By Emma Dodd

Caravans and motorhomes are rising sharply in price, as a large proportion of the population plans to take a staycation in a leisure vehicle this year.

A survey conducted by MBH Corporation found that 20 per cent of Brits are still planning on taking a caravan holiday this year, pushing up demand.

Nearly half of those who said they’d be taking this type of trip said it was as a result of the coronavirus crisis and the impact it was having on foreign travel.

While it’s clear that many people are avoiding overseas trips due to the risks associated with passing through airports and the potential for countries to be put on quarantine lists, other types of accommodation are also less appealing.

Some 29 per cent of those surveyed said they didn’t want to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast during the pandemic.

Caravan holidays are therefore seen as some of the safest ways to get away, as families can remain self-contained within their bubble and use their own facilities.

Peter Vaughan, editor of Which Motorhome Magazine, said: “It’s a combination of people not wanting to holiday abroad, get on a plane or a cruise and looking for a safe and enjoyable holiday at home.

“Pricing earlier this year was strong as dealers could not get hold of quality used stock and that was even before coronavirus. A number of factors combined then which saw stock dry up and that has got worse now.”

Robinsons Caravans in Chesterfield reported an increased interest in caravans from a younger demographic from usual, as well as more first-time buyers in general.

It saw sales of new and used caravans increase by nine per cent in June and then by 14 per cent in July.

With uncertainty about when the pandemic might end and things return to normal, many people see investing in a caravan or motorhome as a long-term solution.

By Emma Dodd

The Western Isles Council has welcomed a move by the CalMac ferry company to display a warning about travelling to the archipelago without a booking.

Its website warns caravan, motorhome and campervan owners to make sure they have a reservation at an official site before setting off from home.

The council had found its own attempts to ask people to stay away unless they’ve secured a pitch in advance throughout the pandemic were largely ignored.

Since lockdown has been eased, there has been a significant increase in the number of people travelling to the islands and wild camping has been widespread.

Cllr Uisdean Robertson, chair of the council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, spoke about the local communities’ concerns with overcrowding during the pandemic.

He told the Stornoway Gazette: “Any restriction on the numbers of campervans and motorhomes to the Western Isles during these unprecedented times, that can be brought about, represents a responsible approach which does not impact adversely on the local environment and public health, while still in the local economic interest.”

With overseas travel still proving difficult and popular European destinations being subject to quarantine, many places in the UK are dealing with record numbers of visitors.

While wild camping is legal in Scotland, a large influx of holidaymakers all arriving at the same time and staying without proper facilities represents a strain on the local infrastructure.

It’s also worrying for islanders trying to keep the coronavirus out of their communities.

In many parts of the UK, caravan parks have seen so much demand they’re booked up until October, as people try to make the most of a shorter holiday season.

By Emma Dodd

A touring park in Leicestershire has been named among the best staycation sites by VisitEngland in its annual awards.

Eye Kettleby Lakes has taken the bronze award in the category of England’s best Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the year.

It was pipped to the gold and silver spots by Derbyshire’s Landal Darwin Forest and Swallowtail Hill in Sussex, which offer lodges and glamping facilities respectively.

Eye Kettleby Lakes sits on the edge of Melton Mowbray and is a family-run site with added touches of luxury like hot tubs.

A spokesperson for the park said: “Our tranquil luxury park is the perfect destination for guests looking for a peaceful location with beautiful long walks, wildlife and scenery.”

These elements have become all the more sought after in the wake of lockdown, with outdoor activities at the top of most people’s staycation wish lists.

Usually, visitors would benefit from an on-site bar and tearoom, but current coronavirus restrictions mean the kitchen remains closed.

Those keen to taste local delicacies can still buy pork pies and Stilton cheese in the nearby market town.

The highlight of any visit to Eye Kettleby Lakes for those who like to fish will be the nine coarse fishing lakes. Anglers can try to catch fish up to 30lbs in weight in the two specimen carp lakes.

Caravanners can choose from 61 pitches in the northern area of the site, complete with luxurious log cabin style amenity blocks, or 69 pitches on the southern side with stone bathrooms and views of the surrounding countryside.

Eye Kettleby Lakes is a dog-friendly site and even has a warm water dog shower for any pooches that get muddy during their outdoor adventures.

Nigel Huddleston, tourism minister, said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners and businesses around England who are doing an outstanding job in showcasing the best in tourism. I encourage everyone to get out, enjoy summer safely, and experience everything England has to offer.”

By Emma Dodd

Rewind to 2011 and our reviewer Alan Wright and his partner are touring around with their Ace Supreme Twinstar. This caravan had been on the market since 2005, but it was still going strong, offering plenty of space for the two of them on their travels.

Mr Wright had bought the caravan new and was impressed with the way it towed. He liked the Ace Supreme Twinstar so much that he had thought about replacing like with like, but the Swift Group stopped making this model some years ago.

As well as the comfy fixed bed and well laid out seating area, our reviewer was impressed with the size of the fridge freezer. Being able to stock up well before a trip helps to make things go smoothly along the way.

Unfortunately, the economics of taking the caravan abroad did not work out for Mr Wright and his partner. They found it cheaper to fly after breakdown cover for Europe and all the other expenses were taken into consideration.

So, the caravan only got one trip away to the sun, but it did not squash the enthusiasm of the reviewer. He rated in four out of five in every category, ranging from equipment and comfort, through space and practicality right up to quality and reliability.

And for the final word, we return to Mr Wright. He said: “We now tow with a Kia Sedona 2.9 diesel and it returns about 30 mpg with the van on, so not bad.”

Have you ever toured in an Ace Supreme Twinstar? Do you wish that Swift Group would start making them again? Get in touch to let us know.

By Emma Dodd

Police in Cheshire are among some of the forces in the country to use a new tool to identify stolen caravans and motorhomes.

The VIN CHIP anti-theft identification system lets officers scan touring caravans and motorhomes at distances of up to 15 metres away.

It can even identify vans that have been reported stolen when they’re travelling up to 60mph and allow officers to access information on who the registered owner is.

Since the system is now being rolled out, caravan and motorhome owners are being encouraged to have a VIN CHIP fitted and their vehicle logged with the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS).

Inspector Anton Sullivan, of the Roads and Crime Unit, said: “Due to supply and demand, the number of caravan and motorhome theft incidents tend to rise in the summer months.

“This year the demand for them is even greater than normal, with travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic making staycations, mobile homes and caravan holidays more popular than ever.”

He added that this means there couldn’t have been a better time to add the VIN CHIP scanning system to their toolkit when monitoring the roads.

Modern caravans are all fitted with a chip featuring the vehicle identification number (VIN) when they’re manufactured, but older models can have one added to take advantage of the technology.

Installing a GPS vehicle tracker and keeping the subscription paid is another way the force recommends protecting your caravan or motorhome against theft.

They often come with an alarm, which could give you early notice of someone trying to steal your vehicle and therefore increase your chances of getting it back.

Many insurers require owners to fit hitch locks, wheel clamps and immobilisers while the vehicle is in storage, over the winter for example.

Put these into use on your holiday too, as they offer an extra level of security to prevent anyone from driving away with your caravan or motorhome, and consequently ruining your trip.

By Emma Dodd

With more people participating in caravan holidays than ever, it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has highlighted that around 1,200 caravans were stolen last year, but there are ways to prevent yours from having the same fate.

To help first-timers and old-timers stay safe, security experts from Yale have put together a checklist of things to remember throughout your trip.

Choose your pitch carefully, preferably within view of the main path or car park, as these areas are often well lit and someone is more likely to notice if something suspicious is going on.

Only bring valuables you really need with you and keep them out of sight. Putting them inside your sleeping bag at night is a good security measure.

Alternatively, you may want to invest in a compact safe to be housed in your caravan, where keys, cash and bank cards can be stowed safely.

Get to know your fellow caravanners, as this adds an extra layer of vigilance over your belongings. Your neighbours may be able to alert staff if they see someone new around your caravan.

Use a heavy duty padlock or chain to secure items like gas barbecues or stoves overnight. These things are valuable too.

Bikes are another thing you’re likely to leave lying around your pitch, as you and the kids jump on and off them throughout the day.

Just like you would at home, you should lock them up properly, otherwise you risk losing them. Bikes are good for opportunistic thieves who can wheel them away quickly and confidently.

Nottinghamshire Police has some extra tips for caravan safety too. Chief among them is not leaving your caravan registration and identification documents inside your van.

The force also reminds caravan owners to close their roof lights when leaving their van, as well as their windows and doors.

It says: “You know how valuable your own home is to you and how important it is to keep it secure. Imagine how you’d feel if someone broke in.

“But what about your caravan? On holiday or touring, you rely on it as your home. How would you feel if somebody broke in or stole it?”

By Emma Dodd

When you first head out in your caravan, it’s easy to think that everything is already there, but there’s a number of accessories that will make your life easier.

For example, an awning will give you shade when the sun is shining and protection from the elements when taking off muddy boots and other outdoor equipment.

Some caravans come with a fitted awning, but not all of them, so it’s worth investing in one if it doesn’t come as standard.

Couple your awning up with a windbreak to define the boundary of your pitch, protect your barbecue from going out and keep the breeze off while you’re relaxing.

While there will be places to sit in your caravan, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the great outdoors, so foldable chairs and tables are a must.

Don’t trip over on your way back to the caravan at night by adding lights to the outside. You could opt for a single bright bulb or an array of pretty fairy lights.

Having a barbecue is one of the best things about staying in a caravan and you can decide to purchase one that plugs into the front of your caravan to be powered off the gas cylinder.

One of the things that is easy to overlook when setting up your caravan is a step, so make sure yours comes with one, or pick a step up before you get to the caravan site.

Pack a basic toolkit to fix any small problems that may arise during your trip. This should contain a screwdriver, rubber-handed mallet and a wrench.

Wheel chocks are another accessory not to leave without, as these seemingly-simple pieces of plastic can make all the difference to your caravan holiday. After all, who wants to spend their whole trip at a bit of an angle?!

A washing line always comes in handy for drying a few clothes or swimming costumes when you get back from the beach.

You wouldn’t want to hang them up inside your van, so stringing them up outside is a good alternative.

By Emma Dodd

When it comes to coastlines in England, they don’t come much more impressive than Dorset’s. The Jurassic Coast doesn’t just have the coolest name around, but is also home to the ancient stone arch of Durdle Door and the unique geology of Lulworth Cove.

The county is full of potential for outdoor activities, making it a great place to enjoy a caravan holiday. Fossil hunting is fun for all the family and you’ll find everything from bivalves to ammonites at beaches like Lyme Regis and Chapman’s Pool.

Of course, the clear waters of the sea offer plenty of swimming opportunities, but you may wish to explore deeper. Dorset’s incredible maritime history means there’s many shipwrecks to discover and first-time diving courses take advantage of the clarity of the water. You can even bring back your dinner with scallop foraging expeditions.

If you’re happier on dry land, then attaching a couple of bikes to the back of your caravan for your Dorset trip opens up all sorts of possibilities. Ride Route 2 from Christchurch to Lyme Regis, soaking up the natural beauty of the landscape along the way. Or pick rolling hills and awe-inspiring coastline along Route 26 between Dorchester and Weymouth.

Transport yourself to an exotic destination with a visit to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. This Victorian walled garden located in a woodland valley takes advantage of a unique microclimate that allows species of plants from all over the world to thrive. Do not miss the golden pheasants in the sunken gardens.

Be sure to try some Dorset Blue Vinney during your stay, as this white crumbly cheese with a distinctive flavour has Protected Geographical Status within the county. Team it up with a Dorset Knob, the savoury biscuit that is baked three times and comes in traditional tins.

Where are you planning on taking your caravan this summer? Staycations are all the rage and having a caravan gives you increased flexibility.

In today’s edition of CaravanTimes Classic Gold, we’re being transported back to 2011 when our reviewer put the Elddis Crusader Supersirocco through its paces. The van itself was built ten years earlier, but still had a lot to offer.

Reviewer John Shepherd noted that when the Elddis Crusader Supersirocco was made, it was as good as it got in terms of a non-bespoke van.

He praised the fixed bed, stating that it offered an excellent night’s sleep, and that the front seating was comfortable and supportive. Mr Shepherd was also impressed with the shower, which he described as “a more than passable alternative to the home or site facilities”.

We get the impression our reviewer liked to tinker about in his caravan, getting it exactly how he wanted it. Areas that received this treatment included the overhead lockers, where he fitted intermediate shelves; and the sliding doors on a storage unit, which would otherwise fly open during towing.

One thing our reviewer could not fix himself, however, was a lack of overflow facility on the two sinks. He lamented that many caravans do not have such a feature and it seems to be a personal bugbear of his.

Overall, Mr Shepherd was very pleased with the ten-year-old van that had one careful owner prior to him. He praised the layout, stating the four-berth was as comfortable and spacious as any two-berth.

He added: “My mark of four out of five is simply because there is no alternative, it would more correctly have been nine of ten.”

Did you have a Elddis Crusader Supersirocco when it hit the market or any year after? We’d love to know how you got on with it.

By Emma Dodd

With an uptick in staycations and many parts of the UK experiencing a heatwave, many of you may be wondering how to keep cool in your caravan or motorhome this summer.

Luckily, there are a number of techniques you can employ to stave off the heat, stay calm and get a good night’s sleep.

The first thing to do is make use of your leisure vehicle’s air heating and cooling capabilities. If it is equipped with a Truma blown air heating system then the fan can be used to get air moving around.

If there’s an extractor fan in the kitchen, put it into reverse to pull cool air from the outside into your caravan.

A portable 12V cooling fan can easily be set up inside a caravan even if you’ve not got an electric hook-up.

Invest in some reflective windscreen covers to keep the sun’s rays out of your van. You can reuse these again in the winter to keep the frost off (we know you’re dreaming of frost right now!)

Keep any windows that are in full sun closed and with the blinds or curtains drawn and open those on the shaded side of the van.

Try to pitch up in a shady spot. Most places will be out of the shade at some point during the day, but look at where the sun comes up and goes down, and try to minimise the number of hours your van is in direct sunlight.

Create your own shade with an awning, whether it’s attached to your van or freestanding. This will help to keep your van walls cooler.

Cook outside as much as you can, because the heat from the oven or hob will make your van even hotter.

Finally, grab a cool drink from your caravan or motorhome’s fridge, as keeping hydrated is important for staying well and comfortable during a heatwave.

By Emma Dodd

The August bank holiday weekend is fast approaching and while caravan parks across the country are filling up this summer, there are still a few deals to be had for the 29th, 30th and 31st of this month.

For many families who have had to cancel trips abroad, it will be the last opportunity to get away before children in England return to school in September.

Caravan parks in popular locations, such as Cornwall, are reporting being booked up until September and even October in some cases.

But there is hope for anyone who hasn’t yet booked a pitch for the bank holiday weekend and is itching to get away.

The Sun has put together a list of campsites and holiday parks that have availability at a good price. Here are the deals you can bag if you’re quick:

Three nights at a Somerset caravan park via Wowcher – £39
Three nights at Pontins Sand Bay Holiday Village or Pakefield Holiday Village – from £79
Three nights at Pontins Camber Sands – from £169
Three nights in a Park Holidays caravan in Kent – from £387
Three nights in a six-person caravan at Allhallows in Kent with Haven – from £412
Three nights in a Park Holidays caravan in Devon – from £429
Three night in a six-person caravan at Church Farm in Sussex with Haven – from £484

Particularly busy areas of the country for staycations have included Devon, where Parkdean Resorts has reported a 140 per cent increase in bookings year-on-year.

Wales has been even more popular, with Ed Bassett, country manager at caravan and motorhome rental company Camptoo, highlighting a 685 per cent rise in bookings.

Huw Pendleton, of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, said: “I’ve never seen anything like it in 21 years in the industry. Phones are ringing off the hook.”

Caravan owners who are used to just being able to hit the road and pitch up at whichever site is closest when night falls are being reminded that’s simply not the case this summer.

Be sure to book ahead and reserve your space or risk being unable to stay overnight in popular locations.