AA names Scarborough caravan park as best in the North East

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by Chris Jefferies

A Scarborough caravan park is celebrating this week after being named as the best site for touring holidaymakers visiting the north east.

St Helen’s in the Park, part of the Dawnay Estates chain, received this accolade during its most recent visit from the AA, with the inspectors praising the high standard of its facilities.

Chris Tedman, manager of the park, said: “I’m pleased for all the team that the AA has rated us as one of the very best places to stay in the whole of North East England.”

He added that recent additions, such as super-pitches with “on tap” services, have helped the site to get where it is.
Other popular features of the site include its children’s play areas and Wi-Fi internet service.

St Helen’s in the Park is a dog-friendly site, which offers a range of pitches from £15.50 a night during the low-season, while tent facilities and wooden lodges are also offered to outdoor holidaymakers.

Each year the AA inspects over 900 camp sites and caravan parks across the UK in order to compile its Campsites of the Year guidebook.

UK caravan sites embracing the trend for ‘glamping’

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by Chris Malone

Discerning Brits are increasingly expecting a more glamorous experience when heading off with a caravan or tent in tow, it has been claimed.

According to the Tayside and Fife Courier, there has been a steady rise in the number of ‘glamping’ holidays taken in Britain in recent years.

The local paper pointed to Perth’s Noah’s Ark Caravan Park, which offers glamping pitches, as a perfect example of the changing times.

Owner Graeme Sinclair told the newspaper that glamping is the highest growth area for caravan parks in the country.

He has already sold all of his glamping pitches for July 2012, when 10,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses will descend on nearby McDiarmid Park for a convention.

“In June, July and August we had a 99.2 per cent occupancy rate. It was the same last year,” Mr Sinclair explained.

“Glamping is huge. Glampers want all the comforts – they want to be able to watch X Factor on a Saturday night and they want to enjoy a glass of cold beer or chilled wine. It’s all about mod cons and meeting people’s expectations.”

With glamping getting increasingly popular, caravan manufacturers are having to keep up with the growing demands of their clientele.

This means equipping tourers with iPod docking stations, LCD TVs, air-conditioning and much more.

NCC offers top tips on preparing your caravan for winter

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by Chris Jefferies

With the summer drawing to a close and winter looming on the horizon, caravan owners up and down the land will start to think about preparing their pride and joy for hibernation.

Whether you put your caravan into storage or just into the garage, there are several important issues to consider, the National Caravan Council (NCC) has said.

“If your caravan is not going to be used over the winter, there are a number of actions that you need to take. There are plenty of sources of help to assist you in these tasks – the Caravan Club has a very good guide to overwintering,” an NCC spokeswoman suggested.

Removing upholstery and valuable items such as televisions and radios can make your caravan less attractive to thieves, while draining the plumbing offers protection against frozen and cracked pipes, she said.

Furthermore, the expert added that booking into an Approved Workshop for your annual service is highly recommended in order to beat the spring-time rush.

Finally, caravan owners who have an out-of-use tourer were advised to obtain a Statutory Off-Road Notification to ensure they do not get into trouble with the authorities.

VIDEO: Introducing the Bailey Approach SE Motorhome

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by Marcus Dubois

Normally when a manufacturer launches a new model range there’s a flurry of excitement at Caravan Times, as staff and colleagues pore over the pictures and layouts. So you can imagine the reaction when Bailey Caravans announced it was to build it’s first ever motorhome lineup.

Called the Approach SE, it uses the same Alu-Tech construction system familiar to buyers of the touring caravan range, and will make its first appearance at Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011.

We caught up with Bailey director Nick Howard for all the details of the new model ahead of the launch in October.

Stealth Concordia: pictures and prices revealed for giant-killer luxury range

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by Chris Jefferies

When they burst onto the scene in 2009, the original Stealth Caravans certainly stood out from the crowd, due to their radical exterior designs and unique layouts.

Nearly two years down the line and the Bedford-based manufacturer is back with an all-new range. The Concordia draws upon many of the traditional rules of caravan design combined with some typical Stealth flair, but also offers industry-leading value for money.

As we confirmed earlier this month, the Concordia range will feature the Alde wet heating system, which is often seen as the epitome of luxury, found only in top-of-the-range ‘vans.

Other premium features in these tourers include dent-resistant GRP side panels and a 32-litre cooler box in the living room’s spacious front drawers, which offers extra space for keeping drinks chilled.

But the biggest change comes on the exterior, with the one-piece nose-cone design being replaced by a more traditional sloped front end.
Waterproofing was a big priority in the original Stealth range and this has been carried over with the double-sealed front panels, which promise strong protection against water ingress.

Company director Alex Murphy admitted that the new range is “more conventional”, but insists that they still offer “more than a large dollop of originality”.

“We’re very pleased that you can recognise a Stealth from a mile off,” he added.

Eye-catching value

The latest tourers from Stealth will also come with giant-killing price tags. And manufacturer Dunster House may have had owners of premium caravans such as the Swift Conqueror and the Bailey Unicorn in mind when working out the numbers.

Prices in the Stealth Concordia range will start at £17,995 for the two-berth Harmony layout, £19,399 for the fixed bed Serenity model, and £19,595 for the six-berth Tranquility layout – making them the lowest-priced Alde-heated caravans on the market, layout for layout.

As with all Stealth caravans, there are no nationwide dealerships. Caravans manufactured in the UK at the Stealth factory in Flixborough, and are sold directly to the buyer. Stealth claim the benefit to the customer is no Dealer Delivery fee to pay; other manufacturers typically charge an extra £500 onto the total cost of a new tourer for this service.

Customers can see the new Concordia at next month’s National Caravan Show at the Birmingham NEC (October 11th to 16th), where the ‘van will be available for up to £600 less than list price.

Three tourers wrecked after lorry smashes into caravan park

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by Chris Malone

Three caravan owners at a Scottish site will have received nasty shock over the weekend after finding out that their caravans were damaged in a collision with a lorry.

On Friday (September 22nd), an articulated vehicle left the road in Dunnon, Argyll, and ploughed through a fence at Loch Eck Caravan Park.

It collided with three caravans, slightly damaging two, while the third took the brunt of the impact.

While the driver had to be cut from his cab, it was fortunate that no one was inside the three caravans, police said.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene and checked the tourers for victims, but reported that the damage was only material.

The lorry driver was given first aid at the scene and was freed using hydraulic rescue equipment before being taken to Dunoon General Hospital.

Dunoon Community Fire Station watch commander Allan Graham said: “It was fortunate that the caravans were empty at the time of the crash or the consequences could have been tragic.”

Hobby 470 Excellent caravan stolen from Yorkshire driveway

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by Chris Malone

North Yorkshire caravanners have been warned to keep an eye on their tourers after a Hobby 470 Excellent was taken from the owner’s driveway.

The crime took place at Langbaurgh Farm in Great Ayton and officers from North Yorkshire police’s rural crime team are appealing for information, the Northern Echo reported.

Carrying the registration plate NV06 FCF, the 19ft tourer is worth approximately £3,900 and features blue stripes along its sides.

“It is unclear exactly when the theft took place but we know it was at sometime over the weekend,” explained PC Nick Hill.

“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the Great Ayton area around the time of the incident. I would also urge anyone who has been offered a caravan for sale over the past few days to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.”

The owner will surely be hoping for a payout from their caravan insurance, as the vehicle is also thought to have been loaded with expensive electronic equipment, including a Freesat digital TV receiver worth £170, a Clairon DVD player and a Phillips LCD TV.

The Hobby Excellent range features a number of models which sleep between two and four people.

Winter plumbing product for caravans a big hit

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by Chris Malone

A product aimed at stopping caravan pipework from bursting during the winter months has been a big hit.

According to BBC News, Apt Innovations’ floe system is its best seller as it allows caravanners to drain their tourer’s plumbing ahead of the colder months.

This means there is no water left in the plumbing, which can be beneficial as it ensures pipes do not freeze over and burst.

The brainchild of Apt Innovations owner Jason Paul, the product has been a revelation for caravan owners living in areas prone to freezing over.

Mr Paul first developed the idea on his own motor home with the help of some friends and went on to secure funding from Invest NI.

He has patented the technology and is now marketing it after having a San Diego-based firm make prototypes.

“They look a lot smarter than my original models, which were just bits of hose pipe,” he told the news provider.

“But the design is very simple, and that is the beauty of the idea.”

With forecasters predicting another bitterly cold winter, the device could be a wise investment for savvy caravanners.

COMPETITION: Win one of 25 pairs of tickets to Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011

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by Marcus Dubois

Summer may have been and gone in a flash this year, yet as the days begin to shorten caravanners inevitably turn their thoughts to Birmingham and the annual caravan show. And this year promises to be even bigger and better under new ownership, with a host of model premieres and a huge selection of 2012 tourers.

The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011 is held at the NEC in Birmingham from 11-16 October, and for many will be the first chance to see the latest caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes and folding campers from the leading UK and European manufacturers.

And this week we’re giving away 25 pairs of tickets in our biggest ever Caravan Times show giveaway!

Those already confirmed for the show include Bailey Caravans who will unveil its first ever motorhome range the Approach SE. Meanwhile fans of Sprite Caravans will have their first ever opportunity to see the all-new 2012 design on the Swift Caravans stand. Elddis Caravans will be displaying their full 2012 ranges, while all the Lunar Caravans models will be present and correct. Also in attendance are Coachman, Trigano, Chausson, Auto-Sleepers, Adria, Burstner, Dethleffs, Airstream, Fifth Wheel and many, many more!

For a chance to win one of 25 pairs of tickets to the show, just scroll down and follow the simple instructions below. The closing date is Friday 30th September – good luck!

This competition is now closed. Winners will be announced shortly here on Caravan Times

Volkswagen Jetta named Caravan Club Towcar Of The Year 2012

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by Marcus Dubois

One of the most important considerations for caravan owners is matching a towcar to their pride and joy; and with more car models hitting the UK market than ever, choosing your next car can be a tricky process.

Thankfully for us, each year the Caravan Club help make that process a little easier, by hosting an annual awards ceremony celebrating the best in motoring for caravanners. The Towcar of the Year Awards is a culmination of a rigorous testing process, where 30 of the latest vehicles are taken to the Millbrook Testing Ground in Bedfordshire. Each caer is put through its paces by a team of 11 judges who looked at towing ability, acceleration, braking, demanding hill starts, and usability in everyday caravanning.

Double wins for Volkswagen

Cars were divided into five categories, with three grouped by price and two by all-wheel drive capability. The under-£25,000 class was hotly competed, with a host of vehicles combining value for money at the pumps with impressive towing ability. Yet the winner of this category also took the overall award through what the judges described as its “stable towing both at speed and while driving around hills and bends…and when you’re not driving it, it’s great to look at”.

Amazingly this wasn’t the only double-award for Volkswagen, with its Touareg 4×4 scooping up a brace at the ceremony. In the Over £32,000 class and Over 1800kg All-Wheel Drive categories, the Touareg was praised for “flying round the bowl at Millbrook with never a twitch, even on the hill circuit”. The judging team concluded it was “a near-ultimate towcar”.

Meanwhile in the under 1800kg category Volvo took the prize with its V60 D5 model, praised for “good control” and “great handling”. And last year’s overall winner the Skoda Superb Estate Elegance held its class crown once again in the £25,000-£32,000 category after being described as “legendary” by judges.

Motoring legends

The prestigious awards ceremony was hosted at the Royal Automobile Club at Pall Mall in London, where Caravan Times was treated to a number of anecdotes by compere and motor racing legend Johnny Herbert. He was joined in the audience by a host of names from the Formula 1 circuit, including friends of the Caravan Club Mark Blundell and Perry McCarthy, the “original Stig” from BBC’s Top Gear.

Also present as guests of the club were Bailey Caravans who supplied all models used during testing. Caravan Club chairman Grenville Chamberlain spoke positively of a resurgence of interest in “retro caravanning”, while Director-General Nick Lomas looked forward to a strong 2012 for the organisation.

The Caravan Club will be hosting “Club Day” at Motorhome and Caravan 2011 on 11 October at the NEC in Birmingham, featuring special guests on the Club Stand.

Discover Leisure launches Compass Volante luxury caravan range

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by Marcus Dubois

Compass Caravans has launched a brand new premium luxury caravan ahead of the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011.

The Compass Volante range is exclusive to dealers Discover Leisure, who claim the caravan is “the most luxurious in its class”. Boasting a completely new interior offering “unparalleled luxury”, the hallmarks of the model are rich wood tones and chrome fittings.

Elddis heritage, Compass luxury

Those familiar with the history of Elddis Caravans will be aware that the name Compass was borne on caravans from the Explorer Group until 2009, when the marque was dropped and the caravans rebranded as “Elddis”.

However dealership Discover Leisure bought the brand, and continued to use Elddis caravan ranges as “base models” to customise and refit to Compass specifications. Tom Parker at Compass explained the heritage of the brand.

“When the Compass offering ended in 2009, it had a lot of history in the industry. Here at Discover [Leisure] we felt we could keep this name going, and continue to offer the luxury associated with the brand”.

Unique design and function

While all Volante models are based on the Crusader model from Elddis, there are significant differences inside the caravan, with a boutique feel to fittings and fabrics. Soft furnishings come in “aqua clean” fabrics for simple cleaning, while the colour scheme of caramel and beige was chosen for a “fresh look and feel”.

The high-end appointments continue in the bathroom, where the oversized shower cubicle features an integrated LED lighting console. Meanwhile the caravan features a strengthened a-frame cover enabling customers to stand on it to clean the caravan.

Available to buy from the first day of the October caravan show, the Compass Volante will come in four layouts. And Discover Leisure commercial director Adrian Pattern explained the thoughts behind the latest offering.

“Creating real space was a priority; the interior is exceptionally spacious, and this is combined with a new sleeping design that gives extra storage space, plus an extremely wide gas locker. On top of that it offers surprising value despite being what we consider to be the most exceptional premium unit on the market”.

Compass will be displaying its new models at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011, which takes place from 11-16 October at the NEC in Birmingham

Elddis Caravans: the first manufacturer to launch GRP underskin for tourers

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by Marcus Dubois

Each year visitors to the Lawns Caravan Extravaganza in Hull are treated to the newest models from manufacturers. Yet this year, one caravan firm took the opportunity to unveil a radical development in construction methods.

Elddis Caravans has announced that all 2012 touring caravans are now fitted with a unique GRP underskin, replacing the marine plywood commonly used in the industry.

The new underskin can be found on all new Elddis and Buccaneer models, which were recently displayed to customers at the company’s inaugural Open Weekend.

Benefits of GRP underskin

Elddis believes the use of a GRP underskin offers a number of significant benefits to caravan owners beyond plywood. A one piece GRP sheet is said to offer an ‘impervious’ barrier to water thrown against the underside of the caravan. Furthermore, the material is known as a tough build component with durable qualities.

For 2012 Elddis has also ensured all models now feature a new 46mm floor construction, offering industry leading levels of constructional stiffness and thermal insulation. This year the new floor was subjected to rigorous durability testing at the Iveco Test Track at Markbronn in German, where an Elddis touring caravan fitted with the new floor construction was put through a series of tests to simulate 10 years of use.

No weight penalities

Despite the structural changes to the build of these caravans, Elddis emphasised that there has been no increase in weight as a result. In fact, the Durham manufacturer revealed many models are significantly lighter for 2012.

Elddis will be displaying its new models at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011, which takes place from 11-16 October at the NEC, Birmingham.