Elddis announces fresh innovative layouts for the Avante for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Seven layouts including the new 554 announced for 2016

Elddis has unveiled its updated Avante caravan range for 2016.

A total of seven layouts will be available across the range for the new season, including a brand new, fresh layout for 2016 by way of the single-axle, four-berth Avante 554.

The award-winning lightweight range’s newest layout, with a recommended retail price of £18,294, features a retractable transverse fixed island bed and spacious rear bathroom/dressing area. A retractable bed also comes as standard on the Avante 550, providing for up to 400mm additional floor space.

Several enhancements have also been included for 2016 to the rest of the Avante range, which comes fully bonded in line with Elddis’ SoLiD construction process. These include a new panoramic Sky-Scape sunroof with internal LED ambient lighting and pleated night blind. More light has also been produced throughout thanks to a new front panel design with three opening double glazed windows adding to the feeling of an abundance of even more space.

‘Marone’ craftsman built cabinetry with handcrafted dovetailed drawers, as well as new overhead locker design with positive locking and removable shelves add a modern feel to the award-winning caravan, whilst new luxurious ‘Mayfair’ upholstery featuring high performance OZIO construction complements this.

The kitchens within the Avante range for 2016 benefit from an 800W Stainless Steel microwave, fully ventilated, with microwave isolation switch, with selected models fitted at an easy to access height, whilst a black gloss enamelled Aspire Mk2 oven, grill and dual fuel hob with spark ignition and 800W electric hotplate, three gas burners with smoked glass lid, as well as Domestic style fridge freezer with large storage capacity 110L (155L large fridge freezer on the Avante 636) also comes as standard.

An AL-KO galvanised steel chassis with AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser and ATC Trailer Control System for smooth towing performance and exceptional stability also comes along for the ride, shock absorbers and receiver for optional AL-KO wheel locks, plus AL-KO Euro over-run device with 2-way assisted handbrake.

Driving habits could make or break a first date

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by Daniella Almeida

The way to anyone’s heart is through proper driving skills, naturally

A new survey conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has revealed the UK’s biggest first date turn-offs and turn-ons and how a person drives is fundamentally important when trying to woo a date.

The number one turn-off reported was rudeness, as no one can remain interested in a boorish person for too long. 81 per cent of Brits reported that bad manners was definitely the worst thing a potential suitor could do on a first date. However, four out of 10 turn-offs were offences that happen in a car.

The beginning of many dates sometimes occur in a car, so it’s no surprise that how one presents themselves in this environment is crucial in creating a lasting impression. The issues cited that could ruin a date include road rage, texting whilst driving, talking on a mobile phone whilst driving, and owning a dirty car. Nearly half the people (46 per cent) agreed that road rage was the worst first-date faux pas.

In contrast, good driving skills and owning a nice car made it to the list of first date turn-ons. The rest of the list, as follows:

Top 10 first date turn-offs:

Rudeness (81 per cent)
Bad personal hygiene (80 per cent)
No sense of humour (70 per cent)
Being self-obsessed (69 per cent)
Road rage (46 per cent)
Texting whilst driving (45 per cent)
Talking on a mobile phone whilst driving (44 per cent)
Bad dress sense (40 per cent)
Sweaty palms (25 per cent)
Dirty car (23 per cent)

Top 10 first date turn-ons:

Sense of humour (81 per cent)
Politeness (77 per cent)
Good personal hygiene (69 per cent)
Good dress sense (50 per cent)
Looks (44 per cent)
Confidence (44 per cent)
Generosity (29 per cent)
Good driving skills (11 per cent)
Great shoes (9 per cent)
Nice car (7 per cent)

Although not listed, one in 10 (11 per cent) of those surveyed are irritated by someone who takes 15 minutes to park. Being overly cautious can harm your date as well as one in eight Brits (13 per cent) reported that drivers who go under the speed limit can be off-putting.

Chief executive of IAM, Sarah Sillars said: “Bad driving not only has an impact on the safety of our roads, but can also affect your chances of romance. Being able to manoeuvre properly and drive carefully should be much higher up on people’s dating priorities.”

The survey revealed that Brits will pick up on a date’s driving skills within the first 65 seconds of getting in the car, with half of them picking up on these quirks within 20 seconds.

It might be imperative for your love life to maintain proper driving skills.

Black Edition Kon-Tiki range enhanced for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

New enhancements drive the Black Edition Kon-Tiki motorhome into a new season

Following on from a successful sales record over the past two years, Swift has further enhanced the ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki range for 2016.

The Kon-Tiki cab will remain in black metallic with colour keyed bumpers, whilst being updated with new graphics which sweep into the white sides – now comprised of GRP on the outside.

Concentrating more on the cab, steering wheel controls have been added back for use with the DAB radio and Bluetooth hands free phone connection. A new 12V socket and USB socket – ideal for the new dash mounted tablet holder – also comes as standard across the range.

Swift’s award-winning SMART intelligent construction system has been enhanced for 2016 to SMART Plus, including three key enhancements: 1. A new sandwich floor construction with a GRP outer skin providing greater durability from the elements. 2. An upgraded roof which is now hail resistant, and 3. The front window jig is now a full GRP and foam construction, reducing the amount of parts used in the panel and providing a flatter panel and stiffer surface for the front GRP panel and windows to fix to.

Moving further back into the living quarters of the Kon-Tiki, the new ‘Carabu’ part SwiftShield soft furnishing scheme provides for a more opulent feel, feauring oyster and dusk tones. The kitchen has also been given a bit of a makeover, with a new Hi-Mac acrylic stone solid worktop with underslung stainless steel sink. A new Dometic oven, which is exclusive to Swift, offers a sleeker and more efficient performance along with noise reduction.

Meanwhile, in the washroom, all ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki models will come with a new Ecocamel Orbit showerhead with on/off button, a new shower bi-fold door and much more to allow for a refreshing break.

The range maintains many features from last season, including Alde central heating, AL-KO double floor chassis, cab air-conditioning, comprehensive lighting and power system, Duvalay mattresses, full-length awninig, BBQ point, 120W solar panel, external shower point, reversing camera and TRACKER Retrieve (Thatcham Category 7). Phew.

The addition of the all-new Swift Command control system featuring an intelligent power supply unit and a smart new LCD control panel that allows viewing of enhanced control panel functions makes monitoring everything that little bit easier and – thanks to a handy little app – can be accessed wherever you are in the world.

Five models comprise of the ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki range for 2016, namely the single-axle low-line Kon-Tiki 625 and Kon-Tiki 635 – both four seater, four berthers – as well as two TAG-axle low-line models by way of the four seater, four-berth 669 and 679, and also the high-line six seater six-berth Kon-Tiki 649.

Swift’s commercial director, Nick Page, said: “For the past two years, Kon-Tiki models have offered the best specification for price in the luxury market sector and this has been reflected in outstanding demand. The formula continues for 2016, all models have an even more opulent feel and provide fantastic value for money.”

Benevolent caravanner wants to give away free holiday

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by David Bates

Woman touched by scam victims offers caravan for free

A Derby-woman who jumped to the aid of a family caught by a Facebook holiday scam remains enthusiastic to give away a free holiday, even though the initial victims have already been saved.

Bev Davison, 50, was touched this past Friday (14 August) by the plight of Hannah Stone-Sherratt, 23, her 27-year-old husband and their three children, three-year-old-twins Jack and Olivia, and one-year-old Harry.

The Stone-Sherratts had been taken in by the offer of a two-day caravan holiday to Skegness advertised on facebook, which she thought would be perfect for her young family.

Having transferred £150 to the seller’s account, there was a suspicious lack of communication. The mother-of-three eventually contacted the resort, representatives of which confirmed they had never heard of the supposed seller.

Understandably distraught, the Stone-Sherratts spoke to the Derby Telegraph and, once their story appeared, were inundated with offers from generous caravanners, one of whom was Davison, offering replacement holiday spots.

“It’s not what I expected. I just wanted to get the news out there to warn other people. It’s good to know there are nice people out there”, Hannah said after the flood of offers.
Davison said of the scam: “It was a dirty trick. I don’t like to see things like that happen to people.

“If the family can go and enjoy themselves, I don’t mind them borrowing our caravan.”
Hannah and her family had already accepted the incredible kindness of Byron, 83, and Audrey Davis, 79, who gave a free week-long stay in their eight-berth static caravan to the family of five, before Davison’s equally heart-warming offer.

However, Davison is still feeling generous and wants the public to choose a fitting benefactor for a free caravan holiday.

Nominations for the holiday can be made by calling the Derby Telegraph’s Isaac Crowson on 01332 411999 or e-mailing isaac.crowson@derby telegraph.co.uk.

Family set to tour Europe in their caravan

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by Daniella Almeida

Veteran caravan tourists, the Meek family, set out to conquer Europe

After one year of touring through Britain as a family, the Meek family has their sights set on another year-long trip, this time throughout Europe.

This is neither the first, nor the second time that the Meek family has made headlines. The family first came onto the scene two years ago when parents Tim and Kerry Meek challenged their daughters Amy, 12, and Ella, 10, to ditch their television screens and complete 100 outdoor activities.

With that challenge accomplished, in September 2014, the couple, who are originally from Arnold, Nottingham, quit their jobs, sold their home, and took their daughters out of school with one radical notion in mind. The couple embarked on a 12 month adventure throughout the UK, citing that nothing would be more educational for their daughters than to experience history and life firsthand.

Since beginning their adventure, the Meek family have covered 13,000 miles, visiting historical sites, natural habitats, museums and exhibitions, etc. all the while packing in dozens of daily learning activities.

As the couple travelled from Nottingham up to the North of England and the Scottish borders, back down to London and across to Norfolk, the family of four saw some incredible things.

Among the many locations seen by the family are the Wind Farms in Derbyshire, a dormant volcano in Scotland, and Bletchley Park which is home of the Second World War codebreakers. Meanwhile, they’ve enjoyed paddle boarding, sand yachting, and cycling.

Since the first trip was such a success, they are extending their plans for another year and taking their caravan across Europe. Tim and Kerry hope that the continuation in their ‘ed-venture’ will allow the girls to hone their French and learn much more about the Second World War.

Mr. Meek, 46, a primary school teacher, said: “It has been a brilliant year – and we have got more from it than we even thought we would. It has encouraged the girls to not just have a love of learning, but a love of life.”

The family hopes to begin in Northern Ireland and the Republic, moving to France, Scotland, the Netherlands, and finally through Germany

Find out more about their adventures on the Meek family’s website where you can also read about the daughters’ experience on their blog! If that isn’t enough, the Meek family have also documented their adventures in their book “Learning Outdoors with the Meek Family.”

Caravans the focal point of new film

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by Daniella Almeida

Family caravan becomes focus of new film by budding Lancaster producer

24 year-old, Edward Rastelli-Lewis, releases the aptly titled “The Caravan” after working on the independent film for the past couple of years.

Rastelli-Lewis attended Ripley St. Thomas School in Lancaster before receiving his Degree in Film Production from The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in 2012.

It’s no secret that caravanning is the leading holiday choice for Brits, so a film centering itself on a family caravan seems fitting.

“The Caravan” was inspired by Rastelli-Lewis’ discovery of a script penned by two actors.

Rastelli-Lewis told lancasterguardian.co.uk: “The film came about through two actors I met who had a script and wanted to move it forward.

“I helped with finance and funding, and we were able to move it on. It was filmed in Caernarfon, North Wales and Manchester.

“I love good storytelling, drama and narrative, things that influence people and change their way of thinking. I’m very proud of the film, it’s a good story,” he added.

The synopsis of the film, as described by Rastelli-Lewis: “When Georgina Langley succumbs to cancer, she leaves behind a will asking warring husband Keith and son James to restore the family caravan that has lapsed into a state of disrepair on a bleak Welsh coast Caravan Park. For two men who can’t stand to be in the same room together, it’s going to be a tough job and when a new woman comes into Keith’s life, James reacts badly, leading to a showdown that unearths a long buried secret.”

The film stars Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones/Trainspotting), Mark Sheals (Sherlock Holmes), and Darren Connolloy (Hector). The film can be purchased from iTunes, Google, Amazon, or Blinkbox.

Wiltshire Police crack down on caravans

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by Daniella Almeida

More than 100 vehicles stopped in an effort to maintain road safety

A representative from the Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) joined the Wiltshire Police in a four day operation this week, targeting caravans and trailers. More than 100 vehicles were stopped during the event.

The team spent three days covering the north of the county along the M4 east and west carriageways and the A419. The final day was spent patrolling the south of the county on the A303 and the A36.

13 of the 100 vehicles stopped were charged with offences including being overweight or in a dangerous condition. Fixed penalty notices were also given to 19 drivers, one of which was charged for not having any insurance.

Minor traffic offences went unpunished, but the police made an effort to give advice to these drivers to avoid any future problems. The operation is part of an effort to ensure that motorists remain safe on the roads.

The week was chosen specifically for the surge of summer caravan holidayers on UK roads.

Police Chief Adrian Giles said: “It was an ideal time to carry out this kind of operation as so many people are out and about on their holidays, with caravans in tow.

“We weren’t aiming to cause disruption to people’s holidays however, and one of the main aims of the operation was simply to educate drivers and occupants about safer towing and ensure vehicles are road-worthy.

“We had a really positive reaction from nearly all the motorists we stopped who were happy to see that police treat caravan thefts as a very serious issue,” he concluded.

CRiS was on hand to focus on the crackdown of caravan thefts. Chief Giles said: “The CRiS were able to assist us during the operation with their equipment which enables us to identify any stolen caravans by the use of special scanner.

“During the operation, we were also able to check the general condition of the caravans and ensure drivers had the relevant licence entitlement.”

Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental enhancements announced for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

New enhancements with a luxurious twist added to Elegance and Continental ranges for 2016

The award-winning Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental will be optimized with new features and enhancements for 2016.

The new caravan season will see the popular ranges continue with five single axle and two twin axle models across each range and, inside, the soft furnishings will be more luxurious than ever before.

The new Elegance scheme for 2016 is called ‘Winchester Stone’, which comes with in oyster and dusk tones, featuring leather used for the top of the back rests and front of the base seat cushions. The Continental’s scheme, meanwhile, is called ‘Winchester Black’ and concentrates on a monochrome theme, featuring bedding with black leather accents to the top of the backrest and front of the base cushions.

The schemes described above are sure to fit in with the the off white locker doors with smoked oak effect, gloss woodgrain insert and matt black kitchen doors across the ranges.

Also within the kitchen area, a carpet boundary spit should ensure easier removal of the carpet should an inevitable spillage occur.

Perhaps the piece de resistance, however, it the new Swift Command control system which features as standard and includes an intelligent power supply until and a smart new LCD control panel that allows viewing of enhanced control pane; functions. A Swift Command app which can be downloaded to your tablet or smartphone also works well alongside Swift Command, enabling you to control and/or monitor many of your vehicle’s systems from the comfort of your seat – or even anywhere in the world.

Additional smaller enhancements include an on/off button for the new Ecocamel Orbit shower head, an increase in solar panel size to 80W, a travel lock for the TV bracket, swivel spout on vanity taps for ease of use and an upgraded hail resistant GRP roof thanks to Swift’s SMART HT construction. Fixing bars have also been added to the back of the panel, allowing the option to attach a Thule rear mounted cycle rack. LED side lights will also come as standard.

Swift commercial director, Nick Page, commented: “The Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental are still unmistakably our flagship ranges. Subtle finishing touches, a very high level of specification and the overall luxury interior design set them apart. They remain the ranges to aspire to an continue to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback.”

24-hour torture challenge for Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation fundraisers

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by David Bates

Trio attempt endurance feat for caravan charity

A Portsmouth trio are readying themselves for a 24-hour endurance challenge in aid of the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation (OWCF).

Tomorrow (15 August), Dave and Lee Waterman, along with friend Gavin Jones, will take to Hornchurch Country Park for the 24-hour Spitfire Challenge to raise funds for Waterman’s charity, which he founded to fulfil the ambition of his late son Oakley.

Former Portsmouth Defender Waterman’s son suffered from Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and died in 2005. Oakley enjoyed caravan holidays at Sussex site Church Farm , so much so, that he urged his parents to invest in a caravan for children in a similar position to enjoy.

The OCWF since purchased another spot at Devon Cliffs near Exeter.

The Waterman brothers and Jones are marking the tenth anniversary of Oakley’s death, and the charity’s foundation, with this remarkable push for funding to secure a replacement caravan for their Church Farm site.

The race, which is normally run in relays, will be tackled by the trio simultaneously; they expect to cover over 100 miles over the day and night.

Jones acknowledged that their training regime has been brutal: “We’ve been training at 1am and 3am in the morning to try to get our bodies used to it. It’s a killer.”

The race will undoubtedly will be further torture, but the three men are powerfully motivated. “We won’t quit, though, because it’s for Oakley,” Jones insisted.

You can contribute towards a daunting challenge and a wonderful cause here.

The Little Tent Festival set to help children’s summer fun

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by Jessica Almeida

Parents seem to not have the time to play outdoors with their children

Summer activities, such as climbing trees, riding bikes and making daisy chains are seemingly becoming a thing of the past, with the stresses and strains of modern life indicating a lack of parental time to play outside with the kids, according to the results of a survey commissioned by The Caravan Club .

Results of the interesting survey demonstrated that 80 per cent of adults admitted that their children spend less time outside playing activities such as football, ‘tag’ or riding their bikes than they did when they were kids. It’s not shocking that over 70 per cent of adults stated that their kids would much prefer to play their computer games or on their tablets than enjoy the outdoors. However, over 75 per cent of the parents surveyed stated that the main reason for their kids staying indoors this summer is that they (the parents) are not able to play outside with them.

Over 50 per cent of respondents said that spending time with parents and siblings would get the kids outside more to enjoy the summer fun and activities they had as a child. However, 40 per cent of the respondents who say that they do play with their children would like to be able to do more.

Simon Reeve, TV presenter, explorer author, has joined The Caravan Club and created the Big Little Tent Festival – and initiative to encourage families to get outdoors this summer and spend more time together as a family.

The Big Little Tent Festival commences over the August Bank Holiday weekend, on the night of the 30 August. This festival aims to bring families together by encouraging them to have a festival in their own gardens, camp out together, become Woodland Trust Nature Detective, cook together over a campfire and spend time enjoying each other’s company. This concept moves the family away from all modern day distractions of tablets, televisions and video games, whilst providing the conveniences attributed to being at home.

Those who are interested in signing up can do so at www.caravanclub.co.uk/BLTF and are also able to register for a free festival pack that includes wristbands, bunting and various activities, as well as enter a prize draw to win a European family camping holiday with The Caravan Club. There will be BBQ prizes across the social media platforms from 17 to 31 August (just make sure you include #BigLittleTentFest15 on Twitter). The best picture submitted on Festival day also wins a European camping holiday. Also available for download on the website are recipes and music festival playlists.

The Caravan Club’s director general, Nick Lomas, said: “We all know how great it is to be outside and we want to encourage the next generation to ditch their smartphones, grab their parents and satisfy their natural thirst for adventure. So what better place to start than by exploring their own back garden? The Caravan Club and our partners over at the Woodland Trust are supporting this drive to ensure the younger generations embrace the excitement that camping and exploring the great outdoors provides.”
You can follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @BigLittleTentFestival, and share your fun with the hashtag #BigLittleTentFest15.

The end of summer may be just around the corner, but it is never too late to get out there, toast some marshmallows and tell stories around the campfire whilst enjoying the great outdoors.

Check out the promotional video for The Big Little Tent Festival below.

Get your caravan ready for the magical Just So Festival

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by Daniella Almeida

This years Just So Festival focuses on the golden age of travel and will be great fun for children and adults alike

The award-winning annual Just So Festival is set to take place this year between 21 to 23 August at the Rode Hall Estate in Cheshire, it has been announced.

The theme for the festival this year, produced by Wild Rumpus has been announced as ‘the golden age of travel’ and will bring with it a plethora of activities for the entire family to enjoy.

The weekend-long camping festival will provide families with an imaginative outdoor adventure unlike any they’ve ever seen. Many activities, including art, music, literature, comedy and theatre will be held at the festival and provide an ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to view, listen, or take part.

The draw of the festival, however, can be found in the location. The beautiful landscape of the Rode Hall Estate is equipped with a magnificent woodland clearing, ample parkland, amphitheatres, and lakeside spots where the host of activities can be appreciated.

A mix of regional, national, and international performers and artists will be in attendance. All of these incredible things are perfect for people and families looking for a bit of adventure and wonder.

The Tribal Tournament, which has continued to remain a festival mainstay, will be performed by the motley crew from theatre extraordinaire the LAS Theatre. For those unaware, the Tribal Tournament is a series of games that will be played and performed by the theater separated into teams properly named the Fox, Frog, Owl, Fish, Stag and Lion tribes. Once you arrive at the festival, you will be introduced to your tribe and can then support them in the games and at the Tribal Parade!

The festival is well equipped with a host of magical themes, from pirates and fairies to expeditions into distant lands. To find out all of the details, head over to the Just So Festival’s website where you will be able to book your tickets. Ticket prices for the weekend are £100 for adults and £50 for children.

Whether you decided to engage in a midnight feast, pillow fight, or tribal tournaments, the weekend is guaranteed to be great fun! So pack up your caravan and set your sites for this magical land.

Book a last minute UK getaway with The Caravan Club

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by Jessica Almeida

Caravan Club campsites perfect for last minute bookers

Although summer may be coming to an end, there are still plenty of opportunities to take a last minute getaway around the UK with The Caravan Club. Enjoy a spot of surfing, a country walk, or even a scenic cycle along one of the 35 cycle routes developed in affiliation with Sustrans – a British charity that promotes sustainable transport – this summer.

Whether you are a member or a non-member, you can book a last-minute seven-night stay at one of The Caravan Club’s sites for a family of four from as little as £203.

Scarborough West Ayton Caravan Club Site, Yorkshire

Set amongst stunning nature, Scarborough West Ayton Caravan Club Site in Yorkshire, is perfect for all ages and provides many opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. Easy within reach from the site features many attractions including Castle Howard, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and restaurants perfect for a family outing.

A seven night stay at Scarborough West Ayton Caravan Site costs from £217.00; based on two adults, two children (aged 5-17), one car and caravan. Offer is valid until 31 August.

New Forest Caravan Club Site, Hampshire

Those who enjoy history will love the New Forest Caravan Club Site in Hampshire. The campsite was originally part of a Second World War airfield with sections of the runway still detectable. New Forest Caravan Club Site is the perfect place from which to explore the surrounding area and bustling towns of Poole and Christchurch by foot or bike. Organise day trips to the scenic Isle of Wight from just £8 per person.

Available until 31 August, a seven night stay at New Forest Caravan Club Site based on two adults, two children (aged 5-17), one car and caravan costs from £247.80.

St. David’s Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Site, Wales

Huddled between three headlands of the Pembrokeshire Coast,St. David’s Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Site in Wales is ideal for those after a last-minute action-packed getaway. You can enjoy nearby Whitesands Bay, whilst the site includes swimming, surfing, windsurfing and sailing.

A seven night stay at St. David’s Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Site costs from £203, based on two adults, two children (aged 5-17), one car and caravan available until 31 August.

For further information on these campsites and details how to join The Caravan Club visitwww.caravanclub.co.uk or book a tent pitch online at www.caravanclub.co.uk/camping