Cumbria caravan park launches video to highlight Covid safety measures

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A caravan park in Cumbria has released a video showing the safety features it has put in place ahead of welcoming guests back to its pitches.

Skelwith Fold used English Tourism Week, which traditionally marks the beginning of its season, as an opportunity to reassure visitors that every precaution has been taken to keep them safe from coronavirus on site.

There’s sanitation stations throughout the park and close to attractions such as the children’s play area, as well as social distancing notices to remind everyone of the rules.

Toilet blocks have only just been allowed to reopen as restrictions on shared facilities have been relaxed and Skelwith Fold is fogging them with disinfectant twice a day.

Henry Wild, director of Skelwith Fold, said: “Contactless check-ins have been given a big thumbs-up from guests, and by operating the park at only three-quarters capacity there is more space for everyone.

“The lockdowns have also given us a new impetus to help people reconnect with nature – and we’re encouraging that with features such as forest trails and wildlife events.”

One of the ways that the caravan park has been interacting with nature is to establish which native species live in its vicinity.

By setting up a hidden camera, it discovered a host of birds, squirrels and deer coming and going in the idyllic Lake District surroundings.

Skelwith Fold is set within 130 acres of natural landscape not far from Ambleside and offers a selection of accommodation types including touring pitches.

Visitors benefit from a wide range of facilities, including shower blocks with underfloor heating, a library and a well-stocked shop for all the essentials.

Calor Gas shortage as the UK turns to caravan and motorhome holidays

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Caravan and motorhome staycations are more popular than ever, as Brits turn to more self-contained holidays at home in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

This has led to huge demand for leisure vehicles, but it’s not just caravans and motorhomes themselves that are in short supply.

Calor Gas cylinders are an essential amenity required for cooking on a campsite pitch, but they’re also used to fuel some barbecues.

The uptick in caravan owners and more people hosting events in their gardens means there’s an unprecedented demand for cylinders and Calor Gas can’t keep up.

It anticipated there would be a need for extra cylinders this summer and put in a large order for these to be manufactured, but the lead time on the bottles coming from abroad has led to shortages.

A spokesperson for Calor Gas told MailOnline: “To address this and improve cylinder availability for customers, Calor has prioritised cylinder exchange transactions for certain size cylinders, whereby cylinders are returned to Calor for filling and redistribution.”

This is one way to get around the problem if you’re a seasoned caravan owner, but does not help anyone buying a leisure vehicle for the first time.

In fact, dealerships are having trouble getting hold of cylinders to go into the vehicles they’re supplying to customers.

Calor Gas is urging anyone with unused or empty cylinders to return them to the company to be refilled and improve availability for others this summer.

Matt Sims, managing director of The Motorhome Holiday Company, said it’s an issue that he’s become aware of, as his firm rents vehicles to people going on holiday.

He predicted there will be an upsurge in people selling on any cylinders that have been languishing in sheds and garages to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy caravan holidays this year.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Thirdman

Nick’s News – Bank holidays, Freedom caravans and recycled ocean plastic

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My Week

Bank holidays, don’t ya just love ‘em? With perfect timing, too, summer seems to have hit us. Congratulations to everyone who managed to get out for the bank holiday weekend, and beyond. I trust you’re having a wonderful time.

To be honest, I tend to give bank holidays a bit of a swerve, as I hate getting stuck in traffic, especially when I’m supposed to be making the most of my leisure time. And, unfortunately, bad weather over the previous weekend put paid to a quick trip to Beer Beach in Dorset. Instead, and I know this is me being selfish, but I’ve got a sneaky weekend away planned for when things are a little bit quieter…

In the newsArtist impression of Chesterfield branch. Aerial view of whole site looking north west.

Kimberley up to three

It’s great to hear Kimberley is adding a swish new third branch to its empire. The caravan and motorhome dealer takes its name from its original base in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire. It expanded with its purchase of the premises formerly known as Barrons Great Outdoors, near Darlington in County Durham, back in 2012.

The new site sits between the two, geographically. It will be a huge 1.6-hectare location at the former Multiplex Engineering premises in Chesterfield, which, when finished, will have space to showcase up to 150 motorhomes and caravans, indoors and out. It’s aiming to be up and running by the end of summer.

Webbs has the Knaus – and the Rimor

Webbs Motor Caravans is a dealer on a mission. The Reading-based retailer has just announced it’s to be a dealer for new motorhomes from Germany’s Knaus (say it ke-nowse) and Italy’s Rimor (ree-more) – and it’s celebrating with some enticing offers on late 2021 stock. Could be time to catch a very late season bargain – especially as my old friend Trade Rumour tells me most motorhome prices will be going up by about five per cent for 2022 models.

Caravan crush

Freedom – chimes of bargains flashing

In a list of caravans that have stood the test of time, Freedom is usually overlooked. And yet the all-GRP-bodied micro tourers are based on a design that goes back well over three decades now.

Made in Poland, new prices start at around £13,000 for the basic Discovery, Sport and Sunstream models, and £15,500 for the Twin Sport and First Class.

As something different this week, I thought I’d tell you about a two-berth Microlight Prima I spotted on a visit to Davan Caravans near Weston-super-Mare last week. It was in great order (well, there’s not much to go wrong on any Freedom) and just £3,495. Pure coincidence, too, but Davan was an early importer of these tough little gems. Just don’t be surprised if it’s not already sold by the time you read this.

Three good: Tough-as-nails bodywork, lightweight and straightforward
Two bad: Prevailing smell of glass-fibre and tiny living quarters
Perfect for… an early taste of no-nonsense caravanning
Also consider: Go Pod and Wheelhome Dashaway

Gadget envy

Sustainability – for future success

There’s no reason for not putting the environment at the top of your list when it comes to kit for camping. So, if you’re after a new jacket, how about the Go Hike from Jack Wolfskin? In men’s and women’s sizes, this £145 coat features 100 per cent recycled materials. It comes in a choice of colours, as well as making the usual claims for high levels of waterproofing, breathability and wind protection.

If you get a new coat, you’ll want some suitable headgear to go with it? Even iconic brands like Tilley are getting up to speed on sustainability. The renowned outdoor hat maker has introduced two new models to its portfolio – the £70 Modern Airflo, a reworking of its classic Airflo design, complete with lifetime guarantee; and, at £30, there’s the 5 Panel Recycled Cap. Both boast fully recycled nylon fabrics.

Repurposing old fishing nets is all the rage at the moment. The Got Bag company claims to be supplying the world’s first rucksacks made from ocean plastic. Backpacks start from £114 and there’s a day sack at £79.

 

 

Image credit: Matthew Montague Architects

Is Britain’s first £1 million caravan on the way?

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With the news that a holiday caravan in Dorset is on the market for a whopping £700,000, we can’t help but wonder how long it’ll be before we see one with a £1 million price tag.

The luxury static caravan in question can be found on the Sandhills Caravan Park, where it boasts an enviable location near the beach not far from Christchurch.

It’s perhaps not surprising that such an expensive holiday home should be found in this part of the world, because nearby Sandbanks is home to Millionaires’ Row, where a single mansion is worth £6 million.

The two-bedroom caravan selling for £700,000 marks a new record, according to My Holiday Caravan, which specialises in static caravan sales.

It predicts the record won’t last for long, as other caravans on the site become available and surpass the listing price for this one.

Paul Craven, director of My Holiday Caravan, said: “Sandhills is increasingly seeing customers wanting to make their holiday homes a match to the exclusive lifestyles with which this gorgeous area is associated.

“It’s a very clever move, because even if the final price does nudge a million pounds, it’s massively less than a similar spec house would cost in a less privileged position.”

Whoever takes possession of the caravan currently on the market will be able to enjoy high-end decor and furnishings inside, as well as views across the sea to the Isle of Wight on the outside.

While many people like the simplicity of a getaway in a caravan, high-end examples represent the complete opposite of escaping modern life.

They are equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, remote-controlled blinds and mood lighting to create the perfect holiday atmosphere.

Caravans at Sandhills, which is part of the Park Holidays group, start at £145,000.

Make sure you’re qualified to tow a caravan or risk a fine

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With more people than ever taking to the open road with their caravans this summer, it’s important drivers are fully qualified to tow.

This is the message being shared by a driving training specialist who is concerned that not everyone planning a caravan holiday understands the risks.

Steve Dulson of Dulson Training has spoken out about the legal responsibilities associated with towing and how neglecting them can lead to a large fine or insurance being invalidated.

Another unexpected consequence is the caravan being confiscated, which would certainly ruin any holiday plans.

He said: “Drivers may be unaware that if they are towing they will need a BE driving licence.”

Anyone who passed their car driving test prior to 1997 will automatically have been granted BE status, but a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) trailer test must be completed by all those whose licences were awarded after January 1st 1997.

A number of courses are available for drivers to prepare themselves for taking the trailer test, taking into account the amount of experience they have and the size of the vehicles and caravans they intend to tow.

Drivers can expect to learn about vehicle safety checks, general driving, reversing, coupling and loading during the course.

Not only will this make them legal on the road, but it will help them to be confident and safer while towing a caravan this summer.

Mr Dulson added: “We are here to help guide anyone who is unsure about towing or whether they have the correct licence. It is imperative to stay both legal and safe when towing.”

Caravanners must know about the maximum authorised mass (MAM) they’re allowed to tow. To find out more about weight in relation to your caravan or motorhome, check out CaravanTimes’ very own Dan Cartright’s advice on the matter.

The DVSA has said it will be carrying out on-the-spot checks for cars towing caravans this weekend as people head off on bank holiday breaks.

It believes that 17 per cent of all caravans are unsafe, based on data collated from two years of roadside checks.

 

 

Photo credit: Salop Leisure courtesy of Dulson Training

Nick’s News – Underfloor heating, a dinky camper and wearable sleeping bags

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My Week

There’s nothing like kicking off the week doing something a bit different. So, Monday saw me braving the elements – yes, four seasons pretty much captured in one day – to review heating and hot water systems from Whale.

As well as the quiet way the Heat Air system goes about its business, what I really like about it is its underfloor fitting location. It frees up so much interior storage space, especially when you’re in a typical van conversion like I was, in this case an Auto-Sleeper Fairford Plus.

Also, it couldn’t be easier to use. In fact, at 6.36m long, the Fairford Plus is larger than many a coachbuilt, yet nevertheless, the Whale system kept the whole interior cosy. The result? One warm reporter while the weather did its darnedest just outside.

In the news

New to caravans and motorhomes? Have I got news for you

Look, you won’t read this anywhere else, but if you’re new to the world of motorhomes and caravans, let me tell you something. That brand new vehicle you’re about to take delivery of – don’t be surprised if there are a few glitches with it. It’s purely down to the nature of what are essentially still hand-crafted products (clue: I’ve only ever seen one robot in a caravan or motorhome manufacturing plant and that was at Adria in Slovenia).

It’s easy to make comparisons with new-build homes… OK, maybe that’s a bit unfair on our leisure vehicle makers. Instead, I’ll offer this advice: get out in your new vehicle just as soon as you get it. Be prepared to make a list of “snags”, then book it into your supplying dealer for sorting. How you’re dealt with from thereon is a better assessment of how this industry works.

McLouis is a match for Matt

Auto-Sleepers Group is sponsoring Matt Venn, who’s riding for Unique Motorsports in the Ducati Tri Options championship, with the loan of one of its McLouis motorhomes (a sister brand in the Trigano Group, of which they’re all part).

It’s a support vehicle and great publicity for motorhomes generally, Matt took podiums four times within the first two weeks of his McLouis journey. As the saying goes, all publicity is good publicity, but motorhomes – in particular – seem to benefit from any association with racing, be it two wheels or four.

Caravan crush

Mink – a cheeky chappie of a caravan

I have to admit, I haven’t actually seen one of these “in the flesh” yet, but if you’re a fan of dinky caravans that are some stretch from being a typical tourer then you might want to check these out. Mink caravans – sorry, they prefer the term camper – are coming to the UK courtesy of Broad Lane Leisure and its two outlets in Warwickshire.

It’s an Icelandic company, producing tiny tourers that only weight in at 490kg, making them something to consider if you’re planning to have an electric vehicle in the future. The interiors boast a double bed that’s some 2m by 1.40m as well as a canvas bed for the kids. There’s also an outdoor kitchen. I told you it was all a bit different!

OK, the Mink 2.0, to give it its full name, is not going to appeal to traditionalists, but it’s all part of Broad Lane’s initiative to appeal to a younger audience – see also its Staycation campervans, plus it’s even added the Eriba caravan franchise to its portfolio.

Three good: It’s one cool caravan with a quality ABS body and trendy looks
Two bad: It’s small and won’t be cheap
Perfect for… exploring a bit further in a lightweight way
Also consider: Barefoot, Trip Buddy

Gadget envyMan wearing a Selk'bag

Blanket coverage – time to bag up?

Sleeping bags or duvets? Or do you want a bit more than that? With weather proving somewhat inclement so far this year, I thought you might be interested in the following:

Selk’bag claims to be the original wearable sleeping bag brand, with features such as elasticated hand openings, kangaroo pockets, leg vents, removable booties with soles, and a whole host of intriguing elements.

More than just a sleeping bag – you really can move about in them – they also have a slight waterproof coating so they’re great for sitting around in outdoors. There’s quite a range of different models, starting at just under £100 and going up to nearly £250 for the fully recycled, completely sustainable Nomad.

Alternatively, Kelty has recently introduced the Hoodligan Blanket, a kind of cross between an insulated blanket and a poncho, complete with a hoodie. At £45 it looks like a bit of a bargain.

Or, how about going the whole hog with a Festival in a Bag kit? It’s a package of two sleeping bags, a two-person tent, mats and water bottles, all sustainable to get around the fact that so many festival goers simply dump their gear at the end of the gig. Expect to pay around £130 from the company that does what it says on the tin – Festival in a Bag.

The Motorhome Holiday Company expects 700% rise in rental demand this summer

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A Bristol-based motorhome firm is anticipating a 700 per cent increase in demand for its rentals this summer when compared to two years ago.

The Motorhome Holiday Company is already 90 per cent booked for July and August, as Brits look to staycation at home amid uncertainty around foreign travel.

Despite the demand, the firm actually believes not all of the bookings will be taken up, as families hedge their bets and book multiple holidays as Covid restrictions constantly evolve.

It expects ten per cent of its motorhome rental bookings to be cancelled and is reassuring customers who haven’t yet booked that there will still be some availability this summer.

Matt Sims, managing director of The Motorhome Holiday Company, told CaravanTimes: “We are already seeing customers cancel and others who have been actively spread-booking.”

In some cases, the company has seen cancellations occur and then customers asking to rebook after countries such as Germany failed to make it onto the government’s green list.

The Motorhome Holiday Company has been monitoring the availability rates at campsites across the UK for this summer on a weekly basis.

Its most recent estimates for the season suggest there’s still more than 50 per cent of space left at Ceredigion and Powys in Wales, as well as the Isle of Wight, Leyland in Lancashire and St Columb in Cornwall.

The latter may come as a particular surprise, as Cornwall is predicted to be one of the top destinations for a holiday in the UK this summer.

Anyone who is still yet to book a motorhome stay in England’s southwestern tip would therefore do well to try St Columb, which is just six miles from the ever-popular Newquay.

The Motorhome Holiday Company offers a service to help holidaymakers find pitches through its campsite availability alerts, which are sent out weekly.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/Siggy Nowak 

Would you double book a caravan park and a foreign holiday?

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With the uncertainty over foreign holidays still rife, there’s concern some Brits may be booking both a staycation in the UK and a trip abroad with the intention of cancelling one at the last minute.

Despite the government having issued its green list of countries Brits can visit, many are booking up caravan pitches in case their plans are changed by new outbreaks of coronavirus.

This is being facilitated by flexible cancellation policies designed to give holidaymakers peace of mind when booking caravan parks.

It has the potential to cause problems for sites, however, as visitors cancelling at the last minute means they may not fill all their pitches.

Caravan sites are keen to recoup some of the money lost from a year of intermittent lockdowns and a late start to the season.

Families may also find they miss out on the chance of a staycation to a group that has also planned a trip abroad and cancels at the last minute.

Michael De Jongh, chief commercial officer at bookings software provider Avvio, said: “Many holidaymakers have booked both a foreign holiday and a UK stay and our data shows they’re often holding on to both.

“If they decide at the last minute to risk a holiday abroad, a late rush of cancellations in the UK would create chaos across the whole industry.”

Caravanners are requested to give as much notice as possible if they need to cancel, so the park can offer up the pitch to another group of guests.

Full parks not only help the accommodation providers, but also other businesses throughout the local economy, ensuring they survive for summers to come.

Demand for staycations remains high and many caravan parks are nearly fully booked for the school holiday months.

The advice remains not to travel without a booking, as touring caravans are unlikely to be accommodated on a whim this season.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Mew wy

“Don’t go for shiny; really consider the detail” when buying a new motorhome

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“Don’t go for shiny; really consider the detail.” This is the advice being offered by CaravanTimes’ own motorhome guru Dan Cartright for anyone looking to purchase a new leisure vehicle.

He spoke to us recently about the things he always looks out for when considering a motorhome, keeping the way his family lives at the front of his mind.

Layout

There are a number of different configurations for any given space, which will broadly fall into certain categories. Have a look at wildly different models to see how they vary and which layout has the best ability to deal with your needs.

Dan said: “Really consider the details, because these are the things that will make your holiday pleasurable or a little bit annoying.”

Separate seating area

If you’ve spent the whole day driving, ask yourself if you want to be sitting in the exact same seat all evening. Different vans of similar sizes can offer separate seating areas from the driving seat, so keep this in mind.

Central locking

Right the way through from van conversions to A-classes, not all leisure vehicles have central locking. That includes central locking on the habitation door, which Dan described as “super annoying” if it’s missing.

Having to go around and physically put a key in the lock of every door doesn’t sound like a lot, but it will quickly start to grate on you. If you use your new leisure vehicle regularly, you’ll notice the difference.

Keys

Ask whether there are different keys for your outside storage lockers, as it’s these types of things that can prove frustrating in adverse weather conditions. Dan gave the example of coming back after a day of surfing and having to try multiple keys when it’s cold and you just want to get into the warmth.

Motorhome holidays should be as simple and stress-free as possible, so having confusing, multiple sets of keys is something to avoid.

Water and waste capacity

Think about how much water and waste your potential purchase can hold. This is particularly important if you’re thinking about going off-grid, as a caravan with a small water and waste capacity could become an issue.

Consider this in relation to the number of passengers you’ll be travelling with. Solo campers and couples will have different needs to a family of four and can be the difference between staying on campsites or wild camping.

Plugs, sockets and USB ports

Look at the number of sockets available and where they’ve been positioned. Many people like to charge their devices at night, for example, so sockets close to the beds are important for them. Making do or trying to adapt provision later on can mean losing valuable space.

Dan said: “Space is at a premium in these vehicles and by the time you’ve got a four-gang adaptor plugged in on your kitchen work surface, there’s no space on the work surface to do anything else.”

Think carefully before making such a big purchase

Buying a motorhome is likely to be one of the largest purchases you ever make and represents a commitment to a certain type of holiday for the foreseeable future. While some of the advice given here seems almost pernickety, it’s amazing how the small things can become important.

Dan summarised: “Start thinking about the real practicalities. So, when you’re in it and you’re sitting there relaxing in the evening, you have the amenities you need. When you’re cooking, are there the plug sockets and the space for what you need to do?

“When you’re in bed, is it big enough? If you’re tall, do your feet stick out the end of the bed? Even silly things that get misconsidered include whether there’s somewhere to put a glass of water or a cup of tea next to the bed.”

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production

Live it up in Cornwall like Jesy Nelson or staycation in North Wales like Andrew Lincoln

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Searches for staycations have increased by 384 per cent, according to Park Leisure, but which UK destinations are the most popular with celebrities?

Cornwall is well known as being at the top of the list for a caravan or motorhome getaway, but it’s also a good spot for a bit of celeb spotting.

Former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson has enjoyed holidays in England’s most southwesterly county, as has fellow popstar Rochelle Humes with her family.

Peter Andre indulged in two quintessentially Cornish activities when he holidayed there with his brood, surfing and catching crabs on the county’s famed coast.

Cornwall isn’t the only staycation destination that has proved a hit with the rich and famous, however, with North Wales boasting a number of famous guests.

The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln holidayed in Snowdonia with his wife, where they enjoyed watersports at Conway Valley Lagoon.

Prior to her husband Derek’s battle with coronavirus, Kate Garraway spent a weekend having seaside adventures near Abersoch, with the couple making family memories with their two children.

The Beckhams may own a holiday home in The Cotswolds, but you don’t have to be a successful footballer or fashion designer to enjoy a break in this part of the world.

This quintessentially English area spanning 800 square miles lends itself to a touring holiday, letting you explore each of its distinctive areas from rolling hills to chocolate box villages.

Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, said: “We’re so lucky that the UK has so many incredible holiday destinations, and you can tell how popular they are due to the frequent visits by celebrities, as well as the stars choosing to invest in holiday homes here.

“With uncertainty around holidays abroad, there really has never been a better time to explore the beauty of the UK.”

 

 

 

Photo credit: Daily Post courtesy of Park Leisure

Nick’s News – Staycation bookings, leisure vehicle demand and roof tents

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My Week

It’s all about the bookings this week. But I’m lucky, as while I have managed to reserve pitches at a series of sites throughout Wales, Scotland and even Northern Ireland, they’re all for the month of August.

Like you, it’s a question of waiting now to see what develops on the Covid front. Still, at least I have some plans, no matter how vague, and can only hope that things do work out for the best for the whole country.

As the saying goes, better the optimism of the action than the pessimism of the thought.

In the news

Double bookings – an on-site collaboration

Two leading campsite booking platforms have announced plans to combine and I think it’s a good thing. ACSI and camping.info have joined together under the ACSI camping.info Booking banner, so you can investigate and book sites throughout the whole of Europe plus the UK, as well as find out more about late availability, facilities and localities.

ACSI should be no stranger to anyone seeking out information on some 10,000 campsites throughout Europe and the UK. Camping.info is the largest campsite platform on the German-speaking market. Between them they already boasted some 40 million visits to their websites and apps, so I guess it made sense to come together. Bigger sometimes is better.

Still soaring – leisure vehicle demand going up, up… and away

The demand for caravans and motorhomes continues to rise. The background is dealers wondering just how they are going to get stock to suit a seemingly ever-growing group of new customers. And, because they’re newcomers, they don’t have anything similar to trade in.

Vehicle retail site Auto Trader reports year-on-year demand is up a whopping 148 per cent and 117 per cent for motorhomes and caravans respectively – and that’s just for April.

It also reckons getting on for two-thirds of all adults in the UK are planning to holiday right here, rather than risk going abroad. Whilst a not particularly appealing vision of the near future is our roads and campsites packed with leisure vehicles, I can’t help feeling it’s an almighty blip at the moment and things will even out over the next two or three seasons.

Motorhome for me?

Staycation – campervans with an edge

I know what you’re thinking… oh no, not another name in the campervan sector. But wait, there are some key differences here. Staycation is an initial launch of two Volkswagen-based campers: Shoreline, and the more upmarket and more interesting, Coastline. They are being sold through a trio of well-respected specialist motorhome dealers – Southern Motorhome Centre in Bracknell, Berkshire; Webbs Motor Caravans near Reading; and the VW Kamper Centre in Hampshire.

I did see the early vehicles and they do look considerably better than many dealers’ attempts to get into this bit of the market. They feature some neat touches like fitted gas tanks, which also increase internal storage space considerably; a rather flirty multi-coloured, dimmable kitchen lighting strip; and 18-inch alloy wheels. 20 inches just don’t cut it for me, for many reasons!

They also boast a Skyline roof, which is UK-made and, again, better than most home-produced products I’ve seen to date. The furniture quality seems a cut above, too, with a generous range of colour finishes and soft furnishings.

Early models are using T6 Transporters in Highline trim with 150PS engines and DSG automatic transmission, which can be argued is the best blend. And that Staycation name is pretty spot on, too. Indeed, pretty good timing all round. Find out more here.

Three good: A cut above the norm, with a great blend of specification and quality, practical details
Two bad: It’s early days, but there’s already too much choice out there!
Perfect for… all the usual campervan pluses, and a bit more
Also consider: Autohaus, Dirty Weekender, Ecowagon or Redline

Gadget envy

Roof tents – get ahead with an extra bed?

I bet you’ve never considered a roof tent. Me neither, and yet… what an interesting concept. Essentially, a unit you can add to the roof of your car or motorhome, within reason, it’s an instant way of adding extra sleeping accommodation.

For campervan DIY-ers, too, it’s an interesting alternative to opting for an elevating roof section to your van. Simon Towell runs Roof Tent Utopia, based in Chichester, West Sussex, which is one of quite a few specialist roof tent retailers.

He talks of a sales explosion: “It’s a growing market. It’s cool. It’s going to really grow over the next two to five years. To be fair, I’m a latecomer (as a retailer). We’ve had them for 15 years, including when our three kids were sleeping in one. And now, my son has his own roof tent on his own car.”

He says he sells to a “real mix… including those who’ve tried caravanning and not liked it, and those who can’t afford a motorhome. We’ve even sold a couple to a guy running a quirky motorhome hire site.”

I’m rapidly getting in with the roof tent lingo. Soft shells are all-canvas and can be sourced from the likes of DTBD and Sheepie; while hard shells are produced by Femkes and NaïtUp Hussarde; hybrids, which are a mix of both, come from Femkes again. Prices start at £1,100 and go through to £4,000.

Roof Tent Utopia stocks all of these, with the Hussarde brand the latest addition to a display of around 20 different models in total. They’re a superior quality item due to being handmade using premium Cabanon cotton fabric, with an ABS shell.

Caravan parks with shared facilities reopen

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After months of lockdown restrictions, caravan parks with shared facilities can reopen to the public as of today (May 17th).

Owners of self-contained motorhomes, typically including a toilet and a shower, have been able to get away since April 12th, but those with a simpler setup have had to wait.

Over the coming weeks, many sites will open for the first time this year, looking to recoup some of the income lost during 12 months of disruption due to Covid-19.

Caravan staycations are likely to be more popular than ever, as they represent an opportunity to get away without having to navigate the uncertainty of green list foreign holidays.

Haven is among the operators that has been counting down the days until it is permitted to welcome guests back to its parks across England and Scotland.

It said: “There’s no need to travel far to find a little peace and we’ve got fresh air by the bucket and spade load.

“We don’t want you to miss out on your slice of the action, so book early to bag your spot on the Great British coast.”

With many sites being booked up months in advance for this summer, the advice is not to travel without a pitch confirmed.

Holidaymakers are reminded to follow the wider rules in place when embarking on a trip, which include a limit of six people or two households indoors at present.

Anyone itching to get away with their friends can enjoy the company of 30 people, as long as they only meet up outdoors, which fits well with the caravanning lifestyle.

While the move to reopening caravan sites with shared facilities represents a step towards normality, visitors will notice a number of changes.

Holiday parks are required to collect NHS Track and Trace information and will have processes in place to help mitigate the risk of transmission.

These include widely-spaced pitches, one-way systems and more regular cleaning schedules.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Waldemar Brandt