Caravan -julkaisun December 2024 - January 2025 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

‘Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration’Anamika Mishra Once upon a caravanning time, winter was regarded as a non-entity. Caravans were stored away until longer daylight hours and better weather temped us to take up touring again. But times have changed – more and more sites are open all year, and the pleasures of caravan cosiness are acknowledged as a lure to keep us touring through the winter months. Winter caravan holidays take on a different character to those in warmer weather; time, maybe, to explore attractions such as museums and stately homes that may not grab your attention when outdoor activity rules. So, celebrate the winter months for what they offer in terms of enjoying the best of relaxing caravan comfort; after all, the more you use your…

At the tender age of seven I contracted tuberculosis. As a part of a rather, now I think about it, brutal recovery, my parents took me to Dolgellau to stay with a friend of theirs who was the warden of the youth hostel there. Whilst there, we walked to Harlech following the medieval packhorse route over the Roman steps. It was then I got my first view of Harlech Castle. Now, 70 years later, it was high time to revisit that same castle. As we headed north from our home in Cambridgeshire, I couldn’t help but wonder how much of Harlech I would remember and I was looking forward to exploring more of Edward I’s castles. Our research informed us that after the Norman Conquest in 1066, the Welsh were…

Swift has replaced its dealer special editions of Sprite with one range, called Sprite Exclusive, and has made it available to just a selected number of retailers. It’s a bold move. Which is why we wanted to take a close look at the range. There are layouts in the range that you may be familiar with – and one that is completely new. That’s the Quattro MB Exclusive. This model sleeps six. Its layout offers family versatility. It has a cosy rear bedroom, and it has the road stability enhancement of twin axles. The Sprite Quattro MB Exclusive is one of 12 Sprite Exclusive models that are now arriving at retailers’ premises. We visited Leisure Sales, in Cheshire, just after the range of Sprite Exclusives had arrived there, to find…

Caravanning allows people to enjoy the comforts of home living while exploring the great outdoors. One essential feature of a caravan is the toilet, which provides a convenient and hygienic solution for when nature calls. Whether you’re a seasoned caravanner or a newbie setting off on your first trip, a complete understanding of caravan toilets can significantly enhance your touring experience. So let’s discuss the different toilet types, maintenance tips, and best practices for use. WHAT IS A CARAVAN TOILET? Basically, a caravan toilet is a self contained unit located within the washroom. The design has evolved since the first toilet was fitted inside a touring caravan, but the principle remains the same. Whether you have a cassette-style toilet or a portable loo, a holding tank contains the waste, and…

Interesting fact: Bath is the only UK city to be a designated World Heritage Site in its entirety. The city is renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture, Roman heritage, and natural thermal springs. Founded by the Romans as Aquae Sulis, Bath quickly became famous for its baths, which were built around the area’s hot springs. Today, visitors can explore the remarkably well-preserved Roman Baths, and the beautiful Palladian-style buildings, such as the Royal Crescent and the Circus. Beyond its architectural grandeur, Bath is also a vibrant cultural hub. The city is home to numerous museums, including the Jane Austen Centre and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. Surrounded by lush green hills, Bath offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and modern charm. Whether for its heritage, culture or relaxation,…

The new media wall with hideaway shelves is a gem of a design. We love it Coachman’s high-spec Laser range of six models – the largest range in its portfolio – is now rebranded Xtra, taking over from the Xcel designation of previous years. All are eight feet wide. And three of the six models have L-shaped lounge seating. L-shaped lounges work especially well in eight-foot-wide caravans. They work well in standard-width caravans, too – but this extra width means that there is even more seating space and floor space. Coachman provides the market with eight L-shaped lounge models. Two are in its Acadia range. All three models in its super-luxury Lusso range have L-shaped lounges. That’s in addition to the three in the Laser Xtra range. Coachman has more…

Winter storage: what to take out from your caravan Q When storing the caravan for winter, do I need to remove everything from the caravan? A This is mainly down to personal preference. I do the following if the caravan is likely to be unused for some time over winter: first, follow the guide in this issue that details the steps to take to ensure the caravan survives harsh winter environments. Second, decide what you need to store at home. Although some people take the upholstery sections home for winter, I leave mine in place, although I pull them slightly away from the walls to maximise airflow. I leave crockery, cutlery, etc, in the caravan. Check for anything likely to perish or attract wildlife, as mould and mice can create…

Duvalay Comfort Sleeping Bag It’s not priceless, but giving the gift of a good night’s sleep may be just about the best present for anyone whose nocturnal patterns can be troublesome. And the Duvalay Comfort Sleeping Bag is a great idea to help make that happen. Whether used in caravans, tents, or even for sleepovers at home, this versatile sleeping bag ensures a restful night’s sleep wherever you are. It consists of a bottom pocket that houses a luxury memory foam topper, and a top pocket with a duvet, providing an all-in-one sleep solution. Simply unroll the bag and enjoy! The premium Gold memory foam base smooths uneven surfaces and offers exceptional pressure relief. Choose between a 4cm base for most sleepers or a 5cm option for added support if…

puzzles to exercise your mind when at home or in the caravan sudoku If you are looking for a way to exercise your mind, sudoku is great and will certainly get the cogs turning! just for fun Find the 25 castles crossword ACROSS 1 One might be pitched in a field (4) 3 A word popular in 40s England that means fantastic (8) 9 Where an earring attaches to (7) 10 Title holder (5) 11 Cartoon (12) 13 Preoccupy (6) 15 Triangular insert (6) 17 Can be worked out (12) 20 Money in the bank, say (5) 21 Lasting (7) 22 Winter melon (8) 23 Dermatologist’s concern (4) DOWN 1 IOU holder (8) 2 Piece of cave art (5) 4 Verses (6) 5 Leaders of the pack (5-7) 6 Formed…

Chester is a city of superlatives. It boasts the most complete city walls, largest Roman amphitheatre and oldest racecourse in all of Britain. The Rows – the famous double tiered, seven-centuries-old galleries of shops and cafés on wooden-covered walkways – are unique to this magnificent city. And Chester Zoo is among the country’s most-visited tourist attractions. But these are all the very obvious lures. We’ve been seeking out some of the history beneath our feet and tucked behind commercial façades. The city centre streets are based on a typical Roman fortress layout (when it was known as Deva Victrix). Exploring on foot has given my husband, Robin, and I intriguing glimpses into the past, from ‘hidden’ Roman heritage to a medieval cathedral and monastery and Georgian and Victorian splendour. We’ve…

HIDDEN VALLEY TOURING CARAVAN & HOLIDAY PARK West Down, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8NU T 01271 813837 W hiddenvalleypark.com OPEN All year Hidden Valley is set in a wooded valley near to the village of West Down in north Devon. You can walk quieter back roads from the site to the coastal town of Woolacombe (four and a half miles) with its golden, sandy beaches, and the Victorian harbour town of Ilfracombe (six miles). A band of woodland runs alongside the site where you can enjoy walking trails and exercise dogs off-lead. There are hardstanding and grass pitches of varying sizes with some fully serviced premium pitches available, and electric hook-ups. Facilities include toilets and showers, family rooms, indoor dishwashing, a launderette, licensed shop, play area, and accessible facilities. There is…

The immediate impression of this new Mazda CX-60 is its imposing, even aggressive, stance. That massive front grille does little to soften the look of this 4.75m-long SUV but, almost without exception, the reaction from colleagues and people at the campsite were positive. So, it may not be subtle but it is one impressive towcar. The engine is a little noisy but this is easily forgiven when one considers the power and torque it delivers. There is a massive 550Nm of torque on tap from 1,500rpm and, when that is partnered with the 254bhp of power produced by this inline six-cylinder 3.3-litre turbo diesel engine, there is an almost effortless ability to tow even the heaviest of caravans. Even more so when one considers power is sent to all four…