Devon caravanners to enjoy action-packed Easter

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Caravan enthusiasts staying in Devon over the Easter holidays will have no end of activities to keep them busy.

From water-based fun to wilderness survival skills training, the county has a lot to offer visitors during the spring break, according to Visit Devon.

Adrenaline junkies might enjoy one of the Kayaking and Canoeing Extravaganza days at Plymouth’s Mount Batten Centre, which take place on April 9th and 16th.

Kids can also get out into the wild and learn some wilderness skills by taking part in the Junior Rangers Bushcraft events in Haldon Forest Park.

The days will allow attendees to pick up knowledge of tracking animals, lighting fires and building shelters and take place on April 6th and 8th.

Those who fancy something more mellow could head to Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh, where they can take part in the Meet the Spring Babies events from April 2nd to 5th.

It will see visitors given the chance to be introduced to the newborn lambs, chicks, ducks and goat kids that have become the farm’s latest residents.

Information on a whole range of other events is available from Visit Devon and caravanners will also be able to take advantage of all that Devon has to offer throughout the year, including coastal walks and beautiful beaches.

Win 10 pairs of tickets to British Leisure Show 2010

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The sun is shining this week across the UK and with the appearance of sunshine, our thoughts often turn to taking a trip outdoors. And this weekend a three-day event is being held in Windsor to help you plan your next outdoor holiday.

Billed as “the ultimate leisure lifestyle show”, the British Leisure Show is taking place at the historic Royal Windor Racecourse between Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March. In its inaugural year the Show will bring together the latest 2010 models from caravan and motorhome manufacturers as well as demonstrations, competitions and ‘have a go’ activities. With boats, motorbikes and classic cars on display, there is a wealth of things to see and do.

Caravan Times in partnership with the organisers of the British Leisure Show are offering our readers a chance to be there for FREE this weekend! We have ten pairs of tickets to give away on a first come, first serve basis. The first ten people who enter the competition will receive a pair of free tickets, which entitles them to free parking and entry on any of the three days.

If you would like to enter the competition, all you have to do is click the link below and fill in your details.

However, do make sure you enter the promotional code Caravantimes (all one word) in the box marked “Ticket Promo Code” for a chance to win.

Win 10 pairs of tickets to British Leisure Show with Caravan Times

The closing date is Thursday 16 March. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. To enter a Caravan Times competition you must be:
(a) UK resident; and
(b) 18 years old or over at the time of entry.

2. Competitions are not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of Caravan Times, or any subsidiary of Adfero.

3. No purchase necessary.

4. Only one entry per person.

5. If you want to enter this competition you must enter via the British Leisure Show page.

6. Sending an e-mail is not proof that we have received your entry. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost or delayed, or which are not received for any reason.

7. The ten winners will be selected by the organisers of British Leisure Show, whose decision is final.

8. The closing date is as specified in each competition, and we reserve the right to amend the competition details at any time.

9. If you win a competition, we will notify you by e-mail. The organiser’s decision will be final, and no other correspondence will be entered into.

10. No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

Caravan in Ireland for St Patrick’s Day

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Those currently on a caravan holiday in Ireland could head to Dublin’s fair city where the party has already begun ahead of St Patrick’s Day tomorrow (March 17th).

All over the world, people of Irish descent commemorate their history on the patron saint’s day, but the celebrations are probably at their biggest in the Irish capital.

Tourism Ireland explained that it is not too late for those wishing to head to Dublin to join the party.

Consumer marketing manager Vera Stedman explained that being in the city will mean visitors are caught up in the celebrations and that it would be “impossible” not to feel part of the events.

A number of parties have been going on in the run-up to the big day, with tonight seeing the Festival Ceili take place.

Traditional Irish music and dancing will help get revellers in the mood for tomorrow’s 3kmparade through the streets, which Ms Stedman revealed “takes over the centre of the city completely”.

At least 50,000 foreign visitors are expected to turn out for the event, which is not to be missed by those in town on St Paddy’s Day.

Caravan owner to dispute court decision

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A man has been given permission to refute a decision that saw him lose his planning consent to site a number of mobile homes on land in Colney Heath in Hertfordshire.

Peter Robb will challenge the High Court ruling that stripped him of his authorisation to keep three caravans at the site.

According to the Herts Advertiser, the traveller had been living at Nuckies Farm, but lost his five-year permission thanks to a ruling from deputy judge Tim Corner.

However, he is set to appeal in the hope of having the decision overturned, despite the deputy judge ruling that the inspector who granted the initial planning consent had failed to take into consideration the environmental impact of the caravans.

A new hearing is to take place with a different inspector, where Mr Robb hopes to have his permission renewed.

Tragedy at caravan park

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Tragedy has struck at a Scottish caravan site where two people were found dead inside a mobile home.

Fire safety is always an issue to be aware of when staying in a caravan and this latest news should highlight that fact.

A man and a woman were discovered dead inside a static caravan in Gartocharn’s Lagganbeg Caravan Park.

Fire crews had been called to deal with the blaze at around 06:15 GMT and, despite having it under control less than an hour later, were unable to save the victims.

The pair are believed to have been a 65-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman and while police have yet to name them, it does not appear that there were any suspicious circumstances.

Due to the flammable nature of caravans, it is vital to ensure that the proper safety precautions are taken, including having a fire alarm fitted and an extinguisher within easy reach.

Caravanners should also be particularly vigilant when smoking, cooking or using the heating in their mobile homes.

UK breaks are proving popular

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While the number of Brits heading abroad seems to be falling, taking holidays in the UK is proving to be growing ever more popular.

According to Channel Islands Direct head of short-haul Beverley Scarr, the firm has enjoyed a steady rise in bookings.

The business has achieved a 46 per cent year-on-year increase in sales to the UK market and Ms Scarr added that she expects this year to be just as popular.

“The demand is still there and there are some fantastic added value offers also, which represent fantastic savings and value for money, especially for the family markets,” she said.

Meanwhile, Holiday Lettings has also reported a rise in demand of 44 per cent in 2010, helping the business build on 2009’s success, which saw it record an increase of 88 per cent year-on-year.

However, trips abroad appear to be growing less popular, with the Office for National Statistics revealing a 15 per cent year-on-year drop in foreign travel.

Dumfries caravan park owner pleads extension case

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A caravan site owner in Scotland has warned that rejecting his expansion plans could mean the local economy misses out on a potential windfall.

Marshall Swalwell owns Auchenlarie Holiday Park in Dumfries and told icDumfries.co.uk that his proposal to add a further 50 units to the site would help generate £1.3 million for the local community.

His initial 50-pitch plan was refused, but the landowner is hopeful that a reduced request of permission for 30 extra caravans may be deemed more suitable.

Mr Swalwell explained that the park has sold more pitches to private owners, who tend to bring everything they need with them when visiting.

He said it is vital for both the local economy and his staff that more lettings units are available as these tend to be the most lucrative for nearby shops, pubs and restaurants.

There is even the possibility of employees being laid off if the plans are rejected, as there is less work to be done with fewer lettings units onsite.

Dumfries is located in the south of Scotland, close to the town of Lockerbie.

Caravan site tests ‘a waste of money’

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An Angus caravan site owner has branded the local council guilty of wasting money after it revealed plans to test the park for water contamination.

We recently reported on how Eastmill Road Caravan Park in Brechin will be subject to an inspectionover fears that its previous use could have left a nasty legacy.

The site was formerly used as a dumping ground by a nearby battery manufacturer and the council is concerned that it could be contaminating a nearby river.

However, owner Douglas Murray told the Press & Journal that comprehensive testing had already been carried out and that the new plans were simply a waste of resources.

He suggested that the cash could be used to remove a nearby gravel bank which he claims is putting pressure on sewerage systems.

“We are well aware of some issues that could be regarded as very low-grade contamination, such as alkali-based substances and charcoal-type battery residues,” he said, adding that these are only found in certain areas of the site.

Mr Murray expressed his fear that further testing could disturb any underground materials and cause further contamination.

Brechin is located in the north-east of Scotland, approximately halfway between Dundee and Aberdeen.

St Michael’s Mount worth a visit says Parkdean

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Holidaymakers heading to Cornwall this summer have been advised to check out St Michael’s Mount.

According to caravan park operator Parkdean, the Penzance attraction is reputed to have been created by a legendary giant named Cormoran, who supposedly terrorised the local people.

The story goes that one young Penzance resident decided to take matters into his own hands and end the evil reign of the tyrant.

Known only as Jack, the hero dug a huge hole on St Michael’s Mount and woke the giant at sunrise.

The bright light caused Cormoran to fall down the ditch, from where he could never escape.

Caravan owners staying at Mullion Holiday Park can reach the site by taking a 40-minute drive through picturesque Cornwall.

Parkdean explained that its site offers accommodation to suit all budgets, as well as heated swimming pools, indoor play areas and a full timetable of entertainment.

The firm recently pointed out that Cornwall has been used as a set for a number of top movies in recent years, with Alice in Wonderland the latest high-profile flick to have scenes filmed there.

Parkdean announces site opening dates

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Caravan site operator Parkdean has announced the summer 2010 opening dates for its holiday resorts.

The firm runs 24 sites around the country, with many located at or near the seaside and catering for caravan owners and those without their own accommodation alike.

It has announced a £10 million investment into its facilities ahead of the new season and claimed that its parks have never looked so good.

Many of the sites are already open to holidaymakers hoping to book an early break, while the rest are due to welcome their first guests of the year by the end of this month.

Friday March 26th will see Holywell Bay Holiday Park and Crantock Beach Holiday Park open their gates, while Sea Acres Holiday Park will follow on the Monday.

The sites offer guests top quality entertainment and feature heated pools, sports facilities, play areas, restaurants and kids’ clubs.

Haven improvements complete by Easter

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Caravan enthusiasts planning to stay at a Haven Holiday Park over the summer can expect to see some changes to the facilities.

The company has invested £40 million in upgrading its parks over the winter, with the changes set to be in place for the Easter holidays.

As well as a number of new adventure golf courses and other sports and play areas, the firm has invested in accommodation and show bars at 35 of its parks.

However, two parks in particular have benefited from new Space Bowls – an addition to the water park facilities already included on site.

Guests at Combe Haven and Marton Mere can expect a “high speed ride down the flumes before spinning around the bowl and dropping into the pool”.

The firm explained that while it has invested a large sum to help benefit its customers, guests can still hope to get a great value family break from as little as £99 for a family of up to six.

Most of Haven’s 35 parks are located on or near the sea, meaning guests can combine their caravan holiday with a trip to the beach.

Formula One driver in caravan holiday

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Despite being one of the world’s most promising sportsmen, it appears that Sebastian Vettel is not keen on extravagance.

A recent feature in the Sun newspaper revealed that the youngest ever winner of a Formula One Grand Prix has shunned expensive holidays in the likes of Monaco or Monte Carlo, in spite of the sport’s reputation for lavish behaviour.

Instead of treating himself and his student girlfriend to five-star breaks in the world’s fanciest hotels, the 22-year-old reportedly spent a holiday in a caravan in Finland last year.

The German has also taken breaks in remote farmhouses and climbed mountains during his time off – a far cry from the playboy nature usually associated with Formula One drivers.

His down-to-earth nature and lack of arrogance have made him somewhat of a darling of the press and fans.

After winning his first Grand Prix, Vettel refuted suggestions that it was the best moment of his life by revealing he enjoyed losing his virginity more.

Meanwhile, we reveal how in Northern Ireland there are disputes between caravanners and campsite owners over the need to buy new models – to avoid older ones becoming an “eyesore”.