How to take your pet caravanning

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April is National Pet Month, making it the perfect opportunity to talk about the implications of taking your dog or cat away in your caravan.

Having your furry friend with you on a staycation or trip to the continent can enhance the experience, but it takes a little bit of planning to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Prepare for your pet

Caravans can be safe spaces for pets, but it’s important to think carefully about certain elements to ensure they remain so. These include:

  • Ventilation – this will stop your vehicle and pet from overheating.
  • Boundaries – zone your caravan to limit where your pet can go, as some human foods and other items can be dangerous for animals.
  • Pet space – bring a play tent or wind breaker to allow your pet space to move around.
  • Safety accessories – equipment to keep your dog or cat secure while travelling.
  • Pet-friendly campsites – choose sites that not only allow pets but have the facilities to make them feel truly welcome.
  • Creature comforts – pet beds, blankets and toys will help make them feel at home.
  • Pet passports and vaccinations – if you’re travelling abroad, you’ll need all the right documentation for your dog or cat.

Touring with dogs

Dogs are a fairly common sight at holiday parks these days, as they tend to be quite adept at travelling, but it’s important to take your own dog’s temperament into consideration when planning a trip.

It’s a legal requirement for dogs to be restrained during the journey and there are a number of ways to achieve this from harnesses to dog crates, so you can select the most suitable.

Even dog-friendly campsites won’t take too kindly to pets wandering free and onto other campers’ pitches, so make sure you’ll be able to control your pooch.

Think carefully about the activities you’re intending to do during your touring holiday. If you’re likely to be doing lots of walking and going to lots of beaches where dogs are allowed, then bring Fido along.

Trips that are based around a hobby that won’t include your dog could mean lots of time left alone in the caravan and therefore it might be better to make alternative arrangements for your four-legged friend.

Caravanning with cats

You’re likely to see fewer cats in caravans than dogs, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to take your feline on a touring trip.

Cats can become anxious with change, so it’s important to ease your cat into the caravanning lifestyle gently.

Start off by introducing your cat to the caravan before you leave home. As well as letting them explore your leisure vehicle, take them on short journeys in the towcar before embarking on a longer trip.

Your cat should be secured in a pet carrier for the journey and you’ll need to set up a litter tray when you pitch up to prevent cats pooping elsewhere on site.

Kit out your cat with a collar or tag in case they escape out of the caravan, and set up fly screens over your caravan doors and windows to help keep your cat inside.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Carolina Rincon



Visit the Garden of the Year 2024 shortlist

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Gardens are great places to visit on a touring holiday and the shortlist for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2024 have just been announced.

These six locations have been selected from hundreds of gardens, parks and grounds that are open to the public through membership of Historic Houses.

The organisation represents independent castles, homes of heritage value and gardens across the UK.

Packing up your caravan or motorhome to tour a few of them could make a great spring expedition. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite on the website.

Ursula Cholmeley, chair of the Historic Houses Gardens Committee, said: “These gardens are amongst the finest in the country and we hope that you will get great pleasure from visiting some of them and voting for your favourite.”

Chelsea Physic Garden, London

Hidden behind tall walls on the Thames Embankment, Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London for its apprentices to study medicinal plants and their uses.

It’s unique in being the only botanic garden collection focused on medicinal, herbal and useful plants, but remains a fascinating and beautiful place to explore.

Holker Hall and Gardens, Cumbria

Situated between the Lake District and the sea, Holker Hall is in a great location for visiting as part of a touring trip to Cumbria in your leisure vehicle.

Beauty, history and art can all be found in the 23-acre estate, which includes themed spaces, like the Summer Garden, Oak Lawn and Woodland Garden. Don’t miss the Cascade, Fountain and Lily Pool water features for added drama.

Hever Castle and Gardens, Kent

It’s hard to believe that at the turn of the last century, these 125-acre gardens were marshland, but now feature more than 5,000 roses and a topiary chess set.

The importance of Italy cannot be overstated, with Hever Castle’s gardens boasting a Pompeian Wall, classical statuary and a water feature inspired by Rome’s Trevi Fountain.

Picton Castle Gardens, Pembrokeshire

Exploring Pembrokeshire’s stunning coastline in a caravan or motorhome is one of the most rewarding things to do in Wales, but it’s worth taking a detour inland to visit Picton Castle Gardens.

Even to garden enthusiasts, this is a destination unlike any other, with a formal Walled Garden, two ice houses, 18th century cascades, a Dew Pond and plants including everything from rare rhododendrons to banana trees.

Inveraray Castle and Gardens, Argyll

If you’re heading up to Scotland to complete the NC500 this summer, why not stop off at Inveraray Castle and Gardens on the way?

Out of 180 acres of mainly woodland, 16 acres of the estate has been made into formal lawns and flowerbeds, with each consecutive duke evolving the gardens by planting species in their own preferred styles.

Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens

Rhododendron lovers should not miss out on Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens, which has been lovingly brought back to life by volunteers since 2017.

The former Catholic seminary is surrounded by 38 acres of formal gardens, woodland and walled gardens, where rhododendrons are the biggest draw.

CampWild launches self-guided hiking trails

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CampWild, a project to encourage accessible and adventurous camping experiences, has launched a series of self-guided hiking trails.

The multi-day itineraries take participants to remote locations, where they can enjoy wild camping and embrace the spirit of adventure.

Wild Trails take inspiration from hiking traditions in Canada and North America, offering an opportunity to leave modern life behind for a while.

Three routes have been announced as part of the launch, all of which can be found on a Highland estate in Perthshire.

The 12,000-acre Scottish estate is owned by Oxygen Conservation, a partner of CampWild.

All levels of outdoor experience will be catered to on the trails, which will allow visitors to enjoy diverse landscapes, wildlife, habitats, geology, history and find out more about local conservation efforts.

The benefits of completing a self-guided trail include improving navigational skills and spending time in nature for physical and mental wellbeing.

Tom Backhouse, co-founder of CampWild, said: “Wild Trails offer the opportunity to explore an area so wild it transports you to another world entirely.

“Wild Trails will blow your mind, instil gratitude, change perspectives, challenge you, reconnect you to nature, make you laugh, leave you in awe, slow you down and etch a lasting memory that we promise you will never, ever forget!”

The trail maps have been developed with Ordnance Survey to ensure they act as a comprehensive guide to the terrain.

Participants are encouraged to use them as a type of journal to document their trip and capture their memories.

Mr Backhouse added: “If you are looking for a complete escape to untapped, remote wildness, the Wild Trails are for you.

“We have mapped and walked each trail and the experiences from each are truly etched in our memories; we are so excited to now launch the Wild Trails to the CampWild community and encourage more people to ‘go wilder’ in 2024.”

CampWild offers access to more than 250 campsites through its online platform. Each of these wilder sites has been fully vetted to ensure the best experience for visitors.

Members also benefit from a selection of other features, including planning tools, a community platform and brand-partner discounts.

CampWild also has a number of brand ambassadors who host webinars, workshops and events, answering any questions those new to the platform or wilder outdoor experiences might have.

Membership to CampWild costs £20 per year and there are a number of gifting options available, allowing people to purchase nature experiences for others.

 

Photo credit: CampWild



Get ready for Stress Awareness Month

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April is Stress Awareness Month, making now a good time to start thinking about ways you can reduce its impact on your life.

Getting away in a caravan or motorhome is an effective way to help alleviate stress and it fits in with many of the recommendations from the life coaches at BEN.

BEN is the charity for the automotive industry, offering advice and support for anyone who is or has been employed in this arena.

Spend time in nature

Having access to a leisure vehicle offers plenty of opportunities to get out in nature. It can come in many forms, with green therapy meaning you could head to the woods or blue therapy advocating for the sea.

Among the suggestions put forward by the life coaches to relax in nature were walking barefoot on the grass or taking a minute in the countryside to feel gratitude for your surroundings.

Connect with others

A trip away in your motorhome or caravan can be a great chance to spend quality time with your loved ones without the distractions of day-to-day life.

It can also be a great way to meet new friends, especially if you’re pitching up at a sociable holiday park, where you might all barbecue together or swap stories from your days’ activities.

Be on your own

Depending on your personality, it might actually be time on your own you crave, as opposed to socialising with others.

In that case, pack up your leisure vehicle and head somewhere secluded. Giving yourself space to do exactly as you please is a great form of self care and can leave you feeling refreshed to look after others if that’s your norm when you return.

Disconnect from technology

You may have a fully fitted out rig or perhaps are going back to basics in a minimalist campervan, but getting away can be a good time to disconnect from technology.

Without the need for so many screens and devices, some good old fashioned board games or time reading books might be just what you need in order to destress.

Enjoy exercise

Physical exercise pumps endorphins around your body helping you to feel less stressed, but it also gives you an outlet for emotions that have built up.

While most of us know the importance of exercise and its role in combatting stress, it can be difficult to fit it into our everyday routines. On your camping trip, you’ll have more time to walk, jog, dance or whatever your exercise of choice is.

Get organised

No matter how messy your house is, you can leave it all behind when you head off in your caravan or motorhome.

A leisure vehicle only has a finite amount of space, with shelves and lockers to stow everything away. It’s almost impossible to feel stressed when you see each item carefully put back in its place.



Parents’ packing survival guide

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Caravan holidays can be great for all the family and teach younger children skills they can call upon for the rest of their lives.

Sometimes, however, there are unexpected events like the weather that can get in the way of carefully made plans.

With this in mind, the experts at Pure Leisure have pulled together their best packing tips to ensure parents are prepared for every eventuality.

Emergency games

The temptation can be to put children in front of screens when the weather turns bad, but it’s a great opportunity to spend some time playing board games and puzzles as a family.

Jemima, marketing manager at Pure Leisure, said: “The games you should bring really depend on the age of your children, but I’d avoid Monopoly. It’s a bit too long to keep young children engaged. Consider quick-fire card and board games like UNO, Frustration, Guess Who? or Bananagrams.”

Home comforts

Research suggests nearly half of children feel anxious about going on long car journeys, so it’s important not to forget to pack something familiar to calm their nerves.

Jemima recommends involving children in the packing process, asking them to choose a couple of toys to take with them in the car and to play with throughout the holiday.

Everyone’s wellies

Even if the weather forecast looks good, it’s always a good idea to pack the family’s wellies just in case. Sometimes areas can be muddy from previous rainfall and most kids can’t resist jumping in puddles.

“Instead of cancelling your outdoor activities, pack appropriate waterproofs and join the kids in the childhood excitement of wet weather. It’ll be one of the many core memories they’ll look back on when they remember their childhood caravan holidays,” suggested Jemima.

First aid kit

At home, most parents can put their hands on a plaster or some child-friendly medicines really easily, but often forget to pack these when heading off in a caravan.

Jemima said that children love to be outdoors on holiday and should be encouraged to play in nature, but climbing trees and spending time with the dog increase the possibility of a scraped knee or a tummy ache.

Activity plan

Even if you end up having to adjust it, making an activity plan before you go away is a great way to maximise your time on a caravan holiday.

“A rough plan outlining what you want to do with your family is great for remembering the crucial items to pack, especially if you plan on swimming or long walks,” Jemima suggested.

Zone your caravan

Here at CaravanTimes we suggest organising your leisure vehicle into areas for each member of the family, so everyone knows where their belongings are and which lockers to put things back into.

This prevents all the kids rooting through each other’s things trying to find their coat or beloved teddy and making the small space feel tiny.



 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Gantas Vaičiulėnas

Easter walks in UK cities

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Easter is nearly upon us and many caravan and motorhome enthusiasts will be venturing out for trips to some of the UK’s finest cities.

With Google searches for “city walks’ up 84 per cent in the last year, Village Hotels has put together a list of convenient strolls to enjoy after a traditional Easter lunch.

A spokesperson for Village Hotels said: “For many Brits, rest and relaxation comes in the form of taking a leisurely walk, whether that’s checking out the urban landscape or the countryside.”

Here’s some inspiration for your next city walk:

Meanwood Valley Trail, Leeds

Start the Meanwood Valley Trail at Woodhouse Moor and follow the route for seven miles through villages and natural green areas.

Highlights along the way include Meanwood Park and the ruins of Victorian aqueducts, as well as the Myrtle Tavern, where you can stop for some refreshment.

Norwich Bridges And Churches Trail, Norwich

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this four-and-a-half-mile loop will take you past historic bridges and picturesque churches, as you wend your way along the banks of the River Wensum.

You’ll also get a chance to glimpse parts of the ancient city, including its old walls and the remains of its castle.

Cathedral to the Necropolis, Glasgow

For some of the best views in Glasgow, walk from the city’s gothic cathedral to its famed Victorian cemetery, taking in all sorts of sights along the way.

This 30-minute walk may also result in spotting some wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for roe deer, finches and kestrels around the Necropolis.

Swansea Bay to the Mumbles, Swansea

Just short of nine miles, this walk from the city to the Mumbles, at the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, is a bit more than an after-lunch stroll.

If you make it to the end, however, you’ll be rewarded with delicious fresh seafood and stunning views of Wales’ coastline.

Sheffield Round Walk, Sheffield

This 15-mile walk has it all – from Beauchief Abbey to the charming Mayfield Alpacas – meaning there’s something to keep all the family interested.

Start and finish your walk at Endcliffe Park, taking in woodland, rivers, streams and some of the city during your excursion.

Easter caravan and motorhome preparations

The Easter break is traditionally the start of the touring season, which means many people will be taking their caravan, motorhome or campervan out of storage for the first time this year.

If that’s you, then be sure to prepare your leisure vehicle carefully before heading off on a trip in it.

Here are some of the tasks you’ll need to carry out:

  • Clean the interior and air it out, opening windows and welcoming in the fresh spring breeze.

  • Check your tyres and make sure they’re not only safe but also legal.

  • Restock the cupboards with all the essentials you’ll need for the rest of the season.

  • Reconnect your water system and check gas and electrical appliances.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Arek Adeoye

Tourist spots that have banned the selfie

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Snapping a selfie may feel like the most natural thing on your caravan or motorhome holiday, but there are some places where it’s illegal.

That’s right, some tourist spots have banned selfies for a number of reasons, meaning whatever you’re doing, you shouldn’t be doing it for the ‘gram.

To make sure you’re pre-warned before heading off on your next trip in your leisure vehicle, the team at StressFreeCarRental.com have put together a list of these places.

John Charnock from StressFreeCarRental.com said: “We all snap a few selfies while we’re on holiday whether it’s to show our family and friends what we’re up to or to hold onto as a memory.

 “The truth is that selfies are actually banned in some places and snapping a pic where you’re not allowed could land you in trouble and even result in a fine!”

New York big cats

You can snap away on Brooklyn Bridge or at the top of the Empire State Building, but not while visiting the big cats at any of New York’s zoos, carnivals or circuses.

The rule to ban selfies comes in the wake of a worrying trend in which visitors were putting themselves at risk while trying to capture pics with tigers and other large cats.

Jewel House at the Tower of London 

Taking selfies with the Crown Jewels is a security risk and there are 100 CCTV cameras set up to ensure visitors don’t break the rule.

In fact, no pictures at all are allowed of the glittering pieces, which are made up of more than 23,000 gemstones, and include the items used in the coronation of new kings and queens.

Garoupe Beach in southern France

This ban is not for security reasons or your own safety but for the sanity of others. The popular Garoupe Beach banned selfies to stop visitors from bragging on social media.

Instead, it encourages holidaymakers to enjoy the moment, making the sandy stretch a haven to escape cameras and camera phones.

Running of the Bulls in Pamplona

Another place where you really shouldn’t be focusing on taking a selfie instead of concentrating on what unpredictable animals are up to is the Running of the Bulls event in Spain.

Each year, spectators are injured as the bulls make their way through Pamplona’s streets and you could get a €3,000 (£2,580) fine.

West Japan Railway Company

The temptation to get an impressive sweeping view of the whole train by leaning out of the window with a selfie stick has proven too strong for some travellers aboard the West Japan Railway Company.

Selfies have therefore been banned, as the apparatus used to capture them can come into contact with the overhead wires and cause electrocution.

California wild bears

Just like getting up close and personal with NYC’s big cats is not advisable, neither is taking selfies with the wild bears of California’s Lake Tahoe region.

The authorities decided that the combination of large numbers of bears and selfie-taking tourists was not safe and banned the pictures.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Steve Gale



The rise of the overlander

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Overlanders are nothing new, but back in the day they were Land Rovers with tentboxes on the top, often set against a backdrop of the African savannah. These off-road vehicles that you can camp in used to be quite rudimentary, but not any more.

Fundamentally, overlanders allow you to head off the beaten track and camp, with the ability to go to the most remote locations. Overlanders always used to be self-made vehicles with custom parts and specialist suppliers enabling the most intrepid to live out this dream. However, they’re now starting to trickle into the mainstream. 

The emergence of fully-fitted overland vehicles

Now, niche manufacturers are starting to bring fully-fitted overland vehicles to market. When I was judging the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards 2024 recently, there were four or five overlanders submitted this year.

Manufacturers such as Richard Price and Eura Mobil are releasing off-the-shelf overland models in a way that hasn’t been seen before. There’s no longer a need to source your own parts or assess capabilities, as these manufacturers have worked out what you need for your overland adventure and provided it all.

Such convenience comes at a price

While most of these overlanders are equipped with kit beyond all reasonable expectations, it’s worth mentioning that these vehicles are not cheap. Before you get excited about having a washing machine and air compressor in the garage, you need to know they come in at between £150,000 and £250,000.

There are two main strands to their capabilities, with the first being getting somewhere remote and the second, staying off grid. They all use a tried and tested 4×4 chassis, with the two most popular being the Mercedes-Benz Vito and the MAN. Combine this with the automatic gearbox and specialist overland satnav systems and you get true off-grid capability.

Once you’re in your remote location, the combination of solar panel lighting, lithium ion batteries, fast-charging inverters and alternator set-ups give you the ability to keep everything running. All the technology that allows you to monitor these elements on your smartphone or other apps will give you increased peace of mind.

Layout and storage

Storage is at a premium on the van conversions and it’s worth understanding that these vehicles are designed with a different purpose to many of the motorhomes and caravans on the market with more traditional leisure holidays in mind. The overlanders all cater to kit storage and have the unexpected in at the forefront of their functionality, with equipment like a full air compressor in the garage.

If you’re spending a lot of time driving and doing extreme activities, the bed is likely to be more of a priority than the lounge areas. That means these spaces, usually reserved for relaxing, can be compromised in overlanders, with just a chair or two to meet this purpose.

Fully customisable

All of the overlander options are fully customisable, so you can be sure you’re getting a vehicle built to your specifications. Some even have a lot of green features, such as composting toilets, if that’s something you’re interested in.

For the price of an average house in the UK, you can buy a vehicle that can take you on that African safari, far-flung Mongolian adventure or round-the-world trip. The market has certainly come a long way from a Land Rover with a tent on the top, a bucket as a toilet and 17 cans of diesel in case you get lost!

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Chris Cordes



Top tips for buying a motorhome

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Every month there are more than 27,000 Google searches for the terms ‘buy a motorhome’ or ‘buy a campervan’ in the UK.

While purchasing a leisure vehicle and enjoying the lifestyle is more popular than ever, the process can be confusing, especially for first-timers.

With this in mind, the experts at Ripe Motorhome Insurance have put together a list of things to take into consideration when buying a motorhome.

Research the market

Purchasing a motorhome is a big financial step, so it’s important to be well-informed so you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse.

As well as researching what’s available on the internet, it can be really useful to attend caravan and motorhome shows, where you can tour vehicles and ask lots of questions.

Identify your ideal size and layout

Once you start looking into the options, you’ll realise motorhomes come in all sorts of sizes and with a variety of layouts.

Pinpoint the size and layout that will best suit your needs, as these are the elements that will have the biggest impact on touring trips in the future.

Try before you buy

We’ve all seen the vanlife posts, making it easy to fall in love with the idea of owning a motorhome and enjoying the open road, but remember there can be a gap between Instagram and reality.

Hiring a motorhome to try out before making the commitment of buying one is a sensible step on your journey to becoming an owner.

Check paperwork

There are bargains to be had in the second hand motorhome market, but it’s important to check all the paperwork is present and correct.

Peruse the registration documents, service history and repairs that have been carried out. If the vehicle has been converted, make sure this is all above board too.

Look out for signs of damp

Damp can cause serious issues in motorhomes, so make sure you know the signs if you’re planning on buying a used vehicle.

Some minor occurrences can be dealt with, but pointing them out could help you negotiate on the price.

Understand distance implications

Purchasing a motorhome locally can be more straightforward, especially when it comes to things like pre-purchase servicing.

Larger dealerships can organise for vehicles to be transported to locations in your immediate area, but don’t expect this to be offered by all sellers.

Ask lots of questions

If you’ve never been through the process before, there’s likely to be a lot of things you don’t know, so it’s reasonable you’ll have questions.

Make you ask about:

  • Any additional fees or charges
  • Miles capable on a full fuel tank
  • Vehicle weight
  • Towing capacity
  • Previous owners
  • Terms of the warranty

Review your driving licence

A standard driving licence allows you to operate a typical motorhome, which falls into category B and is up to a maximum weight of 3,500kg.

Anything heavier than that and you’ll need to have a C1 entitlement on your driving licence, so don’t just assume you’re legally allowed to drive your new motorhome unless you’ve checked first.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Rob Hayman



Items to ditch on your next ski trip

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If you’re planning an end of season ski trip with your caravan or motorhome, it can be tempting to load your leisure vehicle up with everything you might need for every eventuality.

While it’s important to be prepared, it’s also a good idea to pack smartly and only take the items you’re actually going to need.

With this in mind, the team at Ski Vertigo has put together a list of things people regularly pack that aren’t required.

Follow their advice and maintain space to move and live comfortably in your caravan or motorhome between spells hitting the piste.

Alex Dyer, business development officer at Ski Vertigo, said: “Planning and packing light are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable ski experience. Leaving unnecessary items at home allows you to focus on creating lasting memories on the slopes, not wrestling with bulky luggage.”

Cotton clothing

A lot of technology has gone into developing ski clothing over the years, ensuring it performs at its best for you on the mountain.

Much of it is made from synthetic materials with the ability to wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you warm and not drenched in sweat after an exhilarating black run.

Cotton clothing does not have these properties, soaking up sweat instead of moving it away from your body, meaning you could easily get cold the moment you stop skiing.

Leave your cotton items at home, as they’ll just take up space in your cupboards and be strung up around your motorhome for days, as they take a long time to dry.

Full-size camera

It’s understandable to want to capture the excitement of your trip, but bringing a large camera will just get in the way of your fun.

Lots of the action can now be caught on mobile phone cameras, but if you’re looking for more functionality, consider a sports camera.

They’re lightweight, waterproof and compatible with a range of accessories that mean you can keep your hands free on the slopes.

Too many pairs of shoes

You’re in a leisure vehicle, so you can throw in as many pairs of shoes as you like, right?! Well, you can, but that doesn’t mean you should.

Sturdy waterproof shoes or boots for navigating snowy pathways are essential and something comfortable to wear indoors, perhaps even slippers, are required but not much else.

Even when you head out for a spot of apres ski, you’re not going to need anything too fancy, as you’ll have to get to the venue and everyone at the resort will also be there to ski, putting practicality first.

Jewellery

Most jewellery is incompatible with skiing as it can get in the way or even cause injuries if it gets caught or trapped in winter clothing.

Only bring the essentials, such as a wedding ring, and leave the rest at home, because otherwise it will spend most of its time in your caravan or motorhome.

An additional pair of earrings to wear in the evenings is enough to mark the transition from day to nighttime without the worry of ensuring their security.



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Lars Schneider

Expert opinion: Continental Tyres’ safety advice for touring

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Easter is on its way, marking what is traditionally the start of touring season. While some caravan and motorhome owners may have continued to use their leisure vehicles throughout the winter, others will just be taking theirs out of storage.

Whether you’ve been enjoying your setup for the last few months or not, the changing of the seasons is a good time to review the safety of your rig. CaravanTimes spoke to Steve Howat, general manager for technical services at Continental Tyres UK, about staying safe on the road as staycation season comes into view.

He said: “With the Easter weekend approaching and the prospect of warmer weather around the corner, many Brits will be turning their attention to UK staycations, or European road trips for their holidays this year.

“A motorhome provides the perfect way to see what the UK has to offer, acting as your very own fully kitted out hotel on wheels. Whether it’s a converted van or classic motorhome, safe driving is extremely important, and one major factor all drivers frequently overlook is their tyres.”

Conduct a tyre inspection

Tyres are the only part of your leisure vehicle that connects with the road, making them crucial to safety and ensuring no unnecessary interruptions to your trip. Regular inspections prior to setting off on a touring expedition should be part of your pre-holiday routine, representing an opportunity to rectify anything of concern.

Mr Howat recommended: “Check your tread depth with a 20p coin by simply placing the coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit.

“If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal and unsafe and should be checked immediately by a qualified tyre professional. Other key areas to spot signs for are uneven tyre wear and damage, punctures, cuts, impacts, cracks and bulges.”

Issues that can affect your tyres

While tread is probably the most widely publicised aspect of tyre safety, there are lots of other factors that can impact their efficacy. This is particularly the case with a caravan or motorhome, which has additional functions to a vehicle like a car.

Mr Howat told CaravanTimes: “There is plenty more you can do before you set off, especially when you pack for your trip. Before travelling, avoid overloading your motorhome to prevent tyre strain and reduced fuel efficiency.

“What’s more, maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial – underinflation leads to sluggish handling while overinflation poses dangers. Optimal pressure ensures even tyre wear, meaning a smoother drive and reduced risk of blowouts. You can find your motorhome’s recommended pressure in the owner’s manual,” he added.

Stay on the right side of the law

With something as crucial as tyre safety, there are laws in place to protect caravan and motorhome drivers, as well as other road users. The consequences of being on the wrong side of the legislation include fines, points on your licence and putting yourself, your family and those around you in danger.

Mr Howat highlighted this: “UK tyre laws cover pressure, tread depth and condition – all key to the comfort and performance of your car, and to the safety of everyone on the road. That’s why if the police find you’ve got illegal tyres, you could receive a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre.

“The golden rule is that all of the controls on your motorhome – brakes, steering, acceleration and gears – should be operated slowly and smoothly.  Gently accelerate and shift up the gears as quickly as possible to limit the chances of your wheels slipping.”

The right tyres for the job

If you’ve owned a caravan or motorhome for a while, you’ll have come to notice that there are some things that are specific to leisure vehicles. Swapping these elements out for more generic alternatives can lead to problems, so follow advice and ensure you’re investing in the right features for your van.

Mr Howat told us: “As with all road vehicles, it is essential that tyres of the correct specification be fitted. Tyres originally fitted to motorhomes are usually of a Light Commercial (C or CP) type. CP-type tyres are now widely used as they have been designed to cater for the higher loads imposed by motorhomes. Fitting your motorhome with tyres that are different to the original specification is likely to influence the handling and overall driving experience.”

Continental has been in business for over 150 years, but continues to develop its technology to ensure its tyres are suitable for modern day life. It prides itself on making a major contribution to safe, cost effective and ecologically efficient mobility. Continental employs some 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets.



Instagrammable period properties for your next touring holiday

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Brits love period properties and in 2023, we made some 5.5 million visits to these buildings across the UK.

Stopping by a heritage building is a popular activity on caravan and motorhome trips, and it’s hard not to be tempted to snap a picture for Instagram.

With this in mind, The Heritage Window Company has put together a list of the UK’s most popular period properties on the image-sharing app.

Great Dixter, near Rye

With some 102,000 followers on Instagram, the East Sussex estate of Great Dixter has been attracting lots of attention.

Consisting of three properties, dating from the 15th century, the 16th century and 1912, there’s plenty to see, as well as the impressive garden.

Tours of the buildings resume from March 26th. Don’t miss the principal private apartment of the mediaeval house, known as the solar, as well as the parlour and great hall.

The Royal Crescent, Bath

Bath’s Royal Crescent, with its distinctive shape, has attracted more than 6,500 posts and often been used as a filming location for period dramas.

Consisting of 30 terraced houses and apartments, fans of Bridgerton and Persuasion will recognise the famous facades.

The perfect Instagram photo is said to be taken from the green opposite the properties, which date from between 1767 and 1774.

Forty Hall, Enfield

Forty Hall is built in the Jacobean style of the 1620s, with a particularly charming aesthetic, set within 273 acres of grounds.

The Grade I-listed manor house’s iconic sash windows make for a stunning period feature and are much photographed in the 23,600 posts on Instagram.

Looking out of them across the pond also makes for a pleasing shot, with the landscape stretching out beyond.

Cardinal’s Hat, Lincoln

While period properties are often found within idyllic countryside, Cardinal’s Hat is a Tudor townhouse right in the heart of Lincoln.

The wide windows of the upper floors offer a bird’s eye view of the streets below, where you can people watch to your heart’s content.

Now converted into a pub, many of the more than 1,000 posts on Instagram are centred around the iconic building’s food.

Brantwood House, Cumbria

With just over 5,000 tagged Instagram posts, Brantwood House could be considered something of a hidden gem.

Once the home of writer and artist John Ruskin, he converted it from a humble cottage into a much larger property after purchasing it in 1851.

The best pictures of the house are those set against its stunning natural setting, as the surrounding woodland imparts a whimsical atmosphere.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Nik