Longleat Estate bans dog walks near key attractions

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Dog owners looking to visit Wiltshere for a late summer caravan break may be disappointed to learn that Longleat Estate has moved to ban dogs from the immediate vicinity of some of the key animal attractions.

The decision means that dogs will not be allowed in the formal gardens, while the Main Square will also be off-limits for dog walkers.

In reaction to the decision, the Caravan Club has said that it is looking into how it can resolve the issue, as caravan owners have valued the freedom of dog walking on the estate for many years.

As we revealed earlier this month in our latest readers’ poll, dogs are seen as an invaluable part of a caravan holiday to many ‘van owners, with 74 per cent saying that caravan parks without dogs are boring.

Longleat has defended its decision, saying that it is primarily for “animal welfare reasons”, as aggressive dogs can often cause “panic and distress” to the estate’s animals, in particular the birds of prey as they often see dogs as a threat.

A spokesman for the Wiltshere attraction said: “We will continue to work with the Caravan Club to come up with the best possible solution so that visitors can continue to enjoy the attractions and the dog walking areas around the Longleat Estate.”

He added that the area affected is only a small part of the estate and the move was necessary as several new attractions were being opened.

Touring holidaymakers looking to visit Longleat can stay at the Caravan Club’s nearby Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park.

National caravan show confirms more exclusive product launches

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Each year in October, caravan lovers in their thousands flock to Birmingham’s NEC arena to feast their eyes on a wide variety of new ranges on display at the National Motorhome & Caravan Show.

But this year’s event (11-16 October) is set to be even bigger than usual, with ten halls allocated for this six-day touring extravaganza, featuring cookery demonstrations, free towing lessons and the all-important product launches.

As well as exhibitions from all the major British manufacturers, caravan lovers will be able to check out the new range from German giants Adria, who are boasting a new eight-foot wide caravan, the Astella.

This unique design features separate a kitchen, lounge, bedroom and bathroom, something that is not currently offered by any other manufacturer.

Those looking for some retro chic can admire the stylish new Series 2 Airstream International 684, which features the brand’s iconic silver-bullet exterior.

British brands

Flying the flag for the UK is Bailey of Bristol, who will be giving a public debut to their new island-bed layouts, the Cabrera and Pamplona, which offer more choice in the luxury Unicorn range.

Meanwhile, Swift Caravans will be unveiling a new special edition of the popular Challenger range (pictured right).

In partnership with Lowdhams Leisure, the Challenger Hi-Style comes with a dazzling array of luxury extras, all for just £2,000 more.

Finally, the industry’s relative newcomers, Stealth Caravans will be rolling out the red carpet for their new luxury Concordia range, which features Alde wet heating and front seating areas that convert into Super King-size beds.

John Lally, Director General of show organisers the National Caravan Council, said of the upcoming event: “We’ve worked with partner organisations to create relevant and engaging show features and reduced the ticket prices by up to 50 per cent compared to last year’s October Show.

“We have listened to what our visitors want to buy, see and do at their National Show and will deliver it all this October.”
Keep your eyes peeled next week, as Caravan Times will be launching a competition to offer several lucky readers free tickets (worth £7 each) to this enormous exhibition.

Bailey Approach SE Motorhome: Pictures, weights and layouts revealed

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Announced last week, the Bailey Approach SE is the first ever motorhome made by veteran caravan manufacturers Bailey Caravans. Details were patchy at first, but now we can bring you the full rundown of this new range.

While the Approach SE builds on 60 years experience of manufacturing caravans, the bodyshell features cutting edge innovation, in the form of the Bailey Alu-Tech construction method.

Backed by a ten-year guarantee, the walls are made of GRP, with a plastic internal skeleton, as part of a timber-free construction process. This results in superior protection against water ingress and helps this motorhome achieve Grade III thermal insulation standards for year-round touring.

Furthermore, the fully-laminated aluminium roof panels are cloaked in GRP, and the whole body has been tested in sub-zero conditions at the Millbrook cold chamber.

These weight-saving materials, as well as the AL-KO AMC chassis, mean that weights in the Approach SE range start at just 3,500kg.

As we revealed last week, the cab is based on the Peugeot Boxer, with a 130bhp, 2.2-litre Hdi engine being offered as the only configuration.

Furthermore, the cab comes with plenty of premium options included as standard, such as cruise-control, air conditioning, metallic paint and dual airbags.

Layout luxury

First-timers to the motorhome market may be tempted by the mid-range luxury on offer in the Approach SE, as Bailey claims it is the equivalent of a Pegasus in terms of the creature comforts and premium features that have been carried over from this best-selling range.

The interiors are packed with home comforts, with the Vivaldi-design soft furnishings creating a luxurious atmosphere and the Heki rooflight letting plenty of daylight in.

The fully-equipped kitchens feature large capacity Dometic 8-Series refrigerators, a new Thetford anti-shock oven, a stainless steel 700-watt microwave and cleverly designed washrooms, all of which feature fully lined separate shower cubicles.

In terms of layouts, there will be three to choose from; the twin-berth 620, the fixed-bed four-berth 740 and the 760, which is large enough to sleep six.

The 620 is a popular compact layout, with a convertible double, a side kitchen and an end bathroom. At the other end of the range, the 760 features a double dinette with four seatbelts, meaning all six of you can safely ride in the motorhome.

Prices for the Bailey Approach SE are likely to range from £40,000 to £45,000, but for the exact price tag, you will have to wait until next month when they will be announced at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2011.

Be sure to check back with Caravan Times next week to find out how you can win free tickets to this enormous exhibition at the Birmingham NEC.



Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Caravan Club: Speeding is the most common towing mistake

Posted by

by Chris Malone

The most common mistake caravanners make when towing their tourer is driving too fast, one expert has claimed.

According to the Caravan Club’s technical director Martin Spencer, there are a number of things drivers should look out for when taking their mobile home out on the road.

However, the most regular mistake – and often the one made by experienced caravanners – is speeding, he noted.

“The most common mistake [with driving] is, ironically, while [caravanners] get a certain degree of flack from other drivers for always driving too slowly, I would say actually going too fast is much more of a practical problem,” the expert said.

Mr Spencer added that other common mistakes include using a car that is too small for the caravan you are towing and not loading up the tourer correctly, which can actually be a breach of UK laws.

Mr Spencer suggested that those wondering whether their car is fit to tow a particular model get in touch with the Club, rather than trust dealers’ potentially biased advice.

FIRST PICTURES: New 2012 Sprite from Swift Caravans – stronger, lighter and more affordable

Posted by

by Marcus Dubois

Few caravan manufacturers can lay claim to a heritage of over sixty years for a single model range. Yet Sprite Caravans stands alone in today’s marketplace, having combined value for money with a light towing weight since its introduction in 1948.

Founder Sam Alper OBE wanted caravans to be easy to tow, using a simple and safe design that was accessible to all. And in the intervening years Sprite became the “Mini” of caravans; a brilliantly packaged and affordable vehicle that brought new families into the hobby in the 1950s.

To continue the tradition, parent company Swift Caravans has taken another step forward on the Sprite journey with the launch of an all-new seven model range.

Caravan Times is able to bring you the first pictures of the new 2012 Sprite, a fresh design which features an all-new aerodynamic body shell. The curved lines echo its bigger brothers in the Swift caravan stable, while the front of the vehicle is steeply raked and incorporates a large single windowpane for simplicity.

Luxury and utility

As with more expensive Swifts, the rear section is one-piece and carries feature road lights, while a semi-recessed awning channel and roof capping moulds are similar to the recent Swift Challenger Sport models.

The construction is such that all Sprites continue to offer Grade III classification for heating and thermal insulation, meaning that a user could theoretically use the Sprite all year round. While utility is still the watchword for Sprite, the designers have taken huge steps to improve both comfort and equipment. The kitchens feature the same “granite look” moulded sink seen in more expensive Swift Group caravans, while a 112-litre fridge and full oven with separate grill complete the offering.

Click here to continue reading and discover full layout details 

Curry on camping: Top caravan food choices revealed

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Discerning caravanners are turning to fancy curries to spice up their holidays, although burgers and hotdogs still reign supreme, according to a new survey.

The smell of a korma on a campsite will be familiar to many, as the poll by bitspicy.com showed that 44 per cent of campers and caravanners will eat at least one curry during their break. Furthermore, 11 per cent said that curry was their favourite meal to eat on a caravan holiday.

Of those who do go for a bit of Asian flavour, only 25 per cent attempt to rustle up a home-cooked curry in their tourer’s kitchenette, compared with a massive 50 per cent who choose to get a takeaway curry delivered to their camp site.

Whilst curry is a highly popular choice, barbecue food still tops the charts for the most popular caravan food, with burgers and hotdogs named by 39 per cent as their favourite meal to eat on a camp site.

The humble beans on toast is also highly ranked, with 19 per cent of campers and caravanners saying that it is their most popular dish during an outdoors holiday.

Liz Anderson, founder of bitspicy.com, suggested that more caravan owners should branch out and try cooking their own curry.
“Whether you are camping in Cornwall, back-packing in the Andes, or caravanning in the South of France, there may be moments when baked beans, cottage pie, or roast guinea pig is just a bit boring,” she said.

When it comes to choosing a cracking caravan curry, madras is the most popular option, as chosen by 35 per cent of survey respondents, while a brave 12 per cent said they prefer the fiery flavours of a vindaloo.

Britain’s favourite camp site meals


Burgers / Hot Dogs 39%
Beans On Toast 19%
Curry 11%
Egg and Chips 11%
Chilli Con Carne 8%
Pasta 6%
Sandwiches 3%

First-time caravanner talks of Carlight restoration project

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

“You can call me stupid if you like, but I saw that caravan and just fell in love with it,” says John Anderson in the kind of voice you normally only hear from an excited schoolboy.

With his first child born only a few months ago and a busy day job in London as a design director, it would be logical to assume that John has more than enough on his plate at the moment, but nonetheless he and his wife Gem are about to embark on a year-long caravan renovation project.

John spotted this 1973 Carlight Caribbean (pictured right) on Caravan Times earlier this summer, when it was featured as Used Caravan of the Week, and he impulsively decided to snap it up for the bargain price of £650.

Despite his rookie status (John has never owned a caravan before and doesn’t even have a suitable towcar yet), he is beginning his epic project with plenty of optimism, due to previous experience doing up Victorian apartments and classic cars, such as VW Beetles.

A family affair

“I got the idea from my wife,” he explains. “She used to go caravanning with her family years ago, and her dad still has a caravan in France.

“Since the baby came along, we realised we wouldn’t be able to take as many big holidays in far-flung locations, so this seemed like a great way to enjoy breaks closer to home.”

This weekend, John is due to collect his prize tourer from its former owner, who used to live in it as her permanent home.
Over the winter he plans to “chip away” at the list of things that need work, but he is already starting to realise the historic quality of the caravan that he has managed to get his hands on.

The Rolls Royce of caravans

Carlight caravans are widely regarded as the epitome of touring luxury, from the coachbuilt quality to the extremely well-appointed interiors.

These models also have significant historical pedigree, as they have been carefully crafted in the UK since before World War Two.

At the turn of the century production came to a shuddering halt, but earlier this summer, the Lincolnshire-based manufacturers set to work again, with a brand new range, the Continental, being launched to considerable industry acclaim.

John is very conscious of the venerable legacy that his new tourer belongs to and hopes to do the Carlight badge proud with his ambitious plans.

“I’d like to do justice to it and do it properly, the pressure is on now. It needs some serious work doing, so I just hope we can pull it off. It’s still early days, but I’m sure there are people out there who know how to get the right bits and pieces,” he said.

John has already announced the beginning of his project in the Caravan Times forum, and we will be following him every step of the way on what promises to be a fascinating renovation job.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Biba: Choosing the cheapest caravan insurance can be dangerous

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners may be feeling the pinch on their budget this year, but it doesn’t make sense to skimp on insurance, according to a major brokers’ association.

It’s crucially important to make sure caravan insurance meets your needs, the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has claimed, otherwise you can be left dangerously exposed.

Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive at Biba, has explained that not all caravan insurance policies are suitable for all customers.

“I think it is important to get good advice when you buy insurance to ensure it meets your needs,” he said. “People just try and buy the cheapest possible. I think that is quite dangerous – they should get it based upon what is appropriate for them.”

The insurance expert added that since most caravans are worth thousands of pounds, they are an investment that needs protecting, especially if you are planning a holiday overseas, which will require a more comprehensive type of policy.

Mr Trudgill continued: “Speak to an insurance broker, they can advise you on the kind of cover to have, the best choice available, and the choice of cover to choose from.”

Christmas caravan packages already on offer at Teversal

Posted by

by Chris Malone

While most caravan enthusiasts only take their tourer off on holiday during the summer, others see it as a year-round pursuit.

For this reason, Teversal Camping and Caravanning Club Site is flipping the stereotypical caravan holiday on its head with its unique Christmas camping packages.

Those staying at the park during the festive season have the option of visiting the stunning Lincoln Christmas Market, which will be packed full of cultural entertainment and is set to feature hundreds of stalls throughout the town’s medieval square and cobbled streets.

The other option is a trip to Chatsworth House and Gardens, where the lower floors of the country home will be festively decorated and be used to host a number of unique events, such as nativities, twilight openings and Christmas market stalls.

“Both of our Chatsworth and Lincoln excursions provide the perfect chance for campers to buy their Christmas gifts and soak up the festive atmosphere in two of the country’s most charming locations,” explained Teversal franchisees Chris and Jayne Woods.

As part of this package, caravanners will have access to four nights’ camping on a fully serviced pitch, given return coach transfers and granted entry to the sites, all for £34.80 per person.

Caravan site owners react to our Dogs in Caravans Poll findings

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies
Dog-friendly and dog-free caravan sites are both highly popular across the UK, with many camp sites hoping to attract dog lovers, and many others specifically catering for those who value a weekend without barking.
Following on from our latest readers’ survey, Caravan Times has spoken to two camp sites in Devon and Wales to put your comments to the owners and find out where they stand on this divisive issue.
The case against dogs
Anwen Roberts, owner of Barcdy Caravan and Camping Park in Gwynedd, North Wales, is a former dog owner and used to accept dog lovers, but took the tough decision to make her site a dog-free zone after a particularly troublesome Bank Holiday weekend 20 years ago.
“I remember, it was a Spring Bank Holiday and there were nearly as many dogs as people here; some even brought two or three dogs each,” she explained.
“These dogs started howling at each other, and the owners fell out and expected us to settle their arguments. Also, stones had been taken from our walls and used to cover up the dog dirt. That’s when we decided that it just wasn’t worth the trouble.”
Mrs Roberts is not alone in her opinion, as 15 per cent of our readers said that they prefer dog-free caravan sites.

The dog-friendly view
For many others, however, taking the dogs is an integral part of the holiday, and Edward Corwood, Owner of Moor View Touring Park in Devon, tells us that many of his visitors got into caravanning in the first place as a convenient way of taking the dogs with them on holiday.
“We have always been a dog-friendly site. Every dog owner gets a note when they arrive, reminding them of the dos and don’ts. I’d be lying if I said everyone always abides by the rules, but a polite request to clean up after their dog is usually enough,” he said.
Contrary to Mr Corwood’s lenient approach, our survey showed that 79 per cent of caravan owners would be in favour of fining those who fail to clean up after their dogs.
Furthermore, half of Caravan Times readers claimed that dog fees at caravan sites are excessive, while 36 per cent said that most sites do not provide adequate facilities. This is clearly not the case at Moor View, as Mr Corwood explained.
“We charge £1 per night, per dog, up to a maximum of three, and that money is used for the upkeep of our dog walk area. This is a designated space where dogs are allowed off their leads. Everywhere else, they have to be kept on a lead.”
With 91 per cent of Caravan Times readers saying that dogs should always be kept on a lead when on site, it seems that there is at least one thing that almost everyone can agree on.

No Comments

filed under: News

Swift, Elddis and Lunar confirmed for free North East caravan show

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

As many proud residents of the North East will tell you, everything is better value up north, and the caravan shows in that part of the country are no different.

Opening next Friday (September 23rd), the Great North Caravan & Motorhome Show is free to visitors, parking is free, and better still, everyone who registers online can claim a VIP Voucher Park, full of great bargains.

As well as the big hitters Swift caravans, the show will also feature stands from Elddis, Buccaneer, Lunar, Sterling, Sprite, T@B, Pennine and Conway.

Motorhome enthusiasts will also be well catered for, as Auto Trail, Rollerteam, Swift Escape and Autocruise will all be at the show in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

As well as the big-name makes, you will also be able to pick up some bargains on various caravan accessories, including solar panels, heaters and awnings from Isabella, DWT and Apache among many others.

What’s more, the organisers have promised something for all the family, with a live band, a bouncy castle, an ice-cream van and other catering options, all being laid on.

Online registration is open now and thousands of caravan enthusiasts are expected to attend this biannual show, which runs daily until Monday 26th September.

Matthew Kinsell, the show’s organiser, said: “The market place demands great prices and we believe our line up of products for this show is simply the best yet.”

Cambridgeshire caravanners on alert after arson attacks

Posted by

by Chris Malone

Caravan enthusiasts in the Cambridgeshire area are advised to keep a close eye on their tourers.

According to the Cambs Times, the region is on the lookout for criminals after a shed and caravan were torched by arsonists over the weekend.

The publication revealed that housing associations, the police and fire service have all been called together by the Cambridgeshire Arson Partnership to tackle the problem.

They are hoping to work together on a countywide basis after a successful trial in Peterborough, which more than halved the number of incidents from 2009/10 to 2010/11.

As a result of the crackdown – led by fire officer Martin Boome – the town saw the number of incidents fall from 662 to 313.

The Godmanchester-based officer noted that working together can help stop the arsonists.

“Our aim, first and foremost, is to prosecute people responsible for arson, as this acts as a deterrent to others,” he told the newspaper.

“In the past, firefighters may have seen something important at a scene and it would get forgotten but now it gets recorded and could become evidence.”

Meanwhile, the Sussex express recently reported on one caravanner’s lucky escape after her holiday home caught fire.