Table of contents for May 2021 in Practical Caravan

Where will be the first place that you tour when restrictions are (finally) lifted? I’ve been giving this a lot of thought over the past few months – it’s something that we’ve all been looking forward to for so long now, that I keep changing my mind about where I want to go. There are so many great sites out there… Hopefully, though, our Top 100 Sites Guide 2021 – which you should have received with this issue – will help you decide. Every one of the sites featured in the guide has been recommended by you, our readers, and our expert team – together, we’ve produced what we believe is the perfect accompaniment to your touring year. Once you’ve decided where to go, do let us know how you…

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT Here’s a list of key items you could need for touring in the EU. Although requirements will vary slightly from country to country, it may be wise to take all of these, to ensure that you are not issued with a hefty fine while you’re away, owing to an oversight. □ Full driving licences for all drivers (photo ID is recommended)□ Car registration document (V5)□ VE103 certificate for company/hire cars□ Insurance documents□ Green Card□ Breakdown/recovery policy documents□ Travel insurance documents□ EHIC/GHIC□ Medical prescriptions IN-CAR ESSENTIALS □ First-aid kit□ Reflective jackets for all occupants (must be accessible within the car, not stored in the boot or the caravan)□ Two warning triangles□ Spare bulb kit□ GB stickers□ Headlamp beam converter□ Alcohol breath-testing device□ Spare pair of prescription glasses…

1 CUMBRIA Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4TE › 01768 774 499 › castlerigg.co.uk Amazing views and acres of space mark this out as one of the north Lakes’ greatest campsites. It’s also perfectly located for dog-lovers who want to walk on-site, with two dedicated dog-walking areas, or those who prefer exploring further afield. Alternatively, take a short drive over to Whinlatter Forest Park (CA12 5TW), a few minutes west on the B5292. After a muddy walk, you can rinse off your hound in the campsite’s dedicated dog-shower. 2 KENT Broadhembury Caravan Park Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NQ › 01233 620 859 › broadhembury.co.uk This lovely campsite is ideally located for exploring Kent, just 40 minutes from Dover (a pre-ferry stop-over?). Dogs are welcome…

Overseas investment is welcome news So, another famous name in UK caravanning passes into foreign ownership. Coachman’s acquisition by Kabe follows what was the Explorer Group (comprising Xplore, Elddis, Compass and Buccaneer) being sold to the Erwin Hymer Group in 2017. Widen your view to include motorhomes and the tally of takeovers is even higher. But it is, I think, a good sign. Kabe, which first took a stake in Coachman two years ago, is clearly impressed with what it sees. This suggests that in this post-Brexit world, there is much about UK caravanning that overseas players still want a part of. peter.baber@futurenet.com Reviews editor PETER BABER is a hugely experienced caravanner who enjoys touring whenever he can HOW WE TEST VANS Our review types explained In-depth test In our…

Tested by Sarah Wakely Price £40,785 Kerbweight 1682kg 85% match 1430kg Towball limit 100kg TESTING BRAND NEW cars is one of the perks of working at Practical Caravan – it’s always fun trying out the different vehicles and taking them on tour over the year. Our main focus is, of course, to find out how they fare as tow cars – something that’s proved a little tricky over the past few months. With the UK in national lockdown, dealerships temporarily shut and campsites closed, we’ve had little opportunity to hitch our long-term-test Volvo up to a caravan and get away. But that’s not to say it’s not had its fair share of tests from us, albeit in a solo capacity. For starters, it coped admirably with snow over the Christmas…

Towing // Driving // Space & practicality // Buying & owning The Seat Ateca was one of the best cars of its kind, and the recent revisions have kept it at the head of the class. Seat hasn’t rewritten the rulebook in updating the Ateca. High-tech driver aids and connected services don’t transform the everyday experience of driving the car. However, we’re pleased that Seat hasn’t gone too far in following the current trend for dashboard designs that are almost button-free. It’s the way the Ateca drives that appeals most. The ride is on the firm side, but the benefit is felt when towing and in solo driving. With a caravan in tow, the Ateca is stable, and without one it is sharp and engaging. We’re pleased that Seat still…

Essential kit to enhance your tour Whether you’re new to caravanning or an experienced old hand, it can be tricky to know what kit to take with you on tour – after all, you’re limited in terms of space and payload, so you don’t want to carry more than you really need. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a six-page guide to brilliant gadgets and tools that are sure to enhance your tour! You can find it on p90. We’d also love to find out what DIY projects you’ve been up to over the various lockdowns. Let us know via letters@practicalcaravan.com – and don’t forget to send us a photo! practical.caravan@futurenet.com OUR TECH EXPERTS include (left to right) John Sootheran, Sammy Faircloth and Nigel Hutson HOW TO... CHANGE A GAS…

Choosing a Layout People’s needs differ, and your layout choice will depend on your companions and how you want to use your caravan. To understand which layouts are available, spend a day at one of the big shows, where manufacturers and dealers will be showing their latest models. A dealership is also a good place to start, but can be affiliated with a limited number of manufacturers. A chat with a dealer, though, could raise issues or offer ideas you hadn’t considered. Think about your needs: will you want to carry bikes, sports kit, barbecues or outdoor furniture? Perhaps creature comforts are a bit higher on your list; you might want a separate sleeping area, a lounge with parallel sofas and TV points, and an oven. If you plan to…

A caravan with a huge number of bunk beds can sometimes start to feel a little like a dormitory. But with all of those bunks tucked away at the back, as in this layout, they are partitioned off from the rest of the van by the central washroom, so the front lounge feels like any other front lounge. With this layout, the adults can also put the children to bed and still have some space to themselves. Pros Plenty of sleeping space, but it is nicely tidied away, and everyone has easy access to the toilet Cons The caravan can feel rather like it has been split in half A The front lounge here is the only seating area, so it needs to be roomy B Given that this is…

MAY 2015 Walkies! This springtime issue was a favourite with pet owners, who love to see a pooch on the cover. Pet-friendly sites, skiing in Scotland and a test of the two-berth Venus were a few highlights Paws for thought One mum, two kids, two Jack Russells and one four-berth van – Stacey Pardoe’s report about Bexhill, East Sussex, had all the elements for a perfect pet holiday adventure – woof! Suck it up Nobody wants a mucky van, so a portable vacuum cleaner is a sensible idea. James Stanbury tested nine models to find the best for keeping your van spotless. The verdict? The Sealey CPV144 was versatile and keenly priced Ski Scotland How do the slopes of Scotland’s Glencoe compare with the Alps? Our team packed up a…

Follow the roadmap to freedom With the vaccination programme on schedule and early indications showing a reduction in cases, we can be tentatively optimistic about the future. The key date on the roadmap out of lockdown is 21 June, when all limits to social contact should be removed, assuming we have met the conditions for doing so. If all goes well, from 17 May, up to 10,000 spectators will be able to attend larger outdoor seated venues, such as stadiums. Having just completed this year’s Top 100 Sites Guide, we are excited about getting out and about again. Extra safety measures will be in place at venues and events, of course - but the show will go on! claudia.dowell@futurenet.com Features editor CLAUDIA DOWELL is our touring expert – she’s been…

Who are you? We are Anne and David Dean, and we have been keen campers for many years. We enjoy travelling and exploring throughout the UK and Europe. Why are you a local authority on Stratford-on-Avon? We currently live just 25 miles from Stratford and visit frequently. We have also taken our grandsons there on camping holidays, visiting many of the attractions. What do you love about it? Its beautiful riverside location, plus the fact that the town has retained a great deal of the character from its roots as a medieval market town and of course, the birthplace of Shakespeare. What’s your favourite place to visit? As well as enjoying all that Stratford itself has to offer, this works as a base for exploring the surrounding area. There’s so…

Find a good dealer to get the right van Interest in caravanning continues to grow, which means stock remains scarce — family-sized models are particularly sought after, I’m told by dealers. One dealer I visited (before lockdown) had a row of two-berths, but no family tourers. He told me many are being sold privately. Although private sales have their place, first-time buyers could be buying themselves trouble, not knowing the potential problems to look out for. My advice is to find a local dealer, who can offer support and make sure models are sold in the right condition for the money. That way, first-timers have more come-back on this important purchase. practical.caravan@futurenet.com ANDY JENKINSON is a caravan expert and historian — he loves pre-owned and classic tourers! ANDY’S PICKS OF…

Time to seek out the hidden gems For months, newspaper headlines have been predicting a boom for UK-based holidays this summer. While that’s good news for the caravan industry, and campsites all across the country, it could also spell heavy traffic, overcrowded beaches, and packed tourist hotspots. I don’t know about you, but I prefer my summer without the crowds. So I’m planning to head away from the big-name destinations this year. The UK has so much to offer; hidden gems waiting just off the beaten track and secret spots that only the locals seem to know about. I could tell you where I’m going this summer. But then it wouldn’t be a secret… motty@practicalcaravan.com Tow car editor DAVID MOTTON is a former PC editor, and has towed with more…

WE ALL LOVE caravanning, but not every caravanner loves towing. Here are some of our favourite tips to make towing safer and more enjoyable. 1 Play the percentages You probably know what’s coming next. The 85% ‘rule’ has been the caravanner’s friend for decades. Both major caravanning clubs recommend towing no more than 85% of the kerbweight of your tow car, especially if you are new to towing. It’s a strong recommendation rather than a legal requirement, but you’ll find car and caravan more stable if the car weighs substantially more than the van. Experienced caravanners may be happy towing up to 100% of the car’s kerbweight, but we’d never recommend going above this weight, even if the car’s legal towing limit is higher. Think of the car as a…

WHEN WE BEGAN touring back in 2017, we were happy to just jump in and go, without too much thought about what we would pack to take with us. Obviously we included the essentials, such as food, clothes and our then two-year-old son, but outside of that, we had an attitude of ‘what we don’t have with us, we can do without’. Fast forward almost four years, add our second child and the experience garnered from a multitude of trips, and we have developed an altogether different outlook. Now we are very much of the belief that our experiences on the road can be greatly enhanced by what we pack, not to mention our life being made a lot easier and more comfortable, thanks to certain additions to our packing…

This layout, with a transverse island bed and an end wash room, is one of the most popular in the current market. It is particularly favoured by those who are looking to use their caravan as a seasonal pitch. With the wash room tucked away like an en-suite, it almost feels like home. It might not be so great if you travel frequently with younger children, however. Pros With no separating washroom, the central area often feels very airy Cons The washroom isn’t very convenient for anyone sleeping in the front A Front lounge mustn’t be squeezed to make way for everything else in here B Even with the van’s airy centre, you might still want a concertina partition here C Make sure the gang way past the bed is…

WHICH VANS ARE BEST FOR NEWBIES? Q I am hoping you can help us, please! We have had VW campervans for years now (mostly T2 and early Bays), but we have got rid of them as ours cost a lot of money to maintain. I now fancy a caravan, but it will have to be one that is easy to tow because I have never towed before. I would also like something retro and cute – so it matches my dog! Can you help please? Sarah (surname withheld) Peter Baber replies… You are in luck, Sarah, as the trend among designers these days is very much towards producing lighter caravans that are easy to tow. One small manufacturer, Wheelhome, has even brought out a van called the Dashaway, which is…

When to go The Mendip Hills are special at any time of year, but we chose early September, to avoid the crowds. Way to go We travelled from the Peak District via the M6 and M5, leaving at J22 for the A38, turning on to the A371 via Axbridge, then taking the A39 at Wells and turning at Green Ore onto the B3135. Find out more › visitbath.co.uk › mendiphillsaonb.org.uk › visitsomerset.co.uk › wellscathedral.org.uk › bishopspalace.org.uk › somersetwildlife.org Food and drink Hands Georgian Tearooms › handstearoom.co.uk The Bishop’s Table › bishopspalace.org.uk Queen Victoria Inn › thequeenvicpriddy.co.uk Butcombe Brewery › butcombe.com…

FERRY MEADOWS COUNTRY PARK Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU › nenepark.org.uk Ferry Meadows is a vast country park on the edge of the city of Peterborough. There are loads of open spaces for dogs to run, Tarmac paths if it’s wet, lakes to walk around, and even a steam railway line. The park also has a leisure lake, where you can hire canoes and pedalos to take out on the water, or bicycles for a two-wheeled jaunt around the grounds, and there’s a fabulous new café with an extensive outside deck. Peterborough’s historic centre, with its 900-year-old cathedral, is a pleasant two-mile walk from Ferry Meadows Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. Cycling, walking, eating, drinking, watersports, even tree planting… this place has it all. Stay at Ferry Meadows C&MC Site…

THE A350 BEGINS its route at the M4’s junction 17, heading south before it turns right onto the Chippenham Bypass. The road bypasses the time-warp picturesque village of Lacock, and continues on to the small market town of Melksham, avoiding the town centre. It then bypasses Trowbridge to the east, passing West Ashton and turning at Yarnbrook to head through the market town of Westbury, on the edge of Salisbury Plain. From here, the route skirts around the edge of Warminster Down, then connects with the A36 to bypass Warminster. Here, we are just a few miles from Longleat Safari Park, where the Caravan and Motorhome Club has a site. Leaving the A36, the A350 now heads south, passing through Longbridge Deverill and under the A303. South of East Knoyle,…

Camping and Caravanning Club appoints new chair Phil Henson, a caravanner from Nottinghamshire, has become The Camping and Caravanning Club’s new chairman, following an election for the position held in February. He replaces Bob Talbot, who had held the post since December 2018. Mr Henson, who has been an active club member for more than 30 years and ha fulfilled roles on many of its committees, said, “I love the people, the friendliness and the enthusiasm of The Camping and Caravanning Club. I meet old friends an make new ones, which to me, is what the Friendly Club is all about.” Prima’s new director Clare Woods has joined the board of Bailey as Prima and Aftercare Director. Clare was asked to take on leadership of Prima, Bailey’s accessories business, after…

THIS IS THE SECOND Van Live! event that Practical Caravan, in conjunction with sister title Practical Motorhome magazine, has run – such has been the extraordinary nature of the past year, that we decided to get together all of your favourite show experiences and bring them to you online! Our first event ran in October 2020, with our second running online from 22-28 February 2021. Don’t worry if you missed the most recent event, though – we’ve kept everything up online, so you can still pay a visit now and see all of our great show content in one easy-to-access place. Visit our virtual show At Van Live! February 2021, you can read all of the latest news from leisure vehicle manufacturers, find links to their new products, catch up…

❱ Kerbweight As defined by EU Directive 95/48/ EC, the car or other vehicle’s weight with a 90% full fuel tank, all necessary fluids, 68kg for the driver and 7kg of luggage. This is the figure that is used to calculate a tow car match ❱ GTW (Gross train weight) The maximum allowable combined weight of the towing vehicle and the caravan, as specified by the maker of the towing vehicle ❱ Hook-up Cable connection to the mains electrical supply at a campsite. Provides power to mains sockets and appliances ❱ Maximum towing limit The greatest weight that a car can legally tow, as specified by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle ❱ MiRO (Mass in running order) The caravan’s weight, with all factory-fitted equipment, when it leaves the factory.…

Caravan and Motorhome Club ❱ 01342 326 944 ❱ thecaravan club.co.uk Camping and Caravanning club ❱ 024 7647 5448 ❱ thefriendly club.co.uk CRiS ❱ 020 3282 1000 ❱ www.cris.co.uk Approved Workshop Scheme ❱ www.approvedworkshops.co.uk NCC (National Caravan Council) ❱ www.thencc.org.uk Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) > 0843 216 5802 > www.cassoa.co.uk Towsafe ❱ www.towsafe.co.uk DVLA > 0300 790 6801 > www.dft. gov.uk/dvla Mobile Caravan Engineers Association (MCEA) > 01249 651 036 > www.mobile caravanengineers.co.uk ❱ For the very latest reviews and brilliant buying guides, visit the Practical Caravan website – you’ll find us at www.practicalcaravan.com…

Rear corner beds are commonly known as French beds, for reasons that are becoming rather lost in the mists of time! They do take up less room than an island bed, so are quite a happy compromise if one of you is prepared to clim b over the other to get out of bed at night. With this layout, the bed doesn’t take up so much space in the van, either, because the washroom fits in beside, rather than behind, it. Pros A corner washroom is more accessible for everyone in the caravan Cons There’s less privacy than you would get with a central washroom A Front lounge settees should ideally be long enough to act a single beds B The second dinette often includes an optional bunk bed C…