Caravanの April 2025 の目次

‘There is no time like spring, when life’s alive in everything’ Christina Georgina Rossetti VAL CHAPMAN GUEST EDITOR As bright green leaves begin to clothe bare twigs and those campsites that grab downtime during the winter reopen, our caravanning world springs into life. Planning holidays is a joy and the online Campsite Finder at W outandaboutlive.co.uk is your best friend when it comes to finding a site that is perfect for you. And, if you’re after a high-quality campsite, just head to the Premier Parks website at W premierparks.outandaboutlive.co.uk There is a Premier Parks for everyone, including a vast selection of dog-friendly sites. I’m mentioning this because we know many of you are dog lovers and want to holiday with your best friend. This is why this issue also has…

Blashford is near Ringwood, on the western edge of the New Forest. Blashford Lakes are a set of old gravel pits which are no longer quarried. Instead, they have been set aside for water sports and nature. A network of paths links a number of hides and viewing screens, all of which overlook the lakes. I explored the hides to the north of Ellingham Drive in the morning because they face east, away from the morning sun. (Not that there was much!) From the Goosander Hide I watched sand martins at their artificial nest holes and, from the Lapwing Hide, I saw an osprey, probably just passing through the area, though ospreys do now breed near Wareham. It’s clear that the birds don’t know which hide they should be spotted…

North Wales has it all. Beaches for those who yearn for sand between their toes; castles galore for history buffs; industrial heritage for cultural aficionados; mountains, delicious food – and a tempting network of lowland long-distance footpaths, perfect for those of us looking for day walks from campsites. Peering at our maps while planning our latest Welsh trip, we traced promising stretches of the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way (Taith Pererin Gogledd Cymru), the Wales Coast Path and the Snowdonia Slate Trail (Llwybr Llechi Eryri) with our fingers. The Pilgrim’s Way crosses north Wales to Bardsey Island, off the Llynˆ Peninsula, anislandthat pilgrims have been drawn to for centuries. In its 130 miles, the trail visits many significant sites. An unmissable highlight near Conwy is the climb to the remote and…

Nestled in the heart of Dorset, this award-winning site features beautifully landscaped grounds and five-star amenity blocks, along with an off-lead dog walk. South Lytchett Manor has a variety of pitch types, including spacious grass, hardstanding, and fully serviced pitches – plus luxurious glamping options including unique stargazing yurts. From the site, there’s easy access to stunning beaches, picturesque countryside and local attractions, and you can relish the relaxing atmosphere and exceptional customer service that ensure an unforgettable stay. Whether you’re unwinding in nature or exploring surroundings, South Lytchett Manor provides a perfect escape. We spoke to owners Jo and Dave Bridgen to find out more… How long have you been running your site for? We took ownership of the park on 24 December 2006. This year we celebrate our…

If cycling is a part of your touring regime, you’ll be seeking ways of transporting them. We’ve picked caravans that offer provision for bikes – both as standard, and as optional extras. External showers – integral to the inevitable task of getting rid of mud from bikes, walking boots and even dog paws – come under our spotlight, too. And we pick caravans that offer good storage capacity; always key to family activity-based holidays. We also review a tiny tourer whose sporty image makes it an icon of the outdoor pursuits caravan world. Swift Basecamp – with interior accommodation for bikes Arguably the ultimate British-made outdoor pursuits caravan, the Basecamp is specifically made for cyclists. You can wheel cycles in through the rear door. The seats fold upwards against the…

Ivisited Salisbury Plain a few years ago, and Sarah and I had a guided tour of the area in which great bustards have been reintroduced. We visited in early summer and had a great day – and even saw a male displaying, albeit from a distance. Bustards shouldn’t really be displaying in summer; they do that in spring. So, last April, at the time of year when bustards are supposed to be at their most active, I decided to try another bustard experience. I booked a photographic hide to try to get some close-up images of these huge birds. Did you know that the great bustard is the second-largest flying bird in the world? A photographic hide it might be, but that doesn’t mean I was guaranteed to get photos…

My last campsite of the trip was Nutley Farm, near Dorchester, which has its own private access onto the fabulous Tadnoll & Winfrith Heath nature reserve. Nutley isn’t only good for nature nuts like me. It is also within easy driving distance of some of the most famous of Dorset’s attractions, including Durdle Door and Swanage. There are also plenty of other nature reserves in the vicinity, with RSPB Arne not far away, and Poole Harbour, with Brownsea Island, only a bit further. As I write this section of the article I have just got back from a morning ramble on the heath and now, with coffee in one hand and feet up on the seat where Sarah normally sits, I thought I’d share my experience with you. It’s been…

What influences your choice of caravanning destination? Sometimes it can be the desire to visit a particular area for its own sake, sometimes to visit a specific attraction or event, or it may be that you need a destination that will fit into a particular time slot, with your choice curtailed by availability or travel time. However, our visits to Bridlington in the East Riding of Yorkshire, have been inspired by a different motivation. We went to Bridlington for birdwatching. The first time, in September 2021, Bridlington was part of wider Yorkshire tour, and its enticement was proximity to the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliffs. For anyone remotely interested in birds, this is a great place to visit. It boasts approximately half a million seabirds on its spectacular white chalk…

Nestled on the rugged coastline of Cornwall, St Ives beckons holidaymakers with its timeless charm, sandy beaches and picturesque beauty. This idyllic fishing village has long captivated the hearts of artists and wanderers alike, drawing inspiration from its sweeping beaches and azure waters. Meander through narrow cobbled streets, discovering quaint art galleries and cosy cafés, while the scent of salty sea air lingers in the breeze. One of St Ives’ great attractions is unquestionably the Tate St Ives, showcasing exceptional contemporary art against a backdrop of breathtaking ocean views. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on coastal walks, immersing themselves in the untamed landscapes that have inspired countless masterpieces. Whether you seek tranquillity, artistic inspiration, or simply a delightful escape, St Ives promises an unforgettable journey through time and beauty. Stay Polmanter…

As we know, caravanning provides a variety of benefits, not least an element of freedom. One of the best plus points is that you can bring along your canine companions. Including your dog in your caravan adventures benefits your physical and mental health while away, and can elevate the whole experience, as you’re with all family members. This new series helps to ensure your dog enjoys your holiday as much as you do. Thanks to our sponsor, Tavo, we are giving away one of its Maeve Pet Car seat with Roscoe Stroller, worth £725. Head to W mymagazinesub.co.uk/caravan/competitions to enter. WHY BRING YOUR DOG ON YOUR CARAVAN TOURS? With your own accommodation on wheels, you don’t have to worry about any pet rules that come with renting a hotel room…

Which sat-nav is best for towing? Q Which sat-nav do you recommend for towing? We had a few narrow escapes last year when using a phone, so I’m looking at different types of navigation. A I’ve been using the Avtex Tourer for many years and in many countries. It allows you to input weights and dimensions and plot a route accordingly. Plus, when you’ve pitched the caravan, it’s easy to toggle into ‘car mode’. If you are a Caravan and Motorhome Club member, deals are available from the Club Shop. Or a truck-friendly map can be a cost-effective option when looking at a route your phone suggests. How do I keep an awning in place on tow? Q I’m looking to transport the awning on the floor of the caravan,…

My two days on Salisbury Plain started well. As I arrived at Charlton St Peter, the rain eased and allowed me to have an evening wander from the site, Charlton Manor Caravan and Motorhome Club CL. A short walk took me from the Vale of Pewsey up onto Salisbury Plain. The constant song of skylarks cascaded down as if from heaven, the jangling-keys call of corn buntings poured out from almost every post and bush. A roe deer skipped through the cowslip-scattered grassland, and a much smaller muntjac deer made an appearance, too. Skulking in the vegetation, a pair of grey partridges – a delightful sight given their relative rarity nowadays – and, overhead, the lanky, long-tailed shape of a red kite drifted lazily on the breeze. The byway which…

“We’re going to climb Ben Nevis. Want to come?” said our son. We are not climbers, and we travel with our 10-year-old dog, Molly. But we said, “Yes, OK, see you there!” and promptly booked a Glen Nevis campsite. It’s a long journey from Berkshire to the Highlands, so the suggested Ben Nevis weekend climb evolved into a longer adventure, exploring around Loch Lomond, the west Highland coast and Argyll. After overnighting at Tebay motorway services on the M6, we arrived at Milarrochy Bay Camping and Caravanning Club site on the banks of Loch Lomond. The site is past Balmaha, on the east side of the loch, and is in a great location for exploring. With a perfect pitch on the lochside, we spent our first afternoon watching boats, kayaks…

Whodunnit? We dunnit. That’s who dunnit. Dun what? The International Agatha Christie Festival, that’s what. It takes place every September and my partner, Lin, and I were lucky enough to attend the 2024 event, a hotbed of (fictional, thankfully) crime which has been taking place in and around the world-famous author’s birth town of Torquay since 1990. Lin is a massive Agatha fan, which certainly helped with the research (and if you read anything inaccurate in the next 2,000 or so words, please don’t murder the writer; you know who the main culprit is). The plot was thickening. A festival trip to south Devon moved from plan to actuality. Torbay, to be exact. That’s the Torquay, Paignton, Brixham trilogy – or “Torbaydos”, as the locals have been known to call…

FAIRFIELDS FARM CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK Eastbourne Road, Westham, Pevensey, East Sussex BN24 5NG T 01323 763165 W fairfieldsfarm.com OPEN 1 April – 31 October The South Downs Way is a National Trail that leads from Winchester to the striking white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. Walks along this undulating route lead along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs which make for the most amazing views of sea and hills. Fairfields Farm is four miles to the north of Eastbourne. You can drive along the coastal road past Beachy Head (stopping at one of the many car parks and walking to your heart’s content) towards the National Trust’s Birling Gap. At Birling Gap is a large car park and a café, and from here you can walk all the…

Coachman ❚ W coachman.co.uk ❚ £51,545 Coachman has a history of innovation; layouts that are totally unique have appeared down the years – yet when the company launched the twin-axle Lusso (Italian for luxury) in 2021 it took daring invention to a new level. This was the highest priced mainstream tourer made in Britain, with bells and whistles galore. Would it sell? Yes it did. And then came more. First it was joined by a single-axle version, called Lusso I (the twin-axle original then became Lusso II). Then the third Lusso, called Lusso III, with twin axles and twin beds, arrived. We reviewed that one in Caravan in October last year – and it went on to win our Luxury Caravan title in the 2024 Caravan Awards). The first Lusso,…

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 19 hobbies crossword ACROSS 1 Bring about or cause to happen (6) 4 Chemical compound with same formula but different structure (6) 9 Private hire taxi in Britain (7) 10 Fine, smooth cotton thread (5) 11 Discard or get rid of as worthless (5) 12 Draw attention away from other performers (7) 13 Underwater explosive device (5,6) 18 Convert information into secret code (7) 20 Currency of India and several other countries (5) 22 Courage or spirited determination (5) 23 City in central Florida (7) 24 Tiny amount or mark (6) 25 Permanent covering of ice at Earth’s poles (3,3) DOWN 1 Deepest…