Catterick Caravans kicks off Venus Road Show this weekend in Yorkshire

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by Tom Lowenstein

Anyone who hasn’t managed to sneak a peek at the new line-up of lightweight Venus touring caravans from Lunar will get the chance this weekend when the Venus Caravans Road Show kicks off.

Northern caravan retail group Catterick Caravans is launching the road show at its flagship Leisure World outlet in Richmond, Yorkshire, before the road show heads off around the country.

All three of Catterick’s dealerships will be stocking the new line-up of tourers, with the first leg of the road show running from Friday 23rd until Sunday 25th March.

Matthew Kinsell, group commercial director at Catterick, said: “With a general trend towards downsizing in the tourer market, Lunar are bang on the nail with their lightweight Venus Caravans launch.

“It’s also a pleasant surprise to see that, by taking on Venus at Catterick, Tyneside and Ebor, we have instantly become the UK’s number one Venus retailer.”

The full line-up of Venus Caravans Road Shows looks like this:

Catterick Caravans, Friday March 23rd – Monday March 26th.

Swindon Caravans, Friday March 30th – Monday April 2nd.

Clwyd Caravans, Friday April 6th – Monday April 9th.

Ennis Caravans Cross Hands, Friday April 13th – Monday April 16th.

Chichester Winchester, Friday April 20th – Monday April 23rd.

Domestic tourism in the UK accounts for £54 billion in 2011

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by Tom Lowenstein

The UK tourism industry is looking as healthy as ever after yet another study has revealed how popular holidaying at home is.

A recent study by the VisitEngland tourist board discovered that in 2011 alone, British holidaymakers went on a total of 1.5 billion day trips, spending some £54 billion in the process.

Conducted in partnership with the Welsh and Scottish national tourist boards, the research highlights the importance of tourism to the UK economy.

It revealed that in England alone, a total of £70 billion was spent on tourism by domestic and overseas visitors, while the average day tripper in England spends £34.

Commenting on the survey, VisitEngland chief executive, James Berresford, said: “This survey represents a very important piece of the domestic tourism jigsaw.

“Day visits are enormously important to the industry and the British economy and represent the cornerstone of the tourism industry in this country.”

In terms of the most popular reasons for going on trips, visiting friends and family came out on top with 350 million trips taken last year.

Eating and drinking was the second most popular with 250 million, while outdoor activities came in third place, accounting for 102 million days out.

VIDEO: Towergate Insurance explains what to do if your caravan is stolen

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by Chris Jefferies

There is hardly any worse feeling for a caravan owner than waking up in the morning only to realise their prized possession has been stolen overnight.

After the initial shock from the theft wears off, what are the necessary steps a caravanner should take to deal with this tough situation effectively?

Caravan Times recently paid a visit to Towergate, one of the UK’s top insurance brokers, to figure out the best way to deal with caravan theft, while also getting a couple of tips on caravan security.

In this video Edward Cross, underwriting director at Towergate, gives his advice on what to do in the aftermath of a caravan theft in order to insure a caravanner gets the best result possible.

How George Osborne’s new Budget will affect VAT on caravans

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by Cameron Bird and Chris Jefferies

As part of his annual Budget, Chancellor George Osborne announced various change in the tax system yesterday (March 21st), and several previously un-taxed goods including static caravans will now be hit with the standard 20 per cent rate of VAT.

This change will take place on October 1st of this year, and could also have an effect on some larger touring caravans to go along with the previously zero-rated static caravans.

A caravan that is “designed and constructed for continuous year-round occupation” will still be zero-rated, and exempt from the VAT but all other static caravans will be taxed at the standard rate, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Touring caravans “which are under seven metres long are already standard-rated”, HMRC adds, but some of the larger models could be subject to standard taxing as well, including the Bailey Retreat.

Simon Howard of Bailey Caravans told CaravanTimes: “It may well affect the Retreat as well as some of the larger touring caravans, but we are waiting for confirmation from HMRC on this.”

With a few months remaining until the new system is put into place, caravanners looking to buy a static caravan or large tourer should look to complete their purchase before October, so as not to pay the new higher rate of VAT.

HMRC estimates the new tax will impact around 50,000 individuals purchasing static caravans each year, a number that will of course increase if larger touring caravans are included as well. In total the government expects to make £45 million over the next five years from this tax.

Easter bookings up 28 percent at Camping and Caravanning Club sites

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by Tom Lowenstein

The Camping and Caravanning Club has reported that advanced bookings have climbed noticeably ahead of April’s Easter bank holiday weekend.

A number of big events over Easter have seen the number of holidaymakers heading to Club Sites jump upwards, with the likes of the Olympic Torch Relay and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee encouraging families to go in search of affordable accommodation.

Five per cent more people are set to hitch up and head off to a Club site this year than last, while compared to 2010 levels, bookings for the Easter bank holiday weekend are up 28 per cent.

Research by the Club also revealed the extent to which holidaymakers contribute to the local economy when they visit a Club site, with the average pitch spending £37 per day excluding their site fees.

Director genereal at the Club, Robert Louden, said: “Our booking numbers are extremely positive at this stage.”

“We’re dedicated to encouraging campers to experience domestic holidays. There’s no better way to enjoy our beautiful countryside at inexpensive costs than by camping with the Club.”

Ramblers organises spring walks near many caravan sites

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by Tom Lowenstein

There is no better time to hitch up and head off to your favourite caravan park than spring

If you’re on your jollies and looking to get out and about in the local countryside, the Ramblers might just have an organised walking event near you.

The charity’s Spring Walks programme is designed to bring people together to celebrate the seasonal changes bringing Britain into bloom, and there are plenty to get involved in if you’re looking to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

“Each season offers something magical when you’re outdoors, but spring really is a treat for walkers,” said Simon Barnett, the head of walking programmes and promotions at the Ramblers.

“There is something in the air that simply lifts the mood and puts a bounce in your step as you set out to explore nature at its most vibrant.”

Numerous walkers led by the Ramblers’ experts are taking place near you now, so if you’re interested visit the Ramblers website.

VIDEO: A sleek new exterior look for the 2012 Sprite caravans

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by Chris Jefferies
Redesigning a classic caravan is no easy task, especially one that has been around for more than 60 years, but that is exactly what Chris Millburn and Mick France were tasked with doing last summer.
In this video, CaravanTimes meets the creative team behind the newly redesigned Sprite Caravans range and we find out how much more aerodynamic these new models are.
What’s more, the roofs are now fully bonded for added rigidity and less noise from raindrops, while the front has a step-on hitch cover, inherited from the Swift Challenger Sport collection.
Prices in the 2012 Sprite Caravans collection range from £12,031 to £14,621 and MTPLM weights start from as low as 1,164kgs

North East Caravans dealership to host show this weekend in Northumberland

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by Tom Lowenstein

A caravan dealership in the north-east of England is hosting its own show this weekend, with a range of exclusive deals available of Elddis and Buccaneer tourers on offer.

Northumberland-based North East Caravans’ Show Weekend will take place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th.

Any caravanner buying a new Elddis Xplore model will see a free SE pack included in the deal, while all Avante and Crusader purchases come with a free BPW iDC system thrown in.

All Buccaneer caravans bought at the show can save £700 on a new air conditioning system, with North East Caravans fitting it for just £499.

This deal is also available for all Elddis Crusader caravans, though buyers could opt for a free BMPW wheel lock instead if they prefer.

To keep the kids entertained there will also be free face painting, a bouncy castle and refreshments on offer.

Mike Watson, sales manager at North East Caravans, urged caravanners in the north-east to head down to the event.

“Our annual Show Weekends are always well attended, not just by our regular Customers, but also visitors who want to find out more about caravanning,” he said.

Christine Bleakley: My caravan holiday hell

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by Tom Lowenstein

As you might imagine of a jet-setting celebrity, Dancing on Ice presenter Christine Bleakley has been on countless fabulous holidays.

Top of her list was the romantic break in Los Angeles last year when husband-to-be, Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard, proposed to her, but the Northern Irish siren has also had her fair share of nightmares.

The former Daybreak star has recently revealed that her hands-down most hellish holiday experience came as a child when her parents took her on an ill-fated caravan trip.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Christine said that she and her sister Nicola were certain that the caravan holiday to the Antrim coast was going to be the best trip they had ever been on.

However, this delight quickly turned to dread when the young family arrived at the caravan park and realised the vehicle was far too small to accommodate all four of them.

“It was a touring caravan that mum and dad had bought on a whim and trying to hitch the bloody thing to the back of the car and the hassle of reversing was awful,” she explained.

So after just one calamitous summer the tourer was banished, never to make an appearance for another Bleakley summer holiday.

Weymouth caravan site set to celebrate 25th anniversary with upgrades

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by Tom Lowenstein

A Weymouth caravan site is celebrating after it reached its milestone 25 years at the same it was awarded a David Bellamy Gold Award for Conservation for the tenth year running.

Already looking forward to the Olympic sailing events that will take place in Weymouth, 2012 is proving an eventful year for East Fleet Farm Touring Park.

Ahead of the sporting events, the site owners are planning a raft of new investment too. A new luxury shower facility boasting under-floor heating, a spacious new dishwashing room and a large diasabled shower room are set to be constructed at the site.

This will make East Fleet Farm one of the cosiest facilities around, with eight ladies, gents and family suites complete with luxurious ensuite facilities available at the site.

What’s more, the park will be hosting special 2012 Olympic events during the games, offering the chance to watch the nearby sailing events free of charge from its beach or on a large screen on-site.

Meanwhile, for the Paralymic Games, a special seven-nights-for-the-price-of-five deal is being offered.

Underground cannabis farm concealed by caravan

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by Tom Lowenstein

A drugs gang in Somerset are facing a lengthy time behind bars after police raided a farm on which they had hidden an underground cannabis factory beneath caravans.

Over 100 cannabis plants worth around £150,000 were seized by Avon and Somerset detectives when they discovered the cannabis farm in West Bagborough, the Western Daily Press reported.

The caravans were found within a fenced enclosure on the farm, underneath which the gang had dug an underground bunker that was accessible through trapdoors in the vehicles.

A total of 151 plants were taken by police along with three unlicensed shotguns and three men were arrested.

Speaking to the local newspaper, PC Andy Coole said: “This was a very sophisticated set up and a highly organised production site.

“We have recovered plants with an estimated street value of more than £100,000.”

The men, aged 39, 48 and 50, face charges of production of cannabis, abstracting electricity and money laundering.

Last month, a drug dealer from Cornwall was given a seven-year prison sentence after heroin worth £60,000 was found in his caravan.

Caravan Club starts work on 107-pitch Scottish caravan park

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by Tom Lowenstein

Construction of a brand new 107-pitch Caravan Club site has got underway at Strathclyde Country Park in Scotland.

The Caravan Club was granted permission by North Lanarkshire Council to build the latest addition to its network of sites and has secured a 60-year lease at the picturesque location.

A total of 107 touring caravan pitches are to be built as part of the new development, with camping space and storage pitches for 296 caravans also on the cards, the Wishaw Press reported.

Last week, the existing site was flattened in preparation of the Club’s development, with shower blocks, a reception and information room, and accommodation for site wardens among the facilities to be built in the coming months.

Speaking to the newspaper, the site’s senior development manager Grahame Passfield said it promised to be a brilliant site for caravanners and campers.

“Our design is intended to create more than just basic facilities,” he said.

“As well as the necessary amenities, it will be attractively landscaped and maintained and will be of considerable benefit to the local community.”

The development also has the blessing of local councillor Helen McKenna, who praised the investment in one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions.

Broad Park Caravan Club Site in Devon is also currently undergoing redevelopment, with work on the park due to be completed before it opens for the new season on March 23rd.