Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2023 i Practical Motorhome

Duration Three nights When Spring Why? Explore the perfect combination of history and scenery Officially, the winter was over, and crocuses and daffodils heralded the start of spring, so we were really feeling the need to get away for a long weekend. However, the weather was still being decidedly fickle, so we opted to head somewhere scenic, but with a choice of interesting places where we could escape indoors if necessary. We based ourselves at Lickhill Manor Caravan Park, Stourport, Worcestershire. The campsite is beautifully landscaped with mature trees, bushes and peaceful ponds. Arriving on site in the early afternoon, we set up quickly and because the weather was fine, decided to take a walk into Stourport, to get our bearings and pick up some essentials. The Severn Way A…

The historic city of Lincoln, which lies between Nottingham to the south-west and Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the north-east, is sometimes overlooked as a touring destination. That’s a shame, because there is much to enjoy in this fascinating place, which in the 13th century was the third-largest city in England. Its importance as a political and cultural centre in the Middle Ages is reflected by its hugely impressive cathedral, which was the world’s tallest structure in 1311 – a record that the city held for more than two centuries. Today’s visitors will find many of Lincoln’s most popular attractions offering a historical bent, but it’s far from stuck in the past – this thriving university city has reinvented itself with Brayford Waterfront, bustling with bars, restaurants…

FRESH THINKING We’re starting with the bedroom of a six-berth motorcaravan not built by a motorhome manufacturer, but by the Portuguese company Catiana. It specialises in bespoke coachbuilt bodies for a variety of uses, but particularly as mobile surgeries and as accommodation for scientific research teams. Interesting cross-pollination of design signatures. FRENCH FANCY Many claim to build liner-class motorhomes, but not all exude sophistication and quality – this Iveco-based 10,500kg French Notin Liner 940G certainly does, however. Joseph and Francis Notin started building trailer caravans over a century ago, and motorhomes in 1948. Unlike many other manufacturers, they began with an ‘integral’, featuring their popular lantern roof. Guide price: €400,000. IT’S ALL IN THE NAME Spanish Benimar motorcaravans are currently exclusively imported into the UK by the Marquis Group. However, not all…

Club Joker and Club Joker City transferred to the T6 version of VW’s Transporter from its predecessor for the 2016 model year. Despite sharing that Club Joker moniker, they are actually quite different types of motorhome. Club Joker City is a short-wheelbase campervan with a front-hinged elevating-roof. Instead of following the well-trodden path of the classic Vee dub camper by placing a run of furniture along the side opposite the sliding door, and using the remaining space to accommodate a bench-style rock-n-roll seat/bed, Westfalia has come up with a corker of a layout. A pair of ergonomically correct, crash-tested, forward-facing Isofix travel seats is placed just behind the (swivelling) cab seats. The former are ahead of the shower and cassette toilet. Yes, that’s right, a shower and a toilet in…

The cost of energy in general has been rising dramatically in recent times, resulting in steep increases in gas and electricity prices. Most motorhomes use bottled gas for cooking and to a lesser extent, space heating. At the time of writing, the cost of refilling a 6kg propane gas bottle (probably the most common size) is an eye-watering £25 to £35, depending on where you purchase it. Luckily, there is a way of minimising this cost – by a margin. The mains hook-up Many motorhome owners choose to spend their time on campsites where there is often a mains hook-up facility. In the UK, hook-up points provide 230V AC along with a breaker set at 10A; that is, if more than 10A is taken, the supply is cut. Another consideration…

How to use the guide We’ve organised our listings by layout, generally the most crucial aspect for buyers. Simply locate the floorplan you like in the guide; then, on the left of it, you’ll find details of every UK model with that layout. Simple! Note that TA in a model name denotes a twin-axle. how to buy… Choosing the number of berths You may feel that this one is easy – you simply have to go for a motorhome that has the same number of sleeping berths as occupants, right? That’s one way of doing it – but taking a look at the bigger picture is a better method, and likely to cause you less frustration in future. If you’re travelling as a couple, opting for a four-berth can be…

What3words ///wanted.shortcuts.helpline Why tour here? From its evocative mythology, to its scientific and philosophical discoveries, ancient relics and glorious natural wonders, Greece really does have it all. And for motorhomers, it has the added novety of being relatively unexplored (at least by touring Brits). Enjoy archaeological sites in the Peloponnese, such as those at Mycenae and Epidaurus, or journey to the impressive monasteries at Meteora. Alternatively, you could venture further to enjoy sun-soaked beaches and olive-strewn groves. This cradle of civilisation will delight anyone with an interest in European history and culture. Don’t miss… Take your pick from an abundance of notable spots: Athens and the glorious Acropolis, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi (near where this photo was taken on National Road 48), or the mighty Mount Olympus,…

1 Driving across the Pennines en route to Kielder Forest while on a three-week trip this April (our long-awaited first for 2023), we stopped for lunch and were joined by this woolly local. Andrew Trantum 2 On a recent motorhome tour of New Zealand, a highlight was a visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook and a stay at Glentanner. Waking up in the morning to see the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere was truly spectacular. David Aldred 3 Springer spaniels Bella and Holly celebrate another day of freedom on our motorhome travels at Hope Cove, South Devon. Richard Jones Email your pictures and their stories (40 words, plus name, address and contacts) to hotshots@practicalmotorhome.com. The best photo will win these guides: All the Aires Spain and Portugal; All the Aires France…

JUMBO CROSSWORD Read down the letters in the shaded squares to spell out a TV series (3, 6, 4) ACROSS 11 Drawing implement (6) 12 Mixtures of ingredients (9) 13 Right-angle degrees (6) 15 Whichever person (7) 16 Stand for (9) 17 Conceal (4) 18 Assistants (7) 19 Scope (6) 20 Study period (6) 23 Use a spade (3) 24 Sweets made from cacao seeds (10) 25 Rubber (6) 28 Leadership (9) 29 Trapeze artist (7) 31 Mental picture (5) 35 Idling (8) 36 Dramatic work set to music (5) 37 Chuckling (8) 39 Burnt remains (5) 41 Dried fruits (7) 42 Spaceman (9) 45 Rode waves (6) 47 Slept through winter (10) 49 Snow runner (3) 52 Bicep or tricep, for example (6) 53 Vertical rock faces (6) 54…

Motorcyclist, sailor, horse rider, state registered nurse, law degree-touting industrial safety expert, mother, grandmother – my sister Faye is many people. And six years ago, when she retired, Faye took on yet another exciting role – that of motorhomer. A solo, female motorhomer, to be precise. While there are no industry figures to show what proportion of the UK’s motorhome owners are solo females, anecdotally, their number appears to be increasing. Online, there are many posts by solo women campers loving their motorhomes and mixing campsite stays with wild camping. They include Siobhan Daniels, a convert to motorhoming who sold her house and most of her possessions to finance the purchase of an Auto-Trail in which she now lives, travelling where the fancy takes her. “I am a firm believer…

“I don’t want to alarm anyone, but there are two men with guns standing on the hill just behind us,” I said, having heard a noise that caused me to glance out of the back window from where we had parked the motorhome. Despite my warning to the contrary, Kim and the children were understandably alarmed, a feeling that escalated to panic when I added that one of the men was heading towards us, gesturing for me to get out. Against my better judgment, I followed his orders, hastily putting on my shoes and stepping outside, the mountain air cold against my skin, my heart thumping and my mind racing. He turned away, beckoning me to follow him up the hill. It was only then that I noticed the barbed…

More perhaps than any other vehicle, the Terrier was the model that really established Wellhouse as a brand. Launched in 2013, a couple of months after Ford unveiled the new-look Transit Custom, it took that year’s NEC show by storm. But that was almost a decade ago, and more recently, other major brands have moved into van conversion, often on Transit-based models. Enter the Misano, the name for what was the Terrier (named after the Italian resort where Wellhouse founder David Elliott has enjoyed holidays). Its new 4.1 model, packed with extra spec as standard, is already NCC approved, with all vehicles registered from inception as a motorcaravan, which makes life easier when it comes to tax. It’s clearly designed to take on those new entrants – and win. So…

Electric bikes are handy on tour. Whether it’s nipping to the village shop or cycling to the beach, an ebike is a convenient way to get around. A good ebike isn’t cheap, though. A new Brompton folder will set you back at least £2995, while the GoCycle range starts from £3399. There are much cheaper options, but quality can be questionable. British brand estarli splits the difference between high-end ebikes and the cheap, sometimes cheerless end of the market. The firm promises quality machines at relatively affordable prices, with a range of folding and non-folding ebikes starting from the £1095 mark. That buys you the e16, with 16-inch wheels and a single gear. We’ve been riding the £1850 e20.8 Play, which comes with 20-inch wheels and eight gears. Folding and…

I’ve been having some ‘fun’ in the workshop recently. First up was a five-year-old Ducato, in for service. When I opened up the bonnet, I immediately spotted a couple of green leaves in the windscreen scuttle. On further investigation, this was found to be a seed that had germinated and was taking root inside the scuttle drain. When I pulled it out, there was over 150mm of root going down the tube! It definitely pays to clean seeds and leaves out of the gutters and from under the bonnet edges every now and then. Loss of power assistance to steering The second job was a mid-2000s Boxer-based motorhome, also in for service, but when the customer arrived, he said he’d lost all power assistance on the steering. On inspection, it…

Jersey travel made easier Visitors to Jersey will no longer need to have a permit to bring over caravans and motorhomes, provided they are staying for no more than a month. Changes to the island’s planning laws mean visitors staying for 31 days or fewer will be automatically granted permission. Jersey’s Minister for the Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, explained: “The existing system seemed overly burdensome for those valued visitors wanting to enjoy a short visit to Jersey without getting caught up in red tape. “There are still criteria in place around the size of vehicles, where they will be stationed overnight and how long they can stay here without a permit, but we hope that removing the pre-holiday administration will make things more straightforward for the holidaymakers and for our…

Cobb Charcoal Barbecue You’ll always want to cook al fresco on this versatile barbecue that lets you roast, smoke, grill and fry anything you fancy! It’s charcoal powered, dishwasher safe and weighs just 3.8kg. Price £169.99 Web lakeland.co.uk Easy Camp Camp Shelter Make the most of your pitch with this cosy camp shelter - it’s perfect for use onsite as additional storage space, or detach the tent for an open gazebo. Price £334.99 Web easycamp.com Luci Solar String Lights These solar-charged lights will keep your evening bright after the sun goes down and last for up to 20 hours on a single charge. The 18ft cord can be draped around your awning or used outside the vehicle. Price £39.95 Web wildbounds.com Chilly’s Series 2 Bottle The ever-popular Chilly’s has brought…

Duration Seven days When April 2023 Why? To follow Route YC and explore some new-to-us parts of East Yorkshire ‘These days, Spurn Point, the distinctive teardrop-shaped spur of land dropping out into the Humber Estuary, is a remote nature reserve’ So where do Yorkshire folk go away for their holidays? They head east to… Yorkshire. Westwards lies Lancashire, which is pretty much no-go. In the opposite direction, though, lies the safety of East Yorkshire and a spread of well-known coastal resorts, plus a bit extra to entice the more adventurous. I’m stereotyping, of course, but there’s more than a smidgen of truth here. Rather than going east, we were coming up from Somerset, and despite lots of previous experience of the likes of Scarborough and Whitby, were easily able to…

1 Kent Footsteps on the White Cliffs of Dover Make time to find Kent’s hidden corner and an opportunity to walk part of the new England Coast Path between Dover and Ramsgate. With an exhilarating RIB ride along the coast, a chance to observe seals in a national nature reserve, and visits to attractive towns like Deal and Sandwich, this is a good long-weekend trip to attach to the beginning or end of a visit to France. 2 Surrey, Kent & Sussex Pop and Fizz Tour the vineyards of Surrey, Kent and Sussex to discover a world of vines and wines to rival champagne. Visit seven vineyards for wine tastings, guided tours and experiences accompanied by great food, all entertainingly punctuated with visits to historic towns like Rye and Battle,…

According to a recent survey, 34% of UK households share their home with a pooch, so it’s clear we’re a nation of dog-lovers. And as more of us choose to tour in the UK, it’s also no surprise that more than half of dog-owners take their four-legged family members with them on holiday. Whether you want to climb hills in the Lake District, relax on beaches in Cornwall or explore the UK’s heritage sites, taking your dog along can make a tour truly memorable. However, it can sometimes be tricky finding a campsite that loves your pets as much as you, or attractions that welcome dogs. If you’re planning a tour with your pooch, it makes sense to do your homework first, to ensure they’ll be well catered for. The…

Bailey moves into van conversions Bailey of Bristol is expanding into van conversions, with a new Ford-based model called Endeavour, due to be launched at this October’s Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC. The Bailey website will be updated on 5 October 2023 with more information about the vehicle. Bailey’s production team recently presented their first pre-production Endeavour to the Ford Pro Special Vehicle Team for evaluation at their UK headquarters in Dunton, Essex. Bailey managing director Nick Howard said, “The introduction of our first van conversion is the next important step in the expansion of our existing motorhome portfolio.” The Bailey staffers also updated the Ford Pro Special Vehicle Team on the work that they have been doing on a concept van conversion based on the Ford E-Transit.…

IN ASSOCIATION WITH It was only when I pulled out of Coachman’s premises in northern Hull and negotiated my way through the city’s streets that I realised just how long its Travel Master motorhome is. In these days of manufacturers trying to make even their coachbuilts narrower and shorter, it is boldly innovative for Coachman to enter the market for the first time with two motorhomes that are well over 8m long. There was no real issue, however. The vehicle I was driving – the TM 565, with fixed single beds in the back – comes equipped with a reversing camera integrated into the infotainment system that gives you a wide view of the road behind. It certainly didn’t feel as though it was more than 8m long when we…

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Emm-Bee makes its move Emm-Bee Motorhomes, in Bury, near Manchester, is finally on the move – some eight years after the dealership started planning for its future. Says Director Phil Barker: “It’s been a very long slog, that’s for sure!”, adding that his company has seen significant development in the past 15 years. “With growth comes a requirement to provide a better display and aftercare facilities. We identified this eight years ago, but finding a five-acre site in the Greater Manchester area, close to motorways, that can serve our national customer base, was proving impossible. A split site was considered, and finally we identified a site just 0.3 miles from our current location. This was acquired and work began last January.” The aim, he says, is “a state-of-the-art site that…