Forest Holidays offers a royal wedding escape for caravanners

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by Gemma Roskell

Some can’t wait to join in the royal wedding celebrations. Others are keen to get as far away from the revelry at possible.

Those in the latter category have been encouraged to take a relaxing break at a Forest Holidays site on April 29th.

The group points out that with Easter falling the weekend before the wedding and an extra bank holiday to enjoy, families could effectively take an 11-day holiday.

Forest Holidays is a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the Camping and Caravanning Club, and offers 21 secluded camping and caravanning sites in some of the UK’s most beautiful woodland.

According to Forest Holidays, “if the dream royal wedding is more your idea of a royal nightmare, there are miles of forest trails ideal for walking or cycling away from it all”.

The organisation can also arrange adventure activities from orienteering and horse riding to high wire and even archery.

Sites are located across England, Scotland and Wales. Popular locations include the Forest of Dean, Glenmore and Norfolk.

REVIEW: Pictures, prices and layout of the Bailey Orion 450/5

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by Holly Tribe

Since its launch last month the Bailey Orion has been mooted as the Bailey Ranger replacement. Yet the compact layouts carry an enhanced level of kit that is more commonly found in pricier ranges.

The largest of the four models is the Orion 450/5; a superb option for families on tour. There’s a dedicated kids room at the rear with an L-shaped dinette and triple bunks on the far side – each with its own window.

Space & Practicality

Despite the new curved rear end, Bailey manages not to lose too much key headroom inside. The ceiling’s slope begins where the triple bunks and kid’s dinette are located which means the reduced headspace is not too noticeable. (Pictured below courtesy of Lady Bailey)

The kids room in the back can be closed off with a retractable partition wall for a bit of extra privacy and there’s a decent amount of storage up front with deep overhead lockers running along each side. The washroom is on the small side, but to fit a twin dinette, triple bunk configuration into a single axle van will mean the odd compromise has to be made.

Equipment & Comfort

There’s a surprising level of kit that comes as standard for this price range. An 800w microwave, CD/MP3/ radio system, and the innovative Whale blown air underfloor heating system are all included in the basic package. The kitchens are well equipped with a 3-burner hob, combination oven/ grill and a 107 litre fridge with a full width freezer section.

Furnishings

The cabinetry is finished with a ‘Walnut’ veneer and the furnishing scheme is in bright, beige fabrics with red accent cushions. There are contrasting beige locker doors to the front and in the kitchen and the overall effect is fresh and modern.

But it’s touches like the Belfast style sink in the washroom, which comes as standard across the whole Alu-Tech series, that gives this caravan a feeling of solidity and polish that can be difficult to achieve in entry level vans.

Safety & Security
AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser, AL-KO chassis, AL-KO secure receiver with optional wheel lock. Better weight distribution with the gas locker housing now located above the axle, with the hatch located next to the entrance.

  • Price: £12,995
  • MTPLM: 1,287kg
  • MRO: 1,130kg
  • Axle: single
  • Berth: 5
  • Overall width: 2.19
  • Internal height: 1.96m

Caravan Club publishes Continental Caravanning brochure

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by Gemma Roskell

Families planning caravan holidays in Europe will find all the information they need in the new Continental Caravanning brochure from the Caravan Club.

The 2011 edition contains details of ferry crossings and times for those taking their motor homes overseas, as well as listings for Caravan Club sites.

There is also information on new sites in France, Italy and Croatia. And a variety of discounts are available to Caravan Club members on ferry crossings and touring pitches.

For those who enjoy exploring new places, the brochure features several tours and excursions, including those specifically designed for motor caravanners.

“With its picturesque front cover, it is bursting with beautiful destinations and exceptional offers, providing more travel options than ever and no shortage of inspiration for those touring the continent,” the club stated.

“Long-established relationships with the major ferry operators and over 200 sites ensure the club can offer excellent levels of service at very competitive rates.”

Click here to read the Continental Caravanning e-brochure

TV show by Michael Portillo boosts caravan park popularity

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by Gemma Roskell

A caravan park in Wales is enjoying a boost in popularity thanks to a TV series hosted by former politician Michael Portillo.

According to the North Wales Weekly News, Riverside Touring Park in Betws-y-Coed has been inundated with visitor enquiries since the picturesque village appeared in an episode of Great British Railways.

Mr Portillo stopped off in the rural hamlet during a train journey from Ledbury to Holyhead, visiting the railway museum and the famous waterfall Swallow Falls.

Rosemary Roberts, manager of the Riverside Touring Park, said she is now expecting a record year for the site, with all of its pitches already booked for every bank holiday in 2011.

“Michael Portillo’s programme has certainly put Betws-y-Coed on the map and many of the people who have booked with us have mentioned seeing it,” she remarked. “The programme showed off the village in a very good light.”

Riverside Touring Park lies in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and has recently been subject to a £4 million refurbishment programme to provide luxury five-star facilities.

It is home to 60 touring pitches, a fully equipped laundry, an on-site shop selling caravan accessories, a baby changing room and full facilities for the disabled.

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Caravan Club sponsors Wildlife Whisperer by Simon King

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by Gemma Roskell

The Caravan Club is hoping to cement its relationship with the natural environment by sponsoring a new online venture called Wildlife Whisperer.

Founded by cameraman and TV presenter Simon King, the internet community wildlifewhisperer.tv seeks to connect people from around the world who share an interest in watching, photographing and filming the natural world.

Users will be able to pick up hints and tips from fellow wildlife enthusiasts on where to spot animals and plants, how to take the perfect picture and which equipment to use.

The Caravan Club said the venture sits well alongside its Boosting Biodiversity programme, which aims to help caravanners make the most of the wildlife and nature around them.

Lawrence Bate, director of marketing at the Caravan Club, said: “The club is pleased to be part of this wonderful project.

“We know our members already have a great affinity with the natural world – how can they not? When you pitch up on a caravan or motor caravan your doorstep becomes a gateway directly to it.”

Despair for caravan towcar owners as petrol prices hit £6 a gallon

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by Marcus Dubois

In the last few weeks Caravan Times has added its voice to the growing number of organisations and individuals protesting against the rising price of fuel. While Britain finds itself still in the throes of recession, the cost of owning and using a towcar is becoming difficult for some households to bear.

And it appears things are not getting easier for caravanners after petrol prices reached a historic high today. For the first time in history prices broke through the £6-a-gallon barrier – and analysts report there will be further increases.

According to the AA, the average price of petrol is now 132.12p a litre. Meanwhile diesel has also made the history books at a record 137.92p a litre. Since the beginning of 2011 the cost of petrol has risen by 6.93p a litre, and the AA revealed it has increased by 1.68p in the last week alone.

Unrest in the Middle East

The motoring organisation calculated that for a family with two petrol cars the monthly cost of fuel has risen from £242.70 in March 2010 to £280.54 today. A number of caravanners are two-car households, owning both a daily runaround and a dedicated towcar vehicle.

While part of the increase can be attributed to rising fuel duty and VAT, the instability in the Middle East and North Africa is a major factor. The price of a barrel of oil has risen sharply from $85 a barrel to $113, and economists believe this is just the beginning.

“The writing’s been on the wall for months”

AA president Edmund King has been an outspoken campaigner on the issue of rising fuel prices, and was disappointed by today’s announcement.


He said: “£6 a gallon is not just another milestone along the road to higher fuel prices, it marks the point at which the wheels start to come off mobility in 21st-century UK.

“Lower-income drivers, poorer rural residents, volunteer drivers, youngsters looking to their first jobs are some of the vulnerable groups struggling to stay on the road.

“The Government must act urgently to reduce the burden of high fuel duty and VAT. In the meantime, drivers are going to have to manage as best as they can, by cutting out journeys, driving more economically and hoping that a stronger pound will cushion some of the blow.

“But these high prices are already leaving casualties among drivers, consumers and business.”

Has the increase in petrol prices stopped you caravanning as much? Click here to have your say in our forum topic

VIDEO: Tour the Elddis Xplore 304 – the UK’s lightest 4 berth caravan

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by Marcus Dubois

The Xplore 304 from Elddis Caravans is the UK’s lightest 4 berth caravan on the market today. Launched at Boat & Caravan 2011, it has proved an instant hit with the caravanning general public.

It follows on from the huge success of the Elddis Xplore 302 launched last year and carries the same popular L-shaped lounge. There’s a second dinette and optional bunk towards the rear, which can be used as a fourth berth or as extra storage depending on the caravanners needs.

Holly Tribe caught up with Elddis’ Commercial Director, Chris Whitham, who talks us through the success of the new layout and explains what makes it a great caravan for couples and young families alike.

Camping & Caravanning Club purchases new site near Alton Towers

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners looking for accommodation close to the Alton Towers theme park may be pleased to know that the Camping and Caravanning Club has purchased the Star Caravan and Camping Park in Cotton.

The rural site in the heat of the Staffordshire Moorlands is just a mile-and-a-quarter from the popular family attraction and is home to 195 pitches.

As well as two full-operational toilet blocks, a laundrette, a chemical toilet disposal point and electric hook-up points, there’s also a large children’s play area and a parent and baby room.

Bob Hill, sites director at the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “To secure a site in such a prime location and at the same time strengthen our ties within the Peak District and Derbyshire is another major coup for the club.”

Alton Towers opens for the 2011 season on March 26th, boasting numerous thrill rides, such as Nemesis, Oblivion and Thi3teen, as well as gentler family rides like the Congo River Rapids and the Runaway Mine Train.

Park Resorts invests in major caravan site upgrades

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners heading to one of Park Resort’s sites this year will see a number of improvements, as the group has been investing in upgrades for the 2011 season.

Millions of pounds have been pumped into its 39 award-winning caravan parks across the UK to improve the visitor experience.

When they open next month, guests will find new venues, such as restaurants and bars, as well as upgraded swimming pool facilities.

More than £250,000 has also been spent on the refurbishment of touring amenity blocks and pitch drainage on a number of sites.

Andy Edge, sales and marketing director for Park Resorts, said: “Although we have some of the best parks in the UK, with many visitors returning year after year, we are not complacent.

“We’re making major investments in our parks to ensure that people staying with us have the best holiday possible and go home with some amazing memories.”

Park Resorts has seen a 20 per cent increase in visitor numbers to its caravan parks in the last three years and is seeing strong demand for holidays this year.

Lucky couple win a Swift Challenger in Caravan Club competition

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by Gemma Roskell

A couple from Kent have revealed their delight at winning a brand new Swift Challenger 570SR in a competition organised by the Caravan Club.

Mr and Mrs Crawley entered the contest last summer in the hope of walking away with the £18,000 touring caravan.

The Challenger 570SR had not been launched when the competition was opened.

The victors were there on the first day of the exhibition to collect their prize, insisting they were “simply amazed and delighted” by their win.

Tony Lewis, head of membership marketing for the Caravan Club, said: “It is always really great to be able to run a high value competition such as this one for our members.

“To be able to do so on this occasion with such an exclusive product is even more special. These new ranges by Swift are certainly very exciting for the industry.”

The Swift Challenger 570SR is four-berth caravan with a fixed double bed layout and a spacious end washroom.

Pancake Day: Caravan Cookbook author Monica Rivron’s recipe for Shrove Tuesday

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by Marcus Dubois

It’s Shrove Tuesday and here at Caravan Times we’ve been thinking (lots) about tasty pancake recipes. Luckily for us, we were able to call upon the expertise of a caravan chef who had a rather tasty pancake recipe up her sleeve.

Monica Rivron is the author of the Caravan Cookbook, a beautifully photographed collection of recipes that caravanners will find easy to make. She first discovered caravanning ten years ago while filming a caravan holiday for the BBC with husband Rowland – and since then has collected together a compendium of tasty meals that can be cooked while touring.

To celebrate Pancake Day, Monica and her publisher Anova Books have kindly allowed us to publish this classic recipe for crêpes from the Caravan Cookbook. And if this whets your appetite, you can purchase copies of Monica’s cookbook here.

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Crêpes

Here is a basic recipe for crêpes, which are wonderfully wonderfully versatile. Our favourite toppings are the obvious ones: Nutella: ice cream; lemon and sugar; and golden syrup. We also enjoy bacon and banana; Maltesers; and hot sugared pineapple.

Makes 6
4 eggs
140g/ 8fl oz/ 1 cup plain flour
250ml/ 8fl oz/ 1 cup milk
Pinch salt
Butter, for frying

Preparation

Put the ingredients into the blender in this order: eggs, flour, milk then salt.
This stops the flour sticking to the bottom. Blend together. Allowing the mixture to stand for 30 minutes will improve the texture, but sometimes you just can’t wait!

Melt a little butter in a frying pan, pour in 1/6 of the mixture, then fry each crêpe until golden.
Serve immediately.

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If you’d like the chance to win a copy of the Caravan Cookbook, you can enter our competition here.

A quick survey of the Caravan Times office revealed some of our favourite fillings include stewed apple and cinnamon, ice cream and hot chocolate sauce (while one of the CT crew likes to keep it savoury with cream cheese and asparagus!)

Yet whatever your favourite filling, Caravan Times wishes a Happy Pancake Day to one and all!

Used Caravan of the Week: Voyager Vector 650

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by Holly Tribe

On quieter moments in the Caravan Times office conversation often turns to the topic of ‘what is our ideal caravan?’ This usually leads to some dedicated research, or, scanning the classified ads and daydreaming about the perfect van!

Along the line, we often stumble across a few quirky little numbers – and thought you might be interested in what’s out there on the used and second hand market.

In our first ever ‘Used Caravan of the Week’ we bring you the Voyager Vector 650: currently listed on eBay for £18,995.

Click here to see photos of the Voyager Vector 650

One of just three prototypes ever made, the Voyager Vector is a concept caravan that was built in 2005 for the little-known Voyager caravans.

Originally priced at £25,000, it was estimated to have a massive 25 year shelf life before succumbing to the perils of water ingress – that’s £1K per year for watertight touring.

As you would expect from a concept ‘van, it’s got some completely unique design features. The front end has a windowless aerodynamic nose cone that curves upward to meet the roof…which has led me to affectionately nickname it the ‘Back-to-the-Future Egg’.

According to the Daily Telegraph, it was the first ever monocoque caravan to be built using a single mould. Cheltenham Laminates are the brains behind the construction system, which uses the same technology developed for the monocoque bodyshell on Auto-Sleepers motorhomes.

The advertised price is £18,995: and if the original marketing spiel is anything to go by, it still has another twenty years of life left in it before the dreaded water seepage sets in.

‘<' . strtolower('Array')>History: According to the sellers, the van has been used a grand total of five times, and is offered in top condition, both smoke and pet-free.

Kit & caboodle: Dometic fridge/freezer, flat screen TV, alloy wheels, sun canopy, fixed end bed, touch pad dimmer switches, radio/ CD, heki rooflights, stone effect floor, mains hook up, TV aerial.

  • Price: £18,995
  • MTPLM 1,700kg
  • Width 2.28m
  • Length: 6.5m
  • Berth: 3/4
  • Axle: Twin

Get it while it’s hot on ebay.co.uk .


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