Caravanners urged to discover the lost Lake District

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by Gemma Roskell

The Lake District is known as one of the UK’s top caravanning hotspots, but the area offers much more than most people probably imagine.

In an article for the BBC’s Countryfile website, writer Neil Coates said few tourists venture into the south-western corner of Cumbria.

However, those who do are rewarded with some stunning scenery, from looming fells dotted with sleepy towns to windswept beaches and ancient monuments.

He recommended heading to the picturesque village of Cartmel, famous for its sticky toffee pudding, and the market town of Ulverston, which was home to the late comedian Stan Laurel.

Holker Hall, Grizedale Forest, Furness Abbey, Cornishead Priory and the Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness are also named as attractions worth visiting.

Mr Coates described the area of Furness and the Lake District Peninsulas as a “land of mystery and imagination, seclusion and seduction” and pointed out that it was one of William Wordsworth’s favourite Lake District spots.

Caravanners heading to the area will find a number of sites at which to pitch up.

In other news, a new mountain biking event known as Lake Epic will be taking place over two days in the Lake District in May.

2011 looking good for Searles caravan park

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by Gemma Roskell

The boss of Searles Leisure Resort has said that so far 2011 is looking like a good year for his business.

Speaking to the Norfolk Eastern Daily Press, Richard Searle said bookings at the park already appear to be up on last year.

He insisted he is “quite bullish” about the Norfolk area, particularly the north-west of the county where Searles is based in Hunstanton.

“I am proud we have been able to ensure the caravan park is a quality park that everybody is happy to use,” he remarked.

Mr Searle joined the family business at the age of 16 and has since seen more than four decades of growth at the leisure resort.

In the last ten years, visitor numbers have increased by 20 to 25 per cent and 2010 looked set to be a record year until the weather took a turn for the worse towards the end of the summer season.

Searles offers a number of pitches for touring caravans, both serviced and mains serviced, as well as standard non-electric pitches.

VIDEO: Review of the Bailey Pegasus Series II – full interior tour and interviews

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by Holly Tribe

Caravan Times was present at the launch of the second generation of Pegasus tourers from Bailey Caravans. Watch our special video feature where we take a detailed look around the Bailey Pegasus Series II.

Holly Tribe will show you around the new five model line up and take you through all the interior and exterior features.

In addition Holly caught up with Bailey managing director Nick Howard who spoke about the creation of the Pegasus II. And you can hear the first opinions and reaction from caravan journalists and experts at the launch.

Watch our video feature on the Bailey Pegasus Series II below:

Swift Caravans strengthens its position for 2011 with appointment of new CEO

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by Marcus Dubois

Swift Caravans has taken steps to strengthen its senior management team by appointing a Chief Executive Officer.

Swift believes the appointment of James Buckley will help the company “deal with the increasing pressures and challenges facing the market over the next decade”.

Mr Buckley joined the board of Swift Group Ltd on 17 January and will report to the board of Swift Holdings UK Limited. After a short bedding-in period he will take over responsibility of managing the day to day operations of Swift.

Refreshing the range

Swift has seen significant growth in recent years after the company expanded into the holiday home market in 2005. It is the only company to produce touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes – and maintaining the position of Swift in all three sectors will be a significant challenge for the CEO.

Last year the caravan division celebrated record sales after the introduction of four new models. The popular Swift Challenger and Swift Conqueror were revised for 2011 alongside the Sterling Eccles and Sterling Elite. And due to the popularity of the new look, Caravan Times believes other existing ranges such as the Swift Charisma will be refreshed this year.

Setting the pace

New CEO James Buckley had previously served in the same position for Tunstall Group, a leading provider of telecoms solutions to the healthcare market. Swift Holdings chairman Peter Smith praised his “great track record of managing senior teams” and hopes “he will add another dimension to the team we already have here at Swift”.

Mr Buckley said in reaction to his appointment “Swift is a market leader and pace setter within the caravan industry.

“It is a great challenge for me to join this successful team and hopefully lead them to even greater success in the future.”

New mountain biking event planned in the Lakes

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by Gemma Roskell

As a top caravanning spot, the Lake District has something to offer everyone. But now mountain biking enthusiasts have even more reason to visit.

For the first time this year, a new mountain biking event known as Lake Epic will be taking place over two days in May.

Sponsored by planetFear, the ride will cover 110 kilometres of mountainous Lake District terrain which will challenge even the most seasoned of riders.

It will be held on May 21st and 22nd during the Keswick Mountain Festival, which runs from May 18th to 22nd.

Participants will begin their ride from the festival’s adventure base in Keswick, covering 65 kilometres on the first day before staying overnight in a tent and continuing on to complete the remaining 45 kilometres the next day.

Those who don’t fancy having a go themselves can find a good viewing spot and take in all the action from the sidelines.

Alternatively, they could pack their own mountain bikes on their caravanning trip and sample some of the many gentler but equally scenic routes the Lake District has to offer.

Wales still popular with UK holidaymakers

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by Gemma Roskell

Wales remains a popular hotspot for caravanners and other holidaymakers, according to the latest tourism figures.

Data from the latest UK Tourism Survey shows that the region held up well in 2010, despite economic pressures.

UK residents made 7.28 million visits to Wales between January and September, during which they stayed at least one night.

This was down just one per cent on the number of visits recorded in the same period in 2009 and compares to a four per cent drop in visitor numbers for the UK as a whole.

Short breaks of between one and three nights in Wales have seen the biggest growth, with trip numbers up ten per cent year on year.

The publication of the figures comes after a survey by VisitBritain found that visiting Welsh castles was the number one activity most overseas tourists want to partake in when they arrive in the UK.

Caravanners warned of ‘dazzle danger’ when driving

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners have been reminded that although the wintry weather conditions have dissipated for the time being, there are other potential dangers on the road.

Car care specialist Armor All warned that poor visibility can be a problem in the winter months, as the sun lays lower in the sky.

It pointed out that vision-related issues contributed to ten per cent of all UK road accidents last year, with sun-dazzle playing a major part in many collisions.

Having a clean windscreen is therefore especially important in winter, as dirt and film from the road surface can reduce visibility even further.

Armor All recommended using glass wipes or a special cleaner on both the inside and outside of the windscreen, as well as carrying out regular inspection of windscreen wipers to ensure they are in full working order.

Such safety practices are essential for all drivers, but for those towing large caravans they are paramount to help avoid accidents.

REVIEW: Elddis Xplore 304 photos, weights and layout

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by Holly Tribe

Building on the success of the Xplore 302 – the popular 2 berth micro tourer released last year – Elddis Caravans is bringing out another lightweight, compact van with a family friendly bunk bed layout.

Whale underfloor heating and a free standing dining table extension with its own dedicated storage are just a couple of the clever room saving initiatives have been used to make the most of the space available.

A fresh interior design scheme has been introduced with ‘Lois’ soft furnishings in light brown and beige tones, complimented by heavy duty dark brown bamboo effect floor vinyl which is easy to clean. There’s also a deep pile carpet runner that can be removed for easy cleaning.

In the kitchen there’s a 115 litre domestic style fridge, and Spinflo 3 burner hob with 1 larger burner which is great if cooking with a large wok or saucepan.

Despite its diminutive dimensions, Elddis have still managed to fit in a full sized nearside corner washroom adjacent to the twin bunks in the rear end.

Billed as the UK’s ‘lightest and smallest’ 4 berth caravan, the Elddis Xplore 304 is likely to appeal to first time caravanners. Chris Whitham, Commercial Director at Elddis comments: “Following the huge success of the Xplore 302 launched in February 2010. We are very excited about the new Xplore 304 and are confident that this unique product will be equally well received by our customers”.

The price is yet to be confirmed but it is possible the 304 could be positioned between the 2 berth Xplore 302 and the 5 berth Xplore 495.

  • Berths: 4
  • MTPLM: 1050kg
  • Overall Length: 5.34m
  • Axle: Single
  • Awning size: 8.15m

France ‘a top holiday destination’ for caravanners in 2011

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by Gemma Roskell

There are a number of reasons why France should be seen as a top holiday destination by caravanners this year, one travel writer has claimed.

In an article for the Daily Telegraph, Fred Mawer pointed out that the cost of crossing the English Channel has come down considerably over the last ten years.

“In the summer months, you can get the car and family to France and back for under £100,” he stated.

Mr Mawer insisted that no European country comes close to France in terms of the range and quality of campsites and caravan sites on offer.

He also praised the food available in France, claiming that even with current exchange rates there are bargains to be found if holidaymakers eat out wisely.

For those who prefer to keep costs down by preparing meals in their caravan, local markets can provide plenty of tasty goodies at reasonable prices.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Mr Mawer said there are a variety of events and new openings taking place in France this year.

In Metz art lovers can visit the new Centre Pompidou modern art gallery, while families can head to an “intriguing” horticultural theme park in the Loire.

Caravan Club helps holidaymakers visit the UK’s free attractions

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners hoping to visit some of the UK’s top free attractions this year will find plenty of Caravan Club sites close by.

The group said it has parks near many of the sights on Enjoy England’s list of the best things to see and do in the UK in 2011.

For example, visitors to the Albert Dock in Liverpool, which is home to the Maritime Museum and the Tate Gallery, as well as numerous bars and restaurants, can pitch up in the Wirral Country Park Caravan Club Site.

Eastbourne Pier is another of the attractions to make the list, and the Sheepcote Valley Caravan Club Site is ideally placed for a trip to the Victorian landmark.

Other sites serving great free days out in the UK include the Rowntree Park Caravan Club Site, close to the National Railway Museum in York, and the Lower Clough Foot Caravan Club Site, near Bradford’s National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

“It’s no secret that VAT increased on January 4th, with consumers no doubt in search of ways to lessen the impact on their wallets,” said the Caravan Club.

“The good news is there are plenty of ways to explore the UK on the cheap, with top attractions opening their doors free of charge.”

REVIEW: Bailey Pegasus Series II – the evolution of a revolution

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by Holly Tribe

Caravan Times was delighted to attend the launch of the next generation Bailey Pegasus last Friday. There have been some major revisions both inside and out, and although there’s now less kit included, a new pricing structure sets models at £1,000 less than their predecessors.

Model numbers have been replaced by Italian cities and the original seven model line-up has been cut back to five 2 – 6 berth options. Along with a couple of revised layouts, there’s a brand new family friendly option which features triple rear bunks next to a nearside end bathroom.

Click here for layouts and specifications of the Bailey Pegasus Series II

What’s new inside?

Looking around the Pegasus Series II, it is clear that the runaway success of the Bailey Unicorn launched last September has influenced many of the design changes.

Critics of the original Pegasus complained about ‘bland and sterile interiors’ and Bailey have paid due care and attention to customer feedback in this respect. Walnut-veneer cabinetry, maroon scatter cushions and curtains are a departure from the more clinical interiors in the Peg I, adding warmth and bringing the range in line with the more popular Unicorn design.

Click here to continue reading “Bailey Pegasus Series II – the evolution of a revolution

Bailey Pegasus Series II – full model specifications and layouts

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by Holly Tribe

The new Bailey Pegasus Series II has seen some major revisions both inside and out, chief of which are the new layouts. The original seven model line-up is reduced to five, and a couple of those have been revised for the second generation, alongside a brand new family friendly option which features triple rear bunks next to an end washroom.

Below we take you through all the specifications and changes, including a diagram of each layout.

Pegasus Genoa

New far-side kitchen layout with large capacity fridge which comes as standard and a new end washroom configuration. This revised layout replaces the Pegasus 462.

  • MTPLM: 1215kg
  • Axle: Single
  • Berth:2
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m

Pegasus Milan

New nearside kitchen layout with large capacity fridge which comes as standard and shares the same washroom configuration as the Genoa. The revised layout replaces the Pegasus 514.

  • MTPLM: 1499kg
  • Axle: Single
  • Berth: 4
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m

Pegasus Verona

A great option for couples with a nearside fixed bed. A partition wall in the bedroom can be extended to offer greater privacy. A useful cut-out blind can be opened to access the cabinet on the other side of the wall which would be the obvious place to set up the TV. The Verona replaces the Pegasus 534.

  • MTPLM: 1490kg
  • Axle: Single
  • Berth:4
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m

Pegasus Ancona

A brand new layout with triple fixed bunks and corner washroom. The twin dinette layout offers great space for family living.

  • MTPLM: 1499kg
  • Axle: Single
  • Berth: 6
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m

Pegasus Bologna

Twin axle, nearside fixed bed end washroom. The spacious top of the range model replaces the Pegasus 624.

  • MTPLM: 1670kg
  • Axle: Twin
  • Berth: 4
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m