Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show survey reveals children spend more time with gadgets than exploring the great outdoors

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by Alice Scarsi

Survey conducted ahead of Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show reveals youngsters prefer screens over nature

A survey conducted to coincide with the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 has revealed that 95 per cent of British children spend up to seven hours a day in front of a screen rather than socialising outdoors.

The results of the survey reveal an alarming decline in children socialising with others or getting out in the open, which seems to have been replaced by the growing popularity of computers and videogames, with only 13 per cent of young Britons play outside at least once a day, compared to 30 per cent in previous generations.

Just 37 per cent of children surveyed have climbed a tree, with less than half claiming to have swum in the sea. More shockingly, just two thirds of those questioned have ridden a bicycle or scooter.

According to explorer and author, Simon Reeve, this change in behaviour could prove detrimental to childrens’ awareness of the world that awaits. He said: “A heavy reliance on entertainment through technology means young people aren’t aware of the world around them.

“Families should be making more effort to spend time together in the outdoors.

“And more importance should be put on activities that enrich children’s lives, rather than in pacifying them.”

With the emergence of such figures, the recent launch of the Freedom to Go campaign looks more important and necessary than ever. Isn’t it about time youngsters started developing an affinity with nature and learn how to manage their playtime between technology and outdoors? What so wrong with a good game of conkers anyway?!

Discover what Bailey has in store for you at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2015

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by Alice Scarsi

Bailey looks set to offer something for everyone at the NEC next week

The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 is fast approaching and, with so much to see and do, you’ll be hard-pressed to figure out where to start first in order to see everything. One thing you don’t want to miss, however, is Bailey of Bristol’s stand, which will have plenty to tempt you, aside from its comprehensive range of touring caravans and motorhomes all on display under one roof at the NEC.

Bailey’s stand guarantees to provide lots of fun for the whole family during the NEC show taking place between 17 – 22 February. On the first day, for instance, actress Debbie Arnold will host a ‘Bailey Boutique’ which will offer relaxing, free mini-massages from trained therapists, whereas on the Wednesday and Thursday show days, families will be able to take part in a fun treasure hunt; find the answers to a few simple questions and receive a free Bailey bear. Then, just in time for the weekend, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday talented musicians will be on hand to entertain visitors, while your little ones will be able to enjoy getting their faces painting by some well trained artists.

Three of Bailey’s caravan ranges, namely the Pursuit, Pegasus GT65 and Unicorn will be on display in Birmingham next week too, as well as Bailey’s motorhome offerings for 2015 – the new Approach Autograph range and the all-new Approach Advance range for you to feast your eyes on.

To make it easier to navigate throughout Bailey’s stand in-between being pampered, soaking up the atmosphere (and even getting your face painted!), all caravans and motorhomes on display will be arranged by layout, so that visitors will be able to simply compare the styling and specification levels of the same model across different ranges. Meanwhile, if you are looking for advice regarding how to safely load a caravan, Bailey will also be on hand to offer advice following their recent work alongside the department of mechanical engineering at the University of Bath. To find out more about that, check out our video here.

Layout innovation with the new Approach Advance from Bailey of Bristol

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes takes a look at the all-new Bailey Approach Advance and its layout options – all ideal for the entry-level motorhomer and more

When it comes to Bailey of Bristol’s new motorhome range for 2015, you’d be pretty hard-pressed to want for more. The Approach Advance comes with four layouts, designed with the entry-level motorhomer in mind, whilst ultimately offering something for everyone.

The two-berth 615 and 635 models feature two brand new layouts for the Bailey motorhome sector for 2015, both of which seem to have been designed with the entry-level motorhomer at the forefront of bailey’s design process.

Starting with the 615, a front dinette with space for two welcomes you as soon as you enter through the central side passenger-side door, behind which, near centre, is an ample washroom with toilet and kitchen area with adequate storage space for a couple wishing to take what they need along for the ride. A rear living area will also provide plenty of space when it comes to rest and relaxation, as well as a comfortable double bed for when it’s time to call it a night.

The two-berth 635 meanwhile, features a front lounge just behind the Peugeot boxer cab offering lots of space and the option for two single beds or a comfortable double, followed by the kitchen area and a full-width rear bathroom with plenty of space.

Moving onto the four-berths, the Advance 640 features ample space in the front living area followed by a drivers-side kitchen quite centrally located. A fixed double bed with sprung mattress at the rear, adjacent to the washroom with toilet, will ensure a good night’s sleep.

The Advance 665 has a similar layout as the Approach Autograph 765 and is, in CaravanTimes‘ opinion, the most innovative of the bunch, featuring a fresh, u-shaped rear lounge, side dinette, and the pièce de la’résistence, Bailey’s trademark longitudinal electric-operated dropdown bed.

To find out more about the new Bailey Approach Advance and what else the new range’s four layouts offer, check out our video above and be sure to let us know what you think.

Watch as Storm Imogen washes caravan away down river

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravan thought to be owned by Big Issue seller ravaged in wake of Storm Imogen

The moment a caravan was swept downstream in the wake of Storm Imogen has been captured on film.

The footage which was shot by Andy McPhail who runs Apple Campers, was taken on the River Tone near Taunton in Somerset.

Andy said: “A friend of mine had commented on Facebook that morning saying they had seen a caravan in the river and as the owner of a caravan workshop in Wellington I decided to take the children out to see the floods and see if we could see the caravan in the river.

“I recognised the model and we could see curtains still in the caravan but that was about it, we were watching to see if it would make it under the bridge which it surprisingly did.”

It is thought the caravan belonged to a Big Issue seller in the local area.

Check out the video below and join our discussion here to tell us how the weather is in your area.

Caravanserai caravan restaurant opens in Leeds

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by Alice Scarsi

Old fashioned caravan restaurant promises to take you on a journey through the spice routes

A restaurant themed on an ancient caravan has opened in Leeds.

The brainchild of Leed’s street food expert, Kada Bendaha, Caravanserai is named after moveable roadside inns found in the Middle East in the middle ages where travellers would stop to eat and rest during long journeys.

The restaurant promises dish after dish of fresh, authentic Ottoman recipes, whilst taking patrons to the restaurant on a journey and experience of medieval Mediterranean culture, whilst being immersed in tradition, all inside something resembling a caravan from the outside.

Kada, who previously worked as a chef in Paris before taking on his new venture, said of Caravanserai: “I am still looking for ways to introduce the people of Leeds to new ways of eating, new tastes and food experiences.

“Our Caravanserai reflects the culture that grew out of the mists of medieval Mediterranean culture and spread across continents, weaving spice routes and caravan trails. It is an aromatic settlement of flavours, tastes, heady smells and dramatic culinary theatre.”

If you’re looking for somewhere different to eat, Caravanserai is definitely worth checking out. And, having previously been awarded Glastonbury’s ‘Best Food’ award in 2011, you’ll certainly be making a wise choice, as Kada continues: “All our recipes have been born from the mixing and mingling of ingredients from far-flung kitchens and bazaars, with the freshest local produce available.

“The dishes are something old and something new at the same time, familiar and yet exotic, comforting the body and soul, while delighting the curious mind – rewarding the inquisitive with intrigue, reflecting flavours woven from the past with the best local markets can offer,” he continues.

If the idea of eating in a caravan-restaurant full of history tickles your fancy, head over to find out more about Caravanserai here.

The Caravan Club tackles waste with impressive 90 per cent recycling rate for 2014

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by Alice Scarsi

The Caravan Club proves its green credentials, recycling an impressive 90 per cent of waste created on its sites

The Caravan Club is not only Europe’s largest touring organisation, but also the greenest and most environmentally friendly it seems.

According to research conducted by the Club, statistics have shown that just under 4,000 tons of waste were produced across the Club’s site network, with 90 per cent of waste being recycled during 2014.

The Club, which runs more than two hundred sites and is affiliated with 2,500 smaller ones – providing around 6.2 million caravanners and motorhomers a place to lay their head each year -, takes issues pertaining to the disposal of waste extremely seriously, concentrating on having the smallest impact possible on the ecosystem by implementing dedicated waste disposal areas across the site network. As a result, the amount of recycled waste for 2014 weighed in at the equivalent of 2,614 caravans.

Nick Lomas, director general of The Caravan Club said on the matter: “When you look at the figures they are pretty impressive and the fact that so much of The Club’s waste is recycled is great news and a great achievement! It is testament to Club members and site visitors that they take the time to sort their rubbish well, thus allowing The Club to ensure only a very small percentage goes to landfill.”

Do you make the most of recycling facilities when pitching up on your favourite site? Do you think enough is done to protect the environment where you stay? It would be interesting to hear what you think.

Min-y-Don Caravan Club Site wins Loo of the Year Award 2014

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by Alice Scarsi

Snowdonia National Park site wins two titles at the Loo of the Year Awards 2014

A five star caravan park on the Cambrian Coast has scooped the UK Loo of the Year Award for 2014.

Min-y-Don Caravan Club site in Harlech, set within Snowdonia National Park, also managed to retain the highest platinum grading during the presentation ceremony in Solihull.

A £2 million redevelopment in 2008 saw the installation of a luxurious toilet block including full disabled facilities, laundry and dishwashing room, together with private bathrooms.

Min-y-Don Caravan Club Site provides breath-taking views owing to its stunning location between the coast road and local beach, nested below Harlech Castle and offers 100 caravan and motorhome pitches following a recent extension.

Additional amenities close by include fishing, watersports and golf, courtesy of the Royal St David’s Golf Club, and the site also offers the opportunity to explore the nearby town of Harlech and its lively historic centre, full of pubs, restaurants and shops, with plenty to do for all the family.

If you are interested in spending your holidaying at this stunning site, click here for more information.

Coachman Caravans: lighter on weight and expense

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes visited Coachman Caravans to find out more about the manufacturer’s quality offerings for 2015, as well as to find out if anything had changed regarding its reputation for being some of the most heavy and priciest caravans within the industry

When considering Coachman Caravans, one of the first things that springs to mind is quality. Usually, however, with quality comes two things: higher weight and higher price.

In the past, you could be forgiven for believing Coachman’s caravans were usually a bit weightier and pricier than its competitors, but when CaravanTimes was informed that, for 2015, the manufacturer’s new ranges were neither of the above we had to check it out for ourselves.

We went along to Coachman’s main headquarters in Hull to find out what’s new as far as weights and prices are concerned for 2015 and we were rather impressed. But what changes have been made to counter both of these factors?

As we found out through talking to Coachman, new manufacturing processes introduced over the last couple of years have ensured that Coachman has been able to save on additional costs and, at the same time, allowed for their caravan ranges – the Vision, Pastiche and VIP – to weigh in at much less than ever before.

Not only are savings passed onto the customer through the manufacturing changes made to Coachman’s 2015 ranges, but a lighter number of caravans now available for 2015 means that Coachman has made themselves more accessible to those previously unable to experience them. And all this has been done, it seems, without compromising the quality Coachman is associated with.

With a simple, but effective motto of ‘quality, quality, quality’, it’s not difficult to see why Coachman remains one of the most respected caravan manufacturers in the industry today. Watch our video above to find out more and let us know what you think.

VW Beetle shows off versatility of innovative 1970s fifth-wheeler

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by Joe Jeffrey

Would you tow a fifth wheeler using your car’s roof? This guy did and the results are pretty impressive

It always pleases us when we unearth videos of unique leisure vehicles in action, but this video of a fifth wheeler from the 1970s is definitely one of our favourites.

We’re yet to verify if this prototype seen in action in the video footage form 1974 ever made it onto the mass production line, but we doubt it owing to the fact that it was required to be towed courtesy of a car’s roof. Yes, roof. We’ve obviously seen larger fifth-wheelers towed by pick-ups, but to introduce one which has the ability to be towed by a standard car is pretty amazing.

We here at CaravanTimes certainly wouldn’t condone hooking a fifth wheeler up to your car anytime soon. However, if, after watching this, you’ve convinced yourself that it’s the right thing to do you might want to wait until the weather warms up a bit, just incase you unwittingly transform your car into a homemade convertible.

Let us know what you think by watching the video below. Oh, and watch out for the Anchor Man-esque commentator, Bud Lindemann, at the beginning with the polka dot collars. We need to see more of this guy.

Would you trust towing your vehicle by the roof of your car rather than pulling it along with the help of your chassis for support?

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show: hints, tips and advice galore

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by Joe Jeffrey

Whatever advice you’re looking for, you’ll find it all at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015

There are just ten sleeps to go before the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show kicks off at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

The show, which will feature over 350 exhibitors from the caravan, camping and motorhome industries will be on hand to bring you all the latest caravans, motorhomes, camping gear and accessories and, with so much more stuff to see and do, it’s set to provide lots of fun for all the family.

From special guest stars and expert advice in the Experts Theatre, to fun activities for the kids as well as dog agility sessions, there seriously will be something for everyone – even the four-legged members of your household.

It’s not all about fun and games though, and the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, taking place between 17 – 22 February, will also enable you to gain advice on absolutely anything to do with caravanning, camping and motorhoming.

So whether you’re terrified of towing, miserable about manoeuvering or simply looking for places to visit all year round, experts will be on hand to help.

To make sure you don’t miss out, book your tickets to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show by visiting the official ticket site now. Alternatively, enter our competition here to win a pair of tickets here. Winners will be announced next week so good luck!

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New caravan sales and motorhome registrations increase reported for 2014

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by Alice Scarsi

Good news coming from the leisure vehicle market, which shows a double-digit increase in sales

Figures released today by the National Caravan Council (NCC) reveal a double-digit increase in the sales of new touring caravan and in motorhome registrations in 2014 and illustrate that more young buyers are entering the market.

The findings are extremely encouraging, with new motorhome registrations increasing by 18 per cent year-on-year while sales of new touring caravans almost reached double-digits, with an increase of 9.2 per cent year-on-year.

For both type of leisure vehicles, October 2014 proved to be the busiest month, with sales of touring caravans raising by 22 per cent whilst registrations of new motorhomes shot up by 18 per cent compared with October 2013. NCC data indicates that during 2014 a total of 21,379 new touring caravans and 8,733 motorhomes were sold and registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

In an interesting twist, the number of young families and groups of young friends buying new caravans and motorhomes is also on the increase. The findings follow the NCC’s recent collaboration with The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club to launch a new promotional campaign called Freedom to go, more information of which can be found here.

Confirming the trend in younger people stepping into the outdoor leisure market, Mark Bebb, managing director of award winning Shrewsbury based dealer Salop Leisure, said: “We’ve noticed that the average caravan user is younger than they were just a few years ago. There is a rising group of young consumers in their twenties and thirties – we’ve seen a 30 per cent increase from this group over the last three years – who’ve realised that the industry has moved forward and they’re embracing the reality provided by this leisure option, which is all about fun, freedom and adventure.”

Jenny Summers, NCC group marketing director, added: “It is incredibly positive to see that sales of touring caravans and motorhome registrations increased so much in 2014 as it demonstrates that more people are discovering the benefits that touring in a caravan or motorhome brings. It also shows that consumer confidence is returning to the market, many exhibitors at our Motorhome & Caravan Show 2014 reported record sales, and we hope for this trend to continue at our Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show in February this year.”

Caravanning continues to remain a British success story, with more than 95 per cent of touring caravans and 60 per cent of motorhomes manufactured within the UK. Tourists spent over £2.4 billion on caravan holidays across Great Britain in 2013 and, according to Visit England, more than 51 million nights are being spent in caravans each year. The industry as a whole contributes more than £6 billion a year to the UK economy.

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Brits fail to agree whether CCTV and speed cameras improve road safety

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by Alice Scarsi

YouGov poll shows that just over half of the population feels safer with CCTV and speed cameras

A YouGov survey has revealed how split the UK is when it comes to CCTV and speed cameras.

The survey, commissioned for ITV‘s two-part documentary, Car Crash Britain: Caught on Camera, starting tonight at 9pm, has shown that almost half of people surveyed think that CCTV and speed cameras have made roads safer.

According to the representative survey which questioned 1,593 adults, it was revealed that 48 per cent of the British population actually felt safer with speed cameras and CCTV on roads, whilst 34 per cent thought they have had no impact at all. Ten per cent of those surveyed believed they have made the roads more dangerous.

Delving further, details of the survey also revealed that more than a half (54 per cent) of people interviewed felt that cameras have either made no difference to driving standards or have worsened them, whilst 33 per cent thought that they had made a good impact.

The study also showed an opinion divide based on both gender and political persuasion, with 40 per cent of men bearing a grudge against CCTV and speed cameras compared to just a quarter of women.

Meanwhile, potential Liberal Democrat supporters seemed more inclined to think that CCTV and speed cameras made roads safer (55 percent) while only 36 per cent of UKIP supporters were on the same page.

More interestingly, the poll found that 55 per cent of younger drivers between 18 – 24 found cameras to bring improvements to road safety – perhaps suggesting the days of speeding boy racers are numbered.

What do you think? Are close circuit television and speed cameras a necessity or just a pain?