Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2023 i Campervan

Many years ago, I cycled the length of Britain, from John o’ Groats to Land’s End, and discovered one of the joys of living in a small country. Every 50 miles or so the landscape changes. I have been reminded of this as we travel around the coast of England. Each year we do another two counties and, as we go, the scenery gently evolves. Last year, in Norfolk, tidal creeks and million pound second homes gave way to caravan parks and then the Broads. In Suffolk, we are moving onto reedbeds, heathland, shingle beaches and elegant towns. We have opted for Covehithe as our first port of call. A few miles south of Lowestoft, it is a hamlet boasting little more than a few houses and a small seventeenth…

An award-winning, five-star, family-run campsite, in an ideal location to explore Poole, Bournemouth, the Jurassic Coast and the New Forest. The pitches are spacious and will accommodate the largest of units, many being fully serviced with electric hook-ups, hardstandings, a water supply and drainage, plus their own picnic bench. The site is situated in 25 acres of parkland, and in a village location, just three miles from Poole and a 20-minute drive to Bournemouth. We speak to one of the owners, Joanne, about what it takes to run such a popular site. How did you first become the owners of the site and what made you want to run a campsite? We visited the site in 1985 just after we were married. We had just a small tent to our…

HI I mentioned in a previous column that I had downsized my campervan. I had a Danbury Surf, based on a VW T5.1, and it was fantastic. But, as ever with my lifestyle, circumstances change, including how I use my camper. So, I am thrilled to introduce you to Fabio, my Nu Venture Compact micro camper! The ’van is based on a long-wheelbase 2014 Fiat Doblo Cargo. Nu Venture is usually recognised for its bespoke, micro coachbuilt motorhomes. My Compact is one of only a handful of Nu Venture panel van conversions in existence. Why did I downsize? Firstly, I knew my T5.1 wouldn’t get much use this year. I’ve had a busy start to 2023, with speaking at Warners Shows, taking part in Bailey of Bristol’s Sahara Challenge and…

Driveaway awnings are available in either poled (fibreglass, aluminium or steel) or inflatable versions. Generally, inflatable awnings are considered quicker and easier to pitch, and that is certainly the case if you use a 12V compressor, rather than a hand pump, to do all the hard work. But poled awnings are cheaper, lighter and have a smaller packed size, and with a bit of practice can be pitched just as quickly as inflatable versions. Remember to only use a compressor with a pressure that is no higher than the awning manufacturer allows. Poles can break but air tubes can leak; although, in many cases, the air awning will be easier to fix in situ if you can locate the leak and use a repair kit.…

Once you have decided which awning is right for you, there are the extras to consider: ■ Have a selection of pegs to use in the different types of ground. While the metal pegs that are usually supplied with an awning are good enough for normal grassy pitches, you can buy pegs that are specially designed for hardstandings, sandy ground and very soft conditions ■ Many tent and awning manufacturers make lighting that has its own neat attachment points and most will use low-energy LEDs ■ Electric awning heaters will take the chill out of the air in the cooler months ■ Roof liners can add extra insulation, plus, you can get floor liners and carpets for underfoot comfort ■ Inner bedroom tents and annexes are also available to make…

The Great Holiday Home Show takes place at the Great Yorkshire Showground between 8 and 10 September. And to celebrate the launch of the show at its new home, TV star, Matt Baker will be appearing live on stage on Sunday 10 September, alongside fellow TV presenter, Christine Talbot. Matt’s latest TV project, Travels With Mum and Dad, has seen him take a trip around the north of England in a refurbished caravan with his parents, Mike and Janice. Visitors to the show will be able to browse a range of holiday homes, caravans and motorhomes. • Tickets are £12.50, with under-16s entering for free with a paying adult…

The idea of a VW Transporter campervan with a rear kitchen and cassette toilet is nothing new but you can trust Lincolnshire-based Knights Custom Conversions to add its own spice to the recipe. This is a converter that’s making its mark with some very appealing high-end campers. Here is its latest model, the Mountain Tourer, which eschews the bodykit and big wheels style for something much more subtle, and very OEM. With VW’s own 17in Davenport alloys, fully flush windows and LED headlights, it’s how a California might look if you could have a long-wheelbase version. Or one with twin sliding doors. Or a rear kitchen. Or a front-hinged pop-top… As usual, Knights uses only the best brands for the components here, so the roof is from Reimo – and…

Hampshire is a captivating county nestled in the heart of southeast England. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of the New Forest, where wild ponies roam freely amid ancient woodlands. Or, explore the vibrant city of Winchester, with its awe-inspiring cathedral and rich medieval history. You can unwind along the picturesque Hampshire coastline, boasting quaint seaside towns like Lymington and picturesque beaches at Hayling Island. Whether it’s delving into maritime history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard or indulging in delectable local cuisine, Hampshire is a delightful destination for all. TRY New Forest Wildlife Park The wildlife park in Ashurst provides sanctuary for a diverse range of animals, including native species and endangered animals. You'll see red deer, European bison, otters, lynx, wild boar, and various bird species, in spacious enclosures. W…

Let’s face it, as the passenger in a right-hand drive vehicle visiting a left-hand drive country, you’re the one doing all the crucial stuff; waving the key card at a reluctant parking barrier sensor, dealing with the intricacies of toll booths and now (a new one for me) looking at stern-faced border guards upon leaving the Schengen zone. I’m sure I look guilty whenever I encounter officialdom! We’d left Spain a few weeks earlier and were about to plunge into unfamiliar territory in our bid to remain on mainland Europe a little longer, but we kept reminding ourselves how quickly we’d adapted when we’d travelled to Spain for the first time in our ’van. In the end, my anxiety was unfounded. After only a few minutes, we had navigated both…

SPICY EGGS RANCHEROS 30 MINS Campervan cooking doesn’t always have to be greasy fry-ups and tins of beans. With a bit of planning and some larder essentials, it’s easy to rustle up some seriously impressive dishes – whether it’s on the cooker in your ’van or outside on a camping stove or barbecue. And the beauty of it is that you don’t even need to have any particular culinary skills. Believe me when I tell you, if I can cook something, anyone can. Take this fiery breakfast dish, for example. It’s a lot easier than it looks. Inspired by the Mexican morning favourite, huevos rancheros, it makes a simple but exotic alternative to a traditional British brekkie fry-up. It can be served on its own, with warm bread or maybe…

The most common method of attaching an awning is via a rail on the side of your ’van. The awning will have a beading strip on it and this simply slides into the rail when you’re on site. If it’s a driveaway awning, you just slide it off when you want to go out. There are only two types of rails and beading options – a ‘C’ rail (because the channel is C-shaped), or a figure of eight keder rail – but don’t worry too much about this because awning conversion kits are inexpensive (around £20) and are widely available. Most manufacturers have fixing kits available as accessories but, if you are new to campervanning, ask your dealer what it recommends for your specific model of 'van. Cassette canopy awnings…

FIAMMA F45S If you’re looking for an easy-to-use shelter to create a covered area where you can sit outside your campervan, day or night, then this Italian-designed cassette awning is the ideal option. Once fitted to the side of your vehicle, the vinyl canopy opens and closes with a winch handle to quickly create a sheltered space. When it’s not in use, the F45s remains hidden away in its aluminium case, attached to the outside of your ’van. If you want a more enclosed space, there is the option to add a privacy room and it comes in a variety of colours. There is a wide range of sizes available, designed to fit different campervan models. COLEMAN JOURNEYMASTER DELUXE AIR XL BLACKOUT This family-sized awning is the first to feature…

The BULLILOVEstories movie has celebrated its world premiere at the VW Bus Festival in Hanover, Germany. Thousands of campervan enthusiasts gathered at Hermesplatz to witness the screening of the film. It is part of the #BULLILOVEstories series, in which VW campervan enthusiast, Christian Schlüter, embarked on a remarkable journey covering more than 34,000 miles, through 33 countries, in less than a year. The film showcases the diverse stories of VW campervan owners from around the world, delving into their experiences and the love they have for the campervan lifestyle. From a couple in Switzerland whose affection for their VW campervan is evident in their wedding rings, to a passionate VW campervan fan from the UK who ensures the cleanliness of Cornwall's beaches with his T2 campervan boasting over 1.3 million…

I’ve never been cool in my life. The only time I ever got close to it was when I played football with Oasis and Robbie Williams backstage at Glastonbury in the summer of 1995. But when I got behind the wheel of this Volkswagen ID Buzz campervan conversion, it felt like I was making a slight return to those heady Britpop days – without the mud or beer, obviously. The admiring glances, the pointing, the headlights flashing; as I zipped along the Sussex coastal roads, for a while I really did feel like I was the centre of attention. Of course, all this had nothing whatsoever to do with me and everything to do with the ID Buzz. What’s the story? If you've been living under a rock this past…

KELTY BESTIE BLANKET We’ve all got a favourite blanket – you know the one, it’s super cosy and brings back lots of lovely memories of sitting fireside on a camping trip or snuggling down in the ’van to read a book or watch a movie. Well, we reckon we might have just found your new favourite – the Kelty Bestie Blanket. Finished with super-soft fabric and filled with cosy CloudLoft insulation, it’s perfect for the beach, picnics, festivals and wrapping up on a chilly evening – you could even use it as an extra layer over your duvet or sleeping bag when the temperatures plummet. It’s available in four colours – Treeline, Patches, Kaleidoscope and Blackcountry Plaid – and even comes with its own handy stuff sack. W kelty.com PRICE…

ALSO IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE • The most luxurious UK campervan ever?• Enjoy a vampire weekend in Whitby• French fancy – a cross-Channel trip after three years away PLUS NEWS, VIEWS, REVIEWS AND MUCH MORE PAPERLESS SUBSCRIPTION Get five issues of Campervan for £5, then pay just £2.99 a month and get instant access to the latest issue as well as every issue of Campervan ever published. All pages are fully searchable so you can easily find answers to any campervan question you may have! SUBSCRIBE NOW motorhome.ma/exdigi22cpvn SEE PAGES 36-37 FOR MORE DETAILS…

MEADOW LAKES HOLIDAY PARK Hewas Water, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 7JG T 01726 882540 W meadow-lakes.co.uk OPEN 1 April – 6 November With four on-site fishing lakes, Meadow Lakes is an ideal choice for a fishing break in the Cornish countryside near St Austell. The other non-fishing members of your group will love the fact that there’s plenty to keep them occupied, too. This includes a heated outdoor pool, a café with indoor and outdoor seating, a pet’s corner, a play area and tennis courts. The four coarse lakes are free to fish during your stay and are surrounded by lots of wildlife and flora. The lakes are situated at the bottom of the site in tranquil surroundings, ranging in size and suitable for all abilities Pitches are grassed or paved…

Awning fabrics are a critical factor when buying. Materials used vary from lightweight, thin polyester to top-quality, solution-dyed acrylic. They can vary enormously in weight, look and feel and your choice will depend on how you plan to use the awning. Look out for fabrics that are tough, breathable and dry quickly and are protected against damaging UV light, as well as being robust enough to withstand strong winds and provide you with a degree of insulation. Polyester is quick to dry after rain and is light to handle when you’re constructing and packing it away. They’re less expensive than acrylic options but still provide good levels of waterproofness. The next step up is polycotton – sometimes called technical cotton. This is a combination of natural and man-made fabrics and…

THURSDAY Stone Cold Country John Doherty The Jeff Gallant Duo Martin Jaye FRIDAY The Breeze Souls N Stone The Bob Morgan Band James & Wood SATURDAY HEADLINE ACTS Cash Revisited Jodie McKay Clint Bradley Band SATURDAY The Diablos Westcoasters SUNDAY Blue Horizon Band 3rd & Lindsley Badlands Kay D SATURDAY HEADLINE TICKETS ADULT: £15 CHILD: £7.50 WHEN PRE-BOOKED FOUR NIGHTS CAMPING FOR £80.00 WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDED SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVE £5 OFF THEIR PITCH WWW.WARNERS-SHOWS.CO.UK…

Campervan and motorhome insurance specialist, Caravan Guard, has been named the winner of the 2023 motorhome insurance survey, conducted by our sister magazine, What Motorhome. The Summer issue features the magazine’s annual insurance survey, which is unique in the motorhome and campervan market. What Motorhome has been investigating and reporting on specialist insurance cover for motorhomes for more than two decades and its annual report covers all the leading insurance companies in the sector, with each one assessed for the quality of its cover, as well as for its value for money. Quotes uncovered during the survey ranged from under £350 to well over £600, while the level of cover provided has to be considered, too. Caravan Guard took the top spot this year because of its keen pricing and…

The latest addition to the Horus campervan range mixes a UK layout with the keen pricing you expect from an Italian brand like Rimor. And it even has its sliding door on our nearside, unlike most imported models. This is a six-metre Fiat with the 140bhp engine and manual gearbox – the automatic is an additional £2,600, while metallic paint is an extra £995. Colour-coded bumpers, an electric step and an external shower are all standard, while the alloy wheels are £995. Unusually on a continental camper, the Horus also comes with a 25kg underslung LPG tank. The Horus doesn’t have all the latest Fiat base vehicle bells and whistles but it does have stop/start. The 5in radio display (with Bluetooth and USB input) is a combined option with the…