Best tourist attractions for October half term

Posted by

It may feel like the summer school holidays have just come to an end, but parents are already looking at how they can keep their kids entertained during October half term.

If you’re a caravan or motorhome owner, you may be thinking of heading off with your brood for a low-cost staycation in the UK.

Even with your accommodation and travel sorted, there’s then the entertainment to consider and credit card company Aqua has analysed some of the options.

Head north for free attractions

The two best attractions recommended by Aqua – the Angel of the North and the National Museum of Scotland – are both free and located towards the top of the UK.

In fact, you could stop off at the Angel in Gateshead as you travel up to Edinburgh to visit the museum if you’re taking your caravan or motorhome.

Occupying a panoramic position on a hilltop just off the A1, Antony Gormley’s statue doesn’t require much of a detour on the way up to Scotland.

At 54 metres wide and 20 metres high, it’s hard not to be impressed by the Angel’s colossal wingspan, with the piece of public art attracting 150,000 visitors a year.

Continue up to Edinburgh and take the kids to the National Museum of Scotland for exhibits on everything from nature, science and technology to fashion and world cultures.

No matter how different your children’s interests are to each other, they’re bound to find galleries to spark their imagination and many of the exhibits are interactive.

Also making the list were the Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Castle, but both of these attractions charge a £20 admission fee.

Good old-fashioned fun

Blackpool Tower came in at number four on the list, despite costing £19 to get in. However, an affordable meal nearby is priced at £11, the cheapest of all the attractions mentioned.

Traditional British beach resorts like Blackpool are great places to take a family holiday with your caravan or motorhome – just be sure to pack appropriate gear if you’re visiting in October.

In tenth position is Brighton Palace Pier, which costs just £1 to get into, although strolling along and taking in the atmosphere is free.

Of course, you may need a bag of loose change for the kids to use on the arcade games, helter skelter and other classic seaside attractions.



 

Photo credit: Pexels/Mike Bird

Visit south east England’s historic buildings with your caravan

Posted by

Some of the most stunning and well-protected historical architecture in Europe can be found in south east England, making it the perfect place for a touring trip.

From Gothic churches to Regency buildings, it’s time to pack up your caravan or motorhome and discover what’s on offer in quaint market towns close to London.

The folks at The Heritage Window Company have collated data from Historic England to definitively rank the towns and cities in south east England to inspire you with where to go.

Southend-on-Sea

With its 62 listed buildings, Southend-on-Sea is a gem when it comes to historic architecture, but there’s one place that shines brighter than everything else in the Essex town.

South Church Hall is an intriguing fusion of Gothic and Tudor architecture, having been constructed between 1321 and 1364, and later extended in 1560 in the differing style.

The hall was home to farming families until the 1920s, extensively restored in the 1930s and finally listed in 1951.

Luton

Luton is mainly characterised by 1930s architecture, including a town hall, churches, cinemas and private residences all dating from this period.

The oldest building in the town is St Mary’s Parish Church, which is 850 years old, although people have been worshipping at the site for millennia.

Visit the largest medieval church in Bedfordshire and admire its original features and tasteful renovations.

Colchester

Colchester is England’s oldest recorded town and has the biggest Norman keep in Europe, Colchester Castle, as well as 382 listed buildings.

In the late 14th century a gatehouse was added to St John’s Abbey, which features two storeys, a battlemented roof, turrets at each corner and large pinnacles.

Don’t miss the northern-facing side, which is beautifully  decorated with flintwork panels and ornamented niches.

Canterbury

It’s not surprising that Canterbury has UNESCO World Heritage Site status since it boasts 1,880 listed buildings.

The Anglo-Roman design of the Church of St Martin makes it truly unique, as does its Saxon frontage, which was built with flint, Roman brick and rubble.

St Martin’s is the oldest parish church in England that is still used for its original purpose and there’s history everywhere you look.

Maidstone

Maidstone has been inhabited by Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans throughout its history, with all of them leaving their mark on the town.

The Archbishop’s Palace, Tithe Barn Stables and the College of All Saints are all examples of stunning architecture worth a visit.

Walking through the college’s gateway is particularly spectacular and has been described as like stepping back in time.



 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Hadyn Cutler

Julia Bradbury and Marcus Bean to appear at West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome Show

Posted by

Two celebrities have been confirmed to make appearances at the upcoming West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome Show.

Television presenter, author, nature advocate and charity campaigner Julia Bradbury and Shropshire celebrity chef Marcus Bean will be at the show on Saturday October 5th.

Ms Bradbury was formerly the president of the Camping and Caravan Club and despite stepping down from the role, maintains an interest in the industry.

She’ll be teaming up with Mr Bean to give cooking demonstrations using the latest equipment available from the Salop Leisure accessories shop.

Mr Bean released The Good Chicken Cookbook earlier this year, so visitors can expect this popular ingredient to feature in the recipes.

Ms Bradbury will be available to sign copies of her own book, Walk Yourself Happy, giving caravan enthusiasts a chance to meet her.

The free show is being hosted by award-winning caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure at Emstrey from September 28th to October 6th.

New ranges and big discounts

More than 200 new and pre-owned leisure vehicles will be showcased at the event, featuring models from Swift, ABI, Atlas, Carnaby, Willerby and Coachman.

There’ll be a chance to make savings on the 2024 ranges and see the new 2025 touring caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes and luxury lodges for yourself.

You’ll also be offered a ten per cent  discount on all awnings and accessories purchased at the show, so it’s worth having a good look if you’re missing something for your caravan or motorhome.

Mike Harris, Salop Leisure’s joint managing director, said: “It’s a great family day out and a chance to check out all the smart ideas, innovations and fresh designs on display.”

Step back in time

As Swift celebrates 60 years of building caravans, there’s a chance for real aficionados to see some of the historic models for themselves.

These caravans will be on display alongside the 2025 models, demonstrating the evolution of design, equipment, furnishings and comfort over the years.

Fun for all the family

Attendees who sign up for free tickets before the show at www.salopleisure.co.uk will be entitled to a complementary ice cream from the Shropshire Ice Cream Caravan.

Family activities will include a children’s bouncy castle and fairground organ, while the highlight of the show for animal lovers is likely to be the dog competition on Sunday, October 6th.

Holiday inspiration

If you’re looking for inspiration about where to head to in your caravan or motorhome next, then take advantage of Salop Leisure’s holiday park finder service, featuring more than 250 sites.

There’ll also be representatives from many of the parks in the Holiday Home Village, who will be able to talk to you about the attractions near their destinations.



Prepare for driving in fog and mist this autumn

Posted by

The caravanning season is longer than ever. In fact, many people now choose not to put their beloved leisure vehicle into storage over winter and continue to use it year round.

This is a great strategy for getting as much use out of your caravan and return on that initial investment as possible.

If you’re one of these all-season caravanners, it’s important to be prepared for the changes in driving conditions.

As well as getting darker earlier in the evenings, autumn also brings with it fog and mist, which can make visibility difficult.

It’s important to drive safely, especially when towing, so the experts at Select Car Leasing have put together some tips for travelling in these weather conditions.

Graham Conway, managing director at the firm, said: “Misty autumn mornings can look spectacular, particularly in rural areas where the fog clings to fields and lakes. 

 “But mist and fog can also be treacherous for drivers, as they’re hit with a sudden decrease in visibility that makes it harder to spot obstacles ahead. 

“Motorists can easily be caught out at this time of year when the weather begins to change after a relatively warm summer, so everyone should be mindful of the dangers.”

Adjust your lights

The best way to use your headlights in foggy weather is with dipped beams, as putting them on full will just result in the light being reflected back at you through the windscreen.

All towcars have rear fog lights, but not every one is fitted with them at the front. When visibility is reduced to 100 metres, make sure they’re switched on.

It can be tempting to put your fog lights on when conditions start to develop, but if it’s not actually that foggy, you could dazzle other road users.

Reduce your speed

Towing a caravan means you should be driving more slowly than usual, but when it’s foggy you want to be even more careful to ensure there’s plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front.

Drivers typically judge speed by what’s going on in their peripheral vision, with trees and buildings going by, so with a lack of visibility, there’s a higher risk of losing track of your speed.

Take care in fog-prone locations

Some locations can be more susceptible to fog and mist then others. For example, fog can often be found on elevated roads or collect in valleys, while a sea fret can make coastal destinations misty.

Less obvious places include industrial centres, where water droplets cling to pollution particles, leading to even worse visibility.

Many of these locations may have road signs warning of fog, so take notice and adjust your driving accordingly.

Enhance your other senses

When visibility is poor, it can be a particularly good idea to make use of your other senses, especially hearing when approaching a road junction.

The Highway Code recommends stopping and listening for traffic before you emerge. Turn off any music or podcasts, wind down the window and listen carefully for the sound of approaching vehicles.

Once you’ve decided it’s safe to move, do so with conviction and don’t hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of other vehicles.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Markus Spiske

How to see the partial lunar eclipse from your caravan

Posted by

Caravanning is a great way to get out and about to indulge your hobbies and if astronomy is one of them, there’s an exciting event coming up.

On September 18th, there’s due to be a partial lunar eclipse visible in the UK and the experts at Giants Causeway Tour have put together some tips on how to see it.

Top tips on seeing the eclipse

Timings

It’s going to be a late night or an early morning if you want to see the eclipse from your caravan, as it’ll be visible between 1.41am and 5.47am.

The maximum eclipse will occur at 3.44am in the UK, so find a dark spot to be at this time and you can expect to get the best views.

Caravanners can feel smug snuggling down close to their eclipse viewing position without having to drive home in the early hours of the morning.

Get up high

As well as scouting out a viewing spot that’s free from light pollution, it can be a good idea to get up high.

An elevated vantage point can give you an unobstructed view of the horizon, the sky and the moon.

Pack a good camera and some binoculars

Load your caravan up with any good photography equipment you have, including telephoto lenses and tripods to get some decent shots of the eclipse.

If you haven’t got a sophisticated camera then a quality zoom feature on a smartphone can also garner better results than you might think.

Remember to bring your binoculars along too, as these will enable you to get a clearer view of what’s going on in space.

Check the weather forecast

Before you go to the effort of driving your caravan to the perfect spot and camping out for the night, be sure to look at the weather forecast first.

If it’s scheduled to rain, then the chances are it’ll be too cloudy to see the eclipse. If you’re happy to have a little caravan adventure just in case, then you could still give it a go, but don’t get your hopes up.

Seek out an astronomy group

Joining in with a group of knowledgeable amateurs can be an effective way to get more out of your eclipse-viewing experience.

As well as giving you insights into what you’re seeing, a local astronomy club may also have equipment like telescopes that they’ll let you have a look through.

Bring snacks

Like most things that involve waiting, bringing plenty of snacks will help the time to pass more quickly.

It’s also a good idea to fire up the caravan stove and make hot drinks to keep you and anyone else in your viewing party warm as September nights in the UK can get chilly.



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Martin Brechtl 

Where to unplug for a mindful caravan escape

Posted by

Many modern caravans are equipped with the latest technology and numerous digital entertainment options, but the lifestyle still represents a good opportunity to unplug.

While you can now travel in the lap of luxury, there’s also a lot to be said for embracing the traditional side of caravanning, where you leave all mod cons behind.

Park Holidays has discovered that web searches for ‘how to unplug’ and ‘technology break’ have increased by 100 per cent and 150 per cent year-on-year respectively.

So, where are the best places in the UK to tow your caravan to and enjoy the relative peace and quiet of poor Wi-Fi signal and no 4G?

Dawlish Warren, Devon

The Devon town of Dawlish Warren topped Park Holidays’ research as a great place to escape the trappings of modern society.

An intoxicating mix of bad Wi-Fi, little-to-no mobile service and plenty of green space means the temptation to do anything apart from relax is removed.

So, if you’re not surfing the web, what might you be doing on a caravan holiday in Dawlish Warren?

For a start, there’s the vast, sand-dune backed beach, where you can kick off your shoes and listen to the sound of the waves.

Built in early Victorian and classic Regency style, the town is an attractive place to explore, while walkers, cyclists and golfers can enjoy their pursuits in peace.

Anglesey, Wales

The Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast, has similar credentials when it comes to trying to connect via Wi-Fi or mobile.

Instead, you could tackle one or more of the 12 clearly defined sections of the Anglesey Coast Path, which stretches for 130 miles around the island.

It’s possible to park up the caravan and make your way to starting points for each day’s walking by public transport, which promises to reconnect you with nature.

To truly relax and let all of your worries disappear, take a soak in a mineral-rich seaweed bath from the Halen Mon sea salt company.

Being an island, Anglesey has no shortage of beaches to discover, each with its own personality. Church Bay is particularly beautiful and secluded, making it a great place to escape the crowds.

Amble, Northumberland

Amble in the northern county of Northumberland was found to have the most publicly-accessible green space and is known as ‘the friendliest port’.

Head here in your caravan to find pastel-hued beach huts and gorge yourself on freshly-caught seafood as you take in the bracing air.

Around a mile out to sea from Amble Harbour is Coquet Island, which hosts nesting colonies of birds each year. Be sure to take a boat trip to see the puffins if you’re visiting in season.

Rockpooling at low tide is a fun family activity on Amble Beach and if you continue to walk, you’ll eventually reach Low Hauxley Beach, with its nature reserve close by.

Not far from Amble is Warkworth, with its namesake castle, which makes for a good day trip.



 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production

Bailey leads the way with new product launches

Posted by

Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Last night, Bailey of Bristol brought together many interested parties from the world of caravanning and motorhoming to launch three new models of leisure vehicle. The live launch of the 2025 Bailey range marked a significant step forward in the way that manufacturers present their products to the public.

Bailey’s two new luxury caravan ranges – the 7.6-foot-wide Unicorn and the eight-foot-wide Alicanto – as well as the updated version of the Adamo motorhome were shown for the first time. They did this through a direct digital live launch where anyone could ask questions.

It’s not the first time that Bailey have done this and they’re not the only manufacturer launching products in this way, but it demonstrated how well the format can work. It’s so much better than how it used to be, with launches having changed significantly over the last ten years.

A forward-thinking move

In the interests of full disclosure, it’s worth noting that we helped with the production, filming and broadcasting of the launch, so we’re slightly biased. But we think that this way of launching caravans directly to the consumer, allowing everybody to see it at the same time, feels very forward-thinking for what is often considered an old-fashioned industry.

As well as showing the audience the leisure vehicles, this format allows manufacturers to open the floor to comments, respond to them and give customers a much better feel for the products. All of this happens in real time and cuts out the intermediaries – the dealers and the journalists – who were previously tasked with relaying the information.

A departure from past launches

To understand how different this is to how caravans were launched in the past, we need to take a step back in time. Unfortunately, I’m old enough to recall the old process first hand. What would happen ten years ago is that the British and some of the European manufacturers would have a one or two-day event in the summer.

This occasion would be strictly for the trade dealers and retailers and press. A huge amount of money would be spent hiring out an entire hotel, where they’d bring their new ranges and present them to the assembled guests, along with a sales pitch. We’d then be given a very expensive luncheon where the wine flowed and told the information we’d just learned would be strictly embargoed for around two months.

A particular low point in my caravan career was attending a product launch where a manufacturer’s entire team of directors stood up and sang ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’. Luckily, it seems that those days are now in the past.

Launching directly to the publicInstead of one or two pages covering the new ranges in a publication, or an article mentioning the highlights, manufacturers can do it themselves. They can demonstrate the different ranges and multiple layouts, while going into a lot more detail about the various features.

This leaves them free to focus on what they do best, which is making leisure vehicles. The caravan industry isn’t small and getting ahead of the curve in terms of direct-to-consumer communications is absolutely vital. Striking up a conversation with customers is what’s going to drive the industry forward.

Within 24 hours of the Bailey Live Launch, some 4,000 people had seen the footage and it’s full of comments from people trying to find out more. That allows Bailey to answer the most pressing questions that they hadn’t preempted. For example, one audience member asked how much the Adamo can tow, which was answered there and then.

As well as finding out more about the products, potential purchasers can also discover more behind the scenes information on the company. This includes both the design and testing processes, which are instrumental in bringing new models to market. It’s a more transparent way to address the public without relying on journalists.

Watch the Bailey Live Launch 2024 now.

Caravan Guard scoops two insurance awards

Posted by

Specialist insurer Caravan Guard has come out on top in two categories of What Motorhome magazine’s annual awards.

It was named best motorhome insurance provider and best campervan insurance provider for 2024, beating out 11 other firms for the prizes.

The judges highlighted Caravan Guard’s high level of cover and low premiums as the most important factors when choosing an insurer.

Among the benefits are unlimited windscreen cover, a £1,000 limit for replacement locks, high personal injury claims of up to £15,000 and legal cover.

While Caravan Guard has scooped the award in the motorhome category before, it’s the first time it’s won for campervans.

Ryan Wilby, managing director of the firm, said: “We’re delighted to have won another award for our motorhome insurance scheme.

“We’ve worked hard to make our motorhome and campervan cover benefits some of the best around and to maintain very competitive premiums.

“Combined with the brilliant service offered by our team seven days a week, we truly believe we offer an award-winning package to both motorhome and campervan owners.

“Thank you to all our existing customers for their loyalty and feedback that helps us to continually improve.”

Why do leisure vehicles require specialist insurance?

It’s a legal requirement to have insurance for your caravan, motorhome or campervan and standard car insurance doesn’t count.

As well as leisure vehicles being much larger than your typical car, they also perform many more functions, which should be reflected in your insurance.

For example, a good policy will cover accommodation in the event of a breakdown or an accident, because your caravan, motorhome or campervan is also where you sleep.

Before purchasing insurance, make sure it includes:

  • Cover for contents and personal effects, including expensive electronics and valuables you’re likely to have in your leisure vehicle.
  • Travel insurance for going abroad, if you’re planning on going overseas.
  • Cover for any damage caused by gas canisters or heaters.
  • Agreed-value cover, where a specific amount is paid out if the vehicle is written off or stolen.
  • Breakdown insurance like you would have for a car.
  • Key protection in case they’re lost or stolen.
  • Accidental damage, which should include important elements like the floor.

What influences the cost of leisure vehicle insurance?

Obviously some specialist insurers will charge more than others for cover, but there are also a number of factors that will influence your premium. These include the engine size, where you store your caravan, motorhome or campervan, how much you use it and any security features that are fitted.



 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Third-man

Caravan Salon 2024 underway in Dusseldorf

Posted by

Germany’s premier leisure vehicle event is underway in Dusseldorf, after Caravan Salon had a successful preview day.

Running from August 30th to September 8th, some 778 exhibitors have descended on the city for the biggest show in the caravan and motorhome calendar.

Covering 250,000 square metres, there’s everything on display from the latest caravans, motorhomes and campervans to camping accessories, holiday destinations and caravan parks.

Dr Stephan Keller, Dusseldorf’s lord mayor, said: “Here, interested, enthusiastic and experienced campers are provided with the latest equipment and information on holiday destinations. 

“Thanks to the innovative strength of the industry, camping holidays can be made sustainable. I wish Caravan Salon a successful run.”

The 2023 edition of the trade fair saw record numbers attend and organisers hope to top those figures this year.

A total of 16 halls have been filled with specialist caravanning vendors, with some of the event’s highlights also happening in the outside areas of the venue’s grounds.

It’s an opportunity for prospective caravan and motorhome owners from the UK to see an even wider range of leisure vehicles than those on display at the NEC shows in Birmingham.

While many of this country’s larger manufacturers are displaying in Dusseldorf, it’s a chance to see what the European brands have to offer.

The leisure vehicle market on the continent varies considerably from the UK, offering a larger choice and different design priorities, making it worth looking further afield if you’re thinking of buying.

Among the exhibitors this year, you’ll spot the likes of Adria, Benimar, Chausson, Knaus Tabbert, Niesmann + Bishoff and Westfalia, as well as smaller manufacturers you may have never heard of before.

A special exhibit, the Erwin Hymer Museum, is designed to take visitors on a tour of the history of caravanning, as this brand celebrates its 60th year.

Marius Berlemann, managing director of the trade fair, said: “Caravan Salon once again proves its exceptional importance, because in Düsseldorf visitors can – besides the diversity of products and services – look forward to the total caravanning experience from vehicles to dream destinations.”

One-day tickets to the Caravan Salon are priced at €19 (£16) on weekends and €17 on working days for adults, while children aged between six and 12 cost €8 on weekends and €6 on workdays. 

The venue’s address is Lotzweg, 40474 Dusseldorf, Germany.



What makes a good caravan read?

Posted by

Having a good book on the go is an essential part of a holiday for many Brits, especially if you’re setting off in a caravan or motorhome.

Many of us have more time to read while away than during our busy everyday lives and if the weather isn’t cooperating, curling up in your leisure vehicle with a compelling book is time well spent.

So, what makes a good book to take on a caravan holiday? Some people like weighty tomes they can get lost in, while others prefer shorter novels they know they’ll finish before it’s time to return home.

The Works has analysed the top trending and best selling fiction books of the last 12 months to help us see which books might be appropriate for your next touring trip.

Two to four-hour reads

If you’re looking for a book to read in its entirety during a wet afternoon in your caravan, then The Works recommends First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, Clear by Carys Davies or A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas.

The list also contains a number of short story collections, which take less than four hours to read in their entirety.

These types of books are great to keep in your caravan, as you can pick them up whenever you’ve got some free time without the daunting task of having to complete a whole novel.

Among those recommended are Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber, After A Dance by Bridget O’Connor and Julia Armfield’s Salt Slow.

Four to six-hour reads

For something a bit meatier, choose a thriller from the list of longer books, like Jeneva Rose’s Home is Where The Bodies Are or Frieda McFadden’s One By One.

If that’s not your vibe, then you could opt for the romantic novel Night Shift by Annie Crown, which can be completed in less than five hours by an average reader.

Further suggestions include Green Frog by Gina Chung, Hiromi Kawakami’s I Won’t Let You Go and One By One by Freida McFadden.

Six to eight-hour reads

Caravanners whose main priority is getting stuck into their reading material might want to see what all the hype is about with the big BookTok trend that is Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors.

Alternatively, reach for You Are Here, the latest novel from David Nicholls, who wrote the hugely popular One Day.

Eight to 14-hour reads

If the weather forecast is for relentless rain or you’re simply a voracious reader, head to the nearest bookshop to your caravan site and pick up something longer.

Elsie Silver’s Powerless can be read in around eight hours, while Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros will keep you entertained for nearly 12 hours.

The longest novel on the list is House of Flame and Shadow, another offering by Sarah J Maas, which is sure to enthral fantasy fans.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio



Redline Campers reintroduces its Classic model

Posted by

Redline Campers has made the decision to relaunch its Classic model to the campervan market after a hiatus of a number of years.

Not only is the much-loved van now available to purchase but it’s at a lower price point than previously, making it more accessible to those wanting to buy their own leisure vehicle than ever before.

With a starting price of £34,995, the four-berth campervan will be built on pre-owned base vehicles at Redline’s in-house production facility at Watford Gap in Northamptonshire.

The VW T6.1 campervan conversion will feature appliances and components from RIB Altair, Dometic, and BCA.

Customers can expect to see a RIB Altair 112 Bed with ISOFIX; a newly designed kitchen with additional storage and premium edge banded lockers; a bespoke 240/12v wiring loom and 16-inch Clayton alloy wheels.

Redline has said its decision to relaunch the Classic is the result of listening to customer feedback and identifying a gap in the market.

It’s able to achieve the relatively low price point as it doesn’t require the same level of customisation as other conversions in the range.

The Classic is therefore available in two choices of colours for the cabinets and worktops. These are Driftwood or Carbon Ash for the former and White or Black Sparkle for the latter.

This makes the Classic a good option as an entry-level model into the world of owning a van conversion.

Mark Turley, director of Redline Campers, said: “We are pleased to announce the reintroduction of the fantastic value Classic model to the Redline Campers range.

“This is a campervan for the customer who is not largely concerned about customisation but is still looking for a quality and functional conversion.”

Redline Campers was established in 1971 and is a VCA Type Approved and NCC Approved Manufacturer of van conversions.

Utilising VW and Ford base vehicles, its range comprises four dedicated campervan models and one day van. Its own and industry-leading appliances and components are fitted into the vehicles.



The AA’s top 5 campervan hotspots to visit

Posted by

Deciding where to go next on a campervan trip is a process of carefully weighing up lots of factors, both aesthetic and practical.

You want plenty of things to do and nice scenery, but also to be able to fuel up or recharge your EV with ease for a smooth holiday experience.

Luckily, the AA has done some of the hard work for you, working out which destinations are the best when all these elements are considered in relation to each other.

The criteria used to determine the rankings were:

  • Number of hikes and trails
  • Things to do
  • Amount of campervan sites
  • Average cost of a meal
  • Availability of fuel
  • Number of EV chargers
  • Traffic

  1. York

Nicknamed the Chocolate City, York is home to iconic medieval architecture and popular attractions like the National Railway Museum.

It has the highest number of nearby campsites of any of the locations studied, boasting no fewer than 72 in the vicinity, as well as more than 700 things to do, including 85 hikes and trails.

  1. Glasgow

Scotland’s second city is known for its friendly locals and the wonderful atmosphere. You can spend the day at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the Riverside Museum.

While there’s a massive 1,153 things to do in the city and Glasgow has the maximum 100 score for fuel availability, there are only five campervan sites.

  1. Edinburgh

Staying in Scotland, Edinburgh is famous for its culture, architecture and world-class places to eat and drink.

The AA found 140 hikes and 1,846 activities to enjoy in the capital, with 96 EV chargers per every 100,000 people and an average restaurant pricing a meal at £16.

  1. Bristol

Steeped in history both architecturally and culturally, Bristol is renowned as the home city of artist Banksy and musical acts such as Massive Attack, Portishead and Idles.

Bristol stands out with 165 nearby hikes and trails, 739 things to do and a fuel availability score of 98, while the average price of a meal is £15 and there are 17 campsites in the area.

  1. Exeter

The ancient city of Exeter is a fascinating place to discover, with its gothic cathedral and vaulted, medieval underground passages beneath its streets.

It’s the most convenient location for your trip, as it’s home to 35 campervan sites and an average of 155 EV chargers per 100,000 people, while there’s also more than 250 things to do in the area.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Scott Precious