The big tent set-up has gone too far

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

I love the diversity of the camping and leisure world. It’s great being on a campsite and seeing everything from vintage motorhomes to hiking tents and A-class leisure vehicles with everyone there enjoying themselves.

It’s an incredibly fun, friendly and inclusive environment, so I do feel a little bad for calling out one subsection, but I’m going to! I just don’t understand the big tenters. Last weekend was CampDad and I was among 12 dads and 32 kids. If I thought the tent rigs that the other dads had last year were big, this year they reached lunacy.

Comfort and economic unviability

The dads in question seem to be cutting off their nose to spite their face in terms of the fun they could be having. I’m a self-confessed tent purist, believing that tents should be the conduit to enjoying something else, whether it be an activity, a place or the company around you.

It should always be the case that the tent and your equipment should be light, portable and quick to put up. This approach means accepting some of the shortcomings camping has to offer. At best, cooking is done in one pot on a single burner, you sit on the ground, use torches and charge your phone from the car.

Now, a lot of the other dads had huge set-ups. I’ve totted up the base level gear they’ve got and realised it comes to between £3,000 and £4,000. If you don’t believe me, let’s take a look:

That’s a total of £3,660.81 without taking into consideration around £250 of sundries that generally come included with a caravan. These include things like lights, speakers and water storage.

Big tent set-up versus a caravan

With all of this in mind, I decided to compare these expensive set-ups with a caravan. I found a perfectly good Bailey Pageant Series 5 model, which is secondhand and available near me for £3,000. It allows you to drive up, hook up and drive away with everything you need including a porch awning and an aquaroll.

There’s proper beds, mattresses, cupboards for storage, four-ring gas burners, oven, heating, lighting, a toilet, a shower and running water. The big tenters have spent a vast amount of money and they’re nowhere near that level of comfort. 

When it rains, they’re still cooking outside. This comes from someone who camped at the weekend in a set-up that came to around £200 and was erected in 15 minutes. That’s what I accept as camping. There were six generators on our pitch at the weekend, which were there to do things like charge mobile phones and plug in fairy lights.

Overpacking

Above all, there’s no space in a car to transport the kids’ bikes and toys and paddling pools that they’re going to enjoy when it’s completely loaded up with the camping kit. Many of the dads needed a trailer to bring their bulky kit to DadCamp this weekend and some didn’t have the space to bring their kids. They had to be picked up and dropped off separately, enlisting the mums in some cases.

With a caravan, you will need a towcar, but at least that means you can fit the kids in. CampDad started at 11am on Friday, but the children didn’t finish school until 4pm, so those five hours were spent pitching the tents, erecting the folding kitchenettes and arranging the windbreaker.

This was all for just two nights and when it came to pack down, it took three hours. And after all of that, they still had to cook outside, walk to the toilets in the middle of the night with their kids and everyone was cold after dark, because no matter how much money you spend, it’s too dangerous to have heating in a tent.

The cycle

It’s not that these dads set out to spend this much money on camping kit. It starts out with them buying a tent and then a bigger one, which is followed by relatively small purchases to make the experience more comfortable, but these little increments still add up to a lot of money.

Before you know it your price point is within the realm of a caravan, but what’s worse is that the caravan has been deconstructed to put into a car to transport to a campsite and try and replicate the comfort of a caravan. All of this is done less successfully than a caravan and at an increased cost.

A caravan, in comparison, takes around 20 minutes to set up when you arrive at your destination. Then there’s the question of where to store all of this camping gear when they get home. Instead of filling the garage with it, they could just have a caravan parked on the drive that is ready to use whenever it’s needed.

Caravans hold their value

Another thing to remember is that caravans hold their value while tents don’t. Nobody will want to buy an old, slightly broken camp set or secondhand tent. It’s flimsy by design, because it needs to be lightweight and foldable, which means that it breaks easily. Caravans have some residual value, meaning you can sell up and upgrade without losing out.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Matheus Bertelli



A selected history of Bailey caravans

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It’s been over 75 years since the first Bailey caravan was built and leisure vehicle technology has come a long way in the intervening years.

Now, caravan specialist Ropers Leisure has taken a look back at some of the milestones the manufacturer has seen since Martin Bailey built the Maestro in 1947 and sold it for £200.

James Roper at Ropers Leisure, said: “Seeing how far they have come over the past 75-plus years is astonishing. From humble beginnings as simple mobile shelters, caravans have transformed into sophisticated, modern homes on wheels, reflecting technological advancements, design, and consumer needs.”

Back in the beginning…

It all began back in 1947 when the UK was still recovering in the aftermath of the Second World War and caravans were basic models with limited space.

After creating the Maestro and selling it at Ashton Gate market in South Bristol in 1947, a year later F G Bailey Ltd was established and produced two caravans every week.

By the 1950s, Bailey was ready to extend the range of caravans on offer, with the Minor and Maritza both offered to the holidaying public.

It was the introduction of the 18-foot Maison that was the introduction of a caravan as a home in response to the post-war housing shortage.

A change of hands

In 1977 Martin Bailey sold the still relatively new company to Patrick and Stephen Howard, who have continued to own the business right up to the modern day.

They’ve overseen plenty of innovation in their time and in 1982 the first Bailey Pageant was produced. This model would go on to be the company’s most successful product line and stay in continuous production for 25 years.

Five years later, it was decided the Pageant needed a sister and the Senator was introduced, complete with blown air central heating and an integrated cassette toilet system as standard.

Weathering the storm

By the late ‘80s, the economic backdrop was tough, but that didn’t stop Bailey from expanding. It was during this time that the South Liberty Lane site was tripled in size.

This coincided with a large investment in advanced digital production machinery to take caravan manufacturing to the next level.

In 1996, the market was in need of an affordable caravan and the Ranger was introduced at less than £10,000 to meet the demand.

Innovating into the new millennium

The 2000s were all about innovation for Bailey, with more robust, durable and lighter caravans rolling off the production line, thanks to the Alu-Tech construction system.

In 2011, Bailey branched out, launching its first motorhome, the Approach SE, featuring an Alu-Tech body shell on an AL-KO chassis with a Peugeot cab.

Royal approval came the next year when Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Bailey at South Liberty Lane to celebrate its 65th anniversary.

Big Adventures

Since 2015, Bailey has been hosting its Big Adventures, with trips to Australia, Finland’s Arctic Circle, Istanbul and most recently, the Sahara Desert.

The Sahara Challenge was originally begun in 2020, but the leisure vehicles only got as far as Sagres in Portugal before turning back due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Three years later, they would set off from Sagres once more and finally make their ultimate destination in Morocco.

Modern challenges

Having become a carbon-neutral business in 2022, Bailey celebrated its 75th anniversary the following year, which was marked with the introduction of the Endeavour campervan.

Environmental initiatives and sustainable growth are at the forefront of Bailey’s plans, as it looks towards the future.



Tickets on sale for the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show 2025

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Tickets have gone on sale for Scotland’s largest premier outdoor living event, which is set to be held early next year.

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show is scheduled to take place at the SEC in Glasgow from February 6th to 9th.

Now in its 39th year, the show is an opportunity to explore the latest motorhomes, caravans, holiday homes and boats, as well as a 207 sq m travel accessory superstore.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to upgrade your current model or simply keen to see the latest innovations in the leisure vehicle market, there’ll be something for everyone.

Jillyanne Glen, show manager, said: “Caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes are the perfect investment for anyone who enjoys being able to pack up and shoot off to wherever their heart desires at the drop of a hat.

“The flexibility which these kinds of holidays offer is unmatched, and that’s what keeps spiking interest from a wide range of audiences every year – from young professionals and families looking forward to the next stage in life, to retirees and everyone in between, our attendees are as varied as our product range.”

Chat with experts

Events like the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show are a great opportunity to talk to experts about all areas of the leisure vehicle lifestyle.

This can be everything from purchasing a new motorhome to chatting about which awning to buy or exploring different insurance options.

The exhibitors and associations in attendance have hundreds of years’ worth of experience and expertise between them, meaning the show will serve as a hub for visitors to gain valuable insight on all things touring from the best in the business.

Among the experts will be representatives from leading leisure travel association the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

They will be hosting talks, panel discussions and Q&As on a vast number of topics for those eager to learn more about life on the road.

Brush up on your skills

Visit the Caravan and Motorhome Club at stand 4050 to book a 20-minute manoeuvring taster session to improve your driving skills.

Whether you’re new to driving a leisure vehicle or looking to improve, the qualified instructors will give you hints and tips to stay safe and tow or manoeuvre properly.

Farmers’ market

If one of the things you love about the leisure vehicle lifestyle is travelling around to find local delicacies to try, then the farmers’ market at the show will delight your senses.

Hosting over 15 artisan producers with more than 400 varieties of locally produced award-winning products, the event features some of Scotland’s most delicious wares.

Tickets

Tickets are priced at £14 for general admission and £13 for those over 60. Children up to 15-years-old and carers can attend for free.

As the tickets have already gone on sale, those planning on visiting the show should make their purchases early to avoid disappointment.

Safe road trip prepping for summer

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Road trips are a quintessential summer experience and becoming an increasingly popular way to explore the UK, with ‘staycation’ and ‘road trip’ gaining 16 million engagements on TikTok in the last week alone.

Staying safe on a road trip, especially if towing a caravan, starts with your car and there are many ways you can ensure it’s in the best condition for a long journey.

Vehicle maintenance experts at Collect Service Go have issued their advice on the best approaches to take before your trip.

Ollie Green, owner of the company, said: “Whether you have your own car, or are opting for a rental, it’s important to ensure that the vehicle is fit for long drives for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users.”

Pre-trip checks

A number of pre-trip checks should be carried out with plenty of time to rectify anything should they highlight an issue:

Tyres

Start by checking the part of the car that is in contact with the road. Adjust the tyre pressure where necessary and inspect for any signs of wear and tear.

Ensure the tread depth is at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters section of the tyre. You can use the 20p coin trick as a guide, which states that if the outer band of the coin is obscured when inserted, your tread is above the legal limit.

Fluids

Take a look at the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant levels, topping up any that are low. Don’t forget to fill the screen wash fluid reservoir and ensure the wipers are functioning effectively.

Not being able to see clearly out of the windscreen is a safety hazard and one that can easily appear mid-journey if something hits the glass.

Battery

All car batteries over three years old should be tested to see if they can still hold their charge, as it’s known their performance can deteriorate over time.

It can be a good idea to store a set of jump leads in your car or caravan for long journeys just in case, as you don’t want to find yourself unable to drive away from your pitch at the end of a camping trip.

Lights

Test all of the exterior and interior lights on your vehicle, including indicators, brake lights and headlights.

Replace any bulbs that are dim or not working, or you risk being given a fixed penalty fine of £60 with three penalty points on your licence if you’re pulled over.

Steering and brakes

When it comes to suspension and steering, check for unusual noises or handling issues and ensure the steering feels smooth and responsive.

For your brakes, ensure they are reactive and listen for any strange sounds that could indicate there’s a problem.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tim Mossholder



Dan’s top tips for attending festivals with your leisure vehicle

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

The summer festival season is upon us and I’ve just returned from ClubFest, which is run annually by the Caravan and Motorhome Club. It was held at Weston Park in Shropshire this year and since the National has rebranded as ClubFest, it’s grown from strength to strength.

It’s become more accessible, with a much younger and more family-oriented crowd and the activities available reflect this. Live music is one of the biggest draws – with Toploader and Jason Donovan headlining in 2024 – but there’s also kids’ entertainment, watersports and wellness sessions.

Costing around £350 for a family of four, ClubFest represents good value for money, with everything you could possibly need on site. That includes electric hook-ups, shops, bars and pop-up street food stalls, keeping visitors well fuelled over the four-day festival.

The UK’s festival scene and beyond

Whether your idea of a festival is Glastonbury, Benicassim or the annual Metal Detectorists Meet-up, it’s time to get involved. Leisure vehicles make festivals so much more enjoyable – from having a comfy bed to a fridge to store your food in – turning what can be a chaotic experience into an enjoyable one.

There are lots of people starting their own festivals as a way to participate in their favourite activities or just bring groups of friends together. I’m off on my second annual CampDad festival this weekend, which started as some dads and their kids from school, but has grown to take over an entire site.

Whatever weird and wonderful thing you love to do, why not get your friends together in a bunch of tents and leisure vehicles to spend a weekend doing it?! If you’ve started your own festival or are planning on attending something quite niche, reach out to editor@caravantimes.co.uk or contact us on X/Twitter to let us know. We’d love to hear about it.

Festival tips

From someone who’s been there and done it, here’s my advice on attending a festival in your leisure vehicle:

Arrive early and depart late

Get on site early and expect to depart late. There are many reasons for this, but the most important one is the likelihood of rain, which will mean leisure vehicles driving across soft pitches will make entry and exit routes difficult to navigate.

Be among the first to arrive while the ground is still solid and leave after the rush of people spinning their wheels on grass slopes has gone. Then you’ll have the time, space and freedom to pick the best route out of the site at your leisure.

Pack for a caravan, motorhome or campervan holiday

Just because you’re going to a festival doesn’t mean you’re not going to need the things you always take on a trip away in your leisure vehicle. All the items that make your stay comfortable – warm wear to walk to the shower block in the evening, a toolkit and a step to get into your van – are essentials.

Additional festival clothes can also come along, as well as inflatable hats if you like, but remember that underneath it all, it’s still a camping trip. If you’re a seasoned caravanner or motorhomer, you’ll have honed your packing list over time, so don’t abandon it now.

Don’t expect to venture off site

Take everything you’ll need for the whole weekend with you, as relying on being able to pack up your motorhome and nip off to a supermarket to restock halfway through the festival is unrealistic. Assume you’ll enter once and leave once.

This can mean prioritising space around essentials like food, taking one less bottle of wine to make room for an extra packet of spaghetti, but you need to weigh those decisions yourself. One thing I would say is that at commercial festivals, beer is readily available, whereas vegetables are harder to come by.

Review festival restrictions

Many festivals have rules around certain items, such as glass bottles, so it’s important to review these in advance so you’re not caught out at the gates. Potentially think about stocking your leisure vehicle with plastic cups and reusable water bottles instead of glass.

There are also sometimes restrictions on other things too, so check the specifics for the particular event you’re attending. Don’t assume all festivals have the same policies, as they all differ and there can be changes from year to year.

Expect noise

While not all festivals are music festivals, they are universally noisy, because they’re tightly packed. ClubFest spaces caravans fairly generously, but most events are cramming leisure vehicles close together.

Some attendees will be at the festival to party all night, so don’t expect lots of space and silence at 10pm. Go with the flow and enjoy the experience, instead of letting it ruin your time away.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Pavel Danilyuk



Banish mosquitoes from your leisure vehicle this summer

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The summer months are a great time to go exploring in your caravan or motorhome, but with the warmer temperatures also come mosquitoes.

Anyone who has tried to sleep in the confines of a leisure vehicle with the buzzing of even a single mosquito inside will know it’s infuriating.

It’s important to protect yourself from bites from both a health and comfort point of view, which means banishing mosquitoes from your caravan or motorhome this summer.

With this in mind, WinstonsBeds.com has shared some of its top tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay when you’re sleeping, while the CaravanTimes team also imparts some of its expertise.

Rebecca Swain, expert at the company said: “Mosquito bites on holiday can be a real pain but it’s important to remember not to itch them or else they can become infected.

 “Mosquitoes are attracted to a range of things that are out of our control such as sweat and blood type. However there are a few things you can do to try and deter mosquitos away from your body in general.”

Avoid certain strong scents

There are a number of strong scents that are appealing to mosquitoes, so avoid perfumed body lotions before bed.

Also, remove the air freshener from the cab of your motorhome, as it may be welcoming the critters in.

Try lavender and citronella instead

Other fragrances, like lavender and citronella, actually work as a natural mosquito repellent, so you can use these liberally.

Applying lavender oil to your wrists or the windows around your caravan can work well, while burning a citronella candle under your awning can protect you in the evenings.

Keep your leisure vehicle cool

A cool environment can be conducive to sleeping in the summer months and has the added benefit of deterring mosquitoes.

It may be worth investing in an air conditioning unit from the likes of Truma, DualClima or Teleair if your caravan or motorhome isn’t already fitted with one.

Turn off lights if your windows are open

If cooling your leisure vehicle is less high-tech and requires you to open the windows, make sure you don’t leave the lights on, as mosquitoes are attracted to them.

Installing some mesh over the windows can help to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out if you know you’re going to require added ventilation.

Wear long-sleeved clothing

Whether you’re sitting out under your awning in the evening or tucked up in bed at night, wearing long sleeves and full leg trousers is a good preventative measure.

In warm climates this can feel unnatural, so it’s worth buying lightweight, breathable items that mean you won’t be too hot.

Use a motorhome mosquito net

Unlike traditional mosquito nets that are positioned over the bed, options for motorhomes often fasten over the door to protect the whole vehicle.

Some of these fly screens are designed to allow humans access, but snap shut behind you, minimising the chances of mosquitoes and bugs getting in.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tom Allport



What you need to know about roof tents

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Roof tents, which enable campers to convert cars into leisure vehicles with sleeping areas, are gaining in popularity, with over 24,000 online searches for them in the last month alone.

The benefits of roof tents include sleeping above the ground, convenient pitching and a robust, durable structure.

With so many people turning to roof tents for summer adventures, it’s worth remembering certain rules, regulations and guidelines to stay safe and secure.

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: “Although a roof tent gives drivers the freedom and flexibility to camp at their leisure, there are some key things to remember when considering whether or not to attach a roof tent to a vehicle this summer.”

Installation

When installing a roof tent, your vehicle needs to be fitted with roof bars for it to be attached prior to setting off on your camping trip.

In our experience at CaravanTimes, this is the time-consuming part of the process. Once your roof tent is fitted atop your vehicle, you could be set for the whole summer.

Combined weight

Before starting to attach the tent, it’s important to know the roof load capacity and not exceed it with the combined weight of the tent, its occupants and any additional personal items you’re intending to put inside.

Mr Conway said: “Vehicles have two types of roof weight limits – dynamic (while driving) and static (when stationary). Generally, most cars have a dynamic weight limit of around 50 kg – 75 kg but can support a much higher static load, often at least five times greater than the dynamic roof load limit.

“You can check the weight limit of any vehicle by checking the user manual or the sticker on the door of the driver’s seat.”

Work all of this out before you buy a roof tent, taking into consideration how many people you’re expecting to sleep in the tent at any one time.

Also remember that the roof bars and mounting gear carry weight too, so these must be factored in so as not to exceed the limit and potentially damage your car.

Mr Conway warned: “Always err on the side of caution and check your limits. And remember that being caught with an overloaded vehicle can see you handed a £300 fine and three penalty points on your licence.

“In more extreme circumstances, and if your overloaded vehicle has contributed to a severe accident, you could be charged with dangerous driving.”

Consequences of additional weight

Once your roof tent is installed, you’re likely to need to change your driving style, as the additional weight will affect the car’s handling and fuel efficiency.

While roof tent manufacturers make their products to be as aerodynamic as possible, your car’s centre of gravity will still be higher than usual.

If you’re taking your roof tent on a long-distance road trip, remember that your fuel might not get you as far as you think, so be prepared to top up more often when your tent is attached.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Michael Aleo



Honeymoon mistakes not to make

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Honeymoons come in all shapes and sizes, and if you’re an outdoors-loving couple then getting away post-wedding in a caravan or campervan might be the perfect way to start married life.

That’s only if you don’t fall into some common honeymoon traps, however. Luckily, the experts at StressFreeCarRental.com are here to steer you in the right direction.

John Charnock, the company’s CEO, said: “Your honeymoon is the trip of a lifetime so you want everything to run smoothly and according to plan.

 “While you’re booking your honeymoon it’s likely that you’ll also be planning your wedding which means you have a million and one things to think about.

“Unfortunately this means a lot of couples end up making some mistakes when it comes to booking their honeymoon.

Not checking the season

Since it’s your honeymoon, there’s a good chance you might be going further afield than you would on a regular holiday and that can mean exotic climates.

Check what sort of weather you can expect for the time of year before making your holiday plans and then have another look at the forecast closer to your departure date for any unseasonable changes.

Relying solely on social media for recommendations

Even if your caravan or motorhome makes you pretty much self-sufficient in terms of a shower and kitchen, you still want the facilities at your campsite to be up to scratch.

Don’t just assume that the pictures and videos you see on social media are an accurate portrayal of campsites or local restaurants. Back up your choices with independent research.

Not booking adult-only sites

Adult-only campsites are a great idea for your honeymoon, as they set the mood in a way that parks full of families just can’t.

Many adult-only sites have great facilities and amenities that are high-quality and will make your honeymoon extra special.

Overplanning

After the excitement of the wedding and all the preparations leading up to it, you shouldn’t overplan your honeymoon and instead spend time being spontaneous with your new spouse.

There’s a sweet spot between putting together an itinerary to use your time effectively and leaving some time free to relax as newlyweds.

Forgetting your marriage documents

Name changes, passports and other documents can get overlooked in the wake of your wedding, so be sure to bring a copy of your marriage certificate to clear up any discrepancies.

It can also be flashed in the hope of an upgrade to any experiences or special activities you’ve booked as part of your honeymoon.



 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Rota Alternativa

Europe’s best hidden gems to discover by leisure vehicle

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Having access to a caravan or motorhome represents a unique opportunity to get off the beaten track, eschewing Europe’s most famous destinations for charming hidden gems.

In order to find out which ones are really worth visiting, the online language learning platform italki analysed a number of metrics to produce definitive rankings.

These included number of landmarks, average rating of sights, safety score and the average summer temperature of each destination.

Iker Uriarte, head of marketing for Europe at italki, said: “Before you leave, take some time to get familiar with the culture and history of your destination. Learning about these aspects beforehand can elevate your travel experience and help you better understand where you’re visiting.”

While Valletta in Malta came out as the best ranking hidden gem in italki’s survey, it’s fairly inaccessible and hard to get to with a caravan or motorhome, since it’s on an island.

Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro’s Kotor, however, which was in second position, is on mainland Europe and therefore easy to drive to, even if you’re towing a caravan.

In fact, you could take a particularly scenic route, stopping off in France and Slovenia, as well as enjoying some of the most picturesque spots on the Croatian coast.

Once you arrive in Kotor, the city boasts 1,790 things to do and 31 landmarks, according to italki’s analysis, with an average temperature of 19°C in the summer.

Situated in an enviable position overlooking the bay, you can explore Kotor’s medieval town, winding streets and Romanesque churches.

Matera, Italy

Driving down through Italy to reach Matera is the sort of road trip that dreams are made of, with the chance to visit a number of hidden gems along the way.

The city, which was built on a series of natural caves, scored 80.4 out of 100 in terms of safety, has 513 things to do and 28 points of interest.

Spend your time discovering the maze of frescoed limestone churches, palaces and monasteries, before indulging at Matera’s famed Michelin-starred restaurants.

Sintra, Portugal

Perhaps you would prefer to take your leisure vehicle on the ferry across to Spain and drive through the Iberian Peninsula to Portugal.

Not far from Lisbon geographically, Sintra is like a fairytale compared to the bustling Portuguese capital, with its palaces and gardens perched atop its lofty hill.

With 13 landmarks to visit, according to italki, it packs a punch in a small space, with Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and Monserrate Palace among the top things to do.

Valencia, Spain

Often overlooked in favour of Barcelona or Madrid, Spain’s Valencia took the fifth spot in the survey, with 883 activities and 52 landmarks.

The official home of paella and close enough to the sea that you can walk to it via the Turia Gardens from the city centre, Valencia punches above its weight as a destination.

From the historic centre, where you can wander the central market and explore the cathedral, to the modern City of Arts and Sciences, there’s plenty of interest to enjoy while pitched up near Valencia.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Faruk Kaymak



Best UK sunset spots to visit on a touring trip

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When the sun decides to shine it can create some of the most stunning natural spectacles and none more so than at the end of the day.

One of the great things about being away in your caravan or motorhome is having the luxury of spending time soaking it in.

But where are the best sunset spots in the UK? LeaseCar.uk rounded up the locations you should be adding to your next touring trip to take in the show.

Tim Alcock, an expert at LeaseCar.uk, said: “Sunsets are a spectacle and something so many of us love to see. Many sunset lovers have taken to social media to share pictures of their most picturesque finds.

“There are a few spots across the UK where sunset-spotting is even more enjoyable. We suggest those looking to explore the best sights to embark on a summer road trip and visit the hotspots.

“After sourcing on social media, we’ve put together nine locations which have been praised as the best spots to enjoy a captivating sunset.”

Primrose Hill, London

Seeing the sun set over the city of London is a particularly special experience and nowhere in the capital is better for this than Primrose Hill.

Get there early enough to seek out the best spot with Regent’s Park spread out in front of you as the sky starts to change colour.

Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales

An island located off an island, Ynys Llanddwyn in north west Wales isn’t the most convenient location to get to, but it’ll be worth the effort.

Base yourself on Anglesey with your caravan or motorhome, then make your way to the tidal island in time for sunset.

Old Winchester Hill, Hampshire

There are many interesting things about Old Winchester Hill, part of which is a scheduled monument.

The South Downs Way and Monarch’s Way long-distance footpaths both cross the summit, making it a great place to stop and watch the sun disappear across the valley.

Polzeath, Cornwall

Sunsets and the sea are a match made in heaven. Cornwall offers almost perfect conditions from many locations, but the village of Polzeath is hard to beat.

Position yourself on the beach or grab a table in prime position at Surfside to enjoy some seafood along with the view.

Stanage Edge, Peak District

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, you’ll be rewarded with the beautiful colours on display at sunset from atop Stanage Edge.

With the Dark Peak moorlands and the Hope Valley in the foreground, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque spot.

Camusdarach, Scotland

Travelling to the Highlands in your leisure vehicle is a great way to escape the crowds and really life the vanlife dream.

At Camusdarach you’ll be greeted by a white sandy beach for your sunset view, and will need to remind yourself this is Scotland and not some far-flung destination.

Blackstone Edge, Ripponden

Sitting 472 metres above sea level, Blackstone Edge offers incredible views of the surrounding moorland on a clear day.

Watch the reflection of the sun setting on the nearby reservoir or simply turn your gaze skyward and soak it all in.

Snowdon, North Wales

Of course, the highest peak in Snowdonia will afford you fantastic sunset views as the North Wales countryside is spread out in front of you.

As Snowdonia has International Dark Sky Reserve status, you’ll be able to experience the natural phenomenon without interference from light pollution.

Kodak Corner, Northern Ireland

Appropriately named Kodak Corner, as there are always people snapping photos of the sunset here, this viewpoint in Northern Ireland attracts visitors from far and wide.

With mountains, sea and sky as far as the eye can see, Kodak Corner ticks all the boxes for watching the sun descend below the horizon.



 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Elissar Haidar

Kip Caravans marks 90 years

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Dutch caravan manufacturer Kip is set to mark its 90th anniversary later this month, after being founded on May 31st, 1934.

It took original owner Jan Kip a while to build his first caravan, which was produced in 1947, but the following year 20 of the leisure vehicles were created.

The brand has gone on to become synonymous with compact, aerodynamic caravans that are perfect for adventures and remains the only caravan factory in the Netherlands.

Kip stays true to its history

To mark its 90th birthday, Kip is inviting caravan enthusiasts to its factory and store in Hoogeveen, the town in the Netherlands where the brand has always been based.

Some of its skilled craftsmen have worked at Kip for more than 40 years, building distinctive and reliable caravans.

Visitors can learn more about the workings of Kip, taking a look behind the scenes and get a better understanding of what the camping experience is like with one of its caravans.

Milestones in Kip’s evolution

In the 1950s a particularly small model known as the Krielkip was brought to market by Kip. Its distinctive orange canvas lifting roof was a popular feature and the origins of an idea still used in Kip caravans to this day.

By 1971, Kip was producing 10,000 caravans a year and spent the next ten years earning a reputation for design, technology and the use of high-quality materials.

A focus on sustainability

Modern Kip caravans have an emphasis on sustainability, something the company says is in response to wanting to preserve the natural environment Kip users enjoy.

This extends from the materials and processes used in production to the aerodynamic design and smart energy systems.

Fitted with good-quality insulation and solar panels, Kip caravans have a grade A energy efficiency label.

The well-built caravans should last a long time, meaning customers won’t need to replace them for many years.

Trusted partners

Being proud of its Dutch heritage, Kip Caravans has partnered with a number of other businesses in the country to provide elements for its leisure vehicles.

Most notably among them are De Waard for its awnings and Victron Energy, which supplies all of the energy systems Kip relies on.

Kip Caravans today

Current models available from Kip include the Shelter, Kompakt and Vision, all of which feature the brand’s characteristic pop-up canvas top.

A special Shelter Anniversary Edition has been created to celebrate 90 years of Kip Caravans.



How to celebrate Father’s Day with your caravan-loving dad

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If your dad is a caravan or motorhome enthusiast, it’s time to start making plans to honour his favourite hobby for Father’s Day, which falls on June 16th this year.

The great thing about having a loved one who’s into touring is that there’s always something new you can get for their leisure vehicle.

For those caravanners who have it all, however, you could plan a great bonding experience instead of buying a gift.

Here’s the CaravanTimes team’s top ideas for marking Father’s Day:

Gift ideas

Ooni Koda 12 pizza oven

The kitchens in caravans and motorhomes are notoriously small, meaning options to cook outdoors have always been appealing. Let your dad hang up the BBQ tongs and grab a pizza peel instead.

Ooni’s Koda 12 model is among its most compact pizza ovens and usable straight out of the box. Freshly made pizza is a sure-fire way to make friends when pitching up at a campsite and the brand has its own tips for rustling up pizzas on the go.

Avtex Tourer Three satnav

Make sure your dad never gets lost again with a satnav that’s specially designed with caravans and motorhomes in mind. In fact, the Avtex Tourer Three has even been endorsed by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Powered by Garmin, dad can enter the size and weight of his caravan or motorhome and be guided to avoid height, width and weight restricted roads, as well as getting warnings about sharp bends or steep hills.

ECO-WORTHY Off Grid Solar Kit

So many things inside a caravan or motorhome need charging, so for the particularly adventurous dad, there’s the 120W 240W 12V (1/2x120W) Off Grid Solar Kit with RV Mounting Brackets. 

This kit will give him the confidence to head off into the wilderness without the need for electric hookup. Easy to install and with the potential to generate 0.48kWh a day, you won’t see your dad for dust!

Experience ideas

A caravan or motorhome can be a great base for enjoying other activities as a father and child duo, or even a multi-generation trip with siblings and grandchildren involved.

Some ideas include:

  • Going for a walk in the countryside
  • Enjoying some watersports
  • Packing the binoculars for a spot of birdwatching
  • Grabbing the fishing rods to try and catch lunch
  • Throwing the bikes on the bike rack and going for a ride

Find the perfect spot and use your dad’s leisure vehicle to prepare lunch or to change out of your sports kit.

Think about areas that have been important to your family through the years, including places that you’ve been on caravanning holidays together, to bring in the nostalgia factor.

You could go the whole way and prepare foods from 1991 and park up in that beach location where it rained for the whole week and you played endless card games.