Sibling rivals recognised for top Yorkshire caravan parks

Posted by

by Aditi Charanji

A brother and sister are turning up the sibling rivalry as they aim to give caravan owners the best pitches in the whole of Yorkshire.

Both Rebecca Palmer-Bunting and her brother Nick Palmer made the shortlist for the annual White Rose Awards, a scheme aimed at celebrating the best accommodation and attractions in the county.

And, while both just missed out on the top spot, just being nominated is testament to their attention to detail and love of fine caravan accommodation, something that was highlighted by the fact Rebecca was also in the running for the prize for Outstanding Customer Service.

Welcoming the news, father Ian, who himself owns three caravan parks in Yorkshire, told the Yorkshire Post: “To have our efforts recognised by the industry as well as the guests is great.”

Rebecca runs the Robin Hood Caravan Park, close to the historic city of York, while Nick runs Jasmine Park, close to the popular seaside town of Scarborough.

Top ten things to see at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011

Posted by

by Marcus Dubois

Entering the vast halls of Birmingham’s NEC during the Motorhome and Caravan Show can be quite a daunting experience. A sea of stands extends in each direction as far as the eye can see, with hundreds of exhibitors forming a visual feast. Whether a complete newcomer or a seasoned regular, the sheer range of things to see can be overwhelming.

Which is why the Caravan Times team sat down earlier to pick through our highlights from this week. It’s been a superb year for new caravan launches with fresh designs competing to catch the eye; while there are hidden attractions and experiences for those wanting to try something different. Take a look at our top ten tips for the NEC this weekend.

Get under the skin of Bailey’s first ever motorhome

You might know Bailey for their market-leading caravan ranges, but this year the Bristol-based manufacturer enters the motorhome world for the first time with the Approach SE. For the NEC, Bailey has peeled back the skin of a demonstrator model so visitors can see the secrets behind the Alu-Tech construction. Get up and close to Bailey’s first motorhome on Hall 19, Stand 19-29

Get free cookery demonstrations from celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo

Need some fresh ideas on what to cook during your next holiday? Pop down to the Cookery Theatre for some fantastic recipes and live demonstrations. On Saturday celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo will be showcasing his easy-to-cook Italian meals, while also signing copies of his latest cookbook. Catch him in Hall 9

See the “spaceship on wheels” from a brand new caravan manufacturer

It’s not often you get a new caravan manufacturer, yet alone one as daring and radical as IH Leisure. Known for their motorhomes, the British brand has launched their first caravan, filled with luxury appointments and with the look of a spaceship. Check out the Monopod 660 on Stand 8-33

Try towing with a Towcar of the Year winner

Each year the Caravan Club makes our job of choosing a towcar that much easier with their annual awards. Try one of the Towcars of the Year by towing a Bailey around the Club’s dedicated course with guidance from an expert. Visit Stand 20-79 to book your place.

Witness the return of historic brand Carlight Caravans

It’s been over a decade since one of Britain’s oldest caravan manufacturers ceased production. However the big news for 2012 is that Carlight Caravans are back – and you can see their full new range of tourers on Hall 18 Stand 25

Click here to continue reading 

Financial problems force Discover Leisure into NEC no-show

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Caravan dealer Discover Leisure has pulled its staff from the NCC Motorhome & Caravan Show, after admitting that it may not be able to solve its current financial problems.

The retailer, which has five dealerships across the North of England and headquarters in York, made a worrying announcement to the London Stock Exchange this morning at 8am.

“The board now believes that it is increasingly unlikely that an acceptable solution to the funding issues that the group faces can be secured in the necessary timeframe,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the AIM-listed company withdrew its shares, after they had plummeted to a 52-week low of 23 pence, down nearly 48 per cent so far this week.

Earlier this week the company announced poor sales figures for the three months to August 2011 and revealed that it is seeking additional funding.

In reaction to this troubling news, Caravan Times spoke with Louise Wood, spokesperson from the National Caravan Council, who confirmed the situation at the Birmingham NEC.

“At present, no Discover Leisure staff are at the NCC Show. Their stand is not available at the moment; it is very much a ‘wait and see’ situation.

“If anyone has recently paid a deposit to Discover Leisure, we would advise them to contact the company in the first instance,” she continued.

“We are awaiting further clarification of the situation, but at present we have not had confirmation that Discover Leisure has gone into administration.”

At the time of writing, Discover Leisure was not available for comment.

Have you been affected by the collapse of Discover Leisure? Have you dealt with them in the past? Share your thoughts in our free community forum

Vanmaster Darwin 440: Two-berth luxury for discerning couples

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

For more than 16 years, Vanmaster has been a byword for coachbuilt quality and now the Wigan-based manufacturer has expanded its range with a deluxe two-berth model, the Darwin 440.

Named after the company’s founders John and Cyril Darwin, this new model made its public debut earlier this week at the NCC Motorhome & Caravan Show in Birmingham.

The aim is to deliver spacious, luxury living without compromise and this is certainly reflected in the classy, traditional interiors.

From the Ash wood veneer to the beige soft furnishings and even a wine cabinet, it is clear that the Darwin 440 has been built with mature caravanners in mind.

For a truly cosy year-round touring experience, Vanmaster has also fitted Alde wet heating and under floor heating to a carefully crafted caravan, which takes around 800 man hours to build.

The traditional convertible front double layout means you will need to make up the bed each night, but the slide-out system makes this a breeze and the space created is enormous.

All this comes in a caravan with an MTPLM of 1,420kg, meaning that most medium-sized family cars, from a Ford Mondeo upwards, should be able to tow a Darwin effortlessly.

At £23,950, the Vanmaster Darwin 440 costs around £5,000 more than the equivalent Swift Conqueror, but is over £10,000 cheaper than the equivalent Carlight and the price includes the option to individually customise your caravan to meet your exact needs.

For the truly discerning caravanner, a Vanmaster badge still holds a lot of clout and the long-lasting quality of these coachbuilt ‘vans may well be enough to tempt a few traditional caravan lovers to part with that extra chunk of cash.

The Vanmaster Darwin 440 is on display at the NCC Motorhome & Caravan Show in Birmingham until Sunday October 16th. To get the latest updates from the show, join our community forum.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Fifth Wheel Inos promises to take caravan luxury to the next level

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

When it comes to caravan interiors, bigger is almost always better, and no European manufacturer can claim to offer more space than Fifth Wheel Company.

The Welsh manufacturer showed off the prototype for its first ever tourer at the Boat and Caravan Show in February, but this week caravan enthusiasts can inspect the completed Fifth Wheel Inos for the first time at the NCC Motorhome & Caravan Show.

As the only European caravan with slide-out technology, the Inos offers simply unrivalled levels of spaciousness, from the open-plan living area, through to the lavish bedroom.

This is achieved by having a sliding section that extend out sideways from the offside of the van, resulting in an extra 4.8 square metres of interior space.

In addition to the Inos 1211 model that is on show in Birmingham, Fifth Wheel will offer a further three layouts to suit buyers’ requirements, but the luxury standard is maintained throughout the range.

What’s more, the Inos features the Alde Compact 3010 wet heating system, which makes for a cosy year-round touring experience as well as further increasing the amount of interior space available.

Visitors to the NEC this weekend can look around the transverse island-bed layout, which includes an enormous nearside shelf, complete with a large chest of drawers, to create truly hotel-like decor.

These levels of luxury are normally only seen in American RVs and as such it’s hard to predict whether British buyers will buy into this lavish touring style, or whether it will be judged as simply too flashy.

Adrian Parry- Jones, Operations Director at Fifth Wheel Company, said: “We are confident that the production model has the technical superiority and design flexibility to meet the needs of our customers.”

However, this technical superiority and design flexibility doesn’t come cheap – the Inos carries an elite price tag of £36,000.
Furthermore, with an MTPLM of 2,700kg you will undoubtedly need a seriously powerful 4WD to tow this veritable palace on wheels.

To get the latest updates from the NCC Motorhome & Caravan Show 2011, join our community forum.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Spaceship on wheels: the Monopod 660 caravan from IH Leisure

Posted by

by Marcus Dubois

It’s not often in the world of caravanning that a new manufacturer comes to the table, let alone a company offering wildly futuristic and unusual designs. Motorhome maker IH Leisure have taken a different approach when launching their first ever caravan, penning a space-age vehicle that breaks new boundaries in design.

The Monopod 660 draws upon twenty years in the leisure industry to create a high-end luxury caravan with an extraordinary striking look. The name derives from the one piece monocoque body shell, a design technique taken from the automotive industry which allows stresses and strains on the vehicle to be carried by the outer skin.

The front section is reminiscent of a helicopter with its slanted separate windows and curved front, while the design allows for a pure shape with few visible joins.

Premium luxury

Inside the Monopod 660 feels like stepping into a boutique hotel from another age, with warm contrasting tones and rich woods. The Truma blown air heating system is used throughout, while the lounge area is large and well appointed with comfortable foam back rests.

An initial selection of three example layouts were shown, though the Monopod will be available with a range of configurations. All are four-berth, with one sporting a rear bathroom and side dinette; another focused around a central galley kitchen; and the last a fixed bed.

Colour match your caravan

If the uniform look of white caravans feels over-familiar to you, then the Monopod may appeal. Although the show model was presented in a silver-green metallic hue, the caravan can be custom-painted to match your towcar.

Meanwhile IH Leisure is offering a tailored service where customers can make bespoke adjustments to suit their requirements. A wide range of additional options are also available.

The catch? Prices for the IH Leisure Monopod 660 start from £41,995.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Elddis Caravans offers NEC show special deals

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Caravan shows are always a great place to pick up a bargain, but with so many manufacturers and dealers vying for your attention, it can be hard to make a decision.

This week at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show, Elddis Caravans are hoping to win over curious visitors with a range of gadgets to sweeten the deal.

Up until Sunday October 16th, any caravan bought from the entry-level Elddis Xplore range will come with a free SE upgrade pack, including Winterhoff stabiliser, Alloy wheels, a flyscreen for the door, a Steel spare wheel and a carrier to go with it. All things told, this adds up to a total saving of £399.

Further up the range and the Avante and Odyssey tourers all come with a free BPW iDC anti-snaking device, which is normally priced at £549.

In the Elddis Crusader range, you can choose between a BPW Diamond Standard wheel lock or get air conditioning fitted for just £499 (which makes for a saving of £700 on the standard price).

At the top end of the spectrum, the Buccaneer caravans all come with the option of cut-price air conditioning as well.

To take advantage of these offers you don’t even need to go to the Birmingham show, just contact your nearest Elddis-approved retailer before Sunday.

For all the latest updates from this week’s NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show, join our community forum.

Swift Caravans sets new entry-level standard with Sprite Lite range

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies
When it was launched 62 years ago, the original Sprite caravan tried to grab the imagination of 1940s holidaymakers with practicality, affordability and light weights, and these three principles are all correct and present in the most recent range.
The Sprite range is now made by Swift Caravans and the full details of the 2012 Sprites were announced here on Caravan Times a few weeks ago.
However, at today’s press launch of the National Motorhome & Caravan Show, Swift sprung a surprise by launching a second entry-level range that will be even lighter and more affordable at under £10,000.
The Sprite Lite takes things a whole new level, in order to “tempt more people into the market”, Nick Page from Swift proudly announced, adding that it is the “right caravan at the right time”, given the current squeeze on buyers’ wallets.

On the exterior, Swift has stuck with the classic Sprite look – including a straighter front end than you see on the new Challenger Sport – while on the inside the warm ceramic worktops and soft furnishings add a nice, homely feel.
Instead, the price savings have been achieved by jettisoning everything but the bare necessities – so there is no shower on board, nor is there an oven or a microwave (although Swift will fit the latter as a cost extra). Furthermore, there are just two burners on the main hob in addition to a small grill.
The result in terms of price and weight savings is profound, as Swift is now able to offer an entry-level two-berth caravan for just £9,910.
Three’s the magic number
Unlike the recent revamped Sprite range, which boasts seven different layout, the Sprite Lite range will offer just…
Click here to continue reading 


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Caravan retailer Discover Leisure seeks additional funding

Posted by

by Marcus Dubois

Discover Leisure has revealed it is seeking additional financing options as its business faces pressure from wider economic conditions.

The caravan retailer said that while it enjoyed a seasonal increase in trade in the second half of 2011, revenues were unable to offset losses suffered in the previous winter.

According to the company, turnover for the 12-month period to August stood at £49.8 million – down from £52.3 million in 2010.

Pre-tax losses in this period stood at £1.5 million, compared to £1.8 million at this time last year.

In a statement, Discover Leisure said: “With low season conditions already in place and the expectations of a continued difficult trading environment, the group will come under further significant pressure this autumn and into the winter.”

“The board recognises that it needs to secure additional finance and is therefore actively involved in pursuing a number of opportunities to secure the ongoing trade of the business,” it added.

Friendly Club offers new brochures to help caravanners unlock Europe

Posted by

by Chris Malone

British caravan enthusiasts may be sad to see the weather starting to change and the days getting shorter, but the Camping and Caravanning Club might have just the remedy.

The organisation’s Carefree Travel Service has launched two Carefree European Camping brochures designed to inspire readers to take a trip to the continent.

Family Summer European Camping 2012 will focus on campsites aimed at those with kids and looking for sunny, seaside, rural or Alpine destinations.

Meanwhile European Camping 2012 is geared towards adults, and focuses on beaches, countryside beauty spots and city destinations, as well as data relating to the Club’s CampingCard ACSI and European Escorted tours.

Those heading to the Netherlands, Germany or France might be especially keen to check out the 12 new campsites added to the books, which include spots in Brittany, Picardy, Rhine, Arnhem and Vosges.

“We are currently bucking the ‘staycation’ trend with European inclusive holiday bookings up by 25 per cent compared to this time last year and we expect to see this positive trend continue into the New Year,” explained Camping and Caravanning Club travel services director Richard Grimsdale.

This news comes after the Friendly Club recently revealed that all of its sites would be offering free mince pies and mulled wine to those spending Christmas Eve in a tent or caravan.

In The Field: Is caravan site Wi-Fi here to stay?

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Over the next few months, Caravan Times will be visiting various sites across the UK to bring you news, views and opinions from site owners, wardens and caravanners themselves.

Until recently computers and caravans were seen as rather uneasy bedfellows, indeed many regarded a caravan holiday as a good excuse to escape the stresses of modern technology.

However, caravan parks are now gradually being brought into the digital age – last year the Caravan Club erected several new aerials and relaunched its Wi-Fi internet service, and it’s proving to be a bit hit with caravanners both young and old.

We spoke to a Caravan Club warden, who preferred to remain anonymous, and he said that the first attempt at getting internet access on sites was less than successful.

“We had Wi-Fi a number of years ago on certain sites; however, we found that the members thought that it was a little bit too expensive and we didn’t have coverage throughout the entire site,” he explained.

With a new provider signed up this year though, the uptake has been much more enthusiastic, as younger visitors are kept amused during the evenings and older caravanners can plan their day trips with ease.

“It’s been very, very popular, it’s taken off immensely,” the warden continued. “Nowadays everybody wants to use it; even the older generation are using it far more now, as they can book their next sites before they move on.”

The joys of e-caravanning

Caravan Club Wi-Fi prices start at £5 for five hours, but the more you use the cheaper it gets, with 20 hours charged at just £15 and 100 hours priced at £40.

Best of all, the credit is transferrable to any Caravan Club site in the UK over the next six months, so if you are taking an extended holiday it makes sense to buy your Wi-Fi allowance in bulk.

Having tried the service, we can report that it is perfectly suitable for light browsing, with weather reports, e-mail and search results loading promptly and without issue.

Streaming TV shows from iPlayer is not encouraged, however, and you shouldn’t expect to be able to download large files in a hurry.

Nevertheless, the coverage at the site we stayed at was great and fit for purpose – just remember to log out of your account once you’re finished with it, otherwise the clock will keep ticking and you will waste your credit.

Furthermore, according to most other holidaymakers, it seems that on-site Wi-Fi is much more than just a fad, and although it is nice to escape from the stresses of the digital world, having the convenience of internet access on hand is an incredibly handy thing to have on a caravan break.

Have you ever tried to used the internet from a caravan? Is on-site Wi-Fi better than using a 3G dongle? Share your thoughts in our forum

VW California Beach: The classic campervan gets a 21st century update

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Intrinsically linked to the charm of the 1960s, Volkswagen camper vans have long provided an affordable way for millions worldwide to explore the great outdoors.

The latest incarnation of this iconic van is the VW California. Launched in 2001, this modern campervan is based on the original Transporter range.

There are many companies out there that renovate old campers, but the California is the only one built and sold wholly by Volkswagen.

The advantages of this include some cutting-edge technology, particularly in the engine bay, which is cleaner than ever in the recently-launched 2011 version (pictured above).

A modern classic?

Volkswagen has imported its super-efficient BlueMotion technology into the range of engines offered, and as a result, the 112bhp diesel engine can deliver upwards of 40mpg.

This is fairly impressive, especially when you consider that this campervan is large enough to seat seven and sleep four when the pop-top roof is raised. There are also pop-up blinds for the windows to ensure privacy at night.

What’s more, the California Beach includes an optional 32-litre plug-in cool box, although that will probably whack up the fuel consumption if used during transit.

To make your touring experience more comfortable, there is air conditioning as standard and various cost extras, from double glazing and awnings to parking heating and a leisure battery.

Sure, you don’t get the luxuries that you might expect from a new Bailey or Swift motorhome, but the VW California is certainly a much more affordable option for those new to the market.

Prices start at just under £35,000 on the road and Volkswagen offers a finance package that breaks down as just £379 per month. So if you’ve always harboured ambitions of hippy-style adventures, this could be just the ticket.