Route YC focuses on cycling for 2024

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Route YC, Yorkshire’s answer to the NC500, is focusing on cycling for 2024. The project, which aims to attract tourists to the county’s coastline, has an exciting new partnership and a headline event to get visitors in the saddle this year.

Cycling and caravan holidays are a great combination, allowing riders the flexibility to get to some little-known destinations with all their kit. Now, Route YC has launched a selection of new routes in partnership with Komoot.

The routes

Ranging from 15 km to 415 km in length, the routes have been specially designed by author and cyclist Markus Stitz. The aim is to enable visitors of all abilities to explore the Yorkshire coast and countryside on gravel, touring and road bikes.

Five-day adventure route

Five days is a nice amount of time to be cycling and easily allows for weekends on either side to travel or relax for anyone taking a week off work. This route from Whitby to Spurn Point, taking in dramatic cliffs and beaches, remote moors, dark skies, picture postcard villages and towns, is 415 km in total.

Adventure weekender

If you’ve only got a weekend to spare, that’s still enough time to head off in your caravan and tackle 147 km of the Yorkshire Coast. Depart from Whitby Railway Station and experience peace and quiet on the North York Moors, stunning coastline and quaint villages and towns. The ride is on gravel tracks and cycle paths, as well as quiet lanes and country roads.

Touring route from Hull to Staithes

Doing what it says on the tin, you’ll set out from Hull and ride to Staithes, a distance of 175 km. One of the nice things about this route, which can be ridden in either direction, is that it connects with the ferry in Hull and the well-known EuroVelo 12 route in Staithes, making it easy to extend your cycling trip.

Additional routes

Komoot is also showcasing a number of other cycling trips along Route YC, with specific types of bike in mind. These circular rides have been categorised for road bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes, making it easy for cyclists and families to choose the right loops for their next adventure.

Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash

This year will also see the inaugural Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash event held on July 13th and 14th. Riders are encouraged to join in for £95 and enjoy the camaraderie of cycling with others over the 147-km route. They’ll be overnight camping around halfway through the route, with an evening meal and breakfast all part of the deal.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Fat Lads

Leisure vehicle purchasing: Decide on a layout and don’t compromise

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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.

Ahead of the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show next week (February 13th to 18th), I’d like to share my advice to those people going with the view to consider buying a new leisure vehicle. There are lots of guides on making such purchases, but having been in the industry for a very long time, here’s my biggest tip: work out the layout you require before attending the show.

If you’re a current leisure vehicle owner, don’t assume that what you already have is the best solution for your next purchase. As your life changes, so do your layout requirements. There are myriad options and as the layout makes so much more difference than any other element of your caravan, motorhome or campervan, this is one area where you don’t want to compromise.

Decide on specific requirements

Prior to the show, look online and decide exactly what it is you need for you, your family and your holidays. I’m judging the Caravan and Motorhome Club Motorhome & Campervan Design Awards and Buyers Guide again this year, and our expert analysis is a really good place to start your research.

During the judging process we assess over 80 vehicles and there’s a huge amount of variation in terms of layout. There are some key areas that you want to consider and it’s not just about the bed, although of course this does come into it.

What are your size limitations?

Considerations include whether you want to park your leisure vehicle on your compact drive; and holidaying to particularly remote places. If you’re intimidated about towing a large caravan, then I would suggest booking a towing or driving course, so you’re not letting fear be the limiting factor.

Typically, campervans are available at under five metres in length and slim-bodied, while caravans and large A-class motorhomes can be over eight metres long and two metres wide. Caravans usually lie somewhere between four metres and seven metres in length.

Size is also impacted by things like fixed beds and who will be going on your trip. Growing families can mean that kids who were previously happy on small bunks are now much bigger or even that they’ve become teenagers and are less likely to be coming with you. This can make a slightly smaller setup and a tent outside when they do come a better option.

Despite popular belief, the size of leisure vehicles doesn’t really impact the price. Entry level models come in small, medium and large, with the biggest being only marginally more expensive than the compact one. A large will still be cheaper than a small in the next range up.

Consider bed configurations

In the UK, the most popular bed configuration is to have a fixed island bed, which is a necessity for those with mobility issues. However, for most people it’s not worth compromising the space in the rest of the vehicle. This often means you end up with much smaller and less comfortable living areas, particularly in coachbuilt motorhomes, because they have to have travel seats as well.

A fixed bed also compromises the opportunity to have reasonable sleeping accommodation for other guests. The front space behind the driver needs to act as travel seats, dining area, living area and bed, meaning it’s not good at any of these functions. Instead, you just have your driving seats for comfort.

Drop-down beds are a great alternative option. They’re not horrifically expensive, but they allow you to have a proper lounge at the back and a fully made-up bed. For me, these provide much better living areas than a fixed bed option.

In caravans, it’s worth having a look at a layout with bunks at the back, so you can have a larger space at the front. There’s been a lot of technical innovation in bunk beds and they’re now very nice for children. Most are at least six feet long, a good width and with their own windows and lights.

Don’t overlook exterior access

This can be a garage in a motorhome or a locker in a caravan, but it’s an underneath area that has become more important as lifestyles become increasingly active. They’re somewhere to store dirty or wet gear, avoiding the need to bring such items into a leisure vehicle after a hike, cycling or swimming trip, for example.

What are your bathroom and kitchen requirements?

Generally, layout will only excel in either its bathroom or kitchen and not both. If you’re planning to stay on site for long periods of time and use those facilities, it’s worth being prepared to compromise on the size of the bathroom. They can be a small, wetroom style setup and quite basic, or a huge walk-in alternative, so think about how you’re going to use it.

A large bathroom is better for people who want to do something like rallying or spend a long time away from on-site amenities. This will result in a smaller, more compromised kitchen area, but you’ll have a fully functioning homestyle bathroom instead.

If you’re a siter, you can get kits that turn showers into additional storage cupboards. If you know you’re going to be showering on site, then don’t go for a large bathroom in the first place.

At the show

These are the four areas to have decided upon before you head to the show. When you get there, there’s going to be hundreds of caravans, campervans and motorhomes to look at and it’s very easy to get caught up by shiny electronics and amazing-looking elements. Having the answers to these questions means that no matter which range you go for – entry or executive level – you’ll at least be able to buy a layout that will suit you for the next few years.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/DLC



ARB UK to showcase van conversions at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show

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Here at CaravanTimes we’re gearing up for the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham next week – and we’re not the only ones.

ARB UK, which is well-known for its modification and enhancement solutions, will have a stand at the show that runs from February 13th to 18th.

Among the highlights of the brand’s stand will be live demonstrations throughout the day to showcase the ease of setting up and packing away rooftop tents.

Visitors to the show will also be able to see two leisure vehicles that have undergone the ARB treatment – a fully kitted out Ford Transit Van known as the Camper Van, and a fully converted Camped-Out Isuzu D-Max.

The Camper Van features a tent awning, electric cool boxes, a four-person rooftop tent, modular storage drawers, and a slide-out kitchen complete with sink, gas cooker and prep area.

Matt McConaghy, commercial director of ARB UK, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the Caravan and Camping Show 2024, providing visitors with an up-close look at the ARB Camper Van and a huge range of our other non-vehicle accessories, such as the Swag Tent, Fire Pit and general camping accessories.”

Whether you’re looking to convert a van yourself or find a company to do the work for you, the display will certainly be of interest to those starting out on their journey.

Mr McConaghy highlighted the importance of customising your chosen vehicle to do exactly what you need it to do.

This is something CaravanTimes’ very own Dan Cartwright has underlined in the past. Caravans and motorhomes must suit the unique requirements of their owners, so think carefully about each element.

Next week’s show is a great opportunity to do just that, walking around the venue and looking at leisure vehicles to spark inspiration and decide which elements would work best for you.

ARB will be in Hall 5 at stand number 5136.

As well as a wide range of products on display, the show will feature events throughout, with a full programme of talks at the Inspiration Theatre.

Among the outdoor adventurers, travel writers, wildlife presenters and organisation representatives set to speak are survival expert Ray Mears, Bailey ambassador Marcus Leach and TV chef Kwoklyn Wan.

If you’re new to touring, then the Leisure Vehicle Advice Centre is a great place to get free and impartial help, as well as all your questions answered.

Free tuition sessions will be available on everything from motorhome manoeuvring to safely towing a caravan, making it a good opportunity to brush up on any skills that are getting a bit rusty.

And, if you do see Dan at the show, be sure to say hello and get his advice. There’s nothing he likes more than chatting all things caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

Up the romance in your leisure vehicle this Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us and your caravan or motorhome could be your greatest asset in the pursuit of romance this February 14th.

While reservations at exclusive restaurants are snapped up well in advance and traditional flowers and chocolates may seem like a cliche, your leisure vehicle is a great alternative.

It represents an escape from ordinary life, the chance to switch off from domestic chores and the freedom to enjoy each other’s company. What could be more romantic than that?

Whether you have a few days available to celebrate Valentine’s or just an evening – the holiday falls somewhat unhelpfully on a Wednesday this year – put your caravan or motorhome to good use.

Return to a meaningful spot

The most romantic gestures are those that are meaningful and having a leisure vehicle at your disposal makes it fairly easy to be spontaneous.

Plan a trip to return to a place you’ve visited in your caravan or motorhome before and really loved or one where things didn’t go to plan, but it turned out to be memorable.

Perhaps you got married at a beautiful country house and there’s a campsite just down the road. Pitch up and walk around the grounds to relive your big day.

Dinner date on the drive

We know the drill – you’ve got an early meeting in the morning and your other half is heading off to a conference, so your Valentine’s plans need to be low-key.

Organise a simple meal you can cook in the caravan or even order in, then light a few candles, drape some fairy lights around the interior and crank up the on-the-road playlist.

While you might not have the time to go far, the physical separation from the house and all its domestic chores crying out to be done will allow you to focus on each other.

Secret hiding place

If you’ve got a romantic gift planned for Valentine’s Day, then the motorhome could be the perfect place to hide it until the big day.

After all, how likely is it that your significant other will venture into the cupboard above the sofa in your leisure vehicle between now and then?

You could even organise a little treasure hunt for your partner to find the gift on February 14th, making it as simple or as elaborate as you like.

Harness the power of anticipation

Having something to look forward to can make things even more special, especially at this time of the year and when Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday.

Show your other half you haven’t forgotten about the occasion, but delay the celebrations until you’ve got time to truly enjoy it.

This could mean booking a romantic getaway for later on in the year or planning an extravagant add-on to an existing campervan trip that can only be justified as a gift.

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Joeyy Lee

How to save money on your next caravan or motorhome city break

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Caravan and motorhome trips often evoke the idea of escaping to the beach or the countryside, but they also make a great option for exploring cities.

Having your own transport and accommodation immediately keeps costs down when pitching up close to some of Europe’s most bustling metropolises.

But there are a whole raft of other measures you can take to make your city break as affordable as possible and FlightsFinder.com has provided a rundown of some of them.

Shahab Siddiqui, founder of FlightsFinder.com said: “January can be a dreary month and a lot of people are looking for a quick getaway, meaning city breaks are very popular.

“There are plenty of ways you can be savvy with your money while still enjoying a beautiful break away.”

The CaravanTimes team have also added a few of their own personal money-saving hacks to the list.

Factor in the tourist tax

When budgeting for your next European city break, it’s worth factoring in the new tourist taxes that are becoming common across the continent.

Venice, Naples and Valencia are all now leveraging the fees on visitors and despite only being a few euros, these soon rack up for every night you stay.

Book free tours

While free tours can save you money on a city break, it’s important to be prepared to tip your guide, as that’s how they make it worth their while.

Many European capitals and other cities have a selection of free tours and even after tipping, these can work out a lot cheaper than those with a set fee.

Purchase a travel pass

Once you’ve pitched up near your city destination, you may not intend to move your caravan or motorhome for the duration of your trip.

That usually means relying on public transport and a three-day or weekly travel pass is likely to save you cash in the long run, especially if you’re catching a bus, ferry or train into the city each day.

Research the best local travel routes

While we’re on the subject of public transport, some local routes can offer great views of a city’s landmarks at a fraction of the price of a hop-on, hop-off bus.

In Lisbon, this is tram 28, which travels through the Alfama, Baixa, Estrela and Graca districts; and in Paris the 69 bus goes from near the Eiffel Tower to Pere Lachaise Cemetery, taking in the Pont Neuf, the Louvre and Notre-Dame along the way.

Invest in a tourism card

If sightseeing is top of your to-do list during your city break then a tourism card is a great way to get discounts on entrance fees to museums, galleries and other attractions.

You usually have to pay upfront for the card, but will quickly recoup the cost and there’s often further discounts on partner restaurants, cafes and bars too.

Use offline maps

We’ve all become accustomed to using our phones for navigation, but roaming charges can be expensive on the continent.

Download maps to your phone when you have Wi-Fi or prior to departure so you can still get around without being stung by charges. Make sure the route to your campsite is among these.



 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Archana Reddy

North East glamping site cements relationship with mountain rescue team

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A glamping site in the North East of England has hosted a special event for members of its local mountain rescue team.

Herding Hill Farm near Haltwhistle in Hadrian’s Wall country has long supported the charity, raising much-needed funds to help run operations.

Now, it has gone one step further and welcomed the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team to the site for some well-earned rest and recuperation.

Sue Humphreys, site manager at Herding Hill, said: “Many of our guests are keen walkers and enjoy making the most of our location near Hadrian’s Wall so it’s important to us that we support charities which are close to their hearts.

“The North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team does an amazing job and we want to do everything we can to support the essential search and rescue service which they provide for our region.”

Over the past three years, fundraising efforts at the site have seen more than £1,600 being donated to the rescue crew.

Two annual charity weekends are held at Herding Mill to generate funds for the rescuers and the Great North Air Ambulance.

These are convened at Easter and Bonfire Night, when campers are asked to leave a donation in return for craft and treasure trail activities set up on site.

Collection boxes are also dotted around the site year-round, with all of the cash raised then matched by Herding Hill’s parent company and donated to the two charities.

Donations to North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team from Herding Hill Farm have enabled the purchase of some lifesaving equipment.

This includes a Starlink RV satellite system, which facilitates communication in even the most remote locations.

The team’s new swift water rescue operation is set to launch later in 2024 and Herding Hill has funded 12 throw lines to reach people in distress.

Rich Ayre, deputy team leader for the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team, said: “As a volunteer-run organisation, we depend on money raised by businesses such as Herding Hill Farm and the general public in order to continue providing our search and rescue services.

“We are very grateful for their continued support and it’s been great to be able to mark our long association with Herding Hill Farm by spending the weekend here.”

Herding Hill offers various glamping accommodation options, including wigwam cabins and luxury lodges with hot tubs, but it also has touring and tent pitches.

The spacious hardstanding serviced pitches are suitable for caravans, motorhomes and campervans and a good base for exploring Northumberland. 

Four of the touring pitches are positioned immediately opposite the amenities block for campervanners without their own facilities.

A number of large grass pitches, separated by hedges, are suitable for tents and available between Easter and October each year.

Herding Mill is a dog-friendly site, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend at home.

Real-life testing the Bailey Alora motorhome in the Dolomites

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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.

The CaravanTimes team headed off to the Dolomites with Bailey for real-life testing of the Alora slimline motorhome range. As well as a drive of over 2,000 miles and some skiing, there were two specific elements of the Alora we were keen to put through their paces: the Truma Diesel Combi D4E blown air heating and hot water system; and the Thetford 138 litre compressor fridge.

Such components have been popular on the continent for a long time, but are relatively new to the UK market. With every weather condition under the sun experienced during the trip – snow, sleet, storms, sunshine – we were able to put them through their paces. Two of the nights spent in the motorhomes were -20 degrees C!

Truma Diesel Combi D4E blown air heating and hot water system

Bailey offers the option of combi gas, the Alde and now the combi diesel systems across its ranges, but in the new Alora, customers will enjoy the diesel option. Previously, diesel heaters had been the stalwart of smaller campervans in the UK, however, on the continent they’re often used in larger leisure vehicles.

The diesel heating system is incredibly similar to the gas system, working in the same way whether you have the four kilowatts or six kilowatts options. On the way back from the Dolomites, we met with Truma and they helped us to dispel a lot of myths.

It can heat the whole van and ten litres of hot water in the same time as the gas alternative. It’s worth noting the life expectancy of the unit is very similar and the intervals for service checks are no different.

There are advantages to both systems, but with the diesel, there’s less of a reliance on gas. That means there’s no need for a large gas locker to store two 11-kilogram bottles of gas. It’s much easier to fill up, as every single petrol station has diesel and your diesel tank is a lot larger. On some motorhomes it’s 85 litres, which gives you the ability to carry a lot of fuel with you.

As the Alora is a slimline motorhome, it’s easier to drive and easier to park, but space is at a premium. Not having those gas lockers and that additional weight means more space and extra payload, which is a big selling point for the diesel system. It’s also worth considering the European touring element, as everywhere on the continent, there are different gas connectors. 

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

  • Just like the gas system has electric capability, so does the diesel alternative, so if you want to use electric-only, you can.
  • You can’t run your diesel dry. It will cut out while there’s a quarter of a tank of diesel left, allowing you to drive and fill up again.
  • When it comes to green credentials, gas does burn leaner and produce fewer emissions than diesel, but Truma has worked to certify the diesel heaters to run on biofuels when they become available.

Thetford 138 litre compressor fridge

Most people will be more familiar with absorption fridges in their motorhome, but the compressor fridge is a new addition to the Bailey leisure vehicle offering. Thetford does make both types of fridges and Bailey fits both, but on the Dolomites trip, we tested this new approach. To put these appliances in context, a compressor fridge is the type you have in your kitchen at home.

Absorption has traditionally been used in the leisure vehicle and boat industries, allowing fridges to run on gas. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of both types of fridge. The main advantage of compressor fridges, which was demonstrated at Thetford on our way home from the Dolomites, is that it keeps things significantly colder.

In a 40-degree environment with the two fridges both running, the compressor option was offering up drinks that were chilled far more effectively. Compressor fridges can also have individual shapes, enabling them to be moulded to the round or cut side of a motorhome to fit better and make worktops slimmer.

With less need for insulation, compressor fridges allow more storage space for the size of the appliance. However, they don’t run on gas, being electric only, but Thetford has done a lot of work to reduce the electrical mode and the software minimises their electric usage. With a normal battery, they can run for days, and the proliferation of things like solar panels means it shouldn’t be too big an issue.

A lot of people would be reluctant to have a compressor fridge in their motorhome due to the noise of their fridge at home. The CaravanTimes team went into a soundproof room and tested the two fridges, which had comparable decibel levels. Also, during the real-world Alora testing, nobody was kept awake at night or noticed the sound.



Travel tips to avoid holiday chaos

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While going away in your caravan or motorhome is generally a relaxing experience, there are always things you can do to make a trip go more smoothly.

This couldn’t be more true in the wake of Brexit, when travelling to the continent involves more red tape than ever before.

Luckily, the folks at FlightsFinder.com have made a few suggestions about the precautions you can take for a hassle-free holiday and the CaravanTimes team have added a few of our own too.

Shahab Siddiqui, founder of FlightsFinder.com said: “Tips to ensure the trip runs smoothly include researching the country’s passport validity rules before booking a trip and checking there are free passport stamp pages.” 

Passport validity

Soon-to-be expired passports can lead to the holder being denied entry to certain countries. For many destinations, travel documents must have at least six months left on them after departure, so it’s a good idea to follow this rule wherever you go.

Brexit changes

UK citizens are now classed as ‘third country nationals’ under EU regulations, which comes with a new set of rules to follow. For example, passports must have been issued in the past ten years no matter their validity and have at least three months left on them.

Free passport pages

If you’ve been taking your leisure vehicle to countries all over the world, it’s important to check that there are still empty pages in your passport. There must be two blank pages in your travel document to accommodate new stamps on your latest trip.

Roaming costs

Everyone has become accustomed to relying on their phone, but roaming charges abroad can soon add up. Check your roaming package before leaving the UK and switch to flight mode and only use Wi-Fi when it’s available if your provider is going to charge you daily.

UK stickers

It used to be that vehicles travelling abroad had to display a GB sticker, but these now need to say UK instead. Remember to have such stickers for both your towcar and your caravan, unless your number plates include the UK identifier.

Register your caravan

Non-commercial trailers over 3,500kg gross weight must be registered as trailers to travel to most of the EU. Check the weight of your caravan on the information plate or sticker, which is generally located on the side of your caravan by the door. Remember it will weigh more when loaded.

Sidestep Dover to Calais

When thinking about taking your caravan or motorhome to the continent, everyone immediately assumes Dover to Calais is the only route. Consider alternatives such as Newhaven to Dieppe or even Harwich to the Hook of Holland for a quieter, less stressful experience.



 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Martin Kallur

Driving in adverse weather conditions

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Storm Isha is currently battering parts of the UK, making it important to heed warnings and cut down on non-essential trips.

For when travel can’t be avoided, however, Select Van Leasing has shared a list of tips for how to stay safe on the road.

Always remember that caravans and motorhomes handle differently to other vehicles, so there are additional elements to consider.

Weight distribution

Think carefully about how you pack your leisure vehicle and its weight limits. This is true for all journeys, but especially when there are high winds like there are at the moment.

Graham Conway, managing director of Select Van Leasing, said: “Ensure that your van’s load has been distributed evenly to maintain an appropriate balance for the size of your vehicle and that anything loaded into your van is properly secured.”

Exceeding your caravan’s weight limit could result in a fine or even jail time, as well as presenting safety issues.

Give yourself extra time

Rushing to complete a journey is never a good idea, but time pressures during bad weather can be disastrous.

Mr Conway said: “Make sure to factor in that you may encounter severe road conditions throughout your journey, so leave plenty of time to get from A to B in a safe and timely manner.”

Inform the campsite that you may arrive later due to taking extra care on the roads or expect to return from your trip later as a result.

Reduce your speed and brake with care

Take care to accelerate and brake as gently as it’s safe to do, in order to prevent wheelspin and a loss of traction.

Extreme weather can make your caravan or motorhome behave in a way you’re not expecting, so driving at a slower speed and not braking suddenly reduces the chance of an accident occurring.

Mr Conway confirmed: “Whether you’re in a car or a van, you should always lower your speed when there’s snow or ice on the ground to ensure complete control over your vehicle in treacherous conditions.”

Increase the distance between vehicles

Leave more space than usual between your van and the vehicle in front of you to allow for increased stopping distance, which could double in wet conditions and multiply by ten on snow or ice.

Mr Conway added: “A loaded van has additional weight which increases the van’s momentum, making it more challenging to bring the vehicle to a stop.”

Hopefully you won’t need to come to a sudden stop, but braking unexpectedly is always a possibility and crashing into the vehicle in front is a real risk.

Maintain visibility

Cleaning the windscreen is an obvious task for most people before they set off on a journey, but make sure you have visibility elsewhere too.

Lift the windscreen wipers away from the glass the night before a trip to prevent the wipers from freezing in place and top up cleaning fluid to make sure any dirty marks are easily removed.

“You should ensure you can see clearly out of all windows and also clear any snow from the roof of your van, as you could be penalised if it were to fall onto the windscreen or into the path of another road user,” Mr Conway summarised.



 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Frames For Your Heart

Motorhomes are no longer just white boxes

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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.

Once again I’m privileged to have been asked to judge the Caravan and Motorhome Club Motorhome & Campervan Design Awards and Buyers Guide. While I can’t make any comment on the specific entries at this stage, I’ve been blown away by the ever-expanding choices available in the motorhome market.

These awards are the largest and most thorough within the industry, overseen by a dedicated team at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, as well as a panel of independent judges. Before we go to the February show and see the entrants in the flesh, we spend three weeks scoring them based on their handbooks and websites.

While it’s an intense period of scrutiny, it means I’ve had the opportunity to get a really great feel for the market. Going back only ten years, the choice was confined to an array of white boxes on Fiat chassis. You could have a small one, a medium one, a large one or a very large one, but with very little to differentiate the interior between brands, ranges and models. 

Now this market has exploded! It’s the fastest-growing segment in the leisure vehicle industry with the sale of coachbuilts and A-classes both increasing. Here are some of the things I’ve noticed during the digital part of the judging and through my general exposure to the motorhome industry recently.

Innovative design features

Among the innovations that demonstrate how far motorhomes have come from being a standard white box is a coachbuilt with an over-the-cab bed that inflates. That means you don’t have a big windsock while you’re driving, but there’s lots of thermally-insulated space to sleep.

There are now comfortable lounges in motorhomes and U-shaped rear-end living rooms, with drop-down beds above that offer the best of both worlds. Having a great seating area complete with a bed you can leave made up is transformative.

Motorhomes from different vehicle suppliers

There are now motorhomes from so many different suppliers, whether base vehicles or direct from the factory. We have VW, Fiat, Citroen, Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes, which means there’s much more choice and driving configurations than there’s ever been in the UK motorhome market.

Manufacturers are listening to consumers

Among the features that really work for the motorhome lifestyle are:

  • Showers that can be turned into a massive storage closet if you prefer to use on-site facilities.
  • Drying facilities in the back of motorhomes or in the garages, complete with power and lighting.
  • Motorhome storage lockers that can be detached and carried out and used as bags.
  • USB-C chargers in the habitation areas and completely wireless bluetooth entertainment systems.
  • Lights that can be moved around on sliding rails or that can be detached from one part of your motorhome and used elsewhere.

Motorhomes designed for lifestyles

Motorhomes have been developed that run inverters and huge batteries meaning you can go off grid for days on end, cook on electric hotplates and boil your kettles. This is just the beginning, as there are some vehicles that have been designed with specific lifestyle needs in mind.

These include 4x4s with jacked up suspension; small models that can carry four bikes inside the vehicle and convert the space to sleep six people; and eight-berth motorhomes for large families.

Rapidly-expanding market

From specialist vehicles to innovative design features through to even having a motorhome with a washing machine and air compressor in the garage, the market has come a long way. It’s easy to see why it’s growing so quickly and why everyone can find a motorhome that suits them. Prices range from £50,000 to £500,000 new and there’s so much choice and distinction in this rapidly-expanding market.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Alexander Schimmeck

Discover British TV and film locations in your motorhome

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TV and film can be a great form of escapism, but now you can escape to the real-life locations from some of your favourite on-screen moments.

Pack up your motorhome or caravan and head to the destinations used as sets for the likes of Saltburn and Bridgerton.

The travel experts at Quotezone.co.uk have put together a few suggestions to inspire your next adventure inspired by a trend known as set-jetting.

Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “The UK is known for its passion for great TV, with Brits spending nearly three hours a day watching broadcast TV content alone. 

“The nation’s love affair with television and film continued last year and viewers were treated to an array of acclaimed hits.

“Fans of last year’s major triumphs in the TV and film industry can now plan a trip around the country to immerse themselves in real-life settings.”

Happy Valley – West Yorkshire

Filmed in the Calder Valley region of West Yorkshire, the BBC’s Happy Valley has gone on to achieve Bafta success. The small market towns of Hebden Bridge, Luddenden and Todmorden feature heavily within the series.

Follow in the footsteps of Catherine Cawood, Tommy Lee Royce and others as you walk the cobbled streets and soak up the iconic landscapes. The towns provide a stunning backdrop to the crime drama, so they’re worth seeing for yourself.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Shonda Rhimes’ prequel spin-off to Bridgerton has proved just as popular as the original show and features many of the UK’s most prestigious stately homes. Blenheim Palace deserves a special mention, however, as it doubles up as Buckingham House.

Not only is this the residence of King George, but also where the scenes of the memorable final ball take place. Since Buckingham House made way for Buckingham Palace, Blenheim Palace is the closest you can get to this English Baroque gem in modern times.

Saltburn – Drayton House, Northamptonshire 

Emerald Fennell’s satire of wealth and extravagance puts the Catton family’s flamboyant estate front and centre. The scenes depicted are mainly filmed at Drayton House and the film has seen fans flocking to visit.

Hopefully your caravan trip to see the Grade I-listed mansion won’t be as dramatic as the experiences of Felix, Oliver et al, but it’s still likely to be memorable. Just perhaps don’t head into the hedge maze alone!

Fool Me Once – Arley Hall, Cheshire

TV fans can be forgiven for thinking that the country house location used as Farmwood in Netflix’s Fool Me Once looks a little familiar. It was also put to work as the set of Tommy Shelby’s home in Peaky Blinders.

Arley Hall therefore has good TV pedigree. As well as the Grade II-listed building, the estate boasts an attractive chapel and extensive gardens. Pitch up close by to enjoy a day out exploring this North West gem.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production



Overcome Blue Monday with your caravan or motorhome

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Blue Monday falls at the beginning of the third week in January each year and is said to be the most depressing day of the year, but it doesn’t have to be.

While it’s true that finances tend to be depleted after Christmas, the weather can be dreary and the novelty of being back at work has worn off, there’s still hope.

Caravan and motorhome enthusiasts can use their leisure vehicle to help improve their spirits today and in the weeks to come.

Create a cosy hideaway

It may not be practical to head off in your caravan or motorhome right now, but it’s still a great resource even if it’s just parked in your driveway.

Use your leisure vehicle as a cosy escape from the pressures of the modern world. Fill it with comfy cushions and blankets, and spend an hour or two reading or listening to music there after work.

Just getting away from the usual routine can be enough to feel refreshed, so create your own little sanctuary.

Get out in nature

Green and blue therapy, which essentially means getting out into nature, has been linked to a number of physical and mental health benefits.

It can be difficult to get motivated to spend time outside when it’s cold, but your caravan or motorhome is a great way to facilitate more time in the countryside or by the sea.

Take your vehicle out for the day and after a walk, cycle, swim or other activity, you’ve got the perfect place to get warm and cosy again.

Plan an adventure

Anticipation is a powerful emotion and looking forward to a trip away is a great way to lift your spirits, so start planning your next adventure now.

Perhaps you were given some caravanning books for Christmas or you’ve been thinking about tackling a long-distance route like the NC500 for a while?

January is a great time to get into the finer details of planning your next adventure, as your social diary is likely to have calmed down and there’s still time to book campsites before the summer.

Give yourself a sense of purpose

If you used your caravan or motorhome as a breakout space when relatives were staying over the holidays or a handy place to store and wrap Christmas presents, it might be time for a tidy up.

Cleaning out cupboards, wiping down surfaces and giving your leisure vehicle an airing by opening windows means it’ll be in fine shape for the next time you head out in it.

Your van is a relatively small space, so it won’t take long to get it looking good, giving you a sense of achievement, which is always good for boosting a low mood.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Roberto Nygaard