Table of contents for September 2022 in Practical Caravan

Your recent Know how guide to Caravan Cuisine (issue 453) got me thinking about the perfect recipe for a caravan holiday. Ingredients: family, friends and/or pets (the more the merrier!), fantastic campsite, great location. Method: Take your time, mix well and enjoy the ride. No need to rush, you’ll get there eventually. Get everyone to pitch in with games, activities, cooking – and washing up! Take a walk, visit the beach, head into town, watch the sunset. Enjoy a drink or two and the odd yarn around the campfire. Relax… relax some more… relax some more. Season well with love and laughter. Serve immediately. Hope all of your readers have a delicious holiday!Beverley Partridge MILENCO The contributor of our Star letter wins a pair of Milenco Grand Aero towing mirrors.…

As the season comes to a close, food and music festivals across the country are enjoying all the bounties of the harvest! ENGLAND ■ Faversham Hop Festival 3-4 September Originally a beer festival, this gathering in Kent (pictured above) has expanded into a full-on music event with 60 bands and performers across five stages. Entertainment includes Morris dancing, a fairground, magic shows, juggling and balloon twisting. Free to enter, with caravan pitches from £25. ❯ favershamhopfestival.org ■ Ludlow Food Festival 9-11 September This delicious celebration, at Ludlow Castle in Shropshire, brings together more than 100 producers from Ludlow and across the Welsh Marches, with cheesemongers, chocolatiers, butchers, winemakers, bakers, brewers and baristas all in attendance. Expect guest chefs, speakers, a pop-up cookery school, food workshops and more. Tickets from £14.50.…

Way to go From the roundabout on the A165, take the exit signposted The Black Swan into Brandesburton village. In 375m, turn right at the T-junction by the village shop (restricted views) signposted North Frodingham/Wansford. In about 1.5 miles, the farm entrance is on the right. Follow the concrete drive for 370m and the campsite entrance is on the left. Our outfit We tow a 2019 Coachman VIP 545 with our Land Rover Discovery Food and drink The Dacre Arms, Driffield ❯ thedacrearms.co.uk Find out more Beverley Minster ❯ beverleyminster.org.uk 158 Squadron Memorial ❯ 158squadron.co.uk Sewerby Hall and Gardens ❯ sewerbyhall.co.uk Bondville Model Village ❯ bondvillemodelvillage.com Flamborough Head Lighthouse ❯ trinityhouse.co.uk Carnaby Airfield Memorial ❯ warmemorialsonline.org.uk Rudston Monolith ❯ rudston.org.uk The Deep ❯ thedeep.co.uk Hull Fish Trail ❯ visithull.org Wilberforce…

‘Beautiful in its own right, Bakewell also serves as a wonderful base for exploring the very best of the Peak District’ FAMOUS FOR ITS eponymous pudding, Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District and sits in a delightful position on the banks of the River Wye. Beautiful in its own right, it also serves as a wonderful base for exploring the very best of the Peak District, England’s first designated National Park. Traditional stone buildings and a fine five-arched bridge, alongside charming streets, pubs and shops, make up this quintessential market town. With Buxton to the north and Matlock to the south, it remains important locally, with a history stretching back more than 1000 years. A market has been held in the town from at least 1254. Today,…

Hunt for suspect cars Thames Valley Police are on the lookout for three “vehicles of interest” after a spate of overnight van thefts in the Buckingham area. The cars in question are a maroon Škoda Octavia, a silver Freelander and a gold Hyundai Santa Fe. Dropping in at Glossop Firefighters were called out to Glossop Caravans one Saturday in July after a car ended up on top of one of the vans on their forecourt. The incident was apparently the result of a “parking mishap”. Thankfully nobody was injured in the accident, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, Staveley Fire Station and Chapel on Call Fire Station firefighters used an aerial ladder to remove the vehicle safely.…

1919 – A rich man’s pastime The story of the touring caravan as we know it today stretches back to the late 1800s. Dr Gordon Stables, a well-travelled retired naval officer, wrote a number of children’s stories based on his experiences. Stables also decided to travel around the UK, camping and writing of his adventures along the way, and on the road he witnessed Gypsies travelling with their own homes, horse-drawn caravans. He noted how these caravans were built in a certain style. Fascinated by this way of life, he looked more deeply into the lifestyle of freedom these go-anywhere folk enjoyed. Stables wanted one of these horse-drawn caravans and decided to have one built by the Bristol Wagon Co. His caravan was aptly named The Wanderer, and in it,…

Price £41,000 Kerbweight 1715kg Towing limit 1650kg Swift Challenger 530 courtesy of www.broadlane.co.uk *includes wing mirrors What’s new? This is the fifth generation of the Kia Sportage. Longer, taller and wider than the old model, the new Sportage promises customers more space, lots of high-tech driver aids, and a broad choice of engines – including diesel. Unlike many new models, the Sportage is still available with diesel power, although more buyers are expected to opt instead for the mild, full, or plug-in hybrids. There’s also a choice between front-and four-wheel-drive versions. We’re testing the full-hybrid 4x4 Sportage in GT-Line S spec. What are we looking for? The Sportage is one of the most popular tow cars in Britain, so this is one of the most significant tow tests of 2022.…

RENAULT Captur The Captur is a funky-looking small SUV that’s based on the company’s Clio supermini. The 1.5-litre diesel is a smooth and punchy engine that suits the car when towing, although the Captur has only ever had front-wheel drive, so might struggle on slippery surfaces. Cabin space is fine for four, and the flexibility is enhanced by the sliding rear seat, so you can prioritise passengers or luggage as necessary. SEAT Arona The Arona is a small SUV that really does it all. It’s good to drive, and has plenty of cabin and boot space. Better still, all models are fitted with a height-adjustable boot floor. There’s a vast range of engines, many of which are available with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, which will make towing even easier.…

This region incorporates everything from towns that were the powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, to quiet peaks and valleys in the Lake District. But there’s much else to inspire, too, with quirky places such as Blackpool, and historic cities, including Lancaster. And that’s before we’ve even begun to list the pleasures of the cultural mecca that is Liverpool. There are plenty of local food specialities – Blackpool Rock, obviously, but also Cartmel sticky toffee pudding and even black pudding, originating in Bury. And which are better – Eccles cakes or Chorley cakes? You can decide! 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Explore the Albert Dock in Liverpool Even if you can’t afford museums (and bear in mind that entry to the main part of Tate Liverpool is free), it’s worth strolling and…

Stretching from the Welsh border east to Leicestershire, and from Oxford north to Cheshire, this region is packed with historical interest and natural wonders. Don’t miss the dreaming spires of England’s oldest university, Oxford, the cradle of great theatre in Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, and the iconic Ironbridge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Then there’s stunning Blenheim Palace, Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House. It’s also wonderful for walkers, with the Peak District National Park, the Wye Valley and the Shropshire Hills just waiting to be enjoyed. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Follow a Peak District cycling trail Pick up one of many routes near Buxton, including the Pennine Way, and enjoy the stunning scenery. ❯ peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/cycle-routes B Visit Much Wenlock Museum and Visitor Centre Soak up some local history at the free museum…

Many people motor straight through this region to reach the ferry ports, but it’s worth pausing to take in the great sights to be found. Lots of the beaches along the south coast are known for being safe and sandy, and don’t miss a visit to the splendid New Forest: this historic area is really beautiful and features plenty of activities for young and old. The South Downs National Park is another draw here, and you can’t miss a trip to London! Other towns and cities to see are Southampton, Brighton and Dover. And, of course, that’s not forgetting the wonderful Isle of Wight. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Walk along the famous White Cliffs Enjoy spectacular views of Cuckmere Haven, Belle Tout and Beachy Head, walking the Seven Sisters on…

There’s plenty to see and do wherever you go in Cornwall – one of the many reasons why this glorious part of the world makes such a brilliant touring destination. This region is particularly popular with families, and it’s easy to see why it has become such a favourite: it’s well set up for tourism and as a result, there are loads of attractions to entertain young and old. Whether you want to explore picturesque fishing towns and villages, take in the beautiful coast, relax on one of the many golden beaches, or visit some of the stunning scenery to be found in the area, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Enjoy a day out at fabulous Perranporth Cornwall is awash with gorgeous beaches. Why not take…

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The Latest developments from caravan manufacturers and dealers A CARAVANNER WHOSE insurer refused to pay out for her stolen caravan because of the way she had filled in her application is vowing to fight on, after the Financial Ombudsman initially backed the insurer. Elaine Meers (pictured above right) says the case highlights how careful caravanners should be when applying for insurance online. Her Sterling Eccles was stolen last October from a storage depot in the Midlands. Initially, the insurance assessor said that her claim qualified for a payout. But when the case was referred to the underwriter, they said that the policy should be voided, because Ms Meers had not made clear that the gates to the depot would not always be locked during the day – an assurance it…

Price £43,580 (until 21 August 2022) Berths 4 MiRO TBC DESPITE SLIMMING DOWN to 20 models for 2023, Coachman has still found time to introduce new caravans in its line-up. Chief among them is this addition to its twin-axle 8ft-wide Laser Xcel range. The 855 takes full advantage of the extra width, with an L-shaped lounge; but further back is something you might expect to see more often in a motorhome. As we went to press, the price of this model was being held at £43,580 until 21 August 2022; after that date, you should check with Coachman or your local dealer for pricing details. Pitch and set-up The overall weight of the 855 is yet to be confirmed, but you are likely to need a hefty tow car, even…

1 Kudos to you 2020 Swift Kudos This value-for-money midships-washroom four-berth was a dealer special, based on the Sprite but with plenty of added kit, including a solar panel, an alarm and upgraded soft furnishings, all for £20,995. Gas barbecue and exterior mains socket add to the appeal. ❱ prestoncm.co.uk 2 VIP treatment 2018 Coachman VIP 545 Clearly carefully treated by previous owners, at £24,495 this luxury fixed-bed tourer was a delight to discover. Brimming with spec and storage space, the superb washroom was all you’d expect from Coachman, too. ❱ prestoncm.co.uk 3 Taking flight 2013 Bailey Pegasus GT65 Genoa This two-berth, end-washroom tourer was packed with goodies, such as ATC, a barbecue point and an exterior mains socket. The GRP sidewalls make the Pegasus less prone to body damage.…

MONEY NO OBJECT, most of us would love to have a large and luxurious caravan to holiday in. The trouble is, we would need a big and heavy tow car to match. Shop for a new heavyweight 4x4 and you’ll need deep pockets, and the patience to wait for delivery, because many new cars are in short supply. Alternatively, you could buy secondhand and not only save money, but also find yourself behind the wheel of a new-to-you SUV in the time it takes to fill out the paperwork. A relatively recent big 4x4 will have most of the safety aids of a brand new car, and shouldn’t be too far off the pace in terms of fuel economy and emissions. There’s no doubt that choosing a secondhand SUV will…

Northern Ireland has undergone something of a renaissance over the past few years: it’s a fantastic place to visit, offering a warm welcome, breathtaking scenery and vibrant cities – it’s become a popular touring destination. Just a short ferry ride across the sea from Cairnryan, or a rather longer one from Liverpool, will take you right into the centre of historic Belfast, with the Titanic attraction close at hand, or to Larne, from where the world-famous Giant’s Causeway is easily accessible. And don’t miss the spectacular scenery of the Mourne Mountains, and the region’s many lively seaside towns. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Take a break at Cave Hill Country Park Pause for a picnic and enjoy the fantastic view. > visitbelfast.com B Discover the historic Derry City Walls Plenty of…

Make the gorgeous valleys and mountains of Wales your next tour destination and you’re sure to have a trip to remember! There’s simply so much to see and do here. In the north of the country, you’ll find a trio of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the stunning Isle of Anglesey, which attracts wildlife from far and wide. Slightly better known is Snowdonia National Park, with its soaring peaks. Further south is Brecon Beacons National Park, ideal for hikers, as is Pembrokeshire National Park. And don’t miss the fabulous towns and cities, including Swansea, Aberystwyth, Bangor and – of course – vibrant Cardiff. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast Path Enjoy the bracing sea air as you discover the glories of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a 186-mile…

With wonderful resorts along the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts, exquisite fishing lakes in the Fens, marvellous walking in the Wolds, and the watery wonder that is the Broads, this is a superb area to visit. A magical place of gentle cycling paths, smooth waterways and whimsical windmills. No matter where you choose to stay at, you’re sure to find something nearby of interest! There are the famous Broads of Norfolk for starters – you can really get back to nature by hiring a boat to explore them fully – as well as the historic city of Norwich, with its handsome cathedral. Suffolk, meanwhile, offers plenty to see and do, including the towns of Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Lowestoft. The Lincolnshire Wolds are another firm favourite with visitors. 3 FREE…

Devon offers so much to see and do, it’s impossible to experience everything during one trip – which, of course, is a great excuse for you to keep revisiting. The rolling hills of Dartmoor are just one of the many attractions, as are the coastlines, north and south – they vary in feel, so be sure to visit both to choose your favourite. The north offers rugged inlets and crashing waves, while the south – the so-called English Riviera – is a gentler landscape. Away from the water, there is plenty to see: as well as Dartmoor, there are some attractive towns and cities, including Plymouth, Barnstaple and Exeter. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Visit the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth Pay a free visit to this wonderful sanctuary in Sidmouth, which…

I RECENTLY BOUGHT a van with a 12N and 12S connector configuration. Although I have a seven-pin 12N socket fitted to my car, previously used to tow a trailer, I now require the seven-pin 12S 12V feed from my car to the caravan, to charge the leisure battery and to keep the fridge running on the move. But having been quoted £200 plus VAT for a professional fitter to do the job (and told there was a three-week wait for the appointment), I decided to have a crack at doing the job myself. This article outlines the steps. To make things easier, I bought a seven-pin 12S kit on eBay for just over £20, which comes with all of the items needed to carry out the task. That said, I…

Valiant folding barbecue This lightweight barbecue weighs only 3kg and folds away neatly for transportation, so it’s perfect for a relaxing campsite barbie. Price £44.99 Web amazon.co.uk Habitat metal hammock This easily assembled hammock provides a great space to relax onsite, and the weatherproof frame can be left outside. Price £90 Web argos.co.uk Up Funk dry bags and Arrow towels Roomy dry bags hold 20 or 40 litres; matching towels are made from 100% recycled plastic. Price From £45 (bags), £24.50 (towels) Web go-emu.com Scratch-off UK map When you tour somewhere new, scratch off the foil on this A2 poster to reveal stylish wall art that also charts where you’ve been. Price £13.99 Web amazon.co.uk Travel Scrabble If you’re looking for a great board game to play on tour, Travel…

I had some work to do in the Hull and Beverley areas of East Yorkshire, and although they are within easy travelling distance of home, I asked Kay straight away: “Do you fancy a week away in the caravan?” Like most people, we’re feeling the pinch a bit at the moment, with skyrocketing inflation and fuel prices going through the roof. I’m certainly not pleading poverty, because there are many people finding things a lot harder than we are, but I’m always on the look-out for a bargain. To that end, I booked a pitch at what turned out to be an absolute gem of a Caravan and Motorhome Club CL on the outskirts of the charming village of Brandesburton, near Driffield. However, if you’re not a member of the…

SUPPLY CHAIN PROBLEMS and the continuing fallout from two years of lockdowns mean that we know much less about the major caravan manufacturers’ plans for 2023 than we normally do by this time of year. Here follows a brief round-up of what we do know that you can look forward to! ADRIA The Slovenian manufacturer updates each of its three conventional caravan ranges in rotation, and this season, it will be the turn of the most budget-priced line-up, the Altea. For 2023, the range will be reduced to just three models, the Dart (£27,175), the Tyne (£26,585) and the Avon (£26,930). The two-berth Aire has now been discontinued. The most obvious upgrades come on the outside. All Alteas now arrive with an all-silver exterior and alloys, while the rear panel…

BAILEY LAUNCHED THE Pegasus range in 2010, but until the 2009 NEC show, they had kept their new construction system under wraps. Alu-Tech, the new system, was soon being incorporated into other ranges. From Pegasus, the cheaper Olympus emerged, but the MK1 didn’t attract a huge amount of customer interest and was given a revamp soon after. The Olympus replaced the popular Pageant range, which had been a mainstay in Bailey’s offering. It only lasted a couple of seasons before being dropped in favour of Pegasus. That short production run means the Olympus is quite a rarity on the forecourts. But nearly 13 years on, does it still make a good used buy? Model history The 2010 Olympus 546 offered larger families a tourer that had ample kit, yet was…

Price From £49,495 (indicative) Kerbweight 1954kg (diesel) 85% match 1661kg (diesel) Max towing weight 2500kg Kia has simplified the Sorento range, replacing three specifications with a single trim level, Edition. The new spec includes more equipment than the range-topping ‘4’ model. Edition vehicles have a panoramic sunroof, customisable head-up display, power-opening tailgate, premium 12-speaker stereo and wireless phone charging. Driver aids and safety equipment includes Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist, 360° Around View Monitor, Blind Spot View Monitor and Trailer Stability Assist. Although available to order now, first deliveries aren’t expected until the second quarter of next year. For that reason, Kia has given what it describes as indicative’ pricing, starting from £49,495 for the diesel. Prices won’t be confirmed until closer to the first deliveries. The Sorento continues to be…

IN KIA’S SUV range, it would be tempting to think of the Stonic as the middle sibling – neither as beloved as the first-born nor as adored as the baby of the family. But while it risks a life of anonymity, the Stonic is actually good enough to stand on its own merits, and that still holds true if you drive a (lightweight) tow car. What’s it like inside? The Kia Stonic is based on the company’s Rio supermini, so you shouldn’t consider it if you are going to need loads of cabin and boot space. If you tour with teens, perhaps you’re best looking elsewhere. Nevertheless, it’s fine if all you need is a car for two main users and light towing duties. There’s a good amount of space…

Scotland offers a tremendous diversity of landscape, from windswept islands in the west to the brooding lochs of the Highlands. Then there are the vibrant cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, all making for a great break. This beautiful land is also well known for its National Parks; they include Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, as well as the mountains of the stunning Cairngorms. Those who love outdoor pursuits will be in their element here! There’s plenty to enjoy in the Borders, too, and for something a bit different, why not take a trip across the Firth of Clyde to the fabulous Isle of Arran? 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Discover Edinburgh Festival Fringe Many of the events at the Edinburgh International Festival will be ticketed, but there are also scores…

There’s such a variety of scenery and attractions in north-east England, you’ll be spoiled for choice about where to go and what to see. The handsome cities of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Leeds and York are all perfect for an exciting break: they offer great restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities. If you prefer outdoor activities, make a beeline for the North York Moors and the Northumberland National Parks to discover countless hiking trails. Families, meanwhile, will find all they need for a traditional holiday at one of the fantastic seaside towns, including Scarborough, Whitby and Bridlington. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Discover the many delights of Kielder Forest Enjoy exploring England’s largest forest and biggest constructed lake at Kielder Water & Forest Park, great for walkers and stargazers. ❯ visitkielder.com B Spot the seals…

One of Britain’s prettiest counties is waiting to be explored, and what better way to do so than in a caravan? If you’re a beach lover, head to the south of the region, where you’ll find the sandy shores of Weymouth and Bournemouth; walking the shingle of Chesil Beach and the rest of the Jurassic Coast will also make for a wild and wonderful day out. Dorset is famous for its picture-postcard villages, of course, and it’s really easy to head off the beaten track to find them. Welcoming and pretty towns in the area, meanwhile, include Sherborne, Blandford and Gillingham. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Hunt for fossils on the shores of Charmouth Beach Go for a wander along the sands and you could easily pick up a few fossils…

This popular touring destination offers a tremendous diversity of landscape, from the rolling hills of Exmoor to the rugged coastline. There are lots of tourist attractions to explore: Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge should be on your must-visit list, along with the towns of Wells, Taunton and Glastonbury. Wiltshire, meanwhile, is well known for its historic sights: why not take a driving tour of the white horses you’ll find carved into the hillsides here? Then, of course, there are Stonehenge and Avebury, both not to be missed. Complete your trip by visiting buzzing Bristol and handsome Bath. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Discover the fabulous view at Glastonbury Tor Climb the tor at Glastonbury, home to St Michael’s Tower, and enjoy 360-degree views of the Somerset countryside. ❯ nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor B Take…

WHEN WE THINK of traction, we naturally think of the grip the tyre gleans from the surface. Dry Tarmac provides plenty, while it rapidly diminishes in the approximate order of wet road, grass, snow, mud and ice. Specialist tyres are available for each of these, but we have all experienced the situation where one wheel has perfect grip while the other spins. The action of the differential – essential for cornering – is traction’s Achilles heel. Mechanically locking across the differential is the oldest method. It’s highly effective and still used in HGVs and some 4X4S, but adverse steering effects mean this is limited to low speeds. Alternatively, friction plates within the differential provide limited-slip or later ‘active’ differential designs. However, most traction control systems (TCS) use the ABS wheel…