Tranquil Parks reduces emissions with new ground care kit

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Caravan site operator Tranquil Parks has made a significant move to reduce emissions at a number of its locations.

All of the maintenance kit and personal vehicles used at the Briarfields Motel and Touring Park in Gloucestershire are now fully electric.

That means mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers and chainsaws are no longer powered by petrol or other emissions-producing fuels.

Instead, the equipment is charged through the night using electricity produced by wind turbines or nuclear sources.

Scott Sanderson, owner of Briarfields, said: “This has huge benefits for our guests and the environment. For our guests there is a huge reduction in noise levels around the park and no emissions whatsoever.”

Instead, he said, you’ll just hear the noise of the blades and the smell of freshly cut grass.

Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park, which is also within the Tranquil Parks network, has also invested in the latest generation of rechargeable electric ground care tools.

They will be powered using off-peak green energy and boost the site’s eco credentials, which already includes a solar array.

These panels are responsible for generating up to 25 per cent of the energy used by the park during the summer months.

Despite this, park owner Keith Betton said they’d like to go further in making improvements to minimise the impact on the environment.

Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park has earned and retained its David Bellamy Gold conservation award for more than a decade.

Situated in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, visitors can help to protect the countryside as well as enjoying everything it has to offer.

Tranquil Parks is a membership organisation with 43 independently-owned caravan parks within its network. All of the sites are child-free and located in peaceful areas.

Four new sites have been added to the Tranquil Parks offering this year:

  • Wilson House Holiday Park in Lancashire
  • Keal Lodge Caravan Park in Lincolnshire
  • Trethem Mill Touring Park in Cornwall
  • York Naburn Lock Caravan Park in Yorkshire

Top tips for camping during the mini heatwave

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There’s a mini heatwave on the way and it’s just in time to coincide with Easter camping trips. While warm temperatures sound more appealing than torrential downpours, it’s just as important to be prepared for the weather.

Whether you’re going to be spending nights under canvas or bedding down in your caravan or motorhome, Pitchup has some advice for prepping for the upcoming warm weather. As some parts of the UK will reach 20°C, here’s how to cope:

Don’t set up camp during the hottest part of the day

Plan your arrival on site to coincide with a cooler part of the day. Even if you’re not putting up a tent, setting up camp can be a hot and laborious job. If you’ve set off in the morning and it looks like you’re going to arrive around midday, consider stopping off for a long lunch on the way and arriving later in the afternoon.

Choose a shady spot

Take stock of your pitch and decide how to park your van in the shadiest place before putting your wheel chocks in place. This could mean taking advantage of any trees, walls or fences, as well as thinking about the direction of the sun at different times of the day.

Keep hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is a given during hot weather, but you can also boost your hydration with water-rich fruit and vegetables. If you’re camping in a tent, then cucumber, melon and strawberries are great ways to take in more liquid when you haven’t got a fridge at your disposal.

Pack summertime bedding

One of the most frustrating things to do during a heatwave is trying to sleep and there’s a good chance your van is still kitted out with your winter duvets. Replace them with cotton bedding for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Chill the eggs

And finally, be sure to put the Easter eggs somewhere cool. Nobody wants a pile of melted chocolate instead of beautiful oval eggs for the kids to find!

Is it time to take the bikes on the NC500?

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The North Coast 500 (NC500), which is the most famous long-distance road trip in Scotland, has announced a new initiative to encourage visitors to explore the route by bike.

It has long been popular with caravanners and motorhomers, but has now been fitted out with extra facilities for those wishing to complete it on two wheels.

As well as a selection of new itineraries designed around cycling, the initiative is drawing attention to cyclist-friendly cafes and bike storage facilities.

Should your trusty bike need some TLC on the route, there’s also maintenance areas and cleaning points to ensure you can get back on your way.

Markus Stitz, founder of Bikepacking Scotland, has come on board to help publicise the NC500’s suitability for cyclists and how exploring the route by bike is both sustainable and responsible.

He said: “The NC500 takes people through stunning landscapes, and I hope that through travelling this way people can have a positive impact on the communities along the way.”

Cycling and the motorhome lifestyle can easily go hand-in-hand, with many leisure vehicles well equipped to carry bikes.

You could use your motorhome as a support vehicle while riding the NC500 or combine your trip with some days cycling and others driving.

Craig Mills, head of operations from North Coast 500 Ltd, said: “As we cautiously open up to visitors again, it’s more important than ever that we promote the unique wide-open green spaces, coast, countryside and natural beauty of the NC500 to be enjoyed by everyone for the benefit of positive mental and overall wellbeing.”

The NC500 starts and ends at Inverness Castle and follows the main roads of North Highlands, taking in the stunning coastal scenery of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire.

The CAMC announces brand new pop-up site at Holkham Hall

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) has announced Holkham Hall in Norfolk as the location of a brand new pop-up campsite for the summer of 2022.

It comes after the success of such pop-up destinations last year, which included one on the Beaulieu Estate in Hampshire.

Those who missed out on experiencing the site in the New Forest will be pleased to hear that it’s returning as a pop-up this year too.

Holkham Hall can be found just half a mile from the coast, making it a great place to pitch up for a caravan or motorhome holiday with the family.

Experience Holkham National Nature Reserve during your stay, which is home to barn owls, grey plovers and hawkmoths.

Pack your bikes into the caravan or motorhome to enjoy scenic coastal rides or strap on your walking boots to discover the natural beauty closeby on foot.

Of course, the major draw of staying at Holkham Hall is the 18th-century manor house itself, which was built in the impressive Palladian style.

You’ll receive 30 per cent off the price of admission to the hall, its walled garden and the interactive Holkham Stories experience when you stay at the CAMC pop-up site.

Standard touring pitches will be complete with electric hook-ups, while toilet, shower, fresh water and waste disposal facilities will be available for all campsite visitors.

Brian Morgan, head of communications and events at the CAMC, said: “The Club’s pop-up campsites are always located in green fields at top UK locations, and they offer a unique touring experience. Our in-house team of experts take great care to ensure all pitches are suitable for both caravans and motorhomes.

“Plus, we partner with local attractions to offer members top discounts and exclusive experiences along with working with local activity centres, food vendors and businesses to create a truly special holiday destination. Our team is on hand to help anyone new to touring or new to pop-up campsites.”

The Holkham Hall pop-up will be open between July 8th and August 4th.

Channel ferries thrown into chaos this Easter

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It may be just a 90-minute trip across the Channel to France with your caravan, but ferry services are set to be thrown into chaos after the P&O Ferries redundancy debacle.

In recent weeks, P&O ticketholders have been able to travel with DFDS, but this arrangement is set to come to an end just in time to impact Easter breaks.

DFDS can’t honour its rival’s bookings as many of its services are already full for the busy holiday period.

Now, anyone with a ticket to travel with P&O from Friday (April 8th) is advised to pursue a refund and try to secure a spot on one of DFDS’ sailings.

A tweet from P&O read: “All P&O Ferries passenger services are suspended this weekend. For travel 8/9/10th April please re-book directly with another operator before arriving at the port. DFDS will not be able to transfer P&O customers onto their services.”

As demand outstrips supply, there’s likely to be many people who were expecting to enjoy a caravan holiday in France this Easter needing to make alternative arrangements for a staycation instead.

DFDS operates up to 30 daily sailings from Dover to Calais, with Irish Ferries offering ten services a day on the route.

This will not be enough to take the strain from the cancelled P&O services, which amount to as many as 15 a day during peak times.

Taking the ferry across to France is a popular option for caravan and motorhome owners, as it opens up the whole of the continent.

Flying or taking the Eurostar means travelling without your leisure vehicle and therefore not having the flexibility of your home on wheels once you arrive.

Anyone without a ticket to sail with DFDS or Irish Ferries should not turn up at the port, as it has already experienced traffic chaos in recent weeks, which is likely to be worse during the Easter holidays.

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/ThMilherou

How to prepare for your Easter caravan trip

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After the Camping and Caravan Club announced Easter bookings were up by a third this year compared to 2019, there’s a good chance many of you will be preparing to get away.

While the traditional start of the touring season will be a return to the caravan lifestyle for some, it may be the beginning of a new type of adventure for others.

If you fall into the latter category, then here are a few pointers to ensure your Easter caravan trip runs as smoothly as possible.

Driving

Read up on rules of the road for towing a caravan, including speed limits, as many people don’t realise these apply.

Plan your route, taking into consideration the types of road you’ll be driving on and leave enough time to arrive while it’s still light.

Complete a test run in your car with your caravan attached, as this will help you to better understand handling, the size of your van and even things like hitching the two vehicles together.

Understand your caravan

If you’ve got an awning, make sure the pitch you’ve booked will accommodate it.

Get to know how your toilet facilities work, which chemicals are required and how to empty them at your chosen site.

Carry out safety checks on your caravan to ensure everything is in working order before you set off.

Packing

Divide up the storage spaces within your caravan and let each member of the family know which is theirs, so they can pack accordingly.

Equip your caravan with a fire blanket, fire extinguisher and first aid box to ensure you’re ready for any emergencies.

Kit your caravan out with the essentials, such as its own condiments, toilet paper and cleaning products, which can stay in the handy storage areas for the whole season, saving the need to repack for each trip.

Don’t forget the Easter eggs! Caravan parks can be great places to hold egg hunts for kids, letting them explore their surroundings and make friends with other children.

Wet weather preparation

Pack wet weather activities, such as board games and books, because forecasts can change and staying cosy in your van can still be fun, even if it’s raining outside.

Think about how wet kit will be dealt with inside your caravan. It can be a good idea to pack a plastic box or two to put wellies and coats in so they don’t soak the whole van.

Get yourself a step and a doormat to make getting in and out as easy as possible, as well as helping to limit damage from muddy feet or paws.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production

Regular UK breaks beat overseas holidays for 70% of Brits

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Smaller, regular breaks in the UK are preferable over an annual overseas trip for 70 per cent of Brits, according to new research.

Park Leisure asked 2,000 people how they’d prefer to approach holidays and the results suggest that the great British staycation could be here to stay.

Looking into the reasons for this shift in attitude, the main motivations for most participants’ response were spending less time travelling and reconnecting with nature in the great outdoors.

Caravan and motorhome staycations have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to enjoy more of the British countryside.

Another consideration, which was important for 24 per cent of respondents to the survey, was being able to bring pets on holiday with them.

Once the fundamentals of a trip have been decided, holidaymakers can consider elements like outdoor activities and the facilities at a holiday park.

Added benefits of regular breaks at home as opposed to going abroad include making the most of annual leave allowances, better impact on mental health and being able to support local businesses.

Carole Ann Rice, life coach at The Real Coaching Co, said: “Holidays give us something special to look forward to, a break from the norm, a destination on the horizon that is worth looking forward to.

“The anticipation can be as thrilling as the event itself.”

Those who have invested in a caravan or motorhome are likely to want to make the most of it and enjoy the flexibility of being able to get away more often and at shorter notice.

Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, said: “Holidays can be so beneficial to us both mentally and physically, so we’re thrilled that the nation is keen to take smaller, regular holidays.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Greg Willson

Caravan dealership to lead convoy to Ukraine-Poland border

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Members of the team from Preston Caravans and Motorhomes are to lead a convoy containing humanitarian aid to Ukraine’s border with Poland.

The drivers are all volunteers and will be joined by an interpreter, who has experience in taking the trip to help those displaced by the ongoing war with Russia.

They will be heading to the village of Medyka, which is one of the main border crossings between the two countries.

Setting off on April 6th, the convoy will carry specialised medical equipment, winter baby clothes, satellite phones and walkie talkies, which have been collected ahead of the journey.

Working with Ukraine Border Action, the group is tasked with collecting 36 refugees, who are due to be reunited with loved ones and sponsors in the UK and Europe.

The convoy will be travelling with a motorhome, which will be used as a support vehicle to facilitate medical treatment and child nursing requirements on the return journey.

As the refugees are women, children and the elderly, the Preston Caravans group has thought carefully about how it can use its position in the leisure vehicle industry to provide for their specific needs.

Charlotte Campbell, marketing director at Preston Caravans and Motorhomes, will be one of the team members making the trip.

She told CaravanTimes: “I personally was always so interested in my grandma telling me about her parents welcoming in an evacuee during World War Two. She would just say ‘well they needed help and we could give that help’, and watching the news about Ukraine made me think of that sentiment.

“These people need help, and we have the means to help them. Most of our passengers back to the UK are women around my age with small children. If it was me or my friends in danger, I would hope that someone would lend us a hand.”

The group is currently fundraising for fuel, accommodation, ferry fees and food for the volunteers and refugees.

It estimates that costs will come to £12,000 and has set up a JustGiving page for anyone in the caravan and motorhome community to donate to the cause.

Bird calls to listen out for on your next caravan trip

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One of the best things about being on a caravan getaway is the opportunity to get out into the countryside and reconnect with nature.

As soon as you start tuning into your natural surroundings, you’ll start to notice little things, such as bird calls.

If you’ve ever wondered which species you can hear from your caravan, Katie Ogden of ReSound has put together a guide to some of the bird calls that can be detected in the UK.

Nightingale

If you’re setting up camp at a caravan site near lots of woodland in the south east of the UK, then there’s a chance you might hear the high-pitched lilting call of the nightingale.

Capable of creating more than 1,000 different sounds, the nightingale is noisiest at night. Listen out for it in Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Norfolk, Sussex and Lincolnshire.

Spotted flycatcher

You’ll have to listen very carefully to catch the quiet call of the spotted flycatcher, which is often likened to the sound of a creaky door or a wheelbarrow.

Late spring is the best time to detect these birds, although sadly they’re a diminishing species. If you’re caravanning in Devon, Kent or Scotland in the next few months, you might just have a chance.

Woodlark

Woodlarks are renowned for their beautiful song and are often heard before being seen. Listen out for their distinctive lullu-ing that rises and falls in pitch and volume.

At this time of year, woodlarks are often nesting in the southern heathlands of the New Forest; Surrey and Berkshire heaths; and Breckland and Suffolk heaths.

Nightjar

While the nightjar’s call can’t be called beautiful, it certainly is impressive, due to its unique ability to remain unbroken for many minutes at a time.

Expect to hear the almost mechanical sound as it rises and falls on a long summer’s evening in Somerset’s Quantock Hills; the New Forest, the Dorset and Surrey heathlands; and Thetford Forest in Suffolk.

Puffin

A caravan holiday at the coast is always improved by a puffin spotting trip, if it’s the right season, but have you ever thought about the purring, growling sound these beautiful seabirds make?

It’s hard to believe they’re on the red list of endangered birds when you see the huge numbers of them gathered in colonies between April and August. Head to Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, the sea cliffs north of Scarborough, the Pembrokeshire coast, the Farne Islands, and along the north Cornish coast.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Ray Hennessy

12 EV charging points installed at Norfolk holiday park

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Range anxiety and towing capabilities are just two of the concerns caravanners have about investing in an electric car.

Now, a holiday park in Norfolk is aiming to help visitors overcome at least one of these issues with the installation of 12 electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Searles Leisure Resort in Hunstanton has responded to an increased demand for high-speed charging infrastructure as more of its customers are moving away from diesel and petrol cars.

Andrew Searle, director of the family-run park, said: “I hope our initiative will help increase even further the appeal of north-west Norfolk as a holiday destination and boost the benefits which tourism brings to all types of businesses.

“We fully recognise the importance of encouraging more drivers to make the switch to electric and believe that this move will help provide the extra confidence they need. We also understand how important it is to do our part in reducing the environmental impact caused by CO2 emissions.”

The charging points installed at Searles Leisure Resort are part of the Pod Park network, which operates more than 6,000 charging bays across the UK.

EV charging is just the latest innovation to be implemented at the holiday park, which has remained in the family since Mr Searle’s grandfather founded it in the 1920s.

His ancestor famously offered pitches in return for a bag of potatoes and while the cost of its 300 touring spots are now a little more expensive, Searles Leisure Resort retains its warm welcome.

The RAC estimates there are approximately 395,000 EVs being driven in the UK, with 190,000 of them registered in 2021. This figure does not take into account the 308,000 plug-in hybrids that are also in use.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/CHUTTERSNAP

Is it time to return to the continent?

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Two years after the UK was plunged into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’re asking if it’s time to return to touring on the continent?

Ed Bassett, head of wanderlust at Camptoo, certainly thinks so and he’s selected his favourite places to take a campervan, caravan or motorhome in Europe.

The French Riviera – four days

Follow in the footsteps of film stars, directors and artists who’ve all enjoyed Monaco, Nice and Antibes over the years.

“Boasting warm temperatures and cinematic views, road trips don’t get more glamorous than driving along the famed French Riviera,” Mr Bassett added.

Bilbao to Bordeaux – seven days

Take a week to explore this picture-perfect coastal route, stopping off at surfing spots including Lacanau, Biscarrose, Mimizan, Zarautz and Seignosse along the way.

Food and wine – once the campervan’s parked up – will not be far from your mind, as you travel through famed wine regions and sample delicious oysters and other local ingredients.

The Arctic fjords – five days

Experienced drivers can take to the road and see the breathtaking scenery of Norway firsthand, as the stunning fjords contrast with the rugged mountains.

Reindeer, elk and eagles are all common sights on van trips in this part of the world, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers.

Rhine Valley – two days

In just two days, you can drive the 65 kilometres of the Rhine Valley, discovering the incredible history and atmospheric castles of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Described as the most romantic road trip in Germany, it’s possible to get lost in your own fairytale for a weekend.

Amalfi Coast – four days

Making your way between Ravello, Positano, Minori and Maiori, and the island of Capri, you’ll stumble across perfumed lemon groves and small fishing villages.

Cap your trip off with a panoramic view of the sunset at Sorrento for the quintessential Italian experience.
Mr Bassett said: “A road trip is a fantastic way to pack in as many sites as possible during your holiday, and a great option for those looking to tick off some bucket list destinations.

“There’s really nothing as freeing as being able to travel where and when you like, safe in the knowledge that you have everything you need with you.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tom Podmore

Route YC aims to be the accessible tourism option

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As the Yorkshire coast launches a new tourism offering dubbed Route YC, CaravanTimes caught up with its CEO Kerry Carruthers to get the lowdown.

The aim of Route YC is to put the Yorkshire coast on the map as a top tourist destination, making it as easily accessible as possible. Kerry pointed out that heading to the region for a day trip only lets visitors explore it on a surface level, while a multi-day break in a caravan or motorhome would let them “truly experience it”.

A different route-based adventure

Many of the tourism experiences based around a route have a similar premise, but Kerry says that Route YC has the element of time on its side. While you could take a week off work and enjoy the coast for seven days, it’s also possible to access itineraries and enjoy the area just for a weekend.

She said: “The overall aim is for people to do it all in numerous different ways – from walking and cycling to travelling by caravan – and Route YC will keep evolving.”

Kerry also mentioned she wanted to champion visiting outside of the summer season. She said that it may be “bitingly cold outside in January, February and March, but it’s still beautiful”. With less traffic on the roads, it’s easier to get around and discover the coastline.

Investing in infrastructure

Route YC has liaised with local businesses, many of which are involved in the initiative, and will be working to provide additional infrastructure to the area. Points along the route will benefit from extra electric car charging points and facilities to make bike repairs, as it prepares for an influx of tourists.

App and tailored itineraries

The initiative has already launched its website, but is set to roll out the second phase in June when visitors will be able to make use of a new app and tailored itineraries. Among the features will be specific information for caravanners and motorhomers.

Kerry said they want to make using Route YC as easy and accessible as possible, breaking the area down into bite size chunks and offering behind the scenes information to get the best out of a trip.

Kerry’s favourite itinerary

With so many options on Route YC, we asked Kerry how she would approach planning her own break on the Yorkshire coast.

“Personally, I’d be heading to Spurn Point, which is a wild and wonderful area. It’s Yorkshire’s own Land’s End. Then I’d go to Patrington, a cute village with great food and drink, ending up at Turnstall, with its history and small coves,” she said.

“Between Withernsea and Patrington there’s Fairview Lodges, which is the perfect place to get away from it all while still being close to the coast. There really is the best of both worlds in Yorkshire. We’ve got the countryside and the coast.”

Kerry says this trip, starting at the southern end of Route YC, would take at least three days to complete, but could easily be added to for anyone with more time on their hands. She pointed out the variety on offer, from the chance to go fossil hunting and castles to explore to golfing, beach destinations and seal watching trips for families.

Must-have souvenir

If you take one thing away from your Route YC trip, Kerry says it should be a sunrise or sunset picture. She recommends heading to the beach at Mappleton, which is not far from Hornsea, to create your own magical moments and snap the sun rising or setting as the perfect souvenir to take home with you.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Stephen Ingham