Dream Destinations: Hadrians Wall country

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By Emma Dodd

If you’re looking for a destination that lets you escape the pressures of modern life, then Hadrian’s Wall country could be the answer. Dating back to 122AD, this impressive fortification stretches from one coast of England to the other over a distance of 73 miles.

Originally built as the north-west boundary of the Roman Empire, remnants of towers, turrets and forts can still be seen to this day. Discover the artefacts that have been unearthed along the wall over the centuries and take in the beautiful scenery that surrounds this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are so many interesting sites along the wall, you’ll have to prioritise which ones to see during your visit. Chesters, Birdoswald and Houseteads Roman forts are likely to come high on the list, as well as Corbridge Roman town and Vindolanda Museum.

One of the most effective ways to plan your days on a trip to Hadrian’s Wall country is to pick one of its many trails to explore. The Chesters Trail is based around a relatively quiet section of the wall and includes bath houses, bridges, turrets and a well.

The Corbridge Trail starts from the town centre, before heading east to Heddon-on-the-Wall and the Denton Hall Turret. It finishes on the outskirts of Newcastle-upon-Tyne at the Benwell Roman Temple.

For the best views anywhere along the wall, follow the Houseteads Trail from Walltown Crags to Sewingshields Wall. It’s a great route for following some of the best-preserved parts of the wall as it snakes through the countryside, stopping off at turrets, milecastles and crags along the way.

What’s unique about Hadrian’s Wall country as a destination is that it passes through Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. That gives you plenty of options when it comes to where you’d like to pitch your caravan.

The obvious option is Hadrian’s Wall Camping and Caravan Site in Melkridge, which prides itself on being just five minutes from the wall. With a combination of grass pitches and hard standings, this small site can accommodate caravans and motorhomes, as well as tents.

There are two excellent pubs to sample along the wall, although The Milecastle Inn, with its small traditional rooms is reviewing government coronavirus guidance and will only reopen when it can safely do so. In the meantime, Twice Brewed is a great option once you’ve parked up your caravan for the evening.

Enjoy a home cooked meal and one of the ales brewed on site. Northern Frontier is a hoppy IPA with notes of chamomile, while the Nox Cherry Milk Stout was a runner up at the Newcastle Beer Festival 2019. Take advantage of Twice Brewed’s observatory and the exceptionally dark skies while you’re there.

The definitive guide to caravanning and wild swimming

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By Emma Dodd

Wild swimming is becoming increasingly popular and it’s a great hobby to combine with your love of caravanning. After all, what could be better than coming back and warming yourself up with a nice hot cuppa in your van after taking a dip in the sea, a lake or tarn.

Wild swimming kit

One of the best things about wild swimming is that you don’t need lots of specialist equipment to do it. A swimming costume and some warm clothes to put on afterwards is enough. But like all hobbies there is a lot of kit you can invest in if you’re going to take it for the long-term.

Swimming shoes are a good first purchase, as they make getting in and out on rough surfaces easier. A bobble hat and neoprene gloves will keep you warm if you decide to swim through winter. You may decide to buy a wetsuit, but there’s plenty of wild swimmers who enjoy the cold water at all times of the year in just a swimming costume.

Recently, swimming robes have become very popular, with the large baggy ponchos representing a handy way to dry off and get changed on beaches or lakesides. Finally, a tow float is a sensible idea if you’re going in alone, as these brightly-coloured buoys bob along behind you so you can be easily spotted in the water.

Swimming safe

There are a number of safety issues to consider when embarking on a wild swim. These include tides, the depth of the water and obstructions. Never jump into a body of water when you don’t know what lies beneath and always have a clear plan for your entry and exit points.

Even in the summer months, all of the UK’s bodies of water are classed as cold and cold water shock can be dangerous. It’s important to acclimatise and September is a good time to start swimming as the water is at its warmest. If you keep swimming as it slowly drops in temperature you will find it easier to adjust.

The cold water response includes involuntary gasping for air, rapid breathing and your heart beating faster. This can be dangerous if you’re not in control of the situation, so go in slowly and give yourself time to adjust before you get out of your depth.

Don’t stay in too long, especially during the winter months. A wild swim only needs to be a few minutes long to energise you and set you up for the day. Follow the advice of the Outdoor Swimming Society.

The pleasures of wild swimming

Wild swimming offers a unique perspective on your surroundings, allowing you to enjoy nature’s beauty away from the crowd. It’s an opportunity to pause and understand the fundamental needs of your body. Many swimmers talk about the buzz they feel afterwards, as the blood returns to the cooler parts of their bodies and their minds seem sharper. Finding a good wild swimming spot close to where you’ve pitched your caravan is like discovering hidden treasure.

Warming up after your swim

Getting warm again is really important and your caravan will be a great help in this. Get changed out of your swimming kit, get dry and bundle up in lots of clothes. Put the kettle on for a hot drink. Don’t underestimate the after drop, which is when the cold blood from your extremities starts flowing into the rest of your body and suddenly your core feels cooler. Hot chocolate and tea are good for warming you up from the inside.

Best caravan sites for wild swimming

There are lots of ways to combine caravanning with wild swimming, but if you’re keen to make it central to your trip, you may want to pitch up at one of these sites:

  • Glenbrittle Campsite – located on the shores of Loch Brittle and at the foot of the Cuillins on the Isle of Skye, this site is a good place from which to set off for the iconic Fairy Pools.
  • Berwick Holiday Park – Northumberland’s coastline is dotted with sea swimming opportunities and this caravan site sits just above a sheltered bay.
  • Cambridge Camping and Caravanning Club Site – close to the River Cam, which has a number of good places to get in for a dip. Follow in Lord Byron’s footsteps by swimming from Grantchester Meadows.
  • Trafford’s Caravan Site – situated near to Bassenthwaite Lake, which is quieter and warmer than some of the others in the Lake District.
  • Tregurrian Club Site – explore the sea swimming possibilities along Cornwall’s coast from this site near Treyarnon Bay.

VW California Coast 6.1 review

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By William Coleman

The CaravanTimes team spent a week with the new Volkswagen California, but how did the modern version of the campervan classic hold up?

The VW camper has always been a classic and well-loved touring van, but in 2020 what does almost £60,000 get you?

In very plain terms, a lot. You get a lot. The above price has all the added optional bells and whistles, of which there are many, but there are cheaper options still around the £55k+ mark. If you opt out of additional extras, you will more than likely have the same holiday experience.

We spent a week using the California Coast 6.1, not to be confused with the similar Ocean model, and it was hard to find fault. Gone are the days of a van that has just had a bed and sink fitted. As far as vehicles go, this is as modern as they come and very comfortable.

One of the things that separate California from a lot of campers in the market is the fact that Volkwagen is one of the few car manufacturers who design, make and sell factory-built campers. Most other companies simply build upon an existing chassis or make custom models.

Yes, it has been designed on the Volkswagen Transporter Panel van, but that is where the similarities stop.

Exterior

When you glance at the California Coast, you never get a sense that it is a van – it just looks like so much more. It can easily be used as both a holiday home and a day-to-day car for the commute or school run.

It features the new VW slim grille with chrome edges, and comes equipped with parking sensors. You’ll find 16-inch alloy wheels, which really make this van stand out. There are various options for the alloys, but personally, we think that what comes as standard does the job perfectly.

The sliding door is on the driver’s side – which some will not be happy with here in the UK, as it does tend to suit the continental market. This will always be the case with the VW camper, so it really is down to personal preference. Above the sliding door, you will also find your extendable awning for those sunny days.

The rear door is a tailgate – not the traditional barn doors – something which is a much better option. Not only does it give you a lot more space to manoeuvre things in and out of the van, but you also get a second canopy, should the heavens open.

Interior

As you can imagine, there is not a huge amount of space inside the California, but what space you do have has been utilised very well. Once the roof is up, you then have a lot more head space and, as a passenger sitting in the back, you will be extremely happy with all the foot space.

The California’s fixtures and fittings are very well fitted, sturdy, with no shaking or rattling. It is very common to hear almost every item on board rattle when driving, which can be quite distracting; aboard the California you will find nothing but silence in transit.

The light wood effect coupled with light grey trim on the doors makes it feel spacious and fresh. You will no longer find dark colour schemes, which can make the space seem smaller than it is.

The catches on all the storage areas have been revised and work a lot smoother than before, which helps with just how snug everything fits. Oh, and it adds to the silence when driving.

There are LED lights throughout so lighting of an evening is no issue; if anything, they are edging on a tad too bright. Both front chairs swivel around to face the kitchen area, so everyone can sit comfortably to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day and night living

These campers are not really designed to spend an entire day in. I mean, yes, you can and it would be fine, but they are more of an adventure van.

During the day you are more than likely going to be on the move, walking or taking part in your favourite activities.

As we mentioned before, the lounge consists of the two front seats and the rear dual-belted bench seat that transforms into a double bed. As you’d expect, you get a folding table that will perfectly fit a group or four.

This is a four-berth camper with a pop-up roof bed, which is 114 cm by 200 cm, making it perfect for two adults.

Night time living was where we found some issues, albeit very minor. There are a lot of clips and hooks to get used to when making up the beds, This may sound trivial, but after repeated use, it does grow a tad tiresome.

Driving

Now this is where the Volkswagen California Coast 2.0 TDI 150ps 7spd DSG really impresses. It was an absolute dream to drive on country lanes, motorways and highstreets. From the handling all the way to its manoeuvring, just an absolute delight.

The acceleration of this TDI was impressive too, 0-60 mph in 14.3 seconds. It was questioned how the 2.0 engine would handle the extra weight, but it seems nobody told the engine there was more weight added.

The axle load limit for the front is 1,610 kg and 1,575 kg for the rear. So you have quite even weight distribution.

With a 70-litre fuel tank and great fuel consumption, you will not have to plan in too many pit stops at the petrol or service stations along the way.

This was actually the first time we’d managed to get our hands on an automatic VW camper, and it was a lot better than we thought it would be.

The general consensus here at CaravanTimes was that campers are better off with a manual gearbox due to driving habits, vehicle weight and various other driving points.

We have all somewhat changed our outlook on the automatic gearbox. The seven-speed auto gearbox handled every road, speed and track we took the camper on. So, for anyone considering getting an automatic gearbox camper, do not hesitate.

Tech and gadgets

The cab of the California is as good as any other VW vehicle, easily comparable to a new Golf, Polo or Tiguan. Other coachbuilt campers, or even motorhomes, tend to just mirror the van they are built upon and lack a lot of the signature trademarks of the brand. This is not something that you will find aboard the California.

The onboard stereo is more like a smart tablet than a traditional stereo. The eight-inch screen is easy to navigate and can control everything from the DAB to the air con settings. The entire dashboard has been totally changed and revamped to meet modern demands and standards.

One of the most useful bits of tech is the Apple CarPlay feature. An iPhone was used for almost all of our maps, media, music and podcasts while on the road, so having a wireless connection to all the apps you’ll need just makes life easier. You are not limited to just iPhones as the stereo’s media connections will work with any phone via Bluetooth USB connections.

One very impressive feature is the newly-designed control panel for camping. It is a huge upgrade from previous versions and is packed with new and exciting features to make your trip more efficient. Nobody wants to spend an age setting things up anymore.

The display is larger and is now a touchscreen, which visually shows you how much leisure battery you have, as well as fresh and grey water levels. This screen is basically the control hub for the batteries, heating and cooling.

But, and here is where it gets very cool, the built-in self-levelling system is top notch. Some seasoned touring veterans can level a caravan, motorhome or camper in their sleep, but there are a lot of younger people using campers who are not as experienced, so this feature will be very popular amongst them.

Verdict

Overall, this is an incredible campervan that has been well thought out and built to an extremely high standard. Apart from a few personal dislikes, there is not much to complain about when it comes to overall usage. The California Coast 6.1 is a pleasure to drive, sleep and cook in.

It does come with quite a price tag, especially if you go for the optional extras. For the same price you can get a much larger vehicle with more space and more onboard facilities, but that does not mean it will be better.

Welsh caravan park forced to close due to new local lockdown

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By Emma Dodd

A caravan park in Wales has been forced to ask visitors to leave and close its doors due to a new coronavirus local lockdown being put in place.

People staying at Trecco Bay Caravan Park in Porthcawl were told their holidays were being cut short and that they would need to pack up and go home with around four hours notice, reports WalesOnline.

The park closed at 6pm on Tuesday and went into hibernation after new rules were introduced to parts of south Wales.

Parkdean Resorts, which runs the site, is offering full refunds to all guests, a credit note to the value of 120 per cent of their stay or the opportunity to rebook at a different location.

Anyone due to stay at the park within the next two weeks has also been notified and offered a refund.

Sean Gattrell from Newport and his family are among those affected by the closure. He said: “They just basically said with the restrictions coming in they had to close – the whole park had to close.”

Trecco Bay is the largest caravan park in Europe and has welcomed more than 50,000 holidaymakers since it reopened on July 13th.

It is located in Bridgend, which along with Merthyr, Newport and Blaenau Gwent went into local lockdown on Tuesday evening.

The region joined Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf, which had already seen new measures put into place to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Steve Richards, CEO of Parkdean Resorts, said: “This closure will affect many businesses and jobs in Porthcawl who rely on the regular influx of tourists to the area and, of course it will mean many hard working Welsh people who account for over 90 per cent of our guests, will now not be able to enjoy a well-earned break.”

What are certificated locations?

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By Emma Dodd

With increased interest in caravanning in the wake of lockdown, people have been calling for a more relaxed attitude to where visitors can pitch up throughout the UK.

Some have requested car parks remove their height restriction barriers, while others have suggested we embrace French-style aires, but there are alternatives to caravan sites in this country.

They can be called certificated location sites (CLSs) or certificated sites (CSs) and act as the bridge between wild camping and staying at a full-scale caravan park with all its associated amenities.

Often, CLSs are the result of a farmer or landowner wishing to open up their space to a few caravans or tents without building extra infrastructure.

This means they are often in areas that are particularly beautiful and in some cases remote, offering a unique stay that would be much harder to achieve otherwise.

The number of motorhomes at any given time is limited to five, while tents are limited to ten, meaning they will never be overrun by lots of visitors.

Many CLSs and CSs are available all year round, making them perfect for a late-season getaway far from the stresses of modern day life.

If you’re going to take advantage of this type of site, it’s important to understand the ethos behind them and be prepared to be self-sufficient.

Don’t expect a toilet block or extensive facilities, but with prices starting at just £10, it’s all about getting back to basics.

William Coleman of CaravanTimes summed it up: “CL sites are very different from your traditional touring park. They have a very low capacity and usually no on-site facilities. These certified locations tend to just have an electrical hook up, waste area and a water source. They are the definition of self-contained touring.

“These hidden gems are set in very remote locations that just take you away from the world, which is great for anyone who wants total solitude and tranquility when on holiday.”

The Caravan Club has more than 2,000 CLSs throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, while the Camping and Caravan Club boasts approximately 1,400 CSs across the UK and Northern Ireland.

While they are more informal than full caravan parks, they’re still assessed and monitored to ensure they meet acceptable standards.

You can choose a CS that is adult only or family friendly and make your decision based on various activities, such as being within a national park, near the coast or close to fishing sites.

Right now, hideaway CSs that are found well off the beaten track in locations like East Anglia and Scotland sound very appealing.

Coachman unveils Road to Freedom offer

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By William Coleman

Coachman caravans has just announced a brand new trade-in offer to help get you back out there and save some well needed cash while you’re at it.

The 2020 season pretty much stopped before it had a real chance to start, which then led to almost every aspect of the caravan industry closing for a few months. Now that the touring world is almost fully back to normal, we all need a little bit of help getting back out there, and Coachman has an offer that may help.

In the spirit of freedom comes a great deal from the manufacturer, where for a limited time you can buy 2021 models at 2020 prices. The promotion is aptly named the ‘Road to Freedom’.

The Promotion is available to all customers who order a 2021 model year Coachman Caravan (“Qualifying Vehicle”) from an authorised Coachman Caravan retailer (“Authorised Retailer”) between 1st August 2020 and 25th October 2020 (inclusive), subject to these terms and conditions, Click here.

Coachman is boasting quite the line up for 2021, so getting a new van for last year’s prices is an exciting prospect.

For the upcoming season you’ll see four ranges from Coachman. One of the more exciting things this year is the Acadia range, which has a revised eight model line-up this year, with three eight foot-wide models on offer.

The best-selling VIP collection has several ever-popular layouts, ranging from two to four-berth options.

Also returning for another season are the Laser range, with four models on offer, and Laser Xcel range, with three eight foot-wide caravans.

There’s no better time to own a Coachman than now with the Road to Freedom offer. You could save up to an impressive £1,065 off your new van.

Beat the price increase and order your 2021 Coachman caravan today. To view the collection, please click here.

Below are the offers for each model, but for full details and terms and conditions, contact Coachman directly.

Road to Freedom Cashback offer model savings

Caravan Model
Road To Freedom Cashback (INC. VAT)
Acadia 460-£655.00

Acadia 520-£695.00

Acadia 545-£705.00

Acadia 565-£705.00

Acadia 575- £705.00

Acadia 830 Xcel- £825.00

Acadia 860 Xcel- £825.00

Acadia 875 Xcel-£825.00

VIP 460-£760.00

VIP 520-£815.00

VIP 545- £820.00

VIP 565-£820.00

VIP 57- £820.00

Laser 575 Xcel-£930.00

Laser 650- £940.00

Laser 665- £940.00

Laser 675-£940.30

Laser Xcel 845-£1,065.00

Laser Xcel 850-£1,065.00

Laser Xcel 875-£1,065.00

Windermere caravan park scoops top green award

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By Emma Dodd

A caravan park in Windermere has been named as one of the greenest places to enjoy a staycation by scooping a top award.

Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate has won the 2020 David Bellamy Conservation Award, having been granted its top level gold status.

The award, which recognises the park’s efforts to protect the natural world, is named after the famous botanist and has been highlighting the places to holiday with the best green credentials for 25 years.

Park Cliffe is run by Susan and Derek Dickson, but the duo were keen to state the importance of their team in ensuring the environment is at the heart of everything they do.

Mrs Dickson said: “Everyone here shares our love of the natural world, and our team members play a vital role in helping us to put our plans into action, and contributing their own ideas.

“Park Cliffe tends to attract holiday guests who want to enjoy tranquil, unspoiled surroundings, and their support has also been important to us over the past twelve years.”

She added that they hope the award will help to highlight Cumbria as an eco destination.

Windermere is the biggest lake in England and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, as well as many attractions that delight visitors to the area.

The World of Beatrix Potter brings the work of the much-loved children’s writer to life in the surroundings where she created her iconic characters.

This latest award is not the first accolade Park Cliffe has received, with a number of prestigious titles having been bestowed on it over the years.

As well as welcoming touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, the site also has holiday homes and glamping pods available to rent.

Judges for the David Bellamy Award noted the high-nectar bearing flowers and wildlife habitats put in place by the owners, making sightings of honey bees and butterflies a common occurrence at Park Cliffe.

It was also praised for the banning of single-use plastics, championing of local food and use of low-level lighting to ensure a good view of the night sky.

Bailey announce the 2021 Phoenix+ and Pegasus Grande SE

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By Williiam Coleman

Bailey of Bristol, one of the nation’s favourite manufacturers, hosted a YouTube live presentation last night (17th September) to launch its new and improved 2021 lineup. Here is everything you need to know about what is coming your way this season.

This year sees a few changes and upgrades to the existing Bailey lineup. First we see the new and improved Phoenix+ and then the Pegasus Grande SE. But what has changed in these two best sellers?

The Phoenix+

The Phoenix+ range is a relatively new addition to Bailey’s roster, but it seems to have made quite the impression within the marketplace. To make way for these new models it was decided that the Phoenix 760 will be discontinued for the 2021 model year.

The design team at Bailey HQ wanted to create a van that was practical, spacious and stylish both inside and out. This durable four-season van has a lot of features and comfort inside a very generous space.

This is what some would call a ‘mid level’ caravan, but the only thing that makes it mid level is the price. Once you are inside and have a chance to look around, you will see that Bailey does not make a van that has middle price range specifications.

Design and layout

For 2021, Bailey have introduced the new ‘Dove Grey’ GRP-skinned sidewalls, complete with a complementary new graphics scheme. On top of that there is a newly-designed silver-coloured alloy wheels scheme, to give the Phoenix+ a distinctive new appearance not normally found in a caravan in this price bracket.

This year sees six different layouts (420, 440, 642, 644, 640 and 650) ranging from two to five berths on single-axle chassis.

The Phoenix+ has every layout from double singles all the way to French island bends, as well as rear or central washrooms. You really are quite spoilt for choice when it comes to what layout to go for.

Inside, you will find all the mod cons you’d expect from a modern touring van and it comes as standard with a Dometic 106-litre fridge and an 800 watt microwave. To ensure you have all the cooking tools you’ll need, Bailey have fitted a Thetford K-Series combined oven and grill.

There has been a slight revamp of the colour schemes inside these new 2021 models and they are not hugely different from before, but these small changes do seem to make quite a difference.

The furniture colour has changed to a ‘Light Oak’, featuring dual-finish Italian design curved overhead locker doors, combining new ‘Chesham’ soft furnishings and ‘Hazelnut’ loose-fit carpets throughout, including the washroom, to create stylish new interiors beautifully showcased by the signature vertical front picture window.

Weight and towing

The MTPLM of these vans is 1,146 kg to 1,411 kg, model specific of course. So it is always advisable to add up the weight of your rig to see if it’s a weight you are comfortable towing.

Being at a lighter weight does open the door to a lot of younger people with licence restrictions or those with smaller tow vehicles.

Bailey of Bristol managing director Nick Howard said: “The introduction of the Phoenix+ range brings an additional level of refinement to our popular first-choice range.

“Enhanced styling inside and out gives Phoenix a fresh new look, which combined with an already comprehensive specification, accessible unladen weights and a competitive retail price, make it an extremely attractive proposition to people considering their first new caravan purchase.”

The Pegasus Grande SE

Here we see another take on an existing model, an 8ft wide model actually. To date, the Pegasus Grande range has also been a best seller for Bailey when it comes to the wider tourers. So it was only natural that this model was going to continue production and have some new innovations added to keep it a market competitor.

This brings us to the SE models – a limited edition – which will be available around the end of September onwards.

Like last season, you still have six different layouts to choose from, all with the same names too – Rimini, Brindisi, Bologna, Messina, Palermo and Turin.

The Rimini and the Brindis are both single-axle four-berth models, whereas the rest are twin with a sleeping capacity from between four and six.

Design and layout

These are more than just a wider van that provides a bit more foot space at dinner. Bailey constructed the larger models from the ground up and were actually able to add an extra 25% more interior space without compromising on any of the features or fixtures.

Throughout this range you will see layouts with either a G-shaped front lounge with sliding front dinette table (model specific) or a central U-shaped dinette area with wall-mounted table (model specific), making them ideal for those people searching for extra room.

Much like the Phoenix+, this van will also feature ‘Dove Grey’ GRP side walls, complete with a bespoke SE graphics scheme to ensure the Pegasus Grande will continue to stand out from the crowd.

Models feature new construction seating, with knee-rolled sprung base cushions in the front lounge, available in a choice of either ‘Goldhawk’ (standard) or ‘Barbican’ (cost option) fabrics – both of which are supplied with a full complement of scatter cushions.

The kitchen has a total revamp, some would say a makeover, with the inclusion of a circular stainless steel kitchen sink with concealed fixings, a new-design Perspex splashback with chrome detailing, while twin-axle models also benefit from the introduction of the ingenious Dometic 10-series 153_litre electronic fridge freezer with universal-handed door mechanism.

Bailey of Bristol managing director Nick Howard said: “The introduction of the SE Edition brings an additional level of refinement to our most popular 8 ft-wide caravan range.

“Stylish new looks, both inside and out, make an already attractive caravan even better. Offering a unique set of spacious 8 ft-wide layouts in a great value-for-money package, this new limited edition range provides enhanced levels of both comfort and practicality in equal measure.”

New campervan campaign group wants us to go French

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By Emma Dodd

A new campaign group has been set up to promote the idea of French-style ‘aires’ being set up all over the UK.

The Campaign for Real Aires UK (CAMPRA) wants to see dedicated stops introduced for campervans and caravans in a bid to help boost tourism.

On the continent, these locations offer basic facilities like fresh water and somewhere to empty waste in return for a small fee.

They are in convenient locations close to bars, restaurants and shops, meaning those in motorhomes can splash the cash and put money directly into the local economy.

At present, most location authorities discourage overnight stays in car parks, putting up barriers and signs instead of welcoming visitors.

The campaign is gaining traction in North Wales and Northumberland, as well as other parts of the UK that are challenging accepted norms in a bid to keep businesses going in the age of coronavirus.

Carolyn Mitchell, member of CAMPRA, told North Wales Live: “I am part of a group of over 10,000 motorhome owners who are keen to see the introduction of dedicated facilities for motorhomes throughout the UK.”

She added that the campaign’s Facebook group has grown from just 600 participants to over 10,000 in two months, demonstrating the need for the facilities.

As many motorhome owners are retired they have a good disposable income, which could help to keep local businesses going during these difficult times.

They also like to go touring out of season when campsites are often closed. Since they don’t need the facilities such sites provide, as it’s all on board, this should not be a problem.

Up in Northumberland, campaign members are keen to take advantage of the thousands of vans that pass through the county on their way up to Scotland each year.

Graham Stokes, a representative for CAMPRA in the area, told the Northumberland Gazette: “Let us promote Northumberland as a motorhome friendly place to stop, visit and you will see that all those motorhome owners will spend money in our shops, restaurants, pubs and tourist venues.”

Mix things up on your staycation this autumn

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By Emma Dodd

Everything has been turned on its head in 2020, with foreign holidays being replaced by staycations, handshakes turning into elbow bumps and the office swapped for the spare room. So, in the spirit of a year that has forced us to adapt beyond recognition, let’s mix things up even further.

Usually, autumn would be a time where we hunker down to the familiar after a summer of excitement and adventure. With the warmer months having not allowed us to fulfil our potential for trying new things due to lockdown and coronavirus restrictions, it’s time to switch it up.

Swap the motorhome for glamping

Going away in your motorhome is always fun, but perhaps it’s time to consider something a little different. If you haven’t been abroad this summer, then spending that budget on an extraordinary stay in the UK could be a great way to brighten everyone’s spirits this autumn. From yurts, domes and teepees to treehouses, eco pods and shepherds’ huts, there’s so many options to choose from and many of them are in stunning natural surroundings.

Swap your favourite caravan park for a new one

Just like a comfy old jumper that you pull out every autumn, it’s so easy to return to the familiarity of a caravan park you’ve been to and enjoyed many times before. Now that the government has put the power for sites to stay open longer into the hands of local authorities, it could be a good time to try somewhere new. For many people, this might even mean a location closer to home, as in the past we’ve always been tempted to travel far and wide for our holidays.

Swap indoor cooking for outdoor cooking

Most modern motorhomes have a fairly well-appointed kitchen, but even still, we often turn to the barbecue during the summer months. There’s nothing quite like cooking outdoors though to tap into the simple pleasure of campfire food. Wrapping potatoes in foil and placing them in the fire, stirring a weighty pot of stew and toasting marshmallows are all so comforting in autumn. There are a number of touring parks and campsites throughout the UK that allow campfires or fire pits, so book one of these for a true outdoor experience.

Swap hiking for paddleboarding

Hiking has always been a popular activity on caravan holidays in Britain, but you can get a totally different perspective on the landscape from the sea or a river. Paddleboarding has become more popular in recent years and there are plenty of places where you can hire the kit and have a go. While a wetsuit is recommended, just remember that the waters of the UK have had all summer to warm up, so it won’t be as chilly if you fall in. There’s also a good chance of seeing birds and wildlife as you serenely paddle by.

Swap the pub for a stargazing walk

Many of us live in cities or populated areas that are subject to light pollution, but a trip away in the caravan can often mean escaping artificial light. This represents a great opportunity to spend some time looking up at the sky and its incredible show of stars. Introducing children to stargazing is also a great way to help them appreciate the wonders of the natural world and a little bit of research in advance can help you identify what you’re seeing. So, forget a trip to the pub and turn your head to the skies instead.

Adria welcomes its new generation caravan

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By William Coleman

This year Adria is bringing something fresh to the table with a new-generation Adora range which has had a total redesign, been upgraded for the new season and future holidays.

The Adora has been a best seller for Adria year after year, but that has not stopped the design team from reevaluating what can be done to strive for even more perfection on board. Adria firmly believes that the new 2021 Adora range has been taken to the next level and is in fact the first in a new generation of caravan.

Taking what was learnt from the new Astella range, Adria were able to create something new and special that has improved comfort, practicality, technology and performance. The Adora now features the largest in-line panoramic window available and is also the most aerodynamic caravan you can buy.

The new-generation Adora has been created by, what Adria is calling, its ‘five stories’. Inspired design, inside and out, with a clean new Adria silhouette and flowing living spaces inside are the areas that have been focused on to deliver something new and exciting.

Adria took Adora signature features, such as the extra-large panoramic window and improved upon them, as well as adding features like the new wind-diffusers, which help towing.

The interior of the Adora provides a contemporary living space and a home-style feeling for a unique premium caravan experience. In the past some vans, from many manufacturers, have stuck very close to that ‘caravan look’.

Adria have also added some inspired solutions including details of the new kitchen and bathroom. What’s more, you can use the Adria smart application – Adria MACH, for an easier way of life.

The Adora development story

The new Adora development started at the same time as the Astella range, with many of the same team of designers and engineers. This meant shared learning, best practices and many details from the Astella brought into the Adora project.

This new touring van is being dubbed the most aerodynamic caravan on the market. The touring van features an all-new exterior shape, with inline extra-large panoramic window, integrated lighting, storage and awning profile.

Adora offers four layouts for season 2021. To see the Adora and its fill list of specs, lick herel.

The Adora lineup continues with existing layouts; Isonzo, Seine and the six-berth Sava with an additional central bed layout the Tiber. As of this time the Tiber is still in development and is expected to be launched later in the season.

During the Adora’s inception and production Adria set up five stories guiding its development to show the market that this new caravan had a totally new creation strategy.

1.Inspired design

The design team looked at the existing Astella, took key aspects of the range and introduced them to the Adora to create this new-generation model.

Erna Povh, Adria’s Caravan Product Manager has said, ”You’ll see the design direction from the ground-breaking Astella, with really clean lines, automotive appearance and the rear wall with integrated new full LED multifunctional light.

“It has an elegant new front shape with even bigger panorama and innovative new aerodynamic aids, including wind diffusers for improved towing efficiency. Inside out full of smart and home-like features. Designed to fully enjoy your holidays.”

Highlights:

New exterior design, with integrated features and more usable interior volumes.
New extra-large in-line panoramic window for atrium-style living, on most layouts.
Large flowing living spaces for comfortable living, with elegant interiors.
Easy access with integrated storage.

2. Signature features

Previous Adora models have featured a large, perhaps the largest, panoramic window available in any caravan. The new in-line design is larger and brings in an abundance of light which creates ‘atrium-style living’.

New LED lights
New full LED multifunctional rear lights for automotive style and functionality.
New aerodynamic wind diffusers

This final innovative feature aids wind diffusion and is based on learning from the Astella. Designed with Adria’s aerospace partners, they look stylish and help towing efficiency.

Adria MACH

Adria’s remote smart control app controls all major functions from a smartphone, monitors and predicts energy and water usage, provides navigation and POI data and Mobile Office functions. So this is a really handy tool and quite like anything else out there.

3. Adora home-style feeling

The new generation brings a feeling of home with elegant interiors with bigger spaces, new softer, more integrated forms and a special home-style ambiance.

Highlights:

. Elegant interior with large flowing living spaces and contemporary chic décor.
. New lighting system for controllable ambiance in all living spaces.
. Atrium-style living with an extra-large panoramic window on most layouts.
. New sound system with hidden speakers.
. Organised storage throughout with dedicated spaces for personal items.
. Heating by Alde for all year-round comfort. Adora offers two choices of textile (Misty Rose and Stone Island)

4. Adora contemporary living spaces

The Adora’s inspired living spaces mean everything is designed around the way you want to live.

Living Room

With the largest panoramic window now available you are now presented with ‘atrium-style’ living, with great natural light and controllable shading and ventilation. The new seating and dinette design offers improved comfort and flexible living space. Easier bed set up and under-dinette storage should help with storage and make bedtime less hassle.

Kitchen

The new kitchen design has been inspired by the kind of kitchens you’d find in homes, not so much the typical touring cook space. More worktop space, which for me is a must have, more storage including capacious split drawers and of course high-end onboard appliances.

Bedroom

New bedroom designs, with all formats of bed, each with higher beds and Evopore ® mattresses for extra comfort. Controllable lighting ambiance and plenty of storage.

Bathroom

New bathroom featuring extra space, new lighting and innovative storage.

5. Adora inspired solutions

Everything has been reviewed and improved, with innovative new solutions for inspired living and maximum permitted weight loading as standard.

Multimedia

On board you will find a new digital controller and a wider range of multimedia entertainment solutions, including a new high-quality sound system with hidden speakers, bluetooth amplifier, TV point and holder, and multiple USB ports in the living room and bedroom.

Should locals embrace motorhomes to boost the economy?

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By Emma Dodd

Owning a motorhome represents ultimate freedom. The ability to up sticks and head for the open road at short notice, knowing you have everything you need on board.

Well, that’s the theory at least. We’ve all seen the overhead barriers that prevent motorhomes entering car parks and signs warning of no overnight camping.

Recently, we reported on an ongoing debate about motorhomes parking up at a car park in Scarborough and the view by many owners that they aren’t doing any harm.

Now, a letter has been written to the Bournemouth Echo encouraging locals to be more tolerant of motorhomes and the potential cash injection they can bring to an area.

Elaine Blanchard of Christchurch argues that the local council and residents should take advantage of the growing popularity of holidaying in the UK and increased motorhome sales.

In her letter to the editor, she said: “The provision of overnight parking spaces would not only benefit the council with increased revenue from parking, but also the struggling businesses on our high streets.”

She quite rightly points out that most modern motorhomes are so well-equipped that they do not require the toilet blocks and other facilities provided by caravan sites.

At this time of increased vigilance due to the pandemic, motorhome owners are even less likely to want to take advantage of such shared areas.

They do, however, still want to get away and being in close proximity to shops and eateries could lead to greater spend and therefore more money going into the local economy.

So, what are the rules around wild camping and should they be relaxed in light of the pandemic and the need to give local businesses all the help they can get?

Wild camping is illegal in most parts of England and Wales without permission from the landowner.

While there is a general understanding in some areas that it will be overlooked or not enforced, it’s still not permitted.

In Scotland, on the other hand, right-to-roam laws mean that wild camping is allowed just about anywhere, making it a popular destination for motorhome owners.

The pandemic has put a different slant on the issue in Scotland, however, with many local councils asking visitors not to wild camp at present.
There are multiple reasons for this, but they are all related to the surge in popularity of caravan and motorhome holidays this year.

Small communities, such as those in the Highlands and Islands, are nervous about an influx of people who could potentially bring the virus with them.

Limiting visitors to the capacity of caravan sites makes social distancing easier and ensures local amenities are not overrun.

It’s a two-edged sword, however, as these areas are as much in need of an economic boost from tourism as anywhere else in the UK.

The most important thing is to be respectful if you are going to pitch up outside of a recognised site. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and leave no trace when you go.

After all, is there any reason, if we’re all respectful that we can’t answer Ms Blanchard’s plea and take “advantage of this rapidly growing form of tourism rather than driving people away”?

What are your thoughts on this debate? Get in touch to let us know.