Newquay doubles parking tickets to campervans this summer

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By Emma Dodd

Twice as many parking tickets were issued to campervans in and around Newquay this summer, bosses at Cornwall Council have announced.

A total of 466 penalty charge notices were handed out to campervans staying overnight mainly at beaches around the town in July and August alone.

This is compared to 223 across the same two-month period a year earlier, highlighting the increased demand for pitches during the coronavirus pandemic.

The bosses said the crackdown on overnight stays, which bring tourism to the region, was a direct response to antisocial behaviour.

Extra restrictions were brought in on a number of Newquay roads, because many van owners were staying for extended periods of time.

The Newquay Safe partnership predicted that more people would be tempted to park up on the roads, as campsites were functioning at reduced capacity in the wake of restrictions being eased.

Couple this with an increased demand for staycations and it was always likely that Newquay – a popular campervanning spot – would find itself very busy.

The partnership tackles community safety issues brought up by residents and many were concerned that inconsiderate parking could hamper emergency service vehicles in the event of a callout.

Cllr Rob Nolan, portfolio holder for environment and public protection, told CornwallLive: “Ticketing is not about generating money for the Council.

“It’s usually a last resort designed to penalise those who will not adhere to the laws in place. Our goal is to stop people parking where they shouldn’t – and wherever possible, our CEOs [civil enforcement officers] will ask drivers to move on, rather than issue a ticket.”

Newquay walks a fine line between relying on tourism to bring revenue to local businesses and keeping its population safe from the virus and inappropriate parking.

A number of local authorities sent out pleas to campervan owners not to set off on a staycation without a reservation this summer, as demand outstripped supply in many parts of the UK.

Campervan equivalent of Airbnb set to launch in UK

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By Emma Dodd

The coronavirus pandemic has seen circumstances change for many people. For some, it has meant holidays at home and for others, finding new areas of revenue.

If you fall into the second category and have your own campervan, you may be interested to hear of a new service being offered by Indie Campers.

The campervan hire company is expanding its reach to help owners of leisure vehicles rent them out when they’re not in use.

This new marketplace will help to bridge the gap between increased demand brought about by the pandemic and those keen to supplement their income.

Tapping into the shared economy model that has been so successful for the likes of Airbnb and Uber, the marketplace is a good example of sustainable travel practices.

In return for signing up to the marketplace, owners will get access to Indie Camper’s infrastructure, which has allowed the business to rent out more than 1,200 campervans at 40 locations across the UK and Europe.

Logistics including where the van is collected and dropped off from, storage requirements and technical elements of the rental process can all be taken care of by Indie Camper’s staff.

The system should be flexible, offering a variety of different types and sized leisure vehicles to suit all sorts of needs from small vans for couple getaways to large motorhomes to house large families.

Optional extras, including sports equipment like surfboards or airport transfers, will also be available at a small additional cost.

Hugo Oliveira, CEO of Indie Campers, told Lonely Planet: “Within the current changing travel landscape, this move enables us to align even more with the ever-emerging trends of the sharing economy, adding to our supply of flexible, authentic and sustainable travel experiences, and matching the growing widespread interest in getting into nature and away from the crowds.”

The Indie Campers Marketplace is expected to be rolled out before the end of the year and interested campervan owners can register their interest now.

Does the NC500 need a campervan congestion charge before next summer?

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By Emma Dodd

Staycations rocketed this summer and the predictions for 2021 are that everyone is still going to be holidaying at home, so do we need to do something about some of the bad behaviour that has been displayed?

Several councillors in the north of Scotland think so, after littering became a problem along parts of the iconic North Coast 500 (NC500) road this summer.

Margaret Meek, community councillor for Kinlochbervie, set up the NC500 The Land Weeps Facebook group after caravanners and campers left rubbish behind in the picture-perfect landscape.

Now, Liberal Democrat Jamie Stone, who represents Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, has suggested a congestion charge should be implemented on the route.

He added that campervan owners who want to visit the area should have the charge levied upon them and the money should be invested in improving the region’s roads.

“The Scottish government needs to know the full force of our concerns about the NC500 roads and the impact that irresponsible tourists are having on us all. I’ve always supported our local tourism and hospitality industries, but we need some fairness!” he said.

With the news that caravan parks are already starting to fill up with bookings for next year, it seems likely that summer 2021 will be another year of record staycations.

The 516-mile coastal road, which has become known as Scotland’s answer to Route 66, is likely to be popular again next summer, but more needs to be done to ensure the countryside does not pay the price.

Most caravanners are respectful and leave no trace, but with an increase in the number of visitors, locals have noticed problems.

Whether a congestion charge is the answer, or if another strategy needs to be found, it’s up to the residents and local authorities along the route to decide.

Introducing the latest winter toys from Ooni Pizza Ovens

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By William Coleman

There was a time when the takeaway pizza was the best option for a cheeky slice or two and was usually a rare Friday night treat. Now, with so many portable pizza oven options, you can have as many as you like by taking a nifty gadget with you on your winter staycation.

The caravan holiday has always been about freedom – to go where you want, see what you want and eat what you want. To indulge on holiday is what it’s all about. Why not indulge in a freshly made pizza?

Over the past few years, the generic takeaway pizza has slowly been replaced by fresh hand-made pizzas that are cooked in real woodfired ovens.

As the popularity of fresh pizza grew, the ovens got smaller and portable, which resulted in many people opting to cook at home instead of getting a takeaway.

One company, in particular, seems to have tailor-made a portable pizza oven for the caravan world, even if that was not the initial intention.

Ooni Pizza Ovens, which do a lot more than just 60-second pizzas, are small, light and pack away very neatly. It is for these reasons, and more, that makes them a perfect fit for the touring world.

The Ooni Pizza Oven

The company, which was founded by husband-and-wife team Kristian Tapaninaho and Darina Garland, started introducing portable pizza ovens to homes, well gardens, in 2012 and have become a global bestseller.

Ooni brought a game-changing tool to the outdoor cooking world, one that can be used in the garden or on-site with ease. The first portable oven Ooni made was a pellet fed wood-fired model, which creates a rolling heat hot enough to cook a 12″ pizza in 60 seconds. We’ve tried it and can vouch that the 60-second cooking time is quite accurate.

These mini ovens are so effective that they get to heat within 15 minutes and reach double the temperature of a conventional domestic oven. With a constant heat in such a small space, you can have genuine pizzeria-quality pizza as often as you like. The wood-burning method makes a world of difference to the overall smell and taste of what you are cooking.

Since 2012, the product has evolved and there are now several different models available. Depending on the size of the oven and your preferred fuel type there will be an option for you. For those who prefer gas cooking, you can try the Ooni Koda, but you will not get the rich smoky flavours associated with wood-fired cooking.

Kristian Tapaninaho, Ooni CEO and founder, said: “We know that even more people want to enjoy the magic of making wood-fired pizza, without the fuss of managing the fuel or fire. The strength of Ooni Fyra is in its incredible simplicity and ease of use – firing up with wood pellets takes all the hassle out of wood-fired cooking, along with the oven’s truly intuitive design, so you can focus wholeheartedly on making pizzeria-quality, wood-fired pizza super fast.”

Darina Garland, Ooni co-founder, said: “We’re so excited to welcome Ooni Fyra into the Ooni family. As the successor to our best-selling pizza oven, Ooni 3, we know that our growing global audience has a real appetite for cooking with wood in any outdoor space. Ooni Fyra makes it easier than ever!”

Take the pizzeria with you this winter

There are a lot of portable cookers out there that can fry, grill, roast or barbecue your food, but the pizza oven is just so fun and can be an activity for the whole family come lunch or dinner time.

During the next few months, we have school half terms, Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night to celebrate and is there a better way than having a pizza party on-site? We think not.

The Ooni Fyra weighs just 10kg, which means that it will make no real difference to your towing weight and is compact enough to be stored either in the tow car or caravan.

As far as outdoor accessories go the Ooni Frya, which we have, is a fantastic bit of kit. With a price tag of only £229, you can make countless memories with family and friends creating your pizza your way. You’ll be very popular among your touring neighbours when they start to smell all those wonderful pizzas cooking.

As we head into winter, it has been made clear that caravan sites all across the UK will be staying open to make up for the lack of holiday time 2020 has provided. During these periods there may be occasions where pubs and restaurants could be fully booked or closed. With a pizza oven, you can extend your outdoor cooking skills without having to leave the site.

Fresh sourdough pizza dough balls

Some people can make pizza dough with their eyes closed whereas others, we won’t name names, struggle with getting the right mixture together for a successful base.

With the Ooni ovens, your dough needs to be very thin, think Neapolitan-style, not like deep pan oven pizzas. If you are not too keen on making this specific dough, Ooni has you covered with its first-ever fresh product.

Having dough pre-made and at the perfect weight will make getting the thickness of the pizza so much easier. Each dough ball is approximately 250g, which will make a perfect 12″ pizza. All you need to do is, erm, knead the dough.

Another upside to having these fresh pre-made dough balls is the time you will save. Making pizza dough is not the most time-consuming endeavour but once the dough is made it will need to prove and be stored until ready. This can take hours and consume worktop space.

The dough balls are made to Ooni’s 60per cent hydration recipe. Once shipped, the Ooni dough balls will be delivered via a specialist 24-hour courier and can be defrosted to be used or frozen for use later.

Keep your spirits up with microtravels

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By Emma Dodd

This year has made us reevaluate lots of things and one of them is travel. We all spent much more time at home in 2020 than we ever expected and that can lead to a desire to escape the same four walls. But while exotic trips abroad are out – and even long drives within the UK are off the cards – we could all benefit from some microtravels. These little adventures may be close to home, but they still help to ramp up the fun.

Backyard adventures

Even if your caravan or motorhome is parked on the driveway, you can still enjoy some time away from home. Make an event of it and decorate your van for Halloween or make it cosy with fairy lights and knitted blankets. Enjoy the simple pleasures of time away in your van, with one pot meals and card games with your loved ones and put everyone’s devices to one side for the evening.

Explore your doorstep

With so much of the world to see, we’ve often neglected attractions right on our doorsteps, but 2020 is the year of exploring closer to home. Perhaps you rarely spend an afternoon on the beach because it’s only a five-minute walk away or you’ve never been to the garden of the stately home just down the road. Pick up the van with a picnic lunch and discover some local gems.

Local caravan sites

You may never have dreamed of pitching your campervan up at a site within 20 miles of your home, but it could be just what you need. It will be far enough away to give you a break from the stresses of everyday life, but not so far that you’re worried about local COVID rates or quarantines. It’s a great way to help boost a business in your area too.

Cook up a feast

If you don’t feel confident dining out at a restaurant but still want to celebrate a special occasion in style, think about a dinner date in your motorhome. A wide selection of eateries have got their act together and started producing meal kits so you can enjoy fine dining in a space of your choosing. So, if it’s an anniversary or a birthday coming up, think about escaping to your motorhome for some peace and quiet away from the rest of the family.

Set yourself a challenge

Many people thrive on a challenge and there’s no reason why you can’t turn your microtravels into a little bit of competition, either with yourself or others. Perhaps you’d like to up your cycling game and do five classic bike routes on consecutive weekends away in your van. Maybe caravan cooking is your passion and you want to test your skills against family members. Setting up a challenge may just give you the focus you need.

Highland Council creates continental-style aire near Inverness

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By Emma Dodd

The Highland Council has announced plans to open a continental-style ‘aire’ near Inverness in response to demand for low-cost parking spaces for caravans, campervans and motorhomes in the region.

Some 30 spaces will be available at the northbound car park and toilet area off the A9 at North Kessock in what the council hopes will be a growing trend in the region.

As many motorhomes are relatively self-contained, it only takes a few additional facilities to host the holidaymakers.

The car park is already widely used as a pit stop on the way to the north Highlands and this season has been among the busiest due to the popularity of staycations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Aires are popular on the continent, allowing owners of leisure vehicles to park up in convenient places overnight and avail themselves of the local amenities.

Now, Maxine Smith, tourism committee chairwoman for the Highland Council, has invited landowners to come forward who might be open to having aires on their property.

She told the Press and Journal: “The aire idea is something we’d like to develop Highland-wide, working with landowners, farmers , even people with big gardens.

“It seems to provide the required facilities that campervans and caravans need. The Kessock aire is on a piece of land beside the present car park that the council owns. It makes complete sense to target holidaymakers travelling north.”

The idea of creating aires has long been spoken about in caravanning circles, but this year’s additional demand for pitches has brought it much more to the fore.

A group known as the Campaign for Real Aires UK (CAMPRA) is hoping the virus will mean more local councils are open to the idea.

Black Isle councillor Gordon Adam has been trying to get the North Kessock aire off the ground for a number of years and hopes it will now be up and running by summer 2021.

It’s hoped that this aire and any others that come into fruition help to boost local businesses and provide much-needed tourism to the area.

Auto-Trail V-Line 660 S review

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By William Coleman

As we head into a new world of touring and staycation holidays, CaravanTimes feels a responsibility to bring you many different van types to look at. This month’s touring van is the impressive V-Line 660 S from Auto-Trail.

Each year Auto-Trail tries to improve upon the previous version of the V-Line range to keep up with the ever-changing holiday habits of the UK staycationer. This year brings a few improvements to the line-up that makes the 660 S a very enticing option for those who want an action-packed weekend or an extended touring trip.

This practical two-berth model comes with two seat belts, so it does cater more for couples than families. It is easy to see why Auto-Trail has aimed the 660 S at the active younger crowd who enjoy compact and energetic touring.

Driving

The first thing that stands out about the V-Line 660 S just how easy it is to drive. Having been built on a Fiat Ducato, you know you are going to get a high level of driving quality.

As standard, all the engines in the V-Line range are 140BHP, so carrying the onboard weight of the living area feels effortless.

As much as we have enjoyed using automatic models recently, there is something to be said about having a well made Euro six-speed manual gearbox to play with. You can feel the performance of the engine when shifting gears and it makes hills and narrow lanes so much easier to manoeuvre through.

Exterior

There are not a huge amount of changes to the exterior this year, but those little changes do stand out.

Exterior decals are subtle enough to be noticed but not stand out like an eyesore. Some manufacturers out there seem to get a little too happy with the external printing.

An optional bike rack is available that will hold two bicycles, which we can see being a popular extra throughout 2021. As standard, this model will come off the factory line with an exterior awning fitted.

One more handy bit of tech is the electric step to help you get in and out the van. We may have forgotten to roll it out one morning and stepped out without realising.

Day and night living

Practicality is the best word to describe the inside of the 660 S. During the day you have a spacious rear lounge with two large benches that can either be made into two single beds or a large double come evening time.

The great thing about the rear lounge is that it flows nicely to the two barn style doors at the back of the van. Once they are open the van takes on a totally different feel. You can sit in bed with an amazing view of your surroundings.

Dining options are limited due to the size of the van, but the comfort of the two benches with a removable table in the middle is perfect for a comfy evening meal or breakfast before heading out.

Storage has been expanded this year with additional space under the benches that can store bedding or heavier goods, like extra tinned food or items that are not needed too often. The cupboard size is plentiful but the storage under the hob is not amazing.

Washroom and kitchen

Campervans sometimes struggle with washroom space and they can feel quite uncomfortable. However, Auto-Trail has managed to utilise the limited chassis space without compromising the bathroom. Yes, it is compact, but there is enough space to be comfortable and not feel restricted or too confined.

The cooking area is quite spacious and has a new design this year. You have more than enough space and work surfaces that you won’t be piling things up and struggling to prep and cook at the same time.

As always, you have hobs, an oven and grill at your disposal and enough plug sockets for a kettle or toaster.

Tech and gadgets

This model features the new 4.7kW Whale gas/220v heating and hot water system with an i-Van intelligent control panel. This system looks very different from previous years and could become the new norm for Auto-Trail moving forward.

The cab features aircon, driver and passenger airbags, steering wheel controls and cruise control with speed limiter functions.

Should you require a good internet connection while away, you can add motorhome Wi-Fi at an extra cost.

If you want some handy driving and tech extras you can opt for the new Lux Pack, which includes an eight-inch Zenec touch screen with a full colour reversing camera.

Verdict

With an on the road price of around £45,556, there is a lot that makes the 660 S an exceptional van. The pricing is competitive considering the high specifications the basic version comes with.

This is not the best van for families due to the belt and berth number, but for couples or friends who want to see more of the UK and take part in leisure activities, it is absolutely spot on.

There are extras to choose from that are great to have but as standard, this is an all-round camper that will serve the new love of touring well.

Caravan parks are already getting booked up for summer 2021

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By Emma Dodd

The holiday market is looking very different to how it did just a year ago and families are beginning to realise it might not return to normal any time soon.

Caravan parks and camping sites are already starting to get booked up for summer 2021, as holidaymakers ensure they don’t miss out on a break away next year and staycations look set to continue.

The big names, such as Parkdean Resorts, Haven and Park Resorts are advertising deals for the summer holidays and starting to see bookings rolling in, reports The Sun.

And they’re not the only ones. Pitchup.com saw an uptick of 500 per cent on holidays for next summer last month alone.

Canopy and Stars reported more bookings coming in for August 2021 then it had for August this year.

With confidence in foreign holidays still at a low, it’s likely staycations will get booked up quicker than ever, as demand peaks.

That means many regular caravanners could miss out on pitches at their favourite sites if they don’t get themselves organised and secure a spot early.

While some people are looking forward to next summer, others are still hoping to salvage something of 2020.

A number of caravan parks have extended their season to welcome visitors right through half-term and in some cases up until the end of the year.

Anyone thinking of going away should take the restrictions in their local area into account, as well as those in the destination they’re travelling to.

The rule of six, social distancing, wearing facemasks and regular hand washing should all be observed while on holiday to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus and your half-term caravan staycation

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By Emma Dodd

As the October half-term holidays draw closer and coronavirus restrictions become more convoluted, it can be confusing to work out what’s allowed and what’s not.

In terms of a family getaway in the caravan, it’s still possible to enjoy a staycation as long as you follow a few rules.

The two things to consider are the region you are travelling to and the location you are visiting from, as both will be a factor in what you can and can’t do.

Anyone living in an area with minimal local restrictions in place is free to travel to a caravan park within Great Britain that is also not under lockdown, as long as they follow the rule of six.

If this applies to you and you are planning on meeting up with another household, make sure you practice social distancing.

Anyone who has booked a half-term holiday for an area experiencing a local lockdown must only mix with members of their own household or support bubble.

This means no indoor socialising in each other’s caravans, pubs or restaurants.

If you are coming from an area in England that is under tighter restrictions then you are still allowed to travel, but these same rules apply.

When it comes to Scotland, the official guidance is not to visit the central belt, which stretches from Glasgow to Edinburgh, between October 10th and 25th.

Interestingly, this so-called circuit breaker lockdown will affect the majority of school children in Scotland, whose half-term runs from October 19th to 23rd and not England, where half-term is a week later.

Residents of this central belt have also been advised not to leave during this period, unless it is necessary and first minister Nicola Sturgeon does deem half-term breaks important.

She said: “We are not insisting that people cancel any half-term breaks they have planned.”

That means Glaswegians and Edinburghers can stay in a caravan but only with members from their own household.

Wales is much stricter in implementing its restrictions with areas under local lockdown being subject to a travel ban, meaning residents can’t leave for the half-term break, which will start on October 30th for most schools.

Visitors are also not permitted to travel to locked down areas of Wales, which was made clear when the largest caravan park in Europe sent holidaymakers home as soon as parts of south Wales went into lockdown.

Unlike the Scottish administration, the Welsh government has stated that holidays are not a reasonable justification to travel to and from restricted areas, putting an end to many caravan breaks.

Holidays to Northern Ireland are still permitted to anyone travelling from a non-restricted area with the exception of the county of Derry City and Strabane, which is locked down.

Northern Ireland’s current coronavirus policy states that only people within the same household or support bubble should mix indoors.

With the half-term holidays still a week or two away, depending on where you live, it’s important to keep an eye on the changing restrictions and how they might affect your caravan getaway.

Alde Flow giveaway

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By William Coleman

It may not be Christmas yet, but the team at Alde are feeling generous and are holding a special giveaway here on CaravanTimes. What do you need to do to win a brand new Alde Flow, supplied and fitted? Simply enter your details below.

We recently took a look at Alde’s first-ever aftermarket fitting, which makes it a bit of a big deal, and now Alde is giving one away for free. Yes, free!

Alde, the Kings of Comfort, created the new Flow system to ensure that running out of warm water at shower time becomes a thing of the past. Now you, and the whole family, will not have to rush in the mornings and you won’t be left with a teaspoon of hot water to wash with.

All you need to do to win this amazing prize is enter your details below and a winner will be selected on the day the competition closes, 19/10/2020.

One winner will be selected at random and then be contacted directly by Alde to arrange the fitting of the Alde Flow to their leisure vehicle.

Please note, you MUST already have an existing Alde Compact 3020HE fitted to your van to have this product. Without the 3020HE, the Alde Flow will not be compatible and cannot be won by you, there is no cash prize alternative.

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 product 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

    Cold water 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)

Adria introduces its 2021 campers

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By Emma Dodd

After staycations became the holiday of choice in 2020, you may be in the market for a new caravan next year and one manufacturer has just launched its vans for 2021.

The Adria Vans Collection is a new generation twin van range featuring new layouts, models and a whole host of other improvements for the season.

Over the years, Adria has built up its reputation as a brand with standout features, such as its innovative and patented sunroof.

Add to this the cabin-loft, and open design living space, which have set the Twin Supreme and Twin Plus models out from the crowd.

For 2021, Adria has introduced a new layout, the Twin 640 SPB Family, which does what it says on the tin, bringing all the features you would need for a trip away with the brood.

On top of this, the brand has combined the cabin-loft design to its two new Twin models, in an effort to bring a more spacious feel to the van.

Adria will also be premiering a new Twin Sports 640 SGX edition, featuring elements of the award-winning Twin Supreme layout.

Combined with these features will be a comfortable sleeping compartment, additional versatility and accommodation for up to four people.

The Sports model will be shown for the first time at Caravan Salon Dusseldorf, where enthusiasts can check over its relevant merits.

Adria prides itself on inspired design, signature features, its exclusive sunroof innovation, cabin loft-design and open interiors.

The Twin family is now available in five models: 600 SPB, 640SPB Family, 640SLB, 640SGX and 640SGX Sport Edition.

Highlights of the vans include:

  • Latest Fiat Ducato Euro6 engines and driver aids.
  • Choice of eight exterior colours, with sporty new graphics.
  • Adria exclusive design sunroof and cabin-loft design.
  • Additional roof window.
  • New generation kitchen block, dinette, bathroom and bedroom.
  • Onyx interior design and glossy white cupboards.
  • The SGX & SGX Sport Edition also include the Truma and Webasto system as standard.

The new Twin Supreme and Plus models feature:

  • Reduced thermal bridges and new thermal breaks.
  • New recycled Ecofiber 40 material, heat-bonded for better insulation.
  • Improved insulation and air-loops around doors and windows.
  • New vapour barriers to prevent condensation.

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.