Romantic Breaks And February Fun With A Difference With The CAMC

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By William Coleman

Love is in the air as the Caravan and Motorhome Club embrace both Valentine’s Day and the February half term break and roll out some tempting offers. There are also some killer deals to be had with their Experience Freedom holidays.

As the Club’s site network and holiday type offering grows they look to get more of out all year round and to also introduce non leisure vehicle owners to come to site and stay in their glamping accommodation via the Experience Freedom brand. One great way to get more vans on site is to hand out offers you’ll find hard to say no to.

To help ease the ever mounting half term holiday pressure The Club are rolling out discounts for trips while the kids are off as well as helping you whisp off your favourite person on a romantic getaway for a Valentine’s Day.

Here are the Club’s top picks for families and couples this February:

Great For Families

Brighton

Bustling Brighton has the best of both worlds – an exciting city and luscious countryside. The spectacular countryside of the South Downs provides visitors to the area with a huge number of walking and cycling trails. A stroll across the pebbly shores of Brighton Beach is great for blowing out the cobwebs. Above the beach, Brighton Palace Pier brings hours of fun to both big and little kids, and kids will love a visit to SEA LIFE Brighton, where they can spot over 3500 creatures. In the city centre, the twisting alleys of the Lanes make for a shoppers’ paradise, with a range of independent boutiques, vintage shops and high-street staples.

Treat the kids to an exciting stay in an Airstream at the Brighton Club Site. Iconic Airstreams are a fun glamping option for families looking to head out on a trip but don’t have their own ‘van. Airstreams comfortably sleep up to four people, and come equipped with cooking and entertainment facilities, as well as an en-suite. What’s more, families don’t need to be members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club to book their Airstream stay!

Prices start from £178 for a family of four for two nights during half term.

Kent

Kent’s miles of coastline, countryside and delightful towns make it the perfect fit for a family break this half term. In good weather, kids will love racing along the shore at one of the many gorgeous beaches Kent has to offer, including Whitstable and Broadstairs. Kent’s coast also boasts a number of impressive restaurants, where families can relax by the sea with a delicious meal. Inland, the 900 year old Leeds Castle old Caerphilly County Borough Council makes for a thrilling day out. During half term, it will be running a Half Term Explorers event with special puzzles, challenges and plenty of prizes to be won!

Stay at the Bearsted Caravan Club Campsite in Hollingbourne, Kent, which offers visitors a tranquil inland location that’s great for exploring the varied Kentish coast. The charming seaside towns of Margate, Whitstable and Broadstairs are a drive away. Miles of beautiful Kent countryside surround the campsite, giving families the chance to also enjoy the beautiful nature that gives the county its nickname, the Garden of England.

Prices start from £26.80 per night for a family of four sharing a standard pitch.

Buckinghamshire

Leafy Buckinghamshire is bursting with attractions to keep little ones busy during the February break. The Roald Dahl Museum is an excellent family attraction that holds regular events based around story-telling, theatre and creativity. Bekonscot Model Village in Beaconsfield reopens at the beginning of half-term. Comprising seven miniature towns, miles of model railways and little gardens, this charming model village is great for families. If the weather is good, a boat trip down the Thames or a visit to West Wycombe House are great ways to make the most of a sunny February day. Buckinghamshire is also close enough to London so that if a dreaded rainy day hits, families can explore the capital’s ever impressive museums.

Stay at Wyatts Covert Club Site. The site is perfectly located for families, due to its proximity to Legoland Windsor which is celebrating ‘Brick Week’ during half term, with plenty of fun family activities to enjoy.

Prices start from £26.60 per night for a family of four sharing a standard pitch.

Perfect For Couples

Newport & The Wye Valley

Weather in the UK in February can definitely be somewhat changeable, which is why Newport is a great break for this time of year. On bright, chilly days, there are a number of great little market towns in the surrounding Wye Valley waiting to be explored. Abergavenny, known as the food capital of Wales due to its world-class lamb, beef, cheese, fruit, veg and beer and cider, is a marvellous stop for foodies looking to pick up delicious produce for a romantic meal in their ‘van. There are also plenty of great walking routes through the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. On rainy days, visitors can explore the mansion at Tredegar House, or drive to the Welsh capital, Cardiff, to visit the National Museum.

Stay at the Tredegar House Country Park Club site. Nestled in the heart of this country park with an ornamental lake on site, this romantic spot is perfect for couples looking for a romantic Valentine’s stay.

Prices start from £19.10 per night for a couple sharing a standard pitch.

Cambridgeshire

Picturesque Cambridge, known for its superb historical buildings, quaint backstreets and the leafy green banks of the gorgeous River Cam, is the perfect couples escape this February. The city’s rich history comes alive on a walking tour walking tour of its world famous university, and there is nothing more romantic than a chauffeured punting trip for two down the Cam. Beyond the city, the pretty Cambridgeshire countryside has plenty to offer visitors. There is a range of walking routes through the beautiful marshy fens of rural Cambridgeshire, and cycles. The Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits are also a popular spot for exploring due to the many birds who nest there.

Stay at the Cambridge Cherry Hinton Caravan Club Site. With easy access to the nearby chalk pits, and a bus or car journey away from the bustling city centre of Cambridge, there is plenty to keep couples busy on a Valentine’s break. Charming local spots including Audley End House and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden are also perfect for a romantic visit.

Prices start from £22.00 per night for a couple sharing a standard pitch.

The Cotswolds

For something a bit different, why not book a glamping break in the Cotswolds for two? With miles of lush countryside broken up by honey-coloured villages and country-homes, there’s plenty to explore. Visit some of the best pubs in the UK, wander through ‘wolds’ or enjoy pottering through lively market towns. Those looking for a romantic evening of dinner and dancing could attend the Valentine’s Evening Cocktails, Champagne and Dancing at Blenheim Palace, or for an intimate affair cosy-up at AA Rosette The Mulberry Restaurant.

Cosy up in a glamping pod at the Moreton-in-Marsh Club Site. A stay in a glamping pod is the perfect way to get back to nature without the need for your own unit. Well-insulated and equipped with everything couples need for a romantic weekend away, including cosy bedding, en-suite facilities and appliances and utensils for simple meals (hello breakfast in bed!)

Prices start from £59 per night for two staying for two nights.

Garmin Launch New Dual Lense Dash Cam

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By William Coleman

The driving camera specialists have designed a brand new gadget that will help you see clearly and could just be a game changer for caravan and motorhome owners as they clock up the miles on tour come 2020.

Driving with a large caravan attached to the back of you can sometimes present some tricky situations. In most of these situations it is actually non carvan users who are to blame as they simply do not know how to drive with caravans near them. So, having a camera that can capture a wider view in the event of an incident is worth its weight in gold.

On the 6th of January Garmin announced their Dash Cam Tandem which is their first ever dual lense dash cam that offers drivers complete video coverage of their surroundings thanks to two 180-degree field of view lenses that record in tandem day and night.

The dash cam’s high-definition 1440p front-facing camera lens with Garmin Clarity HDR can capture crisp footage showing critical vehicle details, while the interior lens with night vision introduces Garmin’s exclusive NightGlo technology to record all driver and passenger interaction, even in the dark.

“The Dash Cam Tandem offers remarkably clear nighttime recordings inside the car unlike any other dash camera on the market today,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales.

“With rideshare services like Uber and Kapten on the rise as well as unforeseen altercations happening inside vehicles, it makes great sense for these drivers to depend on a high-quality dash camera that records not only what’s happening on the road, but also what’s going on inside their vehicles at all times.”

Some caravan users I have spoken two have often asked about dash cams, referencing cameras and other tech, and the main question has been do we have too much tech on board to make driving easy?

Making driving easy can be both good and bad. Good because making life easy is, well, easy. But on the flip side to that we are starting to lean a lot of technology which could land us in hot water when these gadgets stop working.

Thanks to the new lenses on each side of the device, the Dash Cam Tandem can record a driver’s overall surroundings – whether it’s traffic on the road or activity inside the cabin – for complete dash cam coverage. What’s more, the interior lens features Garmin’s all-new NightGloÔ technology to record high-quality night vision footage that goes as far as identifying facial details from backseat passengers. For added convenience, the Dash Cam Tandem includes a charger with an extra USB port to ensure drivers stay connected throughout their ride.

Helen Mirren and other great campervan names

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By Emma Dodd

After comedian Susan Calman took to the open road in her campervan affectionately known as ‘Helen Mirren’ for a new Channel 5 programme, it got us thinking about the topic of naming leisure vehicles.

Viewers of Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out discovered the presenter had given her campervan the moniker for the simple reason that the dame is her favourite person.

Giving your caravan, motorhome or campervan a name is not that unusual and there’s been all sorts of wonderful ways to decide on fitting aliases over the years.

One year, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a storytelling show was performed to a small audience inside a campervan, which had been named ‘Jauney’ due to its bright yellow paint job.

Other leisure vehicles named for their distinctive colours have included ‘Daisy’, with its yellow and white finish, and the ‘Big Green Bus’ for obvious reasons.

And there’s also ‘Bleu’, which roams around Europe, giving its owners a glimpse of vanlife from inside its shiny blue walls.

Number plates can be a great way to come up with a quirky name for a motorhome, with just the need to fill in a couple of blanks and you’ve got a name that sticks.

Names based on the particular model of a caravan can be quite fun too, with an Adria Adora Isonzo named ‘Adora the Explorer’ and a Hymer Nova dubbed ‘Champagne Supernova’ in reference to the 90s hit.

We’ve lost count of the number of ‘Eddie the Eldis’ vans we’ve seen, which are surely cousins of ‘Elvis the Eldis’.

Slightly old-fashioned names, including Mavis, Rita and Sybil are popular, with vans being referred to as if they’re just another member of the family, which in many ways they are.

It could be argued that the best caravan names come out of family stories, like ‘Nannavan’, which stuck after Linzy Hannigan’s grandson was so excited after seeing her new purchase he ran out of the house shouting an amalgamation of the words ‘Nanna’ and ‘van’.

The jury’s still out on pun names for caravans like ‘Stalker’, because a touring van follows the family car all the time, but like dad jokes, there’s a certain amount of affection behind the groan.

County Line Gangs Use TV Touring Van Influence

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By William Coleman

The world of crime and leisure vehicles has always seemed to interweave, for reasons that are far beyond me, but now it seems as though drug gangs have found them to be a go to method for cargo transport across the country as well as making their products.

When it comes to getting creative with your caravan or motorhome turning it into a drug mulling tourer does not exactly come to the forefront of the imagination, well, unless you are a drug dealer.

Some of you may have seen an American TV show called Breaking Bad where a teacher and student decide to use a 1986 Fleetwood Bounder RV to build a drug empire across America. So you could be forgiven for not thinking a scheme as wild as this would actually influence drug gangs here in the UK.

Now it seems as though county line crossing drug gangs are using motorhome and caravans, as depicted in Breaking Bad, in efforts to avoid being found out by the police.

You may be asking yourself, “is this not an expensive way to transport things”, well not if you use sites such as Gumtree to rent from. These sites are not exactly known for their paper trails and above board dealings.

Dealers are either buying very cheap second hand vans or paying a small fee to “rent” them for a few days to do their dodgy dealings, often leaving the renter unaware their vehicle was used to run and make drugs across the UK.

As well as using these caravans and motorhomes to move their products around they are also using these inconspicuous portable dwellings to chop up and make the drugs ready for distribution. Scarily similar to the scenes shown on TV. Would you find it suspicious to see a parked caravan or motorhome with people sitting in there?

It has been reported that one dealer from Liverpool hired a touring caravan and was actually driving around serving addicts in Welsh seaside resorts. A far cry from your touring ice cream van of years gone by.

Another horrific method these gangs are employing, which police have publicly said they are aware of and are struggling to combat against, is using youngsters to distribute drugs. This is, for me, the absolute worst part of this story.

Using rented motorhome and caravans with zero traceability and then youngsters as their street dealers is a method which makes it extremely hard to capture and convict. The children are too young to convict, and are usually forced into this role against their wills making them another victim of drug crime.

One brasen dealer actually spoke to the Daily Star about the new methods they are using to avoid detection, “‘The good thing about caravans is that you can come and go when you like, you don’t look out of place,’.

The drug dealer also went on to mention how the constant movement of the operation makes it a lot harder for police to monitor activities as he is constantly on the move.

The dealer said: ‘There’s big money to be made. We’ll bag up the bobby [heroin] and put it out on the streets at £10 a bag.’

Another dealer, who is thankfully no longer on the streets saw that caravan sites are also a great place to ply his trade as they are well hidden, usually in quite secluded areas, where there is not much police presence or activity.

The dealer mentioned above, Gerard Derby, actually hired a caravan for a fortnight at the Golden Sands Caravan Park, Kinmel Bay. It was here where he set up a base for dealing. He was captured by authorities and was sent to prison, along with an associate, just before Christmas 2019.

It really is a shame that the scourge of drug dealing is now bleeding over into the caravan world, albeit by non caravan lovers. It is just one more thing that tarnished the industry that we all work too hard to keep clean and safe.

Is it a case of film and TV influencing the public or are things like this inevitable?

Caravan Theft Hotspot

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By William Coleman

It seems as though there is quite an issue with caravan theft in Wiltshire as of late. Over the past few years over 70 caravans have been stolen leaving lots of families devastated and without a holiday home.

By now caravan, campervan and motorhome owners are all too aware of the dangers that are presented by having these leisure vehicles, especially if they are stored at home. They are seen as easy targets by thieves and vandals alike. Despite best efforts caravan thieves will find a way to relieve you of your touring property, especially if you are in Wiltshire.

The Swindon Advertiser obtained some startling numbers from the Wiltshire Police records, which was actually carried out by a company called Towergate, using the Freedom of Information Act rules of course, that revealed that there have been 73 reported stolen caravans and motorhomes. These numbers were recorded from incidents that were reported from 2015-2018.

Despite the high number for the area it pales in comparison to what had been reported to the West Mercia police. A whopping 220 calls were made to report the theft of leisure vehicles. Now compare the Mercia and Wiltshire numbers to Dorset, only 12 over a 3 year period, and it would seem thieves certainly have their preferred locations.

Speaking with The Swindon Advertiser, Larissa Knopp of Towergate Caravan Insurance who requested the data from police said, “Hopefully, these figures will encourage owners of caravans to take the right precautions when storing their vehicles, especially in the summer months when thefts are most prevalent, and ensure they are covered if anything like this does happen to them.”

So what can be done to keep things safe and secure or even deter the would be robbers? There are a ton of techniques and products you can employ to keep your touring vehicle safe, but as protection tech gets smart the thieves do too.

Only this week one of my neighbours had his brand new tow car stolen off his drive, which is covered by home security cameras as well as motion sensor spotlights. The thief came up with an electronic key reader, programmed his blank and then unlocked the 4×4 and away he went without even making a sound.

Police have advised owners with these new “smart keys” to have their keys stored in a box that blocks the signal but thieves have developed a way round that too. So if tech is getting smarter what can you do? I would say the old ways are still the best.

Locks And Padlock

With home security and doorbell cameras becoming the norm it seems thieves are only really interested in capers that are quick and easy. This is where a nice big thick locking gadget comes in handy.

Not only does manually removing a padlock without a key take a long time it also generates a considerable amount of noise and fuss. This is not something these little urchins want as it gives you time to call the police and have them caught red handed.

If you have a motorhome with an electric key you can a put a lock on the steering wheel in the cab as well as wheel locks on. Double the locks, double the effort to remove them.

Out Of Sight Out Of Mind

Like most things in life, if it can’t be seen it can’t be an issue. There are many ways in which you can hide your caravan or motorhome. Sometimes the most effective way is to hide in plain sight. A cover can sometimes be the best thing to hide your home. A lot of people seem to think that if someone can see something covered up it makes them more curious, I disagree entirely.

If you see something that looks like a caravan covered by something that is also the same shape as a caravan it’s more than likely going to be exactly that, a caravan. People will pass by and just see a caravan shape covered up. If someone wants to take one I don’t think they want to fuss of taking the cover off to reveal a home that has sat there under a cover for 10 years and is worth less the shirt on their back.

If you have access to your back garden or a good size garage that is the ideal hiding space. Always remember that if you have a cover a thief will not want to take too much time removing the cover or steal something that they cannot do anything with. Plus the cost of a cover far outweighs the cost of not having one.

Bailey Take Home Best Family Caravan Award

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By William Coleman

Bailey can add another trophy to their ever growing award cabinet as their all new Bailey Discovery wows judges of the Caravan Magazine’s 2020 awards.

I was at the press event where Bailey publicly launched their 2020 range and there were quite a few things that stood out to me, namely the new colour schemes and interior finish of both the motorhomes and caravans.

Fast forward several months and it is no surprise that their newest addition to the portfolio, the Discovery range, is sweeping up awards come the new year. The bold move for rounded edges will not be for everyone but with an eye on the future, and wanting to keep innovating design, the new blood entering the caravan world have embraced the change.

At the 2020 Caravan Magazine awards Bailey’s new Discovery D4-4 took home the prize in its ‘Best Lightweight Caravan for Families’ category which has cemented the decision Bailey took who dared to be different as they enter a new decade of touring.

This award success follows hot on the heels of the presentation of the ‘Best Budget Tourer’ 2020 title to the Discovery D4-2 by Practical Caravan Magazine.

Having won two major awards just before the 2020 season hits have got Bailey starting 2020 on a high, which means leading into the February 2020 NEC the company will have a lot of award winners on display for all to see.

Bailey’s Discovery is going to inspire a lot of new caravan users, and quite possibly a few veterans who want to lighten the rig. The bold all in one colour design and rounded back end both looks fresh and is actually functionable.

The lightweight construction also means these caravans can weigh as little as 884 kgs (MRO for D4-2 model) ensuring they remain accessible to a wider range of tow vehicle owners and younger drivers with restricted licenses.

In keeping with the new blood of the industry the Discovery is easy to drive with and maneuver, which douses the flames of the stigma, or fear, that some newcomers have towards towing and pitching up.

All three models are built using our patented Alu-Tech construction technology making them more robust, more durable and yet lighter than those manufactured using conventional methods to offer greater protection against the elements to keep you comfortable, safe and secure all year round. To date approaching 65,000 Bailey leisure vehicles have been built with this ground-breaking technology and are currently being used around the world.

The Discovery body shell also features a totally unique new exterior rear profile, which has been designed to be more aero-dynamic to enhance towing stability and improve tow vehicle fuel economy.

Commenting on this latest awards success Managing Director Nick Howard said: “Clearly we are delighted that our new Discovery range is continuing to receive third-party recognition from leading experts”.

“Whether you are new to caravanning or are an existing caravanner looking to downsize, Discovery really is the perfect mobile base from which to enjoy the great outdoors. Whilst providing all the benefits of a conventional caravan it looks and feels distinctly different, meaning it has the appeal to attract a potentially new audience to Bailey in particular and caravan holidays in general” he added.

Being a lightweight model means a lot of holiday makers who may have licence restrictions can still get the top end Bailey quality without towing weight restrictions. Opening the Bailey brand to an almost unlimited customer base is a very smart move to ensure Bailey stays in the game and keep the brand as strong as their sales numbers.

Win Tickets To The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

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By William Coleman

If you’re on the hunt for your 2020 holiday inspiration, you’re in luck as we’re giving away 5
tickets to Scotland’s largest caravan, motorhome and holiday home exhibition, returning to
the SEC, Glasgow next month (6 – 9 Feb).

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show, sponsored by BC Motorhomes,
brings over 200 of the best UK touring brands together under one roof. Including, stylish
motorhomes, caravans, campervans, tents, luxury lodges, marine products and camping
accessories. So, whether you are looking to set up base in a cosy lodge, explore Scotland’s
hidden gems on wheels or would like to enjoy the water, you’re guaranteed to be inspired
for your next break.

Experts will be on hand to offer advice on the best picturesque locations, adventurous
touring holidays, camping accessories and general hints and tips for enjoying the great
outdoors. Visitors will also have the opportunity to compare models, avoiding the need to
travel from one dealer to another and enjoy show only discounts and offers.

New to touring or want to brush up your skills? You can test your abilities at the Camping
Village and give pitching a tent a go, or, attend the Caravan and Motorhome Club free
towing tutorials and practice manoeuvring with a free 20-minute taster session.*

Visitors can also get a behind the scenes look at what goes into creating one of Caledonian Camper’s compacts tourers at the start-to-finish live build in the all-new Campervan Hall.

As well as a brilliant range of touring products, the show has a Farmers Market with over 25
artisan producers selling delicious local food as well as the latest outdoor fashions and homeware for campervans and caravans.

Tickets are on sale now and include a free show guide. Kids under 16 go Free.

All you have to do to win your ‘<' . strtolower('Array')>FREE TICKETS’<' . strtolower('Array')> is answer the question below. 5 winner will be picked the day the competition ends on 31/01/2020

For more information on The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Camping; Holiday Home Show visit: www.caravanshowscotland.com

**Driving licence required and must be shown. Subject to availability

Terms and conditions:

Prize is one pair of tickets to the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home
Show (travel not included)

Prize is only valid for one day and can be redeemed on either Thursday 6, Friday 7,
Saturday 8 or Sunday 9 February 2020

The prize has no cash alternative, is non-refundable and non-exchangeable
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show reserves the right to refuse
entry without explanation.

The UKs First Erwin Hymer Centre First Birthday Celebration

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By William Coleman

They say time flies when you’re having fun. Never had this been truer for the team at the UK’s one and only Erwin Hymer Centre celebrate their new site’s first birthday in February.

I still cannot believe just how quick 2019 went! It feels like only yesterday I was at the grand opening of Travelworld’s brand new Erwin Hymer facility in Stafford. Fast forward a year and here we are celebrating once again.

Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld is looking forward to celebrity TV chef, Sally Bee fronting its first anniversary celebrations held in association with 2020 UK charity partner, Heart Research UK.

Sally will be making her appearance at the Stafford-based showrooms on 17th February, the first day of the week-long celebrations lasting until 23rd February.

On site Sally will be cooking up a storm with some exquisite outdoor camping recipes as well as sharing some handy tips on how to make good food choices following her own personal experience living with a rare heart condition.

The author of six best-selling cookbooks, regular chef on ITVs This Morning and Lorraine, and also an ambassador for Heart Research UK, Sally believes passionately that the way we approach life, the way we think, feel and treat ourselves has the biggest impact on our future health. She says that making good food choices in all aspects of life, and mindful positive thinking keep her healthy after she suffered three major heart attacks in 2004 and two further heart attacks in 2016.

Erwin Hymer Centre managing director, Ross Edwards said: “We are thrilled to have Sally to help us celebrate our first anniversary event and share her fantastic cooking skills, as well as her remarkable personal journey. We think our guests will be left very inspired by Sally and armed with some fantastic new outdoor tips and recipes.”

Sally added: “Family time is crucial when taking care of your health and wellbeing – that’s why I’m delighted to be supporting Heart Research UK and Erwin Hymer Centre, Travelworld event. Family time, fresh air, good food and good times, the perfect combination to a happy and healthy life.”

On the day guests can meet and chat with Sally and join in the fun with a champagne reception, free refreshments and spend time in and out of the latest industry leading Hymer models. One of the best parts of the Travelworld’s open days are the vehicles they have on display. They are the perfect getaway vehicle that are designed for both short and extended stays.

Ross added: “It’s been a fantastic year for Erwin Hymer Centre since our official opening in 2019. This year, we wanted to focus our celebration on supporting Heart Research UK, as we feel it has a cause which touches all of us. We are pleased to be supporting them in 2020 when we will be planning further activities.”

Heart Research UK’s Midlands Regional Executive, John Lloyd said: “We think visitors are in for a real treat at the first anniversary event. Sally has a truly motivating and moving story to tell, her energy and enthusiasm for everything she does is captivating and she is also incredibly knowledgeable about leading a healthy lifestyle which we think motorhome owners and enthusiasts will thoroughly appreciate.”

We had an amazing time last year at their grand opening, which you can take a look at in the above video. Fingers crossed we get a chance to get there again this year.

If you are interested in being part of the birthday festivities you can book tickets via Eventbrite where there is also an option to donate to HRUK.

Caravan And Camping Club Owner Satisfaction Awards

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By William Coleman

Winners of the 2020 Owner Satisfaction Awards have been announced at this year’s annual Camping and Caravanning Club industry dinner.

This marked the fifth annual Owner Satisfaction Awards and the fourth set of awards the Club has run in partnership with Practical Motorhome and Practical Caravan magazines. In total, 22 awards were given out at the event, where Club President Julia Bradbury was on hand to present trophies to the worthy winners.

As previously, results came from thousands of Club members, together with readers of Practical Motorhome and Practical Caravan magazines, who completed the 2020 Owner Satisfaction Survey, which ran from April to October 2019.

The 2020 Awning Owner Satisfaction Survey was new for this year and followed feedback from both customers and industry alike who want more insight into the awning ownership experience. Awards were given for the best manufacturer of small porch, full and drive-away awnings, based on findings given by hundreds of owners.

This year’s Motorhome Satisfaction Awards features a new category for Best Van Converter (Direct Sales), which counts those businesses which manufacture and sell direct to customers, and also sell pre-owned models directly to customers.

The 2020 Caravan Owner Satisfaction Survey was completed by more people this year – the number of responses increased 14.7%, with 67.8% of respondents sharing feedback on new caravans. Findings from the 2020 Tent Owner Satisfaction Survey reveal a high satisfaction score of 8.9 (based on a scale from 1-10), representing a high level of general satisfaction. The score is also consistent with scores from previous surveys.

Sabina Voysey, The Camping and Caravanning Club Director General, said: “We’re thrilled to have hosted another successful awards evening and presented the latest set of results.
“We continue to share reports on the surveys with manufacturers after the event – this means those responsible for the design and manufacture of new products can have access to real feedback from our members, and their customers, to improve and develop their offering. Ultimately this helps consumers shop smarter and buy better – and it’s of assistance to manufacturers too.”

Sarah Wakely, Editor-in-Chief of Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome at Future Publishing, said: “We’re delighted to team up with The Camping and Caravanning Club once again to deliver this important survey of caravan and motorhome owners – our brands are all about helping people get the most out of their passion for caravan or motorhome travel and to buy the best kit to help them do that.

“This survey is an invaluable tool, both for readers keen to get insight from other owners, and for the industry to help them continue to deliver great caravans and motorhomes and the highest levels of service for their customers. Congratulations to all of the award winners; it’s great to see such high standards being met across the industry.

“It’s testament to the strength of our brands and their position in the market that this year we received such a large number of responses, and we continue to develop the surveys and our presentation of it to best reflect the changing markets we operate in.”

The Full List Of Winners (categories and brands)

Tent Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Budget Tents under £300: Hi-Gear
Best Mainstream Tents £300-£999: Outwell
Best Premium Tents over £1000: Karsten
Best Backpacker Tents: Quechua
Best Family Tents: Zempire and Hi-Gear (two winners)
Best Traditional Pole Tents: Quechua
Best Inflatable Tents: Karsten

Trailer Tent Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Folding Campers: Pennine and Opus (two winners)

Awning Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Small Porch Awnings: Vango
Best Full Awnings: Isabella
Best Drive-Away Awnings: Vango

Caravan Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Manufacturer New Caravans: Adria
Best Manufacturer Pre-Owned Caravans: Coachman
Best Supplying Dealer New Caravans: Winchester Caravans
Best Supplying Dealer Pre-Owned Caravans: Peter Roberts Caravans and Motorhomes
Best Caravan Manufacturer (UK New and Pre-Owned): Coachman

Motorhome Owner Satisfaction Awards 2020 winners

Best Van Converter (Direct Sales): Murvi
Best Manufacturer New Motorhomes: Dethleffs
Best Manufacturer Pre-Owned Motorhomes: Bürstner
Best Supplying Dealer New Motorhomes: Todds Motorhomes
Best Supplying Dealer Pre-Owned Motorhomes: Peter Roberts Caravans and Motorhomes
Best Motorhome Manufacturer (UK New and Pre-Owned): Auto-Sleepers

CAMC & Alan Rogers Announce Campsite Awards 2019 Winners

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By William Coleman

The Caravan and Motorhome Club and Alan Rogers have announced the winners of their annual Campsite Awards, which were held in Utrecht on Thursday 16th January. The awards recognise the very best from their extensive overseas campsite network consisting of over 340 Club approved campsites in Europe.

The Campsite Awards, which are held each year at the Vakantiebeurs travel and tourism fair, recognise campsites for their progress, friendliness and innovation, amongst other qualities that ensure Caravan and Motorhome Club members can pick the best ones to suit their needs. Winners are chosen by taking into account comments from campsite assessors and the head office team, as well as members and readers.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite of the Year Award

Camping Château de Chanteloup is an attractive and peaceful campsite located close to Le Mans in France, making it ideal for quiet stays, stopovers and motor racing enthusiasts. Set in the park of a 19th century château and run by the welcoming Souffront family, it’s no wonder that the campsite is so popular with members and has scooped this prestigious prize.

The campsite offers well-maintained facilities including a pool, bar and restaurant, and open and shaded pitches, some of which overlook a small fishing lake. Tours of the grounds by pony and trap can also be arranged, while those who prefer a faster pace are just 30 minutes’ from the famous Le Mans race track.

The Alan Rogers Campsite of the Year Award

Camping Turiscampo is an exquisite campsite with a beautiful Algarve location, offering an indoor heated pool, modern gym, sauna, hammam and beauty treatments*. Plus, it has an outdoor swimming pool complex surrounded by a terrace with a bar, and its restaurant has a varied menu including a snack-bar, bistro and a-la-carte, meaning there is something to please all diners.

While there’s plenty to occupy families at the award-winning campsite, the pretty seaside village of Luz is well worth a trip and Lagos and Sagres can both easily be reached by a bus that stops just outside the campsite. The campsite is also surrounded by many golf courses that offer lovely views of the open countryside, vineyards, and coastline, making it a great spot for keen golfers.
*A charge is payable to use the gym and spa facilities

The Progress Award

Camping Le Pin Parasol is a large, family-orientated campsite overlooking the beautiful Jaunay Lake reserve in the peaceful Vendée region of France. This popular five-star campsite has recently added an impressive range of new facilities and has created two distinct zones on the campsite – one for families with a great new children’s play area, and another more relaxed one offering a new indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and a new restaurant. This means the campsite is now certainly one of the very best in the area.

The campsite is within easy reach of the glorious sandy beaches of the Vendée and bustling harbour towns such as Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. There are lots of family attractions within driving distance too, such as the Puy du Fou theme park and the Parc Zoologique at Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Runner up – Huttopia Chardons Bleus – Ile de Ré, France

The Welcome Award

Eifel-Camp is an ideal spot for nature lovers, situated next to Lake Freilingen near Eifel National Park in Germany. Club members have frequently commented on the genuinely warm welcome that is provided by the multilingual staff, and the excellent advice they offer on how to get the best out of their holiday.

This superbly-run campsite offers great amenities, stunning views and a very safe environment for children. Germany’s Nürburgring is just a short drive through the forest; with its own indoor theme park, it’s perfect for car lovers of all ages.

Runner up – Camping Au Clos de La Chaume, France

The Dog Friendly Award

Camping Fornella is located on the shores of Lake Garda and offers stunning mountain views. The campsite has a great track record for innovation, and members and assessors alike have been particularly impressed by what it has to offer dogs and their owners. The campsite has a beach where dogs are welcome, dog showers, dog friendly rental accommodation and an area where dogs can run freely, off their leads. It also has a dedicated page about its amenities for dogs on its website.

Two-legged guests can enjoy the lagoon-style swimming complex, which includes a Jacuzzi and paddling pool, and entertainment in high season, not to mention all that the lake itself has to offer. The campsite’s rural location means nature walks and bike rides are popular activities, or you can enjoy a tour of the biggest island on the Lake, Isola Del Garda or explore nearby Verona.

Runner up – Camp Kovacine, Croatia

The Seaside Award

Les Criques de Porteils has a dramatic clifftop location overlooking the Mediterranean and offers direct access to private beaches and secluded coves. An impressive five-star campsite, it has three sets of stairs* leading to quiet private coves which are never busy, plus a watersports centre where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards. The campsite also has a great swimming pool complex and attractive restaurant.

The resort of Collioure is just a 30-minute walk away and the lively resort of Argelès-sur-Mer is just a little further, while an hour’s drive to the south will take visitors to Figueres with its café-lined rambla and Dalí Museum.
*This campsite is not recommended for those requiring accessible facilities as it is steep in places.

Runner up – Camping Zaton Holiday Resort, Croatia

The Country Award

Resort de Arendshorst is located in a tranquil and beautiful nature reserve in the Vecht valley, making it perfect for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. A delightful tranquil campsite run by a friendly family and located on the banks of the River Vecht in the eastern Netherlands, it has miles of walking and cycle routes close by and is also an ideal base for a leisurely fishing holiday.

The campsite has a children’s petting farm and offers generously sized pitches arranged around large fields, all of which are level and grassy. Dalfsen, with its lively market, and Vilsteren are both within cycling distance, while children will enjoy a trip to the Wildlands Adventure Zoo. Rechteren Casle – the last of the province’s remaining medieval castles – is just a 30-minute drive.

Runner up – Camping Peña Montañesa, Spain

The All Year Award

Vilanova Park is a large and attractive campsite located midway between Barcelona and Tarragona. Guests are welcomed all year round by the friendly multilingual team and the reception is open 24 hours a day. The campsite has a wealth of high quality amenities including a pool complex, wellness centre and Catalan restaurant, and offers numerous social activities.

The campsite is well-placed for visiting Barcelona, which can be easily reached via the frequent shuttle bus service. Visitors can explore Gaudí’s famous cathedral and Park Güell, as well as the various art galleries and the bustling street of Las Ramblas. Historic Tarragona is also within driving distance and is worth a visit no matter what time of year.
Runner up Camping Caravaning La Manga, Spain

Salop Seller Event Announced For 2020 Holiday Boom

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By William Coleman

Set to make the most of the upcoming year and predicted staycation boom the Shrewsbury based Salop Leisure are planning a first time buyers’ event for caravan, motorhome, holiday homes and luxury lodges.

The Emstrey-based company is inviting prospective buyers to explore caravan holiday homes and luxury lodge ownership at the event on January 25 and 26.

Seventy-five holiday homes and lodges, priced from £34,995, will be on display and Salop Leisure will have full details of more than 250 parks across Mid Wales and the Heart of England best suited to the requirements of buyers.

Holiday homes and lodges purchased will be ready on site for the new season, which begins on March 1.

“Within nine weeks of the new year beginning, holiday home parks will be opening for the new season,” said Tony Bywater, Salop Leisure’s chairman.

“We have some fantastic deals on holiday homes and luxury lodges for first time buyers.

“The general uncertainty surrounding Brexit in 2019 has been very destabilising for everybody in the UK. However, following the December General Election result, it’s great that a decision has now been made that we are going to leave Europe in 2020.

“I think it’s going to be a great boost to our business and to people from all walks of life. I predict that 2020 is going to be a tremendous year for this country as demand for holiday homes and staycationing in the UK increases.”

I have heard about 2020 having a caravan boom, similar to 2017, and a lot of people feel that it is due to the efforts put in by holiday professionals all across the UK. Parks and sites have seen what they need to do to reach a much larger audience and it looks as though all that work will pay off this year.

The Caravan World Comes To The Aid Of Australian Fire Victims

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By William Coleman

The Australian continent is on fire and may continue to burn for another 5 months. Holiday areas, camps, sites and leisure companies have been devastated by these wildfires. Yet, despite all this loss the caravan community is pulling together to help those in need.

As I am sure you’re aware Australia is going through some extremely rough times at the moment. As of right now it has been estimated that over 1 billion animals have been lost due to these fires and over 80 people have sadly lost their lives.

The fires have burned a surface area that is equivalent to 21,309 New York Central Parks and in this huge space there have been thousands of people’s homes and businesses lost.

One area which has seen some significant losses is the caravan sector. All across the most affected areas caravan parks, with both holiday and permanent accommodation, have been totally wiped away.

Despite suffering some major losses the touring community have come forward to help house people whose homes have been taken by the fires and those who have been evacuated due to the smoke and other fire related issues.

All across Australia parks that have not been affected are opening their doors to people that need temporary accommodation while the fire rages on.

People from the private sector have also come forward to help both people and wildlife as their respective homes are reduced to ash.

People from the Northern beaches have been working flat out to help out and provide shelter for as many people and residents as they can. Katy Young from Palm Beach has donated her beloved retro caravan, named Dorothy, to a group who own a kangaroo sanctuary that has been lost due to fire. So now kangaroos will be joining the touring community.

“On New Year’s Day I was so distressed over the bush fires so I decided to donate my caravan called Dorothy and the Facebook post went viral,” Ms Young said.

“I said if someone needed a roof over their head, I was giving her away and it got shared 55,000 times.

“A man phoned me about a woman who had an animal sanctuary and she needed the caravan to be on site so she could treat the animals. He told me it was the second time she’d been wiped out and I thought she was a brilliant recipient.”

She said she knew Dorothy had “a greater purpose in life”.

“I wasn’t using her so I decided to sell her but on New Year’s Day I saw the news about the fire truck that drove through the fire storm and I decided to give her away.”

The caravan was named Dorothy after her favourite movie, the Wizard of Oz. It’s a 1985 Viscounts Ultralite.

Another caravan owner, John Parry, 67, who lives thousands of kilometers away wanted to do his part to help. Not having the funds to send cash he instead donated his 1970s era caravan to provide a roof over the heads of those in need.

The caravan needs a bit of a wipe down and some air in the tires but it is a perfect 4 berth van that could make a world of difference to a family in this trying time.

There are just a few examples of touring folk who have come forward all across Australia in a desperate time of need, support and charity. It makes you proud to be part of such an amazing and charitable community.