Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2026 i Practical Motorhome

Gifts under £20 £20 - £100 £20 - £100 Over £100…

We had a week free and decided to explore the East Coast of Scotland. Dunbar is a small town on the North Sea coast about 30 miles east of Edinburgh. It is only just in Scotland, but we felt it was a good place to break our journey, because sometimes it’s nice to visit places off the well-trodden tourist trail. We chose to stay at The Belhaven Bay Camping and Caravan Site on the edge of Dunbar. Belhaven Bay is within The John Muir Country Park, named after renowned conservationist John Muir, who was born in Dunbar on 21 April 1838. Sunny Scotland A short walk from the campsite brings you to the coastal path and the beach. The wide expanse of sand when the tide is out is spectacular,…

It’s no great surprise that this beautiful medieval city in the heart of Hampshire frequently crops up on lists of the best places to live in the UK. Its combination of historic landmarks and association with notable figures such as Alfred the Great and novelist Jane Austen makes it one of the county’s most significant places. Throw in its proximity to the South Downs National Park, a thriving town centre, with noteworthy buildings such as Winchester Cathedral and The Great Hall, and a reputation for some of the best schools in the country, and you can see why it’s such a desirable city in which to live. DAY 1 9am Juice at Josie’s Grab a delicious brekkie at this café-restaurant with speciality coffee, pancakes, smoothies and fresh juices – just…

Q My wife and I are looking for a twoberth campervan that will only ever be for two of us. We’d prefer to stick to under 6.5m, to make it easier to park, and, while we want a fixed bed, we would prefer something that gives us perhaps a tiny bit more comfort than your standard transverse-bed model. Can you help? We have around £65,000 to spend. Robert and Simone A I know what you mean about wanting a little bit more comfort. For that reason you are right to focus on models around 6.5m in length. Many manufacturers regard that as a kind of ‘sweet spot’ length - a balance between practicality and comfort. Given your budget, and what you are looking for, a new model I would recommend…

One of the best things about motorhoming, I think, is the opportunity to take off on a whim - after all, you already have everything you need on board. But sometimes it’s nice to plan something well in advance, which for us was a visit to the annual Twinwood Vintage Festival of Music and Dance, at the former RAF Twinwood in Clapham, Bedfordshire. We weren’t newbies to this festival: our 2025 visit would be our eighth, following a trip every year from 2013 to 2019. Only Covid put a temporary halt to it and, while the festival has since returned, life for us has got in the way since; so we were excited to again enjoy the incredible atmosphere there. Twinwood is a great place to take a motorhome. It’s…

It’s Chausson for Dolphin… Dolphin Motorhomes has announced it has taken on the franchise for Chausson motorhomes at its Southampton branch (it also has an outlet on the outskirts of Christchurch, Dorset). It means the French manufacturer now has representation at some 15 outlets around the UK. Dolphin says it will be stocking a full range of models – including coachbuilts Sport Line, the 650 and 550 X slimline models, overcab First Line and low-profile Etapes, plus the two ’van campers – using Fiat and Ford base vehicles. Says Dolphin’s managing director Josh Willis: “Whether customers are seeking a spacious family motorhome or a compact model for two, Chausson offers a versatile range to suit every lifestyle.” Chausson joins a portfolio at Dolphin that includes Auto-Trail, CamperKing and Swift as…

Modern motorhomes combine practicality, cosiness and even style in equal measure. Whether you spend £15,000 on a used bargain, or £100,000 on the latest luxury vehicle, you can be certain you’ll have a warm and cosy home on wheels – the perfect environment for unlimited adventures. But only the most expensive ’vans come with a full range of useful appliances and gadgets, so many motorhomes are ripe for an upgrade or two that’ll make touring life more comfortable. We’ve four tempting upgrades for you – read on for more info. Air-conditioning This is literally a very cool motorhome modification. Air con is the ideal mod, as more of us head south to Europe in the summer, and can even face four heatwaves in a single English summer! I once toured…

how to buy… Choosing a layout Before you get close to buying your dreamedfor van, you need to have a good think about what you are likely to use the vehicle for: is it just for touring, or for day-to-day use as well? If the latter, you may need a shorter vehicle with more travel seats in the back. And you need to think about who is likely to use it. If children are coming with you, for example, are they still growing? You had better make sure the beds are going to be big enough then. And teenagers might not be so keen on the idea of sharing a double with their younger sibling. Motorhome layouts can also be subject to the whims of fashion. This year, for example,…

what3words ///renditions.strands.unmoving Why tour here? Stretching some 1600 miles along Ireland’s western coastline, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world and features breathtaking scenery all the way. From north to south it begins in County Donegal and works its way down to Kinsale in County Cork, although some prefer to take the route from south to north so that they are driving on the side of the road closest to the ocean. Either way, you’ll be able to witness spectacular treats such as the Ring of Kerry, Achill Island, Donegal Bay and the Dingle Peninsula. You can find out more about touring the Wild Atlantic Way in our feature on p40. Don’t miss… You’re on the western edge of Europe here, so…

The AA Caravan & Camping Awards 2025-26 have just unveiled the ultimate UK destinations for scenic escapes, glamping, luxury and eco-friendly adventures. Celebrating 13 great sites across the country, the awards shine a light on those that offer beautiful locations, warm welcomes and unforgettable stays. Selected by the AA’s expert inspectors, this year’s winners include national champions, regional gems plus a host of special accolades for sustainability, innovation and improvement – and some of them might look familiar, because they also feature in our own Top 100 Sites Guide 2025! AA Campsites of the Year ◼ England and overall winner St Helens in the Park, North Yorkshire ◼ Scotland Ballater Caravan Park, Aberdeenshire ◼ Wales Riverside Camping, Gwynedd AA Campsites of the Year – regional winners for England ◼ Heart…

JUMBO CROSSWORD Read down the letters in the shaded squares to spell out a dessert (9,6). ACROSS 1 TV series, The ___ Shop (6) 4 Library section (9) 9 Orbit (6) 15 Explosive projectile (5) 16 Stumbled (7) 17 Sorts (5) 18 Wonder (3) 19 Undiluted (4) 20 Abode or home (9) 21 Colour (6) 24 Offspring (11) 26 Finds fault with (10) 29 Sensibly (6) 31 Fearlessly brave (6) 32 Breathing organs (5) 33 Fib (3) 35 Circuitry (11) 36 Replacement (10) 40 Feel thankful for (10) 42 Thermometer reading (11) 44 Assist (3) 45 Collier (5) 47 Stationary (6) 48 Tension (6) 50 Snapshot (10) 52 Spicy cake (11) 56 Shade of purple (6) 57 Get rid of (9) 59 Casserole (4) 62 Snow runner (3) 63 Mitten,…

Going to the zoo… How about you? ◼ Christmas at Marwell Hall, Marwell Zoo To 24 December 2025 This Hampshire-based zoo in Grade I-listed Marwell Hall is full of seasonal fun, with a 45-minute family grotto experience where you can hear Christmas stories, take part in craft activities and meet Santa. Tickets include entry to the zoo and there’s an option to add on the Glow Marwell winter light trail. Adult tickets for Glow, the zoo and Santa experience costs £39.95 (zoo and Glow, £24.95). W marwell.org.uk/christmas/ Stay at Winchester Morn Hill CAMC Campsite W caravanclub.co.uk ◼ Lanterns & Light, Chester Zoo To 3 January 2026 See the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland combining light, colour and sound. You’ll encounter animated and illuminated animal figures (1) and playful puppets,…

‘It’s hauntingly beautiful, a place of quiet contemplation with stunning views right down to the coast’ I never thought I’d be craving a stretch of boring, straight road with nothing to look at. But that’s what the Wild Atlantic Way does to you. The scenery’s so intensely spectacular you can find yourself reaching saturation point. Three weeks of virtually unbroken sunshine help, maximising opportunities to swim in – admittedly chilly – turquoise waters on exquisite beaches. And whatever the weather, the views are captivating. We had fallen in love with the soft vistas of the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula – emerald slopes, whitewashed cottages, sapphire seas, endless peninsulas, mountains and islands floating on sea mist. It’s no wonder these postcard views draw the crowds. But we had…

Experience the dramatic landscapes and spectacular sights that are characteristic of winter by going for a restorative tour in the natural world. The stripped-back vegetation and extremes of weather turn ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones! Stunning stars If you want the best view of heavenly bodies shining brightly in the night sky, you need to travel away from lightpolluting cities and towns. For the best results, visit one of the Dark Sky Discovery Sites that are dotted across the country, open to the public and officially recognised as the best locations for stargazing. To find one, visit gostargazing.co.uk. If getting to one of these sites is impossible, good results can be had in rural or semi-rural areas when there isn’t a bright moon in the sky. To help identify stars,…

WildAx Motorhomes has built a reputation for converting vans on an unusually wide variety of base vehicles. But in recent years the Ford Transit has come so much to the fore that it currently accounts for almost half of what the West Yorkshire company produces. That relationship grows still further with its latest new model unveiled at the Motorhome & Caravan Show. The Equinox is based on a Transit with the 130bhp engine and six-speed manual as standard, although an upgrade to the 165bhp engine and eight-speed automatic is possible. We’re looking at the front-wheeldrive model but it’s also available on an all-wheel-drive Ford Transit, with slightly less headroom (although it is on the generous side anyway), special 4x4 graphics and mighty 17-inch off-road wheels with all-terrain tyres. The Equinox…

A motorhome projector will allow you to enjoy watching films or TV shows when you’re on tour, with your chosen entertainment projected onto a clear surface, a wall-mounted screen or even your awning. Projector size is not the most important factor, and you’ll be surprised at the power that some of these small units (in some cases about the size of a drinks can) can pack. Many models featured here have excellent picture resolution and decent built-in speakers. Our primary criteria have been to choose the most portable and easy to use, but we also consider brightness, resolution and functionality as we share our pick of motorhome projectors. Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Laser Price £522.49 (amazon.co.uk) Dimensions 170 x 83mm Weight 0.95kg Resolution 1920 x 1080 Brightness 300 ANSI lumens…

Several motorhome manufacturers started out either as furniture manufacturers, coachbuilders or as specialist cabinet makers. Bürstner is no exception. Just over a century ago Jakob Bürstner started an independent furniture workshop in the city of Kehl, on the Rhine in south-west Germany. The company diversified into trailer caravans in 1958 and began motorcaravan production in 1986. Although still based in Kehl, Bürstner is now part of the global Erwin Hymer Group. Our featured timespan starts with the launch of the X/290 series Fiat Ducato. Three classes (ranges) of Bürstner A-class motorhomes (integrals) carried over from the X/250 Ducato: the entry-level comfort class named Viseo, mid-range premium class called Aviano, and finally, the flagship deluxe class called Elegance. With similar layouts over all three ranges, Elegance had to be noticeably superior…

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SEPTEMBER 2018 We were feeling Peaky in this issue – with a trip to Derbyshire and the Peak District making a great spot to shoot the cover. Plus, site safety and a three-week Euro-Asia adventure! A Scandinavian getaway provided Andria Massey with a relaxing holiday break and plenty of photo opportunities Sammy Faircloth guided us through the best way to stay safe on site, from hook-up best practice to fire prevention Writer and adventurer Marcus Leach used this trip from the Bailey factory in Bristol all the way to Asia as training for his Big European Odyssey, which we featured in the magazine over several editions a couple of years later MISSED AN ISSUE? Want to purchase a past issue of Practical Motorhome magazine? Simply call 0330 333 1113, visit…

Be part of Camping and Caravanning Club history! The Camping and Caravanning Club is marking 125 years of adventure by inviting club members to design a special commemorative pennon. Inspired by the club’s early history, the first flag was designed by member Miss Aldridge in 1908 and famously carried by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, the club’s first President, on his South Pole expedition. Since then, pennons have become a proud tradition for the C&CC, flown at rallies and displayed on pennon trees, with each club site across the country owning its own design. Sabina Voysey, director general of the C&CC, said: “For more than a century, club pennons have been proudly flown by our members… there are more than 4500 pennons in the club’s archive, and our special-edition anniversary pennon…

If your four-legged friend deserves a getaway as much as you do, there are plenty of places across the UK where you can find a sensory feast for them. The Camping and Caravanning Club teamed up with Nick Jones, a dog behaviourist with over 25 years’ experience, to sniff out the best locations for your pup’s next big adventure. Each spot was carefully chosen based on the behaviour and profile of different dog breeds. Nick said: “Providing your dog with new sensory experiences is essential for their overall wellbeing… if they have their nose to the ground and move further away from you, exploring the senses available to them, you know you are on to a winning walk.” So whether your canine companion is a natural in the water or…

As we crossed the River Hérault on the D612 approaching Agde in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, it felt as though we were going home, even though the last time we were here was in 2019. Our destination was a campsite that we have been to several times before, Camping Le Neptune located at the side of the River Hérault at Grau d’Agde. We’ve always been made to feel so welcome at this spotless site that when we’re planning our touring holidays, we look at many places, but often end up saying, “Shall we go to Neptune?” As we had three weeks in this part of the world, we were determined that we would relax and go where the mood took us, whether that was on four wheels or…

Swift’s Ford Transit-based Voyager range was first launched for the 2023 season, and since then has built a strong reputation for family-friendly layouts and practical floorplans. Over the years it’s featured both overcab and low-profile models. Here, we take a look at the lowprofile, rear-corner bed, rear-corner washroom 564, a four-berth model carried over from 2025. The tweaks for the new year are immediately evident from the off: attractive new exterior graphics blend nicely with the Magnetic Grey coloured cab. You’ll still find a panoramic sunroof over the cab area, and there’s plenty of other kit too, including a 120W solar panel and external cold-water and BBQ points. Step inside the 564 via the wide habitation door (which handily features a window, concertina flyscreen, bin, umbrella stand and central locking)…

Tyres are often a rather reluctant purchase. They generally only get replaced when they’re worn out or have got too old to use. You reluctantly spend hundreds of pounds on their replacements and… you get another set of black donuts that look almost exactly the same. It’s not the most exciting purchase, which is why so many people simply trust their local garage to fit the cheapest tyres they can source. But this casual decision could actually prove to be one of the most costly mistakes that you could ever make. Tyres are the only thing that connects your 3.5-tonne vehicle to the road and they lead an incredibly tough life, being subject to all weather conditions, heat, high shearing and static loads as well as all manner of shock…

Motorhomes are not normally equipped with grab handles by the door, although even able-bodied motorcaravanners can find it a bit tricky to get in and out. But if you do have limited mobility, I think you would be well advised to fit the type of large, fixed, metal handles made precisely for the purpose. Car roof handle I spent some time looking on the internet to find a suitable general-use handle, but those I came across all had a ‘domestic’ appearance. I finally decided that a car interior grab handle would be ideal as it’s compact, folding and neutral in colour. A typical car roof handle might cost up to £50 new, but online I found three used Hyundai i10 roof handles for under £12, including postage. If you are…

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. Have you bought a new or used motorhome or campervan since January 2022? We’d love to hear all about your experiences for our Owner Satisfaction Survey – simply visit practicalmotorhome.co/vote to have your say, and help others buy better!…