CaravanTimes Classic Gold: Bailey Pegasus Ancona

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By Chris Littley

The 2011 Bailey Pegasus Ancona receives the Classic Gold treatment today and we’d love to receive your comments on how you’ve experienced this vehicle.

It’s been almost a decade since our last review, with plenty of years now passed to see if our thoughts at the time match up to the reality of what it was like to own or stay in one of these versatile and well-equipped caravans.

Reviewer Martin MacDonald gave the Pegasus Ancona an overall rating of 4 out of 5 and picked out the spacious interior as a particular positive of the design.

He stated: “Highlights for the van would definitely be the space you get for your money. Admittedly, there were only three of us in the van, and it might be a different story with 5 or 6 people. The finishing of this van seems high quality as well.”

Martin went on to describe the excellent build quality of the Pegasus Ancona, stating it was “solid” and there was “zero movement while walking up and down inside. He also praised the positive catches for interior compartments, with none springing open during transit.

Excellent under seat storage was a plus for the vehicle, while the large shower, bathroom and wide central corridor made it a practical caravan with plenty of room to relax and get comfortable.

The large array of equipment that came with the vehicle also had Martin raving, with easy hookup and stability when transporting between sites another great feature.

Let us know if your own experience of the Pegasus Ancona has been in line with our review. We’d love to see if we got it right at the time!

Keep getting your caravan fix with the Big Little Tent Festival

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By Chris Littley

We all love a good getaway and the ongoing lockdown means many of us will be hankering for the great outdoors, especially those of us who would traditionally break out the caravan at this time of year.

That said, with the possibility that social distancing and disruption to our lives could continue for many more months to come, what exactly can we do?

Well, the Caravan and Motorhome Club might have the perfect solution in the form of their Big Little Tent Festival, which takes place on April 15th.

Launched in 2015, it’s an annual event that’s aimed at inspiring caravan and motorhome enthusiasts across the country to break out the face paint, fairylights and music and to enjoy the great outdoors.

Given the current government guidelines on avoiding non-essential travel, this year the Club is encouraging all participants to set up their vehicle at home and join the festivities.

All those who take part can upload photos to the Club website, with a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher on offer for the six best submissions that capture the community feel of the event.

You can find out more by visiting the Caravan & Motorhome Club website, with winners to be chosen every week until mid-May.

With the need for social distancing remaining extremely strong at present and the isolation this can create for many people, the Big Little Tent Festival could be the perfect way to come together and show we’re all still hoping for better times ahead.

Upcycled caravan could win Southampton woman a national award

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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.

CaravanTimes Classic Gold: Benimar Mileo 301

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By Chris Littley

Our Classic Gold series sees another blast from the past today. Who here remembers the Benimar Mileo 301?

Launched in 2017, the Mileo 301 is a four-berth coachbuilt, luxury, diesel camper with a spacious interior and bathroom.

There’s no need to rely on campsite shower blocks with this beauty and it also comes with a well-equipped kitchen that includes a full oven, grill, microwave and plenty of mod cons.

Complete with two double beds – one above the driving seats and another at the back – it offers the perfect getaway option for families.

If you’ve experienced what it’s like to own, rent or stay in one of these stylish vehicles, we’d love you to get in touch and share your thoughts with us!

CaravanTimes Classic Gold: Swift Challenger 480

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By Chris Littley

Continuing our ongoing series on the best caravans and motorhomes of yesteryear, here we shift our attention to the 2008 Swift Challenger 480 in this latest edition of Classic Gold.

We’ve gone all the way back to 2010 for this review, so there’s been plenty of time in the last ten years for people to have owned or experienced this popular model. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how it’s aged.

Back in 2010, Eric Jones scored the Swift Challenger 480 a solid 4 out of 5 stars for it’s overall build quality and design, stating it was a “good solid van troubled with minor irritating faults that should have been picked up before delivery”.

He noted that build quality was a problem from the outset, commenting: “We had faulty carpets, faulty Loo Flush and damaged cupboard doors – all of which had to be fixed before I would accept the van.

“We also have had numerous small problems, which I have fixed. Faulty front window and status amplifier replaced under warranty.”

That said, Eric did have some positive things to say about the model. He was extremely happy with the layout of the vehicle, describing the whole of the interior as being “very comfortable”.

The amount of available storage space was also a positive aspect of the Challenger 480, which Eric claimed was perfect for stocking up for “a couple of weeks”, while the walk-in shower was a great addition.

We’d love to know if your experiences of the Swift Challenger 480 match up to those of Eric. Get in touch and leave a comment if you’d like to share.

Deeside GP receives gift of a caravan to support work in the community

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By Chris Littley

Mark Harney, a GP from Quay Health Centre in Connah’s Quay, has been the recipient of a new caravan to help him to continue to provide much-needed community support during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

A plea went out via social media by Mark on Sunday evening for anyone who could help him to isolate away from his family in case any of them show symptoms of the illness.

He explained that if anyone in his household was to fall ill then it would require him to self-isolate for a minimum of two weeks, which could have a significant impact on his ability to support others at a time when health services are facing unprecedented challenges and pressure.

“I want to thank everyone in the community for sharing the appeal as far and wide as it went, I am very grateful,” Mark told Leader Live.

It wasn’t long before a welcome offer came in, with Spinney Motorhomes and Caravans in Queensferry rising to the occasion. The firm has donated one of its unused caravans for Mark to use in the coming weeks, with the vehicle set to be his new home for the foreseeable future.

“As a family-run business, we like to work within our community,” said Rob Farmer, sales manager of Spinney. “We had a van just sat there as part of our stock and thought this would be a good way to put it to use rather than sitting in our lot whilst the business is closed.

“We had the caravan cleaned and delivered to Mark as quickly as possible so that we could fulfil our promise to him.”

The community spirit of Spinney and all those who spread Mark’s plea for help highlights the ongoing need for everyone in the UK to be looking out for others at this difficult time.

Mark now plans to spend his next few weeks away from loved ones, but it is these selfless acts – like donating a caravan, healthcare workers on the front line of treating those suffering from coronavirus or simply people staying at home to slow down the spread – that highlight not only the country’s great resolve, but also our capacity for kindness.

CaravanTimes Classic Gold: Coachman VIP 560/4

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By Chris Littley

As part of our Classic Gold series, we’re looking back at some of the best caravan and motorhomes of recent years. We’ve reviewed these models in the past, but we want to hear from you about your experiences.

We first reviewed the Coachman VIP 560/4 in February 2014, so we’re going back a bit of a way with this one. That said, when we reviewed the model the first time, we did highlight its excellent build quality, so we’d love to hear from those who can testify to its ability to stand the test of time.

At the time of review, Steve and Lisa Arnold from Northamptonshire had this to say about the Coachman VIP 560/4: “Best caravan on the road is the Coachman VIP. We have had three new ones, but the 2012 model is a fantastic caravan in every way. We also use a Specialised Elite towing cover, which fits perfectly. We recommend this caravan 100 per cent.”

The layout of the caravan was a considerable highlight, with plenty of space for Steve and Lisa, plus their small dog. Indeed, the spacious interior was given a 5/5 rating for the Coachman VIP 560/4.

Overall, Steve and Lisa described it as a “fantastic caravan, 100 per cent”.

Other aspects of the model that we’d love to hear more about include how it stacks up against the latest releases, so if you’ve owned or stayed in a Coachman VIP 560/4 in the past, we’d love to hear from you.

Times they are a-changin’: Caravans have come a long way in 70 years

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By Chris Littley

It’s not so long ago that the typical caravan experience consisted of not much more than sipping a cup of tea while sitting on fold-out furniture, using basic appliances and it wasn’t that much of a step up from camping.

Today, however, camping and caravanning has seen a huge boost in popularity and, in many ways, this surge in interest can largely be put down to the breadth of facilities that now come as standard in any modern caravan.

Over the last 70 years, Yorkshire-based static caravan specialist Willerby has seen it all. Now, the company has come forward with a look back over the evolution of the caravanning experience since its launch in 1946.

In the very earliest days of caravanning there were none of the mod cons that many enthusiasts take for granted these days. As we alluded to earlier, many of these vehicles were extremely basic; fold-out beds and furniture were commonplace, poor insulation, cramped spaces and a lack of electricals all meant that while a caravan getaway was sure to delight with spectacular scenery, the living conditions often left much to be desired.

However, with the rise in leisure time for the typical family and with more disposable income to spend, it wasn’t long before big changes were afoot.

Fast forward to today and the moden caravan is packed full of all the latest gadgets, appliances and modern conveniences that make all the difference for holidaymakers.

Indeed, Kirsten Bolton, marketing director at Willerby, told the Mirror: “Long gone are the days of old-fashioned, lacklustre static caravans; today, we are producing beautiful, luxury holiday homes which appeal to a range of holiday goers.”

Today’s modern caravans are often seen as a home away from home. They have everything the modern holidaymaker needs to enjoy a comfortable break, from spacious living areas and proper furniture to smart TVs on the walls, full internet connectivity, and double-glazed windows.

So, it’s fair to say there’s been plenty of changes in the more than seven decades since Willerby began building its luxury caravans. We’d love to know what you think is the best thing about your caravan.

77 Years Of Holiday Memories

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By William Coleman

Songs, dance and music helped Ladram Bay Holiday Park raise the curtains this March on its 77th year of providing quality family holidays by the sea.

Employees at the Budleigh Salterton park were given a sneak preview of the floor show lined up for this year by its in-house entertainment team.

The occasion was the park’s annual conference which traditionally takes place in the run-up to Ladram Bay welcoming its first guests of the new season.

In addition to the cabaret show, members of the Ladram Bay team – which number around 170 in peak season – enjoyed talks from a series of specialist speakers.

They included former Royal Marine and motivational guru Andy Grant who, despite becoming an amputee after being injured in action, went on to achieve fame as a fearless climber and athlete.

The day’s agenda also highlighted Ladram Bay’s plans to up still further in 2020 its commitment to the principles of green tourism and “holidays with a conscience”.

Delegates heard that the park’s headline objective is to reduce by 33% its carbon footprint through a series of measures designed to harness clean energy.

Providing a flying start is the business’s recent £300,000 investment in a solar energy system which will prevent a massive 171 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually from entering the atmosphere.

The park has also struck a blow against engine noise and air pollution by expanding its fleet of all-electric vehicles – and introducing car charging points for use by customers.

A raft of other measures include new recycling initiatives, more vegan and plant-based products in the restaurant and shop, and further moves to banish single-use plastics.

There will also be a focus on encouraging children to discover more about the importance of protecting the natural world, including new activities with an environmental theme.

Ladram Bay director Zoe House, whose family has owned the park since 1943, said that the business’s continuing commitment to a greener future is fully supported by its customers:

“Many families choose Ladram Bay because of its location in some of Devon’s most beautiful countryside, and like us want to see its future safeguarded,” said Zoe.

“We’re helped in our efforts by a fantastic team who work tirelessly to put our plans into action, and who often come forward with their own ideas.

“We are measuring the impact of all the changes being put in place, and I am confident of achieving our goal of a third less carbon output by the end of this year,” added Zoe.

Ladram Bay provides a wide range of luxury holiday caravans and holiday lodges to rent or own, glamping pods, and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

As well as outstanding sea views and private beach, guests have use of many attractions such as an indoor climbing, swimming pool and splash zone, and adventure golf course.

Adria Introduce One Of Their Most Versatile Motorhomes Yet

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By William Coleman

As the warmer months approach we are all set to take to the roads and camp sites in search of the next adventure. To help guide you on your way we take a look at a very versatile motorhome.

According to the team at Adria the Matrix motorhome range is quite possibly one of their most versatile motorhomes to date. Which is quite interesting as their extensive range gives customers a lot to choose from already.

So what makes the Matrix stand out so much?

First of all you will need to look at each of the layouts. For 2020 you’ll find 5 to choose from which range from 4-5 berths. One thing that is worth noting is that each motorhome has the same amount of belts as sleeping spaces. This makes taking a family of 4 or 5 away a lot easier as there are plenty of seat belts.

Each model, including the Supreme Matrix UK Limited Edition 670 DC, comes with an electrically managed overcab bed which neatly tucks into the ceiling. This means you can use it as a motorhome which is perfect for both couples and families extending it up to 5 berths.

Adria made the decision to add new shorter models that are under 7 meters but have not compromised any of the onboard living space. Smaller vans are growing extremely popular with a lot of younger motorhome users as they enter the industry so it is smart to have a luxury van of this size to cater to this ever growing demand.

Speaking of the interior space, there are three different textiles to choose from to give your motorhome a unique touch of personal taste. Across the line up you’ll find a silver alu-metallic body and luxury hi-spec features. I have always been really impressed with how modern the Adria vehicles are, more hotel than caravan or motorhomes.

New lighting has also been added to ensure that no matter what time of day or year it is the van stays well lit. I especially like the lights around the washroom mirror because it means I would have free reign of the living space while the other half does her make up.

The on board storage is also well worth a mention as each van has so much. There are times when touring that you find yourself compromising what to bring with you but with the Matrix you will not be faced with such challenges.

The large rear garage makes the perfect area for storing your outdoor activity items like bikes, kayaks, tents and sports games. So if you want an action adventure weekend the rear garage on the models will soon become a staple part of your holidays.

Having a shorter van without compromising internal space is always a challenge, and one that few get right. One thing can be said about the Matrix range, it is smaller yet very practical for both long and extended trips.

Caravan Stolen In Germany End Up In Northampton

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By William Coleman

You never ever think it’s going to happen to you until the day comes where you head outside to find that your caravan has been taken away by vehicle thieves. And in the event it does happen I doubt you’d think it would end up hundreds of miles away in a totally different park of the world.

It’s not every day that the police uncover stolen caravans to find out they have travelled several hundred miles from the point they were pinched.

Local officers were not too sure what to make of the situation where they were able to recover two stolen caravans that, after some looking into, were actually lifted from Germany. Bit of a long way to tow a stolen van, I’d imagine you’d do your profit in petrol and toll crossings.

The two caravans were recovered from a woodland area not too far from the Silverstone race course and have yet to be reunited with the owners.

Police soon got word from German authorities that the vans were on a list of stolen vehicles and had travelled well over 500 miles from where they last seen in Germany.

The Northampton Chronicle and Echo got word from a Northamptonshire Police spokesman who said: “A stolen van and two caravans were seized from Hazelborough Forest, near Silverstone, on February 7.

“Enquiries led us to trace these caravans back to their rightful owners in Germany and the police there are now investigating.”

It just goes to show crime knows no length or boundaries and you really do need to keep both eyes on your property before someone has away with it.

Here are a few tried and tested methods to protect your caravan and motorhome from thieves and vandals.

Wheel Locks

Sometimes the most simple method can be the most effective. A wheel lock can be effective in more ways than one.

The initial effect of the wheel lock is that it cannot be easily removed, not without making a lot of commotion and noise. An opportunistic thief would take one look and instantly be put off by the amount of work needed to remove the lock.

Some owners I know use a chain with a padlock, a practice that I cannot recommend as they are extremely easy to remove. All it takes is a pair of bolt cutters and then just like that your van is gone.

So invest in a decent wheel lock which is both a visual and physical deterrent. Well worth the investment which will also work for short and long term storage.

A Block Can Be A Defence

Another really silly one, well not that silly as I see a lot of people not doing it, is to park your tow car or primary vehicle in front of your caravan.

If your caravan or motorhome is blocked in then it will make it extremely difficult to get to. This way you do not have to buy any additional kit, should you not already have it.

I realise that this only works if you have a front garden or drive at the front of your home so it may not work for everyone.

Another good system, which can cost under £100, is a hitch post of moveable security barrier. Something so small and simple is super effective. The hitch post in such a good invention which will immediately put off anyone who tries to make off with your vehicles.

The small movable security poll/barrier is universal, unlike the hitch post, so it is ideal for motorhome or campervan owners.

Door Locks

The lock on a caravan or motorhome doors are not exactly known for their durability. I have seen some doors removed with very little force and some locks picked within a minute or so.

If they cannot take the van you can bet they will try and walk away with something. So the next best thing is to get inside to see what they can make off with.

Pretty much anyone, especially someone who knows what they are doing, can get inside a caravan with little to no effort.

So to reinforce your caravan door I would strongly suggest adding an additional external door lock. If you shop around you can pick one up quite cheap, which I would avoid like the plague. You buy cheap, you buy twice, but on the second purchase you may have to replace most of the contents of your van.

I would speak to whoever you bought your van from to see who they recommend or if buying new get it fitted before you pick it up. A brand that always comes highly recommended is Fiamma so I would always point someone in that direction.

Why The Campsite Is The Best Way To Escape The Corona Hysteria

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By William Coleman

Let’s take a good look at why the campsite is the best place to go if you want to get away from all the hysteria and madness of this current Covid-19 situation. Space, fresh air, like minded people and a lot of open personal space, seems like the best best excuse to get away.

It seems as though there are two trains of thought when it comes to the corona issue, 1. It will be fine just relax and wash your hands. 2. Buy every single sheet of toilet paper known to man. But, there are some sensible soles out there who probably own caravans or motorhomes and should take this opportunity to take an extended “isolation” break.

On Friday, just after we were unfortunately informed that Morocco had closed their borders and ended the Bailey #SaharaChalenge, the question was asked “is a caravan site the best place to escape the corona outbreak?”. And I think the answer has to be a strong yes.

In no way is this article making light of the situation but I want to help everyone, if I can, keep a cool head and not worry too much about what is happening. And if anything I hope that reading this will lead you to get away for a well deserved break. Why not turn this negative into a positive and support the touring industry and your local economy during a time of need.

If you look at most touring sites across the UK, especially the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s CL Sites, they are off the beaten track and surrounded by woodland. It is in these locations that you’ll find a low rate of human traffic and an abundance tranquility, two things that are sure fire ways to slow the spread of this nasty virus.

So, how are pitching rules the saviour of this situation?

Pitch Distancing

The caravan pitch seems as though it knew this was going to happen and has some built in safeguarding rules for a global event like this. Due to fire safety laws caravans, motorhomes or campervans have to be a minimum of 6 meters away from another when pitched.

This gives you the perfect situation to both enjoy your surroundings while keeping a safe distance from other people should you want to self isolate.

Once you are located a safe distance away from your neighbour you can also erect your awning, set up the BBQ and make your mobile house a home for an extended period of time.

Keeping A Clear Head

Over the years the link between the great outdoors and good mental health have gone hand in hand together. Mental and physical health are both equally important; they can affect each other in many different ways. So it is safe to say that keeping a healthy mind and body will benefit your life greatly.

As time goes on the taboo of talking about mental wellness is diminishing, but it is not fully gone, and I think this current global situation is going to have a lot of people feeling uneasy. In some cases some may even feel embarrassed about mentioning the fact they feel anxious about it.

So, first of all, never hide how you feel and now is the best time to voice concerns because stressing yourself out will make you unwell.

Secondly, fresh air will make you feel a lot better in both body and mind. Get your van, get some supplies and embrace to freedom you longed for when buying your dream touring home.

The fresh breeze, open air, woods, walks and most importantly the peace of mind knowing you’re out in nature away from the hustle of bustle where all the stress is taking place.

Staying healthy is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against illness, so get out there and get healthy.

The Perfect Self Contained Self Isolation

If you want to avoid coming into contact with this Covid-19 virus then the self containment in the caravan is the best way to do so, for many reasons.

The main one is the ease of maintaining a high level of cleanliness. Yes, caravans can be quite spacious but they are also quite small in comparison to static caravans and houses. It is this compact aspect that makes the cleaning so much easier.

Now, if a loved one does come down with corona you can make a decision, who stays in doors, who stays in the caravan. This is a much safer way to keep a close distance while still keeping an eye on another.

I would much rather be contained in a caravan where I have my own cooking and wash facilities than share in doors and risk passing it on to a family member.

Perfect For School Closure

We are not there yet, but if you look at the steps being taken across the world it shouldn’t be too long before the schools close for a few weeks. This looks like it could cause issues with both child care and containing your children from going out and possibly coming into contact with something nasty.

If and when the schools close there will be a lot of children with not much to do, so why not, if you can, take them on a trip.

This is a good way to keep everyone sane as well as stopping the children from popping to town centers, bowling and cinemas where it is believed contact can happen.

On Site Out Of Mind

When I go away on a trip in the van I do my best to avoid social media, the news or any extended internet use. For me it defeats the object of getting away from it all. And now is the time where we need that the most.

At the moment everywhere you look is doom and gloom, from print to online media all you’re shown is corona, corona, corona. So why not just switch off, relax and wait for the whole thing to blow over with a nice cup of tea and a few different cakes.

While onsite you can take full advantage of your surroundings and if you are lucky enough to find yourself near a local quiet high street you needn’t go home for quite a while.