Henley caravan park to welcome guests back in time for 75th anniversary

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A caravan park in Henley-on-Thames will be able to welcome guests back just in time to celebrate its diamond anniversary.

Swiss Farm is a family business that was set up just after the Second World War when the current owner’s grandfather decided to invite visitors to camp in bell tents on the land he had been farming.

Now, seven and a half decades later, holidaymakers can choose to stay in static or touring caravans, motorhomes, cedar glamping cabins or shepherd’s huts, as well as pitching a tent.

The tranquil setting of Swiss Farm is surrounded by woodland and features a stunning lake, making it perfect for walks in the Oxfordshire countryside and bike rides with the family.

On-site facilities including the heated pool, bar and a farm shop stocked with locally-sourced produce have always proved popular, but the park has recently added some new outside areas.

The woodfired pizza kitchen and grill will no doubt be a hit with some of the younger visitors, while the covered cafe garden will offer more flexibility in a post-pandemic world.

Joseph Borlase, managing director at Swiss Farm, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming guests back to help us mark our diamond year and are pleased that they will once again be supporting other local businesses.

“It’s wonderful to have been part of this community for so many decades.”

He admitted that the last 12 months have been challenging for everyone in the holiday park industry, but was optimistic about the future of fresh air holidays in the UK.

Swiss Farm has had an influx of bookings since it announced plans to reopen in mid-April and it will once again be filled with the sound of holidaymakers enjoying the historic site.

The Big Little Tent Festival returns this Easter

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club invites you to join in the Big Little Tent Festival this Easter and you won’t be breaking any coronavirus rules.

Despite being an annual event, nothing could be more 2021 than pitching a tent in your own garden and hanging the bunting as if you were partying it up with others.

The Club highlights the advantages of camping at home as a great way to introduce newbies and younger members of the family to the experience.

It’s offering downloadable packs full of activities to help you get into the spirit and have fun without leaving home.

Participants can try their luck with one of the competitions associated with the Big Little Tent Festival, which could mean winning a variety of kit that would be useful for future camping adventures.

Brian Morgan, head of events and communications at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “As we can’t be out there exploring just yet, we’re bringing the great outdoors to you – from the comfort of your own home or garden with our Big Little Tent Festival!

“Camping is growing in popularity and we are expecting bumper numbers to holiday in their tents this summer.”

The highlight of the festival is bound to be the Zoom party, featuring The Mermaid Princess and the Friendly Neighbourhood Hero, where little ones can interact with others taking part in the event.

Set up camp for April 3rd and 4th if you’d like to take part in the Big Little Tent Festival and if you’re inspired to go further afield, the Caravan and Motorhome Club runs 80 tent camping sites at locations throughout the UK.

 

 

Image provided by Pexels/Vanessa Garcia

Nick’s News – A UK A-Class, a dealer special caravan and sitting comfortably

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhome, caravan and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

 

Campsite eAlerts – get yours now

If you’re reading this before the end of March, you could sign up for free alerts telling you of pitch availability on campsites throughout the UK. 

The Motorhome Holiday Company (www.motorhomeholidaycompany.com) – a hire specialist that also delivers a lot more – is offering weekly email updates until September to those who want to sign up for the service. 

Free if you subscribe before April, prices are also being pegged for the current season to a one-off payment of £9.99 after this date. 

It’s a neat idea, especially as there promises to be an unholy scramble for pitches as we emerge from our lockdown restrictions. 

It’s a UK-wide challenge that could be exacerbated even further if there are restrictions on travelling abroad. 

Don’t say you haven’t been warned…

Caravan Crush – More than just a dealer special classic!

I confess I’m a big fan of dealers’ special edition caravans – reworkings of standard manufacturers’ most popular models given an extra lift in terms of additional kit, graphics, upholsteries and more. 

Midlands-based dealer group Broad Lane Leisure has been in the special editions game longer than most – nearly 30 years, in fact. If I could pick one from what has become an extensive portfolio – with models made by Swift as well as Coachman – it would have to be the Fairway Platinum 580 – derived from Swift’s Challenger 580 (transverse island bed, rear washroom) but with extra kit totalling over £3,000 (alarm, Al-Ko ATC, dimmable lighting, door window and more).

Too much? There’s also the slightly less opulent Classic 580 variant. 

Three good Superior specification, Fairway pedigree (now with extra Platinum), hugely popular floor-plan 

Two bad Heavier than standard variant, not everyone wants loads of extra kit

Perfect for… adding a lot of extra luxury for not much more cash

Consider also Glossop Celebration 580, Kimberley Icon Trend T8, Wandahome Corniche 20/4

Motorhome for me?

Auto-Trail Grande Frontier G-70 – exploring new territories

Lucky me. Between lockdowns I was fortunate enough to have a look at what was then Auto-Trail’s A-class in the making – the first of three new models planned for the 2021 season. You probably don’t need telling either, they’re the only A-class motorhomes being produced by any mainstream UK manufacturer. 

All very neat at under 7m long, the G-70 is the smallest of the trio. It’s a two-berth as standard with a floor-plan that’s unique in the A-class sector: full-width rear washroom, large front lounge and – of course – a full-size pull-down double bed over the cab area.  

Three good Keenly priced, an instant attraction for Auto-Trail owners, British-favoured floor-plan

Two bad Low payload, availability could be an issue

Perfect for… trading up from a standard coach-built

Consider also Nothing!

Gadget envy 

Sitting comfortably? 

No doubt about it, there’s every chance we’ll all be doing more sitting around this season. So, now’s the perfect time to take stock of your outdoor seating and consider some comfier purchases. 

Vango’s (www.vango.co.uk) Radiate chairs have an added extra element to them… literally. It’s a layer of graphene that you hook up to a powerbank and, voila, a heated seat! Look out for Embrace, Tall, DLX and Grande DLX in the Radiate range – prices are all around the £100 mark – perfect if you want to take the chill off things when you’re sitting around outdoors. 

Quest’s Westfield Avantgarde range has been updated for 2021 – there’s a Relaxer, Recliner and even a Leg Rest option here now – all coming with a unique DuraDore 3D padded mesh fabric that’s particularly quick-drying. They’re all backed by a five-year warranty too.   

Then again, if you find camping chairs a bit too formal, how about hanging out in a hammock? I love the new Trace Hammock Set from Robens (www.robens.co.uk). It’s £40, uses recycled materials (for respectability along with that coolness), and comes complete with carabiners and slings so you can hook up (ha ha) wherever you like. 

Caravan holidays could return from April 12th

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By Emma Dodd

It’s the announcement we’ve all been waiting for from prime minister Boris Johnson, who yesterday (February 22nd) announced that caravan sites could reopen in England from April 12th.

Self-contained holiday accommodation falls under the second phase of lockdown lifting, with single households permitted to stay overnight in a caravan or motorhome with its own cooking and washing facilities.

The roadmap suggested that by June 21st, group holidays will be allowed, so you should be able to head off to your favourite campsite in a convoy with other households.

Four tests have been announced, which will be used to identify whether it’s safe for England to move on to the next stage of unlocking at each step of the way.

They are:

  • The vaccination rollout continues successfully
  • Jabs are reducing hospital admissions and deaths
  • Infection rates are not threatening an increase in hospitalisations
  • New variants of the virus haven’t changed the government’s assessment of the risks

Campsites, caravan sites and holiday parks have been closed since January 4th, when a lockdown was announced to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Since then, there has been much speculation about when staycations will be able to resume and many Brits have provisionally booked holidays in the UK to increase the chances of getting a break this year.

Demand is expected to be high for holidays at home this year, but it’s important that anyone securing a pitch at a caravan park checks the cancellation policy in case things change once again.

Among the destinations that are already experiencing a surge in bookings in the wake of the announcement is Cornwall.

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to announce more details about lifting restrictions north of the border when she holds a briefing later today.

It’s not yet clear what the Welsh government’s roadmap for easing restrictions will look like, as it is being cautious and does not want to raise hopes too soon only for them to be dashed.

Image credit: iStock/DEBOVE SOPHIE

Set up camp at one of these stately homes

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By Emma Dodd

Visiting a stately home is a quintessential British pastime, but how do you fancy staying behind once all the daytrippers have left?

A number of historic properties across the UK now allow visitors to camp on their grounds and The Sun recently rounded up some of the best.

Waddow Hall

Not far from Clitheroe, the 17th-century Waddow Hall offers camping facilities within its 178-acre estate.

There’s lots to keep everyone entertained, such as the onsite activity centre, featuring a high rope course and rock climbing facilities.

Pack the bikes and explore the Ribble Valley on two wheels, with the Gisburn Forest offering world-class mountain bike trails.

Tent pitches start from £15.

Benville Manor

Motorhomes and caravans are welcome at Dorset’s Benville Manor, which encompasses a meadow, gardens and woodland.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to camp in a natural setting where the kids can safely roam before returning to sit around the campfire.

Visit nearby Beaminster to discover its market town charm, award-winning gardens and peruse the work of its many artists.

From £20 a night.

Paxton House

Set up your touring caravan, motorhome or campervan within the walled garden of the dramatic Palladian style Paxton House, which dates back to 1763.

The adventure playground and proximity to the River Tweed mean there’s plenty of options for enjoying the great outdoors.

Some of Northumberland’s finest beaches are also just a short drive away and the walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed offers quaint pubs and shops.

Pitches from £20.

Overnight stays are not currently permitted in the UK due to coronavirus restrictions, but there’s hope these will be lifted soon.

When it’s once again possible to travel, it’s thought staycations will prove popular, with many caravanners eager to get away in their leisure vehicle.

Image credit: John Henry Fagan, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Brits look forward to iconic views post-lockdown

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By Emma Dodd

Which of Britain’s sweeping vistas are you most looking forward to casting your eyes upon once coronavirus travel restrictions are eased?

Will you be relishing the sight of Lake Windermere’s tranquil waters in the Lake District or walking barefoot across the sand on Bamburgh Beach with Northumberland’s most famous castle towering above the dunes?

These views, along with the likes of Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, the London Eye and Loch Ness, have been named among the nation’s favourite views in a new study.

The research was carried out by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and is providing plenty of inspiration for caravan holidays post-lockdown.

Perhaps you’ll take on a challenge and climb Snowdon or Ben Nevis, with 23 per cent and 18 per cent of participants naming these mountains as their most longed-for view respectively.

Being able to visit beauty spots has been one of the things many people have missed most about lockdown, with 58 per cent saying they’ll head back to their favourite destinations as soon as it’s deemed safe to do so.

It’s not surprising that so many of us are craving nature and trips away from home after so long confined to our houses and the same, familiar walking routes.

David Horne, managing director at LNER, said: “It’s clear to see that as a nation we’re proud to be home to some amazing views, ranging from natural beauty like Loch Ness and the Yorkshire Dales to great cities like London and York.

“Although restrictions are in place for now, it’s not difficult to see why so many of us will be looking to explore the beauty of Britain once it’s safe to do so.”

The research also found that 77 per cent of those hoping to go on holiday this summer are planning to take a staycation before planning a trip overseas.

Sage scientist backs beach breaks

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By Emma Dodd

Going to the beach will be one of the safest activities to engage in once lockdown restrictions have eased, according to a government scientific adviser.

Professor Mark Woolhouse, an epidemiologist and Sage member, has reassured the public that there’s very little evidence of coronavirus transmission occurring outdoors.

Addressing a group of MPs yesterday (February 17th), he said trips to the beach should not be considered among the most risky types of mass gatherings.

Professor Woolhouse added: “There were no outbreaks linked to crowded beaches. There’s never been a Covid-19 outbreak linked to a beach ever anywhere in the world to the best of my knowledge.”

He went on to highlight the importance of identifying where the risks are and where they’re not, so as some activities can return to normal.

The news offers hope for anyone planning a beach staycation this summer, as hotspots like Cornwall, North Yorkshire and Gwynedd are expected to be in high demand.

Caravan holidays are considered among the safest ways to get away, as self-contained leisure vehicles cut down the need to use external or shared facilities.

Beaches have been the target for many police forces during the pandemic, as they’ve been concerned that people have not been able to maintain social distancing.

This was a particular problem during the good weather of the summer, when popular beaches like Bournemouth and Portobello were pictured bustling with visitors.

Professor Woolhouse said that beaches were safer than other outdoor locations, however, including horse racing events, where pinch points made it harder for people to keep apart.

So, are you planning a beach staycation for the summer? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.

Selecting the right motorhome for you

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By Emma Dodd

It has been widely reported that the caravan and motorhome market is booming in the UK, as we all look towards staycations as a way to escape post-lockdown. This means many people who’ve never owned a leisure vehicle before will be looking to make an investment in a motorhome to secure future family holidays and romantic getaways.

With this in mind, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase to ensure you get the right motorhome for your needs:

Secondhand or brand new?

The decision to buy a brand new motorhome or go secondhand is likely to be a matter of budget. The newest models have the most up-to-date technology, offering everything from large charging capacities and music systems to solar panels, but secondhand can offer great value for money.

Many people like the idea of escaping the trappings of modern life in their motorhome and embracing the simple pleasures. An added benefit of purchasing a used model is that it’s likely to have had any teething problems sorted out, making it perfect for hitting the road straight away.

The main things to consider in a secondhand motorhome are the type, size, layout, price and number of miles completed. Ask yourself whether you’ll be comfortable driving a motorhome of this size and whether the layout will work well for your needs.

Different types of motorhome

Quite soon into your search for the perfect motorhome, you’ll likely start to narrow down exactly what it is you’re after. Instead of confining yourself to just one type, keep an open mind and be prepared to have preconceived ideas redefined once you’ve seen a few models in person.

So, what are the options?

Class A motorhome – a behemoth built on a large chassis, the class A motorhome is the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Typically sleeping up to eight, these vehicles are ideal for large families. A good choice if you like to stay on one site for a long period of time, but you may need a secondary vehicle for day trips in the local area.

Class B motorhome – commonly referred to as campervans, class B motorhomes tend to be little nippy numbers that are great for those looking to travel and get out and explore. They usually sleep two and have a small kitchen and space-saving multiple purpose furniture. If you like to travel light and don’t need too many creature comforts, this is the van for you.

Class C motorhome – sitting between class A and class B motorhomes, class C versions offer a good solution for anyone looking to enjoy self-contained holidays. Featuring a washroom and toilet, as well as kitchen facilities, you’ll be able to travel in relative comfort and easily sleep four people.

Nissan goes eco with an all-electric campervan

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By Emma Dodd

Nissan has revealed its vision for the future with a campervan that has a vast array of sustainable credentials.

The e-NV200 Winter Camper concept is an all-electric van with a rapid-charge battery that can be boosted to 80 per cent in 40 to 60 minutes.

Among the technologies designed to facilitate winter adventures and save energy are Nissan’s innovative powertrain system, B-mode for braking and Eco-mode for efficient power consumption.

Inside, the e-NV200 Winter Camper features luxury kit to make camping in the wild as comfortable and versatile as possible.

There’s an integrated kitchen, folding beds and the glass on the windows is well insulated to keep the winter chill out.

An onboard 220V power pack is recharged using the solar panel on the roof to ensure campervanners are making the most of their environment.

When it comes to tackling wintry weather, there’s premium off-road tyres and 5400-Lumens twin-spotlights on the front of the camper for improved visibility, as well as mudguards and rubber mats to keep mess to a minimum.

Dmitry Busurkin, corporate sales and LCV general manager of light commercial vehicles at Nissan Europe, said: “For Nissan, electric mobility is all about offering an exciting experience behind the wheel – while above all remaining conscious of our impact on the environment.

“Imbued with the essence of adventure and thrilling electrified power, the Nissan e-NV200 Winter Camper concept van is an expression of the future of zero-emissions mobility.

“This vision, and the innovative set of accessories available with the standard e-NV200 models, will get drivers and outdoor enthusiasts alike excited for the adventures we’re all craving in the future.”

While wild camping trips are off the table this winter, keen campervanners could be seeking out rugged terrain and natural beauty in the e-NV200 by this time next year.

Caravan transformation project is taking off

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By Emma Dodd

A former aircraft technician is giving a BMI Baby Boeing 737 a new lease of life as he transforms it into a caravan.

Steve Jones can see the potential in the 27-year-old aircraft as a quirky place to enjoy staycations once the work has been completed.

He managed to get hold of the front section of the plane through his contacts in the aviation industry, reports AirLive News.

It measures nine metres in length from the nose to where it’s cut off at the fuselage just before where you’d expect to see the wings.

When finished, the plane will be a four-berth caravan complete with a galley kitchen, walk-in shower and toilet.

Some of the more deluxe features will include patio doors and a glass balcony, making a stay in the transformed aircraft even more unusual.

Mr Jones intends to rent out the caravan to visitors when it’s installed at a caravan park near his home in Lancashire.

The first job in the transformation was to give the plane a good wash, with years of accumulated dirt cleaned off the fuselage with a pressure washer.

Then he could start to turn his attention to the finer points of the build and its interior, which is still ongoing.

Mr Jones’ transformation of the 737 is not the first project of this kind he has undertaken, as he previously took the 13-foot-long housing of a VC10 jet engine and made it into a camper trailer for touring trips with his family.

No doubt the skills he learned during the bespoke trailer conversion will help with the 737. We can’t help but wonder what sort of plane he might take on next.

Follow Mr Jones’ progress on the project via The Boeing 737 Static Caravan Build group on Facebook.

Image credit: Steve Jones via Facebook

When do caravan parks expect to reopen?

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By Emma Dodd

Despite the uncertainty surrounding holidays caused by the pandemic, caravan parks need to make some tentative plans in order to be ready to reopen when it’s allowed.

With this in mind, some of the UK’s biggest holiday park operators have announced preliminary dates to start welcoming back visitors.

Of course, these are subject to change, depending on government guidelines, but they represent a glimmer of hope for caravan lovers everywhere.

Haven closed its holiday parks before the end of the 2020 season as coronavirus cases started to rise and the government advised against any non-essential travel.

It’s hoping to see families and other holidaymakers back on its 40 sites around the British coastline in March.

Hoseasons, which operates more than 600 parks, is looking to reopen as soon as possible, which means different dates for England, Scotland and Wales.

In England, that won’t be before March 8th, whilst Scotland will remain closed until at least March 1st, but Wales could invite tourists back as early as February 19th.

Butlins has abandoned its intentions to invite guests back on February 28th, pushing the expected date to March 14th.

Away Resorts would like to see families at its seven parks during the February half term, but as this draws nearer and there’s no further information from the government, that looks unlikely.

Pontins has made a statement suggesting it’s expecting to reopen its six holiday parks at the end of March.

Parkdean Resorts has not announced a reopening date for its 67 parks, but is accepting bookings for the Easter holidays.

Park Holidays closed its 33 sites in November and December, but is taking bookings for March 5th and beyond.

It has held off releasing a formal date to welcome back caravanners, but is readying its parks for visitors.

Park Leisure closed its doors to holidaymakers in Wales on December 19th and in England on January 5th and will reopen as soon as it’s allowed to do so.

Image credit: iStock/katrin888

Will pop-up campsites solve the staycation capacity problem?

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By Emma Dodd

Despite the country still being in lockdown and no news of when travel restrictions may be lifted, staycation bookings have surged recently.

Fuelled by the idea that a trip abroad will be out of the question, Brits are booking holidays in the UK for the spring and summer hoping they will get some sort of escape.

This has led to concerns that demand for staycations will be so high there won’t be enough to go around.

Dan Yates, the founder of Pitchup.com, offered some reassurance in The Express recently.

He said: “Figures from VisitBritain show that of the 3.2 million bed-spaces in the UK, 1.4 million are non-serviced.

“Of those, outdoor accommodation accounts for some 65 per cent of bed spaces – three times more than ‘holiday dwellings’, such as cottages, bungalows, apartments, and more domestic holiday bed-nights than any other type of accommodation including hotels.”

Therefore, the trend for purchasing motorhomes and caravans that has been seen during lockdown will offer many people the freedom to get away and enjoy a holiday.

On top of this, the government has amended laws around pop-up campsites for 2021, which will increase the capacity for holidaymakers.

Such temporary campsites used to be restricted to operating for 28 days a year, but the government has doubled this to 56 days.

This means farmers’ fields and private land in stunning surroundings could be welcoming more caravan owners throughout the season, taking pressure off other areas.

While anyone who has their heart set on a specific site at the height of the school holidays would be advised to book sooner rather than later, there are wider options for those who simply want to get away.

As things are still uncertain, it’s important to check individual sites’ policies around cancellation, but most are offering reassurance that caravanners will not be out of pocket should their stay not take place due to Covid.