Motorhome bookings to explore the North Coast 500 soar

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It’s no secret that staycations by motorhome are expected to be very popular post-lockdown, but one company has decided to delve deeper into the place most people want to explore in the coming months. GoBoony, a motorhome sharing platform inspired by Airbnb, conducted research into the destination the majority of its customers will be travelling to.

It discovered that 23 per cent of people departing on a motorhome holiday after April 26th are driving up to Scotland, with many of the motorhomes being bound for the North Coast 500 (NC500). This long-distance drive has often been described as Scotland’s answer to Route 66 and is a firm favourite with motorhome and caravan enthusiasts.

The satisfaction of a round trip

Starting in the city of Inverness, the NC500 crosses the country to Applecross, before heading up the west coast, taking in Gairloch, Ullapool and Lochinver. Venturing along the most northerly points of mainland Scotland, holidaymakers will enjoy the delights of Caithness and John o’ Groats, before returning south to Inverness.

Jake Stone, UK country manager at GoBoony, told CaravanTimes: “A round trip is very satisfying, which is why I believe the NC500 is one which has attracted a lot of attention from motorhome holidaymakers this summer. It is full of scenery – something we are all wanting a change of recently – spots of interest and adventure.

“The route gives holidaymakers so much variety. From beautiful towns, stunning coastlines and mountain backdrops to local, fresh produce, wildlife and history as rich and exciting as the landscape itself. On top of this, it is one that can be done within a reasonable amount of time too.”

GoBoony found that those making motorhome bookings with the express purpose of exploring the NC500 were scheduling ten days with their leisure vehicle. This is significantly longer than the average motorhome reservation, which is 7.1 days.

While advice from VisitScotland states that the 516-mile route can be completed in five to seven days, it’s nice to take it at a leisurely pace. Many of those hiring motorhomes may well also be factoring the journey to Inverness into the equation too.

Holidaymakers craving freedom

Caravan and motorhome sites across the UK are expected to be in high demand this summer, as lockdown measures are eased. This will make booking ahead essential, as individuals, couples and families look to escape their local areas after months of travel restrictions.

Mr Stone added: “People are craving more freedom, normality, and the open road – something a motorhome trip gives in abundance. Motorhomes are a fantastic holiday choice for those individuals and parties seeking a UK adventure without being amongst the hustle and bustle.

“Naturally socially-distanced by design, motorhomes are an inventive and fun way for Brits to travel and explore safely. Very few alternatives offer holidaymakers the same modern style, home comforts and appliances without being restricted to one location.”

 

 

Image reproduced with kind permission from GoBoony

Nick’s News – A return to touring, pop-up sites and motorhome accessories

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My motorhome week

I’m writing this just at the point that campsites in England are re-opening (April 12th). And I’m lucky enough to have booked pitches at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Site at Burford, as well as one of its Certificated Locations – Wold’s End – for a bit of touring in the Cotswolds.

Fortunately, I’m in a Bailey Adamo 69-4 motorhome, which I’m testing for the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, so the ruling that sites can’t open their toilet block facilities isn’t going to be a particular issue.

It’s making me think though. I wonder if a possible future scenario is for campsites of a specific size – let’s say of 20 pitches or more, but that’s completely arbitrary – not to have any shared toilet and shower facilities at all. If it kept pitch prices down, there may be some merit for a network of sites offering minimal facilities that are also open to all-comers. I could see myself as a regular attendee. What do you think?

In the news

Popping up – Club sites

It seems the Caravan and Motorhome Club has beaten me to it as far as my comments above are concerned. Its announcement of two pop-up campsites – Beale Life Wildlife Park in Berkshire from July 26th to August 2nd, and Beaulieu Estate in the New Forest from July 2nd to 29th – are surely forerunners of what we can expect from many campsite operators as they attempt to meet the soaring demand from us staycationers.

Surely there will be more announcements along these lines. It’s also a reminder, if you need such a thing, that campsite pitches across the UK are booking up fast and supply is going to struggle to keep up with demand.

Hire an Auto-Trail here – or there

Manufacturer Auto-Trail has announced links with 27 companies offering its motorhomes for hire across the UK. It sounds like a great idea to me, because if you were thinking of buying a particular model it’s an ideal way to try it out before you take the plunge of purchasing.

It also means, if your heart was set on ordering a new Auto-Trail but have found stock simply isn’t going to be available in time – a situation that’s affected all manufacturers this year, for obvious Covid and Brexit reasons – you could still find yourself going away in an Auto-Trail for at least some sort of holiday.

Motorhome for me?

Sun Living V65SL – the cost of living?

Finding Adria’s Twin series van conversions a bit much? You can get back to basics with the same manufacturer’s Sun Living V models. Just as Auto-Trail has been blazing a, er, trail with its lower-priced Expeditions, so Adria has similar expectations for its Sun Living offerings.

Based on Fiat’s near-ubiquitous Ducato, the V65SL is the extra-long, 6.36m variant that offers not just a front lounge but also a rear twin-settee area – the latter could actually be left as a bedroom if required, with single beds or a double.

The only thing is, Adria can’t hammer down that price as much as we’d like. It starts at around £46,000, but there are a few options packs that will tempt you on towards the £50,000 hurdle – and I’d argue the £1,820 Pack 1’s cab air con, passenger air bag and cruise control make it an essential.

Three good: Adria build quality, rear seat/bed flexibility and smart pricing
Two bad: Price-creep options and sliding door is UK offside
Perfect for… full facilities in a van conversion, at a keener start price
Also consider: Auto-Trail Tribute Compact 680, Benivan 122, Roller Team Toleno L, Swift Select 184

Gadget envy

Multi-purpose shelters – the space savers?

As we emerge post-lockdown, we’re going to start wanting some items of kit previously never particularly thought of as essential, such as shelters, for example. They’re ideal for meeting other folk whilst still maintaining social distancing and keeping fresh air around you to a maximum. All this at the same time as offering some protection from the harsher elements.

Dometic’s £644 HUB is an inflatable activity shelter, which can stand alone or you can order an optional connection tunnel to link up to your campervan or SUV. Zip-in wall panels – featuring windows or mesh – and an annexe are also available at an extra cost if you want even more privacy or protection.

Another inflatable offering is the Outwell Air Shelter. Again, you simply pump it up for instant cover, with a choice of wall panels also optional. Prices start at around £350.

Meanwhile, Quest’s Screen House – available in two sizes and priced from around £250 – uses an integral extending frame system so it can be put up by one person in seconds. Its sides are mesh, but you can order additional panelling to complete your enclosure.

Jerba Campervans gets the seal of approval from VW

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A campervan converter company based in North Berwick has become the first firm in Scotland to gain official recognition from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Jerba Campervans is an employee-owned firm and has joined the ranks of just two other companies in the UK to be named a Motorhome Qualified Converter by the prestigious vehicle manufacturer.

In order to receive the qualification, a firm must demonstrate they meet a number of strict standards and obligations outlined by VW.

Nick Axtell, specialist sales manager at VW, explained the reason for creating the scheme was to highlight to their customers that quality control is at the heart of their operations.

Being able to confidently direct customers to campervan converters that have been qualified by the scheme extends the promises and obligations VW expects from its own workings.

Among the essential compliances customers can expect from a Motorhome Qualified Converter are added liability insurance, matched warranty and an approval from the National Caravan Council.

All of these elements help to give customers peace of mind when having a VW van converted into a campervan to suit their specific needs.

The scheme helps VW identify companies with strong ethics and an ethos in line with its own, contributing to the establishment of a long-term relationship between the two parties.

Mr Axtell said: “Out of all the companies we’ve dealt with, Jerba has been one of the best simply because of its expertise in our industry.”

Representatives from VW visited the Jerba factory in East Lothian numerous times before lockdown was put in place and have witnessed the firm’s dedication to customer care and knowledge of the vehicles firsthand.

Simon Poole, co-founder of Jerba Campervans, said: “This has been many years in the making, and we couldn’t be happier to finally achieve this qualification.

It means a great deal to us, not only by sharing it with our customers, but it is recognition for the team and the incredibly high standards they uphold each day.”

Jerba can now highlight its Motorhome Qualified Converter status by displaying the scheme’s logo on its website and in promotional material.

Embrace the sunshine with Adria’s new generation Coral

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There’s nothing better than adventuring in your motorhome during the summer months, soaking up the sunshine and falling asleep in comfort after long days outdoors.

If you’re looking for a new leisure vehicle to make the most of the summer, then Adria may have the perfect solution.

Its new generation Coral features a panoramic roof window, maximising light within the motorhome, giving you a bright, sunny interior on your travels.

While the three-berth motorhome, arranged in a two plus one configuration, prides itself on its contemporary living space, it’s the exclusive design SunRoof that really sets it apart.

Described by the manufacturer as offering “atrium-style living”, the SunRoof not only lets in light but also helps to ventilate the vehicle and offer a feeling of additional space.

Once the sun’s gone down, you can still use light to build ambience within the Coral, as it’s fitted with a new lighting system controlled entirely by you.

Build on this relaxed vibe with cool sounds emanating from hidden speakers throughout the vehicle.

The new generation Coral comes in Supreme and Plus versions, each with enough seating to accommodate four people.

A double floor means it’s single level throughout the motorhome, but 13cm of underfloor space allows for integrated utilities, insulation and extra storage all to be tucked away.

Adria started manufacturing motorhomes in the 1980s and has gone on to sell more than 100,000 units across the UK and Europe.

It continues to evolve and innovate, meaning a modern Adria motorhome is a state-of-the-art leisure that offers self-contained living on the road.

 

 

 

Image reproduced with kind permission from Adria

Nick’s News – The new Countryside Code, an update on a caravan classic and chemical innovations

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My caravan week

Hey, I’m after some advice. Like all of you, my lockdown time hasn’t been wasted and all kinds of holiday trips have not just been dreamed up but will hopefully actually happen. My summer touring should see me leaving my home in the West Country and visiting, in turn, Pembrokeshire in Wales, Scotland’s west coast and Northern Ireland.

It’s the latter I’m after advice on. We’re taking our dog on the Stena Line Cairnryan-Belfast crossing, because it’s the shortest, and we’re not sure whether to leave her in our vehicle or book an on-board kennel. She’s been on a ferry before and coped with being kennelled on a four-hour crossing, but I don’t think she found it completely enjoyable. Hence the shout out. I’d love to hear of anyone else’s experiences.

In the news

The countryside – new coded warnings

There’s a new version of the Countryside Code in town – but some folk aren’t happy. Despite exhortations to “be nice, say hello, share the space” and “enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory”, lots of folk are arguing the latest version isn’t going far enough – in terms of sticking to official footpaths, keeping dogs on leads near livestock and wild animals and warnings against the dangers of disposable barbecues, for example.

The original Countryside Code dates back to 1951, and as you can guess there have been quite a few changes since then. We spread a lot more litter, for starters. Common sense, really, but there’s no shortage of heartbreaking tales and images of devastation that show some folk really don’t care about our great outdoors.

Our government has enough on its hands at the moment without trying to promote things like Countryside Codes (official advertising budget £50,000; compare that with the £46million Get Ready for Brexit spend). So, you can find out more here. Personally, I’ve always liked the ‘leave only footprints, take only photographs’ mantra.

Caravan crush

Eriba Ocean Drive 530 – rhapsodising about the blue

I do love a little caravan. They’re fun and they’re not as impractical as you might presuppose. With roots back in the 1950s, Eriba’s Troll series has been around long enough to be a proper grown-up, with the latest Ocean Drive in blue and Rockabilly in red 530 variants keeping them bang on trend.

Thanks to Eriba’s unique aerodynamics and impeccable road manners, they’re an absolute doddle to tow. There’s top build quality here too. If there’s the two of you, you could leave the bed permanently made up and sit across from each other at the front. It’s not cheap, though. Bang in a few essential extras and you could find yourself going the wrong side of £29,000. Ouch!

Three good: Character, style, quality
Two bad: Expensive, living space is always going to be tight
Perfect for… Going retro and keeping it compact
Also Consider: Adria Action, Knaus Sport&Fun

Cleaning products for your caravan

Gadget envy

Opening up – be prepared

I’m writing this just before England’s campsites are due to open from April 12, but without toilet block facilities. So, if you’re heading off, make sure you’ve got a good supply of the right chemicals with you – for the toilet and beyond.

A couple of items I’m trying out for the first time on a post-Easter trip to the Cotswolds are from a company called Qualkem. Both are from its extensive 40shot range. Dish-n-Treat sounds rather unique in that you can use it as you would any washing-up liquid, but as it drains away it’s also designed to cleanse any pipework it passes through as well as the waste tank itself.

Loo-Tubes, meanwhile, are packs of “one-shot” solutions for chemical toilets – six 25ml doses for the cassette tank and two pink rinses for the flush. Just open them and use them as normal, but not only do you know you’re giving an exact dose each time, there’s none of the lingering smell you often get with larger containers of toilet chemicals. And less chance of any accidental spillages.

I’ve managed to grab myself a good sanitiser too. Steril-eeze differs from other sanitisers in that it’s alcohol-free, instead its vital ingredient is hypochlorous acid – as used in hospitals. It’s child-friendly, won’t irritate skin and can also extend beyond personal use. You can use it on fruit and veg, work surfaces and more.

VW unveils price for Caddy California and it’s more affordable than you’d think

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Volkswagen (VW) has announced the pricing for its new compact campervan ahead of the order books opening in late May and it could be yours for just £29,965.

The Caddy California will give owners the opportunity to head for the road at short notice with everything they need for a simple getaway.

That means a foldable bed, mini kitchen, flexible seating and clever storage to switch it up from everyday driving mode to comfortable camping with ease.

VW prides itself on having introduced the original iconic campervan to the world and has been building on this reputation ever since.

It says the Caddy California means there’s now “a touring model for every budget, every journey and every adventure”.

Based on the fifth-generation Caddy, which has won awards for its innovation, the California takes its place alongside the T6.1-based California and Crafter-based Grand California in VW’s camper line-up.

The foldable bed measures 1,980mm x 1,070mm and is constructed with cup springs within a high-quality mattress.

When it’s not in use it’s stored in the parcel shelf, folding down over the rear seats to create a comfortable sleeping area.

The Caddy California has seating for five people, but the second row of seats can be removed completely if it’s just the two of you.

Alternatively, a stand alone tail-tent is available as an accessory to increase the sleeping capacity of the camper for family use.

The retractable mini kitchen extends from the rear of the camper and features a single-burner cooker and integrated gas bottle.

There’s clever stowage compartments for cutlery and basic cookware, as well as camper chairs and a table for sitting out and enjoying your meal.

Air conditioning, power-adjustable wing mirrors and anti-theft alarm come as standard for extra comfort and peace of mind.

Camping and Caravanning Club announces opening date for 2 new campsites

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The Camping and Caravanning Club has announced the date that two hotly-anticipated new sites will open to the public.

Braithwaite Village Club Site, which is located within the Lake District National Park, and Sherwood Pines Camping in the Forest in Nottinghamshire will welcome guests from May 24th.

Of course, the date is subject to any government restrictions being lifted by then, but both sites are already accepting bookings.

Caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents will be seen across the site’s pitches, as everyone from families to backpackers are expected to enjoy the high-spec facilities.

The Braithwaite Village Club Site has undergone extensive refurbishment since it was previously known as Scotgate, but still enjoys views towards the Northern Fells.

It’s close to Whinlatter Forest and is perfectly located for exploring the mountain bike trails, walking routes and extensive children’s adventure playgrounds.

Sherwood Pines is a brand new campsite in partnership with Forestry England, where campers can enjoy a selection of walking trails and mountain bike routes direct from the site, as well as the Go Ape centre nearby.

Fresh air staycations are expected to be particularly popular this summer, as uncertainty around foreign travel continues.

Sabina Voysey, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “We are expecting a bumper year ahead and we’re looking forward to welcoming people back to our campsites when they re-open.

“Even in a really difficult year, we are especially proud to be opening two fantastic new campsites in tranquil locations that we know will be hugely popular for years to come.”

She went on to address reports that accommodation is being booked up fast, saying there’s still plenty of availability and no need for anyone to panic that they’re going to miss out on their caravan holiday this year.

Her top tips for enjoying a post-pandemic trip away include looking for destinations off the beaten track and closer to home.

What I learnt as a judge of the 2021 Caravan Design Awards Buyers’ Guide

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Like everything in the time of coronavirus, the 2021 Caravan Design Awards was different this year. Instead of systematically walking around the stands at the NEC’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, the judges had to assess each applicant remotely.

This was in no means an easy task, consisting of three weeks of intensive research into technical specifications, design innovations, use of space and usability reviews. The result was well worth it as the 2021 Caravan Design Awards Buyers’ Guide is essential reading for anyone looking to purchase a caravan, motorhome, campervan or van conversion in the near future.

Judging in the age of coronavirus

CaravanTimes’ very own Dan Cartwright was on the judging panel and we asked him for a little more insight into this year’s process and how it differed from previous years. After 12 years in the industry, Dan was given the privilege of being asked to be a judge and has carried out the role for three or four years.

He said that this year was very different to trailing round the NEC and scoring each of the vans in the flesh. It took a lot longer, because the leisure vehicles aren’t available, but each judge was still able to evaluate their areas of expertise, as well as the overall features. Each vehicle still got scored in exactly the same way, even if the process was different.

116 leisure vehicles to judge

The caravans, motorhomes and campervans scored by Dan and his fellow judges are all fairly new to the market and had been specifically put forward. They totalled 116 vehicles, ranging from two-berth campervans to six-plus berth motorhomes, demonstrating there really is something for everyone on the market.

Just because the judges couldn’t visit the vehicles in person, this doesn’t mean they didn’t go into in-depth detail for each and every model. They had manufacturer-specific information that can’t be found on websites, scrutinised handbooks and scoured all the available paperwork for each motorhome to do the level of research that most prospective buyers simply don’t have time for.

Dan summarised: “It’s an excellent resource for anyone who wants to buy a new motorhome, caravan, campervan or van conversion.”

Learnings from the 2021 Caravan Design Awards Buyers’ Guide

Something for everyone

Dan said: “The number of different entries and the different classes that are there is huge and what’s really obvious is that in each and every class, there’s something for someone. Not everybody holidays the same; not everybody takes the same stuff with them; not everyone spends time inside or outside of a motorhome in the same way as everybody else, so the level of variation in layouts is huge.”

For example, if you take four-berth coach-built motorhomes, there were 19 different entries. Some of them have two loungers; some of them have fixed beds; some of them have massive garages; some of them have double drop-down beds. It’s up to the individual buyer to decide what best suits them and make their purchase accordingly.

An influx of European motorhomes

Among the things Dan noticed this year as opposed to other years judging the Caravan Design Awards was the number of European motorhomes coming in. He said that this has broadened the scope for anyone looking to spend as much time outside as possible on their holidays . It’s also worth noting that the majority of those assessed were built to a UK standard and not converted from European into a UK van.

Dan reassured anyone looking to buy a European motorhome that Brexit would not be an impediment to this. He said that “by the time that you’re on a dealer forecourt all that has been taken care of”.

Not judged by price

The judges assessed the vehicles without knowing their price points, meaning the scoring was only moderated according to their price after all the vans had been judged. This allowed them to evaluate like for like regardless of cost. Dan highlighted that it’s usually the case that “the most expensive ones aren’t the best and the cheapest ones aren’t the worst”.

He said that what was really evident from the scoring was that it’s all about finding the right one for you. That means a caravan or motorhome that suits your lifestyle, as opposed to a preconceived idea about price or brand.

More information needs to be made publicly available

It became very apparent throughout the judging process that the caravan and motorhome industry needs to adapt to online shopping in the current climate. Dan pointed out that whether you use handbooks, logbooks or websites, there’s a lack of comprehensive information that will actually tell you important things like the size of the water tank and how many plug sockets a leisure vehicle has.

Dan said: “As we move into a Covid-style world and everyone’s doing more shopping online, you need to be able to get a full understanding of that motorhome or campervan from the literature that they have. Big companies don’t really have any excuse for not doing it and should provide more information online.”

 

Image of the Adria Alpina Colorado reproduced with kind permission from Adria

Henley caravan park to welcome guests back in time for 75th anniversary

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A caravan park in Henley-on-Thames will be able to welcome guests back just in time to celebrate its diamond anniversary.

Swiss Farm is a family business that was set up just after the Second World War when the current owner’s grandfather decided to invite visitors to camp in bell tents on the land he had been farming.

Now, seven and a half decades later, holidaymakers can choose to stay in static or touring caravans, motorhomes, cedar glamping cabins or shepherd’s huts, as well as pitching a tent.

The tranquil setting of Swiss Farm is surrounded by woodland and features a stunning lake, making it perfect for walks in the Oxfordshire countryside and bike rides with the family.

On-site facilities including the heated pool, bar and a farm shop stocked with locally-sourced produce have always proved popular, but the park has recently added some new outside areas.

The woodfired pizza kitchen and grill will no doubt be a hit with some of the younger visitors, while the covered cafe garden will offer more flexibility in a post-pandemic world.

Joseph Borlase, managing director at Swiss Farm, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming guests back to help us mark our diamond year and are pleased that they will once again be supporting other local businesses.

“It’s wonderful to have been part of this community for so many decades.”

He admitted that the last 12 months have been challenging for everyone in the holiday park industry, but was optimistic about the future of fresh air holidays in the UK.

Swiss Farm has had an influx of bookings since it announced plans to reopen in mid-April and it will once again be filled with the sound of holidaymakers enjoying the historic site.

The Big Little Tent Festival returns this Easter

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club invites you to join in the Big Little Tent Festival this Easter and you won’t be breaking any coronavirus rules.

Despite being an annual event, nothing could be more 2021 than pitching a tent in your own garden and hanging the bunting as if you were partying it up with others.

The Club highlights the advantages of camping at home as a great way to introduce newbies and younger members of the family to the experience.

It’s offering downloadable packs full of activities to help you get into the spirit and have fun without leaving home.

Participants can try their luck with one of the competitions associated with the Big Little Tent Festival, which could mean winning a variety of kit that would be useful for future camping adventures.

Brian Morgan, head of events and communications at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “As we can’t be out there exploring just yet, we’re bringing the great outdoors to you – from the comfort of your own home or garden with our Big Little Tent Festival!

“Camping is growing in popularity and we are expecting bumper numbers to holiday in their tents this summer.”

The highlight of the festival is bound to be the Zoom party, featuring The Mermaid Princess and the Friendly Neighbourhood Hero, where little ones can interact with others taking part in the event.

Set up camp for April 3rd and 4th if you’d like to take part in the Big Little Tent Festival and if you’re inspired to go further afield, the Caravan and Motorhome Club runs 80 tent camping sites at locations throughout the UK.

 

 

Image provided by Pexels/Vanessa Garcia

Nick’s News – A UK A-Class, a dealer special caravan and sitting comfortably

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhome, caravan and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

 

Campsite eAlerts – get yours now

If you’re reading this before the end of March, you could sign up for free alerts telling you of pitch availability on campsites throughout the UK. 

The Motorhome Holiday Company (www.motorhomeholidaycompany.com) – a hire specialist that also delivers a lot more – is offering weekly email updates until September to those who want to sign up for the service. 

Free if you subscribe before April, prices are also being pegged for the current season to a one-off payment of £9.99 after this date. 

It’s a neat idea, especially as there promises to be an unholy scramble for pitches as we emerge from our lockdown restrictions. 

It’s a UK-wide challenge that could be exacerbated even further if there are restrictions on travelling abroad. 

Don’t say you haven’t been warned…

Caravan Crush – More than just a dealer special classic!

I confess I’m a big fan of dealers’ special edition caravans – reworkings of standard manufacturers’ most popular models given an extra lift in terms of additional kit, graphics, upholsteries and more. 

Midlands-based dealer group Broad Lane Leisure has been in the special editions game longer than most – nearly 30 years, in fact. If I could pick one from what has become an extensive portfolio – with models made by Swift as well as Coachman – it would have to be the Fairway Platinum 580 – derived from Swift’s Challenger 580 (transverse island bed, rear washroom) but with extra kit totalling over £3,000 (alarm, Al-Ko ATC, dimmable lighting, door window and more).

Too much? There’s also the slightly less opulent Classic 580 variant. 

Three good Superior specification, Fairway pedigree (now with extra Platinum), hugely popular floor-plan 

Two bad Heavier than standard variant, not everyone wants loads of extra kit

Perfect for… adding a lot of extra luxury for not much more cash

Consider also Glossop Celebration 580, Kimberley Icon Trend T8, Wandahome Corniche 20/4

Motorhome for me?

Auto-Trail Grande Frontier G-70 – exploring new territories

Lucky me. Between lockdowns I was fortunate enough to have a look at what was then Auto-Trail’s A-class in the making – the first of three new models planned for the 2021 season. You probably don’t need telling either, they’re the only A-class motorhomes being produced by any mainstream UK manufacturer. 

All very neat at under 7m long, the G-70 is the smallest of the trio. It’s a two-berth as standard with a floor-plan that’s unique in the A-class sector: full-width rear washroom, large front lounge and – of course – a full-size pull-down double bed over the cab area.  

Three good Keenly priced, an instant attraction for Auto-Trail owners, British-favoured floor-plan

Two bad Low payload, availability could be an issue

Perfect for… trading up from a standard coach-built

Consider also Nothing!

Gadget envy 

Sitting comfortably? 

No doubt about it, there’s every chance we’ll all be doing more sitting around this season. So, now’s the perfect time to take stock of your outdoor seating and consider some comfier purchases. 

Vango’s (www.vango.co.uk) Radiate chairs have an added extra element to them… literally. It’s a layer of graphene that you hook up to a powerbank and, voila, a heated seat! Look out for Embrace, Tall, DLX and Grande DLX in the Radiate range – prices are all around the £100 mark – perfect if you want to take the chill off things when you’re sitting around outdoors. 

Quest’s Westfield Avantgarde range has been updated for 2021 – there’s a Relaxer, Recliner and even a Leg Rest option here now – all coming with a unique DuraDore 3D padded mesh fabric that’s particularly quick-drying. They’re all backed by a five-year warranty too.   

Then again, if you find camping chairs a bit too formal, how about hanging out in a hammock? I love the new Trace Hammock Set from Robens (www.robens.co.uk). It’s £40, uses recycled materials (for respectability along with that coolness), and comes complete with carabiners and slings so you can hook up (ha ha) wherever you like. 

Caravan holidays could return from April 12th

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By Emma Dodd

It’s the announcement we’ve all been waiting for from prime minister Boris Johnson, who yesterday (February 22nd) announced that caravan sites could reopen in England from April 12th.

Self-contained holiday accommodation falls under the second phase of lockdown lifting, with single households permitted to stay overnight in a caravan or motorhome with its own cooking and washing facilities.

The roadmap suggested that by June 21st, group holidays will be allowed, so you should be able to head off to your favourite campsite in a convoy with other households.

Four tests have been announced, which will be used to identify whether it’s safe for England to move on to the next stage of unlocking at each step of the way.

They are:

  • The vaccination rollout continues successfully
  • Jabs are reducing hospital admissions and deaths
  • Infection rates are not threatening an increase in hospitalisations
  • New variants of the virus haven’t changed the government’s assessment of the risks

Campsites, caravan sites and holiday parks have been closed since January 4th, when a lockdown was announced to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Since then, there has been much speculation about when staycations will be able to resume and many Brits have provisionally booked holidays in the UK to increase the chances of getting a break this year.

Demand is expected to be high for holidays at home this year, but it’s important that anyone securing a pitch at a caravan park checks the cancellation policy in case things change once again.

Among the destinations that are already experiencing a surge in bookings in the wake of the announcement is Cornwall.

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to announce more details about lifting restrictions north of the border when she holds a briefing later today.

It’s not yet clear what the Welsh government’s roadmap for easing restrictions will look like, as it is being cautious and does not want to raise hopes too soon only for them to be dashed.

Image credit: iStock/DEBOVE SOPHIE