European Travel Service arm of CCC unveils 22 new tour destinations

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s (CCC) European Travel Service has launched its new 2017/18 brochure, featuring 22 tours including Normandy and the D-Day Beaches, Belgium, the Balkans and an all-new tour, The Heel of Italy.

The Heel of Italy is a 26-day Escorted Tour focused on the Abruzzo and Puglia regions in the south east of the country. It takes in locations like Bari, a bustling southern port city and the capital of Puglia – the heel of Italy’s boot – to the 14th century old town and Baroque churches of Gallipoli.

From rural landscapes to clear waters along the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, this part of southern Italy feels like a land beyond Europe. The tour, which includes seven excursions and seven distinctive regional meals, covers some 970 miles and offers a real insight into what makes the region unique.

Richard Grimsdale, The Club’s Travel Services Director, said: “Our European tour programme continues to grow and we’re pleased to offer this exciting new tour of Italy in our 2017/18 brochure, which joins existing popular tours of Iceland and the Faroe Islands, Greece and Morocco to name but a few!

“When booking with the Club’s Travel Service, we can help with advice on ferry travel and recommend motorhome hire in destinations across Europe – or even further afield – via Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays from the Club.”

Those booking a ferry crossing and an Escorted Tour with the Club receive a discount of up to 10 per cent off the cost of the crossing and a further £25 off the tour price.

Those who don’t own their own unit can take advantage of the Club’s book and go motorhome hire offer. It’s also a great solution for anyone who wishes to tour Europe under their own steam.

To book or for more information, please call a Club European Travel Specialist on 024 7647 2024, or enquire online at www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/europeantours

CCC reveal first combined tent, caravan and motorhome owner satisfaction awards

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

The Camping and Caravanning Club (CCC) has announced the results of its tent, caravan and motorhome surveys in the first ever combined Owner Satisfaction Awards, run in partnership with Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome magazines.

Leading names Hi Gear from Go Outdoors, Quechua from Decathlon, Robens, Vango, Karsten and Kampa emerged as brands with the highest satisfaction ratings in the Tent Owner Satisfaction Awards 2017.

Sprite, from UK caravan maker Swift Group, and motorhome converter Bilbo’s from Surrey were also among those manufacturers celebrated by fans of the great outdoors and camping – in all its forms.

Eighteen categories were organised into league tables, with those brands topping the league tables awarded trophies at a prestigious ceremony at The Midland Hotel, Manchester last week, hosted by Club President and TV presenter, Julia Bradbury.

Nearly 5,000 tent, caravan and motorhome owners took part in the surveys, which ran throughout the 2016 camping season and were sponsored by Club Care Insurance.

It’s the second consecutive year that the Club has run the Tent Owner Satisfaction Awards, and for 2016/17 it joined forces with Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome magazines to survey caravan and motorhome owners.

The survey findings provide in-depth information on camping units of all types, bought and used since January 2013, and the results are published by The Camping and Caravanning Club, and by Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome magazines.

Club President and TV presenter Julia Bradbury said: “Potential tent, caravan and motorhome buyers trust the opinions of other owners above anything else. That’s why the results of the Owner Satisfaction Awards are so important. They help fans of camping and caravanning spend their money more smartly, and help manufacturers and retailers improve their products and services.”

Robert Louden MBE, Director General at The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “The Club is delighted to run these awards, and continue to deliver the kind of authoritative help and advice that our members, and other outdoor enthusiasts, find invaluable.”

Nigel Coppen, Group Business Development Director at Club Care Insurance, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the combined Tent, Caravan and Motorhome Owner Satisfaction Awards. We at Club Care are passionate about providing campers with peace of mind when they’re relaxing on holiday. The survey findings are compelling and help us to better understand the needs of campers and ensure we shape our products and processes to meet their requirements.”

To view the results in full visit: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/owner-satisfaction-awards
www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/owner-satisfaction-awards

Caravan Club release new 2017 offers and benefits for its members

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

In this special series of videos at this year’s Caravan and Motorhome Show in Manchester, we discuss what The Caravan Club has in store for 2017.

In this interview, Director of Marketing Harvey Alexander, discusses their new member offers for 2017.

See below for The Caravan Club’s official press release:

A series of new member offers and benefits have been added to The Caravan Club for 2017
to ensure that members enjoy greater value than ever. The host of new offers include discounts on popular attractions, outdoor gear, practical automotive appliances and even new cars.

As part of The Caravan Club’s Car Select programme, members who are considering changing vehicles for 2017 can benefit from savings of up to 25 per cent on over 7,000 new car models from over 29 manufacturers with Lex Autolease, the UK’s leading fleet management and leasing specialist. In addition, towbar specialist Brink Towing Systems is offering £83 off fixed price tow bars and electrics. This means the highest quality tow bar solution for all members, regardless of the vehicle.

Caravan Club members can benefit from discounted travel on the M6 toll when driving a vehicle towing a caravan or caravan trailer and when driving a motorhome. By showing a valid membership card at the time of travel, members receive the discounted toll of a Class 2 (single car) rate, saving up to £9 per journey. Plus, to make journeys even more stress free members can enjoy 20 per cent discount at Roadchef Motorway Service Areas across Britain.

To ensure members enjoy their holidays even more, The Caravan Club offers access to discounts at hundreds of attractions across the UK including Go Ape and Go Ballistic Paintball. Members also get free entry for two adults and two children at RSPB nature reserves around the UK.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing, The Caravan Club commented:

“It’s important for us to ensure that our valued members are able to enjoy the best offers each and every year, and we continually refresh and update the benefits. With a range of new added-value extras for 2017, from popular attractions to practical automotive essentials and outdoor equipment, we encourage all members to take full advantage of the incredible savings available to make the most of their membership.”

Further member offers and Club benefits for 2017 include:

  • Save up to 10 per cent on car hire with Enterprise Rent-A- Car
  • Access to The Caravan Club tailored overseas travel and insurance services
  • Save up to 40 per cent on maps, guidebooks and accessories with Dash4it
  • Save four per cent on your Sainsbury’s shopping
  • Up to 30 per cent off Hotpoint, Whirlpool and Indesit appliances

To find out more about The Caravan Club’s member offers and benefits, visit stands 3-15 and 3-17 at The Caravan & Motorhome Show at EventCity, Manchester from 19 to 22 January 2017.

For more information please contact The Caravan Club on 01342 326 944 or visit www.caravanclub.co.uk

The Caravan Club adds to its European and Worldwide Tours line-up

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

In this special series of videos at this year’s Caravan and Motorhome Show in Manchester, we discuss what The Caravan Club has in store for 2017.

In this interview, Director General Nick Lomas, unveils a brand new line-up of international tours for the perfect overseas getaway.

Scroll down for The Caravan Club’s official press release:

The Caravan Club is introducing an exciting array of new tours to its 2017 line up with bespoke itineraries, dedicated family-friendly tours and a host of new destinations. For the first time ever this includes a tailor-made worldwide offering for members looking to create a truly bespoke trip of a lifetime. The new tailor-made getaways will allow holidaymakers to travel at their own pace, giving them the freedom to pre-book as little or as much as they want before departure. These are in addition to a new range of escorted tours and independent worldwide getaways.

The new worldwide tours will also include an additional three escorted tours across the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Highlights include the addition of the Canadian Rockies and America’s Canyonlands tours. The Caravan Club is also developing its independent tours that provide holidaymakers with the freedom to travel on their own whilst following an itinerary that has been carefully and expertly organised for them. New destination highlights include Eastern Canada, Yellowstone National Park and the islands of Hawaii to name a few.

Seven new European tours will also be introduced to The Caravan Club’s existing tour programme including a new itinerary, taking in Lot, Corrèze and the Dordogne. For the first time there will also be specific ‘Family Tours’ that include stays at family-focused sites featuring a range of activities for all ages, from little ones to teenagers, to enjoy in the Netherlands and France. These include paddling pools and petting farms to guided cycle rides, summer luge rides and canoeing.

  • 12 night Lot, Corrèze and Dordogne tour – explore the fantastic medieval town of Martel, the picturesque village of Collonges la Rouge, castles and the stunning Jardins de Marqueyssac in the Dordogne. The tour is based at the Domaine de la Paille Basse, a rural and secluded site in a restored medieval village. At the site there is a paddling pool, playground, tennis, games room, bike hire and day and evening entertainment in high season. Departs 9 th May 2017, priced from £999 for two people plus outfit.
  • Eight night Dutch Family Fun tour – introduce the family to the safe, relaxed and easy to follow cycling routes of the Netherlands on guided excursions across the beautiful Ommen countryside. Enjoy excursions to the Hellendoorn Adventure Park and get active in the countryside on exciting days out. The tour is based at Resort de Arendshorst, a spacious, friendly campsite situated on the banks of the Vecht River and surrounded by forests and farmland. On the site there is a small paddling pool, playground and a petting farm for the children to enjoy, as well as a jetty at the river bank for launching canoes or fishing. Departs 16 August 2017, priced from £1,245 for two adults and two children plus outfit.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing, The Caravan Club commented:

“Our new 2017 European and Worldwide Tours add yet more adventures in some of the most spectacular areas of the world to The Caravan Club’s diverse tour programme. A touring holiday delivers breath-taking scenery, and the chance to relax in stunning locations all in the comfort of your own motorhome. The addition of new tailor-made itinerary options allows holidaymakers to find a bespoke touring holiday that works for their own interests and time available, whilst making the most of the expert knowledge of our experienced tour planners. New family tours also ensure that those holidaying with little ones are promised the best sites with a children-first approach to ensure a great break for everyone. There has never been a better time to try a touring holiday.”

To find out more about The Caravan Club’s new European and Worldwide tours, visit stands 3-15 and 3-17 at The Caravan & Motorhome Show at EventCity, Manchester from 19 to 22 January 2017.

For more information please contact The Caravan Club on 01342 326 944 or visit www.caravanclub.co.uk

The Caravan Club unveil new UK destinations for 2017

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

In this special series of videos at this year’s Caravan and Motorhome Show in Manchester, we discuss what The Caravan Club has in store for 2017.

In this interview, Director of Marketing Harvey Alexander, reveals The Caravan Club’s ongoing site development programme across the country, and their top new UK destinations for year ahead.

Scroll down for The Caravan Club’s official press release:

The Caravan Club has announced its continuing commitment to the development of its network of sites across the UK with plans to spend over £13 million on refurbishments in 2017. This is in addition to the £8.3 million spent in 2016 on improvements and upgrades to ensure its sites continue to offer unparalleled quality and facilities.

Following a hugely successful 2016 the champions of the great outdoors will also be introducing a price freeze for 500,000 pitch nights across its network of sites. A wide range of sites are available across the UK ensuring the best value holidays are on offer.

Highlights of the recent development programme which are now available to book for the 2017 season include:

Freshwater East, Pembrokeshire

Freshwater East Caravan Club site located within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is home to picturesque walks, stunning cliff top views and has sandy beaches a few minutes away. There are also plenty of attractions in the area such as Pembroke and Carew Castles as well as Tenby with its beautiful harbour. For 2017 the site has benefited from the renovation of the site’s reception, the widening of 58 pitches, underfloor heating in the wash rooms and the redevelopment of the children’s play area – making it the ideal choice for families.

A stay at Freshwater East Caravan Club Site in Pembrokeshire based on two adults, two children and a standard touring pitch, costs from £21.90 per night. Camping is also available.

White Water Park, Stockton-On-Tees

White Water Park Caravan Club site is next to the largest canoeing and rafting course in Britain and provides access to all facilities including a sheltered viewing balcony, drying and changing room, canoe storage area, shop and café. It is also home to the International
Summer Riverside Festival and Head of Steam Railway Museum for those keen to learn about more about the history of British railways.

Following the major improvement works the site now boasts a new play area, an enclosed dishwashing area and baby and toddler facilities, new caravan wash area, 60 grass pitches have been converted to 52 hardstanding pitches and additional CCTV and security has been installed.

A stay at White Water Park Caravan Club Site in Stockton-On-Tees based on two adults, two children and a standard touring pitch, costs from £18.40 per night.

Looe, Cornwall

With a heated open-air swimming pool which has been refurbished for 2017, a tennis court, crazy golf and a ball game area, Looe Caravan Club site in Cornwall is the perfect site for a family holiday. Looe village is located nearby and has a choice of places to eat including The Coddy shack, a local fish and chip restaurant. It’s also the ideal place to go crabbing and enjoy stunning views of Looe Island.

For keen walkers there is also the Cornwall coastal path to explore which leads to Devon and the Eden project, the largest indoor rainforest in the world is not far away.

A stay at Looe Caravan Club Site in Cornwall based on two adults, two children and a pitch, costs from £17.75 per night.

Note that the swimming pool is open from end-May until end-September during which time a stay costs from £25.00 per night based on two adults, two children and a pitch.

For families with children between the ages of five and 17 years, the kids can stay for just £1 per night – a great money saving offer available throughout the season at selected sites.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing, The Caravan Club commented:

“We have a long-standing commitment to investing in the development of our sites to ensure our members are able to enjoy holidaying not only in fantastic locations, but also have access to state-of- the-art facilities. There are lots of new developments planned across our network in 2017 that we are also looking forward to. Coupled with the promise of a price freeze for 500,000 pitch nights ensures that across all levels of our operation we seek to offer our members the very best value.”

For more information please contact The Caravan Club on 01342 326 944 or visit www.caravanclub.co.uk

Top 6 half term family activities with The Caravan Club

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

In this special series of videos at this year’s Caravan and Motorhome Show in Manchester, we discuss what The Caravan Club has in store for 2017.

In this interview, Director General Nick Lomas, recommends some top tips of what the whole family can get up to this Half Term.

Here is The Caravan Club’s official press release listing their Top 6 Half-Term activity ideas for all the family:

From zip wires to Ferris wheels and animal magic, family fun is never far away on a half term getaway with The Caravan Club.

Plan ahead for February and keep kids – and big kids – entertained with this selection of activities:

Cardiff Castle Adventure: Home to the Romans, Normans and Victorians, Cardiff Castle is an exciting family day out with its tunnels, air raid shelters and fortress to explore. A stay at Tredegar House Caravan Club site (7 miles from Cardiff) site costs from £18.70 per night based on two adults and two children from January to mid-March 2017.

Go Ape: Moors Valley Adventure Park is host to the treetop experience Go Ape. A great way to get the kids active with a double Tarzan swing and Go Ape Forest Segway to enjoy. A stay at Hunter’s Moon Caravan Club site costs from £20.50 per night based on two adults and two children.

Nottingham Giant Wheel: With the Wheel of Nottingham returning to the city from 28 January until 12 March 2017, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views offered during the ride. What’s more, to mark the city’s 10th Light Night, 10 February 2017 will see it transformed into the Wheel of Lights as 75,000 bulbs illuminate the structure. A stay at the nearby Milestone Caravan Club site costs from £21.40 per night based on two adults and two children.

Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival: From 9-19 February 2017 London’s Royal Festival Hall will be dedicated to delighting children of all ages with their action-packed programme of creative events. From a free pedal-powered screening of The Little Mermaid and LEGO-inspired events, to Team GB Olympic hero Chris Hoy’s book reading, and even a family clubbing experience, there’s something for every interest. A stay at Crystal Palace Caravan Club site costs from £22.80 per night based on two adults and two children.

Lions, tigers and bears in Kent: Visit Howletts Wild Animal Park which is home to the UK’s largest herd of African elephants and also see the first baby black rhino to be born at the park. A stay at Black Horse Farm site is from £18.30 per night based on two adults and two children.

Magic in Lancashire: On 23 February 2017 enjoy a magical day out with the East Lancashire Railway. During a ride on-board the steam train budding witches and wizards can brush up on their magical skills with themed activities. A stay at the Burrs Country Park Caravan Club site costs from £18.25 per person based on two adults and two children.

For families with children between the ages of five and 17 years, the kids can stay for just £1 per night – a great money saving offer available throughout the season at selected sites.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing, The Caravan Club commented:

“From castles in Cardiff to magic in Lancashire, the UK has a diverse range of days out to suit all ages and all have a site nearby. With children staying for just £1 per night, February half-term is the perfect time to explore the UK and get on the road.”

For more information please contact The Caravan Club on 01342 326 944 or visit www.caravanclub.co.uk

Travelworld celebrates 40th anniversary

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

The Shropshire-based motorhome company Travelworld is celebrating its 40th anniversary this week with three generations of its founding family still driving the business forward.

Travelworld Motorhomes was founded by Bob Edwards in 1977 with just three staff at a small premises in Wolverhampton.

Today it is one of the largest motorhome dealerships in Europe, with 48 staff at its 4.5 acre site in Halesfield, Telford.

They are keeping it in the family with Mr Edward’s son Ross as managing director and grandson Jake Macquarie is a new addition to the sales team.

Bob Edwards said the motorhome business was “booming”.

“It has been wonderful to see the growth that the business has achieved over these past five years in particular and we believe that being centrally located in Shropshire has been fundamental to that,” he said.

“Our customers travel from all over the country and will always take the time to visit Severn Gorge or Shrewsbury whilst they are visiting us,” Mr Edwards added.

The company is an exclusive Erwin Hymer Group dealer which means all their motorhomes are
imported from Germany. Ross Edwards said Brexit has been of deep concern to the family business.

But they have seen sales double over the last five years and believe that the rising popularity of ‘staycations’ will keep their market on an even keel, he said.

Ross Edwards said: “We believe that sales will continue to grow over the next two years even with Brexit uncertainty, UK tourism is booming and investment into campsite grounds in the UK has never been higher, plus the caravan and motorhome industry has never been stronger.”

Mr Macquarie said he had “loved” joining the family business.

“Every day is different, I talk to people from all walks of life and all areas of Great Britain,” he said. “If you are not familiar with the motorhome industry the HYMER brand name may not mean anything, but this really is the Rolls Royce of motorhomes and they are a joy to sell!” he said.

Thousands attend biggest Manchester caravan and motorhome show to date

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

Manchester felt like the caravan and motorhome capital of the world this week as thousands of outdoor enthusiasts flocked to the north-west city to kick-off the leisure event season.

BBC host Matt Allwright headlined the list of celebrity attendees at The Caravan & Motorhome Show and spent the day with The Caravan Club as their guest presenter. Mr Allwright discussed a variety of exciting new offers that The Caravan Club wanted to unveil at this year’s show, including new UK and overseas caravan sites, Half-Term family caravan activities for 2017 and new offers for their existing members.

Check out our exclusive CaravanTimes interview with Mr Allwright here, as he discusses his passion for campervans and the outdoors.

Large and emerging caravan and motorhome manufacturers were in attendance at the EventCity venue, including Swift, Bailey, Coachman and Elddis, showcasing their latest ranges and models.

Everything from luxury holiday leisure ‘pods’ to DIY plumbing tools were on offer to the bustling crowds, and the record number of visitors are set to continue through this weekend.

Kidzones also make for a fun day out for all the family, so get along to the Manchester show this weekend! To check out the event click here

COMPETITION: Win tickets to the Scottish Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

Enter now for your chance to win tickets to the Glasgow show this February!

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show is returning once again to the SECC, Glasgow from the 2 – 5 February 2017 for its 30th year.

During the four-day event, the SECC will become home to over 200 exhibitors and a whole host of industry experts.

To celebrate its grand return, we’ve teamed up with The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show to offer readers and Facebook followers the chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to Scotland’s largest exhibition.

The 2017 show is set to be the biggest yet with more Caravans and Motorhomes than ever before. Ranging from entry level through to premium A class Motorhomes in excess of £120,000 as well as more mid-range products and accessories there really will be something for everyone.

A number of clubs and associations, including The Caravan Club will be present and visitors will get the chance to book in advice on holidays across the UK.

Tickets are on sale here now, but to try your luck and win your own pair for FREE, simply like our Facebook page here and complete the form below. Oh, and remember to check our weekly electronic newsletter on 27 January to see if you’ve won!

Good luck!

To find out more about this year’s exhibition visit us on www.caravanshowscotland.com

Competition rules:
The lucky winners will be picked at random at midday on 27 January 2017 and will be notified via the email address supplied in the entry form.
Only one entry per person.
No purchase necessary.
No cash or alternative will be offered.
This competition is open to new or existing CaravanTimes members and Facebook followers only.
No employees of CaravanTimes or StantonPace Ltd may enter.
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over.

COMPETITION: Win a pair of tickets to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2017

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

Enter now for your chance to win tickets to the Birmingham show this February!

From Tuesday 21 to Sunday 26 February, the Birmingham NEC will be home to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2017 where over 350 leading leisure brands will be exhibiting the very best in caravans, motorhomes, tents, camping equipment and accessories.

The six-day event has a packed entertainment agenda with a celebrity line-up and live cooking demonstrations, as well as plenty of interactive features, including an indoor children’s assault course, towing and motorhome manoeuvring tuition, a much-loved dog agility arena plus new-for- 2017 bushcraft workshops.

If you love the great outdoors the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2017 offers all the inspiration you need for your next holiday.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the show on a day of your choosing, simply answer the following question:

What appears for the first time at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2017?

A) Towing and manoeuvring tuition
B) Dog agility arena
C) Bushcraft workshops

For more information about the show, please visit www.ccmshow.co.uk

Competition rules:
The lucky winners will be picked at random at midday on 9 February 2017 and will be notified via the email address supplied in the entry form.
Only one entry per person.
No purchase necessary.
No cash or alternative will be offered.
This competition is open to new or existing CaravanTimes members only.
No employees of CaravanTimes or StantonPace Ltd may enter.
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over.

Ready Camp expands its glamping locations with 9 UK new sites

Posted by

by Tom Leaning

Ready Camp, the glamping brand from The Camping and Caravanning Club, has expanded for 2017 by adding nine more locations across the UK ahead of the new season.

Ready Camp is now in 38 locations on Camping and Caravanning Club Sites across the UK. This adds up to more than 180 glamping tents, giving visitors the chance to camp out close to many of Britain’s most popular tourist spots.

Since its launch in 2015, Ready Camp has tripled in capacity, creating a nationwide network of glamping tents.

Each Ready Camp glamping tent is permanently erected on site, and comes equipped with proper beds, seating and a dedicated kitchen area. Included inside is everything but the kitchen sink – Ready Campers need only bring their own bedding, towels and a sense of adventure. Washroom facilities are available at all locations.

A holiday with Ready Camp costs from £25 per tent, per night, in low season. It’s a network that guarantees hassle-free happiness for families who’re short on time but big on exploring.

New Ready Camp locations for 2017 include: Minehead, Mablethorpe, Conkers in Derbyshire, Dartmouth, Crowborough in East Sussex, Chipping Norton, Theobalds Park in Hertfordshire, Cannock Chase in Staffordshire and Hereford.

Ready Campers at the Minehead site have Exmoor National Park nearby, while Theobalds Park allows for day trips to London. Conkers is adjacent to The National Forest Way, and wildlife lovers will enjoy chatting with the seals and other animals including primates, reptiles and birds of prey at Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary.

Bob Hill, the Club’s Sites Director, said: “Ready Camp continues to deliver and exceed the expectations of those who want a comfortable and hassle-free camping trip without the need to hitch up a caravan or pitch their own tent.

“New for 2017 are some great locations that afford families quality time away to take on activities as diverse as cycle rides at Cannock Chase, to fun at the beach in the south west at Minehead and Dartmouth. The Ready Camp network offers a truly unique way of touring and exploring the very best of Britain.”

To find out more about Ready Camp, and to research and book a holiday, visit www.readycamp.co.uk

Bailey launch the all new Pursuit range

Posted by

by Daniel Cartwright

When most new caravans are released at the end of summer we have to wait a while for the new Pursuit 2 but it has launched this week and will be on display to the public at the February NEC caravan, camping and motorhome show.

For those of you who want to see more now we have a video we shot at the press launch and below is an overview and layout information.

The Pursuit 1 was first launched in 2013 and as you can see from our video review back in 2013 (www.caravantimes.co.uk/video/makes/bailey/pursuit/video-introducing-the-new-bailey-pursuit-caravan-range) the Pursuits was Baileys entry level caravan designed to be light weight and affordable.

The Pursuit 2 has the same aims as it’s predecessor, to be light weight and affordable with some small numbers to back that up. The lightest model comes in at 1090KG MTPLM (All sinlge axle MTPLM’s between 1090KG and 1441), and affordable too with prices indicated at between £13,000 and £15,000 this the new entry level caravan that you can tow with just about anything.

So what else is new or noteworthy in specification? Well according the Bailey themselves this is a complete redesign and new caravan, it is built on the AL-KO chassis using Bailey’s patented Alu-Tech construction, has the Truma Combi Heating / hot water system and boasts things like a 103 litre Dometic Fridge, Thetford 3 hob burner and combination grill and some Heki roof lights. There are 6 layouts some traditional and some very innovative ranging from 2 berth to full family layouts.

At CaravanTimes we love entry level caravans. They can feel more fun, more focused on what you do with them than some of the more luxury caravans that feel like you have to take your shoes off all the time. The interior and exterior styling of the pursuit really seem to have captured this element of fun.

On the exterior, the new graphics are bright, fun modern even the mythical winged stag “Preyton” could be Harry Potters petronas. The exterior rear has had the bailey make over and the Pursuit really seems like part of the bailey family – pass one on a road and you will know its a bailey.

Interior styling is spot on, this is an entry level caravan but it doesn’t feel like it. The soft furnishing colour scheme and different dark / light wood combinations make the Pursuit a very nice place with touches of luxury whilst still feeling useable.

As mentioned earlier there are some innovative layouts worth checking but here is an overview:

420-2

This is the smallest and lightest two berth, with rear washroom and let down double bed in the front.

430-4

A fixed double bed four berth, with rear washroom and let down double or two singles at the front.

530-4

The same configuration as the 430-4 but on a bigger chassis.

550-4

This is the four berth with two fixed single beds and rear wash room.

540-5

This is a full 5 berth with double at the front, bunk beds and corner wash room at the rear and a side dieanet that lets down in to another double at in the middle of the caravan

560-5

This is a completely new design with two launches front and rear in daytime mode but then at night the rear lounge converts to a twin bunk and single opposite making it a very family friendly and versatile 5 berth.