Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2024 i Practical Motorhome

One of the very first motorhomes that I ever tested for this magazine – right back in 2007 – was a Bilbo’s Celex, which I was fortunate enough to take to Iceland for two weeks. I remember every detail of the tour, but it was the motorhome that really made it: it was a cracking little model for the trip, offering everything I could want in a small package. So it was really pleasing to read Deputy editor Paul’s thoughts on the same model, which is still going strong some 17 years later (p70). Okay, so the kit inside is a bit fancier, but overall, it continues to offer the same experience that I enjoyed so much – and long may it continue! Speaking of things still going strong, it’s…

While many of us have fond childhood memories of sleeping in stuffy tents and consuming campfire-cooked meals, recent Camping and Caravanning Club research found that 32% of city-based kids have never been camping. The survey, commissioned by the C&CC, polled 1000 city-dwelling parents and their children aged six to 12. The revealing study also found that 21% of youngsters have never climbed a tree, while 35% have never slept in a tent. The Club’s new president, Hamza Yassin, has now launched a special initiative to help families connect with nature. Under the scheme, Hamza introduced more than 40 first-time campers to British wildlife at Blackmore Club Site, stating, “Camping brings you close to nature, and every child should experience it.” Despite challenges of time and distance, 55% of parents say…

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 WHICH MOTORHOMES COULD ACCOMMODATE TALLER FOLK? Q I am a 65-year-old bloke looking at buying my first motorhome. My problem is, I’m 6ft 6in tall. All of the vehicles I’ve seen online give no information about internal height. Could you please advise which ’vans I should be looking at for my height? Jim Phillips A Peter Baber replies… You and I have got something in common – we are both the same height. As for motorhomes I’d recommend for tall folk like us, the best headroom (in every section of the ’van) I’ve seen was in Sun Living low-profiles (1). You…

Celebrate summer across the UK ◼ A Taste of Yorkshire Food and Drink Festival, West Yorkshire 3-4 August 2024 Step back in time to enjoy the splendours of the age of steam at Middleton Railway in Leeds, which will host its first Taste of Yorkshire food festival. Visitors to the event can enjoy cooking demonstrations, hot and cold food, local breweries, and cider and cocktail bars. There will also be live music and children’s entertainment. Adult tickets cost £10. middletonrailway.org.uk/event/a-taste-of-yorkshire-food-and-drink-festival Stay at Broadlands Farm Touring Caravan Park durkar.com ◼ Truckfest, Edinburgh 3-4 August 2024 Motoring fans are going to love this weekend-long extravaganza featuring car-crushing monster trucks, thrilling displays from freestyle motocross riders, and customised American rigs, at the Royal Highland Centre. There’s also the chance to take a trip…

1 The George & Dragon North Yorkshire The George & Dragon has more to tempt you than fabulous pies. This stone-walled pub offers views over beautiful Swaledale, and hosts a library, shop and allotments. Burn off some energy after lunch on trails through oak, lime, ash and beech in the National Trust’s Hudswell Woods. Or try the five-mile circular route beside the Swale to Richmond. georgeanddragonhudswell.co.uk Stay at Scar Close CL scarclosecaravanpark.co.uk 2 The Globe Inn, Norfolk It may be 200 years old, but The Globe’s menu, such as Barsham Beer Battered Fish, has a modern edge, featuring local ingredients. Stroll from the pub square past the quay onto a mile-long footpath with views over the marshes. The more energetic can opt for a seven-mile circular route, along the coastal…

WHEN TO GO Winter snow gives the Highlands a special allure, but we were glad of the summer warmth and clear skies. It’s still Scotland, though, so be sure to take your all-weather clothing whenever you visit! WHERE WE STAYED ◼ Milton of Fonab Caravan Park Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5NA This campsite, which offers a modern shower block, is very easy to find, being situated almost opposite the Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, off the main A9. Tel 0179 472 882 fonab.co.uk what3words /// hero.dupe.enigma Open 15 March - 4 November Pitches 170 Prices £34-£37 FOOD AND DRINK ◼ Victoria’s victorias-pitlochry.co.uk ◼ Port-Na-Craig Inn portnacraig.com ◼ The Moulin Hotel moulinhotel.co.uk ◼ The Auld Smiddy Inn auldsmiddyinn.co.uk FIND OUT MORE Visit Pitlochry pitlochry.org Dalwhinnie Distillery malts.com/en-gb/brands/dalwhinnie what3words /// embarks.tonality.vest This is…

A classic – perhaps the classic – northern seaside resort, Scarborough on the North Yorkshire coast has been attracting day trippers and holidaymakers for hundreds of years. Its rich history began when the land it sits upon became the target of a Viking raider named Thorgils Skarthi, who founded the town in 966AD as Skarðaborg. The medieval fortress of Scarborough Castle was built for Henry II in the 12th century, and the town developed its reputation as a spa resort in the 1660s. Today, the resort’s two most prominent beaches on North and South Bays are split by the castle headland. The Spa Cliff Lift (built in 1875 and the first funicular railway in Great Britain) is still in operation on South Bay. At one time there were five cliff…

Our annual Top 100 Sites Guide, produced in association with Practical Caravan magazine, recognises the very best sites in the UK. Large or small, adults-only or family-friendly, there are some truly fantastic parks out there. We’ve launched our next online survey, which allows you to vote for your favourite park – or parks! To have your say, simply visit www.practicalmotorhome.com/vote and enter the details of the site that you think deserves recognition in our guide. This year’s survey closes on 8 November 2024. The UK’s best sites, as voted for by you!…

Scan to receive our newsletter Use your phone or tablet camera! We’re running a special 10-week guide to improving your summer touring, sent directly to your inbox – simply subscribe to our newsletter now to receive the latest instalment The sun is shining, and we’re all out and about in our motorhomes – and we now have an easy way to maximise your summer touring at the click of a button! Over the next few weeks, Practical Motorhome will send hints and tips to you on making the most of your touring year via a series of very special newsletters, each one jam-packed with expert advice. So far, we’ve covered preparing to hit the road and fixing faults in your motorhome, but there’s plenty still to come, including choosing kitchen…

The home of outdoor inspiration and buying advice There’s never been a better time to explore the wild world outside your front door than now. Issue yourself a green prescription and start planning your next countryside break, wilderness staycation, backpacking or hiking adventure, camping or glamping experience now, and get all the right information and gear for your upcoming escapade via advnture.com. Packed full of expert advice, top tips, current news, views and trends from industry-leading figures and brands, plus comprehensive buying guides and critical reviews of all the latest outdoor equipment, this website is your one-stop shop before embarking on an al fresco adventure. Don’t go out without checking it out. FREE National Parks ebook when you sign up to the Advnture newsletter www.advnture.com…

AUGUST 2014 We celebrated our 150th issue with a travel special that took in Slovenia, Yorkshire and the Austrian alps. Plus, on test, two larger vehicles suitable for those on a budget, and expert advice for taking the kids on tour Responding to the results of a recent survey, our travel pages asked why only 5% of women motorhomers were the sole drivers of their ’van, and who did the driving in your vehicle! It might be small, but correspondents Gary Blake and Wendy Johnson found Slovenia perfectly formed, with baroque cities and fairytale lakes! Meanwhile, our motorhome guru Gentleman Jack offered sage advice on vehicle insulation, the best small campers and which tyres to use in winter MISSED AN ISSUE? Want to purchase a past issue of Practical Motorhome…

In response to growing concerns from residents, Morecambe Town Council is advocating an overnight ban on motorhomes and campers parking on Morecambe Promenade. The proposed restriction would prohibit parking between 8pm and 8am, addressing problems of nuisance and pollution caused by prolonged stays on Marine Road. Town councillors are also pressing for clear signage and enforcement along the seafront. Councillor Geoff Knight highlighted the problem following complaints from the public, noting that many campers stay for free on the Prom instead of at paid campsites, while Councillor Claire Cozler raised safety concerns about gas appliances used in motorhomes.…

The Nightstop Scheme is run by us in conjunction with the Motor Caravanners’ Club (MCC), and the sites are certificated locations (CLs); you don’t have to join any club to use them. You’ll need to ring the relevant site to confirm whether there’s space for you before you visit: you’ll find information at www.practicalmotorhome.com/nightstops. For further information about the MCC, visit www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk. 1 Airman Hotel SG17 5JF2 The Black Horse Pub HP16 9AX3 The Seven Wives PE27 5RF4 The Penrhiwgaled Arms SA44 6LN5 Railway Hotel SA32 7LQ6 Mousehole Camping TR19 6XB7 Blenkinsopp Castle Inn CA8 7JS8 The Thelbridge Cross Inn EX17 4SQ9 The Ship Inn YO15 1EW10 The Crown Inn GL7 5QH11 Elton Farm GL14 1JU12 The Gloucester Old Spot GL51 9SY13 The Flying Bull Inn GU33 7JB14 Three Horseshoes…

Let’s discuss something that’s as important as having a really comfortable bed in your motorhome: good internet access. Whether you’re streaming your favourite shows, keeping up with the grandkids on social media, or just checking emails, having reliable internet on the road can make your motorhome adventures much more enjoyable. Figuring out how to get it can feel like opening a can of worms. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered, with some simple advice. WHERE TO START Ask yourself these key questions 1 What do you want to do with your internet access? Are you just checking emails, streaming movies, or uploading videos?2 Where will you be using it? Are you mostly staying in remote areas or near cities?3 How often will you need it? Will it be for…

Great Britain has a rich history and culture, which can be seen in the many iconic estates spread throughout its countries. These places offer a glimpse into the past, from towering castles to grand stately homes, and each one is an architectural marvel with a unique story to tell. Whether you are a keen history buff or an architecture enthusiast, or simply love exploring new places, our curated list of the best examples will help you discover a wealth of treasures – plus, for each location, we reveal a fantastic campsite to stay at nearby! Buckingham Palace London, England Arguably the most famous royal residence in the world, Buckingham Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring London. Visitors can watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony – the…

→ Price £74,535 (available from £64,515) → Sleeps 2 (roof bed optional) → Belts 4 → Base vehicle Volkswagen T6.1 SWB Highline → Engine 2.0 TDI 150ps → Length/width/height 4.89/2.10/2.02m (16’0”/6’9”/6’6”) → MTPLM 2800kg → Payload 400kg → Transmission DSG auto seven speed → Water (fresh/waste) 36-litre onboard water tank with internal filler/35-litre waste-water tank → Leisure battery 130Ah AGM leisure battery → Gas 2 x Camping Gaz 907 bottles Contact Bilbo’s Address Eastbourne Road, South Godstone RH9 8JQ Tel 01342 892 499 Web bilbos.com Options’ was the word that sprang to mind as I walked around the smart campervans on display at Bilbo’s Surrey HQ. Options and quality – both touchstones for this well-known van converter, which has gained a reputation for giving its customers plenty of choice and…

Milenco 2745 Compact Wheel Clamp Weight 3.9kg Lock type Key Price £98.66 (amazon.co.uk) Pros Simple to use, highly visible colour Cons Fairly pricey Milenco is perhaps the biggest name in motorhome and caravan security, and its products are very popular - it offers a range of wheel locks and clamps suitable for a variety of uses. The Practical Motorhome team has been using one of its motorhome wheel clamps as part of our vehicle security set-up for a couple of years now, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. It’s easy to use: after unlocking, simply move the arms apart before refitting them around the wheel, locating the larger arm over one of the wheel nuts. Then turn the locking handle to bring the arms together until the wheel is…

VW MINIHOME 1969 - PRESENT The VW Beetle saloon car (officially designated Type 1) was designed by Ferdinand Porsche at the behest of Adolf Hitler, who wanted a people’s car or Volkswagen. The first prototypes were built in 1938, but mass production didn’t commence until late 1945, organised and overseen by (British Army Major) Ivan Hirst. Production continued until 2003. Its shape suggested the nickname Beetle, which became Bug in 1960s America. The original project of a motorhome body mounted on a chopped Beetle chassis-cowl was completed by Doug Allenthorpe – apparently a brilliant designer, but a less good businessman. He named it, rather memorably, the Super Bugger. Attempts to build it commercially crashed and burned, and the idea was sold to Arizona-based Robert Q Riley Design and Development. They…

There are a few things I regularly see in customers’ motorhomes that should be avoided. First and foremost is storing items other than cylinders in the gas locker. I’ve spotted tools, cloths, plastic bags and hook-up leads in there, to name but a few. The issue is that these items can obstruct the path of a gas leak to the drop-out vent, which is potentially very dangerous. LPG, whether it be propane or butane, is heavier than air, so if there is a leak, the gas goes downhill and out of the drop-out vent. Items in the locker will generally fall to the bottom, owing to road vibration, and can easily obstruct the vent. Gas lockers are for gas cylinders, nothing else! Another thing I often see is window blinds…

The Owner Satisfaction Awards 2025 will be organised by Practical Motorhome with The Camping and Caravanning Club for the eighth year in a row – but we can’t do it without you. If you’ve bought a new or pre-owned motorhome since 1 January 2021, and have owned it for at least three months, then we’d love to hear from you. Everyone who completes our survey is in with a chance of winning a top prize of a seven-night stay at a Camping and Caravanning Club site of their choice; there are two additional prizes of a three-night stay at a Camping and Caravanning Club site of their choosing. Have your say by 20 October 2024, at www.practicalmotorhome.com/vote…

A GUIDE TO SETTING UP YOUR CAMPERVAN SOLAR POWER Solar power is a practical, renewable and entirely off-grid way of replacing power that your appliances will drain from your batteries. Without it, you will be entirely dependent on either driving regularly to recharge from your engine, or staying on campsites with hook-up. There are almost no instances in which it doesn’t make sense to fit solar panels. In this chapter we’ll cover ◼ How to determine your solar power requirements◼ Factors affecting solar panel efficiency◼ What size solar panels you need◼ Panel types◼ Charge controllers◼ Panel mounting◼ Electrical connections◼ Circuit protection – fuses HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SOLAR REQUIREMENTS Use the table in the ‘Electrics’ chapter [pages 126-141 of the book] to determine your power consumption. Using the example in…

Northwoods Micro Crew Hiking Socks The perfect gift for an outdoorsy motorhomer or a treat for yourself, these socks are made with slouch-free ribbing and Merino wool for a close fit. Price £28 darntough.co.uk Birkenstock Mogami Terra Made from lightweight and hardwearing materials, these Birkenstocks come in four colours and are ideal for exploring any terrain, with a comfortable waterproof base and supportive ankle strap. Price £90 birkenstock.com/gb Detour Stainless Steel Kettle Cook Set Ideal for two, this three-piece set includes a kettle/cooking pot suitable for gas and induction stoves and two stylish cups, all collapsible and made of food-grade silicone. Price £110 seatosummit.co.uk Passage Insulated Mug Lightweight and easy to clean, this 475ml mug has a spill-proof sip lid and insulated walls to keep your drinks cool or hot.…

How’s your summer going? As I write this, the sun’s out and I’ve just returned from a wonderful tour to Jersey, of which more in a forthcoming issue. I have to say, if the Channel Islands were not on your radar as a travel destination, keep them in mind for the future – we thought they were great! It’s often said the best part of any tour is the journey, and that was true in this case. The ferry to the islands was a big part of the fun, with dolphins leaping on the bow wave and splendid views of the coastline. We’d love to hear all about your own cross-Channel experiences – email your ferry-related letters and photographs to talk@practicalmotorhome.com. There are no ferries required to visit the destinations…

Sithean Bhealaich Chumhaing Isle of Skye Level Moderate Elevation gain 455m Length 10.1km (3hr 23min) A 10.1km out-and-back trail near Portree, Highlands. The trail starts near Chracaig Waterfall, which is worth a visit before heading on this coastal walk up to Sithean Bhealaich Chumhaing. Expect superb views of Raasay and Portree from the top. The best months to explore this splendid trail are from June to August. Stay at Portree Campsite portreecampsite.co.uk ULLAPOOL HILL Near Ullapool, northern Scotland Level Moderate Elevation gain 281m Length 6.4km (2hr 7min) Enjoy beautiful sweeping views as you make your way up to the summit of Meall Mor. Here you can look out over the surrounding hills and islands and the town of Ullapool. The best months to visit this spectacular trail are from April…

1 AllTrails Price Free (In-app purchases) alltrails.com Android and iOS When it comes to walking apps, AllTrails is one of the most popular. You can use it to plan trips abroad, or simply to find interesting routes in your area. Each trail has a dedicated page, with everything you need to organise and enjoy your trip, including a map, weather info, photos, reviews and helpful tags. Once you’re ready, you can plan a route (with options for hiking, biking, running and more), download it for offline use, or share so friends can join the adventure. 2 Cairn Price Free (IAPs) cairnme.com Android and iOS Whichever app you use, walking often means taking risks in unfamiliar places. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded in the wilderness. To…

WHEN TO GO We visited Suffolk in the spring and the weather was a little cool at times. Summer is obviously the best time of year for a seaside holiday, but you can get some good deals if you tour out of season, too. WAY TO GO We took the M25 to Junction 28, Brentwood, then followed the A12 from Brentwood to Stratford St Andrew. We turned right just after Stratford St Andrew onto the A1094, then left onto the B1069 to Leiston. Then it was right into Sizewell Road, and right again to Sizewell Gap. The holiday park is on the right before you reach Sizewell village. WHERE WE STAYED ◼ Beach View Holiday Park Sizewell Common, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4TU Tel 01728 830 724 beachviewholidaypark.co.uk Open All year…

WHERE I STAYED ◼ Whitby Holiday Park Saltwick Bay, Whitby YO22 4JX whitbypark.co.uk Open 1 March 2024 to 14 January 2025 Pitches 101 Charges (pitch+2+hook-up) From £56 The coast around Whitby has its fair share of statics, and there are plenty here. But there is also a touring field with an uninterrupted view of the sea and a path that leads to Saltwick Bay, perfect for rockpooling. (I spotted a couple of anemones and plenty of sea snails.) There is a bar, too, which provides a good breakfast (and in high season much more), a shop, and a children’s play park, and the facilities are perfectly adequate. Whitby is only half an hour’s walk away – along that rather memorable clifftop trail. FOOD AND DRINK ◼ Whitby Brewery whitby-brewery.com ◼…

I was so early arriving at St Malo on my way back from France last month that the vehicles on the arriving ferry still hadn’t been allowed off. So I thought it would be fun to do a random head count, to assess the most popular leisure vehicles that we Brits take abroad. For caravans, the winner was Bailey. With motorhomes, there is more choice available, but even so, I was surprised by the brand that won the tally – Carthago, and not sub-brand Malibu, but ‘proper’ Carthago. There were three on one ferry, all looking very new. It goes to show how much money might be sloshing around in the market, waiting to be spent on new vehicles. That’s something both Bailey and Trigano seem to have benefited from…

When it comes to family-friendly transport, motorhomes really do take some beating, and few vehicles are as versatile and useful for families of all sizes. As long as you pick the right layout. This really is the crucial part of the whole motorhome experience. With so many different layouts and bodystyles on the market, how do you avoid making a mistake and spending thousands of pounds on something that won’t really suit the needs of a family in the long run? Well, that’s where we can help… So if you don’t know your A-class from your elbow and you think Isofix is something you use for hanging shelves, fear not – we are here for you! Whether you have a large family or just the one child, there’s a vehicle…

If you’re starting to panic that 2024 is proving to be the year you couldn’t fulfil your dream of buying a motorhome, my advice is: keep going. That’s because, as of now, dealers are preparing for 2025 season stock, some of which might be arriving at their showrooms any day now. This, in turn, means a good supply of pre-owned vehicles is very much in the pipeline, as current owners looking to move on to a brand-new model consider part-exchange deals. It helps, of course, if you can describe to the dealer the kind of motorhome you’re looking for – the layout, especially, but also a rough idea of your budget (keep it flexible, if you can), and the levels of equipment you are expecting, from base vehicle up. Which…

End-user-owned refillable gas cylinders have been around for a good few years now and in that time, have grown hugely in popularity, particularly among those who tour abroad. They are a must-have item for many, owing in no small part to the fact that, while Calor cylinders are commonplace here in the UK, they are simply unavailable on the Continent. There is a small fly in the ointment, though. These cylinders are pressure vessels (propane is stored in liquid form under pressure at around six bar or approximately 100 psi), so they ought to be inspected and revalved at 10-year intervals. Inspections are essential Alugas in Germany was running a scheme offering inspections by appointment, but I believe it no longer does this. The major issue is that, as I…