Bailey Orion: new entry-level tourer revealed at Boat & Caravan 2011

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans revealed today a new range of entry-level tourers at Boat and Caravan 2011 called the Bailey Orion. Caravan Times was the first to reveal details of the new range in January, and joined Bailey today at the official launch in Birmingham.

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

The Orion is the fourth range from Bailey to be built on the pioneering Alu-Tech construction platform first seen in the Pegasus in 2009. It is also the most affordable Bailey caravan range with a competitive price tag.

Bailey is pitching this model at a wide range of customers including outdoor adventurers, families and young couples starting out in caravanning. The Orion replaces the Ranger series in what Bailey now terms its “classic construction” portfolio.

Four layouts are available from launch, from a two-berth model to family-friendly caravans with flexible spaces.

What’s new on the outside

Externally the Bailey Orion appears strikingly different from the other models in Bailey’s Alu-Tech range. During the development of the Orion Bailey teamed up with scientists at the University of Bath to look at ways of reducing drag and weight in the caravan. As a result the side exterior shape is almost symmetrical, with a significantly curved rear. Bailey are claiming that this model is now 10% more fuel efficient as a result.

In order to make room inside for Bailey’s most popular layouts, the standard gas locker at the front of the caravan has been centrally mounted. This affords more space but also helps stabilise the caravan.

Buyers often speak of the need for lighter weight in caravans, and the Orion here doesn’t disappoint. Both the two family-friendly layouts, the Orion 440-4 and 450-5 are able to be towed by family cars such as the Ford C-Max and Citroen Picasso.

What’s new on the inside

Bailey has taken great steps to ensure its most popular layouts are available with the Orion. End washrooms are available with impressive interior space, while all models feature well appointed kitchens. In particular the Orion features the same 800w microwave as the luxury Unicorn, while a 107-litre Thetford fridge means families will not be disappointed.

Red is the key accent colour in a warm interior which features walnut wood veneers. LEd downlights allow light to flood the interior, and create a modern yet familiar feel to the inside.

Look out for our feature review of the Bailey Orion later this week – and coming soon, the first video review of the Orion.

What do you think of the new Bailey Orion? Click here to have your say in our forum topic



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COMMENT: Why the Bailey Orion could be a caravan for our times

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by Marcus Dubois

In an interview with Caravan Times this month Bailey Caravans recently confirmed they will be launching an entry-level tourer in February – the Bailey Orion. Having revamped its entire caravan offering over a two year period, the Bristol manufacturer is now completing the Alu-Tech range with a budget caravan.

Bailey appear to have adopted a strategy similar to volume car manufacturers in launching the more lavishly appointed models first, perhaps to whip up consumer demand and set the standard for Alu-Tech. Yet as it happens, the timing of the Orion’s release is apt considering our economic times.

The Age of Austerity.

What was once a warning made years ago by the (then) Leader of the Opposition has now become an oft-used phrase by newspaper editors. The Age of Austerity looks set to continue well into 2011, and here at Caravan Times we have already heard from members concerned about how rising fuel costs could stop them caravanning as much.

One obvious way of combating the rise in motoring costs is to move towards lighter vehicle weight and greater fuel efficiency. And from our sneak peek at the Bailey Orion we can confirm that the Bristol manufacturer has made significant strides towards a streamlined design with less drag co-efficient.

As well as making the caravan easier to tow with a wider range of vehicles, it will undoubtedly lead to lower costs at the pumps.

Family holidays on a tighter budget

Getting away with the family is likely to prove more expensive than ever in 2011. Higher worldwide demand as well as an unstable political climate in oil producing regions has led to higher prices in aviation fuel. Factor in the occasional spectre of industrial action and staying at home has never looked more inviting.

For families who like to take regular trips around the UK a spacious and well priced caravan could prove an investment. Bailey is almost certainly banking on this with the release of the Orion. For those used to buying their car from new and considering a caravan for the first time, it could prove to be a natural choice for the times we find ourselves in.

Exciting new launches at the Boat & Caravan Show 2011

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by Holly Tribe

The Boat & Caravan Show is celebrating its half centenary this year with a whole host of exciting attractions, exhibits and launches at Birmingham’s NEC.

All the latest releases from the caravan, motorome and boating industries will be on show, along with representatives from tourist boards and holiday parks for some destination inspiration. If you’re new to touring, why not book in for a ‘try-a-towing-session’ with The Caravan Club, and get a supervised masterclass in how to manoeuvre an outfit safely?

Year of the family friendly layout

In terms of caravans, 2011 is quickly shaping up to be the year of the family friendly tourer. Elddis Caravans will be displaying its new layout, the Xplore 304, and Lunar Caravans will also be there unveiling two new family focussed models.

Yet perhaps the biggest caravan launch at the show this year comes from Bailey Caravans who are set to unveil a brand new entry level Alu-Tech range, the Bailey Orion.

All these caravans and many more will be on display in the Caravan Hall (Hall 5).

Celebrity demonstrations

Renowned TV chef James Martin will be in the Rangemaster Cookery Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday dishing up some culinary treats, and gardening enthusiasts can visit the Gardening Showcase to pick up some top tips from ‘Britain’s most flamboyant garden showman’, David Donnelly and his team of experts.

If you’re attending the show on Saturday why not catch former Changing Rooms star Anna Ryder Richardson unveiling the industry’s ‘greenest holiday home’ on the Haven Holidays stand.

The event will run from 22 – 27 of February 2011, and visitors attending the show on Friday, Saturday or Sunday will also benefit from a free pass into the ‘Outdoor Leisure Show’ held in Hall 9.

Caravan Times will be covering events from the show with our video crew so keep an eye out and come and say hello if you spot us. But if you can’t make it down, don’t worry! We’ll be bringing you regular updates throughout the week covering all the latest releases right here on Caravan Times.

Click here for a full list of exhibitors, tickets and venue information.

Caravan Times to reveal first pictures of Bailey Orion on Monday 21 February

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by Marcus Dubois and Holly Tribe

Bailey Caravans is launching their new entry-level caravan range the Bailey Orion on Monday 21st February, prior to the opening of this year’s Boat & Caravan Show.

With anticipation growing by the day for Bailey’s newest offering, Caravan Times has been sworn to secrecy until the launch date. Yet we’ve already had had a sneaky preview of the baby Alu Tech range from Bailey Caravans. And first impressions indicate the caravan will prove a formidable replacement for the classic Ranger series.

Contemporary styling and well considered layouts are sure to make the Orion series a popular option with families looking for a solid entry level caravan.

On Monday 21st February at 3pm we’ll bring you the first full photos of these brand new caravans, along with floorplans and specification details.

And later in the week you’ll be able to watch our video feature, where key members of Bailey’s team will talk us through the new features and design process.

Browse to CaravanTimes.co.uk on Monday for the first opportunity to see what the Bristol manufacturer has up its sleeve with the new Bailey Orion.

Ever dreamt of creating your ideal caravan?

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by Holly Tribe

What would you do if you had the opportunity to completely re-design your caravan’s interior? Add a couple of inches to the washroom here, create some extra storage space under the beds there?

Well, Caravan Times reader Pamela Barnett bravely bit the bullet and embarked on a mammoth three month overhaul of a 1983 Cosalt Piper caravan, completing a project which many of us only ever talk about starting.

As she raced against time to get the gutted shell ready for its maiden voyage to the Edinburgh fringe festival, Pam takes us through the highs and lows of transforming a tired old caravan into a rustic chic palace on wheels.

Where it all began.

Finding it increasingly difficult to pitch the canopy of her trusty trailer tent, Pam finally made the decision to trade it in for a 1983 Cosalt Piper in May last year.

“After selling the Pathfinder trailer tent I decided a small caravan was more practical. The trailer tent was brilliant, a small bathroom and all you need in a kitchen. It really was the “bees knees”, but with suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis it was getting to be one hell of a problem erecting the canopy. So off ‘Elsie’ went and in came the 1983 Colsalt Piper.”

Despite never owning a touring caravan before, Pam decided to launch herself into the lifestyle and purchased her new home-from-home on ebay for the very reasonable sum of £600.

Gutted.

Given its age the van was structurally sound, but on closer inspection there were clear signs of damp in the corner of the bathroom. Determined to make the most of her new hobby, Pam began to strip away the rotten wood and replace old for new. One thing led to another, and before she knew it Pam had completely gutted the whole interior. “I didn’t really intent to totally strip it out but that’s what happened and looking back I really don’t know how I did it, but I did! Necessity is the mother of all invention,” she admitted.

“I tried to use as much reclaimed wood etc as I could. My head was never out of any skip I happened to come across! ”

Pam’s exploits soon inspired a sense caravanning bonhomie within her local community. As her neighbours got wind of the project they began to drop by with bits of wood for the furniture and polystyrene sheets for insulation. Not one to shy away from the hard labour that renovating a caravan demands Pam borrowed tools from friends and family to complete the refit. The only element she quite sensibly left to the professionals was the electrics, but even this was carried out by her best friend’s brother, a trained electrician…

To continue reading this story and see photos of the finished product, click here

Half-term caravan holidays: South East

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by Gemma Roskell

The south-east of England has been hailed as an ideal spot for caravanning holidays by the area’s tourism body.

Fran Downton, marketing and communications manager at Tourism South East, said many of the best caravanning and touring sites are located in the region.

She insisted that the area boasts some “stunning scenery” and offers a wide range of activities, including guided walks and biking tours.

“From stunning countryside to outstanding coastlines, the south-east is one of the richest parts of the country for a day out, short break or holiday,” she remarked.

“Discover the south’s ancient past, explore the region’s literary connections or get the blood pumping with an activity based pursuit.”

Some of the south-east’s biggest family tourist attractions include Legoland in Berkshire, Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey and Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent.

There are also numerous cultural attractions, such as Windsor Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Blenheim Palace and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Camping & Caravanning Club site bookings up 20%

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by Gemma Roskell

Long-time caravan enthusiasts have known the benefits of touring holidays for years, but now it seems that many more people are catching on.

According to John Dale, publicity manager at the Camping and Caravanning Club, caravan breaks are becoming “extremely popular” among UK families.

He pointed out that club site bookings are already up by around 20 per cent this year compared to last year.

“It seems as though a lot of people are looking for a caravan holiday rather than travelling abroad,” he remarked.

The rising cost of aviation and the widespread disruption to flights in 2010 may have something to do with the trend.

However, Mr Dale also cited the “indifferent” weather abroad and the poor rates of exchange as other factors encouraging families to consider caravanning holidays in the UK over foreign trips.

Last week, Alicia Dunne, deputy director general of the National Caravan Council, also identified a growing trend for UK caravan breaks.

She said caravanning has become a particularly popular holiday choice for older people and those with children.

Anna Ryder Richardson to unveil industry’s ‘greenest ever’ caravan

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by Holly Tribe

Celebrity interior designer and eco-campaigner Anna Ryder Richardson is getting ready to unveil the caravan industry’s greenest ever holiday home.

Haven Holidays has commissioned a leading holiday home manufacturer, Willerby Holiday Homes, to design a new thermally efficient static caravan named ‘The Vision’. From the outside, it is similar to the company’s 50,000 strong fleet of static caravans, but on the inside, its creators have used a range of thermally efficient building materials resulting in a 45% decrease in gas and electricity running costs at huge benefit to the environment.

Peter White, sales and marketing director of Willerby explained ‘the insulation, including walls, ceilings and floors, provides similar layers of protection as bricks and mortar, taking the holiday home industry to a new level. ‘The Vision’ also includes double-glazing, 100% energy efficient lighting and water saving devices throughout.’

Stephen Twiss of Haven Holidays has been leading the project and explained the environmental benefits of holidaying closer to home.

“Owning a caravan on one of our parks is in itself a commitment to a sustainable holiday choice. We are confident that both new and existing Owners will opt for the advanced eco-benefits of ‘The Vision’, saving costs and further minimising their impact on the environment.’

Former star of Changing Rooms Anna will be officially unveiling the new holiday home at the Boat & Caravan Show on Saturday 26th February. She now runs a conservation-led zoo and is a passionate campaigner for environmental issues.

Highlighting the need to provide domestic holidaymakers with sustainable and eco-friendly vacation alternatives she commented; “Holidaying in the UK is not only fun but it’s also better for our carbon footprint. I love the idea of taking this one step further by buying a caravan that has such low impact on the environment.’

Catch Anna unveiling ‘the Vision’ on Stand 3215 at the Boat & Caravan Show on Saturday 26th February at Birmingham’s NEC.

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Half-term caravan holidays: York

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning their next breaks may find that York has plenty to offer, particularly for active families.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York, said the ancient walled city is a “vibrant” and “exciting” place with an “unrivalled historic backdrop”.

She pointed out that York has a variety of “world class” visitor attractions such as the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum.

It is also home to numerous independent stores and high quality restaurants for those who simply enjoying browsing the shops and trying out local foods.

There are several caravan parks near York where families can pitch up for a weekend or longer.

For example, the Naburn Lock Caravan and Camping Park is just four miles from the centre of the city, while the Beechwood Grange Caravan Club Site just a five-minute drive from the nearest park-and-ride facility.

Other top York attractions include the famous York Minster, the York Dungeons and the medieval street commonly known as the Shambles.

National Caravan Council: why caravanning is attractive to families and `grey tourists`

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanning has become a particularly popular holiday option for families and older people, according to the National Caravan Council.

Alicia Dunne, deputy director general of the organisation, said the staycation trend has definitely added to the appeal of caravan breaks in recent years.

She said UK holidays look to remain popular for the third year in a row as travellers shun air travel disruption and expensive foreign exchange rates.

“The value that caravanning can offer is definitely attractive to both the family market and the ‘grey tourist’ in difficult economic times,” Ms Dunne
remarked.

She pointed out that increased costs, strikes and cancellations have put many families off flying.

Meanwhile, the pound is still comparatively week against the euro, while the overall cost of holidaying on the continent has risen.

“This all makes holidaying in the UK a more attractive option, especially for short breaks,” Ms Dunne insisted.
And she said that the facilities many UK caravan parks now offer enable families to enjoy a lot of the same activities they would abroad.

“Many parks have made their short-break offer more attractive, with themed breaks, top class entertainment and a range of activities for all that are not fair weather dependent,” she stated.

Winchcombe: the ideal caravan site for Cheltenham Gold Cup celebrations

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning a day at the races during the Cheltenham Gold Cup Festival are being invited to stay at one of the Camping and Caravanning Club’s sites.

Winchcombe is just a 20-minute drive from Cheltenham racecourse and is home to 96 quality camping and caravanning pitches.

Cheltenham 2011 will be taking place from March 15th to 18th, with the Centenary Day taking place first, followed by Ladies Day, St Patrick’s Day and Gold Cup Day, so there will be plenty for everyone to enjoy.

As the Camping and Caravanning Club pointed out, Winchcombe is ideally situated just nine miles from the centre of the horse racing action.

And with the 2011 festival being the event’s 100th year, it is sure to be a popular one, so caravan owners are advised to book their pitches soon.

Mike Nicholas, a spokesman for the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “Winchcombe is in a great area for exploration, and the Gold Cup is one of many activities you can enjoy during your stay. We look forward to welcoming you.”

Towcar insurance reminder for caravanners

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners who keep a separate car for towing should be mindful of a new law being rolled out this spring.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is reminding motorists that soon they will have to keep their car insured at all times.

Only those who have notified the body that their vehicle is being kept off the road will be exempt from having to pay for insurance.

This means those who at present only insure their vehicle when they intend to drive it, such as during caravanning holidays, will have to secure insurance all year round, unless they make a statutory off road notification.

The aim of the new law is to crack down on uninsured motorists who, according to the DVLA, add around £30 to the average honest driver’s insurance premium.

Neil Drane, a spokesman for the Motor Insurers Bureau, said: “The change in law is a stepping up of enforcement activity, so that not only those vehicles driven without insurance will be caught.

“Now the registered keeper must make sure that their vehicle is insured all the time. And if it is, then they need not be concerned.”