Camping in the Forest offers 33 per cent off pitches

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by Tom Walsh

Camping in the Forest is giving people an even bigger incentive to stay in the UK over the holiday months by offering a 33 per cent discount on standard pitches across its multitude of sites in England, Scotland and Wales.

The deal is open for bookings made between 1 and 31 May 2013 and stretches all the way to 31 December, the end of the traditional camping season.

Camping in the Forest, which is part of the Camping and Caravanning Club, has 19 sites across these countries including ten in the New Forest in Hampshire.

This offer gives people the opportunity to enjoy a different part of the country that they would not necessarily go to on a normal holiday.

The discount is available when booking through the company’s call centre on 024 7798 9497 or online by using the promotional code CITF3304.

Introducing Pedal Bedzz – the pedal-powered micro motorhome

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by Chris Jefferies
Here at CaravanTimes we’ve always thought that good things come in small packages, and here’s the proof.
Pedal Bedzz is more than just a compact motorhome, it’s a truly unique micro motorhome that has got motorhome lovers in a frenzy.
Created by Dorset dealership Kampers and Kars, this wacky design combines the lightweight chassis of a 1960s Butlins pedal kart with the coachbuilding pedigree of a Bedford Autohomes Bambi.
The living area was modified by conversion specialist Martin Ford who shrank it to a tiny 4’9″ wide.
What it lacks in size, it makes up for with sheer ingenuity – designer Andy Saunders has managed to cram everything you could ask for into this minute model.
“It’s only been done for a joke really, but its causing so much attention. I’ve had e-mails with people saying that they want one, no matter how much it costs,” Andy explains.
‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2324857/Its-cramper-van-Mechanic-creates-pedal-powered-mobile-home-4ft-wide-living-space-filled-seats-stove-table-bed.html?ito=feeds-newsxml" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">National newspapers have already shown huge interest in what they are calling the Cramper Van, and it’s easy to see why.
The fully-appointed interior includes sleeping space for one in the Luton, seating space for four in the rear, a sink and hob under the nearside seat, and you even get a blown-air heater.
Andy has previous with crazy motorhome conversions, having built the world’s lowest motorhome back in 2008.
If you want to see the Pedal Bedzz for yourself, head along to the Southern Motorcaravan Show in Newbury this weekend (17 May).
Or to take a look around the pedal-powered micro motorhome without leaving your seat, simply click on the slideshow and video below:

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Campbells opens Elddis indoor supersite in Preston

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by Tom Walsh

Campbells Caravans & Motorhomes has announced the opening of a brand new Elddis supersite in Preston, Lancashire.

The premises situated on Blackpool Road has undergone extensive renovations after taking over the former home of Campbells Motorhomes, and has now become one-stop shop for customers looking for Elddis caravans and motorhomes.

Campbells sells a range of tourers and mobile homes, including top names such as ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/bailey/">Bailey, Lunar, ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/sprite/">Sprite and Swift, as well as the multitude of Elddis models.

Elddis confirmed that the new indoor supersite will feature its extensive catalogue of tourers, with the all-new Elddis Affinity range and the Supreme, Campbells’ dealer special edition of the Elddis Avante.

And until 19 May, customers can take advantage of some special deals available as part of the VIP launch, which includes free upgrades for the Elddis Xplore.

Customers will also be able to enjoy the exclusive Elddis showroom as well as the new Campbells cafe.

Chausson and Hymer announce key dealer partnerships

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by Tom Walsh

Travelworld Motorhomes and Hayes Leisure are gearing up for a number of significant changes in the coming months.

The former recently announced that it would be re-branding as Hymer UK after Ross Edwards, managing director of the company, explained his desire for Hymer to become synonymous with all of its related services.

Mr Edwards added: “The strategy will be to focus our attention and resources on this brand and we will be working closely with the factory to become their centre of excellence for the UK.”

Meanwhile over at Hayes Leisure, the company stated that it has been named as Chausson’s main agent for the Birmingham area.

It will be tasked with distributing the models across the Midlands area and adds to its current line-up, which includes brands such as Pilote, Bessacarr, Le Voyageur and Autocruise motorhomes.

Both of these developments are designed to help sustain growth within the companies for the foreseeable future.

Bailey Unicorn range to get new Vigo and Cordoba layouts

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by Chris Jefferies
The Bailey Unicorn range will be expanding with the addition of two new layouts, it has been announced today (15 May).
Relaunched last summer, the latest version of the Unicorn has proven to be a big success for the Bristol-based company, particularly due to its striking vertical sunroof.
And now Bailey hopes to build on this success by releasing the Unicorn Vigo and the Unicorn Cordoba.
Both four-berth layouts are similar to popular Unicorn layouts, but on a different sized Al-Ko chassis.
Built using Alu-Tech construction and with a GRP outer-skin, the specification levels are predictably high, with the Tracker stolen vehicle recovery system and 24-hour programmable Alde central heating both fitted as standard.
The Vigo features the space and convenience of a transverse island double bed, as found on the Unicorn Cartagena, but on a smaller single-axle chassis.
Meanwhile, the Cordoba is a larger version of the popular Unicorn Cadiz, and its fixed twin single beds should prove popular for families whose children have grown out of bunk beds.
What’s more, this layout moves the wardrobe into the en-suite end washroom, freeing up space in the middle of the caravan for a full-height 190-litre fridge freezer.
Prices and weights are yet to be confirmed for these two new additions, but Bailey has said that they should arrive in dealerships before the end of June.
Vigo layout

Cordoba layout

Are you a Camper or a Glamper? Take the Airstream glamping quiz

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by Suzette Rabout

Glamping is a term that has become very popular over the past few years amongst those who like the idea of the great outdoors… without spending too much time outdoors.

Combining the glamour of a classic design with the freedom of camping, Airstream caravans are perhaps the best example of glamping.

And true glampers will opt for plenty of mod cons like air conditioning, DVD players and central heating so they can get a true home-from-home experience.

If you’re not sure whether or not you’re a glamper, Airstream has come up with the following quiz:

  1. When you get up in the morning, you make crepes for breakfast instead of eating Pop-Tarts
  2. You brew an espresso in the morning versus drinking instant coffee
  3. To stay cool, you turn on your air conditioner instead of using a hand held fan
  4. All of your food is kept in a freezer or fridge rather than a cooler
  5. When in need of a light, you flip a switch instead of using the campfire light or a lantern
  6. You sleep in a feather bed with a special supportive pillow instead of a sleeping bag on a root or some rocks
  7. There is a screen door to keep out bugs rather than coating yourself in bug repellant at night
  8. You wake up smelling like soap and fresh brewed coffee rather than a campfire and bug spray
  9. Clothes are crisp and dry from being stored in a closet instead of damp and creased from last night’s dew
  10. You watch a movie at night versus telling ghost stories

If you agree with five or more, then you are officially a glamper! Post your score in the comments box below.

New Camping and Caravanning Club site to open in Loch Ness

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by Tom Walsh

The Camping and Caravanning Club has announced the launch of the Loch Ness Shores Club Site which sits on the south bank of the famous lake.

Officials stated that the new campsite will be open from June in time for the summer holiday season.

Caravanners will able to look out on to the picturesque Scottish Highlands following the opening of a new site which offers stunning scenery and panoramic views for any holidaymaker travelling through the Highlands.

With such a popular location the new site is perfect opportunity for a memorable holiday.

There is also the chance to look for the infamous and elusive Loch Ness Monster which is said to dwell in the murky deep of the loch.

Officials confirmed that the site will be open for both members and non-members all year round with people being able to choose from the 99 available pitches.

For those wanting to try something different, there will be the option of staying in one of the five wooden wigwams.

Franchise owners Lyn and Donald Forbes said: “We want to make Loch Ness the best site in Scotland, but ultimately we also want to make it the best site in the UK. We look forward to sharing our beautiful location with campers this summer!”

Visitors can book a stay on the C&CC website where further information is also available.

Bailey of Bristol celebrates 1,000th Approach SE motorhome

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by Tom Walsh

‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/bailey/">Bailey of Bristol has celebrated a significant milestone in its history as the 1,000th Approach SE motorhome came off its production line in South Liberty Lane.

The company has only been making the model for the past 18 months, making this a significant achievement in such a short space of time, especially against the backdrop of tough economic conditions.

Part of the reason why Bailey is able to build motorhomes so quickly and precisely is that their South Liberty Lane facility features a cutting-edge rolling production line, which slowly carries the models through the factory as teams of workers complete the building process.

Bailey initially launched the Approach SE range at the Motorhome & Caravan Show in October 2011 and has undergone an extensive development programme during its production.

The motorhome features a Peugeot 2.2 HDi 130bhp engine, complete with a six-speed manual gearbox and combines British interiors with an enviable specification level.

Nick Howard, Managing Director of Bailey, said: “To have passed this production milestone in such a short period of time is very encouraging and is testimony both to the popularity of our products and our growing stature as a multifaceted leisure vehicle manufacturer.”

Couple live European dream in their motorhome

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by Tom Walsh

A Greater Manchester couple have returned from a three-year tour around Europe in their motorhome.

Chris McClenan and Catherine Warrington from Ramsbottom decided to sell their home and embark on the once in a lifetime trip which has seen them visit some of the most magnificent sights around the continent.

In an interview with the BBC, the couple explained that even though they had everything in place they traded it all for trekking across Europe in their motorhome, named Hector.

During their three-year trek they managed to visit each of the 47 countries within the continent crossing over 67,000 miles with Catherine naming the Northern Lights in Iceland and the midnight sun in Norway as her favourite sights.

She added: “It’s been the best three years of our lives” and that other like minded people should “follow their dream” if they want to do the same.

The couple now intend to live in Hector permanently and have set up a business selling motorhome accessories for fellow campers.

Jay Leno’s checks out Airsteam Land Yacht concept

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Suzette Rabout

US chat show host Jay Leno has uploaded a new video to YouTube in which he looks around the latest concept caravan from Airstream.

Jay ‘s Garage is a base for the former Tonight Show host to explore all things automotive including different types of vehicles like the Airstream Land Yacht.

Together with Airsteam inc president, Bob Wheeler, Jay ventures into the caravan world as he delves inside the Land Yacht concept caravan, which was unveiled earlier this year.

With its impressive stature, the Land Yacht sits at 27 feet long with a classic Airstream ‘silver bullet’ exterior and a yacht-like interior.

Jay tours the van outside and in and gets to know all of its features, including an exterior stone guard, an electric remote-controlled awning and an all-leather interior.

The interior was done by Italian designer Mauro Micheli and maximises space with plenty of compact storage. To add to the luxury of the leather seating, which doubles up as extra bed sleeping space, there are two LCD televisions and a ‘master bedroom’.

To watch Jay and Bob take a tour of the exquisite Land-Yacht, click on the video below.

VIDEO: Simon King’s Scottish wildlife caravan tour – Day Two

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Suzette Rabout

A caravan holiday can mean spending time away with family, some just use it as a getaway from everyday life, but Simon King OBE uses his customised green Bailey Orion to travel around photographing and filming remarkable wildlife.

The award-winning wildlife photographer and naturalist is best known for his work on BBC shows such as Springwatch and Planet Earth but Simon is actually life-long caravanner and also a proud ambassador of the Caravan Club.

In the second of a four-part series, Simon discusses the pleasant ambience a caravan can provide inside his Green Goddess caravan, despite the chilly weather as he visits Townend of Shutterflat.

Using his caravan as a base he sets out to explore the wildlife including a group of rabbits who have left a trail, he also sets out a trail camera to catch any action while he is absent.

Simon also talks about the relationship between humans and animals, and the ongoing struggle to share the world in a benign fashion.

Keep checking back with CaravanTimes to watch further adventures in Simon King’s Scottish wildlife caravan tour.

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Danbury Motorcaravans to bring VW T5 Doubleback to market

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Suzette Rabout

Electrical slide-out sections have proven popular in the world of caravans, and now Volkswagen is taking this technology into motorhomes as well.

The VW T5 Doubleback is an innovative campervan, which at the touch of a button can extend to 26ft-long and extend its roof.

And now, Danbury motorcaravans has been appointed by VW as the Doubleback’s sole agent.

The Bristol-based company builds the vehicles in the Danbury’s Yate factory and is renowned for its history in UK camper productions.

With a debut last year, the Doubleback got everybody talking, mostly due to its an electrically-powered rear slide-out which can double the size of the van. It also contains a built-in cooker, fridge and a convertible bed.

The camper looks like any ordinary vehicle but with the added flexibility it allows an extended living space for the comfort of its owners.

The manufacturer also revealed that there is set to be a five-seater version of the van in the works, and there are also conversion services available for current Transporter owners to turn their camper into a Doubleback.

To see the VW T5 in all its glory check out the slideshow below


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