Caravanの December 2023 - January 2024 の目次

It’s that merry time of the year, and we’ve wrapped up something special just for you in our December issue! Unwrap the Caravan Award winners, a treasure chest of top-notch caravans to kick-start your holiday dreams. Feeling generous this Christmas? Our Gift Guide is the North Star, guiding you to thoughtful and exciting presents. But wait, there’s more! Join us as we embark on journeys to dreamy destinations, setting the stage for your grand 2024 adventures. In this edition there’s hiking in Keswick, biking in Northumberland and we take a look at a real Scottish gem. Our regulars are here, too, with Lee Davey answering your tech questions and winter-warming recipes in our cooking feature. Don’t leave home without us! And remember, one of the best gifts you can give…

WHITSTABLE This town by the sea is noted for its oysters that can be enjoyed at the local restaurants or bought from the fish market at the harbour. Whitstable is a traditional town with a rich maritime history and a shingle beach that even has a pub on it! FOLKESTONE Over recent years this port town has seen lots of development and regeneration. It has a sandy beach with a harbour nearby. Rock pools form at low tide, adding to Folkestone’s attraction as a good choice for family days by the sea. RAMSGATE Ramsgate has a harbour, marina, award-winning sandy beach, history, heritage and clifftops with stunning views. The Blue Flag main beach is a popular stretch of golden sand with restaurants offering al fresco dining and providing a continental…

Due to the county’s proximity to France, many of the big defensive castles were built on Kent’s shores. The county abounds with these fortresses, too many to mention here, but we’ve chosen some of our favourites to get you started. Having protected Kent’s shores for centuries, the mighty Dover Castle is the crowning glory of the white cliffs. Visitors can venture deep underground into the secret wartime tunnels, climb the Great Tower and explore the medieval interiors. Built in the thirteenth century, Hever Castle had a very famous childhood resident – Anne Boleyn. The gardens are award-winning and the historic castle is double-moated. For younger visitors there are two mazes and a boating lake. Beautiful Leeds Castle is perfect for a family day out. You can enjoy a maze, grotto,…

Clackmannanshire, often referred to as “The Wee County” due to its small size, offers a wealth of reasons to visit. Nestled in the heart of Scotland, it combines history, stunning natural landscapes, and an exploration of Scotland’s mining heritage. At the heart of Clackmannanshire lies Gartmorn Dam, a breathtaking 370-acre country park and nature reserve. This tranquil oasis features a beautiful loch, picturesque walking trails, and abundant wildlife. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the serenity of Scotland’s countryside. Exploring the charming towns and villages of Clackmannanshire is a delight. Alloa, the county town, boasts a rich history, with landmarks like Alloa Tower, a stunning medieval tower house. The town of Tillicoultry offers delightful local shops and stunning views of the Ochil Hills. Visiting Clackmannanshire means…

T 01692 598217 W walnutfarmwaxham.co.uk Set in the Norfolk countryside, surrounded by fields, Walnut Farm is close to Waxham Sands with direct access to a path leading to the coast. The beaches of this area of Norfolk are expansive and much quieter to enjoy in the winter season. Horsey Gap is a short walk south along the coast path from Waxham. At Horsey, from October to February, you can see hundreds of seals on the sand here as they come to shore to have their pups. Further inland is National Trust-owned Horsey Windpump – a windmill on the Norfolk Broads. Walnut Farm’s pitches in the main season are on grass across several small fields, surrounded by hedging and trees. The five winter pitches (1 November – 31 March) are on…

T 01316 641533 W meadowhead.co.uk Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, has something to offer at any time of the year and whatever the weather. Notable features include the grand castle with its imposing location on a hill above the city, the ‘hidden’ historic close below the current city’s streets, and Arthur’s Seat – an extinct volcano, now a grass-covered hill, set within Holyrood Park and giving great views over Edinburgh. On rainy days you can head to one of the many museums, galleries or shops in the city. Set within a country parkland estate, Mortonhall is just four miles from Edinburgh city centre. You can take a short bus ride, or walk into the city from the site. There are four types of pitch – grass, standard, premium and full service…

We could have been spoiled for choice in this category, given that there’s a plethora of fixed bed four-berths that are, of course, popular with – and designed for – couples. But we decided this category winner should be a thoroughbred couples’ layout – a two-berth. The Phoenix GT75 420, at 1,142kg MTPLM, is one of the lightest two-berths on the market, so has wide appeal. That’s one judging box ticked. Next, we assessed its practicality. And this is where the 420 scored very highly, because its kitchen is enormous, given the 4.3m body length of the caravan. In addition to the surface area to the right of the hob and around the sink, the hob’s cover that matches the surface can be lowered, so more than doubling work surface…

A caravan must have luxury in spades to win this title – and the twin-axle Swift Elegance Grande 835 definitely does. With maximum width (2.45m) and an overall length of almost eight metres, the 835 amply ticks the box marked ‘spacious’. That’s a good basis for its luxury appeal. It’s the ‘leather’ upholstery, underfloor heating and general air of luxury that earned this caravan its title, though. There’s a wide choice in the £45,000-plus bracket, so the Elegance Grande 835 came up against some tough opposition during our judging process. As we said when we reviewed this model for Caravan magazine a short time ago, “at this end of the market, the ways in which a caravan’s luxury status is created, in terms of fabrics and furnishings, is paramount in…

First and foremost, the Sprite Grande Major 4 SB is one of a growing number of caravans that are 2.46m wide (8ft – the maximum legal width for a tourer). That makes it more spacious than caravans of standard width (for comparison, the non-Grande Sprite Major 4 SB is 2.25m wide). The Sprite Grande Major 4 SB is an immensely popular layout, with the shower room across the rear and the transversely aligned bed forward of it. And, even though the bed base has a retracting mechanism that enables you to shorten its length during the day, the width of the caravan means that there is still enough corridor space at the foot of the bed without having to push the bed back into its day-mode position. The 2.46m width…

Just like buying a car, there are advantages and disadvantages to buying new and secondhand. There is far more to this decision than simply how much money you want to spend. Warranties are one factor, depreciation is another. And there are many more, so read on and see what options suit you. BUYING USED THE PROS ✔ More caravan for your money✔ Wider choice of layouts✔ Greater choice of brands and dealers✔ Often have aftermarket extras fitted Buying used means you can get more caravan for your money and you also get a greater choice of layouts as many are no longer available in new ranges. Many nearly new caravans are in sparkling condition, almost indistinguishable from the day they left the factory, yet are significantly cheaper than a new…

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 21 herbs and spices crossword ACROSS 7 One of great learning (6) 8 Verses; stanzas (6) 9 Declamatory speech; bluster (4) 10 Duplicitous, like Janus (3-5) 11 Leg it! (7) 13 Usually shiny solid chemical element which conducts heat and electricity (5) 15 Optical device producing an intense beam of light (5) 17 Executive car with models such as the Mulsanne and the Continental (7) 20 Do wrong; illegally invade someone’s property (8) 21 Be dependent (4) 23 Foray; incursion (6) 24 Rotten; rank in smell or taste (6) DOWN 1 Emanating magma creating a volcanic flow (4) 2 Exchange goods without involving…

FOR A FUN FAMILY DAY OUT With over 700 rare and endangered animals, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a family adventure like no other. With authentic safari experiences, you are transported to Africa and Asia to see animals roaming freely over 600 acres. There’s also a dinosaur park and a choice of places to eat. FOR A TRIP TO REMEMBER Take the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch steam railway to Dungeness. The vast shingle landscape of Dungeness and its looming nuclear power station has a post-apocalyptic feel that needs to be experienced. The headland is a national nature reserve with lots of flora and fauna. The beach is the largest expanse of shingle beach in Europe and is dotted with rare plants and desert flowers. FOR HISTORY Set atop the…

Holidays and beaches go hand in hand, and when you’re taking your canine companion away with you, it’s handy to know what local beaches are dog friendly. The majority of the UK’s 11,000-mile coastline has beaches that welcome dogs year-round or from October to April, the quieter season. Whether you’re looking for a windswept expanse or a sheltered cove, check out six of our favourite dog-friendly beaches here. Your four-legged friends will definitely approve! Balnakeil Beach If it’s spectacular and remote that you’re hankering for, then the soft, powdery-white sands of Balnakeil Beach should fit the bill nicely. Situated near the northwestern tip of the Scottish Highlands, the wide, west-facing, crescent-shaped beach is backed by large, marram grass-covered dunes. Along with the clear blue water lapping up onto the beach,…

BRON-Y-WENDON HOLIDAY PARK Wern Road, Llanddulas, Conwy LL22 8HG T 01492 512903 W bronywendon.co.uk This site is on the north Wales coastline, with terraced pitches giving panoramic sea views, and is located between the railway line on one side and the A55 on the other, meaning transport access to explore the surrounding area is easy, or you can hop on your bike and use the coastal path to explore east or west. The site is just a short drive from Conwy and the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno where there is a grand theatre, promenade and amazing headland overlooking the town, known as Great Orme. Here, you’ll find a tramway, cable car and a snowsports centre. Bron-Y-Wendon has hardstanding pitches, all with electric hook-up, and with super pitches having the…

T 01697 478188 W wallacelanefarm.co.uk Situated just north of the Lake District National Park, Wallace Lane Farm is less than 20 miles from both Keswick and Carlisle. Two of Cumbria’s famous lakes, Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater, are also within 30 minutes’ drive. The historic city of Carlisle is worth exploring, with a medieval castle (open mainly at weekends only in winter) and impressive cathedral. If you are visiting in December you could pick up some unique gifts from the city’s Christmas market which will have over 40 alpine-style chalets lining the streets. A countryside retreat, Wallace Lane Farm has hardstanding, fully serviced pitches. There are heated toilets, showers and family shower rooms, plus a small shop and laundry room. Wallace Lane Farm is dog-friendly and there is a mile-long walk around…

If there’s one feature that defines family caravans, it’s bunk beds. Not least because kids love bunk beds, providing their own secluded space. There is a good choice of caravans that have two bunks – but only one has three. And that makes the Adria Altea Avon a very special tourer. The base bunk is at floor level, making it perfect for the youngest member of the family; there’s no risk of falling out of bed – or, if they do, they simply roll onto the carpet. The centre bunk is easy to crawl into, and there’s a ladder for the top bunk. Usefully, the base bunk area can be used for storage (ideal when you are on tow); there is a large hatch to the exterior. Another significant feature…

Dear readers, for this award we handed the reins over to you, and for the second year in a row you’ve voted for Red Lion Caravans of Southport which scooped Caravan Dealer of the Year! With a whopping 40 years of experience under its belt, Red Lion Caravans has become a household name in the industry. It’s your go-to destination for a range of fresh-off-the-line models from Eriba, Compass and Go-Pod. Red Lion Caravans have got an impressive collection of pre-loved caravans. But that’s not all! It’s recently unveiled their very own line of tourers, including the nifty roof-mounted Sabre and the adorable Cub teardrop, keeping things exciting and innovative. Red Lion Caravans who is the sole importer of the Go-Pod also, won the Caravan & Motorhome Club Lightweight Leisure…

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Ariat Skyline Solaris Waterproof Boot While not exactly gear, prioritising comfortable footwear is a must, especially for avid walkers like me. Shopping for walking boots can often lead to clunky, heavy, and unattractive options. However, Ariat’s women’s boot changes the game, offering an immediate sense of lightweight comfort. During caravan adventures, reliable and comfortable footwear is essential to me. The Skyline Solaris boots by Ariat fit the bill, featuring waterproof, lightweight, and durable qualities. These boots proved their mettle on wet, muddy dog walks. Their grippy tread ensures stability on slippery terrains. Beyond functionality, their contemporary design also makes them a perfect choice for casual strolls into town when you’re craving a warming coffee. They even have a removable cushioned insole for extra comfort. If you are looking for a…

It was my first notable trip of the new season and when I slowly awoke that first morning I struggled to recall where I was at first. Slowly, I began to remember I was in the north of England, and that the weather forecast had mentioned a high chance of snow on the hills with the possibility some might also reach low ground if the conditions were right. I sprang up with childlike anticipation to push the curtains back, only to be a little bit disappointed. I was on peaceful Englethwaite Hall campsite. It sits in a shady woodland with very little in the way of facilities (no toilet block), but the sights and sounds of nature more than made up for any minor inconveniences. I was only booked in…

If you head to Kent and speak to the locals they’ll happily tell you that, to see the famous white cliffs, you shouldn’t head to Dover as the World War II song by Vera Lynn would suggest, but in fact along the coast between Aycliffe and Capel-le-Ferne. One of the best places is at Samphire Hoe, a few miles west of Dover. This is an entirely man-made nature reserve, created from the chalk marl that was excavated for the Channel Tunnel. Twenty years have passed since Samphire Hoe was created and the site is now a haven for wildlife, including birds, butterflies, dragonflies and rare early spider orchids, as well as 200 other types of flora. The dramatic white cliffs setting and stunning views make Samphire Hoe a great place…

T 01984 623464 W waterrowpark.co.uk An adults-only campsite close to the Somerset/Devon border, situated in the village of Waterrow, surrounded by countryside, hills and woodland. Landscaped grounds, with plant and shrub screening, offer all-weather pitches, some of which are fully serviced. The toilets and showers are located within a barn and have underfloor heating (please note these will be closed until 1 December for full refurbishment but the outside toilet is still available). Walk through the adjacent woodland down to the River Tone while the Hurstone Nature Reserve is less than half a mile away. Just 500 yards from the site entrance is the Rock Inn, a 450-year-old gastro-pub. For days out, less than 30 minutes away, there’s access to the Grand Western Canal with parking in Tiverton (EX16 4HP)…

T 01233 620859 W broadhembury.co.uk In the rural countryside in Kent, Leeds Castle certainly presents a dramatic picture, surrounded by a large moat and with landscaped gardens. There’s also a falconry, a maze and grotto to discover. Throughout the autumn and winter there are various events at the castle, including fireworks in November, plus a Christmas light trail and festively decorated interiors during December. Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park is an open-all -year-site less than 30 minutes’ drive from Leeds Castle. The quality site has a choice of pitches including all-weather and serviced, which come with electric, fresh water and drainage. Ideal for both families and couples, there’s a family area and a more secluded adults-only meadow, both with access to underfloor-heated amenities and a laundry room. The site is…

This really is an exciting year to step into the caravan market. When it comes to new models, there are some great designs brimming with home-from-home tech such as underfloor heating and WiFi-controlled systems. Caravanning offers the type of freedom other holidays can’t, and there’s a caravan out there to suit everyone. If you’ve been to the NEC show, the sheer volume of choice is breathtaking. With models that range from under £20k to those over £40k, each caravan possesses its own real merits. Over the last few months, long-time friend of Caravan, Val Chapman, and I have been out and about reviewing caravans and looking at which ones best suit our awards categories. There were some tough decisions to be made as competition in many of these catergories is…

Competition is at its most fierce in the single-axle, four-berth bracket. These are caravans with fixed beds, either aligned across the caravan, with the shower room at the rear, or with the bedhead against the rear wall, and the shower room amidships. And there are many to choose from. Every manufacturer offers several models in this sector, many of them at comparable prices, so the judges’ task was, to say the least, extremely difficult. But we had to pick one… The VIP 575 has its bed aligned across the caravan with the shower room behind it. So, what makes it stand out from the crowd? First, VIPs enjoy an obvious high-quality vibe; that may go some way to explain why this is Coachman’s best-seller range. And they’re stacked with features……

At just 1,070kg MTPLM and with a body length of 3.8m, the Xplore 304 gets a very bold tick in both lightweight and compact boxes. But caravans don’t win awards on figures alone – and this extraordinary little caravan has many elements that combine to make it a very special model. The layout is ingeniously designed, to provide beds for four – and an L-shaped lounge that feels surprisingly spacious, given the caravan’s diminutive dimensions. The lounge transforms into a double bed, and the two-person dining area, tucked away in the offside corner, can be made into two bunk beds. The top bunk folds down from the wall. In between the dining area and the lounge sits the fridge, with the wardrobe on top of it; an ingenious way of…

The high-quality campsites group, Premier Parks, in partnership with specialist leisure insurance broker, Lifesure, has just revealed which 100 top campsites are featured in the collection for next year. Personally visited and inspected by a member of the team, the Premier Parks group showcases the ultimate in touring and camping luxury by offering campsites with top facilities, great pitches and in popular locations. Spread across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, every type of holiday experience is catered for. From adults-only rural hideaways and laid-back countryside retreats, to sites right by the sea and full-on family fun holiday parks. There are also plenty of dog-friendly sites, too, so that no member of the family needs to miss out on a great holiday. The Premier Parks group was created in 2008,…

Sustainability is high on the agenda for many, but when it comes to campsites, are you choosing responsibly? The Caravan and Motorhome Club has received a Green Tourism Gold Award from Green Tourism for the work the company has been doing across its campsites. Three of the Club campsites received Gold Awards for their work on recycling, water management and other green initiatives. Rowan Park in Bognor Regis, Lady Margaret’s Park in Chirk and Cayton Village in Scarborough, are those that received Gold accreditation, whilst all other campsites received Silver accreditation. Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, commented, “Sustainability is a key focus of the Club and plays a crucial part of our strategic goals, not only for the work we do to encourage our members…