Walking a top form of exercise for Caravanners

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by Gemma Roskell

Most caravanners enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, and walking is always a popular activity, particularly in caravanning hotpots like the Lake District.

But as well as being a great way to see the local sights and scenery, walking is also an excellent form of exercise, especially for those looking to get back into fitness.

Maria Castellina, a spokeswoman for the Ramblers walking charity, said walking places low strain on the body compared to other forms of exercise.

This makes it ideal for those with lower levels of fitness, as well as older people.

“It can help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis, help people gain strength and balance to reduce bone fractures and dramatically cut diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” Ms Castellina added.

One more benefit of walking is that it is completely free, so will enable caravanners to spend more of their holiday budgets sampling local cuisine and visiting tourist attractions.

Haven Holidays offering cheap deals on touring pitches

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by Gemma Roskell

Haven Holiday Parks is offering caravanners the chance to stay at one of its UK holiday parks for as little as £6 a night this winter.

The company said it has some “first class” touring facilities available for those visiting during the quieter winter season.

It also pointed out that it has recently invested £40 million on its holiday parks, around £1 million of which has been spent on the upgrade of its touring areas.

Holidaymakers can enjoy heated shower blocks, covered dishwashing facilities and the option to upgrade to hard-standing pitches, which feature electricity, water and drainage.

And for security purposes, dedicated wardens patrol most parks, providing peace of mind for families pitching up at a Haven Holidays site.

“You’ll be able to enjoy the use of heated indoor and outdoor leisure pools, sports facilities and a comprehensive package of new and exciting daytime activities, kids’ clubs and family entertainment in the evening,” the company added.

Haven Holidays has 35 holiday parks across 16 UK regions. Of these, 23 offer touring facilities.

VIDEO: Bailey Caravans director Nick Howard reveals details of Bailey Orion

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by Marcus Dubois

Earlier this month Caravan Times revealed the name of Bailey’s forthcoming entry-level caravan. Named the Bailey Orion, it has been described by Bailey as a “compact caravan range” and a “new type of caravan”.

The Orion is due to be unveiled at Boat and Caravan Show 2011 in February, where visitors are promised a “stylish, affordable yet well-equipped vehicle” aimed at those new to caravanning or looking for a lightweight tourer that offers value for money.

The Orion is the fourth in a series of caravans built on the Alu-Tech construction platform, which has now replaced traditional caravan building at Bailey. And the Bristol manufacturer is “very excited to complete the Alu-Tech circle” with the launch of the Orion.

In our exclusive video interview Holly Tribe spoke to managing director Nick Howard to hear more about the baby Alu-Tech range.

Vintage caravans market ‘stronger than ever’

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by Gemma Roskell

The market for vintage caravans is stronger than ever, according to classic and performance cars magazine Octane.

The publication said events such as Vintage at Goodwood and the Revival have put classic caravans back in the public eye.

Caravan enthusiasts, particularly those who own classic cars, are therefore eager to get their hands on an old-fashioned model.

“A period caravan is the ideal accessory for your classic car,” Octane noted. “At the moment they’re reasonably cheap and surprisingly interesting.”

However, the magazine warned: “Supply is limited at the moment, and there’s little sign of that changing.”

Tracking down a period caravan could therefore be a tricky task.

Fortunately, Octane provided a quick guide to some of the best buys. On its list is the 1928 Angela caravan, which can be purchased for around £10,000, and the 1936 Winchester, which has a price tag of approximately £5,000.

If you’re a fan of period caravans, why not join our dedicated group for ‘Vintage Caravan Enthusiasts’ in the Caravan Times community section or watch our video feature as we chat to the guys behind Vintage Airstreams.

Thieves target caravans in Worcestershire

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravan owners in Worcestershire have been left devastated after thieves broke into their trailers and stole a host of expensive and sentimental items.

According to the Express and Star newspaper, criminals targeted 21 caravans at the Wyre Forest Caravan Park in Bewdley in the night of Friday January 21st.

Gadgets such as televisions, laptops and games consoles were stolen, alongside a number of personal items, including military medals.

The park’s owner, who has not been named, said there has never before been a problem with crime on the site.

Police have launched an investigation into the burglaries and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“The road in only leads to the caravan park so we would urge anyone who was in the area on Friday night or Saturday morning and thinks they saw any suspicious activity to give us a call,” said PC Ash Bloor.

Anyone with information should contact PC Bloor on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 226-S-220111.

Caravanners urged to discover the old France

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by Gemma Roskell

The old France still exists despite many Anglo-Saxon influences, and caravanners may be best placed to discover it.

In an article for the Reading Post, travel writer James Ashford explained that modern culture has destroyed some of France’s old traditions in many of its larger towns and cities.

However, if tourists slow down and take the time to discover some of its lesser-known corners, they will find plenty of true French authenticity, he insisted.

“My first tip is to take the ferry,” Mr Ashford remarked. “Brittany Ferries still go to the charming old ports like Cherbourg and St Malo.”

Of course caravanning offers the perfect opportunity for tourists to take in the sights at their leisure, with a large range of touring parks located throughout the country.

Mr Ashford also recommended avoiding the main roads and taking the lesser-known routes instead to discover some of the hidden gems France has to offer.

“It may take a little longer but you will drive along elegant tree-lined avenues and through the little towns and villages and the fields and vineyards which make rural France such a delight,” he said.

For a true French experience, caravanners could visit some of the country’s traditional charcuteries and chocolatiers, sit and people watch in its old-fashioned cafes and spend time cycling through its vast countryside.

Participants wanted for the Great North Swim

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning trips to the Lake District this summer could take part in a huge charity event on the region’s biggest body of water.

The Great North Swim is taking place on Lake Windermere on June 18th and 19th and will see swimmers of all ages competing over a one mile stretch.

Organised by British Gas, it is the UK’s biggest outdoor swimming event and is open to everyone, from beginners to potential Olympic champions.

There will also be a half-mile race for those who don’t fancy the mile-long course, as well as a two-mile swim for the more advanced.

Around 9,000 swimmers entered last year’s race, so the 2011 is likely to be a big one. Highlights of the day will be shown on television.

Of course those who feel their swimming skills aren’t up to scratch could head to Lake Windermere to cheer on the competitors. There will be a grandstand seating areas overlooking the course, as well as large screens around the event site.

Swift Conqueror wins Caravan of the Year at the Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010

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by Marcus Dubois

For Caravan Times and its readers, 2010 was one of the most exciting years for caravanning, with a host of product launches and new ranges entering the market. And while a number of caravanners rely on journalism such as ours when choosing their next tourer or towcar, we at Caravan Times wanted to do something different when deciding the best of 2010.

Our editorial team wanted to give you the readership the chance to offer credit where due, and celebrate the best on offer for caravanners last year. As such we launched the inaugural Caravan Times Reader’s Poll where members could vote for their favourites.

Those awards in full

With thirty-four suggested entrants across six categories, the poll cast a wide net over many areas of the caravanning lifestyle. The Bailey Unicorn was voted Best Newcomer for its luxury interior and quality fixtures and fittings, while the same caravan also won our Innovation Award.

Readers voted Bunree Caravan Club Site as Best Caravan Park of 2010, while independent dealership Bardsea Leisure were worthy winners of Dealer of the Year 2010. Meanwhile after the closest of contests the Kia Sorento edged out the mighty Range Rover to win the Best Towcar Award. In our final category we asked reader to vote for the best overall caravan model of 2010.

Swift Conqueror: Caravan Of The Year 2010

The quality of entrants in this category was such that voting was predictably close. Readers praised the excellent revisions to the Lunar Clubman, while others registered votes for the new family-friendly layouts and radical design of the Stealth Q-Class.

Yet in the end the main contest was between Bailey Caravans with the Unicorn, and the Swift Group with three of its ranges. Both the revised Swift Challenger and Sterling Elite proved equally popular with readers, and the Swift Conqueror stood head and shoulders above the rest in the end.

The Bailey Unicorn was a formidable nominee, having already picked up Best Newcomer and Innovation awards in our poll. But perhaps it was the striking exterior of the Swift Conqueror and its well appointed, light interior which edged it for readers. Both caravans were winners in their own right, having proved popular with fans and becoming bestsellers for their brands. However there could be only one winner – and after counting the votes cast, the Caravan of the Year 2010 was the Swift Conqueror.

Thank you to all our members for participating and we hope you enjoyed the poll.

What’s on at Scotland’s biggest Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show?

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by Holly Tribe

Anyone passionate about caravanning and outdoor pursuits should head to the Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show 2011, at Glasgow’s SECC from 3-6 February.

Over 150 companies will be showcasing products and providing inspiration for your next outdoor adventure.

All the major caravan manufacturers will be represented with new models from the Swift Group, Bailey Caravans, Lunar, Coachman, Elddis and European favourite Rimor.

If touring isn’t your thing, take a look around the UK’s largest selection of static caravans and holiday homes, or browse a full range of marine and camping products and accessories.

The Towsure Accessory Superstore is offering customers who purchase tickets in advance a £5 discount voucher when they spend £50 or more.

For destination inspiration, visit the Caravan Club at stand H30 or the Camping and Caravanning Club at stand G23. You can also drop in on the British Holiday & Home Parks Association for a wide selection of park brochures.

Finally, take a break from a hard day’s shopping and head to the Show’s cookery theatre. Here you can sit back and watch the show’s professional chef cook up some mouth-watering recipes in one of four free daily cookery demonstrations.

For details on how to win one of ten pairs of tickets to the show, click here.

Selby caravan site plans rejected

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by Gemma Roskell

Plans to build a caravan site for those working on travelling fairgrounds have been rejected by local authorities.

According to the York Press, an application to build the park in Selby, North Yorkshire, was submitted to the local council last October.

The site would have consisted of ten plots covering around six hectares of land, each accommodating a mixture of mobile homes, touring caravans and trailers.

It would have catered for up to 120 people travelling the country with mobile fairgrounds and similar businesses.

However, local residents submitted more than 300 letters and emails of objection to the council. Several anonymous complaints were also made.

In a final report rejecting the proposals, the council said: “There is no local or historic demand for a permanent site in the Selby area.”

It added: “There is no economic need, no known evidence of a social need, or of a traditional need within the Selby district.”

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Buying a used or second hand caravan – advice on price, dealers and private sales

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by Holly Tribe

Buying a second hand caravan is a great way for newcomers to try out the lifestyle without spending a fortune on a brand new tourer.

Yet the used caravan market can be a bit of a minefield. There’s a lot to look out for and things might not always be as they seem. Botched repair jobs or misleading adverts can lead even experienced caravanners up the garden path. So whether you chose to buy privately or from a dealer, here’s our top tips on what to look out for.

Research, research, research!

Have a clear idea of what’s on your shopping list. Consider how many berths you would like and which layout will best serve your needs. Do you want high spec equipment included or just the basics to get you started?

A visit to a regional or national caravan show can be a great way to research your options. Many of the leading manufacturers will have a range of new models on display for inspiration, and company representatives will be more than happy to answer questions and let you have a good look around.

Dealerships

Buying from a dealer provides a level of after-care peace of mind and many caravans will also come with a warranty. If one isn’t offered, ask why not; this could be due to a significant problem with the caravan. Make sure it has been fully serviced and all the paperwork is present and correct.

Private Sales

There are some great savings to be had when buying privately – yet buyers beware! You sacrifice the security of having a dealer to go back to if anything goes wrong.

If you come across a private ad on the internet that looks too good to be true, it probably is. It may sound obvious, but don’t be persuaded to part with any cash until you’ve had a chance to have a good look around and checked the owners details with the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) database.

National register for touring caravans

Caravans manufactured by National Caravan Council members from 1992 onwards have their own unique 17 digit ‘VIN’ number which is logged in the Caravan Registration & Identification Scheme (CRiS) database. Every time a caravan is bought or sold, the vendor’s details need to be updated.

If you are suspicious a caravan you are interested in might be stolen, you can check the details of the previous owner. The database will also tell you if the caravan is reported stolen, recorded as an insurance write-off or if it was purchased on finance and is facing repossession.

Click here to read about the best time of year to buy a second hand caravan – and what to look for when viewing a used tourer.

Win tickets to Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show 2011

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by Holly Tribe

Thank you for your entries, this competition is now closed.

It is the biggest show in Scotland catering to the needs of caravanning and outdoor leisure enthusiasts – and we’re offering you the chance to win tickets to next week’s Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show 2011.

Visitors can explore 5 halls packed with all the latest motorhomes, caravans, holiday homes, accessories, gadgets and representatives from parks across the UK.

Click here for your chance to win a pair of tickets.

Former F1 driver David Coulthard will officially begin proceedings on the 3rd February opening the doors to the 150+ exhibitors. Big name manufacturers will be represented by dealerships from around the region who will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice.

The Caravan Club is holding 20 minute caravan manoeuvring sessions – giving participants the chance to have a go at towing a caravan. And for something a little different, you can head to 3 Counties Caravans to see the ‘Dub Box’, a vintage style caravan modelled on the iconic VW campervan.

The Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show will take place at the SECC, Glasgow from 3-6 February 2011. Tickets can also be purchased online at Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show or via the ticket hotline on 0844 395 4000.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets, just follow the simple instructions below. Good luck!