Caravanners should fuel up before the ferry

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Caravan enthusiasts planning a trip to the continent should fuel up before leaving on the ferry or Eurotunnel, it has been claimed.

According to Post Office Travel Money, petrol and diesel in the UK is cheaper than many European nations at the moment.

Sarah Munro – head of the organisation – suggested that Brits should do some research before their journey to ensure that they are not ripped off.

She noted that petrol prices in the UK are generally quite favourable in comparison to European nations at the moment and advised drivers to fill up before leaving.

Diesel drivers should be especially keen to head to a filling station as it will cost them even more on the continent.

With the recent ash cloud chaos and strikes from British Airways staff, Stena Line has reported a record number of bookings in recent weeks.

Those heading to the continent should also sort out their foreign currency before they leave, Ms Munro added.

Tickets on sale for the 2010 International Caravan and Motorhome Show

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It’s the biggest event in the caravan calendar with manufacturers and brands showcasing the latest equipment. Today was the day that tickets went on sale for International Caravan and Motorhome 2010, to be held at the NEC in Birmingham from the 12 – 17 October.

The previous event saw the historic launch of the Bailey Pegasus and the firm’s all-new Alu-Tech range – and this time there are a few big names with their own surprises.

Last years’ show attracted around 80,000 visitors who spent over £100million during the six days. With a recent rise in popularity for ‘staycations’, the event organisers are expecting an even bigger turnout this year.

Show Director Sam North said: “We saw an increase in younger families attending the show last year and we expect even more this year as the appeal of these types of holidays continue to grow”.

250 leading exhibitors have already been confirmed, with big name showcases from Swift, Bailey, Elddis, Lunar and Coachman expected. Sam North commented “We also have over thirty new exhibitors so it really is the only place to be if you’re thinking of buying a caravan, motorhome, holiday home or camping equipment ahead of your 2011 travels.”

Look out for several free new additions to this years programme including a new cookery theatre, farmers’ market, real ale bar and an expert talks theatre – where industry professionals will give advice and guidance on all things caravan related.

Advance ticket prices start from £14.95 – please visit the Caravan Show website to purchase tickets.

In addition you can click here to watch an interview from last year’s event with show director Sam North.

Arson suspected as blaze destroys caravan

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A caravan was razed to the ground shortly before midnight on Saturday in the Borders area of Scotland.

The Charisma tourer was parked just outside Tweedside Caravan Park, near Innerleithen when it was set alight.

Lothian and Borders Police are treating the incident as wilful fire-raising and are looking for youths believed to have been spotted in the park when the incident occurred.

The tourer had been parked just outside the park for several weeks was valued at around £12,000 and was completely destroyed. The owners who were not staying in the caravan at the time were unhurt.

A police spokesman commented: “This mindless act of destruction has left the owner of the caravan out of pocket, though, thankfully, uninjured.”

‘Sense of escape’ makes Peak District popular

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Caravan enthusiasts may enjoy a trip to one of England’s most beautiful and popular areas.

A tourism expert has suggested that the sense of escape offered by the Peak District makes it an attractive destination to holidaymakers.

Visit Peak District and Derbyshire chief executive and head of marketing David Thornton explained that the region has plenty of accommodation on offer.

He suggested that its natural beauty may be one of the reasons that numerous film makers and 36 million tourists visit the area each year.

“We have found that as the credit crunch has gone on, the Peak District in particular has become more and more attractive to people,” Mr Thornton said.

“We think it is because we have some jaw dropping inspirational scenery.”

A recent iknow-UK survey showed a rise in searches for accommodation in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Other popular caravanning destinations around the UK include Scarborough, Blackpool and Skegness.

Father dies trying to rescue child from river on camping trip weekend

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A father died whilst trying to rescue his daughter from a river in Plas Llwyngwern, Mid Wales.

The girl is believed to have followed a dog into the river Dulas, but began to struggle, when her father jumped into the water to rescue her.

After safely passing his daughter to by-standers, the 45 year old came into difficulty himself on Saturday afternoon.

A camper staying at the site said: “I don’t know if he lost his footing on the rocks or maybe had a heart attack from the strain. He just drifted under the surface.”

Paramedics were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said yesterday: “Officers attended the scene along with ambulance and fire personnel, and every effort was made to rescue the man – but tragically a short time later his body was recovered from the water.”

Philip Jack arrived at Llwyngwern Farm Camping and Caravan park with his son and daughter to give his heavily pregnant partner a quiet weekend before the birth of their third child.

Park owner Ralph Beaumont described the incident as “an awful tragedy”.

Haven to host US activities

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Families heading to Haven Holidays this year could be forgiven for thinking they have taken a vacation in the US.

The caravan operator is set to host a number of American-style entertainment features over the summer.

Kids will be able to join in a range of activities, including basketball tournaments, cheer-leading workshops and a stage show.

The Graduation is a production which stars the Summer High Kids, who sing classic warm-weather songs.

Meanwhile, older children will be able to take part in Haven’s Got Talent, which seeks to showcase the skills of the parks’ younger guests.

Other activities include the Creative Kitchen, which offers youngsters the chance to decorate cakes and cookies, with the sessions devised by celebrity chef Annabel Karmel.

The holiday operator has 35 parks around the UK, many of which are located on or close to the sea.

Sites include Haggerston Castle, Greenacres and Seaton Sands.

Haven’s World Cup party

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The Fifa World Cup is set to kick off in South Africa in a little over a week’s time, but caravanners in the UK need not miss out.

Haven Holidays has announced that it plans to get into the spirit of the world’s top international football competition by creating a party atmosphere at each of its 35 parks this summer.

It will show the matches on big screens and hopes that families planning a caravan break at its sites will join their fellow campers in cheering on their favourite teams.

Furthermore, kids who have been inspired to lace up their boots can get involved in the free Coke FC Football coaching sessions on offer at each of Haven’s parks.

Meanwhile, those staying at the Devon Cliffs site when England play on June 23rd will be able to watch the game in the company of popular pundits Alan Brazil, Ronnie Irani and Derek Thompson.

The TalkSport trio will also host a post-match Sports Quiz, where guests can win all manner of memorabilia, as well as England shirts for kids and free pints for adults.

Meanwhile, Haven recently encouraged caravanners to invest in travel insurance, even if they are staying in the UK.

Midlands caravanners could enjoy forest events

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A number of events are set to take place in the Midlands’ National Forest over the next few years in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012.

The Breath of Fresh Air programme could be ideal for caravanners looking to combine adventurous activities with culture.

Participants can try archery, orienteering, shelter building, woodland laser combat and other pursuits.

Meanwhile, those who would rather sit back and admire the skills of others may enjoy the National Forest Folk Festival.

According to National Forest media relations officer Carol Rowntree Jones, the event is usually one of the top five folk festivals in the UK.

A number of outdoor theatre performances will also take place and visitors have been encouraged to check out a few in particular.

“There is quite a bit of theatre going on, like the Secret Garden at National Trust’s Calke Abbey, which is fantastic,” she noted.

Meanwhile, a range of tribute acts are also set to play at the nearby Conkers forestry centre.

Park Holidays UK gives away Retirement Show tickets

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Park Holidays UK is set to give away 50 pairs of free tickets to a forthcoming event in London’s Olympia.

Taking place in the Grand Hall on July 16th and 17th, the fourth annual Retirement Show will give those who have left or are planning to leave work behind a chance to look at some of their options.

Visitors will be treated to a mix of arts and crafts, fashion, cookery demonstrations, dancing, seminars and, of course, caravanning.

Caravan site operator Park Holidays UK will be at the event and is giving its customers the chance to be there too.

A total of 100 tickets worth £10 each are available and caravanners need simply email the firm with their name, address and contact details to stand a chance of winning.

Further details can be found on the Park Holidays UK website, but tickets will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

The company recently suggested that Brits should book their caravan trips for next year soon to avoid the rise in VAT.

Range Rover celebrates birthday

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Caravan owners may be interested to learn that the Range Rover is celebrating a milestone in its history later this month.

The popular 4×4 has long been a favourite of caravan owners thanks to its ability to cope with difficult terrain while towing another vehicle.

It celebrates its 40th birthday on June 17th and remains one of the world’s best-loved luxury four-wheel drive cars.

Now in its third generation, the Range Rover has proved a big success for Land Rover, which launched the Range Rover Sport as a second model line in 2005.

This went on to become the firm’s biggest selling vehicle worldwide within two years and the company will be hoping that a third model line, due to be released later this year, will be just as successful.

“Land Rover has a unique history of product innovation. But the Range Rover probably remains the most historically significant vehicle we have ever launched,” said Land Rover managing director Phil Popham.

He added that the Range Rover may even be one of the most important vehicles in the history of motoring.

Meanwhile, Suzuki GB is set to provide each of its riders in the World Superbike and British Superbike with their own Suzuki Grand Vitara five-door SZ4 to act as a towcar for their equipment.

Caravanners brave Bank Holiday downpour at Caravan Club National Rally

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The weather forecast had predicted rain for the opening Saturday and sure enough it arrived. With it however came thousands of caravanners who proved that rain or shine they are there for the journey and the experience. Caravan Times was in attendance at the 84th National Rally of the Caravan Club, and witnessed fantastic entertainment as well as made many new friends.

Despite heavy showers until lunchtime, the Grand Opening of the event went ahead as scheduled, with a parade from the Gurhkas division of the Army one of the most notable events in a display of traditional pomp and pageantry. Crowds amassed under umbrellas and macs in their hundreds to watch as former Director General of the Caravan Club Trevor Watson stood next to his succcessor Nick Lomas to formally open the event, held this year at the grand stately home of Weston Park in Shropshire.

The weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of those in attendance who were treated to a thrilling show from the Cheshire Dog Display Team. The dogs on display demonstrated their agility by jumping through burning hoops and subduing “attackers”. Meanwhile the various Centres from around the country took part in the traditional sports competitions, with the tug of war being strongly contested by Cheshire and eventual winners Derbyshire.

A number of stalls and outlets selling traditional English food helped rain-soaked caravanners stay warm, while many caravan owners chose to defy the rain and put on their own events. We spent Saturday afternoon at the hospitality of the Scottish Caravan Club who were starting up their own barbeque, and who introduced us to their events.

You can see our photo diary from the Bank Holiday weeekend at the National Rally here.

New greener towcar from Land Rover

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Caravan enthusiasts may recognise the benefits of having a powerful towcar to help them get to their favourite destinations.

However, with caravanning so reliant on the environment for many of its benefits, some may be concerned about their vehicle’s impact on the planet.

It appears that Land Rover may have come up with a solution to this situation, with it planning to launch a new two-wheel drive version of its compact Range Rover.

The car will emit less than 130g/km of carbon dioxide, which the company claims will make it its most fuel-efficient Range Rover to date.

“We will continue to make the world’s finest all-terrain vehicles for those customers who require them but will offer an alternative to those that don’t,” explained managing director Phil Popham.

He added that the two-wheel drive option is a good choice for those looking for improved efficiency.

Meanwhile, Land Rover recently revealed that its sales during April were up 29.7 per cent year-on-year during April.