Park Holidays UK offers 20-year guaranteed licence

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Brits who purchase a caravan holiday home from Park Holidays UK are now set to be guaranteed a pitch at one of the firm’s sites for up to two decades.

This is double the traditional guarantee, which was extended from ten to 12 years in 2006, the company revealed.

While the length of the deal will vary depending on which park the caravan is located at, it should ensure that holidaymakers will have no shortage of opportunities to get away for breaks.

Even after the guaranteed period there will be the chance to extend the licence further on an annual basis, which is why many of the caravan owners at Park Holidays UK’s sites have been there for up to three decades.

“You can buy with confidence, knowing your investment in a holiday home will be there for you to use for many more years than ever before,” the company explained.

A number of sites around the UK will be guaranteeing the 20-year licence, including Essex’s Oaklands, Seawick, St Osyth Beach and Steeple Bay.

Meanwhile, Park Holidays UK recently encouraged holidaymakers to book up for their breaks soon to avoid the rise in VAT announced in the Budget.

Auto-Sleepers will launch first caravan model in October

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by Marcus Dubois

The motorhome manufacturer Auto-Sleeper has formally announced that it is to make an entry into the caravan marketplace. The first ever caravan from the coachbuilding firm will be launched at International Caravan and Motorhome 2010, Britain’s largest event for enthusiasts held at the NEC in Birmingham.

The range will fall under the banner “AS Caravans of Excellence” and the emphasis is on luxury, style and innovation. The firm have promised a “high quality product built with a Half Century of Experience”.

With a shroud of secrecy surrounding the product ahead of its launch, Caravan Times spoke to Auto-Sleepers and was told that there are no images being made available until the show itself. However we have learned that there will be a number of layouts on display for event goers at the NEC in October.

Current teaser marketing includes the tagline “This is no ordinary caravan, it’s an AS caravan”. And a glance at the firm’s history tells us why their first caravan is likely to be radically different from recent tradition, perhaps in the manner of new design platforms such as the latest models from Bailey.

An English manufacturer of campervans and motorhomes using coachbuilding techniques, Auto-Sleepers grew through their adoption of the monocoque body, a method also seen in car manufacture. The firm gained favour for their two-piece clamshell unit made from glass-fibre and therefore with a lack of edge joints. Seen as an advance over a traditional “sandwich” construction which can be prone to leaking and damp, it is likely that Auto-Sleepers will draw upon this build experience in designing their first caravan.

With more information being made available next month, Caravan Times will bring you regular updates before the official launch in October.

Skye Camping & Caravanning Club introduce new car hire service

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Caravanners heading to the Isle Skye may want to take advantage of a new car hire service.

Skye Camping and Caravanning Club have introduced a new on-site car hire facility after recognising a gap in the market.

The site’s franchisees, David Weller and Nicky Sellier, are delighted with the success of the scheme so far. David explains how the service is particularly useful for motorhome owners who might prefer to hire a smaller vehicle to explore the 50 miles velvet moors and jagged coastline.

David commented: “Our car hire has proved to be a real hit. Many campers arrive with large motorhomes and find that having the opportunity to hire a car gives them the ability to explore the island in full.”

There are four small cars available to hire, perfect for nipping around the island. Models include a manual Vauxhall Corsa, Rover 75 , Rover 45 and an automatic Chrysler Neon. Rates start at £35 for a day’s hire, with fully comprehensive insurance included.

David added: “Our cars get booked up very quickly so we urge all campers to contact the site directly to ensure availability.”

Recently voted ‘Fourth Best Island in the World’ by National Geographic Magazine, the Isle of Skye is the biggest of Scotland’s islands. While most tourists might stick to Dunvegan, Portree and Trotternish, hiring a car makes it possible to discover far flung corners of the Isle.

Camping and Caravanning Show returns to London

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by Holly Tribe

After a five year absence London is set to have its own caravan event again next year. The Camping and Caravanning Show will be held at ExCeL London in the heart of the Royal Docks from 11-13 February 2011. It is a welcome return for a show which once drew crowds at London’s other major exhibition centre in Earls Court.

Event company VOS Media are to breathe new life into the London Camping and Caravanning Show, which last took place in 2006. The firm have already signed up industry leaders Bailey as well as manufacturers Marquis and Hobby as exhibitors. All manner of caravan related merchandise from awnings and furniture to towcars, caravans and motorhome displays will be showcased.

In addition the London Park Home Show will be included in the event, offering visitors the opportunity to check out the most recent developments in holiday homes, parks and lodges.

The caravan industry has responded with enthusiasm to the annoucement of a London show, and Simon Howard of Bailey Caravans spoke out in favour of the event. “It is evident that this area of the country has not been as well served since the event was re-located to Birmingham. We believe there is certainly a case for a London regional show in the promotional calendar.

The ExCeL Centre is part of a one hundred acre campus. Outside space will be used for caravan manoeuvring demonstrations and other features. The venue is well connected via public transport into central London with excellent rail links throughout the South East region. There will also be pitches for caravan and motorhome owners to stay on site, and campers hardy enough brave the February weather can bring their tents.

With over 25,000 visitors anticipated the city Docklands will provide a marvellous backdrop for what is sure to be a well attended event. Caravan Times spoke to Duncan Newbury of VOS Media who explained that caravanners will find it easy to stay on site with a full facility for pitching your vehicle. He reassured us that “there will be a professionally managed bookable facility for caravans, motorhomes and tents to pitch up overnight.”

Strength of pound could see caravanners head abroad

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Caravan enthusiasts may be tempted to head to France, The Netherlands or some other eurozone destination this summer.

According to thetravelmagazine.net, the strength of the pound is making a trip abroad an increasingly attractive proposition.

Brits are traditionally keen to get value for money on their breaks and heading to the eurozone while the pound is strong could be a great way of getting a budget holiday.

Editor Sharron Livingston explained that the UK population have always been keen to explore new countries and suggested that this summer could hold great opportunities.

“Ferry travel and cruises have seen an upturn and amazingly, British travellers do not get put off long-term with the adverse conditions recently encountered in the aviation industry,” she said.

As well as the eurozone favourites, Ms Livingston believes that Turkey and Egypt will be popular during 2010.

Meanwhile, research from the Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank showed that many Brits are cutting back on their day-to-day spending to help save for their holidays.

Caravan disguised as logging truck

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Ian Murdoch, of Laurieston, Dumfries-shire, has converted his classic Atkinson Borderer lorry into a faux-log truck, concealing a 5 berth caravan beneath.

The Sun reports Mr Murdoch, a retired haulage boss, has found a crafty way of getting around hotel and caravan park fees with the disguise.

Ian told the Sun “It’s an ideal place to stay. I planned to build a log cabin on the back but that was too big a project. So I bought a caravan and put that on the back. You can’t see it from outside, but plenty of light comes in.”

Ian takes his 35-year old Atkinson Borderer to vintage shows around the country and is planning on using his rig to travel the West Coast with his wife Sheena.

New layout and model names for Stealth Caravans

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by Marcus Dubois

It is one of the most talked about caravans on the marketplace today. The designer and managing director himself called it a “Marmite” caravan. Whether you love or dislike it, the radical design and striking looks of the Stealth Caravans from Dunster House never fails to ignite opinion and interest.

This week however the company has announced updates and revisions to the existing range. Buyers will now select from models featuring conventional layouts placing the lounge at the front end, where a window is now found in the nosecone.

We’ve been expecting you, Q

The original versions of the Stealth Caravan were identified by letters and numbers, but the new caravans are now known as “Q-Class” models. In this range there is a choice between the Q58 single axle and the larger Q63 twin axle.

Amongst the caravan community many had voiced an interest in Stealth models with more traditional interior arrangements. As a result the full sized square beds will now be available in a side layout. An end washroom and front lounge complete the new look inside.

Those seated in the lounge area may benefit from the first Stealth model to feature a front window. The original caravans sported a striking opaque nosecone reminiscent of the US fighter planes that inspired the name.

The Q-Series however benefits from new “Overseal” technology where a window can now be integrated into the front section without allowing damp and moisture in. Stealth are so confident of the structural integrity that the 6 year water ingress guarantee will continue across to the new range.

From Valiant to Defiant

In a further simplification of the model line-up, Stealth have created three different trim levels named Valiant, Intrepid and Defiant.

Valiant is the entry level range and features a concealed warm air heating system offering up to 4Kw in heating output. All window and skylights feature flyscreens and sunblinds as standard, while the walls, floor and roof panels are fully bonded.
The AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser is present and correct for towing.

Buyers of the Intrepid will find extras such as an 800W Microwave and a four-ring dual fuel hob. An automatic ignition fridge is also featured, as well as drop-in loose fit carpets which we are told are available in two different colours.

The top-of-the range Defiant adds security features to match including secure wheel locks from AL-KO Kober as well as a caravan tracking system. An external gas barbeque point is the other feature for buyers.

Caravan Times will be at the official launch in July, so look out for more pictures and interviews then.

What do you think of the new Stealth caravan? Do you like the new features and layout? Have your say in our forums here.

Parkdean believes Welsh sites ideal for Ryder Cup

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Holidaymakers staying at Parkdean’s Welsh caravan sites over the Fathers’ Day weekend were able to treat their dad to a special sporting spectacle.

The firm noted that the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club was hosting a tournament for some of the best senior golfers in the world.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Ryder Cup Seniors took place from June 18th to 20th.

The event was taking place four months ahead of the Ryder Cup proper, which will also be hosted in Wales.

Ian Woosman and Sam Torrance were among the stars competing for a prize fund of £500,000, with John Bland eventually winning the event.

Parkdean has its Trecco Bay Holiday Park just five minutes from the Royal Porthcawl links course.

It has its own Blue Flag beach and has also benefited from more than £7 million worth of investment in the past two years.

Meanwhile, Parkdean recently noted that Newquay was hosting its Midsummer Night Surf over the weekend to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Time zone changes could boost tourism

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By Holly Tribe

Last March we reported on a campaign to move British Summer Time forward an hour to create Single/Double Summer Time (SDST). And yesterday on the longest day of the year, the debate resurfaced.

SDST would require moving the clocks forward two hours over the summer and one hour during winter, meaning the summer sun wouldn’t set until 11pm across the South of England.

The 10:10 climate change campaign has launched its Lighter Later group, and environmental campaigners also used yesterday’s summer solstice to call for brighter evenings. They argue an extra hour of evening sunlight would noticeably reduce carbon emissions by reducing energy consumption.

Adrian Sanders, MP for Torbay is behind the Lighter Later Campaign. He has tabled a Commons motion and called for a three year pilot-scheme. It is thought that extending daylight hours will improve tourism and boost the economy.

Mr Sanders says in his blog: “The idea could generate over £2 billion for the leisure and hospitality industry, reduce health and insurance costs, and reduce carbon emissions by ten per cent.”

The change would bring Britain in line with much of Europe and the coalition government are considering the renewed proposal. Conservative Tourism minster John Penrose said: “The Coalition is committed to study this, and there are some very strong voices in the tourism industry that are making some very big claims about it.”

There has been strong opposition in Scotland, where, if the plans went ahead, it would mean the sun wouldn’t rise until after 9am in the winter. Safety concerns have been raised as the new daylight hours would see children walking to school in the dark, and could potentially increase road accidents at rush hour.

The suggestion of a separate timezone for Scotland has been met with scepticism. Cross border businesses and banks would be thrown into disarray along with public transport timetabling issues.

Scottish secretary Michael Moore, speaking on BBC Scotland’s Politics Show said: “I do not believe separate time zones would be a sensible or realistic measure, not least as a Borders MP who works right beside England; I think that would be ludicrous.”

This is not the first time a new daylight saving bill has been suggested. A similar trial took place between 1968 and 1971, but was discontinued when road deaths in Scotland increased slightly over the winter. In 2008, Conservative MP Tim Yeo put forward his Energy Saving (Daylight) Bill which was rejected by the House of Commons.

Caravanners in Wales in for a tasty treat

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Caravan enthusiasts taking a break in Wales might enjoy eating at some of the country’s fine restaurants.

It has been claimed that holidaymakers who love their food will take pleasure in the gastronomic delights on offer.

According to Welsh Rarebits, a firm which represents high-end hotels and B&Bs in Wales, the nation’s tasty grub is becoming a popular draw for tourists.

Spokesperson Mike Morgan suggested that Monmouthshire might be worth a visit as it seems to be particularly popular with foodies.

“There are lots of food festivals which draw people in from outside. Abergavenny is a great example. Cardigan Bay seafood festival is fantastic as well,” he added.

Taking place over the weekend of September 18th and 19th, the Abergavenny Food Festival features local food producers, chefs and performances.

A number of spin-off events are also taking place in the area, such as the Recipe For Success workshops in Tithe Barn, Abergavenny.

Now is the right time to book a UK summer caravan holiday

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Families still weighing up whether to head off on a UK caravanning holiday this year have been told that now is the right time to make a booking.

Park Holidays UK has informed potential UK holidaymakers that the peak temperatures witnessed in late June in Gravesend in Kent was greater than the Caribbean location of Bermuda.

Meanwhile, with further hot weather forecast for the remainder of the summer weeks, holidaymakers could take the chance to relax and top up their tans by opting for a caravan holiday.

According to Park Holidays UK, “the weather in the south east also put much of mainland Europe in the shade with Brighton and Bournemouth hotter than resorts in Spain, Italy and Greece”.

“The summer has finally arrived and it’s definitely the right time to book that UK holiday,” the company added.

Haven Holidays has previously indicated that caravan breaks are becoming increasingly popular, partly due to the poor exchange rate.

Caravans damaged during fire at dealership

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by Holly Tribe

A caravan dealership in North East London has been badly damaged by fire with a number of motorhomes and caravans believed to have been destroyed.

Cranham Caravans was engulfed by flames on Monday morning at 8.15 am. It is thought the blaze began in their accessories shop. Fire crews arrived at the scene and spent several hours battling the flames. Extra precautions were taken due to the presence of gas canisters on site, but no casualties were reported.

A spokesman from the London Fire Brigade said: “It’s a significant incident but it’s not near any houses. It could be protracted because of the cylinders involved.”

The dealership, which also operates a servicing centre, has addressed concerns from worried customers with a statement issued on their website: “At first inspection only one customers’ caravan is moderately damaged. The other affected vehicles were our own stock.”

Cranham Caravans have appealed to customers for their patience while they assess and repair damage: “Due to the fire that took place here on Monday June 21st can we kindly request that all customers acknowledge that we will probably be closed for the next few days.”

A spokesman for the fire brigade added that a full investigation into the cause of the blaze will begin shortly.

UPDATE: A further statement from Cranham Caravans followed our original news story. “At first inspection only one customer’s caravan is moderately damaged. The customer has been notified. The other affected vehicles were our own stock.” The dealership additionally stated thaat “it was our accessories shop which is badly damaged, not our workshop.”