Motorhome builder Auto-Sleepers has joined Made in Britain, marking official recognition of a commitment to British manufacturing that stretches back more than six decades.

A milestone anniversary

The announcement comes during Auto-Sleepers’ 65th anniversary year of designing and building motorhomes and campervans in the Cotswolds. Since its beginnings in 1961, the company has combined skilled craftsmanship with evolving design and manufacturing techniques, something that remains central to every Auto-Sleeper produced today.

What the Made in Britain mark means

Made in Britain brings together manufacturers from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland under a single, protected trademark, giving customers in the UK and overseas a recognised way to identify genuinely British-made products. For Auto-Sleepers, it’s a fitting addition to a name that’s been synonymous with British motorhome manufacturing for 65 years.

A proud moment for the brand

Geoff Scott, CEO at Auto-Sleepers, said: “We’re incredibly proud to join Made in Britain, particularly as we celebrate our 65th anniversary. British manufacturing has been at the heart of Auto-Sleepers since the very beginning. The Made in Britain mark gives us another way to celebrate our heritage, the skills of our people and our continued commitment to manufacturing here in the UK.”

As Auto-Sleepers looks ahead to its next chapter, the Made in Britain mark now sits proudly alongside a heritage built on more than six decades of British craftsmanship.

Photo credit: Auto- Sleepers

Choosing a new motorhome can be overwhelming, but the smartest buy in 2027 might not be the biggest or most feature-packed on the market. Motorhome Matt, in partnership with Ripe Motorhome Insurance, shares his thoughts on what’s changing and what genuinely matters when buying a motorhome.

Smaller motorhomes are getting smarter

Matt believes compact motorhomes deserve more attention than they usually get. He said: “There’s some really clever thinking going into compact vehicles now, with better use of bathrooms, more useful storage and layouts that give you a surprising amount of living space without needing a huge motorhome.” 

Lithium batteries, which offer more power and weigh less, are also becoming standard and Matt expects more manufacturers to follow, designing electrical systems around lithium from the outset rather than retrofitting it later. 

What to prioritise when buying

When looking at potential new motorhomes, consider these points: 

• Layout matters more than specification, since you can’t easily fix a poor bed or shower layout later.
• A good electrical system, including lithium, charging and heating, is worth prioritising early.
• Payload should be checked carefully, as fully specced motorhomes can leave little capacity for passengers and belongings.
• The dealer relationship, particularly for future warranty work or repairs.
• Air conditioning is increasingly worth considering, given how hot motorhomes can get during UK heatwaves.

Picture yourself living in it

Matt’s advice is simple: get into the shower, sit on the toilet and picture where your bikes, chairs and everyday clutter will go. As he puts it, “you can upgrade a battery later,” but a layout that doesn’t work is much harder to change.

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Autumn touring just got a little easier, as Fineshade Wood campsite in Northamptonshire has extended its season until the end of November 2026, giving campers longer to enjoy the woodland as the colours change.

A successful first season

The campsite reopened in April as a Forestry England site, run by Camping New Forest. Since then, wardens have been on site, toilet facilities have been added and a new path now connects the campsite to Fineshade Wood Visitor Centre, home to a cafe ideal for warming up after an autumn walk.

A comfortable late-season base

Fineshade Wood sits between Stamford and Corby on the A43, once part of the historic Rockingham Forest and considered something of a hidden gem by locals. Its hardstanding and serviced pitches, complete with electric hook-up, make it a comfortable choice for touring caravan and motorhome owners even as the nights draw in.

Why now is a good time to visit

Denis Dooley, CEO of Camping New Forest, said: “We’ve had a brilliant first season here and it’s been lovely to see so many campers coming back since we reopened in April. Autumn is one of the best times to discover Fineshade Wood, so we’re delighted to keep the campsite open a little longer. With hardstanding electric pitches and our wardens on hand, it’s a cosy base for a late-season getaway and we look forward to welcoming familiar faces and first-time visitors alike.”

Book your stay

Campers can get 25 per cent off pitch fees for stays until the end of November using the code AUTUMNSTAY26. Secure your pitch at www.fineshadecampsite.co.uk. 

Image credits: Camping New Forest

With so many possible motorhome upgrades to choose from, it’s easy to spend on the wrong things. Motorhome Matt, in partnership with Ripe Motorhome Insurance, has shared where your money is genuinely well spent and where it isn’t.

Worth every penny

Automatic levelling tops Matt’s list. He said: “I love automatic levelling, it’s not the cheapest accessory, but I believe it’s worth every penny. You’ve got to watch the weight of the system and check that your payload can accommodate it, but once you’ve had it on a motorhome, it’s very difficult to go back. It’s not just about avoiding the levelling ramps either. You simply arrive, press a button, and the van levels itself out.”

Other worthwhile investments include:

• A properly specified electrical system, rather than just the biggest lithium battery you can afford.
• Air suspension, once you’ve weighed the vehicle and know it isn’t overloaded.
• Decent 4G or 5G internet, essential for far more than streaming.
• Layered security, combining a wheel clamp, steering lock, tracker and marking system.

Where cheap becomes expensive

Tyres are one area not worth cutting corners on. Motorhome tyres often age before they wear out, so it’s worth judging them on condition rather than tread alone.

Where you might save

An awning, generator and fitted TV are all popular additions, but not always necessary. Matt suggests travelling without them first, then deciding based on how you actually use the van, not what everyone else seems to have.

Keep these tips in mind when upgrading your motorhome to avoid spending unnecessary money.

Photo credits: Unsplash

If your next big road trip is to explore outside the UK, it might just become a little easier to plan. Goboony and Yescapa, Europe’s leading motorhome and campervan marketplace, have expanded their reach into the US, Canada and Australia, bringing their combined network to nearly 50,000 vehicles worldwide.

From peer-to-peer to a broader marketplace

Founded in 2015 as a peer-to-peer platform connecting travellers with local motorhome owners, Goboony is evolving its model overseas to include professional rental operators alongside private owners. The aim is to widen choice and availability while keeping the flexible, local feel the platform was built on.

The platform now serves more than 350,000 travellers a year across Europe, North America and Australia. In the US alone, over 3,000 vehicles are available across 20 cities, marking a significant milestone for a company that started life firmly rooted in Europe.

Goboony’s CEO, Sergio Branco, said: “This expansion is the next logical step in building a complete ecosystem around motorhome travel: years of perfecting the experience in Europe, now extended to the US, Canada and Australia. The world’s most iconic road trips should be as accessible as booking a weekend away in Scotland, Wales or Cornwall.”

What this means for touring further afield

For UK tourers eyeing a bigger adventure, this expansion could make renting a motorhome abroad much more straightforward.

Fancy trading Cornwall for California? It might be more within reach than you think.

Image credits: Goboony

Your first caravan or motorhome trip should feel like a breath of fresh air, but it can quickly turn stressful if you’re underprepared. Marcus Clarke, Founder at The Prepared Household, has shared some of the most common gear mistakes first-time tourers make, along with simple ways to avoid them.

Spending on the wrong things

It’s easy to splash out on eye-catching gadgets while overlooking the essentials. Marcus explains: “One of the biggest mistakes is choosing gear because it looks impressive rather than because it suits the trip. The right equipment depends on where you are going, the time of year and the conditions you are likely to face.” A reliable awning, proper levelling equipment and weather-appropriate bedding should always come before any extras.

Underestimating how quickly the temperature drops

A caravan or motorhome offers far more protection than a tent, but that doesn’t mean warmth is guaranteed overnight. A good sleeping system, insulated bedding and knowing how to use your heating efficiently all make a real difference, especially in the shoulder seasons.

Getting the packing balance wrong

Overpacking and underpacking are both common mistakes. A written checklist helps strike the right balance, making sure essentials like a first aid kit, torch and spare fuses don’t get left behind, without turning your storage into a squeeze.

Packing for one type of weather

British weather can turn quickly, so it pays to prepare for more than the day’s forecast. Pack layers, keep a waterproof outer layer to hand and bring dry spare clothing, since wet clothes left in a damp locker can leave you cold and uncomfortable later in the trip.

A little preparation now can be the difference between a miserable first night and a trip you can’t wait to repeat.

Image credits: Pixabay

Travelling solo in a motorhome can be one of the most freeing ways to explore and adventure, but it’s natural to want a few extra precautions in place before setting off alone. A little planning goes a long way towards feeling confident and secure on the road. Here are some of our tips. 

1. Share your plans with someone you trust

Before you leave, let a friend or family member know your rough route and where you plan to stop each night. Even just a quick check-in message once you’ve arrived somewhere new can offer real peace of mind – for you and for them.

2. Choose well-reviewed sites

Sticking to established campsites with good reviews, rather than isolated wild camping spots, tends to feel safer when travelling alone. Look for sites with secure gates, good lighting and other campers nearby.

3. Park with a quick exit in mind

When you arrive somewhere new, take a moment to park in a way that lets you drive off easily if you ever need to. Reversing into a pitch, rather than needing to manoeuvre out later, can make a real difference if you want to leave quickly.

4. Keep your motorhome secure

A steering wheel lock, door alarm or dash cam can all add an extra layer of reassurance, particularly when parked overnight somewhere unfamiliar. Simple habits, like locking up as soon as you arrive, matter too.

5. Trust your instincts

If a spot doesn’t feel right, it’s always worth moving on. There’s no obligation to stay somewhere that makes you uneasy. Most experienced solo tourers agree that instinct is one of the best safety tools you have.

With the right preparation, solo motorhome travel can feel just as safe as it is freeing, allowing you to explore with an easy mind.

Image credits: Pixabay