Practical Caravan December 2025

As I type, I’m at the NEC in Birmingham, where I’m attending the annual Motorhome & Caravan show. This year I’ve been privileged to take part on the Expert stand once more, where I and others from the industry answer questions about all things caravanning. A number of interesting topics always come up at these, and this year there have been a fair few queries about touring in France. I’m a huge fan of caravanning across the Channel – with great food, drink, scenery and sites, what’s not to love? I’m sure Nigel Hutson shares my view – his article on a wonderful tour in the South of France is on p30. You may also be aware of the new caravan registration rules recently introduced by the DVLA, for those…

Where are we? Godshill, The New Forest Why tour here? While the New Forest is perhaps best known for its ponies, the other thing many people know about it is that it is not very new! It was first made a royal forest in 1079 by William the Conqueror, but the ponies were living wild here long before then. So along with stunning scenery, this area has heaps of history, including the site of England’s only royal assassination. Don’t miss… Any number of perfect drives, such as the one we took here with our Big Test Coachman Laser 480 Xtra (p46). ‘It was first made a royal forest by William the Conqueror in 1079, but the ponies have been living wild here since long before then”…

Volkswagen had a winning night at the 2026 Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar Awards last month. The Passat not only claimed the overall trophy but also topped the Family Towcar and 1300-1500kg caravan categories. Meanwhile, the Multivan continued its winning streak, taking the Large Family Towcar award for a fourth year. The awards, now in their 43rd year, saw expert judges put the cars through a rigorous testing schedule at UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford, putting towing performance firmly in the spotlight. PC’s own tow car awards are set to be announced later this year.…

THIS MONTH WE CHAT… BAGPIPES // WHEEL NUTS // DANNY DYER Having transitioned from a motorhome to a caravan, I have reflected on my family’s travels and decided that caravanning offers the comfort of a home-from-home, with the ability to unhitch and explore in the tow vehicle during the day. It has been a learning curve, and I’ll admit I have made many of the common first-timer mistakes, such as leaving the handbrake on the caravan while attempting to use the motor mover and, later, leaving the motor mover on while attempting to drive off! Luckily, I realised before any damage was done. I do the towing, and my husband is the map reader. I have become more confident towing and realise the increased importance of checking the planned route…

DEHUMIDIFIER RECOMMENDED I read with interest your reply in issue 497 to the question of caravan dehumidifying methods, and would highly recommend these units (pictured), which are readily available from a well-known DIY store. They utilise a ‘crystal’ donut which is replaceable, and the image shows the results after six weeks in a relatively new caravan. This donut fits in the top section of the unit and is almost reduced to nothing at this point. It is amazing how much moisture there is in the air even in a dry, regularly serviced and moisture-tested caravan. Richard Elder DOUBLE-CHECK YOUR WHEEL NUTS I’m just looking through my latest subscriber edition of your amazing magazine. I thought I would get in touch regarding a recent experience that I went through while towing…

Proposals to convert farmland near Hutton into a 20-pitch touring caravan site are currently being considered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, equidistant from York and Hull. The application, submitted for Highfield Farm on Southburn Road, west of the village, seeks permission to change the use of agricultural land and add a new shower block to serve visitors. The plans form part of an expansion by the farm’s owners, who already operate a “successful glamping and rural tourism enterprise” on the site. Meeting demand According to planning documents, the development would help meet increasing demand for touring caravan accommodation in the region, while supporting local tourism and the rural economy. The proposed shower block would feature a steel frame with timber cladding, described as “functional yet appropriate for its setting”,…