The Club to host special Club Week in lieu of NEC show

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By William Coleman

This month The Caravan and Motorhome Club will be hosting Club Week, with a slight difference. The Club is inviting one and all to join in with this week-long virtual experience.

From October 12th-25th, Club members can enjoy and take part in various activities online, while any new members who join during this period will get their first night free on a Club campsite.

At this time of year the Club, as well as most of the industry, would be gearing up for the October NEC show to display what they have in store for members and what they can offer any potential new members. Due to the events of this year, the super show will not be taking place, so the Club is thinking outside the box to bring the show to you.

All the content can be found on the Club’s website www.camc.com/clubweek and social media channels.

Throughout the Club Week, there will be daily forum videos hosted by TV presenter, Club ambassador and campervanner Matt Allwright, who will be asking all the questions members want answered. Forums will premier on the Club’s Facebook page at 11am each day of the event.

Matt will be talking to Nick Lomas, director general of the Club, about what has gone on throughout 2020 and what 2021 looks like for the Club and its members.

There will be forums with special guests; British Canoeing will inspire you to get out on the water, while Raleigh will tell you all about the benefits of e-bikes and the Club’s member offer. Special celebrity guest Karen Wright, participant in the 2018 series of The Great British Bake Off and avid caravanner, will also be chatting with Matt.

The Club website will feature news from caravan, motorhome, and campervan manufacturers giving details of the latest product launches. There will also be one of the Club’s hugely popular live quizzes on Facebook that will feature highlights from the week, so make sure you tune in to make the most of Club Week!

Harvey Alexander, Caravan and Motorhome Club Director of Marketing and Membership Services said: “We know our members will miss going to the NEC exhibition, so we wanted to make sure we could bring them details of the latest leisure vehicle product news and launches, and also to help bring our community together to share tips and experiences of their touring holidays.

The forums with Matt Allwright are always hugely popular at the show, so this is a great way to continue the activities and bring them not only to our members but those who have an interest in this holiday pastime. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Club Week.”

Matt said: “I’m going to miss seeing everyone at the show, so this is a great way of keeping in touch and bringing Club members all the latest information in a relaxed and informative way. I’m really looking forward to Club Week. See you there!”

Campervan owners discover the kindness of strangers

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By Emma Dodd

A couple who were holidaymaking in the Scottish Highlands thought their trip was going to end in disaster when a falling tree crushed their campervan.

Stefan Baranowski and Alice Radford from Bedfordshire had parked up at Golspie in Sutherland for the day and gone off exploring, reports the BBC.

When they returned, their van had been squashed when a tree fell down, leaving them feeling completely heartbroken.

The Volkswagen T4 has been Mr Baranowski’s lockdown project and he had spent £4,000 turning it into their dream getaway vehicle.

Taking it to Scotland was the first trip they had planned after the total renovation.

He said: “We’d had an amazing first day, we came back at about 16:00 and discovered the van – it was heartbreaking.

“It was strange to think we’d been eating our sandwiches in the back just a little earlier.”

The most immediate consideration was where they’d sleep that night and they were offered the porter’s lodge at Dunrobin Castle free of charge.

With demand for campers so high at the moment due to so many people staycationing, the couple could not find one available to hire.

After seeing their plight on social media, Donna Mullen from Thurso drove the 60 miles to where Mr Baranowski and Ms Radford were holed up and lent them her van for just £25 a night instead of the going rate of £120.

The couple were able to continue their touring trip around the Highlands before making the decision to buy the campervan they had borrowed to drive home.

Mr Baranowski summarised: “This holiday has been all about the people and the kindness of strangers.”

The Grand Tour takes on caravan challenge in Scotland

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By Emma Dodd

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have been seen towing caravans in the Highlands as they film a new series of The Grand Tour.

The presenters were each driving a classic car with a caravan attached, all decked out in interesting paintwork.

Clarkson’s caravan was painted blue to match the vintage Lincoln he was driving, but May drew the most attention with a cow-themed caravan complete with udders.

It is thought that the show will see the presenters driving from Edinburgh to the Hebrides towing their vans.

Fans have spotted them at various stop-offs along the route, including at the Torridon Hotel in Wester Ross and the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry.

It’s clear the stars weren’t staying in their caravans, but taking on some sort of towing challenge in the Amazon Prime series.

This is the third time the trio have visited the Highlands, with a trip in 2018 seeing them take on a series of challenges along the famous North Coast 500 route.

Two years before that, The Grand Tour team were spotted near Loch Ness.

Speaking of the Highlands, Richard Hammond told The Press and Journal: “The views were beautiful and it has been spectacular. I have enjoyed everything and the weather has been good.”

The Highlands is a fantastic caravanning destination with sites close to stunning lochs, pristine beaches and imposing castles to choose from.

It represents a good opportunity for those wishing to enjoy a late season getaway in their caravan or motorhome.

The Grand Tour began in 2016 in the wake of Jeremy Clarkson leaving the successful BBC show Top Gear after a fracas with a producer.

Only one episode of The Grand Tour’s fourth season was shown before production stopped due to the coronavirus outbreak.

As the scenes in the Highlands demonstrate, filming has begun again, with a COVID-19 testing van in tow.

How to rainproof your caravan holiday

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By Emma Dodd

With the caravanning season being extended this year, the chances are you’ll have a bit more rain to contend with. But fear not, with a little preparation and the right equipment, you can continue to enjoy your van throughout autumn and experience the colourful spectacle nature puts on for the season.

Driving in the rain

The first thing you need to do is get to your caravan site, which could mean driving in the rain. Make sure the tyre treads on both your car and caravan are in good condition and pressures are at their optimum level, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you’re expecting a lot of rain on the journey, try to plan a route that will not include areas of deep standing water. Drive carefully, reducing your speed and acceleration, as well as taking increased braking distances and cornering speeds into account.

Pack blocks, mats and ropes

Wet weather can result in a quagmire on your pitch, which can have serious implications when it comes to leaving. Take a selection of wooden blocks, track mats and ropes with you, which can all be deployed to stop your caravan’s steadies sinking into the mud, getting your tow car onto firmer ground or pulling your van out of a stuck situation.

Dry quarantine your caravan

You want to keep your caravan as a completely dry space, so all wet weather gear should be removed in the awning and stowed there. Bring plastic boxes to put shoes and wet coats into so they’re not lying around and making other things wet. Your awning should also reduce the chances of rain blowing into your van when you’re coming and going.

Bring all your wet weather gear

Alfred Wainwright famously wrote: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” back in 1973 and things haven’t changed much since then. It still makes good sense to bring raincoats, overtrousers, wellies and waterproof accessories to be completely unstoppable on your caravan holiday. Stomping about in the rain can be lots of fun if you’re properly protected.

Ramp up the hygge

Keeping morale up is an important part of a rainy caravan trip, so make sure you’ve got lots of snuggly blankets, hot chocolate and warm lighting in your van. Sitting inside, listening to the rain drumming on the roof when you’re all cosy, especially after a wet day outside, is very satisfying and a great way to recharge for the following day.
Keep yourself entertained

Bring all the materials you need to keep yourself and the family entertained inside your van when it really looks too miserable to venture outside. From playing cards together to quietly reading, a caravan stay is a great opportunity to enjoy simpler activities away from all the pressures you would usually have at home.

William Coleman of CaravanTimes is no stranger to caravan holidays in the rain. He has shared his top tips: “Caravanning in the rain does not mean you have to be stuck in the van. If you have a good awning, you double your floor space and provide yourself with an area to remove wet and muddy clothing before getting in the van.

“Another important aspect to check is water ingress after long periods of storage. Be particularly mindful of this if you haven’t used your caravan in lockdown. You don’t want to find out you’ve got a leak once you’re sleeping in your van! Failing to check can lead to a lot of problems down the road.”

The definitive guide to caravanning and paddleboarding

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By Emma Dodd

Paddleboarding has really taken off in the UK in recent years, with bodies of water across the country often dotted with enthusiasts majestically paddling by. It’s a great pastime to combine with caravanning, as the flexibility of touring means you can seek out new lakes, rivers and patches of sea with ease.

Transporting your paddleboard

Depending on how spacious your caravan or motorhome is, an inflatable paddleboard is likely to be the most convenient option for a touring trip. After all, you don’t want to be tripping over paddleboards when you get up in the middle of the night. Once inflated, these boards that are made from layers of PVC, with woven fibres connecting the top to the bottom, are surprisingly sturdy.

They are lighter than their solid alternatives, making the walk from the van to your paddling spot a lot easier. Many inflatable paddleboards also come with a special backpack you can fit the board and paddles into. Perfect for stashing away in your caravan at the end of a long day paddleboarding.

Accessories

As well as your paddleboard and paddle, you’ll need a leash to keep you attached to your board if you fall off, a buoyancy aid and probably a wetsuit. Even a relatively thin wetsuit will allow you to keep paddling through the colder months of the year. Neoprene boots, gloves and a hood are also useful for staving off the cold as temperatures drop.

Post paddleboarding

Always rinse off your paddleboard with fresh water if you’ve taken it in the sea and the same goes for your kit too. A large bucket of water positioned under your awning is a good solution if you don’t have the facilities associated with a caravan site to hand. Stringing up some paracord for a washing line will also give you somewhere to hang wet wetsuits.

Make sure every piece of kit has a place in the van so they can be stowed away when you’re not using them and found easily when heading out on an adventure. It’s worth trying to avoid getting into your caravan wet, as this will just cause mess and need tidying up. A duckboard under your awning is a convenient place to stand while you strip off your wetsuit.

Paddleboarding safely

Staying safe while paddleboarding is very important and the RNLI has published advice on the best ways to enjoy the sport without getting into trouble. It recommends telling someone where you’re going and taking your phone in a waterproof pouch, so you can call for help if you get into trouble. Simply dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
Always check the weather forecast and tide times, as strong winds and an outgoing tide can see you taken much further into the sea than you had planned. If you’re a paddleboarding beginner, it’s a good idea to get some instruction before deciding to go it alone.

Best caravan sites for paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is easily combined with caravanning, but if you’re planning to enjoy it most days of your trip, you’ll want to camp close to the water at one of these sites:

  • Coniston Park Coppice Club Site – located 400 yards from a Coniston Water launching point and within easy reach of several other lakes.
  • Llyn Gwynant Campsite – enjoy this picturesque spot on the shores of the lake in the heart of Snowdonia.
  • Bunree Caravan Club Site – step out of your van in the morning and straight into Loch Linnhe, a long sea loch in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Nodes Point Holiday Park – this Isle of Wight gem has direct access to the beach.
  • Whitlingham Broad Campsite – as well as a lake and the navigable waterways of the Norfolk Broads to hand, this site has its own outdoor centre, which is perfect for paddleboard beginners.

Oyster-Sat Tech interview: Getting TV on tour

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By William Coleman

We caught up with Oyster’s managing director, Julian Preston, to discuss the new world of touring and the ever-growing demand for onboard entertainment now that the entire industry is on the upswing.

Over the years, the technology inside the caravan and motorhome has come on leaps and bounds, no more moving the aerial to get good reception on Eastenders. In today’s world, the touring community wants all the mod cons in their leisure vehicle that they would have at home.

Since 2017, there has been a real boom within the tourism industry in the UK and we are seeing a huge increase in people staying home for their leisure time. Initially, the whole Brexit thing affected people’s decisions, but now it is very much a COVID-related choice. As more uncertainty grows, sites start to fill.

As the industry expands and welcomes a lot of new blood, the need for TV while away has grown with it. One thing that we know is that the winter season is already shaping up to be a lot busier than previous years. This means that TV is going to be one thing everyone wants when the weather turns cold and potentially wet.

There are a lot of options available for TV on the go, but very few are as easy as pressing one button. Forget taking all your DVDs and box sets away with you, try an Oyster system instead.

It has been a while since we saw or spoke to the Oyster team and now seems like the perfect time for a catch-up.

CT- We last saw you at the NEC show in February, since then the world has changed a bit. How has Oyster been since we last spoke?

Julien- Things have changed dramatically since the show in February. What looked like the start to a promising season came to an abrupt halt at the end of March. Almost all of our dealer network was forced to close for two months. I furloughed our staff, but carried on myself to keep the office ticking over during this time.

CT- Since things have started to reopen, have you seen a rise in demand for the product?

Julien- From the end of May, I began to see an upturn in business and, as the dealerships began to reopen in June, the whole industry saw a dramatic surge as many newcomers began to look at motorhomes and caravans as an alternative to their usual holidays. ‘Staycation’ became the new buzzword.

CT- Is there a particular product that is becoming popular?

Julien- As the British weather can be, at best, unpredictable, TV in the van provides a welcome distraction on a rainy day or a chilly evening and the rise in demand for leisure vehicles has also seen our sales increase in line with industry trends. We have also seen a rise in demand for our Sky Q compatible systems, as people want to take their home comforts with them on their travels.

We’ve also been watching the increasing popularity of wi-fi & 4G antennas, and I’m excited to say that our German parent company has now developed their own wi-fi/4G antenna unit and specially-engineered router, which can also combine with our new Smart TV.

These will be available from the beginning of 2021 and were very well received at the recent Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.

CT- It seems that the touring holiday option is going through a boom at the moment. That is a silver lining to this year is it not?

Julien- You’re right, the recent surge in interest and demand across our industry provides something of a silver lining in what has been the most difficult of years.

We can only hope that this upturn has a longer-lasting effect, as we see new generations and younger families taking to motorhomes and caravans for a newfound leisure experience.

CT- Do you think that moving forward a lot more people will be seeking more onboard entertainment for extended trips?

Julien- As the continent begins to open up again, those who’ve made the investment in a leisure vehicle can once again (or for the first time) venture further afield and will want to take some of their home luxuries with them, such as UK TV and internet access. Oyster is the best-known brand in this field and we look forward to what will, hopefully, be a brighter future.

Caravan review – Sussex Caravan Centre Coachman dealer special

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By William Coleman

We visited the Sussex Caravan Centre in Grinstead, which has dealer special models in both caravans and motorhomes from several leading manufacturers on offer. The one we really wanted to see was the twin axle eight-foot Laser Xcel 875.

What makes this particular model from the centre unique is the interior furnishings, exterior decor and additional special features. These elements can only be found on its forecourt in Sussex.

This eight-foot Coachman Laser Xcel has only been on the market for a few months and features all the new decals and branding of Coachman, so it is a brand spanking new model.

Xcel models are a larger touring caravan and from looking at the outside you may not realise just how much extra space there is inside. It really is quite impressive how much additional interior room you get from such a small chassis increase.

Dealer special features

The Sussex Caravan Centre added some special touches to give its van an interior upgrade and set it aside from what usually comes off the production line at Coachman.

The limited edition Kingsham features silver sides and incorporates a silver exterior door. The exterior decals display the company name, as well as a very smart dark red colour scheme set against the light chassis. This will have heads turning on site.

If you like comfort then you’re in for a treat, as this comes with exclusive contemporary Sussex soft furnishings, as well as six scatter cushions for advanced luxury. If you opt for the fixed bed model, the cushion count goes up to ten.

To keep the features modern and fun you will find a Pioneer DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect your phone to the stereo and have a sing-along while cooking dinner in the large kitchenette.

One other little touch that stood out is the Sussex special door mat. The little things make the biggest difference!

Interior

Inside this caravan, and the entire Xcel range, you will find very high specifications that are more in line with what you would have at home. This van is very much based on the domestic comforts you have indoors, a home away from home.

As mentioned above, the interior floor space is quite impressive and you will have no issue fitting a family of four inside for both day and night living.

The colour scheme of soft grey feels modern, fresh and comfortable. You can really see the design has been based on modern interior decorating. This caravan feels more homely than vans from years gone by, and dare I say current models on the market.

Daytime and lounge area

The front lounge really benefits from the extra space of the eight-foot van. You can have four people sitting in the lounge with a dinning table in the middle and still have more than enough space to manoeuvre round to get to the kitchen and back.

Large window in the lounge let in a fantastic amount of light during the day. On those brighter days, you will find that the natural sunlight will illuminate the van perfectly. Also at the front by the three windows you will find a wireless fast-charging plate for modern phones.

Throughout the caravan there is a mixture of plug sockets as well as USBs. There seems to be more USB points added to caravans each year to keep up with the growing amount of tech that requires a USB charging cable everyone takes on holiday with them.

Night time

This is a four-berth van that comes with a fixed island double bed at the rear. What makes this layout so appealing is that the bedroom and the lounge are totally separate. When you are in the bedroom you really do feel like you’re in a different room.

As you would expect, the lounge bench sofas can be made into a good size double bed for kids or guests.

The sliding divider between the bedroom and kitchen really does isolate the two areas, but of an evening, you do have to travel through the bedroom to get to the washroom. It is here where I would imagine having little ones aboard can get noisy should they need the toilet in the evening.

Washroom and cooking

The 875 features an end washroom with a full-size shower. The benefit of having a rear washroom is the amount of space it provides. The shower seems larger than most showers at home.

Above the sink you will find a large mirror that helps bounce light around the washroom and the storage beneath the sink is ample.

A good size kitchen can make all the difference to a holiday, and here you will find a great size kitchen. The workspace is large and is not overshadowed by the sink. Smaller vans can sometimes feel a bit restrictive with the workspace and sink combo.

The cooker is extremely smart with the silver linings. There are three gas hobs and a fourth ceramic plate, so you really can have a lot on the go at once. The oven does not look anything like what you’d expect from a touring van. It would fit perfectly in shops like Currys as a domestic free-standing cooker.

Exterior

This twin axle model is quite large, but do not let that put you off. With a length of 25′ 11″ you are pulling a lot of van behind you.

Once you’ve pulled up on site, you will be able to set up with ease with the onboard self-levelling system. This is such a great feature for saving time and effort after a long drive.

Towing details and specs

MTPLM- 1885 kg
Mass in running order- 1725 kg
Personal payload- 160 kg
Options payload- TBC
Total/maximum user payload- 160 kg
Maximum Hitch Weight- 100 kg
Upper MTPLM- (Optional weight plate upgrade) 2000 kg

Blair Castle Caravan Park to extend season to the end of the year

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By Emma Dodd

A caravan park in the Highlands of Scotland is to extend its season to the end of December after an unprecedented demand for staycations.

Blair Castle Caravan Park in Pitlochry is a convenience base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park, making it particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

In the wake of a surge in autumn bookings, the site has taken the unprecedented step of extending its season right into the heart of winter, reports The Herald.

Motorhome and caravan reservations for September and October were up by 23 per cent at the park, sparking the decision to stay open longer.

The castle estate stretches for 145,000 acres with the ancestral home of Clan Murray at its heart, complete with turrets and crenellations.

Visitors will be able to take advantage of its proximity to the castle, which will be open to guided tours until the middle of December.

Usually, Blair Castle would close its doors in October after the lucrative summer months, but the coronavirus pandemic meant the season got off to a slow start.

Now, visitors enjoying a touring holiday at the site throughout the autumn will get to experience the beauty of the surrounding countryside in all its crimson, lime yellow and auburn glory.

Chloe Thornton, marketing officer for the estate, said: “It is the simplicity of a holiday with family, surrounded by nature, that is driving enquiries for winter holidays.

“The confidence that travel arrangements won’t be disrupted and that high standards of cleanliness will be enforced is the perfect solution for families looking for ways to grab some time away together prior to Christmas.”

Blair Castle has been granted official ‘Good To Go’ status, meaning it has been implementing Covid secure policies across the site.

Caravanners should keep an eye on the restrictions in their own areas, as well as those brought in at holiday destinations to ensure it is appropriate to visit.

VW Passat Estate SEL review

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By William Coleman

The Volkswagen Passat estate has long been a very popular option amongst the towing community. CaravanTimes has just finished field testing one, but does it live up to the hype as one of the UK’s favourite estate vehicles?

Towing is very much like caravan layout options – everyone has a preference. Some like a large 4×4 to tow twin-axle six-berth vans, whereas others like a small 1.6 litre engine to pull their two-berth lightweight tourer. With the Passat you can do both.

The first thing that stood out about the Passat Estate SEL was just how sturdy it is. It felt like a tank but had the lightweight driving habits of a hatchback. This practical machine, like a lot of VW models, drives extremely well and has equal amounts of function and comfort.

When pulling away, unattached to a caravan, you do feel the weight of the vehicle beneath your feet. Once second gear kicks in the car feels like a different animal altogether.

The estate version of the Passat is more commonly used for towing than the saloon model due its extended rear. The boot space is terrific and will save you loading a fair amount of weight into the caravan. This will obviously help with towing behaviour but it will also save on loading time; from experience the boot is quicker to fill than the caravan.

Oh, and there is no load lip in the boot, making the loading of heavier objects so much easier. It is these finer details that put the Passat into the higher tier of tow cars.

Driving and handling

While driving the Passat we managed to travel all over the south-east and even spent a day at the Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club site to see how it handles as both tow vehicle and road car.

While in Brighton we decided to pop into town for a spot of lunch and have a walk along the pier. It was here, in the tight streets and parking locations of Brighton, where the Passat performed perfectly.

It drives very much like a Golf, despite being much larger. The car excelled at everything from reverse parking into very tight parking spaces to getting up those steep hills while stuck in traffic. It feels effortless to drive on both country lanes and motorways.

When taking off in first gear from a stationary position you can feel the engine getting to grips with the weight of the car, and at times it feels like it is trying to catch up with itself (there may have been one minor wheel spin when first driving). As soon as you are in second gear and above you very rarely feel the DSG gearbox shift up or down a gear.

The model we tested featured a transverse-installed 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engine, which made getting up to a good towing speed effortless. The engine really provides speed behind the pedal, especially in sport mode. Nought to 62mph in 9.1 seconds is not to be sniffed at from an estate car of this weight and size.

With a 150bhp engine towing is a joy, especially when using some of the tech and safety features. Pulling a caravan with an automatic gearbox was not really something we were too keen on but we’re slowly seeing the benefits.

When getting up to speed with your van of choice attached you feel nothing but smooth handling and steering. The Passat handles towing with absolutely no issues and the electric tow bar can be hidden out of sight for everyday driving.

Often when towing you find the caravan can sometimes become a bit unruly and have little jumps and jerks along the way. The Passat seems to minimise those annoying mannerisms with its firm yet smooth handling. Even the most demanding touring van will handle well with this tow car.

The unladen weight comes in at 1590kg so you can still add a fair amount on board, both people and kit, and not have to worry too much about overloading.

If we had to choose a word for the way this car drives and handles it would have to be ‘smooth’. You can use Sport or Eco mode and you will feel as though the car almost drives itself.

It is also worth making note that this car only comes in a diesel option. If you are strictly a petrol person then you may not be too keen on this version of the Passat.

Interior, exterior and gadgets

The overall look of the 2020 model has had a slight facelift with some new sleek edges, but stylistically speaking there is nothing too different to report.

When seated inside VW treats you to an almost luxury driving experience. The layout of the dash is smooth and not too overwhelming, despite the huge amount of features on offer.

The large screen supports Android phones and has Apple CarPlay which makes setting up your entertainment or music very easy.

For those longer drives where you may start to feel uncomfortable, you can change the seat’s lumbar support with the flick of a button.

The overall comfort of the Passat is top notch, and you can see the key attention to detail that has gone into making the driver, and passenger, experience pleasurable. There will be no arguing over space in the back, if anything you may get lost in all that extra room.

You will find all the mod cons on board such as air conditioning, climate control, heated seats and keyless entry, but it is the outside technology that really impressed us.

The 2020 Passat received a five-star overall rating from Euro NCAP and it is clear why. Not only is this vehicle built like a tank but it also has more safety features than the Batmobile.

When driving, the lane assist kicks in if you are oversteering and the 360 senses will tell you if anyones gets too close. This can, at times, be a little distracting and dare I say oversensitive. Although it does make parking in tricky spots easier, especially with all the cameras and the bird’s-eye view on the heads-up display.

As good as all the technology is it does sometimes feel a little unnecessary and takes your mind off the road. Too often you will find yourself relying on the cameras for reversing or positioning. The most capable drivers out there may find the lane assist frustrating; it’s safe to say that we did at times.

Verdict

The VW Passat will inevitably be compared to the Audi A4 and other estate models at this price range, but that is a good thing as this vehicle really holds its own when tested or compared.

For £41,030 (tested price) you really do get a fantastic tow car that is extremely comfortable and even more practical. There is a huge amount of tech and gadgets onboard which can sometimes be a little over the top, but you do have the option of turning these off.

The space for passengers and luggage/kit is superb and you will be able to take so much more with you to enjoy on your travels.

The towing is just as easy and pleasurable as the daily driving and the build quality is fantastic. VW have really upped their tow car game and the competition needs to watch out.

Derry and Donegal caravan stays ruled out by Arlene Foster

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By Emma Dodd

Northern Ireland’s first minister Arlene Foster has asked people not to undertake caravan holidays in Derry, as soaring coronavirus infection rates affect the area.

She has also discouraged travel across the border to Donegal where there is a similar issue with cases of COVID-19 on the rise.

Her requests for residents and visitors to refrain from holidaying in these areas comes in the wake of the island of Ireland’s two chief medical officers calling for a limit to cross-border travel.

Derry is currently recording the highest number of coronavirus infections anywhere in Northern Ireland, reports the Press Association.

The Irish government has put Donegal under tightened restrictions for three weeks in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Mrs Foster confirmed she had undertaken a “very good conversation” with Ireland’s taoiseach Micheal Martin, who concurred with her views on the matter.

Discussing holidaymakers contemplating leisure trips in the two areas, she said: “I would advise them not to go because I don’t think that that is essential travel, and it’s certainly not an exempted part.

“And people shouldn’t try to game the regulations, people should use their common sense.”

People can travel freely across the Ireland – Northern Ireland border, but Great Britain is not currently on Ireland’s Green List.

This means anyone arriving from England, Scotland or Wales into Ireland must restrict their movements for 14 days.

Great Britain does, however, fall within the Common Travel Area (CTA) that allows visits to Northern Ireland without quarantining.

Ireland is currently on the British government’s exempt list of destinations you can travel to without needing to quarantine for 14 days when returning home.

The majority of Ireland is currently under level two coronavirus restrictions, which means domestic travel is permitted.

Dublin and Donegal are subject to level three regulations, meaning they should not be considered good locations for a caravan holiday.

Cornwall park goes adult only

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By William Coleman

Cornwall is one of Britain’s most popular touring holiday hotspots for couples and families alike. One of the region’s most decorated parks has now opted to go adults-only as of next year.

As of April 2021 the award winning Trethem Mill on the Roseland Peninsula will be a child-free zone and will be strictly 18 and over.

Over the past few years quite a few sites across the UK have adopted the “no child” rule to try and provide a much more serene holiday environment for those who may have had their fill of children over the years. Some feel that this is an extreme measure whereas others are very much in favour.

Having stayed at adult-only parks and spoken with guests it seems that the decision to go child-free is more about escapism than being anti-child. Some people have raised children or grandchildren and want some “me time” away from the little ones.

Trethem Mill is a family-run park where Jane and Ian Akeroyd oversee day to day operations along with their son Jake and Ian’s father Derek. The team firmly believes that this new decision will be very much welcomed by visitors come the new season.

“There are lots of superb holiday parks throughout Cornwall which cater for families with youngsters,” said Jane.

“Our specialisation, though, is peaceful, well-kept surroundings in glorious countryside – and we tend to attract the type of visitors who are seeking exactly that type of escape.

“Some of our guests are teachers and childcare professionals, and are perhaps happy not to be reminded of their day jobs when they go away for a break.

“Others include young professionals in motorhomes and campervans, and also mature couples who just want to take it easy and enjoy the birdsong,” she added.

The above reasons for touring sites going adults-only seem to be similar to the other parks that have gone down the same path. There seems to be a feeling that the older generation want to be away from younger children and just have a more tranquil stay.

The park was taken over by the family 28 years ago, and since the takeover a lot of time and hard work has gone into creating a peaceful environment for touring folk.

To prove that hard work pays off, Jane and Ian have seen a year-on-year rise in guests, not to mention accolades such as the prestigious five-star gold award from Visit England.

The trophy cabinet doesn’t stop there though. Trethem Mill has also gained the AA’s five-pennant platinum flag, the organisation’s highest award, and the 2020 David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

To help see in the new adults-only site next April, the business has joined the Tranquil Parks group, which has over 40 independently owned sites that cater strictly to adults-only holidays.

Trethem Mill is also a member of the Best of British parks group, which brings together top-rated family-run parks providing exceptional surroundings, services and facilities.

What are your thoughts on this? Should more sites and parks go adult-only, or are you happy to share your holiday time with youngsters and families?

The Club is set to mark Tyre Safety Month

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By Emma Dodd

October will be Tyre Safety Month after the Caravan and Motorhome Club announced a number of initiatives to help keep members safe on the road and save money.

This year’s event draws on past experience of the awareness month, which has been run annually since 2006.

Tyre Safety Month draws attention to up-to-date legislation, driver education and the risks associated with fitting part-worn or defective tyres to a caravan, motorhome or towing vehicle.

Its main focuses for 2020 will be air pressure, condition and tread depth, all of which need to be checked regularly.

Caravan owners should consult their vehicle’s handbook or fuel cap to find out the recommended settings for air pressure before ensuring the tyres match this description.

Looking out for lumps, bulges, cuts and cracks is important, as it could indicate a tyre is unsafe to use.

A minimum legal tread depth has been set at 1.6 mm and it’s best to use an accurate gauge to measure it.

If you don’t have one to hand, then a 20 pence piece is a handy way to work out how close your tread is to the limit. Insert the coin into the tread and if the outer band is obscured, you’re above the legal minimum depth.

The Club’s advice pages on tyre safety are available on its website all year round, but as the seasons change into autumn, checking tyres becomes even more important.

Caravanners can join the conversation on The Club’s social media channels throughout October and take advantage of various offers on tyres.

These include up to 50 per cent off at one of National Tyres and Autocare’s 235 tyre centres and a saving of up to £40 on a TyrePal Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Anyone needing particular tyre-related paraphernalia may also be able to get it through The Club’s shop, as it stocks everything from Milenco torque wrench safety kits to AutoGlym instant tyre dressings.