Nottingham caravan sites ‘perfect’ for family holidays

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by Chris Jefferies

Families looking to take a holiday in the UK can find plenty of fun activities and ample caravan sites in the county of Nottinghamshire. This is according to Jenny Leighton, a spokeswoman for Experience Nottinghamshire, who is championing the region as a “perfect destination” for a summer break.

“Families will be spoilt for choice with the colourful offering of attractions that are waiting to engage, educate and entertain every step of the way,” she said.

Her comments come after recent figures from STR Global showed that Nottingham hotels experienced an occupancy growth of 11 per cent over the first three months of the year.

However, Ms Leighton points out that there are plenty of other family-friendly accommodation options on offer in the county, including B&Bs and caravan sites.

Possible highlights of a family trip to Nottinghamshire include cycling and hiking in Sherwood Forest and a visit to the historic Creswell Crags, home to Britain’s only recorded Ice Age art.

Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park attracts more interest

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by Chris Jefferies

The Caravan Club is not the only organisation interested in taking over the Queen Elizabeth Park in Stonehaven, it has been claimed. Peter Bellarby, chairman of Stonehaven Town Partnership (STP), said at a weekly meeting of the District Community Council that his organisation has been identified as possible leaseholders, the Mearns Leader reports.

Aberdeenshire County Council is planning on handing over control of all of the caravan parks in the area to private owners to help it cope with budget cuts.

Mr Bellarby explained how the possible ownership system could work: “STP could take a lease of the caravan park from the council, then it in turn could sub-lease it to the Caravan Club.”

He claimed that this was the best solution as it would bring much needed investment, while retaining some of the profits for the benefit of local development.

The Caravan Club already owns three caravan sites in Aberdeenshire – Huntly Castle, Silverbank and Invercauld.

New 2012 Ford Focus: the towcar that drives itself

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by Marcus Dubois

Every so often in the motoring industry a car comes along which changes everything and becomes the benchmark for its sector. Nearly forty years ago the Volkswagen Golf established itself as the reference car which started the small hatchback class. In the early nineties it was the Ford Mondeo which redefined the family saloon car with impressive driving characteristics. But back in 1998 it was another Ford which caused a wave of interest with its grin-inducing handling.

The Mark 1 Ford Focus was the much-needed replacement for the ageing Escort. Yet following a best seller is always a tough act. What the Focus achieved however was a revolution in every aspect of the small hatchback. The sharp angular lines of Ford’s “New Edge” design still look fresh today, while the neatly styled interior was a welcome upgrade. And where the Focus really came alive was on the road, firmly becoming the driver’s favourite with a well-balanced ride and terrific handling.

With the second generation a best-seller the Blue Oval design team faced the toughest of tasks to improve this model. We take a look at the Mark III Focus to see what’s new.

Leaner, greener, meaner

To stay on top of the pile this new Focus has been completely revamped from the chassis to the design and interior. A raft of 21st century technology aims to keep driver and passengers safer than ever, and Ford has made great strides in improving the environmental credentials. The new Ecoboost units are notably frugal compared to past models, and use turbocharged petrol engines to get the most out of performance and at the pumps.

With two versions of the 1.6 engine available, both models return an impressive 47 mpg. Any difference in performance is marginal, with the 180 bhp taking seven-tenths of a second less to reach 62mph than the 148 bhp version. Although these are impressive, we recommend avoiding the base 1.6 petrol or 94bhp turbodiesel which lack enough punch for our purpose. Far better options for towing are the 113 bhp 1.6 and the 2.0 turbodiesel, both of which offer greater torque and power.

But it’s the EcoMode function that will interest those hoping to save money (and the planet). It’s a software tool which helps owners improve fuel efficiency through prompts and hints on driving style. A screen on the instrument cluster displays hints and reminders to reduce fuel consumption and save you money.

Hands-off driving?

The driverless car may still be the stuff of science-fiction, but the geeks at Ford have tried their utmost on the new Focus to bring us a step closer. Choose the “Driver Assistance Pack” (£750) and the car can automatically apply the brakes to prevent low speed accidents. Meanwhile a radar scanner on the rear-view mirror will look ahead for obstacles, and once again apply the brakes accordingly.

The headline feature is the Focus’ ability to actually steer by itself. A camera which can read road signs looks at the markings on the road ahead, and can detect if the car veers outside the white lines. So if you’re not indicating or turning the wheel to change course, then the Focus applies the brakes and pulls you back in.

At this point you might be forgiven for worrying whether the keen driving characteristics of the Focus have disappeared entirely. Thankfully the Focus is still as fun as ever, but with a far more assured feel than the nippy hatch of old. While the first generation changed the small hatch segment, this Mark III feels like the strongest challenge yet to another seminal car: the Volkswagen Golf.

Thinking outside the box: Introducing the Aliner folding camper

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by Holly Tribe

During the course of routine cyber wanderings, we recently came across a unique breed of caravans that are relatively unknown on British shores. With the pitched roof of a tent and the chassis and frame of a caravan, you could be forgiven for thinking these rigs are suffering from a bit of an identity crisis.

Watch a video of the Aliner in action

But these peculiar looking vehicles are not all they seem. Aliner campers are actually folding trailers with a pop up A-frame. Hailing from the Unites States, their relatively lightweight design makes them ideal for caravanners seeking a more manoeuvrable outfit with a shorter towing length.

The original design was conceived by Pennsylvanian-born Ralph Tait over thirty years ago and the concept has proved so successful, it has barely changed in that time.

Thinking outside the box

The A-frame design enables the sides and roof of the caravan to be assembled at lighting speed. The side walls and sloping roof architecture can be erected and collapsed in less than thirty seconds, making setting up and packing down a doddle.

Like their British folding caravan equivalents, Aliners are considerably easier to park and store than conventional caravans, and their lighter weights make them considerably more fuel efficient.

The steep roof line means there’s a surprising amount more headroom inside then you might expect. The seating and sleeping areas tend to be towards the front and rear ends where headroom is most restricted by the sloping ceiling, and standing activities such as washing up and cooking are concentrated in the middle of the cabin where the kitchen is situated.

A green machine

Campers intent on keeping their impact on the environment to a minimum can utilise the expansive surface area on both sides of the triangular roof to set up solar panels – angle the caravan towards the sun and you’ve got yourself a seriously efficient energy harvesting station to top up those leisure batteries.

Models range from the Alite – a super-compact version which its makers claim can be towed behind a motorbike – up to the Expedition model which comes with an outside shower, microwave and electric brakes. The design has been franchised in Australia by sister company A’van, but for now, these rigs aren’t available in the UK, but you can take a look around these distinctive folding campers in the video below.

UK’s potholes are a £13 billion problem

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by Chris Jefferies

This winter’s cold snap has significantly increased the pothole problem in the UK, with around £13 billion needing to be spent on filling in holes in the road, it has been claimed. According to a survey by the Labour Party, nearly three-quarters of local authorities are cutting their road maintenance budgets due to the current public funding squeeze.

As a result, it is likely that only the more severe road problems will be fixed in the short term, with many holes being ignored, which could potentially do damage to caravans and towcars alike.

Furthermore, 92 per cent of authorities who responded to the survey reported that they had a backlog of road repairs, which they did not currently have the budget to complete.

John Woodcock MP, Labour’s shadow transport minister, said: “Potholes frustrate road users more than anything. Instead of continually patching up knackered road surfaces with a bucket of tar we need a proper strategic plan for local roads.”

Lunar Caravans wins award for lean manufacturing practices

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by Holly Tribe

A leading caravan manufacturer has recently been commended for its lean manufacturing processes. Lunar Caravans was granted top honours in The Yorkshire Productivity Awards held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds last Thursday (19th May), with an award recognising the company’s commitment to efficient manufacturing techniques.

The firm has been taking part in a Business Improvement Techniques training programme which focuses on improving manufacturing processes to eliminate all forms of unnecessary waste. On completion of its training, the company has been recognised across a variety of different sectors for ‘exceptional progress in waste management improvement’.

Lunar’s Chairman and CEO, Brian Mellor, commented: “I have been amazed at the progress the Lunar team have made since the investment in Business Improvement Techniques training.

“Lunar Caravans will continue to support training in lean manufacturing for the fulfilment of both our employees as well as our business growth. Our team have applied themselves with great enthusiasm and I am especially proud of their achievements.”

Over 50’s get special ‘Gramping’ rate at Devonshire caravan park

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by Holly Tribe

A Devonshire caravan park is capitalising on the burgeoning trend for camping with grandparents; otherwise known as ‘gramping’. Woodovis Park, located on the borders of Dartmoor National Park, is offering campers with a +50 year old in their party £4 off their pitch fees per night.

A spokesperson from the park explained the initiative was rolled out in low season last year, and has been such a success, the firm decided to extend the offer throughout the peak season as well.

“The special ‘Over 50s’s Rate’ was introduced last year for low and mid season holidays, and has proved so popular it’s now been rolled out through high season too, ensuring school and summer breaks with ‘the olds’ can be just as rewarding,” they said.

The park has also introduced a loyalty scheme to reward repeat customers. Campers receive one stamp for each night they stay at the park, and eight stamps entitles visitors a £25 discount off their next booking.

Woodovis Park is set among 14 acres of woodland on the Cornish/Devonshire border with a range of on-site facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and a new Phychiotherm sauna.

Caravan owners not seeing big savings despite oil crash

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by Chris Jefferies

British motorists are still paying premium prices at the pumps, despite a significant drop-off in the price of crude oil over the past month, a survey has shown. Caravan owners planning a long-distance journey may think twice, after the AA reported that the average price of a litre of petrol in the UK is now 136.93 pence.

Last week average prices hit a new record high of 137.43 pence, but a crash in the global oil markets has seen a barrel of crude oil getting $10 (£6) cheaper for suppliers.

Despite this, the average price of petrol has fallen by just half a penny, with suppliers pocketing the difference, which is roughly 3.5 pence per litre.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “Although there is momentum for at least £2 to be knocked off the price of filling a petrol tank, drivers can’t forget that the same tank cost them £7.50 less a year ago.”

He added that many UK motorists are now thinking twice about taking a trip to the supermarket due to rising petrol prices, let alone taking a caravan holiday.

Has the rising cost of petrol stopped you caravanning as much? Have your say in our forum topic here.

Welsh fish festival to delight caravanners

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners taking a touring holiday in Wales this summer have been advised to visit Milford Haven and explore the various events on offer as part of Pembrokeshire Fish Week. From June 25th to July 3rd there will be a packed programme of more than 250 classes, activities and special events laid on in the region.

On June 29th, Torch Theatre in Milford Haven will play host to Cook your Catch, in which five top British chefs will battle it out to cook the best seafood dish using only fish they caught themselves earlier on in the day.

Tickets for this special event cost £17 per person, including a glass of wine, and the show will start at 7.30pm.

Alternatively, holidaymakers can try a beginners’ kayaking lesson, a mackerel fishing trip or a fishy barbecue at TYF Adventure.

Caravan lovers looking to stay in Pembrokeshire this summer can choose from a range of camp sites, including Freshwater East and Lleithyr Meadow, both of which are certified Caravan Club sites.

Rockspring to sell off 8 caravan parks

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by Chris Jefferies

Property investor Rockspring has announced that it will be selling off eight of its caravan parks in central and northern England. The sites, which cover regions including Derbyshire, the Lake District and Northumberland, will be sold off by chartered surveyor Humberts Leisure, The Independent reported.

Rockspring bought the portfolio of parks in 2007 for £40 million, but believes that now is a good time to sell, due to a fragmented market.

The company is not alone, with Graphite Capital also due to sell off its 25-strong Park Holiday chain, which is believed to be worth £220 million, having almost doubled in value over the past five years.

“Caravan parks have boomed in the recession and its aftermath. More people are taking holidays in the UK, attracting investor interest in the sector,” the news provider added.

The eight parks being offered for sale by Rockspring comprise 2,119 pitches, valued at £24,500 each.

2012 Kia Sportage: crossover 4×4 adds style to substance

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by Marcus Dubois

Once upon a time, the car shopper was faced with a simple enough set of choices designed for their needs. Starting out on the road? Buy a Mini. Got a small family? Plenty of saloons to choose from. Need more room? Get the estate version. Want something more prestige? Then buy a nicer saloon from the big German three. Fancy something racy to pick up your date in? A convertible should do the trick. And if you’re living in the countryside, then a good old agricultural 4×4 was all the car you’d ever need.

Yet in the last few decades major car manufacturers have set about expanding their ambitions beyond cars as simple “tools” that meet a basic need. And as such, the “lifestyle crossover” market came about as the answer to a previously unthought-of question. Namely, how do you combine the cool, chunky looks of a 4×4, but with the light weight and driving feel of a family car and the practicality of a MPV?

The Kia Sportage is one of the best-selling models in this new class of vehicle, a sector which has proved extremely popular with British buyers. Having first appeared in 1993 and resembling a Jeep Cherokee in size and style, this new third generation of Sportage is more car-like than ever.

Dressed to impress

Much of the buzz around the new Sportage emanates from the design which certainly turns heads. German designer Peter Schereyer is the man whose pen conceived the original Audi TT, and here he brings an equal dose of glamour to the “crossover” sector. The look challenges its nearest rival the Nissan Juke for sheer road presence, with swooping light clusters and a low rakish roofline.

If that all sounds a little bling for most tastes, then thankfully the interior is business as usual. A sensibly laid-out dashboard means all buttons are easily within reach, while quality has improved from previous Kia offerings. There’s less plastic on offer and more soft-touch elements to a dashboard which echoes the lines of the Sportage exterior. The level of standard kit is generous with all models feature air-conditioning, cruise control and a leather steering wheel. And buyers who order the “3” model will enjoy leather trim and individually heated leather seats.

On the road


Diesel engines are always popular for our purpose and caravanners have two to choose from in the Sportage. Serious towers may choose to avoid the 114bhp 1.7 diesel, which is front wheel drive only and offers little in the way of pulling power. The 134bhp 2.0 is quicker, offers more power across the range and comes with an electronically controlled four-wheel drive for greater traction. Petrolheads who like to work the gears should find the 1.6 a willing enough unit.

With 564 litres of carrying space the Sportage is a practical choice for families, and offers an impressive 1, 353 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Those in the rear get plenty of legroom and headroom, while generous door bins will happily swallow all oddments. The full spectrum of safety kit is included – while front, side and curtain airbags contribute to the maximum 5 star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

If you’re in the market for a lifestyle car which can perform both family duties and harder work, then the Kia rivals the Nissan Juke, Honda CRV and Hyundai IX35 for style and space. A further attraction for buyers is the class-leading seven year warranty offered across all Kia models. And with the latest style redesign already proving popular, perhaps it’s back to the drawing board for the Sportage’s rivals.

DORSET: Five top caravan holiday parks in Weymouth

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by Holly Tribe

The Whitsun bank holiday and half term breaks are just around the corner, and caravan parks up and down the country are getting ready for one of the busiest camping weekends of the year. If you’re still thinking about a last minute holiday – the spectacular Jurassic coastline in Dorset is home to some great options for caravanners.

Within striking distance of the UK’s most populous south eastern region – Dorset provides a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle. The stunning Chesil beach features an 18 mile stretch of sandy coastline separated from the mainland by a strip of salt water known as Fleet Lagoon. And Weymouth’s blue flag beach status makes it a draw for many families during British summertime.

What to do?

As a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are several walks designed to take in some of the most spectacular views in the country. The Weymouth to Portland Railway Walk is a 6 mile hike beginning in Weymouth and ending along a disused section of railway line, and featured on BBC TV’s ‘Railway Walks’ with Julia Bradbury. You can download a leaflet with details of the route and historical features here.

Bookers beware! The month of August is notoriously busy as families head to the coast their summer vacation. But if you do manage to book a pitch, the Weymouth Carnival & Airshow is held on the 17th August which is a fun-packed day of aerial displays, live music and street parades.

Where to stay?


Bagwell Farm
Bagwell Farm is located 4.5 miles outside of Weymouth, but there’s an on-site shop and off-licence to pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten on the way in. This four star park is open year round, and frequently receives good reviews particularly for the well kept toilet and shower blocks. The park installed brand new super pitches last year, for caravanners but there are basic pitches available as we’ll. Prices range from £12 to £29.

Pebble Bank Caravan Park

Sited two miles from Weymouth town centre – guests at Pebble Bank have access to the Dorset Heritage Coastal Footpath in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A small, friendly bar provides stunning views out across Chesil beach and the Isle of Portland. Dogs are welcome for a small fee and there’s an outdoor kid’s play area on site. Prices range from £15 to £27.50

East Fleet Farm Touring Park

East Fleet Farm Touring Park is a peaceful countryside park three miles west of Weymouth. Situated in the grounds of a two hundred acre organic farm, the park has an on-site bar and restaurant, play area, designated dog walking section and a large ball and kite games area. It recently received a 4 star grading for the fourth consecutive year, and many pitches have views out across Chesil beach. Prices range from £13 to £26.50.

Haven Littlesea Holiday Park

Haven Holidays has a strong presence in the region with two holiday parks within striking distance of Weymouth town centre, but Littlesea Holiday Park is the only site which accepts touring caravans, with 120 touring available. The park is geared towards families and features a large outdoor swimming pool with poolside sun terrace, not forgetting the nearby Chesil beach and Fleet Lagoon. There’s a jam-packed entertainment programme for the kids and an on-site bar and restaurant for the adults. Located 2.5 miles outside of Weymouth, pitches come with views looking out over Chesil beach.

Moor Farm

Sited on a small working farm in the heart of the Dorset countryside – this is the furthest caravan park from Weymouth on our list, located 7.5 miles north west of the town centre. For those who like quiet sites with few caravans, this is a Camping and Caravanning Certificated Site which is only permitted to host a maximum of five tourers on site at any given time. The grounds are partially terraced, and there’s no shower block or restaurant, but the Kings Arms pub is located just a couple of hundred metres away in Portesham village.