Practical Caravan - 15 August 2022

124 Pages·2022·127.7 MB·English

Contents
EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO IN ISSUE 455
The future’s bright… Chat
6 The big picture Historic ruins at Corfe Castle, in Dorset
I know many of you are long-time readers 8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos
13 New gear The latest essential kit to enhance your touring
of Practical Caravan – as I mention on p24,
14 Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help!
I grew up in a caravanning family and my
17 Happy 55th, PC! Join us in celebrating 55 glorious years
parents were keen readers of this magazine. 26 Keep on caravanning Here’s what we think the future holds!
The reason I write about this is because Travel
we’re celebrating a very special birthday,
31 Travel A round-up of all the latest touring news
as Practical Caravan turns 55 years old. 34 Getaway: Corfe Castle Join Susan Taylor on her Dorset
adventure, exploring the historic castle and the dramatic coast
From our launch in 1967, we’ve brought
38 Getaway: Nottinghamshire On a tour closer to home, Nigel
you the very best of caravanning. Hutson rediscovers the many attractions of a legendary region
You can find our anniversary round-up 42 Euro escape: Western France Susan Taylor makes a detour
on the Atlantic Coast to discover the glories of the Cognac region
starting on p17 – you’re sure to spot plenty
48 Ten peaceful adults-only sites There’s a campsite to suit you!
of “I remember that!” moments. 50 Local authority Inside information on a Lancashire gem
52 48 hours in… York Make the most of your weekend break
Then on p26, we take an expert look at
with our comprehensive hour-by-hour guide to this great city
the future of caravanning. From 3D-printed
New vans
bodyshells to the rise of the electric tow car,
56 Tested Peter Baber has all the news from the showrooms
it’s all here. But what do you think will
58 First look: Adria Altea Dart Upgraded entry-level four-berth
happen over the next 55 years? We’d
60 First look: Caretta Calypso 4 Compact, lightweight four-berth
love to find out – simply email us at
Used vans
[email protected] to tell us.
63 Used vans Andy Jenkinson reports from the forecourts
64 Used van buyer Knaus S Class 480 (2017)
Special supplement
67 Family fun Caravanning has something for everyone!
69 Great family sites We round up 10 child-focused campsites
72 Choose the right floorplan Family-friendly layouts
73 Family attractions Great places to entertain all ages
76 Touring with children Top tips from veteran caravanners
78 Essential accessories Our selection of child-friendly kit
79 Family adventures The perfect time to try something new
[email protected]
Tow cars
Editor-in-chief SARAH is a keen caravanner
who loves seeing the best of Europe on her travels 85 Tow cars We take a look at the new Land Rover Defender 130
86 Tow car test Vauxhall Grandland 1.5 Turbo D 130PS Ultimate
90 Save on fuel Follow our tips to maximise your fuel economy
92 Used tow car test Jeep Grand Cherokee (2013-present)
OU KN’S L BYE S T£- S4EL .L9IN G9 !IG NUC ILDUE D T EOS F FAR MEI EL Y1 6 T-OP AU GREI NGx xxx xFAxxMx ILxFYAx MCxF IAUxLMYxN-PxFSSAR xITDITxEAVENRxESTDNx LHTxYEUxRREE !S ON THE COVER… Skills school
CARAVAN MAGAZINE
1 97 Skills school Fitting a bespoke bumper protection plate
1 Our free cut-out-and-keep guide 98 Packing and storage John Sootheran has expert advice
THE SUN! has all you need to know to enjoy on how to load up your tow car and caravan for safe touring
the very best family touring (p67) 103 Towing skills Ian Shaw outlines the role of anti-lock braking
InsYbpoeirsrkta- taeionvndear F ls rtuaomnucmres eftoro rb D yroeoaruskre t, aPnpldues r1!f0 eA ca Mtdlyuid lptlase-naodcnsel fygu esl tistatewasy afsyo,r 2 Celebrating 55 fantastic years 104 Power supplies Find out how to calculate your caravan’s
2 of caravanning with PC (from p17) power requirements, to ensure that you’ll never run out
TURNS 55!
TSLIMGEHASTRTWT EAEDIDGRH IITAN C ASALRITEDETAETA, A CNADLY PSO cWaafruenat dvcu aerrneele nvcbeionraauglt l wdesi hnahaclol telt d ht1h…9ine6g 7s, 3 As prices continue to rise, don’t 108 How to make… a drinks stand Sam Coles’ simple DIY
miss our expert tips on saving fuel project for a stable and versatile drinks stand to use outdoors
3
and cutting running costs (p90) 110 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive listings and data
WEEKEND WORKSHOP TOW CAR REVIEWS & TIPS
Pvoawn elirk ek nao pwr-oh! o•w D I•Y P pacrokj eycotusr FDreufgeanld Vear u•x Shaavlle & c Lasahn do nR ofuveelr! 122 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by
www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 5
‘William the Conqueror fortified
Corfe Castle after beating Harold
at the Battle of Hastings’
6 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com
THE BIG SHOT CORFE CASTLE
Where are we?
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Why tour here?
With its keep built in the early
12th century for William the
Conqueror’s son, Henry I, Corfe
Castle has a history stretching
back more than a thousand
years. Once a Royalist stronghold
during the English Civil War,
today the castle is largely a ruin,
yet it remains very popular with
visitors in search of romantic
views, and the very epitome of
pastoral England. Find out more
about Corfe Castle on p34.
Don’t miss…
A misty morning gives this
most atmospheric of castles an
ethereal, almost mystical quality.
Photographer Getty Images
www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 7
C o n n e ct
T RAVEL
THIS MONTH WE CHAT CARAVANNING… SHOWS // RALLIES // WINNERS
Star photo EVENTS ROUND-UP
Showcasing Scotland
We were recently on our way to
Swanage, in Dorset, along the M3
and spotted this very unusual
The latest models and
caravan! Has anyone ever
technology, and some
seen another like it?
amazing new holiday
Nichola Beasley homes, will be on
display at the show.
The operators of the
Scottish event are also
launching an exhibition
south of the border.
Go Explore will run
The Glasgow show returns in February 2023 from 24-26 March 2023
at the International
Next year’s Scottish one roof, including Exhibition Centre
Caravan, Motorhome caravans, motorhomes, in Farnborough, and
& Holiday Home Show, campervans, tents, will feature caravans,
which will run from 2-5 luxury lodges and motorhomes, campers,
February at the SEC in camping accessories. holiday homes, lodges
Glasgow, is returning There will be expert and tents. Tickets are
for the first time since advice on top places on sale now.
February 2020. to visit in Scotland, Find out more and
The event will bring adventure locations, book tickets at caravan
200 major UK touring and making the most showscotland.com or
brands together under of the great outdoors. goexploreshow.co.uk.
Summertime
shopping
Caravanners in search of a
bargain should head for the
Boutique Camping Summer
Showcase, at the Dulwich
Picture Gallery Meadow,
YOU
in London on 23-24 July.
ALSO SAID… You can expect to see
everything from designer
The contributor of our Star letter Further to Dave Hollins’ letter on friction stoves to stylish seats.
wins a pair of Milenco Grand Aero pads (issue 454), when I hitch up, I spray Entry is free, although
towing mirrors. They’re designed the towball with brake cleaner, clean off you’ll need a ticket (dogs
to fit all wing mirrors and offer with a paper towel, then use the towel are allowed, too), and there
an outstanding view. For further to wipe around the four friction pads. will be a chance to explore
details and a list of retailers of This stops the groaning noise. innovative products and
Milenco products, visit The advice regarding removing towball enjoy wood-fired pizza and
www.milenco.com paint is right. I have a new car that came a sip or two of Pimm’s.
with a painted towball. Before my first Music, bars, food and a kids’
trip, I cleaned it all off, but alas, on the craft tent are all planned.
journey, the dreaded groan was evident. For further information
When I checked, I found a small patch about attending the show,
that I had missed. Emery paper to the go to eventbrite.co.uk,
fore, cleaned off and sprayed. Job done. or to find out more about
No groans on the return journey! Boutique Camping’s ranges,
Paul Evans visit boutiquecamping.com.
8 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com
TALK CONNECT
Like us on Follow us on Twitter at Email your Write to us at
Facebook at twitter.com/pcaravan letters and photos 121-141 Westbourne
www.facebook.com/ for the latest news to letters@ Terrace, Paddington,
practicalcaravan and events practicalcaravan.com London W2 6JR
BAREFOOT FEST 2022
MICRO-CARAVAN BRAND Barefoot and photos, recommend campsites and sit in the sun and chat with like-minded folk.
celebrated its second annual gathering in reveal numerous helpful hints and tips. All in some of England’s finest countryside.
the Cotswolds this spring. Barefoot Fest “The first Barefoot Fest took place last “Caravans are a great way to take your
2022 took place over three days, close to year after lockdown and the atmosphere four-legged friends on holiday, and this year’s
the baby-tourer’s factory in Moreton-in- was incredible,” Simon said. “Everyone was Barefoot Fest had a special dog show, which
Marsh, with owners travelling from as thrilled to be able to show off their caravan, was one of the highlights of the weekend,”
far afield as Scotland. with their own special customisation, and Simon said. “Prizes were awarded for the
The community event was the brainchild following lockdown, we were all ready for waggiest tail, best trick, the dog looking
of Simon Bull, a Barefoot caravan owner another great party. most like their owner and best-dressed dog.”
who set up the Barefoot Caravan Owners’ “When the group met up again this spring, The prizegiving was followed by Pimm’s
Group on Facebook in 2019. it felt like a friends’ reunion,” he added. on the lawn, against the stunning backdrop
The group has grown in size to become Barefoot Fest features live music, of the Cotswold Hills and Broadway Tower.
a thriving community of Barefoot caravan food and drink, a raffle, dog walks, John Sootheran
enthusiasts, who share great travel stories barbecues and the opportunity to simply go-barefoot.co.uk
x
Morecambe couple win £20k van se
s
u
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t
A Morecambe couple plan a laid-back retirement as
E
after winning a Swift Sprite Major 6 and a Vango n,
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t
Balletto awning, together worth over £20,000, in g
n
mi
a Camping and Caravanning Club competition.
Wil
Cheryl Goss, 63, who entered the competition of
online, never thought she would win. She said: n
a
M
“I was ill and just dabbling on the internet. I saw g
n
the competition and went in for it.” o
L
e
Now Cheryl and husband David, 66 (pictured h
T
below receiving their prize), former employees of R:
E
W
Lancaster University, are planning to pitch the
THE WILD SIDE S
N
caravan at a site close to home for family breaks. A
David said: “We hope to spend
We had a lovely stay recently at summers in the van and are
York Caravan Park, where this looking for a seasonal
young squirrel kept coming to pitch near Lytham. This
visit us – the friendliest little will be perfect as there’s
squirrel we’ve ever seen. nice countryside and
They generally scurry off, but we have family nearby.
not this one. He seemed to enjoy We’ll test the Sprite
finding a perch to keep watch – locally to get used to
POINT OF VIEW as well as our chairs, he liked it and then think about
sitting on top of the toaster. taking it up to Scotland.
Can you name this famous chalk Perhaps he fancied some toast! The world is our oyster!”
hill figure? (Answer, see right) Clive Bennett
www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 9
Your photos!
Issue 416 EN ROUTE // ON SITE // AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN
#PCTRAAAGRCA UTVISAC N AL You’re exploring great
COLPAERRRTA AETCVMEATRAINCSIL.A@C LO M dbersiltliinaantti ohnosl,i dcaayp ptuhroetdo sb!y
A B
C
D
A After the storm at Caravan and Motorhome Club CL Rainbow Nursery, Essex, in May Glyn Thomas
B Spotted near Sparkford, Somerset, a hero hitched up and braving the drive-through. The things we do for a McFlurry! Dave Ball
C Friendly goats saying hello at Bridge Holme Caravan and Camping Site, Barnoldswick, Lancashire Paul Shaw
D Pub in the Park at Marlow, Buckinghamshire, was full of cute vans as food stalls. And lots of great food, too! Paul Fisher
10 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com