By Chris Littley

Caravan and camping sites across the UK remain closed during the lockdown, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep enjoying your caravan or motorhome.

It’s important to stay at home right now to ensure a reduction in the spread of coronavirus, but with warm, sunny days there’s also a need to enjoy the great outdoors and your caravan or motorhome can still be a great place to relax and unwind in a different environment.

Indeed, Val and Bernie Crean, from South Hams in Devon, told the BBC about the many lovely meals and activities they’ve had in their caravan over the last few weeks.

“It’s lovely to sit and just read too,” Mrs Crean said.

What’s more, owners up and down the country are coming up with novel uses for their vehicle, with one such case being Lydia Humphreys from the Wirral – she’s converted her caravan into a classroom for her children.

“We have put our caravan on our driveway, which has been a very tight squeeze, and have turned it into a home school for our boys,” she said.

“It’s fun and the boys love it. It also helps keep schooling separate to normal home life.”

Elsewhere, caravans are being used to add a bit of peace and quiet for those working from home during this testing time.

David Dubois from Bolton shared his story of having to self-isolate in his caravan, but also the benefits of being able to be more productive: “the total quiet was great for getting work done”.

There are plenty of uses for your caravan or motorhome even during this difficult time, so why not let us know some of your own stories about how you’re making the best of such a bad situation.

By Chris Littley

The CaravanTimes returns with another Classic Gold throwback for your reading pleasure, this time we’re examining the 2010 Hobby 650 Excelsior.

We’re eager to know if our early impressions match up to the reality of what it’s like to live with these classic caravans and motorhomes, so give us your thoughts and let us know if we got it right!

We asked Lisa Flude to give us her impressions of the Hobby 650 Excelsior back in 2013 and she was more than happy to give the vehicle a thorough testing.

Lisa was especially pleased by the fantastic interior, with plenty of space to relax and get comfortable, as well as mood lighting that makes the area that much more inviting at night. Indeed, she noted it “causes a gasp when people come inside and it’s so plush and posh”.

One drawback was the lack of an oven, with only a hob top for cooking. There was also an issue that a battery backup did not come as standard, but that was easily rectified and added later.

In terms of value for money, Lisa gave the Hobby 650 Excelsior a rating of four out of five stars, but overall she rated the vehicle 5 out of 5. The “great layout”, “gorgeous lighting” and “fantastic fixed bed” were all highlights for Lisa that helped make it a perfect five-star review.

Let us know what you think of the Hobby 650 Excelsior, as well as if there are other classic caravans you’d like to see get the Classic Gold treatment.

By Chris Littley

Campers up and down the country are being urged to show their support for the hardworking staff of the NHS this Saturday (11th April) amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

A JustGiving page has been set up by 16-year-old Scarlett Street who wants us all to get out outside and camp in our gardens this Easter weekend.

Campervan and motorhome owners don’t need to miss out on the festivities though, as we can all take part in the fun of the Night Out for Nurses.

Scarlett was moved to set up the event to help give families across the UK a reason to enjoy the good weather this weekend despite the restrictions on movement that remain in place.

She also wanted to show her support for NHS staff who continue to be under great pressure on the front line of care as the nation tackles the impact of coronavirus.

“We urge everybody to participate in this initiative that will raise vital funds for nurses in these extraordinary tough times,” Scarlett’s father Damon commented.

“We wanted to do it in a fun way that would get families together and take us back to having fun times in the great outdoors.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the event can post pictures of their camp and share them online via the hashtag #nightoutfornurses.

You can also donate to Scarlett’s JustGiving page, which aims to donate more than £1,000 to the Association of NHS Charities.

By Chris Littley

Picking up our series on those ‘old but gold’ caravans and motorhomes of recent years, we’d love to know your reaction to the Elddis 524.

It’s not often that we review a vehicle and it gets five stars across the board, but that was precisely the case for the Elddis 524 when we last posted a review way back in 2012.

Reviewer Jeffery Barker was extremely happy with the design and comfort of the vehicle during its testing, stating that the layout “works fine for us” and that its overall quality and reliability was “great”.

He picked out the large bathroom as being worthy of a special mention, with its spacious and powerful shower a particular highlight. He also noted that the extra height that comes with the vehicle was especially beneficial for anyone over 6 ft tall.

Indeed, Jeffery only noted one minor drawback of the Elddis 524: “The microwave is great, but would be better put at eye level as it is quite high.”

Sadly, you can’t have it all, Jeffery.

If you’re enjoying our Classic Gold series and want to share your own experience of some of the many other classic caravans we’ve reviewed down the years, why not get in touch and let us know what other classics you’d like to rediscover?

By Chris Littley

Caravan owners in Gloucestershire have been warned that increased police checks will be enforced on the county’s roads in the run up to the coming Easter weekend.

With sunny weather, warmer temperatures and the upcoming Easter bank holiday weekend, this is traditionally a time of year when many of us would be planning a getaway in our caravan or motorhome to picturesque destinations up and down the UK.

However, with measures for social distancing still in place across the country in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, caravan owners are being urged to heed government advice and stay at home.

Major roads across the region, including the M5, A417 and A40, will see an increased police presence in the coming days, with Gloucestershire Police warning that ‘going on holiday’ is not classed as a form of essential travel.

Individuals found to be breaking the rules on non-essential travel could face fines and will be urged to return to their primary residence by officers, the police have warned.

Assistant chief constable Craig Holden told Gloucestershire Live: “We are doing all we can to protect our local communities and we would ask that people from outside the county do not put extra pressure on our resources.

“The same message goes to those from Gloucestershire, who are thinking about leaving the county for the same reason, which will impact on the communities of the areas you are considering travelling to.”

This isn’t simply a plea for caravan or motorhome owners in Gloucestershire, however, as people across the length and breadth of the UK need to remember the importance of avoiding non-essential travel and remaining at home in order to reduce the spread of this deadly illness.

By Chris Littley

Stephane Barbey is in the running to be named Upcycler of the Year for her efforts to reuse an old caravan.

Based in Southampton, Stephane has been shortlisted for this year’s national title by power tool manufacturer Ryobi Power Tools.

She will go up against nine other contestants to be crowned this year’s winner after giving a new lease of life to an old caravan, turning it into a chic new outdoor kitchen.

“I took this caravan when it was really old and decrepit,” Stephane told the Daily Echo. “And using mostly recycled materials, I rebuilt it to become a temporary kitchen.

“Most of the wood is pallet wood, and came from my in-law’s farm, as well as all of the metal bits and pieces. It took me about 11 months to complete.”

Each member of the top ten shortlist will now be voted for by the public to decide this year’s winner, with voting set to close at midnight on April 5th.

The winner will be announced the following day and will receive a hamper of Ryobi ONE+ crafting tools worth more than £750.

Owners of caravans and motorhomes up and down the country should be happy to see an older model given a new lease of life in such an inventive and quirky manner.

With many years of happy memories given in its original form, we hope Stephane and her family enjoy many years to come in their caravan kitchen.