Regular UK breaks beat overseas holidays for 70% of Brits

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Smaller, regular breaks in the UK are preferable over an annual overseas trip for 70 per cent of Brits, according to new research.

Park Leisure asked 2,000 people how they’d prefer to approach holidays and the results suggest that the great British staycation could be here to stay.

Looking into the reasons for this shift in attitude, the main motivations for most participants’ response were spending less time travelling and reconnecting with nature in the great outdoors.

Caravan and motorhome staycations have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to enjoy more of the British countryside.

Another consideration, which was important for 24 per cent of respondents to the survey, was being able to bring pets on holiday with them.

Once the fundamentals of a trip have been decided, holidaymakers can consider elements like outdoor activities and the facilities at a holiday park.

Added benefits of regular breaks at home as opposed to going abroad include making the most of annual leave allowances, better impact on mental health and being able to support local businesses.

Carole Ann Rice, life coach at The Real Coaching Co, said: “Holidays give us something special to look forward to, a break from the norm, a destination on the horizon that is worth looking forward to.

“The anticipation can be as thrilling as the event itself.”

Those who have invested in a caravan or motorhome are likely to want to make the most of it and enjoy the flexibility of being able to get away more often and at shorter notice.

Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, said: “Holidays can be so beneficial to us both mentally and physically, so we’re thrilled that the nation is keen to take smaller, regular holidays.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Greg Willson

Caravan dealership to lead convoy to Ukraine-Poland border

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Members of the team from Preston Caravans and Motorhomes are to lead a convoy containing humanitarian aid to Ukraine’s border with Poland.

The drivers are all volunteers and will be joined by an interpreter, who has experience in taking the trip to help those displaced by the ongoing war with Russia.

They will be heading to the village of Medyka, which is one of the main border crossings between the two countries.

Setting off on April 6th, the convoy will carry specialised medical equipment, winter baby clothes, satellite phones and walkie talkies, which have been collected ahead of the journey.

Working with Ukraine Border Action, the group is tasked with collecting 36 refugees, who are due to be reunited with loved ones and sponsors in the UK and Europe.

The convoy will be travelling with a motorhome, which will be used as a support vehicle to facilitate medical treatment and child nursing requirements on the return journey.

As the refugees are women, children and the elderly, the Preston Caravans group has thought carefully about how it can use its position in the leisure vehicle industry to provide for their specific needs.

Charlotte Campbell, marketing director at Preston Caravans and Motorhomes, will be one of the team members making the trip.

She told CaravanTimes: “I personally was always so interested in my grandma telling me about her parents welcoming in an evacuee during World War Two. She would just say ‘well they needed help and we could give that help’, and watching the news about Ukraine made me think of that sentiment.

“These people need help, and we have the means to help them. Most of our passengers back to the UK are women around my age with small children. If it was me or my friends in danger, I would hope that someone would lend us a hand.”

The group is currently fundraising for fuel, accommodation, ferry fees and food for the volunteers and refugees.

It estimates that costs will come to £12,000 and has set up a JustGiving page for anyone in the caravan and motorhome community to donate to the cause.

Bird calls to listen out for on your next caravan trip

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One of the best things about being on a caravan getaway is the opportunity to get out into the countryside and reconnect with nature.

As soon as you start tuning into your natural surroundings, you’ll start to notice little things, such as bird calls.

If you’ve ever wondered which species you can hear from your caravan, Katie Ogden of ReSound has put together a guide to some of the bird calls that can be detected in the UK.

Nightingale

If you’re setting up camp at a caravan site near lots of woodland in the south east of the UK, then there’s a chance you might hear the high-pitched lilting call of the nightingale.

Capable of creating more than 1,000 different sounds, the nightingale is noisiest at night. Listen out for it in Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Norfolk, Sussex and Lincolnshire.

Spotted flycatcher

You’ll have to listen very carefully to catch the quiet call of the spotted flycatcher, which is often likened to the sound of a creaky door or a wheelbarrow.

Late spring is the best time to detect these birds, although sadly they’re a diminishing species. If you’re caravanning in Devon, Kent or Scotland in the next few months, you might just have a chance.

Woodlark

Woodlarks are renowned for their beautiful song and are often heard before being seen. Listen out for their distinctive lullu-ing that rises and falls in pitch and volume.

At this time of year, woodlarks are often nesting in the southern heathlands of the New Forest; Surrey and Berkshire heaths; and Breckland and Suffolk heaths.

Nightjar

While the nightjar’s call can’t be called beautiful, it certainly is impressive, due to its unique ability to remain unbroken for many minutes at a time.

Expect to hear the almost mechanical sound as it rises and falls on a long summer’s evening in Somerset’s Quantock Hills; the New Forest, the Dorset and Surrey heathlands; and Thetford Forest in Suffolk.

Puffin

A caravan holiday at the coast is always improved by a puffin spotting trip, if it’s the right season, but have you ever thought about the purring, growling sound these beautiful seabirds make?

It’s hard to believe they’re on the red list of endangered birds when you see the huge numbers of them gathered in colonies between April and August. Head to Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, the sea cliffs north of Scarborough, the Pembrokeshire coast, the Farne Islands, and along the north Cornish coast.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Ray Hennessy

12 EV charging points installed at Norfolk holiday park

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Range anxiety and towing capabilities are just two of the concerns caravanners have about investing in an electric car.

Now, a holiday park in Norfolk is aiming to help visitors overcome at least one of these issues with the installation of 12 electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Searles Leisure Resort in Hunstanton has responded to an increased demand for high-speed charging infrastructure as more of its customers are moving away from diesel and petrol cars.

Andrew Searle, director of the family-run park, said: “I hope our initiative will help increase even further the appeal of north-west Norfolk as a holiday destination and boost the benefits which tourism brings to all types of businesses.

“We fully recognise the importance of encouraging more drivers to make the switch to electric and believe that this move will help provide the extra confidence they need. We also understand how important it is to do our part in reducing the environmental impact caused by CO2 emissions.”

The charging points installed at Searles Leisure Resort are part of the Pod Park network, which operates more than 6,000 charging bays across the UK.

EV charging is just the latest innovation to be implemented at the holiday park, which has remained in the family since Mr Searle’s grandfather founded it in the 1920s.

His ancestor famously offered pitches in return for a bag of potatoes and while the cost of its 300 touring spots are now a little more expensive, Searles Leisure Resort retains its warm welcome.

The RAC estimates there are approximately 395,000 EVs being driven in the UK, with 190,000 of them registered in 2021. This figure does not take into account the 308,000 plug-in hybrids that are also in use.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/CHUTTERSNAP

Is it time to return to the continent?

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Two years after the UK was plunged into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’re asking if it’s time to return to touring on the continent?

Ed Bassett, head of wanderlust at Camptoo, certainly thinks so and he’s selected his favourite places to take a campervan, caravan or motorhome in Europe.

The French Riviera – four days

Follow in the footsteps of film stars, directors and artists who’ve all enjoyed Monaco, Nice and Antibes over the years.

“Boasting warm temperatures and cinematic views, road trips don’t get more glamorous than driving along the famed French Riviera,” Mr Bassett added.

Bilbao to Bordeaux – seven days

Take a week to explore this picture-perfect coastal route, stopping off at surfing spots including Lacanau, Biscarrose, Mimizan, Zarautz and Seignosse along the way.

Food and wine – once the campervan’s parked up – will not be far from your mind, as you travel through famed wine regions and sample delicious oysters and other local ingredients.

The Arctic fjords – five days

Experienced drivers can take to the road and see the breathtaking scenery of Norway firsthand, as the stunning fjords contrast with the rugged mountains.

Reindeer, elk and eagles are all common sights on van trips in this part of the world, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers.

Rhine Valley – two days

In just two days, you can drive the 65 kilometres of the Rhine Valley, discovering the incredible history and atmospheric castles of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Described as the most romantic road trip in Germany, it’s possible to get lost in your own fairytale for a weekend.

Amalfi Coast – four days

Making your way between Ravello, Positano, Minori and Maiori, and the island of Capri, you’ll stumble across perfumed lemon groves and small fishing villages.

Cap your trip off with a panoramic view of the sunset at Sorrento for the quintessential Italian experience.
Mr Bassett said: “A road trip is a fantastic way to pack in as many sites as possible during your holiday, and a great option for those looking to tick off some bucket list destinations.

“There’s really nothing as freeing as being able to travel where and when you like, safe in the knowledge that you have everything you need with you.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tom Podmore

Route YC aims to be the accessible tourism option

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As the Yorkshire coast launches a new tourism offering dubbed Route YC, CaravanTimes caught up with its CEO Kerry Carruthers to get the lowdown.

The aim of Route YC is to put the Yorkshire coast on the map as a top tourist destination, making it as easily accessible as possible. Kerry pointed out that heading to the region for a day trip only lets visitors explore it on a surface level, while a multi-day break in a caravan or motorhome would let them “truly experience it”.

A different route-based adventure

Many of the tourism experiences based around a route have a similar premise, but Kerry says that Route YC has the element of time on its side. While you could take a week off work and enjoy the coast for seven days, it’s also possible to access itineraries and enjoy the area just for a weekend.

She said: “The overall aim is for people to do it all in numerous different ways – from walking and cycling to travelling by caravan – and Route YC will keep evolving.”

Kerry also mentioned she wanted to champion visiting outside of the summer season. She said that it may be “bitingly cold outside in January, February and March, but it’s still beautiful”. With less traffic on the roads, it’s easier to get around and discover the coastline.

Investing in infrastructure

Route YC has liaised with local businesses, many of which are involved in the initiative, and will be working to provide additional infrastructure to the area. Points along the route will benefit from extra electric car charging points and facilities to make bike repairs, as it prepares for an influx of tourists.

App and tailored itineraries

The initiative has already launched its website, but is set to roll out the second phase in June when visitors will be able to make use of a new app and tailored itineraries. Among the features will be specific information for caravanners and motorhomers.

Kerry said they want to make using Route YC as easy and accessible as possible, breaking the area down into bite size chunks and offering behind the scenes information to get the best out of a trip.

Kerry’s favourite itinerary

With so many options on Route YC, we asked Kerry how she would approach planning her own break on the Yorkshire coast.

“Personally, I’d be heading to Spurn Point, which is a wild and wonderful area. It’s Yorkshire’s own Land’s End. Then I’d go to Patrington, a cute village with great food and drink, ending up at Turnstall, with its history and small coves,” she said.

“Between Withernsea and Patrington there’s Fairview Lodges, which is the perfect place to get away from it all while still being close to the coast. There really is the best of both worlds in Yorkshire. We’ve got the countryside and the coast.”

Kerry says this trip, starting at the southern end of Route YC, would take at least three days to complete, but could easily be added to for anyone with more time on their hands. She pointed out the variety on offer, from the chance to go fossil hunting and castles to explore to golfing, beach destinations and seal watching trips for families.

Must-have souvenir

If you take one thing away from your Route YC trip, Kerry says it should be a sunrise or sunset picture. She recommends heading to the beach at Mappleton, which is not far from Hornsea, to create your own magical moments and snap the sun rising or setting as the perfect souvenir to take home with you.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Stephen Ingham

Goboony offers some Easter inspiration

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Easter traditionally marks the beginning of the touring season and the four-day weekend, which this year falls on April 15th to 18th, is nearly upon us.

As the weather starts to improve in the UK, attractions throw open their doors and some put on special events, it’s a great time to start enjoying the touring lifestyle.

For the past two years, pandemic restrictions have put a dampener on Easter trips, which means families up and down the country are more eager than ever to enjoy a spring getaway in 2022.

With this in mind, campervan hire firm Goboony is offering some inspiration on motorhomes to rent and where to take them depending on your needs.

For example, it recommends this four-berth van with two showers for families looking to take advantage of attractions such as Peppa Pig World near Southampton.

Active families can have a go at everything from sailing to raft building and swimming at the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre in Greater Manchester with a dog-friendly motorhome for four.

Pack up the whole family, and perhaps the kids can bring a couple of friends, to explore Pembrokeshire’s Dinosaur Park from the comfort of a six-bed motorhome.

There’s plenty of room for bikes, paddleboards and other sporting equipment in this off-grid adventure van in Aberdeen with the lure of Newburgh Beach close by.

Meander through the North Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in style in a six-berth motorhome fitted with a solar panel and bike rack.

Try this VW T5 in and around Swansea for the ultimate luxury experience, complete with mood lighting, as well as all the facilities for four people.

Goboony has seen a 545 per cent increase in motorhome bookings for the Easter weekend this year compared to 2019, highlighting the desire for many to hit the open road.

The hire company offers more than 6,000 leisure vehicles on its platform and has facilitated holidays for in excess of 100,000 people across the UK, the Netherlands, Italy and Belgium.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/RODNAE Productions

CAMC’s Experience Freedom still has spring availability

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With daffodils starting to bloom and the days beginning to feel a little longer, there’s no doubt that spring is in the air.

Here at CaravanTimes, that can only mean one thing – holiday parks reopening for the season.

While many of you will be taking your caravan or motorhome out of winter storage, others may be looking for alternative accommodation on your first trip of the year.

This is where the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Experience Freedom comes in, offering glamping, camping and motorhome hire in idyllic locations across the UK.

What’s more, there’s still availability on many of the Club’s sites for these options, whether you’re looking to treat mum on Mother’s Day or enjoy a family getaway this Easter.

Among the possibilities are glamping pods at Moreton-in-Marsh is the Cotswolds, which sleep two adults and two children, with en suite facilities and cooking equipment.

Or why not book a stay in a glamping cabin at Penrith’s Troutbeck Head, where six guests can enjoy the incomparable views of Blencathra?!

Take the kids on a good old-fashioned adventure to Southlands on the Isle of Wight, where you can stay in safari tents and cook your meals at the barbecue station.

Choose glamping pods or cabins at Cayton Village for easy access to Yorkshire’s coast at Scarborough, just four miles away.

If you fancy a city break, then Abbey Wood is situated with great transport links to London and is offering cabins and pods too.

Prices for Experience Freedom accommodation start at £79 a night. While non-members can book these options, CAMC members receive a ten per cent discount, as well as a number of other benefits.

The CAMC was founded in 1907 and has around one million members. It operates more than 2,700 sites in the UK and abroad.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/baikang yuan

Top tips for taking a trip with your dog

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Camping and caravanning trips are a great way to take a trip with your four-legged friend in tow, with plenty of opportunities for you and your dog to explore the great outdoors.

While a touring holiday or accommodation under canvas can help to keep things flexible, there’s still a few measures you can take to ensure your dog is content on your travels.

Caroline Spencer, natural canine behaviourist at Bella & Duke, has shared her top tips holidaying with your pet pooch.

Create a doggy checklist

Making a list of everything you need for your pet, including their favourite toy, food, lead and water bowl will ensure you don’t leave any of the essentials behind.

Research your destination

Getting information in advance about dog-friendly places in the local area and good walking routes will help prevent any unforeseen hiccups.

Plan for comfortable travel

Consider your dog’s comfort in the car or motorhome during your journey, with shades to block out direct sun, regular stops and plenty of air conditioning.

Refrain from washing the dog bed

Tempting as it might be to freshen up your dog’s bed prior to your holiday, allowing it to maintain the familiar smells from home will keep your pooch calm.

Let your dog explore

Giving your pet a chance to explore the area as soon as you arrive will help them to acclimatise quickly and feel safe in their surroundings.

Keep the dog food fresh

If your dog is used to a raw food diet, you can transport its meals in a cool bag with ice packs or invest in a small plug-in freezer for your caravan or motorhome.

Pack treats

Rewarding your dog with treats for a successful journey and settling down in your destination is a good idea, so don’t forget to bring them with you.

Choose activities you’ll both enjoy

Think about the types of things both you and your dog enjoy doing together and organise an itinerary that incorporates them into your holiday.

Keep things the same

Consistency is key for dogs, so be sure to act the same way with them on your camping or caravan trip as you would at home.

Pack water for longer walks

One of the benefits of being away from everyday life is the chance to take your dog on longer walks, so make sure they stay well hydrated.

Ms Spencer said: “Going on holiday should be fun for both you and your dog. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together, away from work and other distractions.

“It’s important to find the right balance between bringing some home comforts, like their cosy bed or favourite toy, and going out, exploring nature and having new adventures.”

Explore the Yorkshire coast with Route YC

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The US has Route 66, Scotland has the NC500 and now Yorkshire has Route YC – six itineraries designed to help you make the most of the county’s coastline that are perfect for exploring in a caravan or motorhome.

Each itinerary is based around a different location – Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea, Scarborough, Whitby and Withernsea – with the organisers suggesting visitors plan stays of three, five or seven days.

While the project is in its infancy, it would be good to see it expanded to show how the individual areas are linked. After all, the beauty of touring is being able to explore multiple locations on a single trip.

The official website states: “Your Route YC experience will take you from Yorkshire’s very own Lands’ End in the south through to smuggler coves and quaint fishing villages in the north, with abbeys, water sports, and seafood delights in abundance along the way.”

It suggests taking in the Georgian buildings and priory in Bridlington, learning to surf near Filey, and following the Pottery Trail in Hornsea.

Meanwhile, you can indulge in fresh shellfish in Scarborough, hike to Falling Foss waterfall near Whitby, and hunt for fossils at Tunstall Beach in Withernsea.

Creating a bespoke trip around your passion, whether that be food, history or wildlife, would be fairly straightforward, but at present, such routes haven’t been outlined on the website.

An interactive app is in the pipeline, which should help caravan and motorhome owners plan trips in the future.

Tori Gower, manager of Scarborough Surf School, said: “It’s fabulous to be part of Route YC. It’s a brilliant opportunity to show off everything the Yorkshire coast has to offer.”

Those who take on Route YC are encouraged to share their experiences with the hashtag #EnjoyTheRide across social media.

CampervanCo to launch one of the most sustainable campervans in the world

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CampervanCo unveiled the Ford Transit Custom Evolution Eco Camper at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show in Birmingham last month.

The model represents the next generation in low emission leisure vehicles and utilises pioneering hybrid technology to deliver up to 26 miles on a single zero-emission, electric charge.

Anyone concerned with range anxiety will be reassured with a one-litre Eco Boost range-extender engine.

CampervanCo designs and custom builds campervans, championing environmentally-friendly solutions to reduce the impact of the lifestyle, which is all about getting out and enjoying the great outdoors.

In 2016, the Scottish based company was the first manufacturer globally to produce fully hybrid and tribrid (natural gas, petrol and electric power) 4WD vans.

As well as being the lowest carbon emitting campervan the firm has ever offered, the Ford Evolution Eco Camper features modular, lightweight kitchen units, enhanced insulation for improved climate control and a hot water dispenser.

There’s also phone and tablet charging stations, optional Wi-Fi technology, an elevating roof and a lift-up bed space suitable for two adults.

Everything in the camper has been carefully considered to be as lightweight as possible, ensuring unrivalled fuel economy.

The 1,000 watt solar panel adds to the eco credentials and helps to boost the 3,000 watt leisure battery to power the cooking appliances and lighting.

Gary Hayes, CEO at CampervanCo said: “At CampervanCo we have set out ambitious targets to be entirely emissions-free by 2025, five years ahead of the government’s own commitments.

“The Ford Evolution Eco Camper is the next evolution in this strategy, providing motorists with 26 miles on electric charge, with an extender that allows them to discover new places without any anxiety about whether they will reach their destination.

“The campervan was first created to allow people to discover the natural world around them. There is an intrinsic connection to the outdoors and as such we have a responsibility to ensure we are doing all we can to limit our impact on the places we visit.”

 

 

Photo credit: Peter Sandground

Easter weekend bookings up by a third, says Camping and Caravanning Club

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Bookings at Camping and Caravanning Club sites across the UK are up by 33 per cent for the Easter weekend compared to 2019.

Easter traditionally marks the start of the touring season and is characterised by a buzz as parks that close for the winter reopen to guests.

For the past two years, however, things have been disrupted by the pandemic, making 2019 the last year that sites could fully take advantage of the nationwide holiday.

Staycations have risen in popularity over the course of the pandemic and now that restrictions are lifted, caravan sites will be making the most of the opportunity to welcome visitors.

Simon McGrath, head of communications and external relations at the Club, said: “Easter is a really popular time for camping that signals the start of the season.

“With the exception of Wales allowing campsites to open last year for Welsh residents, we missed out on the previous two Easters but this year looks certain to make up for lost time with strong bookings and a significant increase in the number of campers heading to our Club sites.”

He added that a record number of people had signed up as members of the Club last year, meaning site teams will be focusing on ensuring newcomers have the best experience possible.

To prevent issues upon arrival, the Club recommends that newbies carry out a few simple tasks before setting off on their camping or caravan holiday.

These include pitching your tent in the garden as a test run, making a kit list of items you’ll need, airing sleeping bags or bedding, checking gas hoses for cracks or bulges, and carrying out basic vehicle checks.

The Club operates nearly 100 sites across the UK, including the Sandringham Club site within the royal estate in Norfolk, St Davids in Pembrokeshire and Oban in Scotland.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Gabe Pierce