News
Catch up with the latest news from the world of motorhomes
JULY
International Caravan & Motorhome 2010
If you’re looking for the best start to your next adventures then a visit to Birmingham’s NEC this October 12 – 17 is a must!
The show is your first opportunity to see the brand new 2011 motorhome models from leading manufacturers Swift, Auto-Sleepers, Dethleffs and more. Plus, buy at the show you will beat the VAT increase due on 4 January 2011. As an example, on a motorhome priced £30,000 you will save £750.
Browse 1000’s of accessories at bargain prices in the Accessory Superstore. Then get inspiration for where to enjoy your next get-away by seeing a great selection of campsites and destinations.
It’s a great day out!
Brand new attractions including a Cookery Theatre, Farmers’ Market, Real Ale Bar, and Expert Talks Theatre. As well as the Buying Clinic, Towing Experience, Try a Tow, Motorhome Manoeuvring, Onsite Campsite. KidZone and Creche (Fri, Sat, Sun). Kids go free! (16 and under). Ticket price includes parking, Show Guide’s are free!
Book your tickets in advance and save £5!
To book visit www.caravanshows.com or call 0844 412 4639 - Please quote promo code NCCM when booking.
Catterick Caravans have expanded
Catterick Caravans have expanded its dealership to ensure their customers have an even greater choice of leisure vehicles.
Their facilities include a superstore that spans some 25,000 sq feet, coffee shop and extensive outdoor displays of new and used caravans and motorhomes
For more information click here.
Chedder Camping and Caravanning Club site goes green
Environmentally aware campers can now enjoy innovative eco-friendly facilities at the Cheddar Camping and Caravanning Club Site in Somerset. Site owners have invested around £80,000 into developing a new facilities block to create an environmentally friendly haven for campers.
To stay at Cheddar or any of The Club’s sites, bookings can be made via The Club’s Contact Centre on 0845 130 7633 or 024 7647 5426 or via the website.
Auto-Sleepers launch new website
New features include; a newly designed “Service” area, internal 360-degree photography, vehicle specification comparison tables, the latest company news & product reviews.
Visit Auto-Sleepers website.
Camping and Carvanning Club site offers car hire service
Campers staying on the Skye Camping and Caravanning Club Site can take advantage of their new on-site car hire service, giving them every opportunity to explore the beautiful isle.
Four small cars are available for hire including a manual Vauxhall Corsa, Rover 75 , Rover 45 and an automatic Chrysler Neon. Rates start at £35 for a day’s hire, with fully comprehensive insurance included.
To stay on the site, bookings can be made with the Club’s Contact Centre on 0845 130 7633 or 024 7647 5426 or direct with the Site on 01470 5882230 and via The Club’s website.
JUNE
Tickets On Sale for International Caravan & Motorhome 2010
2010 has seen endless air travel chaos, making a staycation holiday more attractive than ever before. Get some inspiration for year round travel in a caravan or motorhome at International Caravan & Motorhome 2010. Taking place at Birmingham's NEC, from 12-17 October, tickets are on sale now.
There are more companies than ever before and the NCC and other experts will be on hand giving advice on a variety of topics.
Tickets can be booked on the website or by calling the ticket hotline number 0844 412 4639.
Bessacarr E450 comes top of its class
Swift's new Bessacarr E450 model, which was launched at the International Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show in February won the award for 'Best Coachbuilt up to £43,000' category at The 2010 Caravan Club's Motor Caravan Design and Drive Awards.
The new 2-berth, low-line, Bessacarr E450 which is designed for couples, provides a popular layout with a twin settee forward lounge, centre kitchen, good sized stylish bathroom and a comfortable fixed rear bed.
Hagans Leisure summer hire offers
Hagans Leisure is offering fantastic summer hire offers across its motorhome hire fleet! All motorhomes come fully insured for unlimited mileage throughout UK and Ireland, hurry though as availability is limited!
MAY
Caravan Club extends Wi-Fi coverage across its sites network
The Caravan Club is doubling the number of sites offering Wi-Fi coverage and upgrading the service at existing ones.
Once the installation programme is complete, a total of 60 Club sites will be connected, allowing members to check emails, travel and weather forecasts, access local tourist information and find out about events taking place in their holiday region, using their laptops.
APRIL
Camping and Caravanning Club launch new website
The Camping and Caravanning Club has launched an exciting new website.
The new site features informative new content and allows visitors to bookmark the website using popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
MARCH
Swift launch social networking website - Swift Talk
Swift Talk is the new hub for the Swift community online. A place for all those united in their love of touring caravans to share their experiences, meet new friends and find out information on how to enjoy their touring lifestyle.
Swift Talk is the first place to learn about new product launches, events and Swift Group news, it's also the first place you can go to as a quick reference to frequently asked questions or to actively take part in the forums.
Anyone who owns, uses, or is thinking of buying a Swift touring caravan, or would just like to be part of the growing Swift community is actively encouraged to sign up, create their own content, and start talking!
Visit the Swift Talk website.
FEBRUARY
Salop workshops open seven days a week
Salop Leisure's service department is now open seven days a week due to strong demand from customers for servicing at weekends.
Thetford introduces toilet fresh-up set for used caravans
Thetford has introduced Fresh-up Set, the first and unique toilet set that gives second-hand touring caravan buyers to make their used toilet as good as new. Click here to find out more.
The National Motorhome Show celebrates 20 years
The biggest outdoor motorhome show, The National Motorhome Show, will be taking place on 23-25 April in Peterborough. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, it will once again be home to over 300 exhibitors including major manufacturers, leading UK dealers and accessory suppliers.
For more information visit The National Motorhome Show website.
Going Places in Comfort & Style...
Timberland Motorhomes' has created a 'Going Places in Comfort & Style...' magazine, which contains details of five model ranges, pre-owned vehicles and other Timberland news.
Click here to request your free copy.
JANUARY
Autocruise steals the show at the MMM 2010 Awards
Autocruise stole the ceremony at the Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly (MMM) 2010 Awards by winning the Motorhome of the Year Award with the Autocruise Jazz. The Autocruise Jazz also won the award for Front Lounge Panel Van of the Year.
Auto-Sleepers recognised in Which Motorcaravan review
Both the Nuevo II and Broadway EK were reviewed and featured in the Which Motorcaravan magazine top 14 motorhomes of 2009.
Thinking of selling your camper?
Bilbo's is seeking pre-owned Bilbo campers up to 10 years old. They offer outright purchase or 'sale or return'. If you want to sell your camper, visit Bilbo's website for more information.
DECEMBER
The National Motorhome Show celebrates 20 years of excellence
The biggest outdoor motorhome show, The National Motorhome Show, will be taking place on 23-25 April in Peterborough. Celebrating its' 20th anniversary, The National Motorhome Show will once again be home to all the major manufacturers, leading UK dealers and many of the well established accessory suppliers.
With over 300 exhibitors expected to attend the event, visitors can be sure of seeing the best there is to see in the motorhome market.
For more information visit The National Motorhome Show website.
All new Swift Sundance and Bessacarr E400 aim to increase market share
With the Escape range firmly established as the new entry point to the Swift Group Coachbuilt motorhome range, the new Swift Sundance and Bessacarr E400 ranges have been moved up market with a sleek new exterior and interior design and an upgraded specification.
These two ranges have dominated this sector of the market for some time. They now have the visual appeal of more expensive motorhomes and a more luxurious interior specification.
The new ranges are designed to meet the expectations of the many existing owners who are ready to change and offer the complete package. Retail prices only increase by about £1000 depending on the model, so the new on the road price range will be £35K-£44K.
The new ranges will be launched at the NEC National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show 23-28 February 2010.
Nick Page, Commercial Director for Swift Group commented 'These new models take the Sundance and E400 ranges to a new level of style and specification. To help people who want to renew their motorhome in the current economic climate, they provide outstanding value and comfort for a very affordable price in a sector of the market that will grow in a recession.'
NOVEMBER
Want to take a motorhome manoeuvring course?
The Caravan Club runs Motor Caravan Manoeuvring courses, where the friendly instructors make sure you learn the required skills in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The Club has just announced the addition of an extra training centre at Writtle College, near Chelmsford, Essex. This brings the number of centres up to 15, with locations from West Lothian to West Wales.
The best of the best in mid-Wales
Twenty-two parks in mid Wales have been awarded the coveted five stars under the British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme. Millions of pounds have been invested in parks such as Min y Don Holiday Home and Touring Park at Harlech to achieve this top rating. Mid Wales now boasts some of the finest caravan parks in the UK and provides an excellent base for touring. To find out more about places to see, click here.
Luxury loos
A number of Camping and Caravanning Club Sites have achieved impressive grades in the Loo of the Year Awards 2009 (LOYA). Eighteen of the Club Sites put forward in the Holiday Parks and Camping and Touring Sites category achieved a five-star grade. These include Charmouth, Kessingland, Kingsbury Water Park, Salisbury, Sandringham and Thetford Forest.
Off-peak touring and Christmas with the Clubs
The Caravan Club is keeping more sites open for longer this autumn and winter. In all, 80 sites are open into the New Year and over 50 will remain open all year round.
They have produced a new 'Autumn and Winter Touring' brochure, which is packed with ideas, events and inspiring locations. The guide will be included in the September issue of The Caravan Club Magazine. It can also be ordered by calling the Club Shop on 01342 318813 or by visiting The Caravan Club website.
Meanwhile, The Camping and Caravanning Club will have 24 of its sites open over the festive season, with the promise of plenty of seasonal cheer.
OCTOBER
New Elddis franchise
Marquis Motorhomes, one of the UK's largest dealer networks, has recently been awarded the Elddis Motorhomes franchise. The recently re-branded Elddis range will initially be available to view at four specialist centres in the Berkshire, Devon, Suffolk and Sussex branches of Marquis, but customers can place their order and collect at any of the ten Marquis outlets.
Auto-Trail handbook on DVD
To help new owners understand and enjoy all aspects of their modern motorhome, 2010 Auto-Trail models now include a instructional DVD with their handbook. It explains how to safely operate and enjoy many of the unique features within their new motorhome.
AUGUST
New sites finder service
There is a new site finding service from the team at Motor Caravan Magazine. Sites Finder is designed to help both new and experienced caravanners find a UK campsite to suit their needs. This ultimate 'one-stop shop' for caravan and motor caravan parks can be accessed at caravanmagazine.co.uk, and shortly, at motorcaravanmagazine.co.uk.
Gulliver's Milton Keynes Camping and Caravanning Club Site
The Camping and Caravanning Club and Gulliver's Theme Parks have teamed up to run a Club Site at Gulliver's Milton Keynes. The 90-pitch Site will be open to both members and non-members and will be adjacent to the fun-packed theme park and Dinosaur and Farm Park. The Site is due to open in early 2010 and will include 30 hard-standing areas for units whilst a number of revolutionary Eco Camping Pods are also set to be installed.
For more information please visit The Camping and Caravanning Club website.
Reminder - scrapping your car?
New motorhomes are also eligible to benefit from the Government's scrappage scheme as long as they are less than 3.5 tonnes - see the Directgov website for details. Then contact your motorhome dealer for more information.
Mobile Solar Technology
Mobile solar technology company Maidston provides a range of portable solar powered products, including a handy pocket size charger suitable for charging mobile phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, or any other small device.
They also offer eco solar products that will charge a variety of devices free of charge and so that the electricity generated does not add to our carbon footprint. To find out more visit the Maidston website.
