Windermere caravan park scoops top green award

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By Emma Dodd

A caravan park in Windermere has been named as one of the greenest places to enjoy a staycation by scooping a top award.

Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate has won the 2020 David Bellamy Conservation Award, having been granted its top level gold status.

The award, which recognises the park’s efforts to protect the natural world, is named after the famous botanist and has been highlighting the places to holiday with the best green credentials for 25 years.

Park Cliffe is run by Susan and Derek Dickson, but the duo were keen to state the importance of their team in ensuring the environment is at the heart of everything they do.

Mrs Dickson said: “Everyone here shares our love of the natural world, and our team members play a vital role in helping us to put our plans into action, and contributing their own ideas.

“Park Cliffe tends to attract holiday guests who want to enjoy tranquil, unspoiled surroundings, and their support has also been important to us over the past twelve years.”

She added that they hope the award will help to highlight Cumbria as an eco destination.

Windermere is the biggest lake in England and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, as well as many attractions that delight visitors to the area.

The World of Beatrix Potter brings the work of the much-loved children’s writer to life in the surroundings where she created her iconic characters.

This latest award is not the first accolade Park Cliffe has received, with a number of prestigious titles having been bestowed on it over the years.

As well as welcoming touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, the site also has holiday homes and glamping pods available to rent.

Judges for the David Bellamy Award noted the high-nectar bearing flowers and wildlife habitats put in place by the owners, making sightings of honey bees and butterflies a common occurrence at Park Cliffe.

It was also praised for the banning of single-use plastics, championing of local food and use of low-level lighting to ensure a good view of the night sky.

Bailey announce the 2021 Phoenix+ and Pegasus Grande SE

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By Williiam Coleman

Bailey of Bristol, one of the nation’s favourite manufacturers, hosted a YouTube live presentation last night (17th September) to launch its new and improved 2021 lineup. Here is everything you need to know about what is coming your way this season.

This year sees a few changes and upgrades to the existing Bailey lineup. First we see the new and improved Phoenix+ and then the Pegasus Grande SE. But what has changed in these two best sellers?

The Phoenix+

The Phoenix+ range is a relatively new addition to Bailey’s roster, but it seems to have made quite the impression within the marketplace. To make way for these new models it was decided that the Phoenix 760 will be discontinued for the 2021 model year.

The design team at Bailey HQ wanted to create a van that was practical, spacious and stylish both inside and out. This durable four-season van has a lot of features and comfort inside a very generous space.

This is what some would call a ‘mid level’ caravan, but the only thing that makes it mid level is the price. Once you are inside and have a chance to look around, you will see that Bailey does not make a van that has middle price range specifications.

Design and layout

For 2021, Bailey have introduced the new ‘Dove Grey’ GRP-skinned sidewalls, complete with a complementary new graphics scheme. On top of that there is a newly-designed silver-coloured alloy wheels scheme, to give the Phoenix+ a distinctive new appearance not normally found in a caravan in this price bracket.

This year sees six different layouts (420, 440, 642, 644, 640 and 650) ranging from two to five berths on single-axle chassis.

The Phoenix+ has every layout from double singles all the way to French island bends, as well as rear or central washrooms. You really are quite spoilt for choice when it comes to what layout to go for.

Inside, you will find all the mod cons you’d expect from a modern touring van and it comes as standard with a Dometic 106-litre fridge and an 800 watt microwave. To ensure you have all the cooking tools you’ll need, Bailey have fitted a Thetford K-Series combined oven and grill.

There has been a slight revamp of the colour schemes inside these new 2021 models and they are not hugely different from before, but these small changes do seem to make quite a difference.

The furniture colour has changed to a ‘Light Oak’, featuring dual-finish Italian design curved overhead locker doors, combining new ‘Chesham’ soft furnishings and ‘Hazelnut’ loose-fit carpets throughout, including the washroom, to create stylish new interiors beautifully showcased by the signature vertical front picture window.

Weight and towing

The MTPLM of these vans is 1,146 kg to 1,411 kg, model specific of course. So it is always advisable to add up the weight of your rig to see if it’s a weight you are comfortable towing.

Being at a lighter weight does open the door to a lot of younger people with licence restrictions or those with smaller tow vehicles.

Bailey of Bristol managing director Nick Howard said: “The introduction of the Phoenix+ range brings an additional level of refinement to our popular first-choice range.

“Enhanced styling inside and out gives Phoenix a fresh new look, which combined with an already comprehensive specification, accessible unladen weights and a competitive retail price, make it an extremely attractive proposition to people considering their first new caravan purchase.”

The Pegasus Grande SE

Here we see another take on an existing model, an 8ft wide model actually. To date, the Pegasus Grande range has also been a best seller for Bailey when it comes to the wider tourers. So it was only natural that this model was going to continue production and have some new innovations added to keep it a market competitor.

This brings us to the SE models – a limited edition – which will be available around the end of September onwards.

Like last season, you still have six different layouts to choose from, all with the same names too – Rimini, Brindisi, Bologna, Messina, Palermo and Turin.

The Rimini and the Brindis are both single-axle four-berth models, whereas the rest are twin with a sleeping capacity from between four and six.

Design and layout

These are more than just a wider van that provides a bit more foot space at dinner. Bailey constructed the larger models from the ground up and were actually able to add an extra 25% more interior space without compromising on any of the features or fixtures.

Throughout this range you will see layouts with either a G-shaped front lounge with sliding front dinette table (model specific) or a central U-shaped dinette area with wall-mounted table (model specific), making them ideal for those people searching for extra room.

Much like the Phoenix+, this van will also feature ‘Dove Grey’ GRP side walls, complete with a bespoke SE graphics scheme to ensure the Pegasus Grande will continue to stand out from the crowd.

Models feature new construction seating, with knee-rolled sprung base cushions in the front lounge, available in a choice of either ‘Goldhawk’ (standard) or ‘Barbican’ (cost option) fabrics – both of which are supplied with a full complement of scatter cushions.

The kitchen has a total revamp, some would say a makeover, with the inclusion of a circular stainless steel kitchen sink with concealed fixings, a new-design Perspex splashback with chrome detailing, while twin-axle models also benefit from the introduction of the ingenious Dometic 10-series 153_litre electronic fridge freezer with universal-handed door mechanism.

Bailey of Bristol managing director Nick Howard said: “The introduction of the SE Edition brings an additional level of refinement to our most popular 8 ft-wide caravan range.

“Stylish new looks, both inside and out, make an already attractive caravan even better. Offering a unique set of spacious 8 ft-wide layouts in a great value-for-money package, this new limited edition range provides enhanced levels of both comfort and practicality in equal measure.”

New campervan campaign group wants us to go French

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By Emma Dodd

A new campaign group has been set up to promote the idea of French-style ‘aires’ being set up all over the UK.

The Campaign for Real Aires UK (CAMPRA) wants to see dedicated stops introduced for campervans and caravans in a bid to help boost tourism.

On the continent, these locations offer basic facilities like fresh water and somewhere to empty waste in return for a small fee.

They are in convenient locations close to bars, restaurants and shops, meaning those in motorhomes can splash the cash and put money directly into the local economy.

At present, most location authorities discourage overnight stays in car parks, putting up barriers and signs instead of welcoming visitors.

The campaign is gaining traction in North Wales and Northumberland, as well as other parts of the UK that are challenging accepted norms in a bid to keep businesses going in the age of coronavirus.

Carolyn Mitchell, member of CAMPRA, told North Wales Live: “I am part of a group of over 10,000 motorhome owners who are keen to see the introduction of dedicated facilities for motorhomes throughout the UK.”

She added that the campaign’s Facebook group has grown from just 600 participants to over 10,000 in two months, demonstrating the need for the facilities.

As many motorhome owners are retired they have a good disposable income, which could help to keep local businesses going during these difficult times.

They also like to go touring out of season when campsites are often closed. Since they don’t need the facilities such sites provide, as it’s all on board, this should not be a problem.

Up in Northumberland, campaign members are keen to take advantage of the thousands of vans that pass through the county on their way up to Scotland each year.

Graham Stokes, a representative for CAMPRA in the area, told the Northumberland Gazette: “Let us promote Northumberland as a motorhome friendly place to stop, visit and you will see that all those motorhome owners will spend money in our shops, restaurants, pubs and tourist venues.”

Mix things up on your staycation this autumn

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By Emma Dodd

Everything has been turned on its head in 2020, with foreign holidays being replaced by staycations, handshakes turning into elbow bumps and the office swapped for the spare room. So, in the spirit of a year that has forced us to adapt beyond recognition, let’s mix things up even further.

Usually, autumn would be a time where we hunker down to the familiar after a summer of excitement and adventure. With the warmer months having not allowed us to fulfil our potential for trying new things due to lockdown and coronavirus restrictions, it’s time to switch it up.

Swap the motorhome for glamping

Going away in your motorhome is always fun, but perhaps it’s time to consider something a little different. If you haven’t been abroad this summer, then spending that budget on an extraordinary stay in the UK could be a great way to brighten everyone’s spirits this autumn. From yurts, domes and teepees to treehouses, eco pods and shepherds’ huts, there’s so many options to choose from and many of them are in stunning natural surroundings.

Swap your favourite caravan park for a new one

Just like a comfy old jumper that you pull out every autumn, it’s so easy to return to the familiarity of a caravan park you’ve been to and enjoyed many times before. Now that the government has put the power for sites to stay open longer into the hands of local authorities, it could be a good time to try somewhere new. For many people, this might even mean a location closer to home, as in the past we’ve always been tempted to travel far and wide for our holidays.

Swap indoor cooking for outdoor cooking

Most modern motorhomes have a fairly well-appointed kitchen, but even still, we often turn to the barbecue during the summer months. There’s nothing quite like cooking outdoors though to tap into the simple pleasure of campfire food. Wrapping potatoes in foil and placing them in the fire, stirring a weighty pot of stew and toasting marshmallows are all so comforting in autumn. There are a number of touring parks and campsites throughout the UK that allow campfires or fire pits, so book one of these for a true outdoor experience.

Swap hiking for paddleboarding

Hiking has always been a popular activity on caravan holidays in Britain, but you can get a totally different perspective on the landscape from the sea or a river. Paddleboarding has become more popular in recent years and there are plenty of places where you can hire the kit and have a go. While a wetsuit is recommended, just remember that the waters of the UK have had all summer to warm up, so it won’t be as chilly if you fall in. There’s also a good chance of seeing birds and wildlife as you serenely paddle by.

Swap the pub for a stargazing walk

Many of us live in cities or populated areas that are subject to light pollution, but a trip away in the caravan can often mean escaping artificial light. This represents a great opportunity to spend some time looking up at the sky and its incredible show of stars. Introducing children to stargazing is also a great way to help them appreciate the wonders of the natural world and a little bit of research in advance can help you identify what you’re seeing. So, forget a trip to the pub and turn your head to the skies instead.

Adria welcomes its new generation caravan

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By William Coleman

This year Adria is bringing something fresh to the table with a new-generation Adora range which has had a total redesign, been upgraded for the new season and future holidays.

The Adora has been a best seller for Adria year after year, but that has not stopped the design team from reevaluating what can be done to strive for even more perfection on board. Adria firmly believes that the new 2021 Adora range has been taken to the next level and is in fact the first in a new generation of caravan.

Taking what was learnt from the new Astella range, Adria were able to create something new and special that has improved comfort, practicality, technology and performance. The Adora now features the largest in-line panoramic window available and is also the most aerodynamic caravan you can buy.

The new-generation Adora has been created by, what Adria is calling, its ‘five stories’. Inspired design, inside and out, with a clean new Adria silhouette and flowing living spaces inside are the areas that have been focused on to deliver something new and exciting.

Adria took Adora signature features, such as the extra-large panoramic window and improved upon them, as well as adding features like the new wind-diffusers, which help towing.

The interior of the Adora provides a contemporary living space and a home-style feeling for a unique premium caravan experience. In the past some vans, from many manufacturers, have stuck very close to that ‘caravan look’.

Adria have also added some inspired solutions including details of the new kitchen and bathroom. What’s more, you can use the Adria smart application – Adria MACH, for an easier way of life.

The Adora development story

The new Adora development started at the same time as the Astella range, with many of the same team of designers and engineers. This meant shared learning, best practices and many details from the Astella brought into the Adora project.

This new touring van is being dubbed the most aerodynamic caravan on the market. The touring van features an all-new exterior shape, with inline extra-large panoramic window, integrated lighting, storage and awning profile.

Adora offers four layouts for season 2021. To see the Adora and its fill list of specs, lick herel.

The Adora lineup continues with existing layouts; Isonzo, Seine and the six-berth Sava with an additional central bed layout the Tiber. As of this time the Tiber is still in development and is expected to be launched later in the season.

During the Adora’s inception and production Adria set up five stories guiding its development to show the market that this new caravan had a totally new creation strategy.

1.Inspired design

The design team looked at the existing Astella, took key aspects of the range and introduced them to the Adora to create this new-generation model.

Erna Povh, Adria’s Caravan Product Manager has said, ”You’ll see the design direction from the ground-breaking Astella, with really clean lines, automotive appearance and the rear wall with integrated new full LED multifunctional light.

“It has an elegant new front shape with even bigger panorama and innovative new aerodynamic aids, including wind diffusers for improved towing efficiency. Inside out full of smart and home-like features. Designed to fully enjoy your holidays.”

Highlights:

New exterior design, with integrated features and more usable interior volumes.
New extra-large in-line panoramic window for atrium-style living, on most layouts.
Large flowing living spaces for comfortable living, with elegant interiors.
Easy access with integrated storage.

2. Signature features

Previous Adora models have featured a large, perhaps the largest, panoramic window available in any caravan. The new in-line design is larger and brings in an abundance of light which creates ‘atrium-style living’.

New LED lights
New full LED multifunctional rear lights for automotive style and functionality.
New aerodynamic wind diffusers

This final innovative feature aids wind diffusion and is based on learning from the Astella. Designed with Adria’s aerospace partners, they look stylish and help towing efficiency.

Adria MACH

Adria’s remote smart control app controls all major functions from a smartphone, monitors and predicts energy and water usage, provides navigation and POI data and Mobile Office functions. So this is a really handy tool and quite like anything else out there.

3. Adora home-style feeling

The new generation brings a feeling of home with elegant interiors with bigger spaces, new softer, more integrated forms and a special home-style ambiance.

Highlights:

. Elegant interior with large flowing living spaces and contemporary chic décor.
. New lighting system for controllable ambiance in all living spaces.
. Atrium-style living with an extra-large panoramic window on most layouts.
. New sound system with hidden speakers.
. Organised storage throughout with dedicated spaces for personal items.
. Heating by Alde for all year-round comfort. Adora offers two choices of textile (Misty Rose and Stone Island)

4. Adora contemporary living spaces

The Adora’s inspired living spaces mean everything is designed around the way you want to live.

Living Room

With the largest panoramic window now available you are now presented with ‘atrium-style’ living, with great natural light and controllable shading and ventilation. The new seating and dinette design offers improved comfort and flexible living space. Easier bed set up and under-dinette storage should help with storage and make bedtime less hassle.

Kitchen

The new kitchen design has been inspired by the kind of kitchens you’d find in homes, not so much the typical touring cook space. More worktop space, which for me is a must have, more storage including capacious split drawers and of course high-end onboard appliances.

Bedroom

New bedroom designs, with all formats of bed, each with higher beds and Evopore ® mattresses for extra comfort. Controllable lighting ambiance and plenty of storage.

Bathroom

New bathroom featuring extra space, new lighting and innovative storage.

5. Adora inspired solutions

Everything has been reviewed and improved, with innovative new solutions for inspired living and maximum permitted weight loading as standard.

Multimedia

On board you will find a new digital controller and a wider range of multimedia entertainment solutions, including a new high-quality sound system with hidden speakers, bluetooth amplifier, TV point and holder, and multiple USB ports in the living room and bedroom.

Should locals embrace motorhomes to boost the economy?

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By Emma Dodd

Owning a motorhome represents ultimate freedom. The ability to up sticks and head for the open road at short notice, knowing you have everything you need on board.

Well, that’s the theory at least. We’ve all seen the overhead barriers that prevent motorhomes entering car parks and signs warning of no overnight camping.

Recently, we reported on an ongoing debate about motorhomes parking up at a car park in Scarborough and the view by many owners that they aren’t doing any harm.

Now, a letter has been written to the Bournemouth Echo encouraging locals to be more tolerant of motorhomes and the potential cash injection they can bring to an area.

Elaine Blanchard of Christchurch argues that the local council and residents should take advantage of the growing popularity of holidaying in the UK and increased motorhome sales.

In her letter to the editor, she said: “The provision of overnight parking spaces would not only benefit the council with increased revenue from parking, but also the struggling businesses on our high streets.”

She quite rightly points out that most modern motorhomes are so well-equipped that they do not require the toilet blocks and other facilities provided by caravan sites.

At this time of increased vigilance due to the pandemic, motorhome owners are even less likely to want to take advantage of such shared areas.

They do, however, still want to get away and being in close proximity to shops and eateries could lead to greater spend and therefore more money going into the local economy.

So, what are the rules around wild camping and should they be relaxed in light of the pandemic and the need to give local businesses all the help they can get?

Wild camping is illegal in most parts of England and Wales without permission from the landowner.

While there is a general understanding in some areas that it will be overlooked or not enforced, it’s still not permitted.

In Scotland, on the other hand, right-to-roam laws mean that wild camping is allowed just about anywhere, making it a popular destination for motorhome owners.

The pandemic has put a different slant on the issue in Scotland, however, with many local councils asking visitors not to wild camp at present.
There are multiple reasons for this, but they are all related to the surge in popularity of caravan and motorhome holidays this year.

Small communities, such as those in the Highlands and Islands, are nervous about an influx of people who could potentially bring the virus with them.

Limiting visitors to the capacity of caravan sites makes social distancing easier and ensures local amenities are not overrun.

It’s a two-edged sword, however, as these areas are as much in need of an economic boost from tourism as anywhere else in the UK.

The most important thing is to be respectful if you are going to pitch up outside of a recognised site. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and leave no trace when you go.

After all, is there any reason, if we’re all respectful that we can’t answer Ms Blanchard’s plea and take “advantage of this rapidly growing form of tourism rather than driving people away”?

What are your thoughts on this debate? Get in touch to let us know.

The Adria dealer roadshow

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By William Coleman

Adria will be showcasing its brand new 2021 models in a slightly new and innovative way this year by hosting roadshow events at dealerships all across the country.

Usually at this time of year, CaravanTimes hits the road several times a week to visit all the major manufacturers to see what they are bringing to market for the new season ahead. Due to the constraints that 2020 has given us, manufacturers have had to adapt how they show off the leisure vehicles that we usually see hitting the forecourts and dealerships.

Some companies have gone virtual and created online brochures with a lot more information, some are going back to basics and going through print media and then there’s Adria, which is hitting the road to bring these vans to you.

Throughout September, October and November the Adria team will be touring the country putting on roadshow displays with dealers.

This will be your chance to visit your local dealerships to see the new caravans, motorhomes and campers safely, securly and with Adria staff on hand for all your questions.

I spoke with Kirstie from Adria’s marketing team about this new idea and where it came from. She said: “With the absence of the NEC Show this year and the enthusiasm from new prospective customers about the launch of new 2021 season products, we felt it would be a great idea to encourage our dealers to host a series of 2021 product previews to ensure everyone has an opportunity to see a wide range of models in one place at one time. The first of many was a huge success and resulted in a great turnout of visitors.”

Here are the dates and locations for the Adria 2021 roadshow:

2021 Motorhomes

White Arches Motorhomes, Northants: 19th-20th September

The Motorhome & Campervan Season Finale, Lincoln- 25th-27th September

Brownhills Motorhomes, Nottingham: 1st-4th October

Chelston Motorhomes, Somerset: 13th-19th

Cara Caravans and Motorhomes, Staffordshire: 23rd-25th October

Premier Motorhomes, Chichester: 29th October- 1st November

Peter Roberts Motorhomes, Huddersfield: 2th-8th November

2021 Caravans

Barnsdale Leisure, Pontefract: 25th-27th September

South Lincs Leisure, Lincolnshire: 2nd-5th October

Swindon Caravans, Swindon: 3rd-11th October

Downtide Caravans, Norfolk: 9th-16th October

Cara Caravans & Motorhomes, Staffordshire: 23rd-25th October

Fantasy Island sites to introduce caravan age limit

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By Emma Dodd

Caravan owners with vans at the Fantasy Island sites in Lincolnshire may be facing a dilemma in the next few years after they received a letter from the management.

In this missive it stated the site is planning to introduce a caravan age limit in 2022, which will not permit models that are more than 22 years old.

Owners of caravans dating to before the year 2000 are now faced with the prospect of needing to upgrade or switch sites.

One concerned owner told Lincolnshire Live: “I own caravans on the Fantasy Island Eastgate site in Ingoldmells and hundreds of owners have been told that the site will now introduce an age limit to the sites.

“It has left owners like me with two years left on the site, having to scrap a perfectly fine caravan, upgrade or walk away even though there has never been an age limit on the caravan parks at Fantasy Island before.”

In response, Fantasy Island has explained that the rule change is in a bid to improve the overall quality of the parks and ensure they continue to thrive.

It added that making the cut-off point 22 years was designed to have minimum impact on its current licence holders.

The management also pointed out that letting owners know now when the policy is not set to be introduced until March 2022 gives them plenty of notice.

It is not the first caravan site operator in Lincolnshire to introduce such measures, as Kingfisher Caravan Park announced last year that models over 20 years old would be asked to leave.

What do you think about the new policy? Will it affect you or would a similar rule at your local site cause you problems? Get in touch to let us know.

The Coachman rebrand for 2021

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By William Coleman

2020 has seen a lot of changes within the caravan industry, thankfully more positive than negative, and Coachman Caravans is embracing change by looking at its past, present and future to introduce a total rebrand for 2021.

Coachman Caravans has always been a top and well trusted brand within the touring world. Each year it brings new cutting edge models to market across the Acadia, VIP, Laser, and LaserXcel ranges. This year it is bringing more than just a new line.

Coachman has drawn from its past experience to combine it with the new to create a totally up to date and unique brand identity to signify it is moving into a new era as a business.

The new logo

Since 1986, Coachman has had five different brand logos to help it stand out from other leading competitors. The new 2021 version marks its sixth logo change and has drawn inspiration from previous designs.

Seeing value in all of its previous iterations, Coachman decided to combine a red tone with elements of the original logo. The new Coachman look has a refined and cleaner appearance to emphasise its dedication to high quality and welcomes products of Coachman perfectly.

With an eye very much on the future, the company decided to combine a new temperate colour scheme with its historic logos to unify its goals to move forward and strive for even higher quality, all while maintaining the original core values. Coachman has always strived for exceptional service and superior products, which the brand has become synonymous for.

Having seen the line up each year at the press launches, CaravanTimes can vouch and say that these vans are made with love, care and attention to detail. From the entry level, if you can call them that, all the way to the top end LaserXcel, you really see no expense spared.

Due to the events of recent months, we have yet to be able to get our hands on the new line up, but rest assured, as soon as they are ready to view, one of our team will be running to the local dealer.

Tagline for the future

In the spirit of bringing all things new to the caravan world, Coachman has created a new touring mantra to live by, The road to freedom.

This strapline will be seen across all new and future material to show its new embrace of the future of our wonderful way of life.

This phrase was actually used way back in 1994 when under ownership of the late Jim Hibbs and is still a firm aim of the company today.

One major aim of this new strapline is to show it fully represents the freedom of holiday opportunities its vans can provide, as well as expressing its hopes and wishes that the nation swiftly moves out of lockdown following the coronavirus
pandemic.

Caravanning and the rule of 6

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By Emma Dodd

The much-hyped rule of six comes into effect across the UK today, but what does it mean for the caravanning community?

In a bid to make things simpler, the government has introduced the new rules, but confusingly, they are being interpreted differently in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Social gatherings, whether they’re indoors or outdoors, are being limited to six people and in England, this includes children.

If you’ve planned a caravan holiday with another family and the total comes to more than six, you’ll no longer be able to enjoy activities or meals all together.

You can wave to each other from adjoining pitches and eat in restaurants at tables next to each other, but should not form one large group.

In Wales, children under 12 are exempt from the total and you’re still allowed socially distanced groups of up to 30 outdoors (except in Caerphilly, which is currently under local lockdown).

This means you could enjoy dinner at the caravan site al fresco, as long as the weather doesn’t let you down.

Scotland’s rule of six limits the number of households coming together, with the six individuals not being allowed to come from more than two homes, but under-12s are again exempt.

Two families, depending on their size and the age of their children, could therefore still have a caravan holiday together in Scotland.

Northern Ireland implemented its own rule of six for indoor meetings last month, but 15 people are still permitted to socialise together outdoors.

This could make caravan holidays between more than one family in Northern Ireland a possibility, although it’s important to be aware of local lockdown restrictions that are in force in Belfast and Ballymena.

Caravan and campervan holidays remain a relatively safe way to enjoy some time away, due to the self-contained nature of leisure vehicles.

Holiday sites have measures in place to ensure the potential for the spread of coronavirus is kept to a minimum, but observing social distancing, wearing a mask when necessary and hand washing all need to be remembered even if you’re having a relaxing break.

The Club launches new pop-up campsite

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By William Coleman

Over the last few months the Caravan and Motorhome Club has seen a giant rise in new memberships. Due to such high demand for the staycation holiday, the Club will be introducing a new pop-up style campsite in the wonderful grounds of Blenheim Palace.

The campsite has been created as a result of the Club’s nearby and very popular Bladon Chains site running at capacity for much of the summer.

The new pop-up campsite is open for 50 days from Friday September 11th to Sunday November 1st inclusive. All visitors will receive 30 per cent off Blenheim Palace admission tickets for the palace, park and gardens and 20 per cent off at the Blenheim Palace Gift Shop.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing and membership services at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “All of our UK sites have been incredibly popular this summer and Bladon Chains, (always a busy site) has been in particular demand. We are constantly looking to offer our members new experiences and we are delighted to work with Blenheim Palace to offer something unique, the chance to stay in such close proximity to the palace in its beautiful grounds”.

The campsite is located just outside the wall of the palace garden, a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as being treated to stunning garden views, visitors can tour Blenheim Palace, home to the Dukes of Marlborough since the eighteenth century and birthplace of Winston Churchill. The nearby Bladon Church is also in walking distance with Churchill’s modest but memorable grave.

Whilst in the area, a visit to Oxford is also a must and one of the easiest and most pleasant ways to see this historic university town is by open-topped bus. For those interested in art and archaeology, the Ashmolean Museum houses intriguing exhibitions spanning five floors.

If more shopping is the order of the day, nearby Bicester Village with its designer outlets is also a great day out. In complete contrast, the site is also within easy reach of the lovely Cotswolds with its picture postcard villages of Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach.

All pitches on the site measure 11 metres x ten metres and include space for either one caravan, motorhome, tent or trailer tent and one car only, with a maximum occupancy of eight people. Pitches are allocated on arrival on a first come first served basis. As a pop-up campsite, there are temporary shower and toilet facilities, freshwater and all pitches have an electrical hook up. For those wanting to make the most of the end of summer, bbqs are allowed.

Each pitch for two adults costs £23.10 per night; additional adult guests are charged £7.40 per night, while children aged from five to 17 are charged £2.20 each night, plus a booking fee of £1.

Under fives go free and dogs are welcome. All prices include five per cent VAT. Minimum booking of one night and two adults applies. There is no single supplement.

To book a pitch visit CAMC Anytime Booking.

Dream Destinations: Pembrokeshire

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By Emma Dodd

With 186 miles of coastline complete with more than 50 beaches, the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire has plenty to offer on a caravan staycation. From walking the coastal path to exploring Britain’s smallest city and scaling the wild terrain of the Preseli Hills, you’ll find a wide variety of activities to enjoy.

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path stretches from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south and whether you decide to hike the whole distance or just a section of it, it’s a dream of a route to follow. Along the way, you’ll see scenery as diverse as limestone cliffs, red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands, beaches and coves, estuaries and flooded glacial valleys.

You can track the progress of human development too, as there are sites from throughout history, dating as far back as Neolithic times, dotted along the path. Depending on the time of year, you may also spot Atlantic grey seals, puffins and dolphins during your hike. In spring, it is a riot of wild flowers, but each season brings its own charms.

The city of St David’s is named after the patron saint of Wales, who lived there in the 5th century. Despite its stunning cathedral, the city feels more like a small town with its quaint buildings, interesting shops and local market. It’s a convenient spot from which to depart on a wildlife boat trip, with the voyage across to Grassholm Island to see the gannet colony particularly popular.

Newport and Narberth are also market towns and the perfect size for wandering around on foot. If you’re looking for handmade souvenirs of your caravan stay in Pembrokeshire, then Narberth is the place to go searching for them. Many of the county’s best potters, sculptors, painters and jewellery makers are based in the town.

To really get away from the pressures of the modern world and feel like you’re stepping back in time, head to the Preseli Hills. This rugged countryside is awash with prehistoric remains, burial cairns going as far back as the bronze age and Iron Age hill forts. Follow in the footsteps of those coming from Ireland 5,000 years ago and take the Golden Road, which traces the spine of the hills for eight miles, taking in dramatic scenery.

With all that coastline, it’s not surprising that Pembrokeshire has world-class seafood to tempt your taste buds. Cafe Mor is the perfect set up for these coronavirus times, as it is a solar-powered-mobile-converted-fishing-boat-seaweed-kitchen overlooking the beach at Freshwater West. Whether you fancy lobster, crab or mackerel, there’s always something on the menu to hit the spot.

Tenby is the craft beer capital of Pembrokeshire, so as long as you don’t have to drive your caravan anywhere, it’s a great place to sample the local brews. Pick up some cans of Clean Break from Tenby Brewing Co if you like a refreshing Pilsner, while La Nossa Signora from Harbwr Brewery is the one for darker beer lovers. This milk chocolate orange stout is named after the first ship to bring oranges to Wales in 1566. She, of course, landed at Tenby.

 

Image credit: John-Mark Strange / Unsplash