Caravans left hanging off cliffs in Hull after storm erosion

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by Tom Walsh

While a caravanning holiday by the sea may be pretty, tourists may want to be careful not to stay too close to a cliff edge.

Recent storms have left caravans hanging off the edges of cliffs as rocks fell away beneath them.

The BBC reported that 15 caravans at Porthkerry Leisure Park in Barry had been left teetering on the edge after a rock fall in November.

Following the event, work got under way quickly to move a number of caravans further from the cliff edge in another part of the park.

The coastguard team in Barry were at the scene and were lucky to find that no one had been injured.

Then in December Hull Daily Mail reported that some caravans near Bridlington were left hanging close to the edge when recent tidal surges hit the area.

A retaining wall was taken down by the harsh weather and two or three caravans were damaged but thankfully no one was hurt.

‘Useless’ burglar on caravan holiday tries to steal two TVs

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by Tom Walsh

A burglar attempted to steal two televisions while on a caravanning holiday in Barmston, East Yorkshire but was caught and branded “useless” by his own lawyer.

Hull Daily Mail reported that Simon Tatum broke into a neighbouring caravan and stole the two televisions but was spotted by a young girl.

The police were then called and were able to spot the television under the bed when they searched the caravan Mr Tatum was staying in.

Patrick Palmer, who was defending Mr Tatum, told Hull Daily Mail: “He is useless at it. He went into the caravan, there were people watching and he took the stuff. It was wholly incompetent. I cannot work it out, frankly.”

Hull Crown Court heard that the victim of Mr Tatum’s crime and his wife holiday at the caravan park most weekends. He explained how his wife now feels ill every time she hears a noise for fear that the same thing will happen again.

Five of the best caravan inspired Christmas presents for your tiny tots

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by Jake Polden

Just because your caravan is in storage for the rest of the year, doesn’t mean your love for them has to dwindle.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, remember, so celebrate by splashing out and treating your little ones with some toys that the caravanner in you would have loved as a child.

Toys for toddlers up to infants, we bring you five great Christmas presents that will undoubtedly bring smiles to little faces – and big ones too.

Peppa Pig Caravan Play Tent

Taking care of the youngest children first, this caravan play tent is brilliant. With a fold-up door, picnic mat and awning this tyke-sized tent is the real deal for any little adventurer.

Featuring a movable steering wheel (so technically a motorhome for the pedantic amongst us), the tent comes with a printed control panel and the opportunity for kids to run wild with their creative imaginations.

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the tent retails at £32.99.

Bunny Caravan

If you’ve a more hands-on toddler, then check out this Bunny Caravan, available at Fiesta Crafts.

Cute and cuddly, the toy recently won an award with The Gift Association, for being original and innovative; and quite honestly, we can see why.

Featuring a bed, a kitchen and a lounge area, this caravan comes with enough kit to take a bunny family on a truly memorable holiday.

Fitted with some durable wooden wheels and a carrot on a cord, the toy can also assist in getting your little ones on their feet.

Car and Caravan Vehicle Set

Moving away from the toddler-related toys, as stated with the ‘not suitable for children under three years’ tag, we’re onto boy’s toys.

Included in this package is a detachable Elddis caravan (just like mummy and daddy’s real one), and a suitable car in order to tow it with.
And those of us with high standards will be satisfied to know that this scale model is based on a luxurious twin-axle Elddis Crusader.

Both coming in a metal-die cast at a 1:43 scale, the car doors and boot can be opened and closed, which is always handy.

Available for £8.00, this present can be purchased from the John Lewis website.

Lego Caravan

Now onto the clever kids, well at least the older ones. For around £35 you can have the pleasure of digging pieces of Lego out of the settee on Boxing Day.

Well, all young engineers and architects have to start somewhere.

Coming complete with a towcar, a push bike and a camp fire, all of which requires varying levels of concentration to build correctly, the two mini figurines in this pack are set for a great little holiday.

This product is available for purchase on Amazon.

Sylvanian Families Caravan

And finally we bring you the collector’s item.

Aimed at the slightly older child – one that will perhaps respect the detailing of this mini-vintage caravan – this toy opens up to become more spacious than it would first appear.

Coming with a rather smart vintage towcar model and a family of four rabbits all desperate for a weekend away, this toy should provide kids with some stimulating entertainment.

Having set the toy industry alight a few years ago, Sylvanain Families have become increasingly popular amongst collectors, and can command some serious money.

Retailing at £49.49 from House of Fraser this toy is indeed at the higher end of the market, but who knows, it may just be a smart investment.

The Rainbow Sheikh’s Globe Caravan is out of this world

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by Jake Polden

With an ever-growing collection of around 400 vehicles, Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, known colloquially as The Rainbow Sheikh, is the ultimate lover of all things drivable – or indeed tow-able.

Tow-able when attached to a jumbo jet, that is, or maybe the Sheikh’s custom Black Spider concept car, which made the news recently after it was parked illegally and deemed too big to tow by police in Valencia.

Exactly one millionth the size of the actual earth, this out-of-this-world caravan contains nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms across three floors.

Roomy and record-breaking – well almost – this caravan, despite its wheels being the size of the average holiday home, is somewhat dwarfed when stood next to The Sheikh’s Star Wars Sand Crawler-style caravan with suspension struts larger than the average adult male (see below).

As they are both part of a museum, we don’t think that anyone has had the pleasure of turning up to a caravan park in one of these juggernauts.

That said, the Sheikh, a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling Royal Family, is kind enough to display his vast array of vehicles at the Emirates National Auto Museum, which is just a short drive from the centre of the UAE’s capital city – and best of all, it’s free to visit.

One in ten Brits take regular caravan holidays, survey says

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by Jake Polden

A national survey of UK consumers, found that one in ten British people take regular caravanning holidays, and are willing to travel over two hours to find the best destination.

Results showed that 30% of the 2,000-strong, nationally representative group of consumers polled, had been on a UK caravan holiday or stayed at a holiday park in the last three years.

Considerably well priced when compared to hotels, the cost-effective nature of caravanning was a deciding factor for 56% of those polled.

Meanwhile 52% stated that the communal, safe family environment of a holiday park made them choose it over a hotel.

Journey time was also something considered by half of those polled, while picturesque landscapes and location was found to be more important to those aged over 55.

Paul Hemming, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance at Zolfo Cooper, who carry out the annual survey, said: “It is no surprise to us, given the high standards of many UK holiday parks, which have seen significant investment in recent years, that the very British holiday in a caravan, or at a holiday park, is as popular as ever.”

The survey, which also considered a holiday-goer’s spending habits, found that most people (55%) had a tenancy to buy food from off-site shops and restaurants in the day, with considerably less (39%) doing so in the evening.

Speaking of the positive statistics, Hemming added: “This is a market with great potential and we expect credible, safe and high-quality sites to grow across the country over the next few years”.

Bridport caravan park lands top accolade at Dorset business awards

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by Tom Walsh

A caravan park in Bridport has capped off 2013 with a flourish by claiming a top accolade at the Dorset Business Awards.

Highlands End Holiday Park was bestowed with first prize in the Dorset Tourism Award category after managing to hold off a range of top competitors to land the accolade, Bridport News reports.

Martin Cox, from the caravan park, told the news provider of his immense pride at being able to land an award of this prestige.

He added: “All our team appreciate the importance of customer service and high standards to ensure that our visitors enjoy their holiday breaks in Dorset and the importance of tourism to the economy of the area.”

Highlands End Holiday Park sits in a perfect location which is suited for people wanting to visit the Dorset coast. It is also just a couple miles from the town of Bridport.

It was praised for the way it constantly changes approach to meet the demands of the tourism industry.

NCC offers practical advice to help caravan owners minimise flood risk

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by Shoaib Rokadiya

The National Caravan Council (NCC) has released updated advice on how to keep safe on a caravan site during a flood.

The advice, outlined in a lengthy pamphlet, highlights the importance of vigilance regarding your caravan site’s flood risk.

Come rain or shine, caravan owners should examine the likelihood of five types of flooding around their desired caravan sites before booking.

This includes flooding from the sea, rivers and reservoirs, as well as the risk of surface water collecting during heavy rain and groundwater rising from below.

According to the NCC, there are eight things that caravan owners should do in the event of inescapable flooding.

Firstly, you should prepare a flood kit of essential items and stay in a safe place with a clear means of escape.

The NCC also advises caravanners to be ready to evacuate and co-operate with the emergency services, when necessary.

Only call 999 if you are in immediate danger and turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it is safe to do so.

Flood protection equipment should be put into place, and if there is flood damage, owners are advised to ring their insurance company as soon as possible.

The NCC also points towards Floodline Warnings Direct (FWD) as a handy flood warning service for those at risk of flooding, particularly those with a seasonal pitch.

Prospective users simply have to register a telephone or fax number to get localised flood warnings at any time of the day or night.

To find out whether you can receive free flood warnings from FWD, call 0845 988 1188 or visit ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk" target="_blank">www.environment-agency.gov.uk and register for free.

EXCLUSIVE: George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces to feature circus caravan

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by Jake Polden

Those who love their caravans and eco-friendly ideas will undoubtedly be glued to this Thursday’s episode of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, as the architect and TV personality has promised to renovate a poor neglected Swift Rapide caravan.

Unable to contain our excitement, we at CaravanTimes caught up with Quadrille Publishers, who publish the TV tie-in book that accompanies the programme, to bring you an exclusive look at the Amazing Circus Caravan.

And quite honestly, we don’t think amazing does it justice. Renovated from a wreck, as shown in last week’s brief preview of the episode, George’s final product is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Recycling a disused space, George explains in his book that the idea belonged to Michael Imerson – a young actor who, along with his troupe “dreamt of converting an ordinary nondescript vehicle into something quite unique”.

Amalgamating contemporary and traditional design, George states that the pair decided to “work up the caravan within a Steampunk style – a retro/futuristic sub-genre that mixes different historical, sci-fi, industrial and material elements to create a fantasy world”.

And the final product encapsulates all of the above and more. Quaintly decorative from the outside and deceivingly sizeable once the doors swing open to reveal a performance space, and a mini-museum.

Discussing the project, George explains that maintaining the structural integrity of the caravan while recycling, replacing and in some cases removing, fixtures and fittings was challenging:

“In order to open up what was originally an enclosed internal space one side of the caravan was removed and replaced with two large plywood doors opening outwards on hinges, thereby effectively turning the vehicle into a stage.”

The final touches to the caravan include a mismatched mass of cultural objects including paintings, old machinery, broken clocks and picture books.

But the true appeal, as explained by George, “lies in its dream-like quality where the audience’s imagination is challenged and encouraged – it’s an easy journey to another world”.

Now a completed project, Michael plans to entertain the British public by taking his touring caravan around the UK to different music and arts festivals.

If you are as excited to see the caravan as we are, then make sure you tune into this Thursday’s episode of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces at 8pm on Channel 4.

The TV-tie in book, Amazing Spaces by George Clarke with Jane Field-Lewis, published by Quadrille Publishing, is now available for purchase, and offers fans of the show a closer look at the projects featured each week.

And for those who can’t wait until Thursday, click on the slide show below for a sneak peak at the final product:


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

FEATURE: Top-five caravan destinations for ardent stargazers

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by Ruchi Srivastava

Star gazing has always had something of an ethereal quality – the world suddenly seems to be a much more mysterious and beautiful place when set in its universal context.

So why not use this winter break as a chance to spend a stress-free and peaceful holiday in a starry, winter wonderland?

We at CaravanTimes, have prepared a list of what we think are the top five places for you to take your caravans and explore the mystical realms of the heavens above us.

Dalby Forest, Yorkshire

Having earned recognition as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, the Dalby Forest is a stunning 8,600-acre woodland that is an ideal spot to indulge in some astronomy lessons.

Also known as a ‘Milky Way’ class venue for stargazers, the Dalby Forest opened up to the public in 2001 and has since become a popular spot for discovering stars on clear nights due to its lack of pollution.

Enthusiastic stargazers will also be interested to know that the Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society hold monthly events in the beautiful forest. The society is also responsible for running one of the biggest star camps in the UK, Starfest.

Nearby caravan sites include: ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.robinhoodcaravanpark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Robin Hood Camping and Caravan Park and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.dalby-forest.co.uk/camping-dalby-forest.htm" target="_blank">Pexton Moor Farm Dalby Forest Camp Site

Exmoor National Park, Somerset

Surrounded by hills, the Exmoor National Park bears the prestigious title of being named as Europe’s first International Dark Skies Reserve, whilst being ranked as the second reserve in the world to get this accolade.

This world-class park offers everyone the chance to enjoy stargazing throughout year. However, it is worth bearing in mind that autumn and winter is a particularly good time to holiday here, since visitors will be able to enjoy longer and darker nights.

The most exciting moment for any visitor, however, has to be the sight of shooting stars. An almost once-in-a-lifetime event, travellers at this park may be lucky enough to spot these shooting stars during the autumn.

A never-ending array of constellations and planets also await eager astronomers at the park. All you now need are your binoculars and telescopes.

Nearby caravan sites include: Burrowhayes Farm Caravan and Camping Site , ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.porlockcaravanpark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Porlock Camping and Caravan Park and Sparkhayes Farm Camping Site.

Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries and Galloway

Some of the most stunning visuals of the night sky will greet visitors to the Dark Sky Park in Galloway Forest Park.

These include the beautiful Orion Nebula, the Milky Way Galaxy and even the Andromeda Galaxy whose light has travelling towards us for nearly 2.5 million years.

With incredibly clear views of the sky along with extremely low levels of light pollution, Scotland is one of the best places to enjoy stargazing during the evenings.

In fact, even without binoculars, the twinkling stars are easily visible to the naked eye.

Nearby caravan sites include: Glentrool Holiday Park and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.glenlucecaravans.co.uk/" target="_blank">Whitecairn & Glenluce Holiday Parks.

Northumberland National Park, Northumberland

Just south of the border you will find the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, which is comprised of the whole of Northumberland National Park and most of Kielder Water & Forest Park.

The breathtaking scope and unpopulated nature of this park guarantees all visitors the chance to feast their eyes on an unbelievable range of stars and constellations.

Also, the Northumberland park is especially unique as it is home to the largest public observatory in Britain, located just above the Kielder Water & Forest Park.

The Kielder Observatory opened in 2008 and has since attracted more than 43,000 visitors. Staging more than 30 events a month, this observatory is definitely one of the most popular attractions in the park.

Budding astronomers should also note that the observatory will be running ‘Star Camp’ next year from 25 February to 2 March.

Giving people the chance to observe, photograph and exchange ideas, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the mysteries of the night.

Nearby caravan sites include: ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.visitkielder.com/caravan-camping/kielder-caravan-camping-site" target="_blank">Kielder Campsite and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=5109" target="_blank">Hadrians Wall Camping & Caravan Site.

Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys

And finally, we reach the Brecon Beacons National Park, where on a clear night you can see not only the Milky Way but also beautiful meteor showers as well.

The park recently applied to the International Dark Sky Association in order to make their entire park an International Dark Sky Reserve.

And in 2012, the park was awarded the title and has now become the fifth destination in the world (and the first in Wales) to be accredited in this way.

This status has now enabled the park to protect its environment and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

So, by visiting this park, you’re doing your bit to protect the environment while also helping to give a host of nocturnal creatures a safe place to call their home.

Nearby caravan sites include: ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.priorymillfarm.co.uk/" target="_Blank">Priory Mill Farm and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.pencelli-castle.com/" target="_blank">Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park.

Starry-eyed and longing for that incredible vacation yet? To get in the mood, click on the video below:

Auto-Trail Owners Club chairman stands down

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by Tom Walsh

The chairman of the ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/auto-trail/">Auto-Trail Owners Club has announced that he is stepping down from his position after six years of service.

Jim Shephard took over the role in 2007 and has been commended on his work by joint managing directors David Thomas and Stuart Turpin during a recent visit to the Auto-Trail production facility.

Both Mr Shephard and Elaine Shephard received special praise from the club officials for their hard work over the years.

Mr Turpin added: “Jim and Elaine have been close friends to all of us here at Auto-Trail for many years, not only through being chairman of the Owners Club but also for owning one of our motorhomes and giving us helpful feedback on our products first hand.”

Auto-Trail has a range of high class motorhomes with the company already gearing up for 2014 with the launch of the ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/news/motorhomes/autotrail/auto-trail-v-line-sets-new-standard-of-van-conversion-luxury-$21382983.htm">new V-Line, Tracker, Apache and Frontier models.

FEATURE: Five top tips for avoiding a caravan fire

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by Jake Polden

‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/news/insurance/safety/caravan-fires-are-nine-times-more-deadly-than-house-fires-expert-claims-$21382512.htm">Back in March we ran a story on Paul Howes, the fire protection officer at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, who claimed that caravan fires are nine times more deadly than house fires.

Since then we have covered many fire-related news stories, which have resulted in tragic deaths and expensive insurance claims, as caravans perish in the heat of the unstoppable element.

Here at CaravanTimes we think enough is enough, and as a consequence, have devised a list of our top five tips designed to keep your caravans safe and sound and free from flames.

BBQs

It’s hard to beat the appeal of barbecuing by your caravan while on holiday. It’s an easy to use, social hub that provides excitement and great tasting food for all ages – oh, and it saves on the washing up too.

That said, BBQs have been known to catch out the irresponsible, and if not managed correctly have the potential to cause a fire.

When preparing a BBQ look for a piece of flat land at least two metres away from your caravan and/or awning – and anyone else’s for that matter.

The most common cause of a BBQ-related fire is the appliance falling over. If kids are playing nearby, or the family chef has perhaps had one too many, the BBQ is in danger of tipping and consequently firing its red-hot contents at the unassuming caravan.

BBQs positioned under awnings are also considerably dangerous and should never be attempted. Remember heat rises, and if the rising heat is billowing unrelentingly onto a material awning it will, at the very least, cause it to melt.

What’s more the lingering carbon monoxide molecules can create a poisonous atmosphere that lingers long after the flames have been extinguished.

Unlike houses made from bricks and mortar, caravans are extremely flammable, so don’t take the risk. When using a BBQ, make sure it is sturdy, that it has your undivided attention, and that it’s emanating smoke is kept far away from your awning.

Gas and electrical appliances

Another very important thing to consider when caravanning, and staying on the right side of the law, is gas and electrical maintenance.

Having your caravan serviced once a year is highly recommended, as this ensures it is as safe as possible for the new season.

Additionally it is also worth noting that most insurers state, in small print of course, that you will only keep within your warranty if you have an annual service – so again, it’s certainly worthwhile.

The safety check will ensure that gas and electrical appliances, like cookers and stoves, are safe for use, but also make sure that the less obviously dangerous appliances, like fridge-freezers, receive the same level of TLC.

With the potential to cause a similarly devastating level of carnage if faulty, every appliance is important, so don’t be afraid to check with your service centre exactly what they are, and more importantly, are not testing.

Motorhome owners are advised to pay particular attention to this as a general safety check of the habitation area may be basic in comparison to a full annual service.

Another group of people who need to consider fire safety, in relation to gas and electrical appliances, are DIY-ers. Caravanners are, generally speaking, a bunch of bright sparks who are known for making some truly unique additions to their holiday homes.

While this is all well and good, it’s important to consider a few things before you go draping your home-made Christmas lights around your bed board.

Firstly, just how safe is the electric or gas appliance you are installing? Has it been tested, and is it away from anything that could cause it to start a fire?

Secondly, does it correspond with your insurance regulations? If something goes wrong, are you going to held liable for the damage caused by your modification?

Fire alarms and CO detectors

The single most important piece of safety equipment anyone can have in their caravan, or home for that matter, is a working fire alarm.

We say working, because we want to emphasise the fact that they can stop working, and that by testing them, you could prevent disaster.

Complimenting this is a Carbon monoxide detector as this invisible gas can be fatal if inhaled in high enough concentration.

Working in unison, the alarm and detector act as your first line of defence against a fire, alerting you to danger, so that you can get away from it or, if safe to do so, contain it.

When it comes to installing them, always ensure that detectors face downwards, as they are at their most effective like this. Additionally, make sure it’s located in an area that is open to the whole of the interior cabin, so not in the washroom or a cupboard.

Fire safety equipment

Ever hear the expression ‘prepare for the worst’? Well consider that alongside the other expression, which compliments it perfectly, ‘99% of the things you worry about never happen’ and you have successfully negotiated Sod’s law.

In layman’s terms: If you are overly prepared for the potential of a fire, then chances are, you won’t experience one, and if you do, you’ll be ready for it.

Fire blankets and extinguishers are a must for getting you out of any hair-singeing scenarios as they have the ability to stop a fire in its tracks.

Designed to combat two different types of fire, remember to always use your fire blanket when dealing with a chip-pan or hob-based fire on a stove.

Fire extinguishers on the other hand contain dry powered contents and are designed to suffocate flaming furniture and fabrics.

Usable for up to five years, fire extinguishers should then be replaced so as to retain their full working order. Fire blankets however, if unused, are deemed safe indefinitely.

While these pieces of equipment do provide you with tools to fight a fire, it is important to act safety and responsibly if one should occur.
Always evacuate yourself and your family first, and only fight the blaze if it’s safe to do so.

The importance of common sense

Finally, never underestimate the importance of good old common sense. You can have all the fire-proofing equipment in the world, but if you light up next to a leaky gas tank its Goodnight Vienna.

We know you’re on holiday and you don’t want to be worrying about the potential for devastation, but by taking an extra second to move the swing-ball away from the BBQ, or to test the fire alarm when leaving your caravan for the day, you won’t have to.

Man hospitalised after Ollerton caravan park fire

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by Tom Walsh

A man has been hospitalised following a fire at an Ollerton caravan park, according to local reports.

The Nottingham Post reported that the incident took place on Sunday evening (8 December) at Forest House Farm Caravan Park, near Back Lane.

It is believed that the fire started in the kitchen of a mobile home and saw fire crews from Edwinstowe, Tuxford and Mansfield called to the scene to tackle the blaze.

Only one caravan was involved in the incident and Nottinghamshire police have said that they are not treating it as suspicious.

There has been no update on the man in question’s condition in hospital and is being closely monitored.

The fire comes after a similar accident in Totnes, which saw a caravan completely destroyed in a blaze which also affected four motorcycles and slightly damaged a second tourer.

Like with the Nottinghamshire incident, police are not looking into the fire and believe that it occurred accidentally.