This summer the Caravan Club is due to complete a £2.5 million redevelopment project, which will see two sites getting a significant overhaul.
First up, there is the new Queen Elizabeth Park site in Stonehaven, which is due to open on 5 July.
The site is the result of £1.5 million of construction work, boasting an impressive 77 pitches for couples and families alike.
And this new site won’t just be a summer attraction either, with plans afoot to open the park from March to November, starting from next year.
Meanwhile, the Forfar Lochside park has recently undergone over £1 million of upgrades, with many of the site facilities improved with the addition of new paths and better electrical systems.
Offering 70 pitches for motorhomes and touring caravans, these improvements could help put Scotland on the map as a popular caravanning holiday destination.
Caravan Club product development manager Ellen Shotts said: “The Caravan Club is delighted to be investing these levels of funds in the two sites in order to ensure that each one meets the high quality and standard of all our sites across the network.”
by Chris Jefferies
The response to our latest competition has been overwhelming – it seems that hundreds of you want to get your hands on our prize, the 1,900W Draper pressure washer.
And with spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start washing off all the dirt and grime that can build up on your caravan during months of neglect.
Many of you mentioned that pressure washers can do damage to the mastic and seals, but if used properly (on the fan spray setting, and stood a few metres back) this can be an invaluable gadget – saving you both time and effort.
The competition deadline has now passed, so it’s time to announce the one lucky winner, and that person is:
Mark Pillinger
Congratulations, we will be in touch via e-mail to arrange delivery of your prize.
And to all of you who didn’t win, commiserations but keep checking back with CaravanTimes as we will have another exciting competition coming up really soon.
UPDATE: In our latest competition, you can win a free Bailey Pegasus GT65 caravan, to find out more, click here.
by Chris Jefferies
Comedian and presenter Rowland Rivron is the latest famous face to endorse caravanning on TV, after appearing on Channel 5’s Dangerous Driver’s School to confront his towing shortcomings last night (February 14).
Rowland, who recently won Let’s Dance for Comic Relief, has been an avid caravanner for many years, taking his family down to the south of France every summer.
Has even had Bailey of Bristol make him a special edition tourer known as the Bailey Ranger Rivron back in 2008 (pictured).
This 28-foot twin-axle caravan is a highly spacious way of enjoying a family holiday, but it does present a few towing challenges, even in his hefty Volvo towcar.
The 54-year-old presenter admits that his problems lie with the three Rs: “Roundabouts, reversing and… reversing.”
Fortunately AA instructor Ben Graham is on hand to give Rowland some expert towing advice and teach him how not to take up all of the lanes while circumnavigating a roundabout.
To watch Rowland’s caravanning misadventures and maybe pick up a tip or two, head over to the Channel 5 website.
Kids and grown-ups alike will be heading down to the Camping & Caravanning Club’s National Feast of Lanterns camping event this summer, with a veritable feast of treats on offer for those in attendance.
Based in the idyllic surrounding of the Somerley Estate in New Forest, the camping site is not far from Hampshire and the Dorset Coast with plenty of attractions on offer in the local area.
Organised by the Southern Region, this particular camping event is already shaping up to be unmissable fun for those with a passion for camping and caravanning in the great British outdoors.
Scheduled to run from 5 to 19 August, the event will offer up a whole host of entertainment delights for visitors of all ages, with ‘Heroes’ chosen as this year’s fancy dress theme.
With a bouncy castle, zorb racing, animal displays and various comedy acts and bands, this could be one trip to trump any music festival this summer, so book early to avoid missing out.
Prices start at £19 per adult, and online booking is now available on the C&CC website.
Swift Group is planning to unveil a unique prototype caravan at the Spring Caravan and Camping show at the NEC Birmingham.
This new caravan, called the Colour Concept, has been built to test out how people would respond to a different style of caravan interior design.
Taking trends from today’s modern homes and other luxury vehicles such as yachts, the design team from Swift has developed the interior with a contemporary edge, showing a glimpse into what they think could be the future of caravanning.
Using textured contrast and colours, the caravan has been designed with to create a spacious and bright interior.
The Colour Concept caravan has also been visually divided into zones by using different patterned wallpaper, and modern painted furniture breaks the tradition of wooden furniture, enhancing the modernity of the design.
Furthermore, the Swift Colour Concept comes complete with LED lighting for the ultimate in-vogue effect, complete with laminate wooden floors and accent rugs.
The Colour Concept caravan will be on show on the Swift Stand at the Spring Caravan and Camping show from 19 to 24 February.
Swift representatives will be on hand to listen to your reactions to this new design, which promises to be unlike any caravan you’ve been inside before.
2013 marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s masterpiece Pride and Prejudice, a novel of manners where heroine Elizabeth Bennet famously falls in love with the brooding Mr Darcy.
The Peak District and Pemberley house (based on the stunning Chatsworth Hall in Derbyshire), are the most famous locations to feature in the novel, so we at CaravanTimes thought that now is a better time than ever to take a look at the charms of this scenic region.
We have picked out some of the most beautiful and interesting highlights of the area, with a bit of help from Jane Austen herself.
“They walked on, without knowing in what direction. There was too much to be thought, and felt, and said, for attention to any other objects.”
Taking place from 26 April to 12 May, the Peak District Walking Festival features a wide range of activities, including nature exploration, rock climbing and castle day walks, so you can enjoy Lizzie Bennet’s favourite pastime (as the clip below shows)
Farmers’ Markets “It’s been many years since I had such an exemplary vegetable.”
There is nothing quite like taking a trip to the countryside and visiting a farmers’ market for a real sense of community and a wide range of produce all in the same place.
The Peak District is rife with farmers’ markets which are laden with fruit, vegetables, homemade jams, and arts and crafts. Our particular favourite is the Buxton Farmers’ Market
As the second largest in the UK, it regularly attracts over 5,000 visitors every month to see over 70 stallholders. Many of these sell out before closing time, so be sure to arrive nice and early.
Evening activities “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love”
Be excessively diverted in the Peak District by having a gorgeous cosy night in one of the many quaint pubs in the area, heading to the top of Eccles Pike to do some stargazing, dancing the night away in Chesterfield or even catching a show at the gorgeous Buxton Theatre.
Where to stay?
The Peak District is such a hotspot for caravanners that this list could go on forever, but we have shortlisted our top five for inspiration on where to pitch during your stay:
Rivendale is the ideal place for the adventurous: mountain biking, rambling and a variety of walking trails and cycle ways lead directly from the site, including a path that will take you to the limestone upper reaches of Dove Dale, one of the most beautiful and popular locations in the Peak District.
Located in the quaint hamlet of Golden Valley, the park is set within 26 acres of historic woodland, full of history. Golden Valley is in Amber Valley, known for its villages and exciting historic houses and heritage sites. The caravan park is situated in a secluded woodland hideaway, all set with a Jacuzzi, gym and bar.
With an array of outdoor activities, natural and historical features, Castleton Caravan Club site is a popular choice. Only half a mile from the beautiful village of Castleton, which is full of pubs and shops, this would be an ideal location.
The Carsington Water Caravan Club site in Ashbourne boasts pitches separated by trees, giving residents peace and quiet in the busy summer months.
Carsington Reservoir is also a major attraction of the Peak District, including such facilities as fishing, sailing and windsurfing, or you can simply take in the spectacular views on a cable car ride.
Situated a short walk from the lovely town of Bakewell, this park is in an excellent location surrounded by many areas of interest. The views are spectacular, and with the park open from February to November, it is almost always available. There is also 10% off your holiday price if booked online.
Some of these parks are not available all year round, so make sure to check before loading up the caravan and hitting the road.
With the Spring Caravan and Camping show almost upon us (19 to 24 February), we take a look at when to plan your trip so you can catch your favourite celebs.
Tuesday 19 February
Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace
The famous dancing duo from Strictly Come Dancing will be reprising their appearance at last year’s London show. For a taste of what you can expect on the Caravan Club stand, click on the video below.
Andy Torbet
Andy has recently completed filming for the dramatic BBC documentary ‘Operation Iceberg’ and the adventure-seeking action man will be joining in on some exciting show attractions and sharing his experiences in the natural world. If you are interested in diving, climbing, kayaking, or zoology, he is definitely worth looking out for.
Wednesday 20 February
Valentine Warner
Growing up on a farm, Valentine Warner learnt the connection between the natural world and the table at an early age.
Described as “a cook, fisherman and culinary adventurer”, Valentine will be at the Campsite Cooking stand to explain how to live off the land. Perfect for any culinary enthusiasts, be sure to bring your notebook.
Thursday 21 February
Kate Humble
Perhaps best known for presenting the wildly popular Springwatch and Autumnwatch, Kate will be sharing her favourite walks in Wales, where she lives with her husband and two dogs, Badger and Bella, her hive of bees and other variety of pets.
If you have any questions on nature, animals or, oddly, diving then ask away – Kate is the second woman ever to be appointed the President of the RSPB and is a qualified diver, as well as a presenter for half a dozen nature shows.
Friday 22 February
Nick Baker
Nicknamed Bugboy Baker, naturalist and wildlife TV presenter Nick will be showing off his favourite creepy crawlies at the Show’s ‘One on One with Wildlife’ attraction. Go on and have a look – if you dare!
Saturday 23 February
Julia Bradbury
An avid fan of the Peak District, compare your walking experiences with Julia, presenter of the popular BBC TV show Countryfile.
Julia will be attending the show to share her adventures with all visitors and to answer your burning questions about some of her experiences during her 15-year career both overseas and in the UK.
Sunday 24 February
Tim Baillie & Etienne Stott
Gold Medallists Tim Baillie and Etienne Stotte will be visiting the show following their slalom kayaking triumph in the 2012 Olympics.
And with a canoeing and kayaking pool at the show, maybe they will get a chance to show off their skills.
So with so much to see, we want to know – which celebrity are you most looking forward to meeting? Let us know in the comments below.
Cardiff Crown Court this week heard how a quiet cup of tea between two sisters on a caravanning holiday resulted in tempers boiling over with one of the siblings striking the other with a china teacup.
Christine Doyle, Patricia Morris and her disabled husband were visiting the Happy Valley caravan site in Porthcawl, where they own neighbouring tourers, when the incident occurred.
Sitting outside together enjoying a brew in the bright sunshine, an argument broke out between the sisters after Mrs Morris explained that she was going to take her partner for a shower in the ladies’ washrooms.
Mrs Doyle objected to this suggestion and a heated debate erupted between the pair, with the result being that they threw their aforementioned drinks over each other.
Yet things took a sinister turn when Mrs Doyle’s 68-year-old sibling proceeded to ram her tea cup into her face, resulting in a serious and nasty looking injury.
The 66-year-old was rushed to hospital, where she received 35 stitches and was left scarred.
Presiding judge Stephen Hopkins said: “It is somewhat ironic that this happened at the Happy Valley caravan site.”
He was keen to note that it was only after a plea from Mrs Doyle, that Mrs Morris avoided an “inevitable prison sentence” with the grandmother instead hit with a 12-month suspended sentence.
“You don’t deserve a sister as generous in spirit as yours,” he added.
Bailey Caravans is extending their Pegasus GT65 range, adding the new Bailey Pegasus GT65 Turin to its model line up. As a six-berth caravan, the new range will appeal to larger families.
Indeed, the caravan has striking similarities with the Swift Challenger SE 625 in terms of similarity of design, both made for larger families by sleeping six people on a twin axle chassis.
The Turin layout weighs in with an MTPLM of 1,676 kg and will retail at £19,180, Bailey has confirmed.
The layout features a large front lounge, a nearside kitchen, an offside dinette that converts into two bunk beds, with a fixed double bed in a rear bedroom complete with an ensuite washroom.
It also features a unique vertical skylight, showcasing the light and spacious interior.
The Turin also boasts a high performance Alu-Tech bodyshell cloaked in a GRP skins for excellent durability, as well as many user-friendly features, including the centrally located gas bottle locker.
Prospective buyers will be able to see the Turin next week at the Spring Caravan & Camping Show NEC in Birmingham (19 to 24 February), where it will go on display for the first time.
Alan Thompson must be sick of the sight of police cars at his caravan park in St Michaels after enduring four separate burglaries in the space of just two years.
The tourer site, at Turnover Hall Farm, St Michaels, was subject to yet another raid last month, with thieves heading to the site to steal cash stored there.
They left plenty of destruction in their wake too, as the Blackpool Gazette reports, with snooker tables and washing machines damaged, windows smashed and a door broken down.
In all, some 15 different money boxes were stolen in the raid, which has prompted Mr Thompson to shell out for a new CCTV system in a bid to avoid a fifth raid.
“We’re going to fix most of the stuff and we are going to put CCTV up as well, because we’re lacking that to be truthful,” he told the news provider.
“We thought everything was friendly but it’s not anymore. It’s annoying.”
The police are meanwhile appealing for anyone with evidence to come forward.
Rumour Has It that Adele has treated her grandma feel to a brand new Lunar Delta RS caravan.
The world-record breaking singer has shot to fame in recent years, and just last night (10 February) she won the Best Pop Solo Artist award at the 2013 Grammy awards.
However, she has clearly not lost touch with her roots, as reports suggest she still goes caravanning with her granny Doreen, as her nan’s neighbour told the Daily Star:
“[Doreen] was over the moon. [She] loves spending weekends at her local caravan park in Essex with her dog, and Adele often visits – even now she’s an international star [.] she loves it. The two of them walk the dog together and catch up.”
Adele, who reportedly earns around £41,000 a day, does not hold back in treating her family, having bought her mother a £600,000 flat in London earlier this month.
The neighbour continued to say “Adele likes to make sure her gran wants for nothing. She has always been very down to earth and her huge success hasn’t changed her one bit.”
Someone Like You could purchase a Lunar Delta RS for £23,500, complete with separate fridge and freezer, on-board water tank, a spacious kitchen and even heated towel rails. Now is the time to start Chasing Pavements…
The South West Wales Motor Caravanners’ Club (SWWMCC) had hoped to enjoy the serene sights and sounds of coastal town Porthcawl this May Bank Holiday, with plans afoot for up to 80 motorhomes to head there for a special rally.
But brakes have now been placed on these hopes after a significant proportion of the local residents signed a petition in opposition of the trip.
Their main concerns focus on the potential noise and environmental pollution along with the traffic problems that such a high number of visiting caravans could create.
As Wales Online reports, the group had hoped to set up base on a 40-acre site near to a housing estate located close to the Porthcawl rugby club.
But those plans now look in doubt, something which has angered SWWMCC rally organiser Clive Hanham.
Speaking to the news provider, the group leader said: “At least 90 per cent of people there would be of pensionable age and some of the vans they own are worth more than £100,000.
“We like a natter and a glass of wine. We are not 2am ravers. Half of us will probably be in bed by 10.30pm,” he added.
They will have to wait a couple more weeks to find out whether they can go-ahead with their holiday plans.
