Table of contents for February 2024 in Caravan

"Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions"Albert Einstein LOUISE COTTRILL EDITOR Here we are at the start of 2024 and I hope, like me, you are busy planning your caravan adventures for the year ahead! The team are really looking forward to the next Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show in February. It’s another chance to meet manufacturers and see the best of 2024 models. If you’re in the market for a new caravan, you’ll love our reviews of the award-winning Xplore 304 and La Mancelle’s Liberty 490 SA. Discover the unmissable world of Warners Shows. Dive into a world of fun, entertainment and caravan delights. All 2024 dates and venues have now been announced, so make sure you secure your tickets. In our next edition, we are looking…

It’s all too easy to overlook the attractions on your own doorstep. So, my husband and I decided on a trip near our home in Ashdown Forest. We figured we’d save money on diesel, which would leave us a little extra to treat ourselves while we were away. Most of the sites in Ashdown Forest cater exclusively for glamping, tents, or Scouts and school groups. Fortunately, we discovered St Ives Farm campsite, near Hartfield, a mere eight miles down the road. It’s fair to say the site lacks the glamour of glamping, with extremely basic amenities. But what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for with location. It’s situated almost a mile down a narrow track off Butcherfield Lane. Consequently, it’s remote, peaceful and a great place to unwind.…

TUDOR CARAVAN PARK Shepherds Patch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BP T 01453 890483  W tudorcaravanpark.com  OPEN All year Nestled between the Cotswolds and the River Severn, Tudor Caravan Park has a fantastic location alongside the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. There are pitches set over two touring fields. The first is The Meadow, an area designed for families, while the second is The Old Orchard, a more secluded area for adults only. Both areas offer hardstandings, 16A electric and can accommodate larger vehicles. Facilities include two shower blocks with large private cubicles, a laundry and underfloor heating. Next door to the site is the Tudor Arms, a quiet country pub and restaurant with a host of CAMRA’s Country Pub of the Year awards for the Gloucesteshire area. There’s lots to do within…

Who would have thought that varnished wood-effect would work on caravan graphics? And who would have thought that a front-line shape akin to the bow of a superyacht would work on a caravan? Yet they do, massively. French-made La Mancelle Liberty models are trendsetters; eye-catching in the extreme and luxuriously appointed. Equipment includes an on-board water tank, an extractor fan directly above the hob – and a Truma Aventa air-conditioning unit. La Mancelle caravans are made in Le Mans; the name derives from a type of nineteenth century house styling typical of Le Mans. The company was founded in 1960. By 1982, seven models were being produced and, in 2000, La Mancelle was bought by the giant international Trigano Group that encompasses brands including Adria – and also owns Marquis…

The increased space in 8ft caravan models is a game-changer, and manufacturers are experiencing a surge in popularity for these extra inches. If size matters, then you might find your favourite amongst these stunning models. COACHMAN ACADIA 660 XTRA The twin-axle 660 is eight feet wide, and 7.89m in overall length, so it’s as spacious as caravanning gets. Nowhere is that spacious aspect more apparent than in the lounge. That’s because the L-shape of the lounge seating means that there is an abundance of floor space. Armrests at the ends of the seating, and a curved corner back support in the offside corner, ensure that any which way you sit or recline in this sprung-upholstered lounge, you are guaranteed comfort. Along the nearside of the lounge is what may be…

Q What sort of warranty will I get? A Most manufacturers confidently offer five-year warranties on their products. Some of these may be extended warranties with a fee attached. As these tend to be insurance-backed warranties, read the small print before signing. Always ask what service is available, should you have a problem away from home and check what the warranty covers. Q Do they last long? A A good-quality, well-maintained motor mover could easily last a decade or longer. Q How do I look after the mover? A Maintenance is quite simple on most movers on the market – keep the mover clean and every six months grease the mover (follow appropriate instructions). Successful operation is dependent on a good battery. Keep the caravan leisure battery topped up. The…

Why had we never visited these northern islands before? This was turning out to be one of the best trips we had ever made! We were standing on the deck of the ferry from Orkney at 6am, watching the coast of Shetland reveal itself in bright sunshine. Scattered houses spilled down the slopes to tiny coves and sandy beaches, with dramatic high cliffs between. And there was one obvious difference from Orkney – colour. On Orkney, all houses had been grey. Coming into Lerwick harbour, we could see reds and blues and houses with painted cladding, white-framed windows and steep gables, much like we had seen in Norway. We didn’t think we’d be going far that first day after an uncomfortable night in the ferry’s ‘sleeping pods’, but it all…

Nestled in the Fenland countryside, Fields End Water is a two-time recipient of the AA Campsite of the Year award for the Heart of England in 2014 and 2023. This tranquil adults-only (18+) holiday park, renowned for its dog-friendly atmosphere, offers an idyllic escape. Affiliated with the Caravan and Motorhome Club, Fields End Water welcomes all campers, whether Club members or not. As a family-run haven away from major roads and flight paths, Fields End Water provides a serene retreat. Boasting three carp fishing lakes, the park caters to diverse preferences, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Nearby you can explore the charming cathedral city of Ely and, for aviation buffs, Duxford Imperial War Museum is within easy reach. Exploring the local area, unwinding in nature, or indulging…

It’s petite. Its cleverly designed layout is like no other. And its lounge feels much larger than it really is. The Xplore 304 is the lightest, lowest-priced and smallest four-berth tourer in Britain. Little wonder, then, that this model has won a string of awards down the years – including Caravan magazine’s 2024 Best Lightweight and Compact Caravan title. The first Xplores were unveiled in 2008. Three years later the 304 joined the line-up. Since then, this model has enjoyed a steady following among buyers looking for the ultimate in small, lightweight four-berth touring. At just 1,070kg MTPLM, it beats all of its weight competitors. The only model that comes close is the Bailey Discovery D4-4L at 1,083kg. There’s a smattering of continental models in the lightweight sector, including two…

Modern caravans shrug off sub-zero temperatures with ease thanks to a combination of efficient heating and insulation, with an increasing number of caravanners choosing to enjoy ski season or wintry destinations from the comfort of their leisure vehicle. Caravan heating, 230V or otherwise, isn’t just for use during spring or autumn trips, as modern products are regularly tested to extremes. Here we focus on the leading caravan heating systems from Alde, Truma and Whale. In broad terms, Truma and Whale produce blown-air heating systems, while Alde caravan heating is a hydronic system that uses antifreeze fluid to warm a series of radiators. All of the systems can be powered by gas or mains electricity – or a combination of both – which makes it easy to enjoy pitches with or…

Is a 10 amp supply enough? Q We think we found the perfect campsite, but it only has a 10A electric supply. We’ve only stayed on pitches with 16A before, so will 10A be a problem? A A 10A supply won’t be a problem if you use your electrical appliances wisely. The amount of power used by heating, hot water boiler, kettle, etc, is measured in watts and can usually be found in the handbook or on a sticker on the underside of smaller appliances. To calculate wattage, use this simple equation: watts = amps x volts. For example, 10A x 230V = 2,300W. Generally, heating/hot water boilers have 1000W and 200W settings, and a low-voltage kettle is 750W. You should be fine if you don’t exceed 2,300W, so, for…

Aku Slope Original GTX boots These Italian walking boots have a classic – some might say retro – design that reflects the company’s four decades on the European market. In an era when hiking shoes and boots seem to be getting ever more flashy, there’s an understated simplicity about them that is reassuring and really appeals. That said, if you do want something fancier, there are some colourful versions available, too. The uppers are made from a combination of suede and Aku’s own Air 8000 fabric, which provides increased breathability. A fully waterproof Gore-Tex membrane will ensure your feet stay dry. The Slope’s exclusively designed Vibram sole has lugs facing all directions, designed to give maximum grip on all terrains. We found these to be extremely comfortable straight out of…

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 types of footwear crossword ACROSS 1 Revelry in drink; carousal (5-2) 5 Island in the Bay of Naples (5) 8 Russian-Ukrainian river which passes through Kiev (7) 9 Something of antiquity, religious or sentimental (5) 10 Cast; lost a sporting event deliberately for a bribe (5) 11 Expel; sack (7) 12 Peter Rabbit author (7,6) 15 Of the stomach (7) 17 Thin and haggard; John of -----, uncle to the English King, Richard II, and father of Henry IV (5) 20 Exhibition; display (5) 21 Light in a transparent protective case (7) 22 Anglicised word for a spirit of Muslim theology and…

We originally planned this trip as a shakedown adventure for our new (to us) ‘van, which replaced the one we had stolen at the end of last year. South Wales was not too far to go, so we set off full of hope and a sense of adventure – neither of us had been to south Wales for over 50 years! Raglan Castle was spotted almost immediately after crossing the ‘border’ into Wales so we were soon ready to explore the picturesque ruins. The helpful staff at this Cadw site persuaded us to part with more cash than we had been expecting, but a year’s membership of Cadw proved to be a smart decision for us. We had planned to visit many castles during our time in Wales and so…

Portmeirion is the well-known village in Gwynedd, north Wales, famed for its inclusion in the TV series, The Prisoner. Exploring the village itself is amazing. There’s so much Mediterranean-style architecture to enjoy, along with fabulous views. Walk around The Gwyllt, a 70-acre Edwardian wild garden within the village, designed by Caton Haigh, where exotic flora blooms season after season. Nearby, there’s the charming coastal town of Porthmadog with access to the Ffestingniog and Welsh Highland Railways. From here there’s a steam train that goes right into Snowdonia. There is so much to enjoy in this region that is brimming with heritage and culture. From castles to coastlines, north Wales is primed for adventure. Stay ▴Tyddyn Llwyn Touring & Camping Park Situated in a secluded valley at the foot of Moel-y-Gest…

HOBBY BEACHY 420 One of the standout features of the Hobby Beachy 420 is its spacious rear door, offering a beachy ambience whether you’re by the shore, in the mountains, or in the city, especially while seated on the bed. Offering a fixed bed, this model was built to be a place of relaxation. There’s plenty of space for meal prep and a hidden coolbox for food and drink storage. The living area has lots of practical storage solutions, too, with open shelving and elasticated strapping. This quirky ‘van boasts cool exterior retro styling, whilst inside it is the epitome of modern living. PRICE from £13,707 MTPLM 950kg  BERTHS 3 MINK-E If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact micro tourer to enhance your touring ability, then look no further…

Discover the convenience of a motor mover—an innovative electronic device designed to transform your caravan manoeuvring. Easily fitted to your caravan, this device, equipped with two or four motor units based on your caravan type, empowers you to navigate your caravan remotely. The system includes an electronic control unit and a user-friendly handheld remote, offering seamless control over your caravan’s movements. Say goodbye to manual struggles and welcome a new era of effortless caravanning with the motor mover, enhancing both convenience and control. WHY DO I NEED A MOTOR MOVER? Caravan motor movers not only add a touch of coolness to any campsite but also serve as stress-relievers during tricky manoeuvres, or when positioning your tourer in tight storage spaces at home. These nifty devices combine practicality with a dash…

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