Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2025 i Practical Motorhome

The Extra Mile: Delicious alternatives to motorway services This glovebox guide to finding good food on the move has over 275 pit-stops and places to break long journeys across England, Scotland and Wales. Find farm shops and cafés, dog-friendly pubs, delis, gardens, vineyards, National Trust cafés and more. Includes 20 maps and costs £15.99. The Coast Café Guide: Eating on the edge A great gift for beach-lovers, featuring some 150 coastal eating experiences, from beach shacks to gourmet, seaview stop-offs. Icons show accessibility, parking, organic, family- and dog-friendly, GF, veggie-vegan, Wi-Fi, EV charger, sustainable ethos and more. Includes 10 maps and costs £17.99. The Farm Shop Guide: Farm-to-fork food Gathers Britain’s best farm shops (and their cafés and restaurants) into one guide. Features 165 places to enjoy local food, whether…

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 France; All the Aires Spain and Portugal; Road Trip Europe – Best of Belgium; All the Aires Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Go Motorhoming and Campervanning; Sea View Camping Scotland; Sea View Camping West Country; Road Trip Europe – The Great War and More; and Road Trip Europe – Go Dutch. Note, list of prize books may change depending on stock. All are from Vicarious Books, www.vicarious-shop.com 0131 208 3333.…

SUDOKU To solve the puzzle, each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. No single digit can appear twice in any one row, column or 3x3 box HALF & HALF Which Asian dish derives its name from the Tamil for ‘flesh’? Cross out a letter in each square to get a grid filled with words. The uncrossed-out letters in the shaded squares will complete the puzzle answer! WORDWISE You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square. No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words are allowed. There is one nine-letter word in the grid, for which the clue is: Ruling female…

Romantic Road Germany Distance 280 miles Time Three to seven days Start Würzburg Finish Füssen When to travel July to October for better overall weather conditions Top tip Consider a December trip to take in the traditional Christmas markets Start/finish campsites ■ Camping Main-Spessart Park W camping-main-spessart.de ■ Camping Brunnen W camping-brunnen.de You don’t need to be a genius to work out what draws people to Germany’s Romantic Road – its sense of romance. Starting in the northern regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the route takes in picturesque villages, historic medieval towns, beautiful vineyards, and stunning palaces and castles, and ends dramatically at the foot of the Alps in southern Bavaria. Your journey begins in the city of Würzburg (right). You’ll be keen to hit the road, but be sure…

A couple of years ago, when EHG UK announced that it was giving its Xplore caravan brand a major upgrade, it also revealed plans to bring out the first-ever Xplore campervan. Thanks partly to the fallout from lockdown, it took a while to arrive. The four-berth, rear-lounge CV X8 was launched at the start of the 2025 season, and has now been joined by two more models, the three-berth CV X5, with more storage at the back, and the CV X9, like the X5 but with a pop-top roof like the X8. All three motorhomes look the part, with an understated military grey exterior complete with resin decals in a contour pattern, which is repeated inside on the headrests and continued on the rear windows. It also has black alloy…

Adria was originally a model name for IMV (Industrija Motornih Vozil) which, uniquely among motorhome brands, had ‘headquarters’ in both the former Yugoslavia and, to a lesser extent, Belgium. For the duration of most readers’ memories, its Novo Mesto factory has been in Slovenia. IMV increasingly used ‘Adria’ as the manufacturing name and its first motorhome, an overcab coachbuilt based on the Renault Trafic, was unveiled in the mid-1980s. Adria’s first A-class (integral) motorhome, the Vision, appeared in 2006, built on the Renault Master. Sonic was thought to be the result of difficulties getting the Master during 2014, and Adria’s desire to broaden its A-class offering. All Sonics built during our timeframe use the Fiat Ducato. The entry-point Sonic Axess and upper mid-range Sonic Plus are on the standard Fiat…

At first glance, it might not seem to be an essential upgrade for a middle-aged motorhome, but turning our 1998 ’van into a connected vehicle makes sense for both of us. We work full-time and, with hybrid working now the norm, there’s really no need to be in the office every day. But reliable internet access is essential if your plan is to finish your working week from a campsite. While tethering to your phone might work, a dedicated mobile SIM card and router is a more reliable connection. Wherever you tour, this set-up will allow you to choose a network provider with good coverage in your location, while freeing up your phone. It means that you will then be able to connect tablets, laptops or smart TVs without draining…

Featuring new 2025 models! About the guide We’ve organised our listings by layout, which is 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, of which we had confirmed details as we went to press. All information was correct at the time of going to print. how to buy… Choosing a layout Before you get close to buying your dream ’van, you need to have a good think about how you are likely to use the vehicle: is it just for touring, or for day-to-day use as well? If the latter, you might need a shorter vehicle with more travel seats in the back. And you need…

what3words ///barbarian.brains.wished Why tour here? One of the gateways to the Inner Hebrides, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula is a beautiful part of Scotland’s West Coast and the location of the most westerly point of the British mainland, Corrachadh Mòr. The small ferry terminal at Kilchoan is reached via the B8007 from Salen, which at times is single-track, running parallel to the coast before moving inland at Ardslingnish and then south again to Kilchoan. From there, you can catch the ferry to Tobermory on Mull, where you can take further steps into the Scottish islands. Don’t miss… The boat! CalMac is the major operator of ferries in Western Scotland and with limited sailing opportunities and a tight schedule, there is no time to wait for latecomers – so arrive early, safe in…

The National Forest Walking Festival is set to return this May, marking its 16th year of celebrating the beauty, accessibility and transformation of a truly unique landscape in the Midlands. Running from 16 to 26 May 2025, the festival invites walkers of all ages and abilities to explore the regenerated environment of the National Forest, which spans 200 square miles over three counties. Since the 1990s, the National Forest has been transformed into a thriving green space, encompassing ancient woodlands, meadows and waterways in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Continuing conservation work means it now stands as a beacon of regeneration and sustainability. This year’s festival offers participants a huge choice of guided walks and outdoor experiences suitable for all, including: Gentle, accessible walks More than 20 routes covering less than…

It is often assumed that models in a brand’s budget range will be the same layouts as the main line-up, just stripped of some spec. But that isn’t always the case. When Adria relaunched Sun Living in the UK this season, it included one layout in its campervan range that you can’t get in mainstream Adrias. We checked out the new ’van, the V65 SL, at the brand’s season launch. As standard, the Fiat Ducato-based vehicle comes in solid white, a colour scheme that signals its budget origins: there are only fairly basic grey decals. But Expedition Grey and Metallic Black are both available as cost options. The cab is standard Fiat – go for the Fiat Luxury Pack and you can enliven it with a 10in multimedia screen that…

Just our luck. Our long-term Bailey Adamo was weeks away from being returned when we had a minor incident in a narrow lane, with a gentle nudge to both rear corners knocking off the GRP fairings. It wasn’t me, but I volunteered to get the damage repaired, because I thought it would be a great opportunity to squeeze in one more weekend with the ’van before it went back. Looking for a local destination The week before I picked up the vehicle had been quite hectic, so I didn’t really fancy a long drive to get to where we were going. The Ford-based Adamo 75-4I is a pleasure to drive, especially with its automatic gearbox, as I discovered after many trips with it last year. But you do want to…

MINI CARABOOT BY EUXTON COACHCRAFT 1964 Series 2 of the Hall of Fame commenced with one Austin/Morris minivan motorcaravan and it’s concluding with another. Caraboot claimed to be a motorcaravan, a caravan and a boat! It was designed and built by Eric Newby and Norman Theobald of Euxton Coachcraft. Precisely how many were built isn’t clear, but there were at least two. The additional bodywork was in moulded GRP and looked to be well executed, but rather heavy. A third axle supported the removable caravan unit. The extra drag caused by the third axle, combined with a significantly increased mass, must have been hard work for the original unmodified 848cc petrol engine. The caravan section contained four sleeping berths, a lounge dinette, a two-burner hob and a sink. Unfortunately, it…

Can old sometimes be gold? Since the pandemic, there has been a marked increase in the popularity of motorhomes, perhaps brought on by the restrictions on foreign travel that were in place during that period. These days, we are still seeing quite a few newcomers to the lifestyle, and one popular option is to buy an older motorhome, almost certainly because of the sharp rise in prices we’ve seen over the past four years or so. The burning question is, does it make sense to buy a ’van that’s 20 years old, or more? Well of course, it can do if you’re really lucky. ‘The burning question is, does it make sense to buy a ’van that’s 20 years old or more?’ For example, a friend of mine owns a…

MAY 2014 This beautiful spring image took us to the heart of Scandinavia. We also featured a dozen mini-breaks in the UK, Lincolnshire’s daffodil trail and the hottest NEC show launches! Is downsizing the way to go? Reader Richard Hodgson weighed up the pros and cons of changing to a smaller vehicle (right) This Marquis Majestic 125 dealer special was packed full of features and praised by our reviewers for its rear bed with ample storage (below) Writer Alastair Clements was in crime-drama heaven as he and his family headed to Sweden and Denmark to explore the landscapes of some of Scandinavia’s top TV shows MISSED AN ISSUE? Want to purchase a past issue of Practical Motorhome magazine? Simply call 0330 333 1113, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/singleissue or email help@magazinesdirect.com…

Gozney’s guide to the UK’s hidden outdoor gems From Cornwall’s white-sand beaches to the rolling hills of the Peak District, the UK boasts stunning destinations offering a retreat from daily life. The trend for discovering secret spots is on the rise, with 15,600 online searches for ‘UK hidden gems’ in the past year. To uncover the best hidden outdoor escapes, Gozney – manufacturers of a fully portable pizza oven – analysed 37 top UK locations, ranking them based on campsites, walking trails, weather conditions and visitor reviews. The complete listing is at gozney.com, and here are six of our favourites: 1 Shanklin Chine, Isle of Wight A 10,000-year-old gorge with waterfalls, woodland and illuminated night walks. It has the best visitor reviews, mild temperatures (11.6°C) and minimal rainfall. Nearby campsites…

A growing debate is unfolding across the Scottish Highlands as local councils and campsite owners face off over policies affecting campervan tourism. Moray Council recently announced a consultation with the local community about plans to introduce designated overnight parking areas for campervans and motorhomes on council-owned land. In response, 37 campsite operators have joined forces as the Highland Caravan and Campsites Association (HCCA), to campaign against free overnight parking and the proposed 5% tourist tax, arguing that if they came into effect, they would directly compete with their businesses. HCCA chair Ann Edwards stated that “everyone was concerned about the visitor levy being proposed by the Highland Council and how this will negatively affect our businesses”. Meanwhile, parts of Spain are seeing similar tensions rise as a result of growing…

Duration Five nights When Spring 2024 Why? To enjoy the glorious Peak District in the quieter season and finally tick Mam Tor off our bucket list As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am far from being a foodie, but I am prone to a bit of menu indecision, and when faced with a Pick’n’Mix Sausage dinner recently, my indecisiveness went into overdrive. Four types of sausage, four flavoured mash choices, four sauces to lavish over them… how to decide? Especially when we were feeling rather tired, damp and muddy after an aborted walk up Mam Tor in the Peak District. Mam Tor translates literally as Mother Hill, but it is also known by the rather less romantic moniker of Shivering Mountain, owing to the landslips on its…

WHEN TO GO It was October, and just leading up to Halloween when we visited – but we weren’t scared; autumn might be cooler but it is also less busy. WAY TO GO We came across from the south-west, so our time on the infamous M25 was brief. At certain times of day – morning and evening rush hours being the main examples – that motorway can take a fair bit of negotiating for a motorhome. WHERE WE STAYED Fairlight Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Site Watermill Lane, Pett, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4HY W caravanclub.co.uk Tel 01424 812 333 Open 14 March - 3 November Pitches 42 Price £73.40 (two nights, hardstanding with electric hook-up) Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club Site East Brighton Park, Wilson Avenue, Brighton, East Sussex…

NEC show garners positive feedback Manufacturers have given a thumbs-up to February’s Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, despite a slight overall fall in visitor numbers. Although visitors at the show, which ran from 18 to 23 February at the NEC, were down from 95,467 in 2024 to 89,207 this year, some exhibitors say they saw sales rise by 20% this year. That 6.7% drop is a smaller decline compared with last October’s show, which saw a 10.9% drop in numbers. This perhaps suggests visitors are committed to the February show because they expect delivery to be sooner. Adria UK MD Slavica Sterk said her expectations about the show had been exceeded. “Sales are up by 20% from last year, and it’s clear this is the right place to showcase our…

Just under 90,000 people (89,207, to be precise) came through the doors of the NEC in Birmingham between 18 and 23 February to browse the stands and displays of the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2025. Although traditionally, the February event isn’t the main one for major motorhome launches, it still unveils a few new models – and there were plenty of exciting new awnings and touring accessories to look at, too. Here is our selection of the best. Motorhomes Bailey goes XL Brand-new XL versions of Bailey’s Adamo range were on view for the first time at the show. The XL-I, with island bed, the XL-T, with twin beds, and the XL-DL, with a rear lounge and two drop-down beds, are all 8m long. They also come on a…

Regular readers of Practical Motorhome will know that last month I revealed how (after months of consideration on layout and kit levels), I bought a pre-owned Autocruise Select 144 from Somerset Motorhome Centre. After collecting the vehicle from the dealership – which has large premises near Taunton – we were helpfully booked into Cornish Farm Touring Park a few miles down the road, in order to test everything out before taking the motorhome home the following day. Cornish Farm Touring Park is a pleasant site just outside Taunton, and on turning up I remembered that I’d stayed here before, some years ago – all of the pitches are neatly laid out around a central facilities block, which would certainly be handy if anything went wrong with the vehicle. We had…

Thirty years of service at Travelworld Congratulations to James Prime, who celebrates 30 years of after-sales service at the Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld dealership! Joining as a teenager, James now heads up the company’s specialist servicing team, offering customers the full range of after-sales services and products, including chassis and engine servicing along with vehicle repairs. He says: “I am pleased to reach my 30-year landmark; it’s an interesting job maintaining motorhomes because they are part of people’s lifestyles. Every day is different.” MD Ross Edwards adds: “Everyone at Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld is incredibly proud to see James celebrate 30 years of dedicated service. His technical expertise and commitment to quality has been important in our growth as a luxury motorhome specialist.” Erwin Hymer Travelworld represents Carado, Dethleffs, Laika,…

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Something of a vehicle warranty war broke out back in the early 2000s, when many Korean firms began offering seven-year warranties. Vauxhall went one better in 2010, offering a lifetime warranty – albeit up to 100,000 miles – for the first owner of the vehicle (some vehicles still have this, but sadly it isn’t transferable to the second owner, and the scheme ended in 2015). A manufacturer-backed warranty is often viewed as the ultimate in vehicle warranties, and you could be forgiven for thinking that with one in place, your ’van is fully protected against any mechanical maladies that might befall it. The trouble is, it’s not that simple. There are good and bad warranties out there and the devil is in the detail. Leisure vehicle warranties also operate differently…