Top Lodge Caravan Club Site wins Sites in Bloom contest

Posted February 28, 2011 by

Caravanners planning a visit to the Top Lodge Caravan Club Site in Lincolnshire will be in for something of a visual treat when they arrive at their pitch.

The park has just won first place in the Caravan Club’s Sites in Bloom awards, the results of which were announced at the 2011 Boat and Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC.

Site owners Steve and Jan Rosam were presented with the Alan Payne Trophy for their efforts in creative horticulture (pictured below).

The Caravan Club launched the awards in 2003 to reward parks whose floral arrangements keep their grounds looking attractive throughout the year.

Commenting on Top Lodge’s labours, Mr Rosam said: “We wanted to create a visual welcome for members and visitors arriving on site.

“So we came up with the idea of planting a wall of flowers around the reception area, as well as coordinated colour-filled troughs and other naturalised containers around the site.”

Runners up in the competition included Chapel Lane Caravan Club Site in Warwickshire and Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site on Bristol’s waterfront.

VIDEO: Bailey Orion review and interior tour

Posted February 25, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

Bailey’s newest Alu-Tech range was launched at the Boat & Caravan Show 2011 and Caravan Times was there to see the Bailey Orion series first hand. Read on as we take you through some of the dynamic new designs and to watch our full video feature.

Click here to see our video review of the Bailey Orion

The range comprises of four competitively priced entry level models, ranging from two to five berths. Looking at each caravan head on there are two noticeable differences that distinguish them out from other Alu-Tech models; a one-piece picture window frames the front end and there is no front gas locker. Gas bottles are instead accessed via a hatch which sits above the axle on the nearside, so what you lose in storage you then gain in better weight distribution.

As you move around each Orion model the ‘retro’ curved rear end comes into view. Bailey Caravans has been working in partnership with scientists from Bath University to improve the towing efficiency of the caravan, resulting in this striking new profile. The new curved shape helps reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency by up to ten per cent.

Three of the four models have spacious rear end washrooms, the 400/2, 430/4 and 440/4, and it is here the new curved line is most keenly felt. But despite the arch, they still contain full height walk-in showers. The triple bunk 450/5 is compact yet flexible with an L-shaped rear lounge which works well as a dedicated ‘kid’s room’.

Because there’s no front gas locker, more space has been created inside the cabin. And yet another space saving initiative has been introduced in the form of a floor mounted Whale blown air heating system – an innovation first used by lightweight rival Elddis Caravans in the Xplore 302.

Click below for a video tour of the new model range where Holly Tribe talks to Bailey’s sales director John Parker, and catches up with Jack Lewis and Molly Buckingham from Bath University who run us through the theory behind the new rear end shape.

Half term caravan holidays: Great places to take the kids

Posted February 25, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners with young children will know that keeping the kids entertained during a break away can be a tough task.

Fortunately, British Airways High Life magazine has offered some tips on the best places to take little ones for days out in the UK.

Writer Tessa Clayton named Alnwick Castle in Northumberland as a popular family attraction, pointing out that the landmark has featured in two of the Harry Potter films.

“Kids will also love trying their hand at archery and Knight’s Quest, which is the chance to dress up and take part in sword fighting, jousting and other challenges,” she remarked.

On the other side of the country, Manchester United’s football ground Old Trafford offers plenty of excitement for children, whether they are fans of the club or not.

“For most children the highlight is the chance to have their own Wayne Rooney moment and emerge from the tunnel to the roar of the crowd, even if it is made up of just mum and dad,” Ms Clayton said.

Other family attractions that made the list included the Jorvik Viking Centre in York, the National Space Centre in Leicester, Watergate Bay in Cornwall and the BeWILDerwood adventure park near Norwich.

Demand for caravan pitches hots up ahead of 2012 Olympics

Posted February 25, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners hoping to secure pitches close to the venues for the 2012 Olympic Games in London should perhaps act fast.

If the situation at one caravan park is anything to go by, there is likely to be strong demand for sites near London next summer.

According to the Windsor Express, the owner of the Amerden Caravan Park in Taplow said it is being inundated with enquiries about accommodation, even though it is not taking bookings for the 2012 summer season until January.

Much of the demand is coming from caravanners hoping to catch some of the action at nearby Dorney Lake, where the rowing and kayaking events will be held.

“We’ve already had 70 or so enquiries since it was first announced it would be at Dorney Lake,” said Beverley Hakesley. “We even had an enquiry from a group of about 60 Dutch supporters.”

Applications for tickets for the London 2012 Olympics are due to open on Tuesday March 15th until Tuesday April 26th.

Camping and Caravanning Club launches Big Pitch initiative

Posted February 25, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Camping and caravanning often go hand in hand, so keen caravanners might like to take part in a new initiative launched by the Camping and Caravanning Club.

The Big Pitch will take place on Saturday June 4th and will see families across the country get together to sleep under canvas.

Robert Louden, director general of the Camping and Caravanning Club, said he hopes the scheme will encourage more people to enjoy the great outdoors.

“Whether it’s in your garden or on one of the many campsites around the UK, get together with friends and family for a night under the stars and help put a smile on everyone’s faces,” he urged.

As part of the launch, the club is giving away 1,500 free nights at its camping and caravanning sites, including 500 at its Forest Holiday parks.

Both members and non-members can take part in the competition, which is open until May 6th. Winners will be issued with vouchers for selected sites and dates. For details of how to enter, click here.

Boat and Caravan 2011: Pictures, prices, and layouts of new Lunar Quasar and Lexon caravans

Posted February 24, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

Throughout the week we’ve been bringing Caravan Times readers all the latest industry developments from the 50th anniversary Boat & Caravan Show. In today’s round up we take a closer look at two new models from Lunar Caravans.

Champions of ‘lightweight luxury’, Lunar has added two new models to its 21-strong portfolio; the Lexon 550 and Quasar 464.

The firm has homed in on the family market, as Martin Henderson, sales and marketing director, explains: “With increasing fuel and tax prices, the benefits of touring in a lightweight family caravan have become more evident in terms of greater fuel economy and the choice of a smaller towcar.”

These two new models highlight our rigorous commitment to producing lightweight caravans that combine home-from-home comfort with practical and flexible living space.”

The four berth Quasar 464 and the five berth Lexon 550 both feature bunk beds and good levels of kit.

Lunar Lexon 550

The Lunar Lexon 550 gets a twin dinette, rear bunk configuration with a full length wardrobe and corner washroom toward the rear.

The living and sleeping areas are clearly defined, with bunks towards the rear opposite a farside washroom and an extra wide dinette is located opposite the kitchen area. The ‘Victoria’ upholstery scheme is in muted fawn and brown hues complimented by chestnut veneer furniture.

There’s high level of spec including domestic style doors, chrome bathroom fittings and LED lighting throughout.

All of this sits on a single axle and Lunar have managed to keep the MRO weight down to 1,290kg.

Price: £17,259
MTPLM: 1,460kg
Berth: 5
Axle: Single
Shipping length: 7.36m

Lunar Quasar 464

The Lunar Quasar 464 is a great example of Lunar’s lightweight legacy; the four berth layout weighs in with at MRO of just 1,091kg. The front end lounge is spacious and well set up for family living and there’s an additional back dinette which can be converted into twin bunks at the end of the day.

There’s a decent amount of workspace in the kitchen which comes with a four burner hob and, 112 litre fridge, microwave, oven and an attractive bronze enamel sink. The washroom is located opposite the kitchen on the offside and aluminium framed seating is finished in a light beige ‘Mazurka’ furnishing scheme.

Price: £14,259
MTPLM:1,240kg
Berth: 4
Axle: Single
Overall length: 6.25m

Using car batteries in place of leisure batteries ‘is a false economy’

Posted February 24, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

In these tough economic times, caravanners may be tempted to use a car battery in place of a dedicated caravan battery, but doing so could be a false economy.

As AdvancedBatterySupplies pointed out, car batteries and leisure batteries are designed for two distinctly different purposes.

Indeed, car batteries are designed to produce a large amount of power in a short space of time before they are recharged.

This means they will not hold their charge for long if used in place of a leisure battery, which is designed to store power and release it slowly over a longer period.

“Even though using a car battery may seem like a cheaper option, in the long run it will cost you more money to keep replacing the battery,” the company stated.

“It will also cost you your time, so using leisure batteries from the outset is a more convenient and effective long-term solution for powering your caravan.”

Harrogate’s charm ‘irresistible’ to those seeking caravan holiday

Posted February 24, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

The North Yorkshire town of Harrogate may have a lot to offer caravanners seeking a new and exciting destination to visit. A representative from the Harrogate Tourism Team said the classic spa town has an “irresistible” charm.

As well as “fabulous” shopping, a unique cafe culture and a reputation for style, it also boasts “glorious” gardens and “graceful” architecture.

The spokesperson urged visitors to experience some of the town’s spa heritage by enjoying a traditional therapy at the Turkish Baths.

Other attractions on offer for caravanners in Harrogate include the newly refurbished Royal Hall, the Royal Pump Room Museum and Ripley Castle.

The Yorkshire Dales are just a short drive away for those hoping to get out and about in the great outdoors.

There are numerous caravan and camping sites in the area, so touring caravan owners will have plenty of options when it comes to pitching up.

First slide-out caravan in Europe: the Inos from Fifth Wheel Company

Posted February 23, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

Last week we revealed the Fifth Wheel Company was preparing to launch its first ever ‘traditional’ touring caravan: the Fifth Wheel Inos. And we caught up with the firm at Boat and Caravan 2011 to find out more.

Using technology borrowed from its line of fifth wheel touring vehicles, the Inos features Europe’s first ever production line ‘van with a slide-out section.

For those of you unfamiliar with the North Welsh company’s portfolio, their signature slide-out design is a compartment built into the side of the trailer which is extended outwards to increase the internal floorspace, in the case of the Inos, by 3 metres square. Operated electronically (12v), the mid section slides out at the push of a button.

The name comes from an anglicised version of the Welsh word ‘Ty unnos’ – an old tradition which allowed any person who constructed a house on common land in a single night to lay claim to that land forever more.

As a specialist caravan manufacturer, operations director Adrian Parry-Jones remarked the firm is not competing with the mainstream caravan market, and is instead focused on developing its niche product portfolio: “There’s been a huge demand from customers in the UK for a caravan which features a slide-out.

“With our experience in manufacturing fifth wheel tourers we have been able to develop the technology to make a slide-out feature for the caravan market.”

So, what’s inside?

The Inos is one of the most spacious two berth caravans on the market today, and comes with a long list of quality fixtures and fittings including underfloor heating, acres of storage, an anti-snake trailer control system and a speed fit pressurised water system.

The main living area is set up well for entertaining with a bench sofa running along the width of the rear end with a second U-shaped seating area set into the slide-out section opposite a well kitted out kitchen (pictured).

As you move through the cabin, along the corridor to the bedroom there are two doors on either side. One houses a spacious WC and the other contains a separate washroom with full shower cubicle. The bedroom features a double island bed with steps leading up to the headboard on either side.

Due to the heavy towing weights of the Inos, the firm has been working in conjunction with experienced European chassis manufacturers BPW, who are well versed in building chassis for larger commercial vehicles utilising their exceptional heavy braking expertise. As such, these caravan are designed to be towed behind substantial 4×4 towcars such as Range Rovers and Nissan Pathfinders.

Check back soon for our walk through video feature and commentary from the Fifth Wheel Co.’s technical manager.

Tech spec:

Price: from £36,000
MTPLM: 2,700kg
Payload: 500kg
Berth: 2
Axle: twin
Overall width: 2.3m
Width of slide-out: 2.9m

There’s an extensive list of optional extras including leather upholstery upgrade at £1400, and black out windows for £600. For a full list of cost options, head to the Fifth Wheel Company website.

Camping and Caravanning Club join forces with Boat and Caravan Show in new partnership

Posted February 23, 2011 by

by Marcus Dubois

The organisers of Boat and Caravan Show today announced a new agreement which sees the Camping and Caravanning Club become official event partners for the next three years.

The organisation known as the “Friendly Club” boasts a membership of over half a million campers and caravanners, and has been a champion of outdoor pursuits for over a century.

The agreement is for three years and covers 2012, 2013 and 2014. The announcement follows the recent news of Boat and Caravan Show renewing its tenancy agreement with the NEC Birmingham for both the 2012 and 2013 editions of the show.

“A significant initiative”

Caravan Times caught up with Exhibition Director Andy Gibb yesterday at the NEC in Birmingham on the eve of the announcement. And as Boat and Caravan celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, he hailed the “significant initiative at a particularly exciting time for the show”.

Commenting on the relationship, he said “This sees us joining forces with an industry partner that shares our desire to bring to life the Great British Outdoors to the British public.”

“We are convinced that the coming together of our two organisations, and putting visitors and the visitor experience at the heart of the event will provide the ideal environment to drive sales for all exhibitors who see The NEC as the natural and ideal venue for the UK’s largest outdoor leisure show.”

“Something for everyone”

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Marketing & Communications Director Matthew Eastlake spoke enthusiastically on the agreement: “The Boat & Caravan Show, together with the new Outdoor Leisure Show promotes outdoor pursuits at a time when many people are considering their choice of holidays for the year ahead, often based on fulfilling a hobby such as walking, cycling or sailing.

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Marketing & Communications Director Matthew Eastlake said: “The Boat & Caravan Show, together with the new Outdoor Leisure Show promotes outdoor pursuits at a time when many people are considering their choice of holidays for the year ahead, often based on fulfilling a hobby such as walking, cycling or sailing.

“The Camping and Caravanning Club takes pride in being able to offer everyone a wide range of outdoor holiday options from tent camping to caravan holiday home and lodge holidays both in the UK and worldwide.

“The Club is the natural partner for the largest outdoor leisure show in the UK as it offers something for everyone, from families looking towards their first camping adventure to the seasoned caravanner who might be looking to tour Europe or further afield.”

Boat and Caravan 2011 is currently taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from 21-26 February. For tickets and information click here.

National Caravan Council ‘quietly optimistic’ about 2011

Posted February 23, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Those involved in the caravan industry will face fierce competition this year for consumers’ money, according to the National Caravan Council.

With domestic tourism hotting up, there is “enormous competition for the tourist pound”, which means the industry will have to keep investing in infrastructure, services, websites and marketing, Alicia Dunne, deputy director general of the organisation, noted.

“While holiday bookings at parks are anticipated to be slightly up on last year, caution remains the watchword – but the opportunities for growth throughout the industry remain firmly in place,” she explained.

“Caravanners and would-be caravanners were [out in force] at the recent industry shows in Manchester and Glasgow and while business was good the consumer is certainly looking for deals.”

Ms Dunne added that the council is “quietly optimistic” about what 2011 has in store for the caravan industry.

Her remarks come ahead of a number of important events happening in Britain this year, including the Royal wedding in April and summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

Bailey Orion: pictures, prices & layouts

Posted February 21, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

Introducing the new entry level range from Bailey Caravans. The Bailey Orion is the newest addition to Bailey’s Alu-Tech family, bringing the total number of ranges built using this unique bodyshell construction system to four.

Click here to see a video interview and interior tour of the Bailey Orion

The Orion series is a departure from the existing Alu-Tech ranges with a curved rear end which creates a distinctive and aerodynamic profile. And, unlike its siblings the Olympus, Pegasus and Unicorn, the aluminium shell is coated with a GRP skin for added durability.

Inside we get the familiar ‘walnut’ veneer furnishings featured in both the Unicorn and newly released Pegasus Series II, complimented by a light, bright furnishing scheme with red accent scatter cushions.

From the outside, compact-looking exteriors belie the sense of space created in four well conceived layouts. See the below gallery for interior and exterior pictures of the new Bailey Orion series.

Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Bailey Orion 400/2
There’s a spacious front lounge, offside kitchen and a large rear end washroom make this a good option for couples.

Price: £11,995
MTPLM: 1,076kg
MRO: 959kg
Axle: single
Berth: 2
Overall width: 2.19
Internal height: 1.96m

Bailey Orion 430/4

The lighter of the two 4-berth caravans has a front end lounge, far side mid galley kitchen with a fixed double bed towards the rear and a full end washroom running the width of the caravan.

Price: £12,995
MTPLM: 1,247kg
MRO: 1,100kg
Axle: single
Berth: 4
Overall width: 2.19
Internal height: 1.96m

Bailey Orion 440/4

Flexible sleeping arrangements provide a combination of two double beds or one double and two singles with the same rear end washroom configuration seen in the 430-4.

Price: £12,995
MTPLM: 1,249kg
MRO: 1,102kg
Axle: single
Berth: 4
Overall width: 2.19
Internal height: 1.96m

Bailey Orion 450/5

A great layout for young families, there’s a dedicated kid’s room to the rear with triple bunks and an L-shaped diner separated from the front lounge/ sleeping area by a compact offside washroom and nearside kitchen.