SK Camping Interview- the outdoor specialists

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By William Coleman

The cold season is well and truly on the way and it is time to break out those winter warmers to keep toasty on holiday. We caught up with SK Camping and Leisure to talk all things touring as we head into a frostier time of year.

Having the right kit in your caravan really can make a world of difference to your trip. I’m sure there has been a time when you’ve pitched up only to realise you’ve forgotten that one key item. We know we have, more times than we would like to admit.

To avoid such mishaps it’s always worth popping to a well-stocked accessories shop to get some inspiration for what you need to take away with you and to find those essential items you might not have.

Just before the lockdown hit, CaravanTimes popped into SK Camping to pick up some bits for the Bailey Sahara trip. While we were there we could not help but notice just how much SK has in stock. It really is a one-stop-shop for all things outdoor living.

For those keen caravanners and motorhomers out there, you will find absolutely everything you need from aqua rolls all the way to top-end awnings and clothing.

Following our first visit way back in March, we decided to pop in once more and speak with the company’s managing director, Steve Norris, to find out more about this treasure chest of goodies.

CT- So, how long has SK Camping been serving the touring world?

Steve- We will have been trading nearly 30 years as of March 2021 and have catered for the camper from the start and then moved into the motorhome and caravan market. We started selling awnings and toilet chemicals and then grew this up to the present day.

CT- You have a huge product range, you don’t just do camping accessories, right?

Steve- We sell a huge product range and at the last stock take have 8,000 products in stock.
From swimming pool chemicals, pools, garden games, canopies, furniture, barbeques, boots, clothing, ski wear, backpacking equipment, food, gas, trailers (in the past), toys and fibreglass figures that we used to import.

CT- Did you see a boom through the “off-season” that COVID presented and how are things now that sites are back open?

Steve- We did see a boom and upturn during the summer. The lockdown and weather got customers thinking of staycations.

Customers we found were out buying new and second-hand caravans and motorhomes in their droves and many forecourts across the country [were] empty due to the staycation.

The awnings to go with these have sold very well, however, there has been a shortfall of stock as factories in the far east have been closed, low production and lead times being an issue.

CT- It is clear that winter touring will be very popular, are there any essentials you’d suggest?

Steve- Essentials for winter is anything to keep warm as the nights can get very damp and cold especially in an awning set up.

In terms of any extra heating, we would only recommend oil heaters for safety and you would see an increase in condensation within the awning.

CT- There are a lot of new, and younger, people joining the caravan world. What does the perfect starter kit for newcomers look like?

Steve- There isn’t a starter as such, for motorhome and caravan customers, however, a set of level ramps, toilet chemicals, water and waste rollers [are useful]. A lot of what is needed is pretty much within their vans.

For the humble camper, then yes and we would always recommend spare mixed pegs for all ground conditions, guy lines and tape. If a tent is well fixed it will perform very well.

In terms of kit, it’s important to have as good a sleeping bag and bed as possible; don’t skimp on comfort here, if you wake up tired and cold you end up an unhappy camper. Nice comfortable furniture, a good stove and cooker stand, the rest will follow as kit goes as you see and experience the wonderful world of camping.

Safe caravanning in autumn

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By Emma Dodd

With the caravan season starting late this year and some sites deciding to stay open for longer, 2020 might represent the first time you’ve experienced an autumn caravan break. Great – there’s loads of really rewarding elements to going away at this time of the year, but there are also additional safety considerations to bear in mind.

Set off early

Driving in the dark is more dangerous than in daylight, so it’s best to avoid completing your journey late in the day. In the autumn months, light starts to fade more quickly and from October 25th, the clocks change, giving us all shorter days. Set off with plenty of time to get to your destination before darkness falls, factoring in a couple of extra hours in case something unexpected delays your journey.

Check your tyres

There’s a reason that October is Tyre Safety Month and that’s because it’s even more important your tyres are in good shape at this time of the year. This means checking the tread and the pressure before you set off, and ensuring this is done on both your caravan and towing vehicle.

Be glare aware

Keep your windscreen clean to reduce the effects of glare when the sun is low in the sky and stash a pair of sunglasses in the glove compartment of your car. While the sun visor can help to counteract glare, additional measures will help to keep you and your family safe.

Keep an emergency kit in the car

Breaking down at the side of the road is no fun at any time of the year, but it can have extra complications in the autumn. Keep an emergency kit somewhere handy so you can grab it quickly and ensure the whole family is away from the vehicles while you’re waiting for assistance. As well as a warning triangle, hi-vis vest and torch, make sure you’ve got water and warm clothes to keep everyone comfortable.

Look out for leaves

Those beautiful brown and golden leaves that make autumn so picturesque can also represent a hazard. Clear them away from your caravan and car before departure, paying particular attention to the scuttle area beneath the windscreen, as loose leaves here can become attached to your wiper blades. Be aware of fallen leaves on the road that could obscure markings or hazards, as well as wet ones that can cause tyres to skid.

Reduce your speed

Excessive rainfall and areas of frost on the road are more common in autumn than in the summer months, so it’s worth being alert to these. Generally reducing your speed is a good idea as it will mean you can react better to changes in conditions and minimise any impact of adverse road conditions. Deer also breed in the autumn, which means they’re more active, so be aware they could appear in the road in rural areas.

The new Alde Flow system

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By William Coleman

Alde is introducing its first-ever aftermarket tech to ensure that there is more than enough hot water to go around. Say goodbye to the morning shower block run and say hello to longer-flowing hot water.

Is there anything worse than being last in the shower and having about 20 seconds worth of warm water left? With the new Alde Flow system, there will be enough warm water to have the whole family showered stress-free and cold water- free. This new tech is also going to make a huge difference to those who like to go off-grid camping and want a hot shower after a day of activities.

We all know that a standard water heater just simply does not hold enough hot water, which soon runs cold if the family all shower one after the other. Alde has seen this as an issue that can be solved with an aftermarket fitting, the Alde Flow.

The Alde Flow – warm water for longer

Alde Flow is an additional water heater that connects to the Alde Compact 3020HE, something you must have for this to work. This new wonder gadget increases the surface area between the central heating and hot water. The water can be heated as it flows through the system without needing a large storage tank.

How it works

  • Coldwater is preheated in the Alde Flow and pumped on into the boiler’s hot water heater
  • The preheated water is heated to about 65ºC by the boiler’s high-efficiency gas burner/electric heater
  • In the thermostat mixer, hot water is mixed with cold water to a comfortable temperature for showering and hand washing

Benefits of an Alde Flow system

Having more hot water is something that can make a world of difference in the mornings, if not for your entire trip. With a system like this, you will have an extra 3.5 litres of continuous hot water, which will be warmed to 40ºC, once mixed with cooler water.

On top of that you also get all of this:

  • Compact solution directly connected to the boiler
  • Easily controlled via the Alde Control panel
  • Decreased waiting time
  • Longer showers
  • Also compatible with older Compact 3010/3020 (as extra hot water tank)

If you’re interested in having the Alde Flow retrofitted to your caravan you can contact Alde directly or find your nearest Alde dealer.

The definitive guide to caravanning and stargazing

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By Emma Dodd

Caravan holidays are the only opportunities some of us get to enjoy stargazing. That’s because cities and built-up areas tend to have too much light pollution to offer a clear view of the night sky. Many caravan parks, however, are out in the countryside, offering up perfect conditions. Check out this guide to stargazing on your next caravan trip.

What to pack

It’s possible to enjoy an evening of stargazing with very little kit indeed, but a few carefully chosen items will enhance the experience. If you intend to take up the hobby long term, you may wish to invest in a telescope, but in the meantime, a pair of binoculars is a great way to see more. Even if you do have a telescope, bring the binoculars for when others are looking through the eyepiece.

Stop yourself from stumbling all around the caravan as you’re setting up with a red torch. This little gadget will give you all the visibility you need to get organised without ruining your night vision. Red light does not make your pupils contract in the same way as white light, so it won’t affect the stargazing experience.

It’s important to feel comfortable if you’re going to be spending long evenings sitting outside your caravan staring up at the sky. That means packing plenty of warm clothes and something to sit on, as well as a midnight snack and perhaps the makings of a hot drink to keep everyone’s spirits up.

When to look skyward

The first thing to consider when contemplating a stargazing trip is the weather forecast, as misty and overcast conditions make it hard to see anything. Autumn is better than summer, as nights are longer and there is more darkness. While a full moon often reminds you to look towards the sky, this is the worst time to see stars, because its light washes out all but the brightest celestial bodies.

On your caravan trip, you need to wait until it’s really dark to get the best look at the sky. This will vary depending on the time of year, but the darker the sky, the better you will be able to see the stars and planets, giving you a good shot at identifying them.

Identify what you can see

When you’re first starting out in the world of stargazing, it’s worth knowing that Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are the brightest planets. Of these, Mercury is the hardest to spot as it’s close to the sun and low in the sky, meaning there is often glare obscuring it. The others are good markers to identify and use as a guide for other stars.

While Jupiter and Saturn are so far away from the earth they hardly ever vary too much in brightness, Mars is a different matter. Depending on where it and the earth are on their axes, Mars can seem much brighter or dimmer. Another clue to bear in mind is that Venus burns a bright white, while Mercury is more muted and Mars has an orange tinge to it, Jupiter is a light tan and Saturn yellow.

Always remember that stars twinkle and planets don’t when you’re trying to work out what everything is.

Tools to help map the sky

There are a number of tools that you can use to help you work out which stars and planets are which. Among the most convenient are stargazing apps on your phone, which use GPS and your device’s sensors to tell you where everything is, even if it’s cloudy. Star charts are more traditional and still work really well, but if gadgets are your thing, then a finderscope will be a must-have for you.

Best caravan sites for stargazing

To ensure you get the best opportunities for stargazing on your caravan trip, pitch up at one of these sites that offer beautifully dark skies:

  • Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site – in 2009, Dumfries and Galloway was named the first official Dark Sky site in the UK, with an estimated 7,000 planets and stars visible to the naked eye.
  • Haltwhistle Club Site – officially the best place to stargaze in England, the Northumberland National Park is the biggest area of protected night sky in Europe.
  • Northern Lights Campsite – heading to the north-west of Scotland offers a chance to escape light pollution and see the night sky at its finest.
  • Rhandirmwyn Club Site – located in the Brecon Beacons, which was made a Dark Sky Reserve in 2013.
  • Grange Farm Camping and Caravan Site – take advantage of this Isle of Wight park’s elevated position with a view out to sea.

Bailey releases its first Ford-based motorhome

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By William Coleman

Bailey of Bristol just unveiled its latest motorhome for the 2021 season, but there have been quite a few changes to this leisure vehicle, which makes it the first of its kind.

The new Adamo motorhomes are very different from anything that has come before. Automatic? Ford-based? Is this really a Bailey model?

The simple answer to that question is yes. This innovative new motorhome is a fresh new look at what cutting edge features can be put inside a coach-built touring home.

You have three different layouts to choose from this year in the versatile Adamo range, all of which are under seven and a half metres with an MPTLM of 3,500 kgs and under. The lower weights make these vans suitable for anyone holding a full UK driving licence, without the need for a B + E entitlement.

Each model has been built upon a Ford transit chassis and has, as a minimum spec, a 2.0 160bhp engine complete with an automatic gearbox.

Models feature a brand-new design that includes convertible ‘flexi-lounges’, electrically operated drop-down beds, and ample garage storage space.

A fully specified Truma Combi programmable heating system combined with market-leading insulation, courtesy of the Alu-Tech body shell, makes the new Adamo a motorhome for all seasons.

The Adamo provides customers with more motorhome for their money with a list of standard-fit features normally only available as optional extras in comparable competitor products.

Models from the new range will start arriving on retailer forecourts as of the end of September, so you should be able to see them now.

The CaravanTimes team had a chance to spend some time in these vans well before they were announced, and it is safe to say that Bailey may just have a success on their hands!

Adamo 69-4

The 69-4 is a four-berth model that comes with either two or four travel seats. The two additional seats are located on the bench directly behind the driver’s cab.

This model features a parallel front lounge with a double drop-down bed above, central kitchen, rear bathroom, and end garage.

The overall length of the 69-4 comes in at 6.987m/22’11”. So it is not the biggest van out there, but you do get a good amount of space, especially with the large rear garage.

This model is perfect for the adventure weekend, or a quiet couple’s getaway. The drop-down bed also makes setting up for the evening the press of a button away.

To drive off the dealer forecourt with this model, you are looking at around £57,999.

Adamo 75.4I

Here is another four-berth model with the same seated belt number at the 69-4, but in the 75.4I you will find a big difference to the bedroom area.

Again, we see a front lounge combined with the central washroom and kitchen with a rear garage. Beyond the middle of the van, you will find a large rear bedroom with a double island bed. A door will separate you from the rest of the van for privacy, so of an evening you can cut the bedroom off from the rest of the van.

Another great feature of this model is the second double bed, yes a second pre-made double bed. At the front of the motorhome hovering above the lounge is a double drop-down bed. Putting the kids to bed has never been so easy.

This is a larger model with a body length of 7.485m/24’7″ and a height of 2.849m/9’4″. The price tag for this larger model will set you back around £58,999.

Adamo 75-4DL

The third and final model, and top of the range, also has four belted seats with a four-berth capacity. It is the same height and length as the 75.4I.

One main difference starts to appear as you head toward the rear of the motorhome into the daytime living area. Here you are presented with a U-shaped lounge that can be transformed into a double bed for the evening.

Bailey has added a central washroom and bathroom that you can cut off the rear end of the motorhome with a door that provides more privacy for both sleeping areas.

For a full breakdown and product specifications, you can view the Adamo range in all its glory,Click here

Trend for breathing new life into old caravans continues

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By Emma Dodd

As a nation we love a project and in lockdown it was caravans that everyone seemed to turn to for channelling their creativity and making something their own.

While restrictions were loosened over the summer, many newfound caravan owners took to the open road to try out their freshly-renovated leisure vehicles and enjoy the lifestyle.

But it seems the appetite for finding old caravans on eBay and Gumtree has not waned, with headlines boasting of spectacular transformations on small budgets still splashing across the news pages.

The latest is Melanie and Mark from Bristol, who bought a 25-year-old Clubman for £700 and set themselves the task of renovating it with a budget of just £1,000.

Melanie told LatestDeals.co.uk: “We first took out all the interior including the stained brown carpet, velour green curtains, the rails and pelmet and three clocks that had been placed randomly.

“We also took off the lights, all the door handles, took the seat covers out and stripped off the window plastic and blinds.”

They then started sanding, painting, wallpapering and adding new fixtures to the caravan, which would have cost £20,000 if they had bought it brand new.

Of course, they had the benefit of Mark’s experience, as he owns his own building company.

The couple opted for a light colour scheme to make the most of the space in the two-berth Clubman, creating a bright and airy vibe in their caravan.

While many have embraced the idea of renovating a dilapidated caravan to fulfil the holiday needs of themselves and family, they have proved the answer to a variety of other lockdown issues too.

Rundown caravans have been purchased to create everything from home offices and home schooling venues to summer houses and breakout spaces.

They’ve represented a good opportunity for the new owners to focus on a finite space they can truly have autonomy over and complete a discernible transformation at a time when so much seems out of our control.

From Ikea hacks to bargains from B&M and The Range, the focus has been on achieving high-end looks through careful selection and placement as opposed to big budgets.

Indie parks prepped for a winter wonderland

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By William Coleman

This year’s touring season was cut short due to lockdown, so winter looks like it’s going to be very busy for sites across the UK. With the “winter season” approaching a group of independent holiday parks is almost ready to showcase its winter plans.

Best of British, which is a consortium of independently-owned sites and parks, says it has quite a few plans for winter to welcome guests right the way through December and well into the new year.

The group has promised that there will be thrilling spectacles awaiting guests, which will highlight Britain’s coast and countryside locations in all their glory.

“Almost everyone was robbed of their spring breaks this year, but winter is going to be payback time,” said James Loveridge of Highlands End Holiday Park in Bridport, Dorset.

“Demand has meant that we will be staying open until the end of December for holiday home rentals, and right throughout November for motorhome and touring guests.

“We’re delighted as I think we’ll see many people becoming overnight converts to a rarely-glimpsed side of our county at its most calming and tranquil.”

Highlands End is one of the 50-plus holiday parks belonging to the Best of British group, all of which are independently owned and offer verified top quality standards.

These Best of British sites are located throughout England, Wales and Scotland, most of which have decided that staying open beyond their usual operating months is beneficial to business and the overall holiday economy of the UK.

“A lot of our visitors in summer were new to staycations, and clearly loved the experience as they are now booking return visits later in the year,” said James.

“What they will be discovering is a gorgeous secret Britain which you can have all to yourself, and not feel you have to compete with other visitors.

“Here in Dorset, for example, are lovely beach and cliff-top walks, as well as inland paths through the countryside, which all have a special quality out of the main season.

“We’ve also a host of memory-making experiences on offer, from fossil hunting to winter storm watching or simply stargazing at Dorset’s famous dark skies,” added James.

As well as Highlands Park, many of the sites in the network will be offering holiday homes for hire, which have been designed for all year round touring. These modern staycation homes come with full heating and insulation to ensure the colder months feel just like summertime. Think more luxury static chalet than caravan.

Another leisure vehicle that is growing in popularity is the motorhome. Throughout the upcoming winter season, it is expected that the demand for motorhome rentals will rise, with a lot of newcomers using them instead of touring vans.

James said that local businesses in areas served by Best of British parks would also be likely to welcome the extension of the holiday year into winter.

“The spending of holiday visitors helps to keep a lot of enterprises afloat, and they were deprived of this income during spring’s shutdown of parks.

Although it will be impossible for us or other businesses to recover those losses, it will be great to see our visitors making the most of Britain in its winter finery!” said James.

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

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By William Coleman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Campervan owners discover the kindness of strangers

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By Emma Dodd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Grand Tour takes on caravan challenge in Scotland

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By Emma Dodd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to rainproof your caravan holiday

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By Emma Dodd

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

Driving in the rain

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

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

Pack blocks, mats and ropes

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

Dry quarantine your caravan

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

Bring all your wet weather gear

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

Ramp up the hygge

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

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

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

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

The definitive guide to caravanning and paddleboarding

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By Emma Dodd

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

Transporting your paddleboard

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

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

Accessories

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

Post paddleboarding

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

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

Paddleboarding safely

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

Best caravan sites for paddleboarding

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

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