals I’ve spotted on the market right now. These listings represent fantastic entry points for those looking to pick up their first leisure vehicle, but also great value for more seasoned readers hoping to add something new to their collection.

So, without further ado, let’s go bargain-hunting!

Camping: Jamet trailer tent, £250

At this price, it’ll pay for itself in just two or three nights of camping. Jamet trailer tents are an absolute joy with huge amounts of space, giving you that authentic camping experience without compromising on room to move around.

The best thing of all is that a trailer tent leaves the back of your car available as a space for all of your camping paraphernalia, from bikes and skateboards to clothes, coolers and anything else you might need.

This Jamet tent also comes with a detachable kitchen area, which is incredibly handy and, again, saves precious boot space. Between us, I’m actually trying to convince my wife on one of these at the moment.

Campervans

Next, let’s take a look at a couple of campervan options. Before that, a word to the wise – I’d personally steer well clear of self-converted models. There are lots of them around and, although some are incredible, many are very risky unless you know exactly what you’re looking for. For the most part, it’s safer to just go with either a professionally converted campervan, or a production model.

VW T28, less than £5,000

Everyone loves these, right? This VW T28 has a pop top, it’s great for the family and comes with additional sleeping areas. It looks professionally converted, although it doesn’t say who did the work. 

Either way, this certainly isn’t a DIY job. With everything you’d expect from a great campervan, including electric hookup and a side dinette, this listing looks fantastic, with plenty of pictures and a detailed description.

Autosleeper Duetto, £6,700

This one is a high-top van conversion, so you’ll be getting a proper seating area, separate from the driving and travel seats, as well as an inside toilet/bathroom. 

Being an Autosleeper, you can expect that classic, practical layout, with great build quality to boot. You’ll have a full three or four-burner hob, a separate oven and grill, a large fridge and I think it may even have an additional roof sleeping compartment.

Motorhome: Autotrail Scout, £5,600

This is a beauty! The Autotrail Scout in question is as high spec as it could have possibly been in 2007, with only 57,000 miles on the clock and an asking price of £5,600.

This motorhome looks like it’s been lived in and loved, with a great family layout including the bed above the cabin. There’s optional leather habitation seating inside and, a little favourite of mine, this is the model built on the Mercedes chassis and engine configuration. So, at 57,000 miles, it’s barely got going. What a bargain!

Caravan: Bailey Pageant, £4,000

You can, of course, pick up caravans for much less than this Bailey Pageant. However, I wanted to highlight it because it boasts my favourite layout – the double lounge (front and back), with all of the service aspects situated in the middle.

It’s a fairly large caravan, with plenty of space for everyone to sit comfortably and those two beds that make up either side are very large, perfect if you’re particularly long like myself.

Considering the cost of a new caravan of this size and structure, this listing is a very good deal and a fantastic entry point to caravanning. Plus, unlike vehicles that have an engine, there’s much less that could go wrong!

Towcar: Porsche Cayenne, less than £5,000

If you’ve picked up a trailer tent or a caravan, you’re going to need a towcar as well and this is one of my all-time favourites. This 2011 Porsche Cayenne is a car I’ve tested many, many times throughout my years as a Towcar of the Year judge for the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Having driven quite a few different Cayennes, I can safely say they make incredible towcars. The combination of power, torque and stability is just beautiful. The Porsche always wins its category, if not the full award. In fact, most years, it’s hard to find another winner – it’s that good!

Buyer beware

Please note that I haven’t checked out any of these listings in person. I simply wanted to give some examples of what’s out there right now.

So, don’t go and buy one, then blame me if it breaks! But on a serious note, do be very careful. I’ve used Facebook Marketplace to find these, but check out other sources, from eBay to your local newspaper. 

The proliferation of second-hand selling websites means that scams are now more common. I’ve been there myself, but if something looks too good to be true, seriously consider the fact that it might be.

Here’s one potential scam that caught my attention whilst compiling this article. Let us know if you agree!

Photo credit: Kampus Production / Pexels

The UK’s most famous abandoned buildings

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Exploring the charm and beauty of the UK is often overlooked in favour of cheap flights abroad. We may live on a relatively tiny island, but it’s full of charm, adventure and abandoned buildings. Wait, what?

You read that right the first time. Britain has its fair share of long-lived, time-honoured structures. They are diverse in architecture, full of history and make for a fun day of exploring on your next caravan or motorhome trip. Not to mention, some of them are considered to now be haunted!

If you’re eager to learn about some fascinating, history-rich structures, this article is for you. With help from Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance, here are the five most famous abandoned buildings in the UK that you should know about.

Whitby Abbey, Whitby

With links to Dracula himself, Whitby is a seaside town in Yorkshire, split by the River Esk. There are bits and pieces of the town throughout Bram Stoker’s novel, notably including the Count running up the Abbey’s 199 steps in the form of a black dog.

The bucket list status of Whitby Abbey has only increased over the years, with the 2020 drama series ‘Dracula’ adding to its ‘spooky’ factor, yielding more than 4.4 million TikTok views and over 111,000 Instagram hashtags.

St Dunstan in the East Church, London

Constructed around 1100, the Grade I listed structure of the Church of St Dunstan in the East was caught in the chaos of the Great Fire of London in 1666. Since then, it also fell victim to the Blitz in 1941, at which time it was never repaired.

Eventually, in 1967, the ruins caught the eye of London’s decision-makers, when the grounds were converted into a public garden. Today, the picturesque architecture is a popular spot for tourists of the capital, garnering plenty of attention on social media with more than 3 million TikTok views and over 20,000 Instagram hashtags,

Crumlin Road Courthouse and Gaol, Belfast

Constructed in 1846 and serving its purpose as a prison until 1996, Crumlin Road Courthouse and Gaol is now open to the general public for events, tours and paranormal excursions.

Next to the prison resides a courthouse, both of which are linked via a system of tunnels previously used to transport prisoners. Since the 19th century, it’s been in decay. However, the architecture on-site is beloved by plenty of visitors.

Borley Rectory, Essex

Once a grand Victorian mansion in the quaint village of Borley, this building was destroyed by a fire in 1939, but had already gained a reputation for being one of the UK’s most haunted abandoned structures.

Reported hauntings at Borley Rectory caught the attention of the general public in 1929, when respected paranormal investigator Harry Price covered the building in a Daily Mirror article and dubbed it “the most haunted house in England.”

Two headless horsemen, the ghost of a nun and a phantom carriage are just a handful of the reported paranormal sightings at Borley Rectory. The site was later demolished in 1944, but ghost hunters continue to visit the ruins.

Newsham Park Hospital, Liverpool

This is another Grade II listed site, which opened as Seamen’s Orphan Institution before closing in 1949. Six years later, the building was repurposed as the Newsham Park Hospital, before another closure in 1992.

Since then, the property has been dubbed one of the UK’s most haunted places and frequently welcomes thrillseekers and ghost hunters alike, including the star-studded cast of the Channel 4 series Celebrity Ghost Trip.

These abandoned buildings have been made safe to visit and can be the basis of a fascinating excursion on your next touring holiday, especially as Halloween is on the horizon. Never venture into dilapidated buildings where the structure may be unsecured for your own safety.

Photo credit: Barry Jones / Pexels

Top Lake District wild swimming spots to discover this autumn and winter

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As temperatures start to drop across the UK, wild swimmers who continue to enjoy the pastime through the winter may be thinking about combining dips with excursions in their caravan or motorhome.

For many, the Lake District represents the ultimate place to get away, as it’s home to some beautiful scenery and well-equipped holiday parks. It’s also a fantastic destination for wild swimming and Pure Leisure has put together a list of spots to explore.

Haverigg Beach

Beaches may not be what you first think of when visiting the Lake District, but this long stretch of sand boasts a backdrop of the area’s famed fells. Known as a particularly clean beach, Haverigg offers six miles of access to the chilly Irish Sea.

Silecroft Beach

A pretty shingle beach on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Silecroft Beach offers perfect conditions to swim at high tide. With excellent water quality and coming Marine Conservation Society-recommended, it’s a great swim spot, with plenty of amenities close by.

Windermere

The largest body of water in England can be particularly spell-binding in the colder months, as the surrounding areas take on a frosted charm. Swimmers must be careful of boats, as they also use the lake. A tow float to increase visibility and awareness of the surroundings is crucial.

Blea Tarn

Unusually for a mountain pool, Blea Tarn is easily accessible due to its proximity to a car park, but that doesn’t diminish its beauty. Enter the water on the south side of the tarn and enjoy its cool, calming effects. Continue through the Langdale Valley to make a day of it with a walk after your swim.

Coniston Water

It’s easy to feel like you’re at the beach when swimming from Monk Coniston, as this easy-access point is sandy underfoot. It’s not the only place to get into the water, however, as this five-mile lake is dotted with great swim spots. The lake is also blessed with plenty of parking and public toilets.

St Bees Beach

Located on the western Lake District coast, St Bees Beach is something of a hidden gem. Complete with Victorian promenade and impressive cliffs, it’s a stunning destination to take a dip and then warm up in a cafe afterwards.

Swimming safety

Wild swimming can be enjoyed throughout the colder months of the year, but it’s important to go in slowly and not stay in too long. Follow the advice outlined in this guide and that of the Outdoor Swimming Society to ensure you’re swimming safely.

Swimming and caravanning

Wild swimming and caravanning or motorhoming really is the perfect combination, as it can give you somewhere to get changed and warm up afterwards. There are also some caravan parks with swimming spots conveniently close by, which could be perfect for an autumn or winter adventure.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonny Gios