Caravan review – Sussex Caravan Centre Coachman dealer special

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By William Coleman

We visited the Sussex Caravan Centre in Grinstead, which has dealer special models in both caravans and motorhomes from several leading manufacturers on offer. The one we really wanted to see was the twin axle eight-foot Laser Xcel 875.

What makes this particular model from the centre unique is the interior furnishings, exterior decor and additional special features. These elements can only be found on its forecourt in Sussex.

This eight-foot Coachman Laser Xcel has only been on the market for a few months and features all the new decals and branding of Coachman, so it is a brand spanking new model.

Xcel models are a larger touring caravan and from looking at the outside you may not realise just how much extra space there is inside. It really is quite impressive how much additional interior room you get from such a small chassis increase.

Dealer special features

The Sussex Caravan Centre added some special touches to give its van an interior upgrade and set it aside from what usually comes off the production line at Coachman.

The limited edition Kingsham features silver sides and incorporates a silver exterior door. The exterior decals display the company name, as well as a very smart dark red colour scheme set against the light chassis. This will have heads turning on site.

If you like comfort then you’re in for a treat, as this comes with exclusive contemporary Sussex soft furnishings, as well as six scatter cushions for advanced luxury. If you opt for the fixed bed model, the cushion count goes up to ten.

To keep the features modern and fun you will find a Pioneer DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect your phone to the stereo and have a sing-along while cooking dinner in the large kitchenette.

One other little touch that stood out is the Sussex special door mat. The little things make the biggest difference!

Interior

Inside this caravan, and the entire Xcel range, you will find very high specifications that are more in line with what you would have at home. This van is very much based on the domestic comforts you have indoors, a home away from home.

As mentioned above, the interior floor space is quite impressive and you will have no issue fitting a family of four inside for both day and night living.

The colour scheme of soft grey feels modern, fresh and comfortable. You can really see the design has been based on modern interior decorating. This caravan feels more homely than vans from years gone by, and dare I say current models on the market.

Daytime and lounge area

The front lounge really benefits from the extra space of the eight-foot van. You can have four people sitting in the lounge with a dinning table in the middle and still have more than enough space to manoeuvre round to get to the kitchen and back.

Large window in the lounge let in a fantastic amount of light during the day. On those brighter days, you will find that the natural sunlight will illuminate the van perfectly. Also at the front by the three windows you will find a wireless fast-charging plate for modern phones.

Throughout the caravan there is a mixture of plug sockets as well as USBs. There seems to be more USB points added to caravans each year to keep up with the growing amount of tech that requires a USB charging cable everyone takes on holiday with them.

Night time

This is a four-berth van that comes with a fixed island double bed at the rear. What makes this layout so appealing is that the bedroom and the lounge are totally separate. When you are in the bedroom you really do feel like you’re in a different room.

As you would expect, the lounge bench sofas can be made into a good size double bed for kids or guests.

The sliding divider between the bedroom and kitchen really does isolate the two areas, but of an evening, you do have to travel through the bedroom to get to the washroom. It is here where I would imagine having little ones aboard can get noisy should they need the toilet in the evening.

Washroom and cooking

The 875 features an end washroom with a full-size shower. The benefit of having a rear washroom is the amount of space it provides. The shower seems larger than most showers at home.

Above the sink you will find a large mirror that helps bounce light around the washroom and the storage beneath the sink is ample.

A good size kitchen can make all the difference to a holiday, and here you will find a great size kitchen. The workspace is large and is not overshadowed by the sink. Smaller vans can sometimes feel a bit restrictive with the workspace and sink combo.

The cooker is extremely smart with the silver linings. There are three gas hobs and a fourth ceramic plate, so you really can have a lot on the go at once. The oven does not look anything like what you’d expect from a touring van. It would fit perfectly in shops like Currys as a domestic free-standing cooker.

Exterior

This twin axle model is quite large, but do not let that put you off. With a length of 25′ 11″ you are pulling a lot of van behind you.

Once you’ve pulled up on site, you will be able to set up with ease with the onboard self-levelling system. This is such a great feature for saving time and effort after a long drive.

Towing details and specs

MTPLM- 1885 kg
Mass in running order- 1725 kg
Personal payload- 160 kg
Options payload- TBC
Total/maximum user payload- 160 kg
Maximum Hitch Weight- 100 kg
Upper MTPLM- (Optional weight plate upgrade) 2000 kg

Blair Castle Caravan Park to extend season to the end of the year

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By Emma Dodd

A caravan park in the Highlands of Scotland is to extend its season to the end of December after an unprecedented demand for staycations.

Blair Castle Caravan Park in Pitlochry is a convenience base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park, making it particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

In the wake of a surge in autumn bookings, the site has taken the unprecedented step of extending its season right into the heart of winter, reports The Herald.

Motorhome and caravan reservations for September and October were up by 23 per cent at the park, sparking the decision to stay open longer.

The castle estate stretches for 145,000 acres with the ancestral home of Clan Murray at its heart, complete with turrets and crenellations.

Visitors will be able to take advantage of its proximity to the castle, which will be open to guided tours until the middle of December.

Usually, Blair Castle would close its doors in October after the lucrative summer months, but the coronavirus pandemic meant the season got off to a slow start.

Now, visitors enjoying a touring holiday at the site throughout the autumn will get to experience the beauty of the surrounding countryside in all its crimson, lime yellow and auburn glory.

Chloe Thornton, marketing officer for the estate, said: “It is the simplicity of a holiday with family, surrounded by nature, that is driving enquiries for winter holidays.

“The confidence that travel arrangements won’t be disrupted and that high standards of cleanliness will be enforced is the perfect solution for families looking for ways to grab some time away together prior to Christmas.”

Blair Castle has been granted official ‘Good To Go’ status, meaning it has been implementing Covid secure policies across the site.

Caravanners should keep an eye on the restrictions in their own areas, as well as those brought in at holiday destinations to ensure it is appropriate to visit.

VW Passat Estate SEL review

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By William Coleman

The Volkswagen Passat estate has long been a very popular option amongst the towing community. CaravanTimes has just finished field testing one, but does it live up to the hype as one of the UK’s favourite estate vehicles?

Towing is very much like caravan layout options – everyone has a preference. Some like a large 4×4 to tow twin-axle six-berth vans, whereas others like a small 1.6 litre engine to pull their two-berth lightweight tourer. With the Passat you can do both.

The first thing that stood out about the Passat Estate SEL was just how sturdy it is. It felt like a tank but had the lightweight driving habits of a hatchback. This practical machine, like a lot of VW models, drives extremely well and has equal amounts of function and comfort.

When pulling away, unattached to a caravan, you do feel the weight of the vehicle beneath your feet. Once second gear kicks in the car feels like a different animal altogether.

The estate version of the Passat is more commonly used for towing than the saloon model due its extended rear. The boot space is terrific and will save you loading a fair amount of weight into the caravan. This will obviously help with towing behaviour but it will also save on loading time; from experience the boot is quicker to fill than the caravan.

Oh, and there is no load lip in the boot, making the loading of heavier objects so much easier. It is these finer details that put the Passat into the higher tier of tow cars.

Driving and handling

While driving the Passat we managed to travel all over the south-east and even spent a day at the Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club site to see how it handles as both tow vehicle and road car.

While in Brighton we decided to pop into town for a spot of lunch and have a walk along the pier. It was here, in the tight streets and parking locations of Brighton, where the Passat performed perfectly.

It drives very much like a Golf, despite being much larger. The car excelled at everything from reverse parking into very tight parking spaces to getting up those steep hills while stuck in traffic. It feels effortless to drive on both country lanes and motorways.

When taking off in first gear from a stationary position you can feel the engine getting to grips with the weight of the car, and at times it feels like it is trying to catch up with itself (there may have been one minor wheel spin when first driving). As soon as you are in second gear and above you very rarely feel the DSG gearbox shift up or down a gear.

The model we tested featured a transverse-installed 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engine, which made getting up to a good towing speed effortless. The engine really provides speed behind the pedal, especially in sport mode. Nought to 62mph in 9.1 seconds is not to be sniffed at from an estate car of this weight and size.

With a 150bhp engine towing is a joy, especially when using some of the tech and safety features. Pulling a caravan with an automatic gearbox was not really something we were too keen on but we’re slowly seeing the benefits.

When getting up to speed with your van of choice attached you feel nothing but smooth handling and steering. The Passat handles towing with absolutely no issues and the electric tow bar can be hidden out of sight for everyday driving.

Often when towing you find the caravan can sometimes become a bit unruly and have little jumps and jerks along the way. The Passat seems to minimise those annoying mannerisms with its firm yet smooth handling. Even the most demanding touring van will handle well with this tow car.

The unladen weight comes in at 1590kg so you can still add a fair amount on board, both people and kit, and not have to worry too much about overloading.

If we had to choose a word for the way this car drives and handles it would have to be ‘smooth’. You can use Sport or Eco mode and you will feel as though the car almost drives itself.

It is also worth making note that this car only comes in a diesel option. If you are strictly a petrol person then you may not be too keen on this version of the Passat.

Interior, exterior and gadgets

The overall look of the 2020 model has had a slight facelift with some new sleek edges, but stylistically speaking there is nothing too different to report.

When seated inside VW treats you to an almost luxury driving experience. The layout of the dash is smooth and not too overwhelming, despite the huge amount of features on offer.

The large screen supports Android phones and has Apple CarPlay which makes setting up your entertainment or music very easy.

For those longer drives where you may start to feel uncomfortable, you can change the seat’s lumbar support with the flick of a button.

The overall comfort of the Passat is top notch, and you can see the key attention to detail that has gone into making the driver, and passenger, experience pleasurable. There will be no arguing over space in the back, if anything you may get lost in all that extra room.

You will find all the mod cons on board such as air conditioning, climate control, heated seats and keyless entry, but it is the outside technology that really impressed us.

The 2020 Passat received a five-star overall rating from Euro NCAP and it is clear why. Not only is this vehicle built like a tank but it also has more safety features than the Batmobile.

When driving, the lane assist kicks in if you are oversteering and the 360 senses will tell you if anyones gets too close. This can, at times, be a little distracting and dare I say oversensitive. Although it does make parking in tricky spots easier, especially with all the cameras and the bird’s-eye view on the heads-up display.

As good as all the technology is it does sometimes feel a little unnecessary and takes your mind off the road. Too often you will find yourself relying on the cameras for reversing or positioning. The most capable drivers out there may find the lane assist frustrating; it’s safe to say that we did at times.

Verdict

The VW Passat will inevitably be compared to the Audi A4 and other estate models at this price range, but that is a good thing as this vehicle really holds its own when tested or compared.

For £41,030 (tested price) you really do get a fantastic tow car that is extremely comfortable and even more practical. There is a huge amount of tech and gadgets onboard which can sometimes be a little over the top, but you do have the option of turning these off.

The space for passengers and luggage/kit is superb and you will be able to take so much more with you to enjoy on your travels.

The towing is just as easy and pleasurable as the daily driving and the build quality is fantastic. VW have really upped their tow car game and the competition needs to watch out.

Derry and Donegal caravan stays ruled out by Arlene Foster

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By Emma Dodd

Northern Ireland’s first minister Arlene Foster has asked people not to undertake caravan holidays in Derry, as soaring coronavirus infection rates affect the area.

She has also discouraged travel across the border to Donegal where there is a similar issue with cases of COVID-19 on the rise.

Her requests for residents and visitors to refrain from holidaying in these areas comes in the wake of the island of Ireland’s two chief medical officers calling for a limit to cross-border travel.

Derry is currently recording the highest number of coronavirus infections anywhere in Northern Ireland, reports the Press Association.

The Irish government has put Donegal under tightened restrictions for three weeks in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Mrs Foster confirmed she had undertaken a “very good conversation” with Ireland’s taoiseach Micheal Martin, who concurred with her views on the matter.

Discussing holidaymakers contemplating leisure trips in the two areas, she said: “I would advise them not to go because I don’t think that that is essential travel, and it’s certainly not an exempted part.

“And people shouldn’t try to game the regulations, people should use their common sense.”

People can travel freely across the Ireland – Northern Ireland border, but Great Britain is not currently on Ireland’s Green List.

This means anyone arriving from England, Scotland or Wales into Ireland must restrict their movements for 14 days.

Great Britain does, however, fall within the Common Travel Area (CTA) that allows visits to Northern Ireland without quarantining.

Ireland is currently on the British government’s exempt list of destinations you can travel to without needing to quarantine for 14 days when returning home.

The majority of Ireland is currently under level two coronavirus restrictions, which means domestic travel is permitted.

Dublin and Donegal are subject to level three regulations, meaning they should not be considered good locations for a caravan holiday.

Cornwall park goes adult only

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By William Coleman

Cornwall is one of Britain’s most popular touring holiday hotspots for couples and families alike. One of the region’s most decorated parks has now opted to go adults-only as of next year.

As of April 2021 the award winning Trethem Mill on the Roseland Peninsula will be a child-free zone and will be strictly 18 and over.

Over the past few years quite a few sites across the UK have adopted the “no child” rule to try and provide a much more serene holiday environment for those who may have had their fill of children over the years. Some feel that this is an extreme measure whereas others are very much in favour.

Having stayed at adult-only parks and spoken with guests it seems that the decision to go child-free is more about escapism than being anti-child. Some people have raised children or grandchildren and want some “me time” away from the little ones.

Trethem Mill is a family-run park where Jane and Ian Akeroyd oversee day to day operations along with their son Jake and Ian’s father Derek. The team firmly believes that this new decision will be very much welcomed by visitors come the new season.

“There are lots of superb holiday parks throughout Cornwall which cater for families with youngsters,” said Jane.

“Our specialisation, though, is peaceful, well-kept surroundings in glorious countryside – and we tend to attract the type of visitors who are seeking exactly that type of escape.

“Some of our guests are teachers and childcare professionals, and are perhaps happy not to be reminded of their day jobs when they go away for a break.

“Others include young professionals in motorhomes and campervans, and also mature couples who just want to take it easy and enjoy the birdsong,” she added.

The above reasons for touring sites going adults-only seem to be similar to the other parks that have gone down the same path. There seems to be a feeling that the older generation want to be away from younger children and just have a more tranquil stay.

The park was taken over by the family 28 years ago, and since the takeover a lot of time and hard work has gone into creating a peaceful environment for touring folk.

To prove that hard work pays off, Jane and Ian have seen a year-on-year rise in guests, not to mention accolades such as the prestigious five-star gold award from Visit England.

The trophy cabinet doesn’t stop there though. Trethem Mill has also gained the AA’s five-pennant platinum flag, the organisation’s highest award, and the 2020 David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

To help see in the new adults-only site next April, the business has joined the Tranquil Parks group, which has over 40 independently owned sites that cater strictly to adults-only holidays.

Trethem Mill is also a member of the Best of British parks group, which brings together top-rated family-run parks providing exceptional surroundings, services and facilities.

What are your thoughts on this? Should more sites and parks go adult-only, or are you happy to share your holiday time with youngsters and families?

The Club is set to mark Tyre Safety Month

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By Emma Dodd

October will be Tyre Safety Month after the Caravan and Motorhome Club announced a number of initiatives to help keep members safe on the road and save money.

This year’s event draws on past experience of the awareness month, which has been run annually since 2006.

Tyre Safety Month draws attention to up-to-date legislation, driver education and the risks associated with fitting part-worn or defective tyres to a caravan, motorhome or towing vehicle.

Its main focuses for 2020 will be air pressure, condition and tread depth, all of which need to be checked regularly.

Caravan owners should consult their vehicle’s handbook or fuel cap to find out the recommended settings for air pressure before ensuring the tyres match this description.

Looking out for lumps, bulges, cuts and cracks is important, as it could indicate a tyre is unsafe to use.

A minimum legal tread depth has been set at 1.6 mm and it’s best to use an accurate gauge to measure it.

If you don’t have one to hand, then a 20 pence piece is a handy way to work out how close your tread is to the limit. Insert the coin into the tread and if the outer band is obscured, you’re above the legal minimum depth.

The Club’s advice pages on tyre safety are available on its website all year round, but as the seasons change into autumn, checking tyres becomes even more important.

Caravanners can join the conversation on The Club’s social media channels throughout October and take advantage of various offers on tyres.

These include up to 50 per cent off at one of National Tyres and Autocare’s 235 tyre centres and a saving of up to £40 on a TyrePal Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Anyone needing particular tyre-related paraphernalia may also be able to get it through The Club’s shop, as it stocks everything from Milenco torque wrench safety kits to AutoGlym instant tyre dressings.

Dream Destinations: Hadrians Wall country

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By Emma Dodd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The definitive guide to caravanning and wild swimming

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By Emma Dodd

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

Wild swimming kit

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

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

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

Swimming safe

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

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

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

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

The pleasures of wild swimming

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

Warming up after your swim

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

Best caravan sites for wild swimming

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

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

VW California Coast 6.1 review

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By William Coleman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exterior

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

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

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

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

Interior

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

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

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

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

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

Day and night living

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

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

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

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

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

Driving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tech and gadgets

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verdict

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

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

Welsh caravan park forced to close due to new local lockdown

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By Emma Dodd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are certificated locations?

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By Emma Dodd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coachman unveils Road to Freedom offer

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By William Coleman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road to Freedom Cashback offer model savings

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

Acadia 520-£695.00

Acadia 545-£705.00

Acadia 565-£705.00

Acadia 575- £705.00

Acadia 830 Xcel- £825.00

Acadia 860 Xcel- £825.00

Acadia 875 Xcel-£825.00

VIP 460-£760.00

VIP 520-£815.00

VIP 545- £820.00

VIP 565-£820.00

VIP 57- £820.00

Laser 575 Xcel-£930.00

Laser 650- £940.00

Laser 665- £940.00

Laser 675-£940.30

Laser Xcel 845-£1,065.00

Laser Xcel 850-£1,065.00

Laser Xcel 875-£1,065.00