New caravans plans in Berwick could boost local economy

Posted by

Approximately £2 million could be brought to the Berwick area of Scotland each year as over 200 additional caravans are planned for a caravan park in the location.

The Berwick Advertiser reports that Seafield Caravan Park at Seahouses is making the expansion plans which will see 170 caravan put up for sale and the remainder available to let for holidaymakers.

Owners Strathearn Leisure are hoping to complete the development in three phases, which would result in equal numbers of caravans erected in each segment.

According to the publication, Sandra Thompson, regional director of Signet Planning, which has prepared the plans for the owners, believes the development will have numerous benefits for the region.

Alongside resulting in additional jobs for local people, it is predicted that indirect expenditure could lead to an extra £1.83 million coming into the local economy every 12 months.

There are numerous caravan parks for both couples and families to enjoy across Scotland, offering the chance to take part in indoor leisure facilities, alongside being in locations that offer romantic walks around the coastline.

British Pie Week: where to find the best pies

Posted by

From the 1st-7th March this year Britain is being encouraged to celebrate one of the humblest yet most popular dishes in the national cuisine. Step forward the British pie. A baked dish chiefly consisting of pastry that covers a filling of sweet or savoury ingredients, the pie has been amongst us since the 12th century, and can be found anywhere from the football terraces to the packed lunchboxes of executives.

British Pie Week has been organised by Jus-Rol the pastry company, and the firm came up with a competition earlier in the year to find the best pie in England. And despite travelling the length and breadth of the country, the finalists were mainly to be found in the south-west.

Two from Cornwall, one from Devon and another from Somerset made up four of the five shortlisted, while Cardiff was the lone entry from outside the region that made the final. The competition was eventually won by the Cardiff entrant, with chef Adam Pavey from The Goat Major pub carrying away the award.

The Goat Major, High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1PU. Tel:(029) 20337161

Chef Adam Pavey was said to have “wowed the judges” with his delicious Wye Valley pie, described by the officials as “heaven in a pie”. Pavey combined locally sourced ingredients such as Welsh Tintern Abbey cheese with light Jus-Rol pastry to create his winning pie. Those who are planning a trip to Cardiff will be pleased to know that The Goat Major is easily found in the town centre at the head of the High Street.

The Fisherman’s Arms, 31 Lambhay Street, Plymouth, PL1 2NN. Tel: (01752) 661457

From the list of finalists we turn to Plymouth and the Fisherman’s Arms, where chef Martyn Scott also sourced local ingredients for his highly commended entry. The pub lives up to the name as chef Scott uses the local harbour to find the freshest ingredients for his Smoked Fish and Cider Pie. Each day a new supply is delivered to the popular Plymouth pub, and chef Scott is proud of their links with the fishermen. “We only use local produce to support our community and ensure the best ingredients possible”.

The Lamb Inn, 1 Christchurch Street East, Frome, BA11 1QA. Tel: (01373) 472042

Set amongst the historic architecture of Frome, the Lamb Inn is a small family owned freehouse that happens to produce one of the best arrays of pies. Chef Paul Davies is behind the ‘Classic Pie Collection’ and again emphasises the importance of sourcing local produce. He believes “the balance and depth of flavour in our signature Venison and Stilton pie is the very best of the best.”

The Fountain Inn, Newbridge, TR20 8QH. Tel: (01736) 364075

Newbridge in Cornwall boasts what the owners call “A real Cornish local pub”, and a venue which during the holiday season is teeming with visitors. The Fountain Inn is known for holding “Pie Nights” every Friday, and as such will be celebrating reaching the finals of British Pie Week. Chef Dan Tibbins created the “Blue Cow Pie” as a variation on the traditional favourite that is steak and stilton pie. Described by Tibbins as “a real hit with our customers” the Fountain Inn can be found between Penzance and St Just.

The Heron Inn, Trenhaile Terrace, Malpas, Truro TR1 1SL. Tel: 01872 272773

Situated in the picture-postcard village of Malpas is a pub overlooking the very place where three rivers meet. The Heron Inn is renowned locally for its cuisine and chef Karen Berg went for a unique twist on the pie theme. Her version of the traditional “apple pie and cream” was called Fudgey Apple Pie, and she explains “When you cut into it, the hot liquid creamy fudge oozes out, creating a simple yet irresistible pie!”.

British Pie Week takes place between the 1st-7th March 2010.

New iPhone app will support caravan drivers

Posted by

Caravan drivers may be able to avoid towing their vehicles down windy or narrow roads through some new software available as an application on the Apple iPhone.

The AA’s Route Planner navigation software allows motorists to specifically steer clear of situations including toll roads and motorways.

In particular, a specific ‘caravan friendly’ mode will ensure drivers stick to roads suitable for the vehicles.

According to the Press Association, Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “It is estimated that at any one time up to 15 per cent of drivers in urban areas may be lost, adding to congestion and frustration among drivers.

“A well-planned route not only saves time, money and CO2 but also makes for a calmer, safer journey. Millions of people rely on AA Route Planner and with this new app this will now be available wherever they are.”

Routes can be planned using the software by start and end destinations or through the current location in which a user is situated.

Maintenance key for caravan owners looking for return visits

Posted by

Caravan park owners have been warned of the importance of keeping their sites up to scratch if they want to ensure visitors return for future trips.

The Maclaey Argus reports that two couples who regularly visit the same caravan park in Australia are fearful that its current state could not only lead to a lack of guests, but also have implications on local businesses.

Jeff Rodway is one of the frequent visitors and believes that the owners of the site are not using a percentage of any fees received towards ensuring facilities are well maintained.

He told the publication: “The facilities leave a lot to be desired. We travel six months of the year with the caravan and have been around Australia and this is the worst park we have stayed at.

“When camping we are prepared to take on nature and the elements, but when you are trying to set up and have three inches of water under your feet while trying to connect power to your site it is a dangerous situation to be in.”

Among the checks that should be regularly carried out on caravans to ensure their safety are looking more closely at tyres, lights, brakes and gas fittings.

New caravan park focuses on families and eco-friendliness

Posted by

Environmental friendliness and a focus towards catering for families with young children are among the aims of a new £2 million caravan park to be built in County Durham.

The Teeside Mercury reports that 76 touring pitches will be present on the Caravan Club site near Startforth, which covers eight acres of land.

Among the additional features that will greet visitors are a children’s play area, toddler facilities, a laundry area and a toilet block.

The block will also feature underfloor heating, while rainwater will be recovered to be used to flush toilets a solar pre-heating will provide hot water.

A spokesperson for the Caravan Club told the publication: “The club always favours the opportunity to develop a site ‘from scratch’ on either greenfield or brownfield land.

“This approach enables perfect planning to the high standards and specifications that members rightly expect.”

Enjoying a caravan holiday is one of the most eco-friendly ways to experience a break as they give off only a fraction of the gases created by air travel.

Grandparents take grandkids caravanning

Posted by

A UK holiday operator has noticed an emerging trend for grandparents taking their grandchildren on caravanning holidays.

According to Haven Holidays, almost one in five spring bookings at its sites are of this sort.

The firm owns 35 sites across the UK, many of which are located next to or near the seaside.

It offers numerous activities for youngsters, such as Annabel’s Creative Kitchen, which is a course designed by Annabel Karmel that acts as an introduction to cooking.

Tiny Mites Music allows children to indulge their creative side, while the Learn2Swim classes should help boost confidence in the water by utilising the heated pools available at every one of Haven’s caravan parks.

“We make sure all our parks have baby-changing areas, buggy-friendly access, high-chairs and baby menus readily available in restaurants and baby equipment available to hire to keep packing to a minimum,” the firm said.

It added that kids are welcomed in all of its venues, which should allow families to enjoy their time holidaying together.

In other news, Haven recently announced plans to allow families to bring their dog on vacation for just £1 extra.

Bring dogs to caravan park for a pound

Posted by

The May Day long weekend is fast approaching and caravan owners may be preparing to head off on another adventure.

Some may be concerned about what to do with their dog while they are away, but Haven Holidays believes it has the answer.

The operator is running an offer whereby customers can bring their canine companion for just £1.

“Family holidays just aren’t the same if you have to leave one family member behind,” the firm said. “Especially if it’s the one that doesn’t argue, doesn’t need any luggage and is always pleased to see you.”

As such, Haven is offering those who book a break at selected sites the chance to bring their pooch along.

Perran Sands is one of the company’s 35 parks and offers miles of sandy beach where families and their dogs can enjoy a pleasant walk along the Cornish coastline.

Haven recently noted a rise in bookings for 2010 and suggested that flight cancellations and tight finances may have been contributory factors.

Haven: BA strike helping caravan industry

Posted by

While the British Airways flight staff strike may have damaged the air carrier’s fortunes, the industrial action has helped the UK caravanning industry.

According to Haven Holidays, bookings at its sites have surged as a result, with a 42 per cent year-on-year rise over the Easter break.

“Our hotlines have been jammed with callers and many customers have said they were thinking of going abroad but had now decided to go for somewhere more convenient where they were less likely to experience delays,” a spokesperson said.

They added that Easter holidays are beginning to catch up with summer vacations in terms of popularity among families.

With 35 caravan parks across the UK, Haven caters for 2.5 million people each year and is one of the UK’s leading tourism providers.

It was named operator of the year in the 2009 British Travel Awards.

Meanwhile, Haven recently noted that Brits are shunning trips to the eurozone thanks to the poor exchange rates.

New static caravan development planned for Hertfordshire

Posted by

Individuals and families looking for the chance to sample more of what London has to offer may be able to through opting to stay in a caravan rather than a hotel.

The Camping and Caravanning Club is expecting to open a new complex in Hertfordshire next year, which will home 15 static caravans on the outskirts of the capital, with the first of which predicted to be finished by the end of 2010.

Meanwhile, it is suggested that travellers will still get ample chance to see what London has to offer, while staying in a location that is much quieter and surrounded by woodland.

Mike Nicholas, the organisation’s national holiday homes manager, said: “The leafy haven of Theobolds will provide holidaymakers with the best of both worlds – a quiet, peaceful environment to base themselves, with London only a short train-ride away.”

Among the items that a holidaymaker may want to ensure is included in their luggage before departing on a caravan break are a few toilet rolls, some tea bags and bed linen, in case this is not provided.

Buying a caravan should be treated in the same way as a house

Posted by

Families contemplating buying a caravan have been told to make the same considerations that they would when purchasing a house.

Alongside reading contracts carefully and being aware of all that is mentioned in the small print, potential caravan buyers are encouraged to use the services of a solicitor to run some checks.

Meanwhile, caravan insurance intermediary Caravanwise has highlighted that many prospective buyers are failing to do their homework in terms of whether they are buying on land at risk of flooding.

Philip Holden, managing director of Caravanwise, believes that if some background work is not carried out before making a purchase, then owners may find themselves struggling to secure insurance.

He said: “We do many quotations for static caravans every day but increasingly we are having to turn people away because the caravan is sited in a high flood risk area.

“Other insurance providers are in the same position and after the disastrous floods we have had in the last two years we are expecting this to become a massive problem this year.”

Caravan insurance will cover owners for problems including theft, vandalism or the vehicle being blown over by the wind when travelling down a major road.

INTERVIEW: Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury

Posted by

Meeting a television or film star in the flesh can sometimes result in disappointment. The phrase “larger than life” often comes to mind as presenters or actors appear vulnerable when interviewed, shorn of the lighting and editing which burnishes their image. Not so when meeting Julia Bradbury, the new star of BBC’s Countryfile and a guest of the Camping and Caravanning Club at Boat and Caravan Show. After a Q & A session on the Club’s New To Camping stand (where she deftly entertained the assembled crowd with anecdotes from her adventures) she proved herself to be as naturally engaging and charismatic as her television persona. We caught up with her after the session and met a presenter who is fiercely passionate about the outdoors.

“Shall we do the interview on the baby seats?” she laughs, as we make our way to the plastic mushrooms of the children’s play area. A member of the Camping and Caravanning Club since last year, Julia Bradbury is a vociferous advocate of exploring the countryside. And her interest in the outdoors goes beyond her professional committment, for it turns out Bradbury has been touring the UK “since right back when I was a nipper”. Her face lights up as she recalls being introduced to country walks by her father. “My dad is a Derbyshire lad and someone who appreciates the outdoors in all its form – landscape, flora and fauna – so he brought me up to appreciate it in the same way. I’ve been walking with my dad since I was six years old, I remember getting my first pair of walking boots and striding out with him”.

Encouraging women to explore the outdoors

Originally known for her work on consumer advice programmes such as Watchdog and Are We Being Served, Bradbury rose to fame when presenting a programme about the outdoors. BBC Four’s Wainwright Walks saw her retrace the mountain walks of renowned fell walker Alfred Wainwright, author of the standard guide to walking in the Lake District. From this and her work on Railway Walks she soon found herself tagged with the bizarre title of “Walking Man’s Totty”. However Bradbury is more keen to focus on the female audience who tune in. “Sure, I think those programmes really engaged the audience, but I think people quite like seeing a woman enjoying the outdoors in a non gung-ho way. I know a lot of women watch it and say ‘I like seeing you do that, because it means we can have a go’…it encourages them. And the guys? Well, you know…” she chuckles.

With such an avowed love of exploring, was Countryfile her dream job from the outset? “I’m afraid there was no grand master plan – a few years ago nobody could have expected or would have known Countryfile would have been in it’s current form. It’s changed and it’s moved with the times and I know it’s my work on the walking series which helped me here.” Having joined Countryfile in April 2009 as part of a revamp which saw the programme move from 11am to 7pm on a Sunday, she was eager to respond to criticisms levelled at the relaunch. “The programme has been on air for twenty years, and at its heart are rural affairs and rural issues. What’s good is that we are embracing and participating in all the activities in the UK that there are to do. As a result we’re getting an incredible number of viewers, more than the BBC had originally expected, and that’s just indicative of people’s interests right now”.

From husky racing to wild swimming

In under a year Bradbury has travelled the length and width of the UK participating in outdoor challenges from wild swimming in Oxfordshire to husky racing in the Caingorns. The latter amazed her as “for the first time in thirty years there was enough snow for it – the event takes place every year but on a tricyle-type contraption. They hated me calling it that but it’s a buggy that gets pulled along by the huskies. However this year for the first time we were actually able to race in the snow, and against the backdrop of the Caingorns. Week in, week out I am surprised at what we can do.”

So has she ever been caravanning? “As a family we’d never been on a caravanning holiday. My mum wasn’t a big caravanner and I think there’s a thing about caravanning and camping, as anyone who’s an enthusiast will know, is that whether it’s a family or a partnership affair, all parties must be willing. Otherwise there’s a lot of room for arguments.” She has however travelled in motorhomes to explore the UK. “My friends are surfers who like to follow the waves, so I go with a friend who has a VW camper and it’s all about going to find the best beaches!”

Her commitment to UK tourism even extends to family holidays, which are always taken at Crieff in the Scottish Highlands. “We enjoy spending a lot of time there as a family, so personally Scotland is my favourite UK destination. As you said, I’m lucky enough to go to just about every other corner of the UK with Countryfile, but I think if I had to choose another, Cornwall is a favourite personal destination of mine”.

Walking through Africa

Filled with seemingly boundless energy, Bradbury is looking forward to another year of wild adventures. She revealed to us that the latest will see her explore walks in Africa “as part of a tranche of programmes ahead of the World Cup. The Drachenburg Mountain range was wonderful, and we also take a walk through the Kruger National Park.” However fans of the UK will not be disappointed as she is off around the country again in April, though she couldn’t tell us details. “We’re filming another UK walking series but the location of them is so secret that not even the editors know yet! I’ve been told England, Scotland or Wales” she laughs heartily.

One of those in life fortunate enough to follow her passion as her daily work, Julia Bradbury leaves us with an exciting prospect ahead of her year of touring the UK: “I’ll let you know when I find somewhere completely new and unspoilt!”

Interview by Marcus Dubois. Julia Bradbury was a guest of the Camping and Caravanning Club and promotes their “New To Camping” initiative. For more information please click here.

Park Resorts offers summer bargains

Posted by

Caravan and holiday site operator Park Resorts has encouraged Brits to keep an eye on its website for summer bargains.

The firm said it regularly updates its offers and availability and suggested that those planning a vacation act fast to avoid missing out on the best deals.

With the Fifa World Cup coming up, the company’s 39 parks will be screening all of the matches, including England’s games against the USA, Slovenia and Algeria.

Families can stay at one of Park Resorts’ holiday homes during June and July from as little as £79, while May will be even cheaper, with prices from just £69.

Those with little tykes will be able to treat them to a school holiday vacation, with seven-night specials from £389 per holiday home.

Meanwhile, the company recently drew attention to some of its sites’ proximity to Blue Flag beaches.

“There is no better entertainment for the kids than spending the day at the beach, making sand castles and swimming in the sea then heading back to the park for some fabulous evening entertainment,” it claimed.