Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2023 i Practical Motorhome

The large, bi-annual motorhome shows at the Birmingham NEC have been a fixture on the calendar for a long time now, so it’s been really interesting to learn more about the plans for the new Great Holiday Home Show, due to be held in Harrogate in early September. This event used to be known as the Lawns and only featured caravans; now, though, it’s been reimagined and is all set to host motorhomes, too. Our Peter goes into more detail on p83, but suffice to say, the show could be the first opportunity you’ll get to see the latest 2024 models in the metal – and what with the NEC show the following month, we motorhomers are in for a treat! Also this month, if you’re considering converting your own…

Dog gate Keep your pooch safe on-site with this retractable dog gate, which comes with its own easy-to-fit brackets and is super-compact when not in use. Price £79.95 Web dog-g8.com 2-in-1 Lantern This water-resistant, USB-rechargeable lantern offers 360-degree light and has two removable torches and two strong handles, great for carrying or hanging from an awning. Price £25 Web amazon.co.uk Toilet roll carrier When nature calls on a long hike, be prepared with this nifty waterproof toilet roll carrier, with a 2.5cm opening, zip top and attachment ring. Price £10.99 Web amazon.co.uk Mini projector Great for movie buffs and family film nights, this mini projector has built-in speakers and a remote control and offers HDMI, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. It weighs just 1.2kg. Price £129.99 Web amazon.co.uk Cutlery set This…

Peak season, and here at PM HQ, we’ve been abandoning the desks to get out and about. We’ve loved the chance to spend time on the road and in motorhomes – a photoshoot in Yorkshire, a tour of Scotland (check out some of the brilliant events going on, overleaf) and, over the past weekend, a fantastic festival experience. Suffice to say, we love what we do and you can expect to see plenty of coverage from these recent trips in upcoming issues. One thing we’ve all enjoyed is the camaraderie and friendship we’ve encountered onsite and on the road – a big shout-out to all the people who’ve helped or chatted with us during our recent adventures! Talking of adventures, what exciting travel can we inspire you with this month?…

Northern Ireland might not be at or near the top of your must-visit destinations list, but it certainly should be. The shortest crossing (with Stena Line) takes two hours and 15 minutes, from Cairnryan in Scotland to Belfast. Sailing from Liverpool will take you around eight hours. Once there, you’ll be hugely impressed by the fabulous destinations and attractions to choose from, both out in the wilds and in the towns and cities. Northern Ireland boasts numerous unspoilt seaside resorts, world-famous natural phenomena and one of the UK’s great new museums, but it’s the warm welcome you’ll experience from these superbly friendly folk that will make the biggest impression. Beyond Belfast, the gorgeous countryside in this surprising province is just sensational, making it the perfect region to explore in a…

The beautiful north-west has so much to offer, from marvellous Manchester (it’s been transformed in the past 20 years) to the phenomenal Lake District. At peak times, avoid the more touristy areas, such as Windermere and Bowness, and head inland to explore the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or trek north to the Solway Coast AONB. Safe to say, whichever direction you travel, you’ll find stunning scenery or truly beautiful beaches, plus pretty towns and villages with excellent cafés, restaurants, shops and attractions. To make the most of this glorious region, it’s best to take your walking boots and your waterproofs… oh, and don’t forget the dog! Summer events ■ The Manchester Craft Beer Experience, on 27 August 2023, is a guided tour of the city’s finest…

Full of hidden gems, the Heart of England combines bucolic countryside with fascinating historical sites and charming market towns. From the rolling greenery of the Shropshire Hills and the Cotswolds to the vibrant cities of Birmingham, Oxford and Cheltenham, there is simply no end of summer adventure to be enjoyed. If you are in search of some serenity, head to Herefordshire, where the scenic River Wye flows through pretty towns such as Hay and the splendid Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. History buffs, meanwhile, can explore the region’s rich industrial past, with visits to Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale and the fascinating Black Country Living Museum. Summer events ■ Shrewsbury Folk Festival, running from 25-28 August 2023, offers visitors beer tents full of local brews, live music, craft stalls, children’s zones…

Delightful Dorset has so much to offer motorhomers, from its pretty county town, Dorchester, to the seaside treasures of Christchurch, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Poole, and the mighty Jurassic Coast, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further inland, the whole area is a gently rolling patchwork of fields, home to the unforgettable Cerne Abbas giant, the magnificent Kingston Lacy country estate and stunning Highcliffe Castle. Dorset may be rather ‘out-touristed’ by Devon and Cornwall, but for most of us, it’s appreciably nearer, so a shorter drive, and it really does have just as much to shout about. That includes many sensational campsites and loads to do for children and adults. Summer events ■ Fascinating and informative Guided Coast Walks by Jurassic Coast Trust ambassador Vincent Sheppard cost just £5. Join Vince…

Always make use of a pre-departure checklist It pays to use a simple pre-departure checklist before you set off: INTERIOR Windows and rooflights locked □ Everything stowed securely □ Lockers/cupboards/drawers locked □ Hook-up lead stowed □ Gas turned off □ Fridge door locked, 12V selected □ Control panel checked □ EXTERIOR Walk around/look underneath □ Wind-out awning retracted □ Bikes secure on rack □ Exterior-access locker doors secure □ Elevating-roof lowered and secured (campervans only) □ Use the cruise control If your ’van has cruise control, use it, because it is easy to increase your speed without realising. When changing lanes, remember ‘M-S-M-M’. Overtaking demands double-checking in the nearside mirror that your vehicle is well clear of what has been passed, before returning to the original lane. Watch out for…

The news that MBH Corporation has signed up Northamptonshire dealership White Arches to a growing portfolio of leisure vehicle businesses is interesting. White Arches joins another well-known UK dealer, Robinsons Caravans, which has been with MBH since March 2020. They are part of Leisure Vertical, which MBH describes as “one of seven vertical business lines spanning five countries”. Paul Seabridge, CEO of Robinsons Caravans and the MBH Corporation Leisure Vertical, says: “With continued interest in owning motorhomes in the UK, we feel the timing is right for White Arches to become part of a larger group. The MBH model allows us to continue to grow White Arches organically, while collaborating and networking with experienced business leaders across a range of sectors, in the UK and internationally.” Email Nick via practical.motorhome@futurenet.com…

JULY 2014 MISSED AN ISSUE? Want to purchase a past issue of Practical Motorhome magazine? Simply call 0330 333 1113, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/single-issue or email help@magazinesdirect.com…

1 Ballyness Caravan Park Ballyness, in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, is the ideal base for exploring the Giant’s Causeway and the coastline. Onsite, three ponds are home to wildfowl, herons and other birdlife, grass areas have been set aside to encourage frogs, and there’s a wooded wetland for wildlife. A well provides water for maintenance work and solar panels supply power. Street lighting is from LEDs placed low down to reduce the level of light pollution. ⓦ ballynesscaravanpark.com 2 Trewan Hall At Trewan Hall, the gardens and woodlands are home to a large variety of plants and trees, as well as owls and a wildflower meadow. The Cornish campsite is respectful of its agricultural heritage, with plant selection appropriate rather than ornamental, and careful woodland management. Use of green cleaning…

Uniquely beautiful landscapes, world-class beaches and truly wild spaces – Scotland really does have it all! So it’s no surprise that this wonderful country is increasingly popular for touring. These days, with the introduction of the hugely successful NC500 road trip, visitors are realising the peaceful bliss of driving through mountains, heathland and coastal areas. In the Highlands, the gorgeous coastlines and wealth of ancient sites are worth risking the summer midges for, while the country’s milder weather lends itself to pleasant hiking, walking and cycling in the beautiful national parks. Scattered throughout the area are vibrant cities, towns and villages, many hosting a number of important cultural events over the summer. Summer events ■ For Fringe by the Sea, think Edinburgh Fringe, but with the bonus of fabulous sea…

Home to some of Britain’s finest beaches and a wealth of superb campsites, Wales is perennially popular with summer holidaymakers. Visitors flock to the glorious coastlines of Pembrokeshire and the Gower, while those seeking outdoor activities head inland to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons). In the summer, the region is also buzzing with events and activities. Many of the historic castles run family-friendly weekends, while local communities enjoy annual traditions that welcome everyone. If you’re a sunseeker who doesn’t mind the crowds, then head to the south coast for the warmest weather. For relative solitude and a cooler climate, you could try the quieter areas, such as the Llŷn Peninsula and the Cambrian Mountains. Summer events ■ The world-famous National Eisteddfod held at Boduan, Gwynedd,…

England’s south-east may not get all the accolades garnered by its famed south-western counterpart, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy its lush countryside and wonderfully varied coastline. The seaside towns of Kent have been resurgent in recent years, and the rolling hills of East and West Sussex will take some beating, while Brighton and Eastbourne are holiday hotspots with a huge dose of culture added for good measure. Destinations such as Arundel, with its stupendous castle (one of many in the area), and iconic Goodwood, offer unique experiences. Summer events ■ Visit Eastbourne Feastival over the late summer bank holiday weekend of 26-28 August 2023 to enjoy a really fabulous celebration of family, food, music and culture. Here, you’ll be able to see everything from street artists and live…

Anybody who is keen to take to the waves will love a trip to Woolacombe or Croyde, two top-rated surfing beaches on the northern coast of this beautiful part of the world. Alternatively, if you prefer simply to relax on the sands or paddle in the shallows, you could head to South Devon and explore 22 miles of breathtaking coastline, which make up the splendid English Riviera. Then, for a change of scene, take a trip inland to discover Exmoor and Dartmoor, and soak up the beauty of these two exceptional national parks. Summer events ■ Aficionados of all things steam-driven should head to Brixham, South Devon, for the Torbay Steam Fair (4-6 August 2023), a celebration of the Age of Steam, which will also have vintage cars, military vehicles,…

When it was known as the Lawns show, the annual extravaganza in early September held in the grounds of Hull University was a caravan-only event. But now it has moved to Harrogate, and after a hiatus caused by the pandemic, rechristened itself the Great Holiday Home Show, it is allowing in motorhomes as well. So far, major UK leisure vehicle brands, including Swift, Erwin Hymer Group UK, Bailey and Coachman, have all said they will be at the event, and some of these manufacturers will be showing their new 2024 models there as well – possibly the first time you could get to see them. So it should be well worth popping over to Harrogate some time during the weekend of 8-10 September. You can find out more at thegreatholidayhomeshow.co.uk.…

A fridge – almost every motorhome has one. Some are compressor types, but the vast majority are absorption or three-way fridges. It can be a bit confusing, but basically, these use heat to make cold. I won’t go into too much detail, because it does get quite complicated, but the heat source – whether that’s a gas flame, a mains-powered heating element or a 12V heating element – boils a liquid inside the cooling unit, turning it to vapour. This flows around the cooling unit, owing to a thermosyphon action (heat rises, cold falls) and as it moves through the various sections, eventually turns back to liquid. The change of state takes energy (in the form of heat) from its surroundings – and that is a simplified version of how…

One of the things I’ve always added to the Alde heating system in our ’vans over the years is an outside temperature sensor. These will work with both the Alde 3020 and the latest 3030 systems. They will also operate with the original 3010 unit, although the connection is different from what is being described here. I don’t have a particular fascination with the weather (well, no more than your average Brit!), but as a point of interest, I do like to know what it’s doing outside the cosiness of our home-from-home, especially in the colder months. Yes, I could open the door and await the cold blast, just before I hear the warning, “Close that door, you’re letting all the warmth out!”, but as I like clever gadgets and…

Our expert panel Sarah Wakely Editor-in-chief sarah@practicalmotorhome.com Paul Critcher Deputy editor paul.critcher@futurenet.com Peter Baber Reviews editor peter.baber@futurenet.com Gentleman Jack Contributor askjack@practicalmotorhome.com Nick Harding Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com Diamond Dave Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com IS MY ’VAN’S FRIDGE OPERATING CORRECTLY ON THE GAS SUPPLY? Q I am not new to motorhoming, but when my husband died at the end of 2020 (just one month short of 60 years married), I sold our Autocruise. When my senses returned, I bought a recently converted Citroën Berlingo mini-motorhome. It has its shortfalls (after our bigger ’van), but is well made. We had a 12V fridge before, but this vehicle has a three-way one. It lights as it should, with a press of the piezo igniter, and a red line moves over into the green section of the display.…

1 Dolphins off the west Cornish coast The heartwarming sight of ‘smiling’ dolphins bounding through the waves is not confined to Cornwall, but locals in the know are usually to be found spotting them through telescopes from the cliffs at Porthgwarra, just south of Land’s End. Here, the waters can teem with bottlenose or common dolphins (which may live in pods of up to 100). The rather more solitary harbour porpoise, dubbed the ‘puffing pig’ for its snuffling breathing sound, might be glimpsed rolling around closer to shore off much of the South-West’s coastline. Stay at Lands End Camping & Glamping ⓦ landsendcamp.co.uk 2 Turnstones in the Taw/Torridge estuary The expansive tidal estuary on the north Devon coast, into which the Taw and Torridge rivers flow, is a birdwatcher’s nirvana…

The real beauty of England’s north-eastern counties is that they’re perhaps some of the least visited in the UK, so you can get back to nature and experience genuine tranquility, without the crowds that can make some places a bit of a trial. In particular, the beaches are spectacular and perfect for dog owners. Plus, you’ve got a huge choice of pretty towns and villages to explore, and more fabulous castles than you can poke a stick at! These range from the dramatic coastal ruins at Dunstanburgh to superb Alnwick Castle, with its Harry Potter credentials and splendid gardens. For city-lovers, a day trip to explore Newcastle-upon-Tyne is another great attraction. While you’re there, don’t miss the beautiful Quayside area, and the brilliant (and free) Discovery Museum. Summer events ■…

Looking for a spot of leisurely shopping and the chance to take in some history? Then Norwich and Cambridge are sure to deliver – these two vibrant cities each have their own great stories to tell. Perhaps you prefer to get some fresh sea air instead? Then look no further than the picturesque Norfolk coast. Alternatively, you may want to immerse yourself in nature. This region ticks all the right boxes again, with the beautiful Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Broads National Park just two of the many local attractions. Summer events ■ You can perfect your cooking skills (or just enjoy some superb food!) at the Norwich Foodies Festival on 8-10 September 2023. At this gourmet heaven, MasterChef champions will provide expert demonstrations, while stars…

Centred on Bristol and Bath, this region is one that many people seem to speed through on their way south to Devon or Cornwall. But that’s a shame, because there are plenty of reasons to stop and sample what this lively part of the world has to offer visitors. Historic Bath is a great place to start, with its Roman history, amazing architecture, great shops and lively cultural vibe. If nature’s your thing, head down to the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and check out the splendours of Cheddar Gorge. The vast limestone ravine is unmissable, but consider leaving the tourist area at the foot of the valley and hiking up to the top of the gorge for sensational views. Summer events ■ The Bristol Balloon Fiesta attracts…

The picture-perfect coastline and beaches of Cornwall offer plenty of super seaside walks, with breathtaking scenery for company. There are also loads of opportunities for excellent surfing, with iconic Newquay remaining a particularly popular place for getting out on the water. A visit to the ruins of Tintagel will allow you to immerse yourself in the great Arthurian legends, while the numerous fishing villages and coves offer visitors a spectacular reminder of Cornwall’s fine maritime heritage. For a rather more mysterious experience, how about a visit to picturesque, atmospheric Bodmin Moor? Just keep your eyes peeled for any beasts! Summer events ■ What better way to say fond farewells to a brilliant touring season than heading to the UK’s surf capital, to enjoy great beer and excellent music at the…