Innehållsförteckning för December 2023 från Practical Caravan

Grab a cuppa (or a glass of something stronger) and take some time out with our collection of brain teasers 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 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: Left-wing 8 = average More than 16 = well done HALF & HALF The 6ft 10in artist Bolaji Badejo's only acting role…

Shakespeare, Dickens, Christie, Wilde, Burns, Woolf, Austen – the list of the UK's literary giants is endless. Over the centuries, our glorious landscapes have provided inspiration for poets, painters, writers and great thinkers, and it's no wonder that so many famous and important works came into being here. So great is the literary legacy of Britain, UNESCO created the ‘Cities of Literature’ in 2004, judged on extensive criteria that include publishing, educational institutes and creative output. Of the 295 cultural capitals on the list, five are in the UK: Edinburgh, Norwich, Nottingham, Manchester and Exeter. Bibliophiles don't have to look too far for locations steeped in literary history – they just need to choose their genre. From horror to fantasy, from children's classics to high romance, we've compiled some of…

As a major tourist destination, York needs absolutely no introduction. There's just so much to see and do here for everyone, be that visiting historical buildings and museums or simply meandering along the cobbled streets. It might surprise you to learn that Kay and I are not really ‘townies’ – we prefer to be out and about in the countryside – but we both love York. I have such fond memories of having had the privilege to sing and play the organ in the magnificent Minster as a teenager (it's still my favourite cathedral and organ), and one of our sons was Organ Scholar there in the mid-noughties, so we were regular visitors to York during his tenure at all times of the year, as you can imagine. However, for…

Chesterfield outlet shuts after less than two years KIMBERLEY CARAVANS HAS closed its Chesterfield branch, less than two years after it opened. Kimberley said the branch, which had been its third, had been hit by the limited supply of all new vehicles, as well as Erwin Hymer UK's decision to discontinue its Compass brand. Aside from Compass, the branch also had a franchise in new caravans from Adria. Although its other outlets in Nottingham and Darlington – which remain unaffected by the closure – have other franchises, managing director Chris Lowe said it had not proved possible to extend these franchises to the firm's Chesterfield branch, “in part due to existing local agreements”. ‘The team worked tirelessly to deliver a fantastic service’ Existing orders, warranty and service work made through…

FIRST REPORT Tested by David Motton Price £65,105 Kerbweight 2310kg 85% match Above max tow Towball limit 180kg DRIVERS SEEM TO love or hate electric cars, and caravanners in particular are polarised by them. Some say the challenges of recharging mid-journey make electric cars a non-starter for regular towing. Then there's a small but vocal minority who have already made the switch and staunchly defend their choice. For now, I'm between the two camps. I really enjoy driving electric cars, and the best are extremely stable when towing. But I can't help thinking recharging with a caravan will be a hassle. Now I'm about to find out. Electric SUV You're looking at the new addition to our long-term fleet: the Genesis Electrified GV70. For a few months, we'll be living…

1 Bailey Pageant Series 7 Burgundy At highbridgecaravans.co.uk Year 2009 Price £6495 Berths 4 MTPLM 1430kg MiRO 1225kg Length 5.60m When Bailey first launched the Series 7 Pageant line-up, they added a few inches to the body width, making these interiors a little more spacious. The Burgundy offered buyers a super tourer with great spec, including ATC. For less than £7000 you're getting a well-equipped model with a sizeable side fixed bed and a corner shower room. The Burgundy can sleep up to four people and offers excellent storage capacity, too. Great value for money, this is a caravan that you could use in comfort all year round, with Truma blown-air heating and a dual-fuel fire. In the kitchen, you get a full oven, an extractor fan, a large sink…

TOW CAR ADVICE AT ITS BEST, the humble hatchback is not so humble. These unassuming all-rounders can take on just about any day-to-day driving task, including towing. Small hatchbacks, such as the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf, make practical family cars and are heavy enough to be sensible matches for a lightweight caravan. While they won't be suitable for a wide range of tourers, most will tow small two- and four-berth vans. Choosing a light car makes for lower fuel bills, both in regular driving, and while towing if the van is light as well. They're cheaper to buy than a larger hatchback or SUV, and sometimes better to drive. Although SUVs have edged out hatchbacks as the most popular style of car, there's still a wide choice of…

THE BIG SHOT KIRKCUDBRIGHT Where are we? Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway Why tour here? This historic town in southern Scotland was established as a Royal Burgh in 1455 and has long been an important fishing port. The name Kirkcudbright (pronounced kur-koo-bree) means ‘Church of St Cuthbert’, in honour of the saint whose remains resided in the town. The streets behind the harbour, which are filled with pastel-coloured houses, have long been associated with artists and creatives, and the area is a centre for the visual arts. Indeed, it is known as ‘The Artists’ Town’. Find out more from p32. Don't miss… Discover the importance of fishing to the town with a walk around the port and harbour. Photograph Getty Images ‘We wandered further into town, admiring the hidden alleyways and…

TOTAL BUNDLE VALUE OVER £800 Yes, that's right, one lucky winner could take home all of these amazing prizes. Plus, two runners-up will receive a year's subscription to Practical Caravan! For a chance to win, go to www.practicalcaravan.com/win and answer the following simple question by midnight on Friday 5 January 2024. How large is the display on the Garmin Camper 795? A) 5 inches B) 6 inches C) 7 inches PRIZES! 1 Garmin Camper 795, worth £389.99 Plan to make fantastic memories with the Camper 795 GPS sat nav, which features a 7” display, a bright, high-resolution touchscreen and map updates of Europe. Get custom routing* for the size and weight of your outfit – with road warnings for steep grades, sharp curves and more. Access a preloaded directory of…

23-26 November 2023 Hay Festival Winter Weekend The pretty town of Hay-on-Wye hosts a weekend of cultural and literary events. This instalment of the Hay Festival provides a packed programme of talks, presentations and discussions, and a great opportunity to see all the town has to offer. hayfestival.com/winter-weekend/home Stay at Hillandale Caravan Parks (open all year) hillandale.co.uk 22 Nov to 17 Dec 2023 Christmas at Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury The grand Victorian manor of Waddesdon is transformed into a winter wonderland, inspired by the classic stories of Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and The Snow Queen. Enjoy light projections and outdoor trails, themed displays and a fair. waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/christmas Stay at Glebe Leisure Caravan Park (closed 23-29 December) glebeleisure.co.uk 23 November 2023 to 1 January 2024 Glow Wild at Wakehurst Make the…

Way to go Turn off of the A646 in Mytholmroyd and onto the B6138 (signposted Rochdale, Littleborough, Cragg Vale). The site is on the right in one mile. If using the M62, you are advised not to leave at J22 because this involves an awkward corner at the A672/A58 junction. Where we stayed Hebden Bridge CAMC Campsite (pictured below) Address Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge HX7 5RU 01422 882 531 caravanclub.co.uk Open 15 March to 4 November 2024 Pitches 42 Charges (pitch+2+hook-up) From £23.40 (members) Hebden Bridge CAMC Campsite is set in a valley, with Cragg Brook running past the back of the site, surrounded by woods. It has 42 hardstanding pitches, many individually separated by shrubs. The site is immaculate and each pitch has EHU and a TV point, but…

‘The Norfolk Broads are Britain's largest protected wetland – and the only UK National Park hosting a city’ SET BETWEEN THE popular holiday destination of Great Yarmouth and the historic city of Norwich, the serenely beautiful Norfolk Broads are Britain's largest protected wetland – and the only UK National Park hosting a city. This striking and unique network of scenic lakes, rivers and wetlands was originally carved out by peat-diggers during the 12th century, and the area is now rich with wildlife, protected by nature reserves and RSPB centres. Studded with pretty, historic villages as well as pockets of picturesque countryside, the Broads make the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. HOUR BY HOUR DAY 1 10am A capital start A great place to begin exploring this lovely part of…

FIRST LOOK SHOWROOM Price £46,795 Berths 4 MiRO 1876kg MTPLM 2077kg OF ALL SWIFT'S smart-looking vans, the Elegance has to be one of the brand's most stylish offerings. Those good looks aren't just on the outside, either: the interiors are contemporary and very upmarket. Following the success of the 2023 range, Swift has widened the appeal of the Elegance by adding three more layouts. The Elegance Grande 860, with its 8ft width providing a luxuriously spacious interior, has an L-shaped lounge, a central kitchen, a split washroom and shower, and a rear bedroom with a generous island bed. Pitch and set-up The 860, a substantial twin-axle, looks even smarter than its shorter siblings. The GRP front panel is aerodynamic and houses the large gas locker. The sides and rear panel are…

USED TOW CAR MG HAS HAD its share of ups and downs, but its latest incarnation is undeniably in the ascendancy. That's because it is making cars that people want to drive, and it isn't charging too much for them. Case in point, the HS SUV offers a seemingly ideal blend of practicality, running costs and kit. What's it like inside? Even the tallest tow car owner will have no trouble fitting into the front of an MG HS. There's excellent legroom and headroom, although the panoramic sunroof on the top-spec Exclusive models does pinch a little of that headroom. Most people will be absolutely fine, though. It's a reasonably positive tale in the back seats, too, because two people will enjoy the good headroom and legroom. As before, however,…

SKILLS SCHOOL CARAVAN TRACKERS IT'S A SAD FACT that a motivated thief, armed with the right equipment, could crack almost any type of physical caravan security. Of course, a good wheel lock and hitch lock will delay them, and may even deter them enough to make them move on to easier prey, but ultimately, a thief with an oxyacetylene torch is going to take some stopping. This is why an increasing number of caravan owners are making the decision to install state-of-the-art tracker systems in their prized leisure vehicles. What is a tracker? A tracker is a small electronic device that will help the police to locate and recover stolen caravans. The unit is secreted somewhere inside the van where it can't easily be spotted. When the system is activated,…

TRAVEL GETAWAY “WELL, IF IT didn't rain, there wouldn't be lakes, would there?” I mused as we sat in the Tower Bank Arms at Near Sawrey, creating puddles around us as we dripped. “It's just a good job that these pubs are walker friendly and used to muddy boots and paws,” replied Ro. We were halfway through a rainy walk from our base in Hawkshead to Near Sawrey and back, and had stopped for lunch. The pub is what I would call a traditional Lake District inn, with stone floors and a log fire. Sitting behind Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's charming country retreat, it featured in The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. I have always found it cosy and welcoming and right now, I was glad to be out of the…

FIRST LOOK SHOWROOM Price £30,749 Berths 4 MiRO 1310kg MTPLM 1463kg IN 2024, ELDDIS will celebrate its 60th birthday. One of the manufacturer's most popular ranges, the Affinity – launched in 2013 and a firm favourite among buyers – heads into the new season with little change, a sign of its success. The 550 is a single-axle with an island bed at the rear. It has an excellent spec, and with its MTPLM of under 1500kg, you won't need a bigger tow car to pull it. Although it's a four-berth, this is a great tourer for two, offering impressive levels of comfort. With a well-planned central washroom that straddles the aisle and a warm and welcoming lounge, the Affinity 550 is definitely worth a look. Pitch and set-up Although Elddis has…

USED VANS SHOWROOM USED VAN BUYER STERLING, A DIVISION of the Swift Group, was considered a trendsetter in its time, and the brand grew to have its own set of dealerships. The Eccles name is the oldest in the caravan world, associated with quality and innovation. In the 1930s, it set endurance records, too, including a hugely impressive 1934 trip across the Middle East, taking in the Sahara with just a team of three. The Sterling Eccles 590 from 2017 that we are looking at here provided a great spec, including the optional Alde heating and the Lux pack, which offered all sorts of attractive extras. This example was in really first-class condition and would make an excellent choice for a larger family shopping on a limited budget. With GRP sides,…

TOW CARS QUICK TEST QUICK TEST *includes wing mirrors What's new? Škoda updated the Octavia a while back, with new looks and a revised cabin, better materials and extra high-tech equipment. As before, customers have the choice of hatchback and estate models, and it's the 2.0-litre diesel estate that we're testing here. What are we looking for? Have the changes improved the Octavia? Is this still one of the best family estates for caravanners to consider? Towing ability Škoda quotes a range of kerbweights for the Octavia. Including the driver, this model has a kerbweight of 1477-1672kg, depending on the exact specification. Working from the lower weight gives an 85% match figure, which is usually recommended for safe and stable towing, of 1255kg. As well as the front-wheel-drive model we're…

TOW CAR TIPS Reliable used tow cars ■ “I want a big 4x4” Try the Lexus RX (2015-2019) or Volkswagen Touareg (2010-2018) ■ “I'd like a family SUV” Look for a Hyundai Tucson (2021-), Kia Sportage (2016-2022) or Volvo XC40 (2017-) ■ “I need an estate or a hatchback” Consider the Mazda 6 (2013-2022), the Škoda Octavia (2013-) and the Škoda Superb (2015-) NOTHING SPOILS a caravanning trip quite like having a breakdown. Being stranded at the roadside because your tow car has let you down is nobody's idea of fun. So how do you choose a reliable vehicle? And what can you do to make sure it stays that way? Choosing wisely Our annual Owner Satisfaction Survey focuses on caravans, but there are all sorts of equivalents in the…

A COUPLE OF years back, Alde was working on a new product, and while I was in the Yorkshire Dales, their team asked me to collect a sample of water from a local stream for them. That product, the AquaClear UV-C water purifying system, has now been launched. Interestingly, the AquaClear can be fitted to any caravan water system, not just those with Alde heating. The AquaClear is in two parts – the UV-C unit, which uses ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria such as Legionella and E. coli (among many others), and a carbon filter to get rid of unpleasant tastes and odours, including chlorine. Long lasting The UV-C unit should last for about 300 hours of water flow. The average flow in a day is in the region of…