By Emma Dodd

With more people participating in caravan holidays than ever, it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has highlighted that around 1,200 caravans were stolen last year, but there are ways to prevent yours from having the same fate.

To help first-timers and old-timers stay safe, security experts from Yale have put together a checklist of things to remember throughout your trip.

Choose your pitch carefully, preferably within view of the main path or car park, as these areas are often well lit and someone is more likely to notice if something suspicious is going on.

Only bring valuables you really need with you and keep them out of sight. Putting them inside your sleeping bag at night is a good security measure.

Alternatively, you may want to invest in a compact safe to be housed in your caravan, where keys, cash and bank cards can be stowed safely.

Get to know your fellow caravanners, as this adds an extra layer of vigilance over your belongings. Your neighbours may be able to alert staff if they see someone new around your caravan.

Use a heavy duty padlock or chain to secure items like gas barbecues or stoves overnight. These things are valuable too.

Bikes are another thing you’re likely to leave lying around your pitch, as you and the kids jump on and off them throughout the day.

Just like you would at home, you should lock them up properly, otherwise you risk losing them. Bikes are good for opportunistic thieves who can wheel them away quickly and confidently.

Nottinghamshire Police has some extra tips for caravan safety too. Chief among them is not leaving your caravan registration and identification documents inside your van.

The force also reminds caravan owners to close their roof lights when leaving their van, as well as their windows and doors.

It says: “You know how valuable your own home is to you and how important it is to keep it secure. Imagine how you’d feel if someone broke in.

“But what about your caravan? On holiday or touring, you rely on it as your home. How would you feel if somebody broke in or stole it?”

By Emma Dodd

When you first head out in your caravan, it’s easy to think that everything is already there, but there’s a number of accessories that will make your life easier.

For example, an awning will give you shade when the sun is shining and protection from the elements when taking off muddy boots and other outdoor equipment.

Some caravans come with a fitted awning, but not all of them, so it’s worth investing in one if it doesn’t come as standard.

Couple your awning up with a windbreak to define the boundary of your pitch, protect your barbecue from going out and keep the breeze off while you’re relaxing.

While there will be places to sit in your caravan, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the great outdoors, so foldable chairs and tables are a must.

Don’t trip over on your way back to the caravan at night by adding lights to the outside. You could opt for a single bright bulb or an array of pretty fairy lights.

Having a barbecue is one of the best things about staying in a caravan and you can decide to purchase one that plugs into the front of your caravan to be powered off the gas cylinder.

One of the things that is easy to overlook when setting up your caravan is a step, so make sure yours comes with one, or pick a step up before you get to the caravan site.

Pack a basic toolkit to fix any small problems that may arise during your trip. This should contain a screwdriver, rubber-handed mallet and a wrench.

Wheel chocks are another accessory not to leave without, as these seemingly-simple pieces of plastic can make all the difference to your caravan holiday. After all, who wants to spend their whole trip at a bit of an angle?!

A washing line always comes in handy for drying a few clothes or swimming costumes when you get back from the beach.

You wouldn’t want to hang them up inside your van, so stringing them up outside is a good alternative.

By Emma Dodd

When it comes to coastlines in England, they don’t come much more impressive than Dorset’s. The Jurassic Coast doesn’t just have the coolest name around, but is also home to the ancient stone arch of Durdle Door and the unique geology of Lulworth Cove.

The county is full of potential for outdoor activities, making it a great place to enjoy a caravan holiday. Fossil hunting is fun for all the family and you’ll find everything from bivalves to ammonites at beaches like Lyme Regis and Chapman’s Pool.

Of course, the clear waters of the sea offer plenty of swimming opportunities, but you may wish to explore deeper. Dorset’s incredible maritime history means there’s many shipwrecks to discover and first-time diving courses take advantage of the clarity of the water. You can even bring back your dinner with scallop foraging expeditions.

If you’re happier on dry land, then attaching a couple of bikes to the back of your caravan for your Dorset trip opens up all sorts of possibilities. Ride Route 2 from Christchurch to Lyme Regis, soaking up the natural beauty of the landscape along the way. Or pick rolling hills and awe-inspiring coastline along Route 26 between Dorchester and Weymouth.

Transport yourself to an exotic destination with a visit to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. This Victorian walled garden located in a woodland valley takes advantage of a unique microclimate that allows species of plants from all over the world to thrive. Do not miss the golden pheasants in the sunken gardens.

Be sure to try some Dorset Blue Vinney during your stay, as this white crumbly cheese with a distinctive flavour has Protected Geographical Status within the county. Team it up with a Dorset Knob, the savoury biscuit that is baked three times and comes in traditional tins.

Where are you planning on taking your caravan this summer? Staycations are all the rage and having a caravan gives you increased flexibility.

In today’s edition of CaravanTimes Classic Gold, we’re being transported back to 2011 when our reviewer put the Elddis Crusader Supersirocco through its paces. The van itself was built ten years earlier, but still had a lot to offer.

Reviewer John Shepherd noted that when the Elddis Crusader Supersirocco was made, it was as good as it got in terms of a non-bespoke van.

He praised the fixed bed, stating that it offered an excellent night’s sleep, and that the front seating was comfortable and supportive. Mr Shepherd was also impressed with the shower, which he described as “a more than passable alternative to the home or site facilities”.

We get the impression our reviewer liked to tinker about in his caravan, getting it exactly how he wanted it. Areas that received this treatment included the overhead lockers, where he fitted intermediate shelves; and the sliding doors on a storage unit, which would otherwise fly open during towing.

One thing our reviewer could not fix himself, however, was a lack of overflow facility on the two sinks. He lamented that many caravans do not have such a feature and it seems to be a personal bugbear of his.

Overall, Mr Shepherd was very pleased with the ten-year-old van that had one careful owner prior to him. He praised the layout, stating the four-berth was as comfortable and spacious as any two-berth.

He added: “My mark of four out of five is simply because there is no alternative, it would more correctly have been nine of ten.”

Did you have a Elddis Crusader Supersirocco when it hit the market or any year after? We’d love to know how you got on with it.

By Emma Dodd

With an uptick in staycations and many parts of the UK experiencing a heatwave, many of you may be wondering how to keep cool in your caravan or motorhome this summer.

Luckily, there are a number of techniques you can employ to stave off the heat, stay calm and get a good night’s sleep.

The first thing to do is make use of your leisure vehicle’s air heating and cooling capabilities. If it is equipped with a Truma blown air heating system then the fan can be used to get air moving around.

If there’s an extractor fan in the kitchen, put it into reverse to pull cool air from the outside into your caravan.

A portable 12V cooling fan can easily be set up inside a caravan even if you’ve not got an electric hook-up.

Invest in some reflective windscreen covers to keep the sun’s rays out of your van. You can reuse these again in the winter to keep the frost off (we know you’re dreaming of frost right now!)

Keep any windows that are in full sun closed and with the blinds or curtains drawn and open those on the shaded side of the van.

Try to pitch up in a shady spot. Most places will be out of the shade at some point during the day, but look at where the sun comes up and goes down, and try to minimise the number of hours your van is in direct sunlight.

Create your own shade with an awning, whether it’s attached to your van or freestanding. This will help to keep your van walls cooler.

Cook outside as much as you can, because the heat from the oven or hob will make your van even hotter.

Finally, grab a cool drink from your caravan or motorhome’s fridge, as keeping hydrated is important for staying well and comfortable during a heatwave.

By Emma Dodd

The August bank holiday weekend is fast approaching and while caravan parks across the country are filling up this summer, there are still a few deals to be had for the 29th, 30th and 31st of this month.

For many families who have had to cancel trips abroad, it will be the last opportunity to get away before children in England return to school in September.

Caravan parks in popular locations, such as Cornwall, are reporting being booked up until September and even October in some cases.

But there is hope for anyone who hasn’t yet booked a pitch for the bank holiday weekend and is itching to get away.

The Sun has put together a list of campsites and holiday parks that have availability at a good price. Here are the deals you can bag if you’re quick:

Three nights at a Somerset caravan park via Wowcher – £39
Three nights at Pontins Sand Bay Holiday Village or Pakefield Holiday Village – from £79
Three nights at Pontins Camber Sands – from £169
Three nights in a Park Holidays caravan in Kent – from £387
Three nights in a six-person caravan at Allhallows in Kent with Haven – from £412
Three nights in a Park Holidays caravan in Devon – from £429
Three night in a six-person caravan at Church Farm in Sussex with Haven – from £484

Particularly busy areas of the country for staycations have included Devon, where Parkdean Resorts has reported a 140 per cent increase in bookings year-on-year.

Wales has been even more popular, with Ed Bassett, country manager at caravan and motorhome rental company Camptoo, highlighting a 685 per cent rise in bookings.

Huw Pendleton, of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, said: “I’ve never seen anything like it in 21 years in the industry. Phones are ringing off the hook.”

Caravan owners who are used to just being able to hit the road and pitch up at whichever site is closest when night falls are being reminded that’s simply not the case this summer.

Be sure to book ahead and reserve your space or risk being unable to stay overnight in popular locations.

By Emma Dodd

With so many people holidaying in the UK this summer and social distancing rules meaning caravan sites are operating at reduced capacity, it’s becoming difficult to book a pitch.

Luckily, one travel expert has spoken out about a way to increase your chances of finding a spot for a caravan holiday.

Lisa Minot, travel editor at The Sun, told viewers of ITV’s Lorraine that signing up to the Caravan and Motorhome Club will open up lots of sites to them.

She said: “45 per cent of us intend on taking a camping holiday this year, but getting availability has been a bit of an issue. My tip for that would be to join the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

“It costs just £54 a year, but it gives you access to over 2,700 sites across the UK and abroad.”

There are a number of ways to become a member, but via the website or by calling 01342 318 813 are the most convenient.

If you join online, it can take up to 48 hours for your membership number to arrive, but you can start booking caravan sites in as little as an hour after joining.

The extensive network of sites includes some privately-owned locations, offering more opportunities for staycations.

Ms Minot added that thinking about slightly less obvious destinations can help holidaymakers find spaces on caravan sites.

She recommended Northern Ireland and the north east of England as destinations with a lot to offer that often get overlooked.

While staycations definitely do a lot for local economies, many coastal areas are finding it difficult to cope with an influx of visitors during the hottest periods of the summer.

Caravan owners are reminded to respect the areas they visit and to observe social distancing rules to ensure new outbreaks of coronavirus do not occur.

By Emma Dodd

Staycations are more popular than ever this summer and with your caravan you can head off to any part of the country for a well-earned break. In this edition of Dream Destinations, we ‘re focusing on the Yorkshire Dales, an outdoor lover’s paradise that often gets overlooked in favour of the Lake District.

The Yorkshire Dales is characterised by its rugged beauty, with miles of moors and interesting geological features. Punctuated with pretty villages, monasteries and castles, there’s so much to explore, you’ll be planning your next caravan holiday before you’ve finished your first one.

Where in the Dales you decide to base yourself will impact the type of scenery you experience and the activities you enjoy. The Northern Dales are great for walkers and full of hidden waterfalls and glens to discover, as well as the town of Richmond with its imposing castle.

Pitch your caravan in the Southern Dales to take advantage of historic towns like Otley, with its cobbled streets and market town traditions, and Skipton on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Visit the impressive Malham Cove, a natural 260-foot limestone cliff that forms the centrepiece of a walk with captivating views.

Of course, the Yorkshire Dales is also home to the Three Peaks Challenge, which sees hikers trying to conquer the three highest fells in just 24 hours. The route, which takes in Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, covers 24 miles and is a popular way to test endurance.

If that sounds a little too strenuous to undertake on your caravan holiday, you could tackle one of the peaks on its own. Climbing Ingleborough will allow you to see some fascinating caves, while Pen-y-ghent has good paths and is therefore an excellent option for all the family.

Take on Whernside for the most impressive views, as it’s the highest point in Yorkshire. On clear days you can see as far as the Howgills, the Lake District and Morecambe Bay. This walk starts at the Ribblehead Viaduct, making it dramatic right from the beginning.

Which staycation destinations have you got in mind for a caravan holiday this summer?

By Emma Dodd

A caravan site in Dorset has been granted permission to extend its season in a bid to help boost the economy and many others may follow suit.

The traditional period in which the majority of caravan parks stay open is between March and October, but the governments of the UK kept them closed until July this year due to the pandemic.

A shortened season has financial implications for all the parks involved and a number of them are now seeking approval from authorities to stay open longer and service the demand for holidays at home.

One such park is the Creek Caravan Site at Ringstead, which has been granted permission by Dorset Council to remain open until January 15th, before welcoming visitors again from March 15th.

The park had requested an 11-month season stretching from February to January each year, but some locals felt that it could ruin the peace and quiet they enjoy during the winter months.

A letter from the owners of the Creek Caravan Site said that removing the imperative to close in October would provide added security for the future of the business and boost the local economy by extending the season.

They reassured locals by saying: “This would not change the character or appearance of the site or its impact on the surrounding countryside and landscape.”

Local planning authorities have been encouraged by the government to exercise their discretion in relation to extending seasons for caravan sites, campsites and holiday parks in a statement that was released on July 14th.

Westminster granted the written ministerial statement as a way to support these businesses, which could find themselves being forced to close if they can’t recoup lost earnings as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement will remain in force until December 2022, unless the government puts a counter statement in place.

It’s therefore likely that caravan parks across the country will take advantage of the rule change and request permission from their local authorities to remain open for longer.

With uncertainty surrounding foreign travel rife and nervousness due to COVID-19, caravan holidays are proving more popular than ever in 2020.

By Emma Dodd

Caravan trips are the holiday of choice this year, with more people than usual choosing a staycation in a motorhome over a trip abroad.

This means a greater number of people are likely to be towing caravans, leading to some advice being issued by the Admiral insurance company.

Analysis of its data shows that nearly half of road accidents involving a caravan occur in June, July and August, which makes sense, as this is traditionally the biggest holiday season of the year.

What many people don’t know is that fines of up to £1,000 can be incurred for failing to comply with the rules around caravan towing.

Drivers should make sure they fully understand towing regulations, feel comfortable behind the wheel and have the right insurance before embarking on a caravan holiday.

Clare Egan, Head of Motor at Admiral, said: “Before setting off on their journey, motorists will need to double check that their driving licence covers them to tow and they’ll need to make sure that the vehicle used to pull the trailer is up for the job, so they can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

“Remember, you could be fined up to £1,000 and get three penalty points for failing to use suitable towing mirrors which would put a real dampener on your holiday, so make sure you’re fully prepared before you set off.”

Admiral has also provided a checklist of jobs to complete before towing:

· Close gas taps and lift connectors off the gas bottle or bottles

· Switch off all interior lights and other electrical equipment

· Disconnect the mains supply and carefully stow the cable

· Empty the fresh and waste-water tanks

· Stow all loose equipment and belongings with heavy items as low as possible

These tasks need to be done after every overnight stop, not just when leaving the house initially to go on holiday.

First-time caravanners can benefit from having a copy of such a list to hand in their motorhome to remind them of what to do before setting off each time.

By Emma Dodd

In this edition of Dream Destinations we’re heading to the land of sandy beaches, fossil cliffs and cream teas. Devon has been popular with watersports enthusiasts and walkers for years, and offers caravan owners all the best of a British staycation.

As a county, Devon is blessed with two coasts and each one has its own personality. In the north, you can enjoy world-class surfing and a wilder seascape, while the south is home to small, sheltered coves and picturesque harbour towns.

Step away from the main Torbay stretches of sand and discover Oddicombe Beach with its dramatic backdrop of red cliffs. Perhaps you’d prefer to paddle at Fishcombe Cove, whose small shingle shoreline often escapes the crowds.

It’s not just about beaches, however, as Devon is home to Dartmoor, with its rugged landscape, ruined castles and idyllic caravan sites. Explore on foot, by bike or on horseback to see all that the national park has to offer, or take to the water for some kayaking or wild swimming.

Take a tour of Tiverton Castle and soak up the magic of secret passageways, ghost stories and the fortification’s impressive collection of armour from the Civil War. The castle has stood on the banks of the River Esk since 1106 and has since been made into a grand country house.

Pecorama Pleasure Gardens has no fewer than five gardens and each has its own theme. As well as taking a wander around the plants and flowers, you can sit back and enjoy the surroundings from the Beer Heights Light Railway. The miniature steam and diesel locomotives operate on one mile of track around the grounds.

Devon’s rich food and drink culture means you might like to enjoy a tour of the oldest working gin distillery in the world. Plymouth gin is then used to make cocktails that are served to guests in the medieval Refectory Hall.

It would be a shame to end your caravan holiday in Devon without sampling one of its famous cream teas. Controversially, the cream must always be placed on the bottom, before the jam to differentiate it from its Cornish equivalent. Ancient manuscripts suggest monks at the Benedictine Monastery in Tavistock started the tradition back in the 10th century.

Which destinations are you taking your caravan to this summer? We’d love to know.