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 " I just wish the world was

WELCOME twice as big and half of

it was still unexplored"
David Attenborough

SOPHIE BROMLEY-RICE CONTENT EDITOR

W
elcome to the June issue of Caravan. shop at W outandaboutshop.co.uk or find out
In this wildlife-themed edition we have more information on our news page (pg 75 of
travel features inspired by the natural this issue).
world and the beautiful creatures in it. Also, have you booked your tickets for the
This month has been a very exciting one as remaining 2024 events run by Warners Shows?
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MEET THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS

Val Chapman Felicity Martin Claire Tupholme David Chapman Judy Smith Lee Davey Maria O’Brien

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 CONTENTS June 2024

Travel & lifestyle Howgill Fells

8 Some amazing wildlife
spotted in Cannock Chase
16 Hiking in the beautiful
Howgill Fells
22 Head to Flamborough and
see some fantastic birdlife
28 A trip to Dorset filled
with fossils, history and
beautiful coastline
34 Destination of the month
is historic Edinburgh
36 We meet the owners of
Meadow Falls
39 Relaxing adults-only sites
76 Be inspired by these
tempting recipes
78 Puzzles and brainteasers
to exercise the grey matter 16
Dorset Cannock Chase

28
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COVER
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Inset: Alisdair Cusick/The Camping
and Caravanning Club 69 76
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 Long-eared owls can be
seen hunting at dusk

Go wild…
in Cannock Chase
8 | June 2024
 TRAVEL \ CANNOCK CHASE

The wonderful old oak trees of Brocton Coppice

Exploring the wonderful Cannock Chase

I
n a part of the country with a high it was safe from predators and this was one
population, it’s no surprise that Cannock of many intimate moments I had with wildlife.
Chase is a popular place for locals to escape There is some historic interest around
the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, but Cannock Chase, with much of it relating to the
maybe Britain’s smallest mainland AONB is not world wars when camps were established here.
on the radar for quite as many holidaymakers Further back in time it was established as a
from further afield. I must admit that we had royal hunting ground and this has shaped the
never visited before last summer. way it looks today, with a mixture of habitats
First impressions were favourable. After a including heathland and deciduous forest.
difficult drive on busy main roads, we found The busiest cycle trails are in the more
a place of calm on the Tackeroo Forestry recently planted coniferous sections, which
Commission campsite. Situated in the middle of are the least favoured places for wildlife so
the AONB, this is a great place from which to we concentrated our quest on the heath and
explore on foot or bike. I can safely say, I have deciduous woodland. We also visited
never seen so many footpaths, trails and Shugborough Hall, the former home of Patrick
cycleways in such a compact area. Walkers, Lichfield. All on foot or bike, we didn’t need to
off-road cyclists and wheelchair users can all move the car during our stay and I was
find easy access to the countryside and as long reluctant to move it when it came time to leave.
as you venture more than five minutes from a
car park or visitor centre, there is plenty of
peace and quiet to be had.
WHERE TO STAY
What about wildlife, I hear you ask. Well, PRICES COUPLE, PER NIGHT
as I walked towards the Birches Valley Forest TACKEROO CAMPSITE
Centre with its massive car park, café, Go Ape, Penkridge Bank Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire
hundreds of cyclists and plenty of picnickers, WS15 2UA T 01543 427977
I did begin to wonder whether there could W chasecamping.co.uk OPEN All year
possibly be any wildlife in an area so busy. PRICE £20. The only facilities on site are
My doubts were misplaced. In the car park, dustbins, water and chemical emptying points.
When staying on sites without EHU we have a
beside the Go Ape check-in, I spotted a
couple of battery packs for recharging our
treecreeper which flew down to a few feet off
Words & photography: smartphones and I take enough camera batteries
the ground and disappeared behind a Go Ape to last the duration!
David Chapman
sign. Here it had made its nest; close to people, ii

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TRAVEL \ CANNOCK CHASE

The rare Cannock Chase

berry is found on Brindley Heath

Nightjars can be seen and heard just

a short walk from the campsite

Birch trees are scattered across the heathland

A treat on the heath

Cannock Chase has the largest area of many hundreds that we saw over the There are some special birds found
lowland heath in the Midlands. About next few days. on this heath and these take a bit more
2,000 acres of it was given to The orange flickers of small heath dedication to spot. So, at 9.15pm I set
Staffordshire County Council by the Third butterflies were easier to spot. Another off from the ’van on foot and headed
Earl of Lichfield in 1957 and it is now green flutter on the sandy, pebbly path down the track from Rifle Range Corner
called the Cannock Chase Country Park. was a green tiger beetle, a hunter on the in the direction of Katyn Memorial.
At five square miles, it is one of the lookout for prey and avoiding my tread. At 9.40pm I heard a high-pitched ‘coo-
largest country parks in Britain and there My footsteps had also caused a common wick’ call. This is the contact call often
is a visitor centre at Marquis Drive, from lizard to run for safety; I heard a rustle in made by a male to a female nightjar to
which walks leaflets and advice can be the grass and all I saw was a tail signal that he is ready to take over
gleaned. The heath is very special for disappearing. incubation duties. Before long the
wildlife and we had some wonderful A small bird sang its heart out whilst nightjars were churring, a rather
experiences there. parascending through the air on flickering mechanical sound with two tones which
What looked like a fragment of shiny wings, its tail held aloft like that of a creates an unusual sense of atmosphere
green paper blew into the air, fluttered wren. It landed in a mature birch tree on the darkening heathland.
erratically, landed on the ground and whose verdant, fresh foliage cascaded Overhead, I saw woodcocks in flight.
subsequently disappeared. Only its like rain from featherweight boughs. Making a strange selection of whistles
shadow was significant enough to catch This was a tree pipit, inconspicuous in and grunts, these birds were ‘roding’,
my eye. I ventured closer to see what it appearance but a delight nonetheless. a term given to their display flight.
was. A tiny sliver of iridescent green, The songs of other birds filled the air with As if all this wasn’t enough, the
holding its wings tightly closed but skylarks, willow warblers, whitethroats highlight was still to come because low
twisting to capture the sun, this was a and cuckoos in every direction. over the open heathland I saw a long-
green hairstreak butterfly, the first of Many heathland birds nest on the eared owl hunting. These are regularly
ground and, despite the multitude of spotted in this area but such a rare
paths criss-crossing the area, there is delight. I have seen only a handful of
plenty of space for them. Ground cover long-eared owls in my life.
is provided by heather and a variety of What a treat! And on the way back to
berry-bearing shrubs, including bilberry, the caravan I was buzzed by bats and
cowberry and crowberry. There is even glimpsed a fallow deer.
‘Cannock Chase berry’, a hybrid between
bilberry and cowberry. Scattered trees TOP
TIP
OBrindley Heath is good for
are mostly of birch but there is plenty of
The flowers of cowberry can be
seen widely across the heathland
hawthorn, which looks glorious with its
blossom in late May/early June.
varied ground flora and a leaflet is
available with guided walks W
ii

10 | June 2024
 Here’s to today’s walk.
And tomorrow’s lie in.
Want to stay your own way and set
your own pace? Come camping with us.

Welcome to the incredible outdoors | campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

TRAVEL \ CANNOCK CHASE

Bee-autiful Brocton

The wonderful old oak trees of Brocton Coppice

“Don’t go any closer. We haven’t brought we saw a swarm of bees living happily in though I failed in that regard, I did see
enough Piriton” (other antihistamines are a hole in a nearby oak tree. This was in plenty of woodland specialists, including
available, but not in our ’van), shouted Brocton Coppice, a short walk from our nuthatches, jays, mistle thrushes,
Sarah as I homed in on my target. campsite, and one of its key features is spotted flycatchers, garden warblers and
We had spotted a swarm of honey its beautiful old sessile oak trees. In fact, common redstarts.
bees dangling on the thin branch of an this coppice is technically an oak-birch In fact, redstarts, one of my favourite
oak tree. There must have been a few wood pasture. It is a mix of mature oak birds, can be seen quite widely across
thousand of them, probably all attracted and birch trees which was once grazed the Chase, primarily in woodland and
by a queen who was looking for a by domesticated animals and now by around scrub, particularly hawthorn.
suitable place to set up a colony. With fallow deer. Like the honey bees, redstarts and
only a standard lens on my camera, There are plenty of other deciduous many other woodland birds choose to
I felt the need to get closer than Sarah woodlands around Cannock Chase, but nest in tree holes, so they need mature
wanted me to. this is arguably the best because of the trees that have lost limbs and also
I got away unstung, at least by the mix of mature and veteran trees together gained character.
bees, and the good news is that the next with the wildlife they attract. I had hoped This character comes in many forms.
day, by which time I had been forgiven, to see lesser spotted woodpeckers and, Young birch trees have a paper-like,
almost silvery-white bark but the older
ones have a wonderful deep tiger-bap-
crust pattern.
Where the birch trees have lost their
heads, they frequently gain bracket
fungi. Of note, we saw many birch
polypore (aka razorstrops since they can
be used for sharpening razors) and hoof
fungi (which are known as tinder fungi,
not because they help find a date but
because they can be used for starting
fires).

TOP
TIP
OAlways use your ears when
INSET A swarm of honey bees hangs from a flimsy branch in Brocton Coppice
The redstart can be found breeding in Brocton Coppice and at other places around Cannock Chase
searching for birds in
woodland
W
ii

12 | June 2024
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TRAVEL \ CANNOCK CHASE

Stars of Shugborough
Shugborough Hall was home to the
famous socialite and photographer,
Patrick Lichfield. It is now owned by the
National Trust. We decided to walk from
the site to Shugborough, which gave us
the chance to explore the wildlife not
only of the estate but also along a
section of the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Metallic blue-green damselflies flew
buoyantly from the leaves of wych elms
and hornbeams, where they basked in
the sun beside the canal towpath. They
landed momentarily on waterside
vegetation before heading off in pursuit
of prey, tiny insects which buzzed the
surface of the water. The dark patches
on the wings of the males indicated that INSET We saw banded demoiselles
these were banded demoiselles. along the canal (here a male)
It’s lucky there were so many small The Trent and Mersey Canal, near Shugborough
insects about because swallows were
also targeting them by flying low along Along the canal and onto the parkland are usually shy and difficult to spot.
the canal. As if inspired by Barnes Wallis, of the estate, we found a good variety of The hall is situated at the confluence
at times they skimmed the water to take trees, some veterans with holes, cracks of the Trent and Penk rivers. The family
a drink, occasionally plunging still deeper and fallen branches to add to their also created their own stretch of river in
for a wash. character. These trees support a good front of the house and this is now a lake.
Joining the demoiselles on the rushes variety of beetles; we saw the bright red Together, this watery area adds
and grasses beside the canal were a black-headed cardinal beetle, for significantly to the wildlife opportunities,
phalanx of mayflies. Unable to feed example. Woodpeckers feed on the with a variety of common waterbirds
themselves, these ephemeral insects had larvae of such wood-boring larvae and nesting. I even found some otter spraint
just the day, maybe tomorrow if they other insects so it was no surprise to on the ornamental steps leading down to
were lucky, to enjoy their new-found find great spotted and green the lake.
freedom of the air. Also scooting across woodpeckers along the way. Within the
the canal were large red and blue-tailed estate we saw a large herd of fallow
TOP
OIf you are not staying within
azure damselflies, their wings so thin and deer. These are wild animals, still existing
walking distance there is
translucent that all I could see were their here from the days when the Chase was
TIP
thin, colourful bodies levitating over the
water below.
a hunting park. The fallow deer, as well
as roe deer, exist throughout the area but
thankfully plenty of parking
around Cannock Chase W

Shugborough Hall sits in parkland with mature trees

14 | June 2024
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 Hiking in the
Howgill Fells
Exploring the picturesque hills and
charming wildlife in this lesser visited
spot in the Yorkshire Dales

W
hen I tell friends that I’m tacked onto them. Few people Our tent poles broke overnight
going to the Howgill Fells seem to have noticed this addition and we ended up lying in wet
for a long weekend of to our National Parks and the area sleeping bags, holding the tent
walking they look bemused and is largely undiscovered by walkers above our heads until light. Lots
ask me what and where they are. and tourists. of teams gave up, including friends
“They’re the lumpy green hills who went back to a farm B&B they
between the Lake District and GONE WITH THE WIND had stayed in the previous night,
Yorkshire Dales,” I explain, “You My first encounter with this area only to find water coming in
get a good view of them from the was back in the mists of time through the front door and flowing
M6, south of Tebay.” (1998), when the Karrimor out of the back.
To be strictly accurate, the International Mountain Marathon So it’s a delight for me to arrive
Howgill Fells are part of Yorkshire (KIMM) was held here. My running in a well-equipped caravan while
Dales National Park and have been partner, Peter, and I consider the Howgill Fells are bathed in
since its boundary was extended ourselves survivors rather than summer sunshine. No more
to meet that of the Lake District participants of that two-day event, crawling into a tiny two-man
National Park. Although actually which became known as the tent and getting a sore back while
in Cumbria, they were deemed to ‘Howling Howgills’ because it was brewing tea on a little stove in the
ABOVE
have more in common with the struck by a storm that brought Looking to the Howgills porch. Nor making do with nothing
neighbouring Dales, so were severe winds and floods. from Great Ewe Fell but one clean, dry pair of socks to

16 | June 2024
 TRAVEL \ YORKSHIRE DALES

Words & photography: Felicity Martin

change into, because carrying Club Certificated Site lies to I leave the Tarmac at a wooden
a full set of clothes would add the north of the Howgills at fingerpost marking a grassy
too much weight to our small Newbiggin-on-Lune. It’s high bridleway on the cross-country
rucksacks. Now I’ve grown older enough above the village to route popularised by Alfred
(and wiser?), I’m grateful for the escape noise from traffic passing Wainwright in his 1973 book, A
comforts of my caravan. through on the A685 between Coast to Coast Walk. My circuit
Tebay and Kirkby Stephen. includes a detour on foot up to
ANIMAL FARM Keen to explore the lovely a cairn on Great Ewe Fell and a
High Lane Farm has five pitches, countryside around the campsite, descent past limestone outcrops
two of which are occupied by I take a short mountain bike ride and a camping barn.
caravans when I roll up. A line of on local bridleways. The single- That night as I’m preparing
mature trees offer some shade on track road we’re on – High Lane for bed, I hear a lot of metallic
this hot afternoon, while two – lives up to its name. clanking noises. Then a thunder of
horses, a pony and a handful of The view across the valley of the hoofs. Fortunately I’m still dressed,
sheep graze in the field on the River Lune to the Howgills is TOP so go outside to discover we’ve
other side. It’s a mixed hill farm superb, with the sinking sun Barn on High Lane been joined on the campsite by
that has been in the same family highlighting steep-sided valleys our equine neighbours. It
ABOVE
for three generations. that carve deep clefts through the Bridleway on the transpires that one of them has
This Camping and Caravanning rounded, grassy hills. Coast to Coast worked out how to open the gate, ii

Facebook caravanmag X caravanmagazine Web outandaboutlive.co.uk/caravans June 2024 | 17

 iW W visitcumbria.com

W yorkshiredales.org.uk

and they all think the grass is ground at speed. It was to our ABOVE 676m. My return to the north
greener on this side of the fence! advantage that the hills were Cautley Crag will be along the grassy ridge we
shrouded in mist, but I remember missed and that I’ve been longing
TOP LEFT
BACK TO THE FUTURE we disagreed about the route we Stone walls line an old to tread for years.
The next day I bike across the should take. green lane In the sunshine I’m
Lune valley to Bowderdale then Peter argued that we should accompanied by loads of
leave my bike by a cluster of farm stay low for shelter and run to the ABOVE LEFT butterflies, initially small
Walking up Bowderdale
buildings and set off on an 11-mile head of Bowderdale then descend tortoiseshells and red admirals,
walk through the heart of the past Cautley Spout and collect BELOW but higher up, only small heaths,
Howgill Fells. A stony track leads controls on the less steep fells to Summer berries which flutter away from every boot
me up to a gate onto the open the east. I wanted to explore the for breakfast step. My mind wanders on the
fells. It should be familiar, because long, sculpted ridge along the long walk in and I grow a bit
this is the way Peter and I ran at west of Bowderdale and aim for groggy in the heat. I become
the start of the KIMM. some higher scoring controls. obsessed with trying to see what
We had entered the Long Score His won and, in retrospect, was the upper side of the small heath
class where, rather than follow probably right. Though I was butterfly’s wings look like.
others on a fixed course, you have swept some distance downstream Because they always land with
to visit as many control points as when crossing what should have them closed, identification guides
you can in any order within a been an innocuous beck on the only ever show the underside.
seven-hour time limit. The controls ‘easier’ low ground. I stumble around catching
score different points, with the flashes of orangey buff, but
least accessible ones worth the SOME LIKE IT HOT abandon the quest when
most, so it’s a brain game working Today I intend to retrace my path steepens onto
out which way and how far to go. our steps southwards up the tops.
Being orienteers rather than fell Bowderdale then climb up Conical Yarlside stands
runners, we were better at to The Calf, the highest at the head of Bowderdale,
navigation than covering the point in the Howgill Fells at but higher up the carved

18 | June 2024
 TRAVEL \ YORKSHIRE DALES

Not a soul is visible and

my only company all day
are two shaggy sheep

face of Cautley Crag comes into a green. However, on the way out and one for coaches. It’s a good-
view. I only see the trig point on I see a sign for Lune Spring looking market town with a wide
The Calf after passing two tiny Garden Centre coffee shop – just range of food shops, including a
tarns on the ridge. From the what I need for my caffeine fix! large Co-op. The Upper Eden
summit I can see Killington Lake I sit in the conservatory looking Visitor Centre supplies me with
and Morecambe Bay to the south. out on a garden of topiary and postcards and leaflets, which
The massive, grassy Howgill Fells flowers. A laminated sheet describe more attractions than
roll away on either side, looking – explains that the nursery was I have time to visit.
as Wainwright described them – named after St Helen’s Well, a
like sleeping elephants. clear spring that “gushes” out of JURASSIC PARK
Not a soul is visible and my only the ground nearby. Locals claim Heading south down the eastern
company all day are two shaggy that it is the source of the River flank of the Howgills, I drive past
sheep. Returning via the Dales Lune and never dries up. the pub that is my destination for
High Way, I enjoy five glorious Pointed in the right direction, the night, and fork left off the A683
miles of grassy ridge walking with I cross the main road and find a onto a minor road. Parking on
the sun and breeze on my left tiny, vegetated pool. A slow trickle grass below a disused quarry,
shoulder. I’m more than ready for of water flows from it down a ditch I take a walk on the flanks of Wild
the cold beer that is beckoning full of forget-me-not and Boar Fell, ground that Peter and
from the fridge. meadowsweet. Oh well, not much I crossed on day two of the KIMM.
of a ‘gush’, but it has been a dry I am fascinated by the limestone
GOD’S OWN COUNTRY year so far. pavements shown on the map
The campsite has been great but I drive across surprisingly high TOP here. It’s amazing to think that this
I want to explore further east, so heather moorland to Kirkby Little pool high in the rock formed from the bodies of
move on after two nights. Stephen, the main town to the Howgill Fells sea creatures during the
Newbiggin-on-Lune is an attractive north of the Howgill Fells. Two car Carboniferous period when this
ABOVE
village, but seems to have little parks are signposted either side of Market Square in Kirkby part of earth lay near the equator.
beyond a church, a village hall and the auction mart – one for cars Stephen (OK, that was about 100 million ii

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TRAVEL \YORKSHIRE DALES
years before the Jurassic period).
Rather delightfully, these high,
very pale grey expanses of
limestone are called ‘clouds’. I can
see why as they could be mistaken
for a layer of stratus blanketing the
hills. Walking uphill on short grass,
I climb between Stennerskeugh
Clouds and Fell End Clouds then
pick a route through the latter,
gaining a fine view across the
valley to the Howgill Fells.
These limestone ‘pavements’
are virtually impossible to walk on,
as they are deeply fissured. The
islands of rock, or clints, have
jagged edges and are separated
by grykes with harts-tongue ferns
growing in their depths. Following
one of the grassy channels running
between the upstanding outcrops,
I come across a small herd of
apparently wild ponies, happily
grazing away. One mare has a
mane of dreadlocks that nearly
reach her hooves.

THE DEER HUNTER

The Fat Lamb has four hard-
standing pitches in a small field
beside the inn. They have an
unrivalled view of the Howgill Fells,
which are beautifully bathed in
low-angled sunshine at dusk and
dawn. Empty moorland stretches
away on all sides and there are you eat in the pub it’s a free waterways, marshlands and
footpaths going in different overnight stopover. My fish pie has flower-rich meadows belonging
directions. You need to phone a lovely cheesy mash on top and to the inn. My hopes of spotting
up and book a pitch in advance, ABOVE is accompanied by perfectly an elusive otter, or maybe a fox,
which saves driving to this remote Ponies at Fell End Clouds cooked vegetables. badger or roe deer, come to
spot if it is full. The charge is £10 I’m up at the crack of dawn nought. But I enjoy a pleasant
BELOW
but you get a £10 voucher that can Limestone pavement on to explore the Crossbank Nature walk, following a suggested route
be redeemed against food, so if Fell End Clouds Reserve, seven acres of wooded that continues on a loop around
public footpaths.
After breakfast I drive west to
Tebay to join the M6 and head
home. My time exploring the
Howgill Fells has been slightly
surreal. Like a film going back in
time, it’s mixed recollections of
horrific weather with the sunny and
peaceful present. Still, I’m glad I
came back to reconnect with this
blast from my past and to create
new memories.

WHERE TO STAY
HIGH LANE FARM
Newbiggin-on-Lune, Kirkby
Stephen, Cumbria CA17 4NY
T 01539 623416
W campingandcaravanning
club.co.uk
OPEN April – October
PRICE £20
Q

20 | June 2024
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TO

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Fun at
Flamborough
Nesting gannets, beautiful razorbills, striking kittiwakes and
so much more birdlife to see on the Bempton Cliffs…

I
t was a new year resolution that friends, Allan and Sue.
took us to Flamborough. In the Flamborough? Well, if you look
dark depths of winter, I make at a map of the Yorkshire coast,
far too many, and few survive long. the long sweep of shore north of
This one was about visiting old Hull has an obvious projection, a
friends. You know the sort I mean? projection so large it requires a
The ones you knew well once separate inset on the Ordnance
upon a time, but the passing years Survey map. On that nose of land
and busy lives have reduced sits the village of Flamborough,
communication to just a few lines effectively with sea on three sides.
on a Christmas card. That’s if you And Flamborough is also in the
send cards at all with the current Yorkshire Wolds.
cost of postage!
On either side the river lie
This visiting, we said, will be
Long fields of barley and of rye
done in style. We won’t inflict
That clothe the wold and
ourselves on our friends but we’ll
meet the sky
take the caravan and spend a few
nights in their area. I remember, as a 12-year-old,
After all, just about everywhere surreptitiously searching for that
in the UK must hold enough strange word ‘wold’ in my
interest for a weekend, and folk dictionary while the rest of the
who live there can give us some class got on with the haunting ABOVE
inside tips, perhaps direct us to tale of The Lady of Shalott. Poster in the Bayle
Museum at Bridlington
places that wouldn’t be on the ‘Wold’ didn’t feature in that basic
usual tourist trail. dictionary, but today Mr Google BELOW LEFT
So, sun shining, the hour gone tells me it’s an ‘unforested area One of the paths at Danes
forward, daffodils out, caravan of high ground’, which doesn’t Dyke Nature Reserve
washed (that was a waste, given explain that it’s also rolling country.
BELOW
its later mud bath!) and we were And the bedrock of these wolds Lifeboat station at
heading for Flamborough and our is chalk, which means that the South Landing

22 | June 2024
 Words & photography: Judy Smith

cliffs of Flamborough Head are choice was the headland walk. ABOVE morning dog walk – an essential
white cliffs, the like of which I Actually, I’d already had a walk Seals on the beach at for our border collie, Meg.
Flamborough Head
thought were only found in the that morning. We were staying in a It is possible (and judging by the
south of England. pleasant CL about half a mile out BELOW car park, very popular) to drive
To be fair, the cliffs around of Flamborough, and beside that A kittiwake directly out to Flamborough Head,
Flamborough are more rounded, CL was an earthwork by the name but better by far is to walk around
and don’t have that ‘cut with a of Danes Dyke that runs right the coast from the beach with its
giant’s spade’ look you get around across Flamborough Head. lifeboat station on the south side
Beachy Head. But what they do How old it is no one seems (prosaically called South Landing)
have is ledges in the chalk, and to know – maybe pre- to its counterpart on the far shore,
this exposed northern coast Roman, maybe later – but the North Landing. Then you have
provides the perfect nesting bank and deep ditch beside something like five miles of
place for thousands of seabirds. it are more generously springy turf on high cliffs, sea
In fact, this is the only site proportioned than our pounding white pebbles below;
where gannets nest in mainland local Offa’s Dyke. arches and caves appear in
Britain. The RSPB has a flagship The southern end of Danes those cliffs as you go, seabirds
reserve just north of Flamborough, Dyke is itself a nature reserve of all kinds whirl in the air,
and we were really looking forward and the tangle of paths lacing its shadowy ships move slowly
to that, but with the sun shining wooded slopes and running down on a distant horizon.
brightly that first day, the obvious to the sea made the perfect early Undoubtedly, the highlight is the ii

Facebook caravanmag X caravanmagazine Web outandaboutlive.co.uk/caravans June 2024 | 23

 head itself with its gleaming
white lighthouse, and behind it a

The head was a magical place, but so was North

seventeenth century chalk tower
that was intended as a lighthouse

Landing, where two colourful fishing boats that looked

but never lit. From there, paths
lead down past the wooden hut

almost Mediterranean were drawn up on the shore

of the bird observatory to a cove,
where grey seals were lined up on
the tide line, the occasional plump
body breaking ranks to flop off into
the ocean.
The head was a magical place,
but so was North Landing, where
two colourful fishing boats that
looked almost Mediterranean were
drawn up on the shore. Apparently
these local ‘cobles’ sometimes
take visitors on fishing trips, or
into the one-time smugglers’
caves along the coast.
Next day, skies were grey and
heavy as we set off for Bempton
Cliffs, the RSPB reserve. I can’t
call myself a ‘birdie’, but here
comes another of those
resolutions – I have to identify
100 birds this year. I know a true
ornithologist would set the bar at
double that figure, but the way
things are going for me, I’ll be
needing a visit to Chester Zoo
come December.
I had great hopes for Bempton
Cliffs and they were fulfilled. The
birds were there in their
thousands; gannets, kittiwakes,
guillemots, razorbills and more,
all attracted to those white cliffs.
Only the puffins were absent.
The first week of April is probably
just too early; they haven’t come
ashore to nest yet. To be accurate,
we were told there was one puffin
somewhere and we visited every
one of the six observation
platforms in a futile attempt
to locate him.
Puffins aside, we were very
impressed with the wheelchair-
friendly asphalt paths to the nearer
observation platforms, and with
the volunteers who manned them,
patiently explaining for the
thousandth time the difference
between guillemots and razorbills.
When thinking of weekend
breaks, I had lined up four
questions for our friends that I

iW
thought needed an answer. The
OMost information about Flamborough and its area can be obtained from Bridlington Tourist first was where to go for a good
Information Centre, South Marine Drive YO15 3JH
walk, and Flamborough Head had
OBoat trips from North Landing run daily from Easter to September already filled that slot.
W flamboroughgreensidecottages.co.uk We didn’t take our bikes with us
but the same question with regard
OThe hourly bus service between Flamborough and Bridlington stops about 200 yards from High Breame
CL. Sewerby Hall is on its route and it terminates at North Landing to cycle rides was answered by
the signed routes (Sustrans

24 | June 2024
 TRAVEL \YORKSHIRE
ODon’t forget the
TOP binoculars!
TIPS
OFlamborough’s
W facilities include a
Co-op, butcher and post office,
along with several pubs. It was
just a 10-minute walk from our
campsite
ODogs on a lead are welcome at
the RSPB reserve. They can also be
taken into the grounds of Sewerby
Hall, although not into the zoo

Yorkshire Wolds route among watch the catch being landed but, ABOVE CLOCKWISE of the town. We certainly wouldn’t
others) we’d seen in the winding from the viewing platform, we had Bird observatory at have found it without them, but
Flamborough Head; Pirate
back lanes. a good view of the all the apart from offering us shelter, it
boat on the harbour at
By lunchtime that day, we harbour’s fishing vessels. Allan Bridlington; North Landing, gave a good insight into
needed an answer to the third told us that, surprisingly, most of Flamborough; Gannets and Bridlington’s heyday as a resort,
question – what to do if it’s the shellfish was taken by road to other birds on Bempton and a lot more.
raining? Allan and Sue suggested Plymouth for shipment to Brittany. Cliffs reserve The museum was housed in the
we should go into Bridlington. Just a little does find its way into BELOW entrance gate of the town’s priory
There would be shelter there, but if the waterside seafood restaurant, Observation platform at and the access to its tiny rooms
we didn’t mind getting a little wet, Salt on the Harbour, which we Bempton Cliffs reserve was via one of the narrowest spiral
perhaps we should take a look at sadly had to resist, having staircases I’ve ever attempted.
the harbour. promised ourselves a seafood The Bayle Museum was free, fun,
Finding a car park (with some platter at one of the pubs back and informative; perfect for that
difficulty), we only had to follow in Flamborough that night. damp afternoon.
our noses – the quayside and Up on our viewing platform Leaving Bridlington, we wanted
streets around were lined with fish we watched a pirate boat taking to make a brief foray west to the
and chip shops. Is that all local children for a 10-minute ride, and village of Rudston, where we had
fish? Who knows, but the seagulls looked out across the yellow read that a 7.6m standing stone
appreciate it, anyway. sand of North Beach. South was the tallest of its kind in
Interestingly, Bridlington’s catch Beach, on the other side, Britain. For some reason we
is not fish, but shellfish, including was even wider, a vast hadn’t realised it was in the
so much lobster that it has been expanse, the stuff of a churchyard (presumably to
dubbed the lobster capital of million sandcastles. mitigate its pagan powers)
Europe. Whyever hasn’t Rick The first insider tip – our and that made it all the
Stein moved in on Bridlington? friends directed us to the more impressive.
We were too late that day to Bayle Museum in the old part We had another insider’s tip ii

Facebook caravanmag X caravanmagazine Web outandaboutlive.co.uk/caravans June 2024 | 25

TRAVEL \YORKSHIRE

that day. Sue, being an artist, ABOVE of his, and this time a layby are organised through the season.
knew that David Hockney’s mother Green in the centre of provided what I think was the Certainly, families were there in
Flamborough
had lived in Bridlington. On visits exact spot, with the road curving droves that day, with parking at
he had painted local scenes, the BELOW down the steep incline to the a premium at 10am.
nearest being a series in Woldgate Sewerby Hall plains stretching below. For us, the hall provided the
Woods, not too far from Rudston. Taking leave of our friends the greatest surprise – its many rooms
Apparently Hockney enthusiasts BELOW RIGHT next day, one question remained were furnished in Edwardian style,
Goat in the miniature zoo
are frequently seen at the site. We at Sewerby Hall – what is there for children? Of with pieces from the Victoria and
duly drove out on the Roman road course, there are the beaches, but Albert collection. Two tiny rooms
that is Woldgate brandishing we were told we should call into on the top floor were devoted to
copies of Hockney’s work provided Sewerby Hall, just a couple of the aviator, Amy Johnson. It seems
by Sue, but woodland scenes look miles down the road. she opened Sewerby Hall to the
much alike! The hall itself is a Georgian public in 1936 and, after her death
We had another encounter mansion, but in its 50-acre five years later (her off-course
with Hockney on the way home. grounds are a miniature zoo, a golf plane crashed into the Thames
Garrowby Hill, between Bridlington course, adventure play and lawns Estuary), her father donated all her
and York, is a well-known painting for picnics, along with events that memorabilia to Sewerby. Although
her body was never found, her
flight bag was recovered from the
river, and there it is, on display.
We could have spent longer
here. A weekend away? We
could have done with a fortnight!

WHERE TO STAY
PRICES COUPLE, ELECTRIC HOOK-UP, PER NIGHT
HIGH BREAME CERTIFICATED
LOCATION CL
Flamborough, Bridlington, East
Riding of Yorkshire YO15 1AA
T 01262 850278 OPEN All year
PRICE £27 (£25 if own facilities
used). Electricity extra on card
reader. Caravan and Motorhome
Club members only
Q

26 | June 2024
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 Dazzling

A wonderful weekend of wild walking in

dramatic Dorset’s natural beauty

Words & photography: Seán Conway and Maria O’Brien

28 | June 2024
 TRAVEL \ DORSET

Corfe Castle and the village Heading to the South West Coast Path

I
’m delighted with my plans for shaded stroll back to the ’van. from its shop, Seán suggests a
a weekend walking trip on The Isle of Purbeck is a relief fortifying visit to the Kings Arms
Dorset’s South West Coast after the A35 circumnavigation of just down the road.
Path. However, Seán, my partner Poole and Bournemouth. Purbeck The one-mile trail to Dancing
in crime, looks aghast at the idea is all rolling hills, tree-lined lanes Ledge is edged with dry stone
of exercise when I suggest it. He and luscious hedgerows. Hilltop walls. Seán is mesmerised by
finally agrees as long as we set off Corfe Castle, once William the their herringbone structure. I’m
early for a stop-off at our friend Conqueror’s palace, has entranced by how they mimic
Martin’s recommendation of The 360-degree views to the sea and the waves of the sea.
Turfcutter Arms in the New across the biodiverse heathland. The track takes us over
Forest’s East Boldre. My favourite story is of Lady heathland, past a suckling herd.
I forgive him for the fact it’s not Bankes beating off the When wind whips Seán’s Panama
in Dorset and nowhere near our parliamentarians, who praised her hat off, it lands in their midst. I’m
destination of the South West bravery when they finally won in ready for rescue as he almost top-
Coast Path as it offers up the seventeenth century. ends himself, teetering on the wall
unexpected delights: from donkeys The castle is built of Purbeck after retrieving it from the
queuing up outside the post office stone, known as ‘burr’ locally, an bemused cows.
to Hatchet Pond on its outskirts, adaptation of the French word Standing on Dancing Ledge,
with its lapwings, and rare beurre, due to the buttery look we survey the sea-splashed cove
multicoloured stonewort. Out of of the freshly mined limestone. below. One story says the
the pond’s hundreds of species, Seán’s disappointment is intriguing name originates from the
my favourite is the four-jawed, palpable as he misses taking a high tide that seems to dance over
hundred-toothed leech. snap of the steam train tooting the ledge; the other that it’s just
The coastal path at Highcliffe along the single track from the right size for a ballroom. I
provides the perfect picnic spot, Swanage to Corfe Castle, imagine dancing a wild hornpipe
with views of the iconic Isle of informing me glumly that the on a mudrock dancefloor
Wight Needles. Afterwards, we next train is a mere diesel. suspended above the sea.
wander along the cliffside path, Corfe Castle village nestles Scrambling down past a stream
among bees and butterflies as under the castle. The villagers, of tired teenagers who have just
they feast on purple teasel heads. quite sensibly, reused the stones finished coasteering, we amble
The golden sand below arcs to from the ruins to build stout toward the cliff’s troglodytic caves.
Christchurch Harbour. houses. The square-towered When I say they were
If I see a signpost, I have to church and huddle of limestone smugglers’ haunts my practical
follow it, so we zigzag up the houses are postcard-pretty, the one points out that they were
verdant cliff to stucco-bayed perfect site for a Midsomer quarries used by skilled masons
Highcliffe Castle with its romantic Murders mystery. to work Purbeck stone.
parterre. Capability Brown drained Sitting on the edge Lying against a rock,
Seatown Beach
from Golden Cap the cliff when creating the gardens. of bucolic Langton watching a young
However, the sea sent half of Matravers, with rabbits, Herculean couple
INSET those gardens careering down the badgers and foxes climbing the sea cliff,
Poetry inscription cliff, but the remaining woodland sharing the site. At my Himself mutters that he
at Durlston Castle
of oak and beech allows for a wielding a walking map loves work so much he ii

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TRAVEL \DORSET
The renovated Victorian walking trail from Durlston,
through wooded cliffs, to Swanage is delightful
can watch it all day. of the seals, dolphins, even whales
We follow the South West Coast and basking sharks that visit these
Path’s acorn signs from Dancing waters. A viewpoint’s glass panels
Ledge for two and a half miles to are etched with artwork describing
Durlston Nature Reserve, with the flights of fulmars, gannets and
delights at every turn. There are falcons. I almost believe I’m in
the Jurassic cliffs, wildflowers, Provence when a lizard skitters
feasting butterflies, stonechats across the hot stones at my feet.
singing their pebble-bashing song, The renovated Victorian walking
a peregrine falcon hanging in the trail from Durlston, through
sky, a kestrel hovering, the shadow wooded cliffs, to Swanage is
of a lone raven. delightful. There’s forest bathing
Mock-Gothic Durlston Castle, hammocks, pull-out natural history
the work of Victorian Entrepreneur, information signs and glades for
George Burt, also known as the picnicking, all with glimpses of the
King of Swanage, opened as a sea between the trees.
Victorian tourist destination. It now A sculpture of a tunnel of
houses art exhibitions and a café. Purbeck limestone slabs is
His obsession with the evolution reminiscent of Stonehenge, the
of humans and the earth’s history dates carved on it reminding us
remains today. At one time there of our evolutionary history.
were over a hundred men digging In Swanage, we admire the
crocodile fossils from these bays. obelisk to Queen Victoria’s ‘Albert
The Portland stone globe is the the Good’, which tells us of his
largest in the world (40 tonnes) work for the poor and his stand
and is surrounded by pithy facts, against slavery.
which absorb my resident
scientist. However I lose myself
in the poetry inscribed on stone
tablets around the castle,
We walk back to Langton
Matravers, one mile along the
Priest’s Way, which takes us
through meadows. I imagine the
iW OThe Etches Collection
Museum of Jurassic
Marine Life
W theetchescollection.org
especially the Carol Ann Duffy past’s rural priests walking along it
OMax Gate & Corfe Castle
question, “What will you do now to visit the sick, the drovers who W nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/
with the gift of your left life?” took their sheep to market and the dorset
The bird hide on the cliff tells us smugglers struggling along with
ODurlston Country Park and
National Nature Reserve
W durlston.co.uk

their barrels of brandy.

We drive along the undulating
B3069 nine miles to Kimmeridge,
the road taking us under tunnels
of trees, through valleys and over
hills, past bucolic villages, such as
Kingston. The village’s St James’
Church is vivid with stained-glass
windows. Even the brass lion’s
head water pumps are attractive.
In pretty Kimmeridge, we park in
the Etches Collection’s car park.
This natural history museum
contains prehistoric fossils of
creatures that swam in the tropical
seas here, discovered by Steve
Etches since he was five years old.
It also explains the geological
formation of sedimentary
limestone, Kimmeridge clay and
slate. Today, the fossil hunter is in
his laboratory, preparing fossils for
this award-winning collection.

30 | June 2024
 Of course, my resident centre of one. bottomed boats swaying at its pier
scientist has to study every Returning to the car as the sun sinks lower in the sky.
single fact whereas I’m park, we saunter along The South West Coast Path
itching to go fossil hunting Hardy Way, named for takes us past a Charolais cattle
for real. I finally drag him from Dorset’s famous son, Thomas herd, by meadows of swaying
the building and we follow the Hardy. Reminiscent of Hardy’s grasses and along the lagoon
South West Coast Path down to tragic heroines, we pass a where the oystercatchers wade,
Kimmeridge Bay where a young massive bronze sculpture of a cormorants fish and a grey heron
boy runs up the beach shouting ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT woman’s poignant face in the flies across our path.
Climber at Dancing Ledge;
that he’s just found a perfect Durlston Castle garden of a thatched cottage. I can’t come to Dorset without
ammonite fossil. We drive for an hour along the visiting Thomas Hardy’s old
I mooch around the mudrock INSET A352 to Chesil Beach’s stretch of haunts. Hardy’s house, Max Gate,
and limestone platforms that Victorian globe by the South West Coast Path, taking stands on Dorchester’s outskirts.
Durlston Castle
stretch out to sea and marvel at a chance at parking at a layby Designed by the architect author,
Mother Nature’s artistry when LEFT near Sea Barn Farm on Fleet he wrote many of his greatest
I see a large ammonite in the Durlston Lighthouse Road, which we walk along to works here.
Moonfleet Hotel. A mere three miles away, in
The mansion house was Higher Bockhampton, there’s
TOP OIt’s recommended to book your visit to Max Gate in
advance, partly because its opening days are unusual the setting for JM Faulkner’s also the arguably more romantic
TIPS Moonfleet, written in 1898, a thatched birthplace standing in its
OIt’s essential to book at some campsites in the area
W because they don’t always allow people to stay
without having reserved a place
tale of smuggling, treasure and
shipwreck. I half-expect wreckers
cottage garden. The forest setting
influenced his early novel, The
and smugglers to man the flat- Woodlanders, whereas Dorchester ii

Facebook caravanmag X caravanmagazine Web outandaboutlive.co.uk/caravans June 2024 | 31

TRAVEL \ DORSET

was the setting for The Mayor World Heritage Site. dells, elbow-high ferns, across
of Casterbridge. We turn towards the sea at meadows, by grazing cattle, up
Rain pelts us as we stand honey-stoned Chideock, a numerous steps, to the top of
before Hardy’s monument in village of thatched cottages Golden Cap.
Dorchester. We dash into St and rambling roses. Our It’s no exaggeration to say the
Peter’s Church, whose hearts sink as we see the cap is golden, the sandstone
leaflets guide us around sign on Seatown’s car park, glows when set against the jade
memorials to Hardy and also £8 for the day. We’ve got no sea. As my technical one loves
to Reverend John White who change and there’s no a triangulation point almost as
arranged for the first pilgrims possibility of paying on our much as an engine and a fat file of
to emigrate to Boston, parking app. scientific facts, he forgives me the
Massachusetts, where they The warden, though, is a kind uphill hike as he locates Lyme
founded the sister town of chap, telling us that since it’s Regis and Charmouth and
Dorchester. towards the end of the day, we ruminates on which part of the
But we can’t end our break needn’t pay. Seatown Beach is French coast stands opposite us.
INSET
without a final ramble on the Diesel train seen from buzzing. There’s the wooden Dorset’s coastal path is infinitely
South West Coast Path, so we Corfe Castle caravan sauna, the Anchor pub, varied and beautiful. It is truly an
drive 30 minutes along the A35 to the stoneground pizza trailer. outdoor natural history museum
Seatown, Seán quaking in his ABOVE CLOCKWISE Seán looks longingly at such where travellers can step back
Quarry near Durlston;
boots at the thought of climbing joyous idling but, handing him his in time to when crocodiles swam
Thomas Hardy statue,
Golden Cap, star of the Jurassic Dorchester; Limestone walking boots, I stride off up the in tropical seas here.
Coast, England’s only natural pathway at Durlston Castle coastal path, through wooded Dorset’s villages are all mellow
stone and cottage gardens.
WHERE TO STAY Ancient byways offer up the
chance to walk in the footsteps
PRICES COUPLE, ELECTRIC HOOK-UP, PER NIGHT
of kings, writers, miners,
WAREHAM FOREST ULWELL stonemasons, palaeontologists
TOURIST PARK HOLIDAY PARK and smugglers. Dorset’s South
North Trigon, Wareham, Ulwell, Swanage, Dorset
West Coast Path is so varied it
Dorset BH20 7NZ BH19 3DG
feels as if we’ve been on a
T 01929 551393 W warehamforest.co.uk T 01929 422823 W ulwellholidaypark.co.uk
OPEN All year PRICE £30.50 OPEN 1 March – 7 January PRICE £24 stimulating three-week break
rather than three nights. Q

32 | June 2024
 PROTECT YOUR GREAT ESCAPE
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Scotland’s capital city is a vibrant mix of history, culture and

green open spaces. This is more than your average city break!

34 | June 2024
 TRAVEL \ DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

Stay

VDrummohr Camping
& Glamping Site
Combine a visit to Edinburgh
with sandy beaches and a
rugged coastline. Drummohr has superb public
transport links to Edinburgh and is open all year.
Pitches are set in the grounds of a former monastery
with electric grass or hardstanding pitches. There
are toilets, showers and a small shop.
W drummohr.co.uk

Explore

Ben Guerin Unsplash

VEdinburgh Castle
With a commanding hilltop position overlooking the
city, you can’t miss Edinburgh Castle, and nor should
you! With a grand banqueting hall, a chapel, several
museums, and the pretty Princes Street Gardens
below, there’s plenty to see here whatever the
weather. Don’t miss the daily 1pm firing of the gun,
a tradition dating back to 1861.
W edinburghcastle.scot

E
dinburgh, the capital of Back in the city centre you have
Pixabay

Find
Scotland, is a city steeped in the well-known attractions of the
history, culture, and natural castle, and historic buildings of the
beauty. Among its many attractions, city’s medieval Old Town. Walk
Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill stand through the narrow cobbled streets
out as iconic landmarks that offer and head to the Royal Mile for
visitors breathtaking views. charming shops and pubs. The
Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, Royal Mile connects the castle with
rises dramatically from Holyrood the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the
Park, and provides an escape from official Scottish residence of His
the hustle and bustle of the city. Majesty King Charles.
Hike to the summit for panoramic For a taste of Edinburgh’s hidden
views of Edinburgh’s skyline, the history, venture beneath the city’s VGreyfriars Bobby
Firth of Forth, and beyond. Calton streets to discover The Real Mary A must when in Edinburgh, and also a chance to see
Hill, just a short walk from the city King’s Close – a labyrinth of Old more of the city while looking for him, the statue of
centre, is home to a collection of Town alleyways where people lived Greyfriars Bobby can be found on George IV Bridge.
neoclassical monuments and also and worked, now hidden by the A monument to the Skye Terrier who loyally stayed
offers a bird’s-eye view of the city. more modern streets above. by his owner’s graveside for 14 years, rubbing the
statue’s nose is said to bring good luck!
Q

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 MEADOW
FALLS
We find out more about the Holmans, who left their hometown
nearly 10 years ago to enjoy a better way of life running a
campsite in the stunning North Yorkshire countryside

I Q A
deal for enjoying the wonders of nature, How long have you been running Dave had his own courier company,
Meadow Falls is a relaxing retreat in a your campsite for? office-based, distributing parcels. Liz
popular area of North Yorkshire had her own beauty salon, which wasn’t
renowned for its waterfalls and caves.
The campsite has hardstanding pitches A We moved to Ingleton, North Yorkshire,
from Knutsford, Cheshire, in 2015. We
fitting well around the children.

with electric hook-up and fully serviced

pitches. Along with the usual campsite
facilities there is a children’s play area and
left our home town to start a new life with
our young children. Q What do you like most about being
a campsite owner/manager?

a magical Fairy Dell in the woods that’s not

just for children! Meadow Falls is also dog
friendly, with a 200-metre dog walk and a
Q What made you want to own and
run a campsite? A The whole family has totally embraced
the freedom of being in the outdoors,
we feel all our lives have changed
warm shower for cleaning off after a day’s
exploring.
For things to do you can enjoy an
A After spending most weekends away
in our touring caravan, we found
ourselves dreaming of leaving the town
massively for the better.
The children have become confident,
sociable and willing to help. We have all
adventurous climb up the great Yorkshire life behind. experienced amazing wonders of nature,
Three Peaks, explore the Ingleton waterfall We brainstormed around a campfire with and become fitter for it.
trail, take a dip in the village outdoor pool, a glass or two of wine, when the answer
explore White Scar Caves, or take a
relaxing stroll through the woods looking
for local wildlife.
was staring us right in the face. Don’t just
holiday on the campsite, run it. Q What are the challenges you
face running your site?

There are plenty of local shops, pubs

and restaurants in the village, too. Q What did you do before becoming
the owners of this site? A We can’t be everywhere at all times.
We love being hands-on and we love

36 | June 2024
 TRAVEL \MEET THE OWNERS

helping others. We just wish we had five

sets of hands. Sometimes you have a mop
in one hand, a phone in the other, while
with friends and family
are capped at three
pitches with six adults.
Q What do you like
to do on a rare
day off?
quickly mowing a pitch ready for an Relaxation and space
impending arrival. are priority; pitches are
selected to ensure A Ingleton village has
a fantastic

Q What does a typical day look

like for you?
everyone has the area
they need for the best
possible stay.
community with some
great local events, like
Sheafstock, a 1940s event

A There is no typical day, you can have

everything set up ready to go and the
motorway causes a backlog of arrivals. Q What do you love about the region
your site is based in? Do you have
and a gala. If the opportunity
occurs, we love a quick catch-up with
friends at these events. If we get a bit
Sometimes you finish check-ins at 2pm, any favourite locations/attractions? longer, we pop to Inglesport for some
sometimes 10pm. No matter what, we’re inspiration on caves we haven’t explored
always here with a smile ready to greet.
A If you love the outdoors, you cannot
find a better location. Surrounded by
or a mountain route we’ve not ticked off.

info
Q What do you feel makes your site
special and appealing to the guests
who return every year?
the three Yorkshire peaks (there’s an
amazing view of Ingleborough from the
site), there’s waterfalls, rivers, woods,
MEADOW FALLS
Thornton in Lonsdale, Ingleton,
caves and nature trails galore. Not to North Yorkshire LA6 3PD

A Meadow Falls is a small, quiet, family

and dog-friendly site. Bookings to meet
mention the local wildlife of woodpeckers,
curlews, roe deer and hares.
T 07894 596523 W meadowfalls.co.uk
Q

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SITES \ ADULT-ONLY PARKS

Adult-only campsites
Escape to tranquility at our adult-only campsites, exclusively for grown-ups. Enjoy a tranquil relaxing experience in a
child-free environment. Find your perfect getaway for a truly rejuvenating camping or touring experience.

QUALITY TIME AWAY scattered across the UK. Immerse yourself in a peaceful
Whether you want a holiday free from children on site, or environment where you can unwind and forget about the
just want some time away with other grown-ups, the adult- stresses of daily life. Whether you’re seeking seclusion in a
only campsites within the Premier Parks collection provide rural oasis or a location close to top tourist attractions, our
peace, relaxation and a touch of luxury. We have Premier adult-only holiday spots offer the perfect escape. With no
Parks campsites that are purely for adults only and others children around, you can expect complete tranquility and a
that have a specific adult-only section of the site. Indulge chance to recharge your batteries. Come and enjoy a serene
in a relaxing getaway at one of our adult-only campsites and rejuvenating break in a child-free paradise.

DEVON DEVON

WIDDICOMBE FARM
Torquay’s Touring Park In the Heart of the English Riviera
M i n n o w s To u r i n g Pa r k
Beside the Grand Western Canal, Devon

• Exclusively For Adults

• All Weather Pitches
• Bar With Entertainment
• Restaurant & Takeaway
• Wet Room Style Facilities • Adult Only Park for over 14 Years • Central for touring the North and South Devon
• Dogs Welcome • Easy Access
• 3 Static Caravans for holiday let
Coasts • Fishing, off-road cycling, walking and canoeing • 59 hardstanding pitches in
• Bus Service From Park three intimate individually landscaped enclosures set in 5 acres.

01803 558325 Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7EN

Tel: 01884 821770 www.minnowstouringpark.co.uk
www.widdicombefarm.co.uk TQ3 1ST

DERBYSHIRE SOMERSET

Newtown, Longnor, Buxton SK17 0NG T: 01298 83648

E: [email protected] W: www.longnorwood.co.uk Bath Chew Valley .co.uk
Exclusively for adults - Open all year - Pets welcome
A uniquely peaceful park, with
electric & fully-serviced pitches
set amongst lawns, shrubs
ŝYo‰;u0;7vĸ
Ideal for exploring Chew Valley
Exclusively for adults, peaceful AA 5-star site in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Lake Country Park, Bath, Bristol,
Ideally located for trips to Buxton, Bakewell, Chatsworth and Peak District caverns. Cheddar, the Mendips & Somerset
Member of Tranquil Parks. All-weather touring and tent pitches with electric. Book -‚u-1ࢼomvĸbu;1-u-ˆ-bѲ-0Ѳ;ĸ
Fully serviced pitches and some seasonal pitches. 5-star amenity block with laundry, licensed Now for
shop, under-cover campers’ kitchen. Gym, sauna, games area. Pizzas available Fridays in season.
August
'RJIULHQGO\ZLWKKRWZDWHUGRJZDVKODUJHH[HUFLVHƓHOG)LUHSLWVIRUKLUH(QVXLWHJODPSLQJ
Bank
Holiday
pods, caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges with hot tubs available. Longnor village is
walking distance with lots of local amenities including pub serving home cooked food.

The 100 finest UK campsites, independently assessed

Book your 2024 holiday with Premier Parks!
premier-parks.co.uk
Fields End Water Caravan Park, Cambridgeshire

Adults-only campsites Family campsites Dog-friendly campsites Coastal campsites Open-all-year campsites Campsites for fishing
 SUPER SITES \ADULTS ONLY

Exclusively adult escapes

If a child-free break is calling, try this selection of

Words:
campsites for a tranquil, grown-ups only getaway Claire Tupholme

STRETTON LAKES
Stretton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QS T 01780 410507 W strettonlakes.co.uk OPEN All year

Stretton Lakes is set around seven fishing lakes that have been Some pitches also back onto Stretton Wood, a 100-acre
created over the past 40 years, in the small and beautiful county ancient woodland teeming with fallow deer and birds.
of Rutland. Surrounding woodland and farmland make for an Facilities comprise individual private shower rooms, a laundry
idyllic setting for this adults-only site. There are 26 lakeside area, and a dog shower. Two award-winning pubs are just one
hardstanding pitches, each with 16A electric, a fresh water mile away. Locally are the pretty market towns of Oakham and
connection and a grey waste drain. All touring guests can enjoy Stamford, plus Rutland Water with its walking and cycling trails
free lake fishing and you can fish directly in front of your pitch. and water-based activities is just a 10-minute drive.

RW Jemmett stock.adobe.com

MINNOWS TOURING PARK

Sampford Peverell, Tiverton,
Devon EX16 7EN T 01884 821770
W minnowstouringpark.co.uk
OPEN 4 March – 28 October

Designed exclusively for guests aged 14 years and above, Minnows

Touring Park is situated alongside the Grand Western Canal, just
eight miles from Tiverton and conveniently located off the main
A361 for easy accessibility to the site and its surroundings.
Despite its proximity to the road, the site provides a tranquil
environment, surrounded by trees and offering direct gated access
to the canal towpath. Enjoy leisurely walks or hop on two wheels,
as a National Cycle Route runs along the towpath. Within a mile,
you’ll find a shop, pub, golf course, bus stop, and railway station.
The campsite boasts 59 all-weather pitches with electric hook-
ups, including 17 fully serviced pitches with fresh water and grey
waste connections. Amenities comprise toilets, showers, a
dedicated accessible shower room, a launderette and a
dishwashing area. Minnows Touring Park even has its own landing
stage for canoes, and permits are available at the reception for
those interested in fishing.
ii

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SITES \TRANQUIL PARKS

Tranquil Parks
DEVON LINCOLNSHIRE

Keal Lodge
Back Lane, Deeping St James, PE6 8RT
✆ 01778 346946
 keallodge.co.uk
@ [email protected]

Touring, Camping and Glamping in

the heart of the South Hams
This site is situated near the
Lincolnshire/Cambridgeshire border,
on a quiet lane in the picturesque
village of Deeping St James. The
11 fully serviced pitches (10
hardstanding) are spread across
three quarters of an acre.
Free WiFi is available and there is a
large area for dog walking. Visitors
can be sure of a friendly welcome
and a sanctuary of peace within
walking distance of the village which
has a wide range of amenities.
Own sanitation is required.
OS Grid Ref: 164095
Open All Year - Adults Only - Onsite Shop
Private Facilities Available Sorry, No Dogs • ADULTS ONLY • TRANQUIL, RURAL PARK • FULLY SERVICED PITCHES

Bus Stop for visiting Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Totnes and Dartmouth

Kingsbridge, Nr Salcombe, South Devon TQ7 4AF

01548 852723 / 07968 222008
www.parklandsite.co.uk [email protected]

RUTLAND SOMERSET

Bath Chew Valley .co.uk

Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QS | 01780 410507
[email protected] www.strettonlakes.co.uk

Exclusively for adults - Open all year - Pets welcome

A uniquely peaceful park, with
electric & fully-serviced pitches
set amongst lawns, shrubs
ŝYo‰;u0;7vĸ
Ideal for exploring Chew Valley
Stretton Lakes Touring Park is set within 120 acres of farmland in the heart of Rutland Lake Country Park, Bath, Bristol,
Cheddar, the Mendips & Somerset
Book
countryside. Eight fishing lakes have been created over the past 40 years to create an
idyllic setting surrounded by woodland and open farmland. The 5 Star Gold (VisitEngland) -‚u-1ࢼomvĸbu;1-u-ˆ-bѲ-0Ѳ;ĸ
touring site has 26 all-weather lakeside pitches, all are south facing with spectacular
Now for
August
views across fishing lakes. The touring park is open all year round. Perfect for walking,

Bank
cycling and fishing, golf courses within a short drive. Rutland water is only 8 miles away.

Holiday
Free fishing is available to campsite guests, you can even fish straight in front of your
caravan. There is a shower block, with 6 individual private shower rooms, with rainfall
showers, oak wash stands with raised stone basins. Dogs are welcome.

tranquilparks.co.uk
 SUPER SITES \ ADULTS ONLY

Colin & Linda McKie stock.adobe.com

CARTREF CARAVAN & CAMPING SITE

Ford Heath, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 9GD T 01743 821688 W cartrefcaravansite.co.uk OPEN All year

Cartref Caravan and Camping Site only became an adults-only a seasonal kitchen offering takeaway options.
site in January last year. It is family-owned and located in the Cartref is ideal for exploring historic Shrewsbury with its black
Shropshire countryside just five miles from Shrewsbury. and white Tudor buildings; in fact there are nearly 800 listed
Pitches for caravans are hardstanding and fully serviced buildings here, and there is even a decommissioned prison
with electric hook-up, mains water and grey waste connection. to be explored!
Facilities include toilets, showers and privacy cubicles, which The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
are heated in low season. There is also a small shop stocking is also only 15 minutes away, and the iconic Iron Bridge that
essential items, and an on-site bar and coffee shop, Bartref, has spans the River Severn near Telford, is a 30-minute drive.

SOUTH WALES TOURING PARK – LLWYNIFAN FARM

Llangennech, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 8AX
T 01554 820420 W southwalescaravansite.co.uk OPEN All year

Serving as an ideal hub for exploring the Gower Peninsula, the Facilities include individual shower rooms, a launderette,
Brecon Beacons and local retail parks, South Wales Touring Park plus a dog shower and exercise field.
provides landscaped pitches with expansive views across the Located in Llangennech, near Llanelli, the site boasts easy
Loughor Estuary. accessibility, being just one mile from the M4 and only 15
The thoughtful terracing ensures that every pitch affords a minutes’ drive from the south Wales coast.
view of the surrounding area. Cyclists can explore the popular Millennium Coastal Path,
The site, organised into three tiers with a total of 25 pitches, offering views of the Gower Peninsula, while a nearby bus stop
all equipped with electric hook-ups, includes some fully serviced adds to the convenience. Wildlife enthusiasts can venture to
pitches, while standard pitches remain open throughout the year. the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s Llanelli Wetland Centre.

ii

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CHACEWATER PARK
Cox Hill, Chacewater, Truro,
Cornwall TR4 8LY
T 01209 820762
W chacewaterpark.co.uk
OPEN 29 March – 30 September

Nestled in six and a half acres of farmland

in west Cornwall, Chacewater’s grounds
include a five-acre dog walking area
adorned with wildflowers and fruit trees,
providing an idyllic setting for a leisurely
stroll, whether or not you have a canine
companion. The local village is just a
20-minute walk away from the site,
boasting a welcoming pub and bakery.
At Chacewater you can choose from
all-weather hardstanding pitches with
electric hook-ups or opt for a service
pitch that also includes fresh water and
waste water connections. The site
features two well-appointed toilet and
shower blocks, along with two convenient
launderette areas.
The surrounding landscape of this part
of Cornwall holds World Heritage Status
for its old mining remains, and the Mineral
Tramways Coast to Coast cycle trail is
right on the doorstep. Within a 20-minute
drive, explore Cornwall’s capital city of
Truro, as well as the National Trust’s
Trelissick House and Garden.
pxl.store stock.adobe.com

FAIRFIELDS FARM CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Eastbourne Rd, Westham, Pevensey, E Sussex BN24 5NG T 01323 763165 W fairfieldsfarm.com OPEN 29 March – 26 October

Celebrating 50 years of holidays in area, laundry facilities and a shop. The the beach, and less than a mile from
2024, Fairfield Farm lies on the edge site is dog friendly with an enclosed, the ruins of Pevensey Castle.
of Westham village and close to the off-lead exercise area, and there’s also a A choice of places to eat are within a
Pevensey Levels, a National Nature farm trail to follow where you can see the 15-minute walk, and the train station is
Reserve. As well as a campsite, Fairfields farm animals and birds in the aviary – only a quarter of a mile away for easy
is a family-run working farm. bags of food are available to purchase access to nearby Eastbourne, and
There are grass pitches with electric in the site shop. even further afield, such as Brighton
hook-up, toilets, showers, a washing-up Fairfields Farm is under two miles from or Hastings.

42 | June 2024
 SUPER SITES \ADULTS ONLY
CHAIN BRIDGE TOURING CARAVAN SITE
Bankhead Villa, Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 2XT
T 07554 953697 W chainbridgecaravansite.co.uk OPEN 22 March – 31 October

With a riverside setting alongside the Bridge Honey Farm with a visitor centre gardens. Nearby attractions include the
banks of the River Tweed, this tranquil and a café housed on a classic Bristol walled town of Berwick,the Holy Island
site is located just inland from Lodekka double-decker bus! of Lindisfarne, and Bamburgh Castle.
Northumberland’s stunning sandy The on-site pitches are hardstanding, Situated right on the Scottish Border,
beaches. A leisurely stroll along the equipped with electric, and serviced by you have the opportunity to explore
riverbank offers the chance to encounter amenities such as toilets, showers and Scotland’s capital city via train from
salmon, trout, otters, kingfishers, swans a laundry room. Berwick station. The station is just six
and ducks. A short walk along the river leads miles from the site and you can be in
Adjacent to the site, you’ll find Chain to Paxton House, boasting beautiful Edinburgh in under 90 minutes.

Pixabay

THE LARCHES
CARAVAN PARK
Mealsgate, Carlisle, Cumbria CA7 1LQ
T 01697 371379
OPEN 1 March – 31 October

The Larches Caravan Park is located

just outside the Lake District National
Park, 30 minutes’ drive from Carlisle
and just 10 miles from the coast. Pitches
come with electric hook-up, water and
drainage, and are on grass or
hardstanding.
Each pitch is also allocated its own
washroom suite within the toilet block,
which comes with a shower, toilet and
washbasin. Other facilities include a
laundry room, an accessible washroom
and a dishwashing area.
The site is just off the main road (but
sheltered from road noise by trees) so
access to nearby Carlisle is easy. The
city’s Castle Car Park (CA3 8UL) as the
name suggests, is directly opposite
the castle which can be explored, and
makes for an ideal place to park for a
day exploring Carlisle. The city also
has a cathedral, a choice of shops,
Jonny Gios Unsplash

and walks alongside the River Eden.

This site is fairly rural, with the nearest
pub two miles away, but with views to
the Lake District fells it’s the perfect site
for relaxation. ii

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SUPER SITES \ ADULTS ONLY

Pixabay
RIVERSIDE CHALETS AND CARAVAN PARK
Contin, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire IV14 9ES T 07862 322990 W lochness-chalets.co.uk OPEN April – mid September

Situated in the Highlands, next to the River Black Water and with The site is located on the NC500 route and is only a 20-minute
views to the mountains, this is a small site with just 30 grass drive from Inverness. There is a handy bus stop under 100 yards
pitches, 12 with electric hook-up. There are toilet and shower from the site’s entrance. Contin village has a petrol station, fish
facilities, plus a laundry room, and a village shop is located and chip shop, and hotel restaurant all within 200 yards. You can
adjacent to the site. Thanks to the riverside location, this is access Torrachility Forest within 500 yards of the site and enjoy
a great place to spot wildlife, and don’t forget to look up as cycle trails among the woodland or walk to Rogie Falls where
majestic red kites regularly grace the sky in this area of Scotland. you’ll find a series of impressive waterfalls.

FLAXTON MEADOWS
Flaxton, York, North Yorkshire YO60 7QZ T 01904 393943 W flaxtonmeadows.co.uk OPEN 1 March – 31 October

Just 20 minutes from the city of York, Reserve nearby. resources generated on site. The facilities
Flaxton Meadows campsite is committed Touring pitches, available on are fully accessible, and additional
to offering eco-conscious guests a stay hardstanding and grass, come equipped amenities include a launderette, a bar,
in a low carbon footprint environment. with electric hook-ups. All guests can and a nature trail. A bus service into York
Nestled in the picturesque North Yorkshire take advantage of the state-of-the-art is one mile away, or there are several park
countryside, the site is surrounded by washrooms and toilets, featuring and ride services into the city centre such
rolling farmland, with the Yorkshire thermostatically controlled hot water as Grimston Bar Park and Ride service
Wildlife Trust’s Strensall Common Nature and underfloor heating, utilising natural (YO19 5LA).
Q

44 | June 2024
 SITES \ PARKS
CORNWALL CORNWALL

Touring & Camping Holidays Exclusively Adults Only Touring Site in Cornwall
Open from 29th March—30th September 2024
OPEN ALL YEAR! Prices held throughout the season
Special Weekly Rates For The Over 40’S
Relax & Unwind at Carvynick Serviced pitch - £155.00 ( inc £14 Electric)
Holiday Park, a park nestled away Standard Pitch—£140.00 (Inc £14.00 Electric)

in the Cornish Countryside... &ƌĞĞtŝĮ- Metered Electricity—£2.00 per day

free
The holiday park is the ideal place
Separate Six Acre Dog Walking Area
for either a couples retreat or a ǁǁǁ͘ĐŚĂĐĞǁĂƚĞƌƉĂƌŬ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ
quiet family holiday. Carvynick
is set in a perfect location with
easy access to nearby Newquay,
Padstow, St Austell, Bodmin and
Truro. On site pub/restaurant.

Book Online by telephone 01872 510716 or email: [email protected]

DEVON DORSET
www.bagwellfarm.co.uk Chickerell, Weymouth,
Caravans, Pods, Tents, Motorhomes, 01305 782575 Dorset DT3 4EA
En-suite pitches, Lodges.

Discover the Landscape - Treasure the Memories

Camping in Every Season

Pets are welcome at Smytham. A rural retreat ideal as a base to enjoy all that
North Devon has to offer. Walks and dog friendly beaches are nearby.
Direct access to Tarka Trail. Dog exercise field.
www.smytham.co.uk | [email protected]
Little Torrington, EX38 8PU | 01805622110 Independently owned - Well-stocked shop open daily - Bus stop half a mile

ESSEX ISLE OF WIGHT

Award winning family run touring park on the outskirts of Ryde, Isle of Wight
offering spacious grass and fully serviced hard standing pitches in a woodland setting.
Now available to book all year round: 2 luxury lodges.
Visit our website to book online, see our special ferry rates and offers for
couples over 50 throughout the season.

www.whitefieldforest.co.uk • pat&[email protected]
01983 617069
ISLE OF WIGHT

SPECIAL OFFERS
& PACKAGES
AVAILABLE - SEE
OUR WEBSITE

Heathfield Camping is a
family run Isle of Wight
campsite located in the rural
West Wight on the outskirts
of Freshwater village, an
ideal choice for your holiday
on the Isle of Wight.

• Level marked pitches • Excellent facilities • Wheelchair accessible shower and toilet room
• Camping, touring and motorhomes • Close to beach and shops • Refurbished amenity buildings

Heathfield Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight PO40 9SH • Tel: 01983 407822 • www.heathfieldcamping.co.uk
Located in the peaceful West Wight with easy access to spectacular coastal & downland walks.
SITES \ PARKS
KENT NATIONWIDE

THE FINCHES CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITE

SALES දHIRE දSTORAGE දPARK
CHARTWAY STREET, KINGSWOOD, MAIDSTONE, ME17 3NU
01622 844388 / 01622 842096

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NORTHUMBLERLAND

HEXHAM RACECOURSE
CARAVAN and CAMPING PARK
The Hexham Racecourse site is set in the heart of
stunning Northumberland countryside just 2 miles
South of the town centre and within easy reach of
the many places of interest for all tourists.
The caravan and camping site is adjacent to the
racecourse and enjoys views to the South over Camping • Touring • Glamping • Lodges • Holiday Homes
the unspoilt and peaceful Hexhamshire.
Book Britain’s Best Holidays at:
Hexham Racecourse Caravan and Camping Park
High Yarridge Road Hexham NE46 2JP • Telephone: 01434-606847
E: [email protected] • www.hexham-racecourse.co.uk
bob.org.uk
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Flaxton Meadows, Yorkshire
Buccaneer ] W buccaneer-rv.co.uk ]£47,449

Aruba
The Aruba is the biggest six-berth caravan
made in Britain, and its spec includes
underfloor heating plus an automatic
self-levelling system
Words: Val Chapman ❚ Photography: Richard Chapman

T
here’s an assumption in So family buyers seeking top-
the caravan market that top- level luxury would be well advised
spec, luxurious tourers are to take a close look at the Aruba,
the preserve of couples. Yet here as we did. Our day at Preston
is a caravan that belies that theory. Caravans and Motorhomes
This is a six-berth, eight-foot-wide, enabled us to immerse
eight-metre-long tourer with pretty ourselves in the luxury that
much all of the caravan luxuries Buccaneer provides, and we
you could dream of. And it has a found it easy to imagine this
layout that offers great versatility caravan as the holiday base for
for families. six. Storage space, kitchen
Buccaneer’s only family caravan space, bedtime and shower time
is a very special offering, packed considerations all came under our
with kit including an automatic usual scrutiny – and it measured
self-levelling system, an on-board up excellently…
water tank, and underfloor heating But before we start the
– and with an air of opulence that interior exploration of this
puts it right at the top of the giant of the caravan world,
touring caravan tree. Only the we need to describe the E&P
Swift Elegance Grande range and self-levelling system that is
Coachman’s Laser Xcel can be fitted to all Buccaneers. At
compared in terms of spec level the press of a button on the
and price – and neither of these touchscreen control, the mighty
ranges includes a six-berth layout. Aruba levels itself. First, two

hydraulic jacks descend from the

axle area and level the caravan
from side to side. Next, four
hydraulically operated Al-Ko Big-
Foot corner steadies level the
caravan from front to back. It
takes just two minutes.
Now we’re ready to step inside
and discover the merits of the
biggest six-berth caravan that
was made in Britain.
It has three double beds – that’s
one fixed double, plus one to
make from the dining area and
another in the lounge. And it has
flexibility; the settees in the lounge
are 1.8m long, so they can be
used as single beds.

48 | June 2024
 TESTED \ BUCCANEER ARUBA

WATCH
At the press of a button on THE VIDEO
the touchscreen control, the YouTube.com/
mighty Aruba levels itself
CaravanTV

The Aruba has three dining the largest two having a rather ABOVE area and kitchen; it’s important
options. That’s the front pull-out exotic, embossed leaf pattern. It’s a long, spacious tourer! in keeping the caravan light and
table for two which gives you a Curtain tops and ties are also bright, because the side windows
INSET TOP TO BOTTOM
surface that measured 70cm by velvet-type fabric, adding to the The rooflight stretches are slightly tinted. And, after dark,
57cm; the offside dining table for sophisticated look. The side 1.4m; Front pull-out table you’ll appreciate the bright light
four, and, of course, the free- curtains are eyeleted, and hang for two; Three drawers and
standing table that hides away in from chrome domestic-style poles. two pull-out shelves
the wardrobe when not in use, and A contactless charger that pops
LEFT
converts the lounge into a dining up when pressed to reveal a USB The settees are
room for, potentially, six. socket sits in the centre of the long enough to
There’s a general air of opulence windowsill. And the top lockers use as single
about Buccaneers, and nowhere have wide, stylish chrome handles beds
is that more obvious than in the that have a tilt action to activate
lounge. Velvet armrest edges, the positive catches.
velvet piping running around the We love Buccaneers’ long,
backrests, and six cushions – slender rooflight that stretches
that’s two bolster shaped and four 1.4m from the sunroof above the
square shaped, all in tactile fabric, lounge window towards the dining ii

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 CLOCKWISE
Three drawers, a cabinet, and a locker
for pans under the oven; A boutique-style
fact file washroom with lots of cabinets; A stone-
effect panel and a hinge-down towel rail
OBerths 6 in the shower cubicle
OLength
Body 6.39m Thanks to...
Overall 8.18m
OWidth 2.45m Preston Caravans and Motorhomes
OHeadroom 1.95m Clifton, Preston
OHeating system
Alde emitting from the six spotlights 41cm by 60cm; not overgenerous, Dometic 153-litre model with a
OWeight
that are set into the rooflight’s so the extension would come into separate freezer and doors that
MIRO 1,801kg
frame. play most of the time. It hinges up can be opened from either the left
MTPLM 1,980kg
The dining ‘room’ has a cosy into the doorway but there is or the right-hand side. Above it is
look, created by the lovely velvet- ample space to walk past it. the microwave, a Russell Hobbs
trimmed upholstery and the nicely Three drawers, each 38cm wide, model with a dark mirror front;
curved corner sections. And are in the centre of the kitchen, very refined and very Buccaneer.
there’s plenty of space for four alongside a cabinet that’s also By the time our Aruba
to dine here. 38cm wide and contains two exploration reaches the bedroom
As we began our exploration of substantial metal drawers that we are already assessing the
the kitchen, two things stood out. slide out on very easy-glide caravan’s storage capability. And
First, the huge sink. It’s runners. There’s space under the here we find one of its greatest
rectangular, and measures 31cm drawers, too. One of the two assets. The bed rises exceptionally
by 50cm. Washing up after meals double-doored top cabinets is easily on its two gas-filled struts.
for six would be no problem. The fitted with racks for mugs and Importantly, there is a wide exterior
second thing we noticed is the plates. The doors have neat, hatch to the under-bed space.
cast iron pan stand; another concealed tilt catches and soft- We discover lots of storage
pointer to Buccaneer quality. close mechanisms. Aft of the space in all areas of the Aruba.
The kitchen surface measures kitchen sits the fridge. It is a Three lockers are above the bed,

50 | June 2024
 TESTED \BUCCANEER ARUBA

three more are above the dining ABOVE CLOCKWISE With all this refinement in the is a roomy 95cm wide.
‘room’ and four are above the Lots of seating space in Aruba you’d expect to find that All this luxury is amply mixed
lounge. And three drawers are two areas; A beautiful the shower room enjoys boutique with practicality. The Aruba is
and cosy bedroom; A
beneath the wardrobe. The area comfortable dining area status. And you’d be right. This is equipped with the Alde Load
under the dining seating is easily – and the table descends a lovely luxurious ‘room’, with a Monitor (that enables you to
accessed by raising the seat to form the centre of the double-doored mirrored cabinet set the maximim mains current
bases. And the lounge under-seat double bed base flanked by two more cabinets, available on your pitch, to prevent
storage areas can be accessed via another double-doored cabinet you exceeding it). Buccaneers
drop-down doors or by raising the under the washbasin, a tall towel have 40-litre water tanks and, as
seat bases. The space under the warmer (part of the Alde system) you’d expect, alarm systems. They
nearside settee has an exterior in dark grey, and a full-height, grey also come with an Aquasource
hatch. Three drawers are centre rock-effect panel in the shower Waterline for direct connection to
front, below the table that pulls out cubicle. Importantly, the washroom a tap on a pitch.
from under the top of this cabinet
– and how it pulls out is worthy of
verdict Britain’s most expensive six-berth tourer acquits itself superbly on many levels. The amount of
comment. As you give it a gentle
seating, the amount of storage capacity (key to its family efficacy), the high level of spec that includes Alde
pull, it rises, to become level with underfloor heating, the E&P self-levelling system, and the sophisticated, top-quality fabric scheme all add
the top of the cabinet; another up to everything you’d expect from a Buccaneer and more besides.
nice refined Buccaneer touch. Q

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Bailey of
Bristol
We take a look at this popular group
of ranges from Bailey of Bristol
Words: Val Chapman

F
rom compact, super-lightweight, sporty-image tourers to
Alde-heated, luxurious, eight-foot-wide models, the five
ranges from Bailey of Bristol span the whole spectrum of
caravan categories.
The Discovery range is tailor-made for buyers who want a
caravan that looks distinctly different from any other caravan; these
models have rounded rear bodylines – and you can buy an awning
specially made for them, that wraps around the rear as well as
along the side. Phoenix GT75 and Pegasus Grande GT75 celebrate
Bailey of Bristol’s seventy-fifth year of manufacture. Unicorn is
Bailey’s Alde-heated, standard-width range, and Alicanto Grande
is the flagship range; three models with luxury appeal.

Discovery
Three models which range from a two-berth to a
four-berth design

DISCOVERY D4-2
With a drawbar long enough to fix a cycle contains two spacious shelves, plus more the front of the caravan. Cooking
rack, Discoverys are caravans designed shelf spaces and, below that, a large equipment is a three-burner hob and
specifically with adventure appeal in shoe cabinet. combined oven/grill. An extension to
mind. There are three models. The With an MTPLM of just 998kg, the the kitchen surface is an optional extra.
smallest is the D4-2, a two-berth with baby of Bailey’s portfolio can be towed
an offside kitchen and an offside-corner by a wide range of relatively small cars. fact file
combined shower/toilet room. Alongside Smart blue and grey upholstery and
this is a large wardrobe – designed to plain grey kitchen units ensure super- OPrice £19,999 OWidth 2.22m
OBerths 2 OHeadroom 1.96m
accommodate all manner of outdoor modern appeal.
OBody 3.76m OMIRO 887kg
clothing; it’s a pointer to the D4-2’s As you’d expect, the sofas convert to a
OOverall 5.61m OMTPLM 998kg
credentials as a base for activities. It also double bed; a slatted base pulls out from

52 | June 2024
 OVERVIEW \ BAILEY OF BRISTOL

DISCOVERY D4-4L
One of two four-berth Discoverys, the
D4-4L has an offside dining area that
converts to bunks, making this model
ideal for a young family.
There’s a surprising amount of kitchen
workspace, given the compact
dimensions of the caravan. The surface
stretches 98cm to the right of the hob,
and there is a small surface to the left
of the hob; perfect for spoon rests for
cooking utensils. The generously sized
(36cm diameter) kitchen sink would make
washing up easy. Kitchen storage is
impressive, too. Beneath the oven/grill is
a handy cabinet that is 46cm high and
46cm deep.
Storage elsewhere is generous. Two
lockers are in the dining area. There are
lockers above the lounge, and, of course,
plenty of space under all four of the
seating sections.
Perhaps the most impressive element
of this tourer’s storage capability is the
wardrobe. It’s 80cm wide and contains,
alongside the rail, four large shelves.
Beneath it is a cabinet, perfectly placed
to put footwear as you step inside.

DISCOVERY D4-4
This four-berth model has a double shapes of folding chairs and more
bed and a rear shower room. Storage besides. The space under the seating
space is generous, given the compact is easy to access, and there are spring
size of the D4-4. The side lockers hinges to hold up the bases. The
have vertical and horizontal divisions wardrobe provides ample hanging
which maximises the amount of stuff space, and there are three large shelf
that can be stored in them. The double spaces beneath the hanging area,
bed has no structural cross-members ideal for footwear and more.
to impede storage; compared to In common with its range siblings,
island-bed models, that have a the D4-4 has one, high-arching,
retraction mechanism to shorten them central-front window. And USB ports
during the daytime, this double bed are set into the bases of spotlights in
space will swallow most sizes and the two front corners.

fact file
OPrice £21,499
OBerths 4
OBody 5.31m
OOverall 7.14m
OWidth 2.22m
OHeadroom 1.96m
OMIRO 1,102kg
OMTPLM 1,248kg

fact file
OPrice £21,499 OWidth 2.22m
OBerths 4 OHeadroom 1.96m
OBody 4.17m OMIRO 949kg
OOverall 5.92m OMTPLM 1,083kg

ii

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Phoenix GT75
Six models, ranging from a two-berth
PHOENIX GT75 420
A conventional two-berth-layout tourer,
to a large six-berth with parallel seating, an offside kitchen
and a shower room across the rear, the
420 is super light, at just 1,142kg MTPLM.
This model has two salient points. First,
the kitchen. It actually spreads across the
caravan with, opposite the main kitchen
area, a large surface above the fridge.
This makes the 420 a tourer that will
appeal to buyers who enjoy the culinary
element of caravanning.
The other salient point is the generous
size of the shower room.
Phoenix GT75s are equipped with a
portable Sonos speaker system. The unit
sits in a recess for charging; in the 420,
it’s in the surface above the fridge. All of
the caravans in this range also have USB
charging points set into the bases of
spotlights which come in very handy.
Kitchen equipment is a microwave,
a 103-litre fridge with 12-litre freezer
compartment, a four-burner hob and
an oven and separate grill.

fact file
OPrice £22,999 OWidth 2.21m
OBerths 2 OHeadroom 1.96m
OBody 4.3m OMIRO 1,025kg
OOverall 5.56m OMTPLM 1,142kg

PHOENIX GT75 440 PHOENIX GT75 642

The excellent versatile layout of twin beds places this model in
fact file both couple and family markets. In family mode, offspring get
the twin beds and parents convert the lounge to a double bed.
OPrice £24,499
OBerths 4 And the twin beds can double as extra lounging space during
OBody 5.35m the day. Each bed has a shelf for phones and two wall lockers,
OOverall 6.88m plus shelving. The shower room contains the wardrobe, above
OWidth 2.21m the toilet, on the offside; the shower cubicle is on the nearside.
OHeadroom 1.96m In between the two is the washbasin; square, and with a shelf
OMIRO 1,220kg alongside it as well as a long shelf above it, below the mirror.
OMTPLM 1,370kg As in the 440, kitchen surfaces are on both sides of the
caravan – in the main kitchen area and above the fridge,
This is the model to consider if you are seeking the luxury of complete with Sonos speaker charging dock. Phoenix fabric
a fixed bed, yet also want a caravan that is compact in size hues for 2024 are subtly attractive, with fawn seating, edged
and light in weight; its MTPLM is 1,370kg. Beds situated with brown piping, pale grey velvety cushions, and curtains
against a side wall (sometimes called French beds) are now that have a leaf design in white on a fawn background.
a rarity in tourer layouts, swept out of fashion by the rising
popularity of island beds. Yet this layout has always worked
well. Here in the 440, it’s combined with a full-width rear
fact file
shower room. OPrice £24,999
The kitchen is on the offside, with the fridge opposite, OBerths 4
alongside the door, providing surface space above it – and OBody 5.84m
a place for the Sonos sound unit to charge. The bedroom OOverall 7.37m
has quite a luxury feel, with an upholstered bedhead, two OWidth 2.21m
OHeadroom 1.96m
bolster cushions and shelves on each side of the bed in the
OMIRO 1,278kg
perfect place for phones. The wardrobe is triangular in
OMTPLM 1,433kg
shape and is in the offside forward corner of the bedroom.

54 | June 2024
 OVERVIEW \ BAILEY OF BRISTOL

PHOENIX GT75 644 fact file

One of two island bed models in the Phoenix range, the 644 OPrice £24,999
has its bed positioned with the head against the nearside OBerths 4
wall. The shower room is across the rear. This is a superbly OBody 5.84kg
popular layout; every caravan manufacturer has several, in OOverall 7.37m
various lengths, with differing levels of spec. Here in the OWidth 2.21m
Phoenix range, it’s in the lightweight category, at 1,426kg. OHeadroom 1.96m
The bedroom is a luxury environment, with quite a OMIRO 1,281kg
OMTPLM 1,436kg
secluded feel, and a good-sized, triangular dressing table
that incorporates a cabinet. Wardrobes are on each side
of the bed, with cabinets beneath them.
The shower room has plenty of shelving, and a cabinet
under the washbasin plus a wall cabinet above the toilet.
Three hooks take care of towel needs.
As in all Phoenix models, the hob has a double cover
– one glass, with a cover that matches the kitchen surface
over it – so that when that’s hinged down, the hob can be
considered as part of the kitchen surface.
PHOENIX GT75 640
The other island bed model in the Phoenix range, the 640 has
its bed at the rear of the caravan, with the shower and toilet
‘rooms’ combining, by a system of doors closing on the fore
and rear ends (one hinged, one sliding), to form one room; this
arrangement is as near to an en suite as anything in touring
caravans – and it works really well.
With windows on each side, the bedroom is a lovely bright
room. On the offside is a mini dressing table, with a small
fact file surface, a mirror, and a socket in the ideal place for hair dryer
OPrice £24,999 use. On the nearside is a cabinet with space above it to place
OBerths 4 a television, if you wish; connections are nearby.
OBody 5.84m The lounge, of course, can be made into a double bed – and
OOverall 7.37m the settees are long enough to be used as single beds, at 1.8m.
OWidth 2.21m
Options offered for the Phoenix range include a bedding set
OHeadroom 1.96m
that matches the upholstery; in the models with double beds,
OMIRO 1,271kg
OMTPLM 1,426kg this may seem an extravagance at £222 but, when you take a
look at the luxury it imparts, we think most buyers will opt for it.

PHOENIX GT75 762

If you need beds for six, this is the
Phoenix for you. It has bunks on the
offside, plus two bunks that you can
make up from the two-person dining
area on the nearside.
The shower room, containing the
wardrobe, is across the rear.
The 762 is the only twin-axle model in
the Phoenix range. At 7.83m in overall
length it’s also the longest in the range.
Both of the sofas are 1.92m long, so ideal
to be used as single beds if you wish.
With six to cater for, buyers may want
to consider one of the options for this
model – a kitchen worktop extension;
at £109, we consider it would be worth
buying, even though there is a good fact file
amount of surface space forward of the
sink and also opposite, above the fridge, OPrice £27,499 OWidth 2.21m
plus, nearby, the two-person dining table OBerths 6 OHeadroom 1.96m
OBody 6.6m OMIRO 1,456kg
that may come into play when you are
OOverall 7.86m OMTPLM 1,636kg
putting food on six plates.
ii

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Pegasus Grande GT75
Six models, all 2.45m wide; four four-berths, a five-berth and a six-berth. Three are on twin axles

PEGASUS GRANDE GT75 BRINDISI

One of four island bed models in the range, the Brindisi has
its bedhead against the nearside wall and its shower room
across the rear.
This model has an L-shaped lounge, in common with the
twin-axle Bologna detailed later. There’s a media wall on the
nearside of the lounge, equipped with a television bracket,
three cabinets, a long shelf and two small shelves alongside
the three lower cabinets. The two front/side corners of the
lounge are clad in brown fabric; very smart, and injecting
a luxury look. Armrests and two bolster cushions as well as
two square cushions are here to get you cosy.
There’s something very unusual about the lounges in all
Pegasus Grande GT75 models; there are no curtains to the
front windows. Does it look a little stark? Some potential
buyers will say so. The bold white window surrounds, though,
bring in a super-modern look.

fact file
OPrice £28,899 OWidth 2.45m
OBerths 4 OHeadroom 1.96m
OBody 5.91m OMIRO 1,365kg
OOverall 7.37m OMTPLM 1,520kg

PEGASUS GRANDE GT75 PORTOFINO fact file

Parallel sofas and a bedroom at the rear, with the shower room in OPrice £29,899
the centre ally the Portofino with many caravans on the market in OBerths 5
terms of its layout. It has a lovely, secluded bedroom with windows OBody 6m
on each side. A sliding door on the bedroom side, and a hinged OOverall 7.37m
door on the forward end of the shower area, allow you to close off OWidth 2.45m
the bedroom from the shower area, which is ideal if people are OHeadroom
sleeping in the double bed that can made up in the lounge. This 1.96m
single-axle model, which joined the Pegasus Grande range for OMIRO 1,414kg
2024, sits in the middle of the caravan weight range, at 1,574kg OMTPLM
MTPLM and, if your towcar is of a suitable weight, and you like 1,579kg
this layout, you have the choice of two models in the Pegasus
Grande GT75 range; the Portfofino and the twin-axle Messina
(detailed later), longer and slightly heavier, at 1,708kg MTPLM.
PEGASUS GRANDE GT75 ANCONA
The Ancona is a well-established name in the Bailey
fact file portfolio. It was first introduced in 2012 as a six-berth.
Down the years it has had several layouts – all of them
OPrice £28,899 excellent family offerings – some with five berths, some
OBerths 4
with six berths.
OBody 5.99m
The 2024 new Ancona has beds for five. That’s two
OOverall 7.37m
OWidth 2.45m bunks in the offside near corner, a single bed to make
OHeadroom 1.96m from the nearside two-person dining area, and, of course,
OMIRO 1,419kg a double bed to create in the lounge.
OMTPLM 1,574kg The Ancona has a unique shower room configuration. It
sits between the bunks and the nearside. The shower tray
is almost square, elongated at the front to give extra
space. And the shower compartment is also an unusual
shape; rectangular with additional space alongside the
washbasin. The designers have cleverly created a shower
room that is almost as large as one you’d find across the
rear of the caravan, just a different shape.

56 | June 2024
 OVERVIEW \ BAILEY OF BRISTOL

PEGASUS GRANDE GT75 MESSINA

The Messina rides on twin axles, with its bed at the rear and a shower room
forward of it. It has parallel lounge seating; similar, then, to the Portofino, only
longer. We love this layout, in particular, for two reasons. One is that it has three
wardrobes. That’s one on each side of the bed (each with a bedside table
incorporated) plus another in the shower room. The other key element is much
smaller but nonetheless significant. On the forward corner of the bedroom is a
table (not a dressing table; that’s on the other side; this table is equipped with
sockets, making it a super-convenient place to charge iPads, phones and other
devices. You could also place a television here.
In common with all models in this range, the Messina has a Sonos sound
system; its charging dock is set into the top of the cabinet alongside the door.

fact file
OPrice £31,499
OBerths 4
OBody 6.33m
OOverall 7.86m
OWidth 2.45m
OHeadroom 1.96m
OMIRO 1,548kg
OMTPLM 1,708kg

PEGASUS GRANDE
GT75 BOLOGNA PEGASUS GRANDE GT75 AMALFI
The twin-axle Bologna is basically a This model made its debut in February Two large top lockers and two shelves
stretched version of the Brindisi, with an this year. It’s a twin-axle family are above the bed. The Amalfi’s shower
L-shaped lounge and a nearside media caravan, with beds for six. Two bunks arrangements are forward of the
wall. In the Bologna, though, instead of are alongside the double bed, making bedroom, with the shower on the
wardrobes beside the bed, as in the this a true family bedroom; bunks here nearside and, opposite, the washbasin/
Brindisi, there is one, triangular wardrobe are ideal for very young children who toilet ‘room’ that has two cabinets and
on the offside of the bedroom, with two may settle quicker when they know plenty of surface space. Importantly,
rails, one above the other. There is also a mum and dad are close by. At the foot there’s enough floor space for parents
large dressing table, on the forward end of each of the bunks are two large to supervise showering and teeth-
of the bedroom on the offside, with a recessed shelves; perfect for toys! cleaning activities. The sofas are 1.9m
cabinet beneath. Between the bunks and the double long, making them suitable for use as
When you transform the lounge into bed is a full-height wardrobe with two single beds as an alternative to
a double bed (1.9m by 1.35m), it doesn’t shelf areas below the hanging space. creating a double bed here.
quite occupy all of the lounge; usefully,
there is an area of seating alongside the fact file
double bed, between the bed and the
kitchen; a place for the first one up to OPrice £31,499
perch for coffee, then! OBerths 6
OBody 6.33m
The full-width shower room is a
OOverall 7.86m
luxurious preening zone, with a wide
OWidth 2.45m
mirror, a good-sized washbasin that sits OHeadroom 1.96m
up on a surface area, and plenty of floor OMIRO 1,570kg
space in there. OMTPLM 1,750kg

fact file
OPrice £31,499 OWidth 2.45m
WATCH
OBerths 4 OHeadroom 1.96m THE VIDEO
OBody 6.33m OMIRO 1,509kg caravan.ma/
OOverall 7.86m OMTPLM 1,669kg review101
ii

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Unicorn
The long-running Unicorn range (launched in 2010) now has seven models. These are Alde-heated,
luxury caravans; five on single axles and two on twin axles

UNICORN SEVILLE
The two-berth of the range, with a large rear shower
room that contains the wardrobe (complete with
integrated lighting), and a kitchen that spans both
sides of the layout. On the offside, the kitchen has
the fridge and cooker beside one another, then the
sink with three drawers beneath. Two recessed
shelves are above the fridge. Opposite is a large
dresser-style cabinet with a generous amount of
surface, a cupboard, plus drawers and, at head-
height, a locker and two shelves. In between the
two is the television station. The shower room has
copious quantities of cabinet and shelf space, and
a backlit mirror above the washbasin.
To the right of the door is a cabinet with recessed
shelving alongside. And we love the window, to the
left of the door, alongside the dresser; it helps to
ensure the centre of the caravan is a bright area
– and it’s trimmed with a Roman-style blind.

fact file
OPrice £30,099 OWidth 2.26m
OBerths 2 OHeadroom 1.96m
OBody 5.21m OMIRO 1,289kg
OOverall 6.47m OMTPLM 1,415kg

UNICORN MADRID UNICORN CADIZ

There was a time when side dining area layouts were in every
manufacturer’s range. But layouts have fashions, and this one
fact file
diminished in number. Although it works well – hence Bailey OPrice £31,899
has two; one in the Discovery range, and this one. The OBerths 4
Madrid’s dining area can be made into bunks, making this OBody 6.06m
model ideal for a family with two young children, or equally OOverall 7.34m
ideal for a couple who want both a lounge and a dining area. OWidth 2.26m
Versatility, thus, is the appeal of the Madrid. As a couple’s OHeadroom 1.96m
caravan, you don’t need to make the bed in the morning in OMIRO 1,423kg
order to have breakfast – that’s what the dining area is for. OMTPLM 1,600kg
Unicorns have startling looking splashback designs and,
in the Madrid, it’s a very significant feature of the décor, This is Unicorn’s twin-bed model, with its shower room
because the splashback area is large. It’s shiny black Perspex across the rear. The kitchen is on the offside, with three wide
with a chrome, abstract horizontal line design-effect. There’s drawers, plus head-height lockers and, opposite, a locker
kitchen surface to the left of the sink, above the fridge, and a above the 137-litre capacity fridge/freezer, plus a small cabinet
larger area to the right of the hob. by the door with a recessed shelf alongside. Television
connections and a bracket are close to the top of this cabinet.
fact file The Cadiz has a hinged kitchen worktop extension; not all
Unicorn models have this feature, and it’s a useful asset. And
OPrice £31,199
the Cadiz has a four-bottle wine holder, to the right of the
OBerths 4
cooker. Two large lockers are above each of the beds and,
OBody 5.66m
of course, there’s a large amount of storage space under the
OOverall 6.88m
beds. One of the Cadiz’s important storage areas is actually
OWidth 2.26m
one of its smallest – it’s a shoe cabinet beside the door!
OHeadroom 1.96m
The wardrobe is within the shower room. There’s a panel
OMIRO 1,348kg
radiator (part of the Alde system) to keep the shower room
OMTPLM 1,500kg
toasty warm.

58 | June 2024
 OVERVIEW \ BAILEY OF BRISTOL

UNICORN VIGO UNICORN CABRERA

One for four island bed models in the Unicorn range, the
Vigo has its bedhead against the nearside wall and the fact file
shower room is across the rear.
OPrice £31,899
The Vigo’s kitchen configuration is identical to that in the OBerths 4
Cadiz, including the presence of a hinged surface extension OBody 6.06m
and the recesses for four wine bottles. OOverall 7.34m
Wardrobes are on each side of the bed – and they are OWidth 2.26m
curved, so wider at the top. The reason is to maximise on the OHeadroom 1.96m
width of the bed (1.44m). USB ports are set into the bases of OMIRO 1,439kg
the spotlights over the bed. OMTPLM 1,600kg
The dressing table, on the forward offside corner of the
bedroom, has a wall cabinet and a lower cupboard. There’s
also a shelf on the aft end of the bedroom. Lighting is
concealed under the pelmet, softly illuminating the voile
panels. This is a charming bedroom, especially with the If you are looking for an island bed, single-axle Unicorn, your
optional-extra bedding set that includes a runner to match choice may well be between the Vigo and the Cabrera. The
the curtain panels and two bolster cushions. It costs £222 kitchens are identical – and the Cabrera’s bedroom is at the
– but why not? rear, with the shower room forward of it. Here again, the
wardrobes are curved to allow for a bed that is 1.44m wide.
fact file That’s important in this layout, bearing in mind Unicorns are
OPrice £31,899 2.26m wide, rather than the ‘grande’ 2.45m.
OBerths 4 There are television connections above a cabinet on the
OBody 6.06m nearside of the bedroom and, on the offside, a small shelf with
OOverall 7.34m a power point beneath and a mirror alongside; that’s the place
OWidth 2.26m to use a hair dryer, then. As in the Vigo, light streams down
OHeadroom from beneath the pelmets – and, in this bedroom, there’s a
1.96m window on each side so it’s a lovely bright environment.
OMIRO 1,430kg A sliding door closes off the shower/washbasin/toilet area
OMTPLM
from the bedroom and a hinged door provides privacy from
1,600kg
the kitchen and lounge.

UNICORN CARTAGENA UNICORN PAMPLONA

Just as the Vigo and Cabrera offer buyers the choice of bed
and shower positions on a single axle, the Cartagena and
fact file
Pamplona present the same options on two axles. OPrice £34,499
The Cartagena has a transverse island bed with a rear OBerths 4
shower room. Wardrobes are on each side of the bed, curved OBody 6.37m
(wider at the top) to allow maximum bed width (1.44m), and OOverall 7.81m
there are cabinets beneath. There is also a slim wardrobe on OWidth 2.26m
the forward offside end of the bedroom. OHeadroom 1.96m
There’s a good-sized dressing table with a cabinet beneath, OMIRO 1,596kg
plus a slightly smaller unit, also with a cabinet, to the rear of OMTPLM 1,755kg
the bedroom. As in the Pamplona, the settees are long
enough, at 1.95m, to use as single beds. The Pamplona has a gorgeously spacious central shower
In the shower room, the cream and white marble-effect room – and there’s a wardrobe alongside the shower, in
splashback and the bright lighting above and below the addition to those beside the bed.
mirror create a rather boutique feel. A panel radiator (part Both the Pamplona and the Cartagena have the 153-litre-
of the Alde system) ensures this room is always warm. capacity fridge with separate freezer – and this model has
doors that can be opened from either the left or the right side.
fact file A four-position wine rack, a hinged worktop extension, three
wide drawers, two top cabinets, plus cabinets both above and
OPrice £34,499
below the fridge/freezer together amount to a very practical
OBerths 4
kitchen. Alongside the fridge, close to the door, is a curved-
OBody 6.37m
fronted cabinet, plus a two-shelf recess, and a television
OOverall 7.81m
bracket above. On the other side of the door is an important
OWidth 2.26m
feature: a cabinet designed for shoes; several Bailey models
OHeadroom 1.96m
have this – and we praise it every time we see it.
OMIRO 1,566kg
Unicorns for 2024 don’t have curtains to the high-arching
OMTPLM 1,725kg
central front window and the two smaller ones alongside it.
ii

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OVERVIEW \BAILEY OF BRISTOL
Alicanto Grande
Three models, all 2.45m wide, with Alde heating, one on a single axle and two on twin axles. These are Bailey’s flagship caravans

fact file ALICANTO GRANDE LISBON

OPrice £37,199 On a single axle, the Lisbon gives buyers a rear
OBerths 4 bedroom, a central shower room and a second double
OBody 6.11m bed to create from the lounge (the sofas are not quite
OOverall 7.38m long enough to be considered as single beds, at 1.74m
OWidth 2.45m – unless they’re for children, of course).
OHeadroom 1.96m The Lisbon’s bedroom is gorgeously luxurious, with
OMIRO 1,546kg touches like the rim lighting behind the headboard, and
OMTPLM 1,700kg two dressing tables, to remind you that you are in a high-
spec caravan. The bed is king size (1.53m wide), and the
wardrobes have been shaped to accommodate this, with
the bases narrower than the tops.
All three Alicanto Grandes have deeply curved
backrests and headrests, Omnivent extractor fans,
wireless charging pads for phones – and a colour-
changing lighting system. A controller on the fore end of
the kitchen enables you to select the hue of your choice:
purple, red, yellow, turquoise, or green lighting runs
around the lower edge of the seating; literally brilliant!

ALICANTO GRANDE EVORA fact file

The twin-axle Evora and its stablemate, the Porto, have identical OPrice £38,999
lounge and kitchen layouts. The difference is in the bedroom and OBerths 4
shower room. The Evora has its shower room across the rear – OBody 6.33m
and it’s delightfully spacious. The bedroom is forward of it and, OOverall 7.86m
like every area in these three caravans, it has an air of luxury. OWidth 2.45m
Elements that will catch your eye first are the large dressing OHeadroom
table, with a capacious double-doored lower cabinet and a 1.96m
mirrored wall cabinet, and then the wardrobe. It’s set at an angle, OMIRO 1,687kg
against the wall that adjoins the shower room – and has a floor- OMTPLM
to-ceiling mirror that not only enhances the boutique look, it 1,847kg
actually makes the room look larger. Then you’ll notice the voiles,
and the panel curtains made from a pale gold-coloured satiny
fabric, with an abstract geometric design in black; very smart.
ALICANTO GRANDE PORTO
The velvet-upholstered bedhead is backlit. And there are triple- The Porto’s bedroom is at the rear, with the shower
drawer bedside cabinets. arrangements forward of it. Luxurious is the word to sum it
The shower room’s luxury look is created by a marble-effect up – and this bedroom has the advantage of windows on
splashback and a matching panel in the shower, lighting around each side. Wardrobes are on each side of the bed, with
the edge of the mirror and a large Belfast-style washbasin. storage compartments that have lift-up lids forward of
them. In common with the Evora, the bed is king size,
fact file and has a pocket-sprung mattress.
Both the Evora and the Porto have the 153-litre capacity
OPrice £38,999
fridge/freezer. There’s a wine rack integrated into the
OBerths 4
OBody 6.33m kitchen units. And the kitchens in these models are
OOverall 7.86m L-shaped, creating a really large work surface. There are
OWidth 2.45m wireless charging pads with integrated USB ports in all
OHeadroom three Alicanto Grande models. The general feeling of
1.96m spaciousness that comes with eight-foot width and, of
OMIRO 1,694kg course the colour-changing lighting (gimmick or just nice;
OMTPLM
you decide!) help to ensure Bailey’s top-notch models will
1,855kg
appeal to buyers seeking high-spec and luxury.

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60 | June 2024
 SPECIAL OFFERS

BAILEY DISCOVERY D4-2 BAILEY PHOENIX GT75 762 BAILEY PEGASUS GRANDE GT75
Bailey Discovery D4-2 Ultra compact and Great family layout that sleeps up to 6. MESSINA
lightweight 2 berth caravan with front parallel This quality family 4 berth caravan has loads
seating. of living space.
WAS £20,644.00 NOW £18,580.00 WAS £28,144.00 NOW £24,995.00 WAS £32,144.00 NOW £29,995.00

BAILEY UNICORN SEVILLE BAILEY PEGASUS GRANDE GT75 BAILEY ALICANTO GRANDE PORTO
Bailey Unicorn Seville This quality family 2 BOLOGNA Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto This top class 4
berth caravan has a front parallel seating, This quality family 4 berth caravan has loads EHUWKFDUDYDQKDVDˉ[HGLVODQGEHGWRZDUGV
of living space. the rear.
WAS £30,744.00 NOW £27,995.00 WAS £32,144.00 NOW £29,995.00 WAS £39,644.00 NOW £36,495.00

United British Caravans Ltd. Sandy Lane, North Gosforth, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, NE3 5HE
0191 2363156 unitedbritishcaravans.co.uk [email protected]
 &
Our expert, Lee Davey,
answers all of your
caravanning questions

Covering all bases

Q We’d like to buy a cover to protect our caravan between trips. If I buy a
universal cover, cover sizes depend on length. Where should I take this
measurement from?

A You can buy tailor-made covers for many caravan makes and models,
but if you’re looking to buy a universal cover, measure the body length
along the bottom of the caravan — just the body itself, and don’t include the
length of the A-frame. This size should then fit with a certain cover size.
This, however, doesn’t always work, as the choices for our older 14ft (4.27m)
Bailey Maestro would be a 12ft-14ft (3.66m-4.27m) cover or a 14ft-17ft
(4.27m-5.18m) cover. Be sure to buy one that’s breathable.

Sensing trouble Water works

Q What is the best way to sterilise the water system in

our caravan? I’ve looked online, and there is a lot of
conflicting information between Puriclean and Milton
Sterilising Fluid.

A This is a standard topic for debate when caravans

come out of storage! As the name suggests, Milton
Sterilising Fluid is great for sterilising but can attack
certain components within your boiler. For this reason,
Puriclean should be used instead. It’s easy to use, and
four teaspoons or so of Puriclean will sterilise the water
system in our caravan. A 400g tub of Puriclean is usually
less than £10 and will last ages.

Q We’ve just returned from our first trip of the year, and only
one of our TyrePal TPMS sensors appears to be working.
What would be the first thing to check?

A I would change the batteries within the sensors to see

if that solves the problem. For the battery cost, I
replace them at the beginning of each season to minimise
any potential issues. If that doesn’t fix it, I would follow
the pairing procedure to resynchronise the sensor.

ASK THE EXPERTS... Email your tech questions and pictures to [email protected] or, if you
prefer to post, write to Questions & Answers, Caravan Magazine, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH

62 | June 2024
 KNOWLEDGE \Q&A
Steady as you go Off the rails

Q Is there an easy way to stop clothes hangers falling off

the rail while travelling?

A There is indeed, and best of all, it doesn’t cost the

earth! There are many ways to keep clothes on
hanging rails, but our personal favourite is grey pipe
insulation from Screwfix or your local builder’s
merchant. This is then cable-tied to the hanging rail,
and the hangers fit perfectly over the insulation. I’m so
‘careful’ with money that the same piece of insulation
has been used in three of our caravans!

Q The corner steadies on my caravan have become quite

stiff. What’s the best way to lubricate them?

A I spent a day in the workshop with Stowford Leisure,

helping to service my caravan. The corner steady
grease was a bucket-sized drum of white lithium grease
that was applied to the threads by a paintbrush. My corner
steadies worked incredibly well afterwards. A huge drum of
lithium grease is impractical for home use, so I purchased
an aerosol of white lithium grease shortly afterwards, which
works perfectly.

Toilet talk Heating up

Q During a recent trip, a hazy patch of condensation

appeared between the double-glazed plastic panes on
our caravan window. Should I be concerned about this?

A Based purely on when this question was asked, I’m

assuming the ambient temperature was somewhat
chilly, and the caravan’s heating was on. This
temperature difference can create condensation within
the window, which should gradually disappear on its
own. This is quite normal. However, if the condensation
remains, check around the window for any signs of the
plastic unit delaminating. If the window unit is intact, the
small plastic bung can be removed from the window but
should be replaced once the condensation has cleared.

Q Please forgive what I’m sure is a silly question, but we are

new to the caravanning world. The salesman at our local
caravan dealership suggests we use a loo roll designed for a
cassette toilet. Is it OK to use a regular loo roll if we run out?

A Toilet rolls designed for caravan use break down within

the cassette, which can make the emptying process
easier. However, we’ve found that budget loo rolls from any
supermarket appear suited to toilet cassette use and can
save money, too.

GOT A QUERY? Our expert team is happy to answer your questions, whether they relate to FOLLOW Find Lee Davey here:
touring or towing, DIY or disasters! Whatever it is that's been causing you bother, we are on hand to help! TinTent tin.tent TinTent Q

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 All you need to know about
towing a caravan

Towing a caravan may seem daunting initially, but a few

simple tips can make the journey enjoyable and stress-free
IS THERE AN 85% TOWING LIMIT?

T
owing 1,500kg or so of steel and You’re usually allowed to drive a car and
composite panels isn’t something to caravan combination up to 8,250kg. The Again, some confusion surrounds the 85%
take lightly, but anyone can safely and relevant categories will be displayed on towing guideline issued by the Caravan
effectively tow a caravan with the correct the rear of a photocard driving licence and Motorhome Club and the Camping
information and training. or can be viewed on the DVLA website and Caravan Club.
We’ll discuss driving licences, the W gov.uk/view-driving-licence This is a guideline, not a ruling, but it
weights you and your car can tow, how This 8,250kg combined figure may seem is based on common sense. Both Clubs
loading can affect stability, how multiple high, but it will be influenced by your car’s suggest that the caravan’s maximum
reversing tips can be gained during a towing limit, which must not be exceeded. weight, or MTPLM, does not exceed
dedicated towing course, and the rules and Was your licence issued after 1 January, 85% of the car’s kerbweight.
regulations that apply to towing a caravan 1997? On 16 December, 2021, the E Both Clubs also state that experienced
on the UK road network. category was automatically added to B caravanners could tow up to 100% of this
licences, meaning car drivers could tow figure, although 85% remains the
DRIVING LICENCES a heavier car and caravan combination recommended figure.
Can I tow a caravan with my driving without taking the separate B+E test. This Legally, your car can tow a caravan that
licence? This is a common question that means caravans up to 3,500kg can be doesn’t exceed its maximum towing limit.
many potential caravanners are unsure of. towed, although the towing limit of your This limit can be found in your handbook
The confusion stems from changes made car must not be exceeded. or on the V5.
in 1997, 2013, and 2021. However, the The DVLA will update your driving It’s worth double-checking all these
most recent changes make licensing much licence record to show this entitlement. You figures before purchasing a car or caravan.
simpler. The information below is relevant do not need to contact the DVLA for this to For example, my daughter asked if she
to the UK: happen, as it will be done automatically. could tow a small caravan with her Vauxhall
Was your licence issued before 1 When you next apply for a new driving Corsa. The Corsa’s kerbweight is 1,130kg,
January, 1997? If so, you are not affected licence, you’ll get category BE added to so 85% is 960.5kg. However, the maximum
by the changes made in 1997 or 2021. your driving licence. towing limit for her car is 850kg (braked).

64 | June 2024
 ADVICE \ TOWING A CARAVAN

Alisdair Cusick/The Camping & Caravanning Club

Take a towing course

HOW TO LOAD A CARAVAN

OCorrect loading of your caravan is key to its
stability on the road
OCalculate the weight of your caravanning kit,
either by weighing boxes/items individually or by
consulting the user manual. Any kit fitted since it
left the factory should also be considered, such
as motor movers, solar panels, etc
OPlace heavy objects (awnings/furniture, etc)
over the axle(s) and low down
OMedium-weight items should be between
ankle and waist height, possibly in bed/seat bases
or lower cupboards
OLighter items, such as clothes, can be stored in
Words & upper lockers
photography: ODo not place heavy items at the extremes of
Lee Davey Towing mirrors the caravan, as this can create a pendulum effect

IS THERE A MAXIMUM WIDTH and impart all the knowledge needed to TIPS FOR TOWING
AND LENGTH WHEN TOWING? tow safely, effectively, and confidently. We AND MANOEUVRING
Yes. The maximum width for a caravan is can’t recommend this tuition enough, as O On tight bends, allow more room for
2.55m. If you tow with a vehicle that has a most people who have experienced the the caravan to follow the turn. This can
maximum authorised mass (MAM) of less benefits feel the courses should be made be checked in the towing mirrors
than 3,500kg, the maximum length of the compulsory. O When reversing in a straight line, if you
caravan can’t exceed 7m. It’s worth noting What may take years to learn without see more of the caravan in one mirror, turn
that this refers to the body length, not the tuition can be taught within days and the top of the steering wheel towards that
shipping length that includes the A-frame. mastered at your convenience. mirror. This will bring the caravan into line
For example, a Bailey Phoenix GT75 762 Some insurance providers offer O Towing mirrors can act as a cat’s
has a shipping length of 7.86m, but the discounts for caravanners who have whiskers. If they protrude more than the
body length falls within the legal maximum. taken such a course. caravan, the caravan should fit through
the gap if driving forward in a straight line
DO SPEED LIMITS DIFFER? DO I NEED TOWING MIRRORS? O When reversing onto a pitch, pull past
Yes. UK speed limits when towing a The law surrounding towing mirrors is the pitch so the rear of the caravan has
caravan are 50mph on single carriageways dictated by visibility, as you must be able room to turn. Turn the bottom of the
and 60mph on dual carriageways and to see 20 metres behind the caravan and steering wheel towards the pitch, and the
motorways. four metres from the side. Wider caravans caravan will turn in the correct direction
may need towing mirrors with extended
MAKE TOWING EASIER WITH arms to achieve this level of visibility. I use WHAT IS CARAVAN NOSEWEIGHT?
A CLUB COURSE Milenco Grand Aero towing mirrors as the The noseweight is the weight that the
The Camping and Caravanning Club and larger mirror size allows me to see caravan’s hitch exerts on the towball when
the Caravan and Motorhome Club offer everything from wheel to roof when connected and is key for a safe and secure
excellent towing and manoeuvring courses. reversing. Remember, it’s illegal to drive tow. This weight should typically be
These courses are one or two days long with extension mirrors when not towing. between 5% and 7% of the caravan’s ii

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ADVICE \ TOWING A CARAVAN
TOWBAR MANUFACTURERS
OAnker OTow-Trust
W ankertowbars.com W tow-trust.co.uk
OBrink OWestfalia
W brink.eu/en-gb W westfalia-automotive.com/uk
OPCT Automotive OWitter
W pctautomotive.com W witter-towbars.co.uk

WATCH THE
VIDEO ON HOW
TO HITCH UP
caravan.ma/
hitchguide

Bailey information sticker Al-Ko hitch and car’s towball

MTPLM, or its maximum weight. Often, electronic stabiliser systems are also ARE THERE ANY LAWS
A Milenco noseweight gauge is great for fitted, activating the caravan’s brakes when SURROUNDING TOWBARS?
checking this figure. Bathroom scales with snaking is detected. Al-Ko calls this ATC O For cars built after 1 August, 1998,
a suitably sized length of wood can also (active trailer control), whereas BPW calls towbars must pass Type Approval tests
be used for the job. it iDC (intelligent drive control) and display a TPE-approved plate or
Your towbar will also have a noseweight OBreakaway cable: Should your caravan sticker as well
limit, which is generally shown on a sticker become unhitched, the breakaway cable O Towbar systems must not obscure a
or in the handbook. aims to stop your caravan by applying the car’s registration plate when not in use
brakes O British Standard (BS AU 114b) still
YOUR CARAVAN’S HITCH OJockey wheel: The jockey wheel is an applies for tow vehicles built before 1
A caravan’s tow hitch attaches your car’s unsung hero, allowing you to manoeuvre August, 1998
towball to the caravan, creating a secure, the caravan without the car. It also allows
articulated connection for safe towing. But you to raise or lower the hitch head for FINAL THOUGHTS
there’s much more to the front end of a levelling and hitching up Armed with the correct knowledge and
caravan exterior than just an A-frame (the OJockey wheel clamp: This keeps the information, towing a caravan is far easier
triangular metal structure that protrudes jockey wheel secure while towing than you may think, as a well-weighted
from the front) and connection. OElectrics: The caravan’s road lights – outfit makes for a pleasurable journey.
OHitch-head stabiliser: Nowadays, most brakes, indicators, etc – are connected to Time spent on loading and noseweight
caravans (apart from some lightweights, your car via a 13-pin plug that fits into a will be rewarded with a stable outfit, so if
where they’re not needed) come with socket next to the towbar. Older tourers you’ve purchased a new caravan or you
hitch-head stabilisers. These reduce the have a seven-pin system. A 12V supply have changed how the kit is stored, it is
likelihood of instability while towing and are may be passed to your caravan for the worth taking time just to double-check
generally made by Al-Ko or Winterhoff. fridge, etc everything before your onward journey.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOWBAR

There are several types of towbars, which all do the same job but approach the task in different ways:
Type Details
This type consists of a flat faceplate welded to the towbar structure. The faceplate usually has two
Flange towbar
large-diameter bolt holes drilled through it. Installers then bolt a simple cast or forged towball to it
Fixed towbar A fixed towbar is a permanent addition to a vehicle. The towball is unlikely to unbolt from the towbar
Removable or detachable Removable towbars are popular with drivers who don’t want to spoil their car’s look with a permanently
towbar fixed towbar, or don’t want to bash their shins. Removable towbars tend to be more expensive
Swan neck towbar The swan neck towbar features a towball on the end of a long, curved steel ‘neck’
Retractable towbar Retractable towbars can fold or twist to be tucked out of sight. Some are electrically operated
If your caravan has an Al-Ko stabiliser, you’ll need an compatible towball. This is a standard 50mm
Al-Ko compatible towball
towball with an extended reach and neck. Ensure that your chosen type is compatible Q

66 | June 2024
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 GEAR \E-BIKES

ELECTRIC BIKES
Our round-up of some of the latest e-bikes for easier two (or three) wheel adventures

I
t’s fair to say electric bikes, or e-bikes if you want to use fewer or two to take. Think about where you are going to store the bike.
vowels, have become one of the most must-have accessories in Are you going to carry your bike on a roof rack or in the boot of
caravans in recent years. the car?
You may want to stay active, but need help with hills and longer If space is limited, then you could consider a folding bike, but
distances, or you may just need this as an option for exploring always make sure this is well-secured for driving especially if you
more around your campsite of choice. are travelling with it inside the caravan.
Whatever the reason, the electric bike is a great accessory to Then there’s the bike itself. The surge of popularity of these
pack on board. However, before you rush out and buy one, there battery-powered cycles does mean there is a lot of choice on
are a few things to check and consider and the odd measurement style and features, so shop around.

E-Go Step
Folding bikes come in all shapes and sizes, but The electrical assistance (from the
the emphasis should always be on how small 504Wh battery and 250W motor) comes
they go, with the key factor often related to the in three modes: five levels of pedal
size of the wheel. assist, walking mode and standard
This step-through model from E-Go has 20in bike. The quoted range is up to
wheels, with four easy steps to fold and unfold. about 31 miles.
The folded size is 84cm by 46cm by 72cm if you
need to measure your storage spaces, and the PRICE £1,640
bike weighs 23kg. W e-gobike.co.uk

Elysium Relay Wisper 806

Another folding bike, this one from Wisper has several options to help
tailor it to your needs. A 375Wh battery has a max range of 50 miles,
while the 575Wh version will carry you up to 75 miles and the 700Wh
battery stretches this to a quoted 90 miles. Obviously, the bigger the
battery the heavier it will be, adding 1.5kg to the 21kg figure for the
bike with the smallest battery.
While 20in wheels and the 250W motor are other key figures, another
thing which is good to note is the battery location. It sits on a rear rack
that can also be used to carry up to 25kg of load.
You can also choose the method of power delivery (cadence sensor
or torque power pack) and a full throttle option instead of the standard
pedal assistance.

PRICE Starts at £1,499, rising

up to £2,598
If you don’t want to pay the earth, but also don’t W wisper
want to trawl online marketplaces looking for bikes.com
secondhand deals, there are some budget e-bikes
out there, like this Elysium Relay. It’s a mountain bike
with 26in wheels and you can choose between the
250W and the 500W motor, as well as three battery
sizes – the standard 9Ah, as well as 16Ah and 19Ah
upgrade options.
The weight is 23kg (for the 19in frame) and battery
range is about 25 miles, with the usual caveats.

PRICE Currently starts from £999, but there is a

40% off deal, making the 250W version £599.99
and the 500W one £720 W cyclotricity.com
ii

Facebook caravanmag X caravanmagazine Web outandaboutlive.co.uk/caravans June 2024 | 69

GEAR \ E-BIKES
Tenways CGO600 Pro Pendleton Somerby
If you’re more of a Miss Marple than a Mark Cavendish, the
previously featured e-bikes may be a total anathema to your
idea of a two-wheeled accessory for your caravan. That’s why
the current e-bike revolution is a pretty great thing: there’s
something to suit everyone.
That includes this classic shopper-style bike from
Pendleton. The battery (317Wh) has a range of around 25-30
miles (the company claims a maximum of 50 miles, depending
on the level of assistance, weight of rider, wind, etc).
It’s a 250W motor and that all-important weight is around
22kg, which isn’t bad. Plus, you can get a basket for the front
as an option, which would complete the fifties look. Colours
are currently white, mint or dark blue.

PRICE From £879.20 W halfords.com

While you may have thought that truly lightweight e-bikes would be
very hard to come by or very expensive, we’ve found a brand that
might change your mind. That’s because this CGO600 Pro from
Tenways only weighs 18kg including the battery, which is
removable. So, if you have to lift it high onto a rack, or have a
weight limit on the bike rack, it’s worth a look at this e-bike option
for your caravan adventures. The price tag? From £1,799.99, which
put it firm in the mid-priced e-bike segment. That gets you
integrated front lights, a simple easy-to-read display, app
connectivity and a battery that offers up to 62 miles on a charge.
You can extend this, too, with a 180Wh add-on battery option.

PRICE From £1,799.99 W tenways.com

Wisper Tailwind Trail AS Electrotricycle

A unique addition to the electric bikes market, this Electrotricycle
from AS Bikes is the only fully folding electric tricycle in the UK.
Why would you want an e-trike over an e-bike? Well, beyond
personal preference, the extra wheel creates a much more stable
ride while still allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of electric
assistance. In fact, the Electrotrike features a 36V battery that gives
you around 30 miles of riding on a full charge, travelling at speeds of
up to 15mph.
This e-trike is easy to fold down, compact enough to fit into a
large car’s boot and, perhaps most importantly, comes with a
no-quibbles warranty from AS Bikes, which has been attending
Warners Shows for over 20 years and offers a repair service for
owners of its bikes at every show. It is heavy, though, at 32kg,
although if you remove the battery and saddle
first you can get this down to 29kg and its
Wisper continues the flexibility with its full-sized bike folded size is
range, the Tailwind, which is available with a traditional not insignificant.
crossbar and a lower version as well as three
specification levels – the basic City model, the mid- PRICE £2,495
range Comfort and the more suited to off-road Trail. W asbikes.co.uk
Then you can also choose between two battery sizes
and two colours.
The standard 360Wh version weighs 19kg and can go
up to 50 miles on a standard charge, while the larger
540Wh battery adds a kilo and 20 miles to the range.

PRICE Starts at £1,799 for the City Crossbar,

rising to £2,359 for the Trail
W wisperbikes.com
Q

70 | June 2024
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In part two of our award-winning gear round-up, we take a look at even more
fantastic kit to help you while you are away on your caravan getaways!

E
very year, our colleagues at Camping is just as useful for caravanners. And on is worth it. Value for money, innovation,
magazine celebrate the best camping that’s why we’ve picked out some of the versatility and style are all taken into
and outdoor kit of the year. highlights of the 2024 awards that we know account when it comes to handing out the
The annual Camping Awards are the caravanners will love. The Camping Awards prizes. But sometimes it just comes down
biggest and best in the UK – covering are all about helping readers decide how to to what has that indefinable something, the
tents and accessories of all kinds. spend their hard-earned cash. X factor that sets it apart from everything
Of course, lots of the camping When money is tight, you need to know else. The winners all have one thing in
equipment that is used by tent campers that the gear you’re spending your money common – the expert seal of approval.

BEST BACKPACKING BEST INNOVATION

ACCESSORY Craghoppers
C02RENU Fleece
Ledlenser HF6R Core head torch By now we’re all familiar
Every caravan trip needs a head torch with the concept of
and preferably one you can rely on. recycling and how it’s
This brand-new rechargeable light possible to repurpose
from German brand, Ledlenser, is random materials and
the Rolls-Royce of head torches use them again in a
– or given its homeland, perhaps different context; turning
Mercedes-Benz would be more apt. plastic drink bottles into
Either way, it’s reassuringly reliable an awning, for example.
and packed with high-tech features. Well, outdoor clothing
The HF6R Core has a lightweight, specialist, Craghoppers,
but robust, aluminium housing and is has taken that to the
water and dust resistant so you know next level by recycling
it should be able to take a bit of a actual carbon
battering. It has three brightness emissions and turning
levels, plus a Boost mode that them into clothing.
provides a short burst of more power The science is a bit
when you need it. The front red light complicated, but what we do understand is that CO2Renu uses 100% recycled
helps with night vision and the beam fabric, up to 30% of which is fibres made from recycled carbon emissions, rather
can be tilted. than recycled plastic. The environmental benefit, of course, is that the carbon would
Ledlenser’s innovative Digital otherwise be emitted as CO2, with all the harmful effects that brings to the planet.
Advanced Focus System will switch The process begins by intercepting carbon emissions from industry, then fermenting
seamlessly from spotlight to flood the carbon into liquid ethanol and finally polymerising it into fibres. This is then the
focusing depending on your starting point for Craghoppers to create some of its recycled polyester blends,
requirements and a transport lock ultimately resulting in the finished product – in this case a fleece. As far as we know,
prevents battery drain. this is the first time anyone in the outdoor industry has used this technology as part
of the manufacturing process and it feels like a significant and important step forward.
PRICE £67.95 We firmly believe that the outdoor industry has a responsibility to lead the way on
reducing the harm to our planet – after all, we are the ones who are out there enjoying
the environment more than anyone else. Of course, as is always the case, there’s very
little point to any of this if the end product is rubbish, so we’re happy to report
that’s not the case. The CO2Renu fleeces – available as jackets and half-zips for
both men and women – are cosy, comfortable and look good. So, really, it’s a win
for everyone. Just don’t expect us to understand or explain how this works – we
don’t know how electricity works, either! But take it from us that it’s a good thing.

PRICE From £80

72 | June 2024
 GEAR \NEW PRODUCTS
BEST CAMPING LIGHTING
Vango Lightbeam 250 Recharge
For quick overnight trips, a couple of torches and your caravan’s own lighting will
probably be enough to meet your lighting needs. But on longer holidays, when you are
likely to spend more time in your awning after dark, you really need something a bit more
substantial to illuminate it. This newcomer from Vango, the LightBeam 250 Recharge, is an
inflatable striplight that is powerful enough to do just that. It has a lightweight and flexible
design and is fitted with two magnetic attachment points for easy set-up in your awning.
The commended Goal Zero Skylight Portable Area Light (priced about £350) is ideal for
communal camping areas, such as outdoor kitchens and dining tables, but can be used
around the house and garden, too. Also commended, the Robens Munros (£40.99) lantern
combines classic design with modern functionality for your awning.

PRICE £35

BEST CAMPING TABLE BEST HIKING BOOTS

Coleman Packaway Table Hanwag Banks SF Extra GTX
& Bench Set Camping’s editor is not generally prone to emotional outbursts. So, when he
Simple camping dining table and declared these “the comfiest walking boots I’ve ever worn”, everyone listened.
bench combos like this used to be The Hanwag Banks SF Extra is aimed at hikers with wider feet, who often find that
commonplace on campsites, but in walking boots and shoes are simply too narrow. Sadly, for many, that means badly
recent years they have become a little fitting, uncomfortable footwear that does nothing to encourage you to get active.
less popular, with many campers Hanwag’s solution is to come up with a special last, designed to provide more
choosing to mix and match their tables room at the side of the forefoot and around the big toe. The difference is amazing
and chairs. However, this set-up is and, in addition, the foam wedge in the midsole gives improved
perfect for family camping, especially shock absorbency on rougher terrain. Gore-Tex lining makes the
when storage space is at a premium. boot fully waterproof and it is made using 100% certified nubuck
The new Packaway packs away neatly leather – high quality and complies with environmental standards.
into its own carry case, which is light The Oboz Katabatic Low (£135) was commended in this
and a lot less bulky than trying to pack category. Comfortable, versatile and durable, it is a multi-
a table and four individual chairs. The use shoe that is suited to a wide range of uses.
durable steel frame construction is quick Also commended was the Vasque Now
and easy to set up inside your awning or (priced around £130).
outside, and is robust enough for adults
and kids. The benches can be neatly PRICE £245
clipped under the tabletop for portability.
Both the tabletop and benches are UV
treated for outdoor use and the table
also has an antibacterial treatment to BEST CAMPING STOVE
keep it clean.
The Quechua Hexagonal Teepee table Campingaz Camping
(£89.99), commended in this category, Kitchen 2 Multi-Cook
is something a little different – a folding With more than 70 years of experience,
camping table that is designed for Campingaz has pretty much nailed it
communal dining, with a centre section when it comes to creating practical and
that can be raised to create more space. efficient stoves for the great outdoors.
Also commended, the Helinox Café The range is extensive, from classic
Table Wide (£275) is sturdy and stable single-burner stoves to mega
for four people to sit at and eat together. barbecues. Its double-burner stoves allowing you to individually control the
It packs down flat into a carry case for consistently do the business and this heat. It lets you simultaneously boil, fry
easy storage in your caravan. new multipurpose addition to the range and grill.
is no exception. And if you prefer to The Flameguard technology is
PRICE cook outdoors when away with the designed to protect the cooking flame
£119.99 caravan, this should be versatile in windy weather and the stove folds
enough to cover all your needs and has closed to become its own case for easy
the quality that the brand is known for. transport. The pan supports and grilling
The Camping Kitchen 2 Multi-Cook plate are removable and the piezo
stove combines hob cooking and ignition makes starting quick and easy.
grilling in one, with three independent
burners, including one with a grill plate, PRICE £149
Q

Facebook caravanmag X caravanmagazine Web outandaboutlive.co.uk/caravans June 2024 | 73

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 NEWS & VIEWS
Online caravan accessory shop launches
A brand-new online caravan and camping accessories store – the Out
& About Shop – is now live.
The store, which can be found at W outandaboutshop.co.uk has
been created by the teams behind magazines including Caravan and
allows visitors to discover a wide range of accessories and gear for
outdoor living, including kit tested and reviewed by our expert editors.
We’ve been testing outdoor kit from a range of brands and
manufacturers for years, covering everything from tents and
rucksacks to toilet cleaner and barbecues. You can find those reviews
on the main website W outandaboutlive.co.uk as well as on our
Caravan YouTube channel at W youtube.com/CaravanTV and, of
course, in the accessories section of this magazine.
That’s why what you’ll find on the Out & About Shop are products
from trusted brands like Coleman, Campingaz and Olpro, with many
more coming on board over the next few months. Where we have
reviewed a product, you’ll find that video or article on the shop,
helping you to make an informed decision about where to invest

volurol/stock.adobe.com
your hard-earned cash.
We’re confident that you’ll find something on the Out & About Shop
to pique your interest – so give it a try at W outandaboutshop.co.uk
and, for a limited time, there is an offer running that gives free
delivery on your first order.

Save on shows by pre-booking Spinney continues expansion with further acquisition

Booking deadlines are fast approaching for the Spinney has acquired another great foundations of high standards
remaining 2024 events run by Warners Shows. dealership based in Kenilworth, and traditional family values that
Enjoy four nights with inclusive previously known as Broadlane. This Darren and Steve have built in the
entertainment, for just £82; some events still follows Spinney’s acquisition of White area over many years,” Charlie said.
have electric hook-up available if you fancy a Arches’ two outlets in Wellingborough Spinney Warwickshire will continue
bit of luxury... all shows welcome caravanners and Rushden last month. to stock new Coachman and Swift
for the weekend! The acquisition of Broadlane, which leisure vehicles in Kenilworth, including
O Newark Showground, 14-16 June. is now called Spinney Warwickshire, all warranty work and bookings
Dancefloor fillers entertainment. Book by followed an approach by Ben and previously made through Broadlane.
29 May Charlie Holland, the architects behind Equally, caravans purchased through
O Norfolk Showground, 19-21 July. Roll ‘n’ the Spinney brand, to Broadlane any Spinney branch can be serviced
Roll entertainment. Book by 3 July owners, Steve and Darren Brown. and booked in at the new Spinney
O Three Counties Showground, Malvern, As Spinney looked to expand its Warwickshire branch.
16-18 August. Country Music theme. Book portfolio of caravan, motorhome and Following the recent acquisition,
by 31 July campervan dealerships in the UK, and while the dealership’s name has
O Bath & West Showground, 6-8 September. older brother, Steve Brown, from changed, Spinney said its dedication
Guitar Legends. Booking by 21 August Broadlane wanted to enjoy a more to providing outstanding customer
O Lincolnshire Showground, 20-22 September. relaxed lifestyle, the timing was right service and a premium selection of
End of Season Finale. Book by 4 September and a deal surrounding the Kenilworth leisure vehicles at competitive prices
There is also the superb value Malvern branch was struck. stays the same.
autumn break (4-6 October) where you can “We are excited for this new chapter Spinney is updating details for the
enjoy four nights away for £62. Book by 18 in Spinney’s expansion. We look new branch and answering FAQs to
September. forward to bringing our renowned aid customers. Both companies are
OHead to W warners-shows.co.uk to expertise and customer service to the currently communicating with
place your bookings in time Warwickshire area, building on the customers who have vehicles on order.

Facebook caravanmag X caravanmagazine Web outandaboutlive.co.uk/caravans June 2024 | 75

 Caravan

Whether a sweet treat or a

family meal, grab the bbq
and try some new recipes
IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Pork Ribs and Grilled Corn on the

Your say
What is your favourite dessert
Cob with Smoked Paprika
INGREDIENTS
1.5kg pork ribs 140g tomato paste
to have in your caravan? 4 corn on the cobs with leaves
50g softened butter
2 tbsp honey
100ml chicken stock
1 tsp smoked paprika 50ml red wine
Zest 1 lime 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Sticky toffee pudding with lots of 1 tsp yellow mustard
cream, nothing better when getting Bbq sauce: 1 small bunch thyme
2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp paprika
cosy in the caravan 1 garlic clove Salt / pepper
1 onion
Sally Bailey
METHOD
Our family favourite is always a hot 1. Peel the onion and the garlic, and slice them as finely as
possible. Then, in a pan on your stove, lightly brown the garlic
apple crumble, and it has got to be and onion in a little oil. Add the tomato paste and cook for a few
with custard minutes over a low heat.
2. Add remaining ingredients for the bbq sauce and simmer for
Martin Richardson 10 minutes. Pour into a jar, leave to cool then place in the fridge.
3. Prepare the ribs the night before you want to cook them. To
do so, remove the membrane from the undersides of the bones
and score the fat in a criss-cross pattern. Place the ribs in a deep
My favourite is a cheesecake, dish, brush with the barbecue sauce, cover with plastic foil and
any flavour! keep chilled overnight.
4. Preheat the bbq on a low heat. Wrap the ribs in aluminium foil
Samantha Rogers and grill for one hour and 30 minutes. Then, turn the meat and
cook for another hour. Remove foil and let it rest before serving.
5. Gently pull down the leaves of the corn on the cob, keeping
To discover more recipes that are perfect when you are them attached at the bottom, and remove the silk. Pull leaves
cooking on your caravan tours, and to enter monthly back up and soak the corn on the cobs in water for about 15
competitions with great prizes, make sure that you minutes to prevent them from burning when cooking. Drain them
follow Campingaz on Instagram. thoroughly before cooking.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the flavoured butter by working smoked
paprika and lime zest into the softened butter.
@campingaz_uk 7. Brush the corn with the flavoured butter. Cook them on the bbq
over a medium heat for 10 –15 minutes, turning and basting them
To see the full range, visit campingaz.co.uk with the remaining flavoured butter.
8. Serve ribs with the corn on the cobs and the remaining sauce.

76 | June 2024
Croissant S’mores Charred Squid with Spring Onions and
INGREDIENTS
2 croissants 50g white chocolate,
Smoked Paprika Dressing
50g dark chocolate, broken broken into small pieces INGREDIENTS
into small pieces 50g marshmallows 1 bunch spring onions, washed 1 shallot, peeled and roughly
650g squid, beak, quill and chopped
membrane removed and cleaned 1 garlic clove, peeled and roughly
METHOD 125ml olive oil chopped
1. Light the burner underneath the griddle on your stove 25ml sherry vinegar Salt / pepper
or bbq. Set to a medium heat, allowing five minutes for it 1 tbsp smoked paprika
to warm up.
2. Cut the croissants along their length, leaving them
connected on one side. METHOD
3. Place the opened croissants onto the plate and scatter 1. To make the dressing, add 100ml of olive oil, the sherry vinegar,
the chocolate pieces and marshmallows evenly across the shallot, garlic clove and smoked paprika into a blender and whizz
side of the croissant that will be placed on the cooking together until it forms a smooth purée. Add salt and pepper to taste
surface. before spooning the dressing into a bowl and setting it aside.
4. Close the ‘lid’ of the croissant and place on the griddle 2. Light the burner on your stove or grill and set it to a high heat, wait for
plate or in your frying pan for four minutes. The chocolate the cooking surface to reach temperature and brush it with a little oil.
and marshmallows should be mostly melted. 3. Brush the spring onions with olive oil and season well with salt and
5. Take a spatula and carefully slide it underneath the pepper. Place onto the preheated griddle and cook for a few minutes.
croissants, pressing them closed as you carefully flip them 4. Chop the squid so that you have the tentacles and hood in separate
onto the other side. Cook for another four minutes on this pieces and rub them all over with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
side. 5. Ensure that the griddle is very hot before placing the squid pieces
6. Allow two or three minutes for the croissant s’mores to onto it. Watch them carefully as they will char and cook very fast. Turn
cool before eating them. over after two or three minutes to cook the other side and remove as
soon as both are charred and the squid is still tender.
6. Place half of the spring onions onto one plate and half of the grilled
squid on top. Drizzle over a generous tablespoon or two of the dressing.
Repeat for the second plate and enjoy!

Campingaz Camping Kitchen 2 Multi-Cook

The versatile, new Camping Kitchen 2 Multi-Cook double-burner stove also features an
additional die cast aluminium griddle with single tube burner. This has an upright flame for
optimal heat diffusion, perfect for cooking meat and vegetables, as well as toasting bread.
This stove uses Campingaz’s new Flameguard technology to provide brilliant burner
protection, halving the gas consumption and boiling water 30% faster than other
double-burner stoves for quick and efficient cooking performance in windy conditions.
campingaz.co.uk

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 nteasers
brai
puzzles to exercise yo
ur mind when at ho
me or in the carava
n

sudoku
If you are looking for a way to exercise
your mind, sudoku is great and will
certainly get the cogs turning!

crossword

ACROSS DOWN
7 In the distance (3-3) 1 Mar (6)
8 Large lizard (6) 2 Chesspiece (4)
9 Stare (at) (4) 3 Type of men’s underwear (1-6)
10 Tennis stroke (8) 4 Musk producer (5)
11 Kind of speech or speaker (7) 5 Cruel (8)
13 Long (for) (5) 6 Comparatively cockamamie (6)
15 Taken wing (5) 12 Recently discovered (8)
17 Part of ESP (7) 14 Kind of case (7)
20 Current (2-2-4) 16 Subatomic particle (6)

just for fun 21 Not manual (4)

22 What a ball can do (6)
23 Aimless (6)
18 Approve (6)
19 Old (5)
21 60s hairdo (4)
Find the 22 types of boat

your scribbles

DOWN: 1 Damage, 2 Rook, 3 Y-fronts, 4 Civet, 5 Ruthless, 6 Inaner, 12 Newfound, 14 Federal, 16 Lepton, 18 Ratify, 19 Dated, 21 Afro
ANSWERS ACROSS: 7 Far-off, 8 Iguana, Gawk, 10 Overhand, 11 Keynote, 13 Yearn, 15 Flown, 17 Sensory, 20 Up-to-date, 21 Auto, 22 Bounce, 23 Adrift

78 | June 2024
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