Haven: Caravan breaks becoming more attractive

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A UK-based holiday park operator has suggested that caravanning holidays are becoming increasingly attractive.

According to Haven Holidays, a rising number of Brits are opting to holiday at home due to a combination of a poor exchange rate and chaos caused by airport strikes.

The site operator owns 35 parks around the UK, with many of them located in coastal areas.

It claimed that booking a vacation should be “all about value for money and choosing a stress-free holiday”.

The company offers a number of activities at its parks, such as boating lakes, indoor sports, climbing, cycling and a range of entertainment.

Families with their own caravans can stay from just £3 per person per night and benefit from free football coaching for five to 16-year-olds and free swimming lessons for kids.

Meanwhile, children under five can enjoy the Tiny Mites Music sessions, which introduce them to songs, rhymes and rhythm.

VIDEO: Part II of our interview with designer of Stealth Caravan

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The interior of modern caravans tend to conform to a few basic design rules – light browns and cream patterns in a hard-wearing fabric, complimented by light coloured woods to create a sense of space.

Which is why the cream leather, granite kitchen surfaces and indigo coloured doors found in the interior of all Stealth Caravans has taken some by surprise. Yet this is exactly what creator Alex Murphy hoped for as he set out to design a caravan inspired more by the world of penthouses and yachts than country cottages.

We stepped inside the Stealth and spoke to Murphy about the design, the testing process and dealer support and warranty. Click on the video image below to see the interview in full.

Caravan Club announces new Director-General

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Nick Lomas will succeed Trevor Watson as Director General of The Caravan Club and will begin his new role on 4th May 2010.

The new Director General is well equipped to take on the role of managing a large touring organisation and promoting caravanning to the public. He has worked at the Club as director of marketing since 2005.

The Caravan Club represents the interests of one million caravanners in the UK. In addition it operates the largest privately-owned network of sites in the country as well as 200 sites in Europe.

Nick Lomas commented “I see this as one of the best jobs in caravanning, and indeed the entire tourism industry. The Caravan Club is in its 103rd year and has a strong ethos of representing its one million members and providing them with quality products and services. I look forward to working with Club Committees, staff, industry colleagues and Parliamentarians to continue the work of The Club and drive forward this much respected cornerstone of the British tourism industry.”

Grenville Chamberlain is the chairman of The Caravan Club and was responsible for appointing Lomas. He praised his “extensive knowledge of The Club and the tourism industry” as well as his “enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism”. In addition he thanksed outgoing Director-General Trevor Watson “for his years of service and dedication to The Club”

Trevor Watson was himself full of praise for the appointment of Lomas. “The Caravan Club has experienced significant growth in recent years and Nick is ideally placed to build on the successes of The Club. I know Nick already has the full support of The Club staff and Committee Members and I am sure he will have the full support of everyone else in our industry.”

He added “I hope he finds his time as Director General as rewarding and enjoyable as I have.”

Watch Caravan Times interview Nick Lomas at International Caravan and Motorhome Show

Lawnmower speed record attempt at Pendine Sands

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Caravan owners staying at Parkdean’s Pendine Sands Holiday Park over the weekend of May 22nd will be in for a treat as the beach there is hosting a special event.

A team lead by driver Don Wales is set to make a world record attempt by driving a lawnmower at more than 80.7mph.

Mr Wales has made it his aim to break the 100mph mark and hopes to do so at Pendine Sands – the same location where his grandfather set his first record in 1924.

“Parkdean would like to wish everybody involved the very best of luck and let’s hope you can break that record,” the caravan site operator said.

It added that its guests will be perfectly positioned to watch the record attempt and explore the beautiful south Wales coastline and other local attractions.

As well as offering caravan pitches, the site has other accommodation and facilities including a swimming pool, adventure play area, kids’ club and free family entertainment.

Those heading to the area can also visit the Pendine Museum of Speed.

Brits take term time breaks to save cash

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New statistics show that a large number of Brits are taking their children out of school for cheaper holidays.

The Tesco Bank figures revealed that families are looking to avoid peak season prices by taking their trips during term time.

More than two-fifths (44 per cent) of parents would rather take their kids on vacation when they are supposed to be at school than pay high prices during the summer break.

Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of those polled explained that the reason is they cannot afford to do it while the kids are supposed to be off school.

The results of the survey are “understandable”, Family Holiday Association representative John McDonald said.

He added that schools are often supportive of parents who genuinely cannot afford to take their kids on holiday during peak times.

“Many children can be given authorised absence from school for a week and many headteachers understand the benefits that that can bring for the child, the family and the school in general,” he said.

Those looking to avoid paying through the nose might find a caravan holiday is a less expensive option.

London to host mountaineering festival

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Caravan enthusiasts have the reputation for loving the outdoors and adventure, so those holidaying near London could be interested in a forthcoming event.

The Royal Geographic Society will be the venue for the Because It’s There Mountain Festival on June 15th.

Some of the world’s top mountaineers will be present at the event, including a number of legendary pioneers of the sport.

Included in the illustrious group of guest speakers will be George Brand OBE, who was the youngest member of the first group to reach the peak of Everest – the world’s tallest mountain – in 1853.

The event will also see legendary guide Kenton Cool, who took Sir Ranulph Fiennes up the north face of the Eiger and Everest.

Cool later went on to become the first Brit to descend an 8,000m peak on skis and remains the only European climber to have reached the peak of Everest twice in one season.

Caravan enthusiasts can partake in climbing in many locations in the UK, with the Scottish Highlands offering a wealth of terrain to be explored.

Local Preston council okays Longridge caravan site

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan lovers touring the north west of England this summer will have one more stop-off to add to their list, as Longridge caravan site has been cleared to open in May.

The site had its licence approved last week by Ribble Alley Borough Council, the Preston and Leyland Citizen reported.

Visitors can bring their own caravan or choose from 21 deluxe timber chalets, which are situated at Lower Moss Farm on Lower Lane.

Farm owner David Rainford said that he was branching out to try and attract more tourists to his part of Lancashire.

“We are hoping that once it is open it will attract more visitors to the area and so increase footfall to other local businesses,” he said.

Visitors have been invited to explore the new site on an open weekend in May, with many of the timber lodges available for sale as holiday homes.

Other caravan sites in Lancashire include Blackpool South and Burrs County Park, which are both certified Caravan Club sites.

Millions of families to holiday with grandparents

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Millions of Brits will head off on holiday with three generations of the same family in tow this year.

According to research from Park Resorts, 2.7 million families will go on “greycations” – holidays in the UK where grandparents, parents and children will all spend a vacation together.

The firm suggested that the weak economy may be partially responsible, but that the trend should be seen as positive as it brings families closer together.

Around one in five (19 per cent) families holidaying together said they did so to save money, while half (49 per cent) wanted to give kids some time with their grandparents.

Meanwhile, 18 per cent of parents admitted they had brought the grandparents along to provide free babysitting services.

Park Resorts owns 37 holiday sites across the country and has seen a steady rise in greycations over the years.

Marketing director Andy Edge said: “The UK family holiday has undergone a renaissance over recent years and that is not only due to the fact that UK breaks can provide much better value.”

Meanwhile, Park Resorts recently released figures showing that Brits spend millions of pounds a year while waiting at airports.

Family breaks ‘essential for bonding’

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Heading off on a caravan trip with your kids or parents could be one of the most important experiences you have together, it has been suggested.

According to takethefamily.com, even short breaks with the family are essential for bonding with those closest to you.

Managing director Lucy Ace explained that vacations help re-establish the family unit and suggested that it can be essential to take a break from the monotony of day-to-day life and enjoy a trip together now and again.

Whether this is for a fortnight or just a few days, getting away from it all can bring families closer together, she said.

“There is definitely evidence to suggest that over the past few years, families are opting for several shorter holidays than the traditional two weeks away,” Ms Ace added.

Recent research from HolidayExtras.com found that the majority (62 per cent) of Brits plan to take one or two trips this year.

Despite this, a DWP study showed that many families are ditching the annual holiday in favour of weekends and days away.

Caravan park operator extends loan deal

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The rise in Brits looking to take caravan holidays in the UK has led to one operator extending its finance deal.

Parkdean Holidays has chosen to add two years to its deal with Anglo-Irish Bank, giving it until 2014 to repay the loan.

According to travelweekly.co.uk, the park operator, which has 24 sites across the UK, credited increased interest from customers as the motivation behind the move.

Chief executive John Waterworth told the website that a combination of a good relationship with the lender and strong performance during tough times helped it secure the agreement on favourable terms.

While the firm has struggled with caravan sales, it reported a rise in on-park spending and holiday bookings, which helped boost turnover to £124 million at the end of January.

Earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation also rose to £31.5 million from 28 million and are expected to increase further this year.

Meanwhile, the importance of fire safety in caravans has been underlined by an incident in Essex in which a vehicle was completely destroyed, according to the Evening Star.

Site operator Parkdean sees Dorset as British golf haven

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Caravan enthusiasts heading to Dorset may wish to pack their golf clubs after the region was identified as a haven for fans of the sport.

According to caravan site operator Parkdean, the area is ideal for those looking for a relaxing break and a few rounds in the summer sun.

The firm has compiled a list of golf courses it feels are perfect for holidaymakers in Dorset.

It features everything from the 100-year-old Weymouth Golf Club to the Bridport and Dorset Golf Club, perched on the Jurassic Coast.

With three holiday sites in Dorset, Parkdean believes it can offer an ideal base for golfers heading to the area, while also providing great destinations for family breaks and relaxing getaways.

While its list may be useful for those new to the area, it is by no means complete and the company hopes its regular Dorset customers will be kind enough to add to it with their own favourite courses.

Meanwhile, Parkdean recently recognised Hampshire as an excellent holiday destination for those who like walking.

Caravanners to celebrate tiger’s birthday

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Brits holidaying at Haven sites next month will be able to party down with Rory the Tiger.

The mascot celebrates his birthday soon and is inviting families on a special four-night break from May 10th.

A host of activities aimed at under-fives will include party games such as musical bumps and pass the parcel.

The celebration will be taking place at all 35 of the company’s sites and will be in addition to all the usual fun activities on offer.

Creative Kitchen allows kids to decorate and eat their own birthday cakes and cookies, while Learn2Swim classes will help boost confidence in the water at the heated indoor pools.

Adults can also enjoy the fabulous evening entertainment schedule, while children can use the sports facilities and games rooms at each site.

Many of the resorts are also located close to the beach, so touring caravan owners should not have far to go for a nice seaside stroll or watersports.