Caravan Club reveals the top four picnic spots in the UK

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by Chris Jefferies

As caravan owners start to plan their summer getaway, the Caravan Club has offered some help by publishing its list of the top four picnic spots in the UK.

Those heading to Brighton for a south coast caravan break this summer are advised to visit the nearby picnic spot of Devil’s Dyke, which features the great walking and cycling paths of the South Downs.

If you’re planning on travelling further north, then the Caravan Club claims that Sizergh Castle and Garden in Cumbria is an “ideal location”, with views of Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Hills as well as the spacious 1,600-acre grounds.

Just across the Pennines, Padley Gorge in Derbyshire has also been highlighted as an ideal spot for a paddle in a stream before your picnic, while nature lovers will enjoy the shade provided by the oak and birch trees in this area.

The final choice is Verulamium Park in St Albans, which offers plenty of open space for the youngsters to have a kick around or throw a Frisbee, while enjoying some fresh air.

Park Resorts opens two new sites

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Caravan and holiday site operator Park Resorts has opened two new facilities to holidaymakers.

The Southview Leisure Park in the popular Lincolnshire destination of Skegness features a grand hotel, nine-hole golf course and a lake.

Guests can also make use of the landscaped gardens, large restaurant and sports bar.

Meanwhile, Manor Park in Norfolk’s Hunstanton is set to be a great choice for families due to its handy facilities.

Its heated outdoor pool and close proximity to the beach mean the site will be ideal for those who enjoy a splash or a swim.

A scenic lake adds to the relaxed surroundings, while both new resorts feature entertainment from the Park Resorts’ Teamstars.

Meanwhile, the company recently reported that more than 2.7 million families will take a “greycation” – where three generations take a joint holiday in the UK – this year.

According to the firm, this is a great way to save money and boost the bond between family members.

Take the caravan to the beach this summer

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Brits planning a caravan trip this year should be spoilt for choice by the number of award-winning beaches on offer in England, it has been claimed. Anti-litter charity Keep Britain Tidy recently awarded 150 UK beaches with gongs for their high-quality facilities and environment.

Top of the list are the resorts of Torbay in Devon and the Isle of Wight which received 14 awards each for the cleanliness of beaches in the survey. The awards included recognition for the clean bathing water at the facilities. Both Torbay and the Isle of Wight are often cited as popular caravan holiday destinations.

VisitEngland believes that the popularity of the staycation is set to continue into 2010 and said that those who choose to holiday at home will not be disappointed.

Chief executive James Berresford said that England has some of the best beaches in the world and draw visitors from both home and abroad.

He explained that coastal towns are responsible for a quarter of the holidays taken in the UK and a third of visitor spend, making them important assets to the industry.

“Last summer trips to the seaside were up 24 per cent and it’s not surprising when you have fantastic new attractions and facilities on offer like the new surf reef in Bournemouth,” Mr Berresford added.

Destination Viaduc: restoring a classic Volkswagen campervan (Part Two)

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Last week we traced the first steps of petrolhead Simon Thompson’s quest to restore his classic 1967 VW split screen. After four months of hard graft Simon achieved what had seemed impossible – to complete a full interior restoration in time for the van’s maiden voyage to the heart of France. In this second part we follow the couple as they head across the Channel.

Words and pictures by Simon Thompson

The journey begins

The hours of poring over maps and routes had finally come to an end, and my wife Louise, small bump and I set off from Guildford on Saturday 23rd of August at 9am. Accompanied by Doris (the satellite navigation device belonging to Louise’s parents) we headed for Dover in our trusty VW campervan, with only 92,681 miles on the clock. That mileage was at the forefront of our minds as we set off towards Dover, and thankfully we reached it with ease. It was a great relief, as frankly it would have been very embarrassing if we never made it across the channel!

While waiting in Dover for the ferry on a gorgeous sunny day, our Volkswagen created a lot of interest from passers by. All eager to peer inside the camper and ask questions as Louise and I relaxed in the back with food and drink and the fresh aroma of new leather. Amongst the interested spectators were four Americans who stopped to warmly appreciate the work put in. As we got chatting it turned out they were a US rock band called ‘Ruth’ on tour in Europe. Bonding with a vehicle which was once the choice of 60’s surf rockers, they gave us a signed copy of their latest album before we set sail towards Calais.

Champagne and camping

Once we reached Calais the next few days were mapped out to make maximum progress using toll roads. Rather than take a scenic route and risk the health of our untested camper, we decided to reach the Millau viaduct as quickly as possible. First stop was Reims, the home of champagne.

The gentle rolling hills proved the perfect nursery for our baby, featuring only one toll road which cost twenty euros. Our first problem on the journey appeared as it got dark. My wife realised that I had put the new headlights on upside down and the wrong way around. It was originally done to make them Euro compliant, yet they were fine under their original deployment – so off came the temporary tape!

The long and winding road

The next day was a Sunday and saw us head further south on some very windy roads. Our destination was Magny Cours, the historic Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit and on this day home to some motorcycle racing. A lovely run through winding roads saw our little van get plenty of ‘thumbs up’, smiles and tooting from passers by. The plucky camper managed to craw up some immense long hills, at times reaching peaks over 1100 meters. Yet the magnificent views were ours to enjoy.

The first night

The day came to an end in a little town called Sazeret, where we located a recommended camping site called ‘Le Petite Vallette’. There we settled, cooking our prize of super noodles on the stove for dinner, and the promise of sleeping inside the camper for the first time.

It wasn’t very comfortable – with my wife five months pregnant, I had to be gallant and settle for a third of the bed space. We settled down easily enough, and them something magical happened. The heavens opened overnight and the huge downpour made us feel well protected inside our sturdy VW campervan. After the rain storm we awoke to a lovely and fresh Monday morning, and we left as soon as I could get Louise out of bed…which was about 9:30am. And with nothing to pack away, and the country in front of us, we set off with hope for the final leg of our journey to the Viaduc.

Simon Thompson.

Enjoyed the second part of the story? If you’re a fan or owner of VW campervans you can join our Volkswagen Enthusiasts group here.

Devon packed with attractions

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Caravan enthusiasts have been encouraged to check out all that Devon has to offer.

According to holiday operator Parkdean, people often forget about the area’s fantastic attractions and tend to see it as a region famous for its beautiful vistas and beaches.

While Devon is a great place to enjoy a scenic bike ride or play in the surf, it also has a range of other things to do that should interest all the family.

Parkdean recommends visiting the Babbacombe Model Village, where even small children will feel like giants.

The more intrepid could head to Crealy Adventure park, which has just opened Vortex – “the biggest, newest and most terrifying ride in the south-west of England”.

Parkdean operates three sites in the area, with each offering accommodation, free entertainment and excellent facilities.

It suggested that families come and check out Ruda Holiday Park in Croyde Bay, Challaborough Bay Holiday Park in south Devon or Torquay Holiday Park for a great vacation.

Park Holidays UK ideal for golf fans

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British caravan site operator Park Holidays UK has pointed out how its sites are perfect for those who love golf.

The company, which runs a total of 25 parks, noted that each of its facilities provides access to courses.

Mark Twain may have described the game as “a good walk spoiled”, but golf is one of the world’s favourite sporting pastimes, according to Park Holidays UK.

“For those that enjoy this most simple-looking (yet endlessly complex) of leisure activities, Park Holidays UK offers a fantastic and diverse range of golf courses close to our 25 holiday parks,” the firm said.

It offers a number of special deals for its customers and lets guests play anything from pitch ‘n’ putt to a full 18 holes.

Each of its parks has links with local golf courses and those staying at Dawlish Warren can currently take advantage of an offer that enables them to play five rounds at the Warren Golf Club over the space of a fortnight for just £100.

Meanwhile, the company recently noted how its parks were perfect bases for those wishing to enjoy time in the great outdoors.

Haven to teach rock stars of the future

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Caravan enthusiasts taking their families to a Haven Holidays site will soon be able to have their children schooled in the art of performance.

The company has joined forces with West End star Paul Nicholas, who is to set up a special initiative for kids.

The Paul Nicholas School Of Rock And Pop will allow youngsters to pick up a guitar, bass, drums and microphone and show off their musical talents.

It is a follow-up to the star’s School Of Acting And Performing Arts, which was set up to encourage youngsters to indulge their creative side.

He said the equipment will allow kids to try instruments when they might not otherwise have had the opportunity.

“Some of the equipment for a rock band is very expensive such as drum kits and electric guitars,” Mr Nicholas explained.

The singer added that some may even be inspired to continue with their music education after their holiday.

Meanwhile, Haven recently noted a rise in spring caravan holiday bookings.

Park Holidays UK launches linked-up bingo

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Caravanners heading to Park Holidays UK sites this summer could be in with a chance of winning a small fortune.

The caravan site operator has installed facilities that allow guests to play bingo against other campers staying in different parts of the country.

So far, the total prize fund paid out is £62,000, with regular games for over £1,000.

A total of 20 parks are involved in the linked-up games, which have a nightly prize fund of up to £10,000.

According to the company, bingo has become one of the most popular pastimes in the UK over the past decade.

“More people attended bingo sessions than football games last year in the UK,” Park Holidays UK revealed.

“Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Damon Hill, and Chris Evans are allegedly all big fans.”

The company also recently teamed up with wherecanwego.com – a website which lets users know of forthcoming events in the area in which they are staying.

Caravan firm Elddis expands offering in south-east

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Caravan customers in Kent and Sussex will now have greater access to mobile homes from Elddis.

The manufacturer has announced an expansion of its partnership with Sussex Caravan Centre, which it has worked with for the past two decades.

As part of the move, a second dealership will be opened on the border of the two counties, located on the A264 between Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead.

It will stock a wide range of new and used touring caravans and will save those in the surrounding area a 40-mile drive to the existing Sussex Caravan Centre.

Co-owner Martin O’Neill explained that he is proud to have reached a level where expansion makes sense.

“We are delighted to be offering the new Elddis touring caravan range and to have been awarded Premier Retailer status,” he revealed, adding that the firm will be working closely with Elddis to improve value and choice for its customers.

Meanwhile, the Elddis Owners Club’s junior and teenage representative Naomi Robinson has raised more than £700 for the British Heart Foundation.

Park Holidays UK improves New Beach site

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Park Holidays UK has invested in its New Beach site in response to customer feedback.

The caravan site operator has constructed new facilities at the park that include a shower and toilet block.

The improvements may please those staying in tents and caravans and have already won praise from customers on ukcampsite.co.uk.

“I am pleased to say that there are new brick built toilet and shower blocks which make such a difference as the old portacabin-style ones let the place down,” the reviewer said.

They suggested that any customers who have been put off returning to New Beach should reconsider as the new facilities make a big difference.

Park Holidays UK added that it is committed to improving its facilities and that the work at New Beach is an example of this dedication.

Meanwhile, Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish recently questioned Gordon Brown’s decision to make Duncan Bannatyne a seaside tsar in the final days before the election, calling it a PR stunt.

Parkdean star on Britain’s Got Talent

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Holidaymakers who have stayed at one of Parkdean’s caravan sites may recognise one of the contestants on Britain’s Got Talent.

Paul Burling has emerged as one of the favourites after wowing viewers and judges in the early rounds of the competition.

But Parkdean revealed that it has known that he was talented for more than a decade as the impressionist has worked as an entertainer at many of its parks.

Piers Morgan went as far as to say that Mr Burling was the best impressionist he had ever seen after he mimicked the likes of Harry Hill and a number of cartoon characters.

After beginning as a Parkdean Trouper at Mullion Holiday Park and Sandford Holiday Park, the impressionist went on to star as a circuit act and regularly performs at Parkdean sites.

He was even on stage at St Minver Holiday Park on Saturday (May 15th) when the latest edition of the talent show went on air.

“Everyone at Parkdean would like to wish Paul the best of luck in the next stage of the show,” the holiday operator said.

“We hope that all our customers get behind him and he gets the break he well and truly deserves.”

Meanwhile, Parkdean recently drew its customers’ attention to the plethora of stunning beaches in Devon.

BBC presenter Christine Bleakley reverses a caravan on The One Show

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It’s not often that caravan stories make prime time television, so you can imagine our delight at Caravan Times when the BBC One flagship programme The One Show decided to make caravans their feature yesterday. Most notable of all was the closing segment where popular presenter Christine Bleakley was featured in a contest against her co-anchor Matt Allwright to see who could successfully reverse a caravan.

The magazine programme began the item with former Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman as their very own roving reporter to investigate the caravan phenomenon. With the recession thousands more caravan campers are set to take to the road this summer, and the One Show was on hand to dispense some useful advice for first-timers.

Vorderman quoted a disquieting statistic: last year there were 160 caravan accidents, an average of one every two days. With this in mind she spoke to Tim Booth of the National Caravan Council to garner some caravan safety tips.

He offered five facts about caravanning to get you started. Firstly, almost anyone with a driving licence can get started with the hobby. Secondly, he warned drivers of the risk of bald tyres on their caravans and the importance of checking them. Thirdly, heavy items should be loaded correctly, placed low down and close to the axle. Fourth was the importance of extension mirrors, required by law. And lastly, Booth told viewers to simply enjoy caravanning!

The main feature of Vorderman’s study however was the unwelcome but common occurance of “trailer sway”. Otherwise known as “snaking”, the BBC prepared a caravan loaded incorrectly in order to demonstrate the dangers. Stunt driver Alistair Moffat was on hand and deliberately drove the caravan and trailer comibination to 40 mph and “just the point before jacknifing”. Moffat warned against the common practice of increasing speed to combat the force of this sway, and suggested that keeping the caravan straight and easing off the gas was the best method.

The climax of the shower however was Christine Bleakley versus Matt Allwright in the caravan reversing challenge. It took place in the car park of Television Centre in White City and Allwright had difficulty locating reverse gear before parking successfully within a inch of knocking over the cones. Bleakley also struggled initially, at one point exclaiming “I don’t know what way I’m going now!” as she adjusted to the mechanics of reversing a trailer. However she too finished triumphantly to end the show on a high note.

Click here to watch the episode of The One Show (originally broadcast Wednesday 12th May 2010)